Description
The Linyanti Swamps, Tsodilo Hills and Okavango Delta
This 10-night adventure takes you to Victoria Falls, Linyanti Swaps, Tsodilo and the Okavango Panhandle. It begins in Livingstone, where you will have the chance to experience the magnificent Victoria Falls. The power and beauty of this Natural Wonder of the world is an awe-inspiring spectacle. Next we head to the small town of Katima Mulilo (meaning ‘Quench the Fire’) on the banks of the Zambezi River. We will enjoy a sunset boat cruise here before dinner. After one night camping by the river we travel south to the Linyanti Swamps in Nkasa Rupara National Park. There is rich wildlife here – and game drives, boat cruises and night drives will ensure we have great sightings. Lion, elephant, buffalo as well as lots of smaller game are abundant.
We depart Linyanti Swamps after a late morning breakfast and drive through Mudumu National Park towards Namibia’s famous Caprivi Strip. The region is a hot spot of biodiversity, with magnificent, bird, plant and animal life. We will take a sunset cruise to the beautiful Popa Falls before returning to our camp on the banks of the Cubango River. Next on our itinerary is the Tsodilo Hills – a World Heritage Site that is home to ancient rock art. Our final safari destination is the Okavango Panhandle, known for its spectacular scenery and prolific game. We will spend two nights camping here under star-filled skies before heading to Maun for departure.
Read our Country Information for travel advice to Botswana. Please read our 4X4 Safari Terms and Conditions.
Also look at our 12 Day Okavango and Makgadikgadi Pans tour or the 18 day Full Safari Circuit.
Read more about the Tsodilo Hills World Heritage Site.
Getting There
Fly In
You can fly directly into Livingstone with either Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways or South African Airways.
On arrival you will be met by your guide who will assist you to you first nights accommodation.
Contact Us for travel advice.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Livingstone
You will be met at Livingstone International Airport by Charles, our driver, and driven to Maramba River Lodge. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing by the pool, exploring the grounds of the lodge or going for a walk. At around 15h00 we will be collected by our transport for the short ride to the Zambezi Waterfront where we will board Lady Livingstone for a 2-hour sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Bring your binoculars and a warm jacket. We will have dinner together where we will get to know one another, Pierre will explain the plans for the next few days. (D)
Day 2 & 3 – Katima Mulilo
With a leisurely start to the day we pack the vehicles and depart Livingstone. Passing through the National Park the scenery is one of local villages and rolling hills with the odd commercial maize farm. Arriving at Sesheke in time for lunch and some final shopping once we cross the border into Namibia and the small town of Katima Mulilo (“Quench the Fire”). Our camp is set on the banks of the Zambezi and there will be time for a sunset boat cruise before dinner. (BLD)
Day 3 to 5 – Linyanti Swamps
Departing the banks of the Zambezi we head South for the famous Linyanti Swamps and Nkasa Rupara National Park. The scenery is somewhat stark – sandy local villages struggle to eke out a living and the wildlife is ever constant. We have had good game sightings driving this road. We will be camping in the Wuparo Conservancy, the campsite is well managed with great ablutions.
Game drives, boat cruises and night drives will ensure we have great sightings. Lion, elephant, buffalo as well as lots of smaller game are abundant. (BLD)
Day 6 & 7 – Popa Falls
Departing Nkasa Rupara after a late morning breakfast will see us driving through Mudumu National Park en route the Caprivi area of Namibia. The site of once fearsome conflict this area is rich in its diversity of plant and animal life. We will stop briefly in Kongola and then West for the Kwando Core Area and the Caprivi Game Park. Once in the Divundu area we will do some exploring in Bwabwata National Park before finding our campsite on the Cubango River. After relaxing with a drink on the banks looking into Angola we will go for a sunset cruise up river to Popa Falls where we will be able to get off the boat and experience the falls. (BLD)
Day 8 – Tsodilo Hills
A morning having breakfast on the banks of the river will complete our stay here. A relaxed day will see us traversing the short distance to the Mohembo Border with Botswana. Once we have completed the border formalities it’s a 2-hour drive to our camp site at the World Heritage Site of the ancient rock art that can be found at Tsodilo Hills. Utilizing and supporting the local guides we embark on an informative tour into the hills to learn the origins of these paintings. After the tour there will be time for some self-exploration before our chef creates another delicious meal and we dine under the stars. (BLD)
Day 9 & 10 – Okavango Panhandle
Time to explore the mighty Okavango Panhandle! We depart Tsodilo and head back East to the main road. It’s a short 120 km drive to the next camp site in our adventure. Here we will camp overlooking a lagoon that is fed by the Cubango river. This water comes all the way from Angola and can number in the billions of liters annually to feed the Okavango and all her tributaries. The birding here is fantastic and for those who would like to snag a Tiger, dedicated fishing guides will help you (fishing excursions for own account). Boat cruises and mokoro trips are included, once again providing a unique perspective on this incredible natural wonder. Pierre will explain how several Graben faults, the Earths subsidence and the specific shape of the sand particles all assist in ensuring the continual flow of life giving water to this ecosystem. (BLD)
Day 11 – Maun
We break camp early for the last day of this exciting adventure. Having visited three countries its now time to rediscover civilization in Maun. We will arrive in Maun mid-morning with ample time for you to be in time for your afternoon flight to Johannesburg. If you have other plans for travel in Africa an additional night in Maun may be necessary, let us know if you would like us to arrange accommodation. (BL)
BLD – Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
