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Botswana Safari & Hiking Tour

Botswana Safari Hiking Tour

Hop on our Botswana tour, and explore the home to one of the most concentrated areas of wildlife on earth

We've crafted our 'Mokoro' trip to immerse you in safari. Whether you're walking, in a jeep, a kayak or a 'mokoro' (a traditional dug-out canoe) you'll be in the wilderness, sharing the land with abundant wildlife. There are only 2 million people in Botswana, a country the size of France, and you'll find more elephants here than anywhere else in Africa! Our trip will take you on mobile safari along the Khwai River, before flying across the delta to Moremi Crossing and then a day later another flight from Moremi Crossing to Maun. You'll experience fly camping and learn to track game on a unique walking safari and to top it all off you'll spend a couple of days exploring Victoria Falls, from the Zimbabwe side.

Botswana Trips

Africa

Okavango Delta Safari

ActiveAdventures

Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures

  • Duration 11 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Earn Your Lunch

      I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.

    Read more about the Active Range

Experience the magic of the Okavango Delta in the authentic way – both under canvas and in safari lodges, on foot and by mokoro, with a few comforts of home thrown in too! Add to that a true Africa must-see, Victoria Falls, and you've got the makings of an unforgettable safari and sightseeing adventure.

Trip Start: Maun Trip End: Victoria Falls
Austin PIF 2

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full.

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. 

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How safe is it to visit Botswana & Zimbabwe?

Visitors to Botswana & Zimbabwe are held in high regard so you can expect the warmest of welcomes. This also means that Botswana & Zimamber are both safe places to travel and the crime rate is low. The only real concern to a traveller is petty theft. We recommend taking the same common sense precautions you would anywhere else – just to be on the safe side! Don’t bring valuable things with you unless they are necessary for your trip. Keep your money and other valuables in a money belt or pouch under your clothes. Lock your bags and luggage, and leave valuable items you don’t need for the day (e.g. passports and credit cards) in the hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to take a taxi after dark rather than walking.safe.

Do I need a visa to visit Botswana?

It is your responsibility stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Please use the CIBT entry tracker on our website as a guideline or visit the relevant immigration webpage for more information regarding this.

Do I need a visa to visit Zimbabwe?

It is your responsibility stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Please use the CIBT entry tracker on our website as a guideline or visit the relevant immigration webpage for more information regarding this.

What about vaccinations in Botswana & Zimbabwe?

For travel to Botswana & Zimbabwe we recommend getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid and Rabies at least two months before your trip starts. No vaccinations are mandatory through parts of Botswana are considered to be malarial, so we recommend the use of anti-malarial prophylactics, especially if visiting during the summer (December to April). Also if you are entering Botswana from a country that is considered to be at risk from Yellow Fever, or when you go home afterwards, then you may be required to show a certificate of vaccination (to be obtained from your doctor prior to travel).
For the most up-to-date recommendations please check with your doctor or travel clinic, and always go with their recommendations, as these can often change. We strongly recommend that you see a doctor, preferably one with experience in travel medicine, at least 8 weeks before your trip starts to discuss appropriate vaccinations.

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Active Adventures traveller, It’s essential you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of personal injury, medical expenses, trip cancellation for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Insurance page for more in-depth information and insurance provider options. It’s also important to check your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be partaking in, in case you’re travelling to altitude or looking at extreme sports.

Can you help me find international flights to Botswana & Zimbabwe?

We recommend booking your flights through our preferred travel partner – Fuzion Travel. They’re our experienced hand-picked experts in travel, passionate about what they do, and will tailor-make your flight itinerary to match your Active Adventures tour. Get in touch with them directly by email – [email protected] fuziontravel.co.nz or on +1-833-244-5886. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service that you’ll want to tell your friends about!

Can I have my own room on your Botswana & Zimbabwe trips?

If you’d prefer not to share a room, we have a single supplement option for an additional fare. If you purchase a single supplement, we’ll arrange for you to have your own room throughout the trip, except when you’re tenting in the Kopano Conservation Area and the price of the single supplement takes this into account.

What kind of clothing should I be packing?

Once you've booked your trip, you'll have access to a gear list in your portal on exactly what to bring along. The gear list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! So it is best to bring everything we recommend along, if you don't bring everything you need, we can't guarantee your comfort.

Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?

If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes or sneakers should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

Can I drink the water in Botswana & Zimbabwe?

Being in a tropical environment and not treated by the government, the water in Botswana & Zimbabwe contains different bacteria to what we’re used to at home. So we ask you not to drink it or use it for brushing teeth - use treated water at all times. Bottled water is recommended and the safari lodges will provide refillable drinking bottles too.

What is the food like in Botswana & Zimbabwe?

Botswana’s safari lodges & camps serve excellent international-style cuisine that incorporates loca influences such as game meat, traditional maize (porridge) or sorghum-based Botswana staples.
In Zimbabwe, the local diet includes tasty peanut-based stews, wild mushroom soup and starchy staples. You’ll also enjoy sumptuous fruit, especially papaya and plenty of locally grown vegetables.

What if I need a special diet?

We are accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in our pre-trip questionnaire. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online questionnaire.

What is the currency in Botswana & Zimbabwe?

The currency in Botswana is the Botswana pula and Zimbabwe does not have a local currency (demonetised in 2015). Both countries use USD so it’s not necessary to exchange money into any local currency.

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get local currencies?

Our trips include all transportation, guiding, meals and activities (except where indicated on the itinerary). As far as spending money, you may want to bring some spending money to buy a souvenir or two, try a local activity or restaurant, or buy a round of drinks.

Usually the easiest thing to do is use your credit or debit card to withdraw money directly from your home account, in local currency. There are plenty of ATM's and banks in larger towns in Africa, and ATM's will accept all major credit cards and many debit cards. Cash advances are the most convenient way to get cash.

What time zones are Botswana & Zimbabwe in?

Central Africa Time (CAT) is the time zone for Botswana & Victoria Falls, it’s 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

What type of plugs and voltage do you use in Botswana & Zimbabwe?

Botswana & Zimbabwe operate on a 220 volt system, 50Hz and the 3-pin (Type M) is the most common, though nothing is guaranteed, a plug type can be different, even in the same rooms! Electricity will only be available while staying at the accommodations in Maun and Victoria Falls, though charging points will be available for your cameras and phones while on the safari.

Will I have access to internet/WiFi?

WiFi will only be available when you’re staying at the accommodations in Maun and Zimbabwe on your trip, though it could be sporadic. If you have WiFi, then you’ll be able to use your cell phone about 60% of the time during your trip, and 3G/4G is available too for accessing the internet from a smartphone or tablet.

How safe is it to go on a Safari?

From a wildlife persepctive, it’s important to follow the below guidelines as you’re likely to encounter animals on foot or in water:

  • On all game activities (game drives, mokoro, boating and on foot) follow the instructions of the guides at all times.
  • Being quiet is not only important from a safety point ofview, but also to have the best possible experience for all guests.
  • The camps are unfenced meaning that animals might walk through at any time (especially at night) so guests to be aware and take caution.
  • In the camps the guides will always accompany guests to their tents/rooms after dark.
  • Never approach any animal and should you encounter one, stand your ground and never run

What is the weather like in Botswana & Zimbabwe?

Botswana & Zimbabwe can be divided into two main seasons. You’ll spend most of your time in the Okavango where the winter (June/July/August) mornings can be very cold however they warm up to nice sunny winter mornings from mid morning onwards.
In spring (Sep/Oct), it’s very dry therefore the day temperature can rise rapidly and it can be very hot around midday. The temperatures are mostly pleasant, with nighttime temperatures dropping down to 4-9°C (40-50°F) and daytime temperatures occasionally reaching up to 24- 27°C (75-80°F)

Is there a number to call in an emergency? How can my family, friends or colleagues contact me

Please contact our New Zealand office using the details below. If the office is unattended (outside of New Zealand business hours), please leave a message so we can pick it up and respond as soon as we can.
Free phone 1 800 661 9073 (USA, Canada & Australia)
Free phone 0808 234 7780 (UK)
Free phone 0800 234 726 (New Zealand)
Worldwide +64 3 450 0414, ext 1
Email: service@activeadventures.com

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Why Travel With Us

benefit group size

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.

benefit guides

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

benefit inclusive

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!

benefit safety

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.

benefit family

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

benefit wow

"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”