The desert and the delta are two safari destinations that delight in their difference yet surprise in their similarities. Together, the desert and the delta make for an immersive safari experience that encompasses the complete range of wildlife, landscapes, and activities. Using four exquisite reserves and concessions, this safari itinerary will reveal the exclusive safari wonders of Botswana before culminating in spectacular nights amongst the flooded channels of the Okavango Delta.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Mashatu Game Reserve – Classic Private Reserve Safari Experience
As you arrive on a small plane, you will immediately grasp the scale of Mashatu. Expanding across the boundaries of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, Southern Africa's largest private game reserve is surrounded by unbroken miles of wilderness. The Mashatu is a remote desert and savannah, scorched and dusty throughout most of the year. Waterholes are dotted across the reserve, permanent places of bounty that brings wandering life from across the Kalahari region. Elephants, giraffe, lions, zebra herds, and whatever you are dreaming of, there's a strong probability that it lurks in this reserve. You will land first at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and then transfer onto a small charter flight that will take you into the untouched promise of your African safari.
Touch down and the aerial expressions of scale will be replaced by impressions of intimacy. A luxurious camp overlooks the water, and it is here that your safari begins. Lounge on your verandah as a giraffe wanders along the horizon and then dine beneath the stars as elephant silhouettes come in to drink. Wake to the rustling sounds of zebra grazing just a few meters from your room. Effortlessly blending into nature, your luxury lodge regularly see wildlife frequent. It's not that unusual for big cats to be spotted from the sanctuary of your room. After a relaxed lunch, you will enjoy an introductory game drive for a chance to explore your first safari sights and take those first adoring photos of Botswana's great mammals.
What's Included:
Day 2 - 3
Mashatu Game Reserve – All-Inclusive Intimacy on Foot and Horseback
Day 4
Central Kalahari Game Reserve – The Gems of the Kalahari
Day 5 - 6
Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Full-Day Game Drives in an Epic Wilderness
Day 7
Sandibe Reserve – First Impressions of the Great Oasis
Day 8
Sandibe Reserve – Big Game Safari in a Variety of Thrilling Habitats
Day 9 - 11
Vumbura Reserve – Iconic Okavango Private Concession Safari
Day 12
Maun – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy the full range of safari activities from horseback riding with zebra to canoeing past hippos to game drives across the desert
- Discover the thrilling diversity of Southern Africa's wildlife and get close to both the water dwellers and the giant four-legged nomads
- Savor the exclusivity of a private safari as the reserves and concessions have very few other visitors
- Slowly settle into the rhythm of safari at Mashatu Game Reserve, a large private reserve that combines raw wilderness with unique activities and safari luxury
- Explore the sheer scale of the desert as you track the giants in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, an incredible expression of untamed Africa
- Surround yourself with the water of the Okavango Delta and discover the thrilling big game that inhabits the private Sandibe Reserve
- Complete the safari in one of Africa's most exclusive concessions in the Vamburu Reserve, where untrammeled luxury merges with a staggering big game abundance
- Connect the desert and delta with light aircraft for expressive aerial safaris while providing expedited access to remote reserves
- All safari activities are private, and there is a delightful sense of exploring your personal playground
Starting Price
$11,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.94 stars based on 436 reviews.
Our special trip surpassed all of our expectations!
We had a large group wanting to go on safari and started planning around a year in advance. We also had small children coming with us and we were celebrating a milestone birthday! My first call was with Zicasso’s travel agent, who had the best enthusiasm and confidence in delivering what we wanted. The other travel partner was my main point of contact afterwards and she probably ended up answering at least 10,000 questions for me!
Each moment of the trip was specially curated and special. They did a great job finding camps that would give us a unique experience rather than becoming redundant. The hospitality at the camps and accommodations were unique and comfortable. We were all so happy with how everything went! We would definitely use this travel company again for our travel needs!
Reviewed By Shruti B.
We had an amazing trip, planned by Zicasso's travel partner. This is the first time I've ever used a travel agent and I'll admit, I was nervous. She took all of our feedback into consideration while planning. I highly recommend!
Reviewed By Kris C.
The trip was carefully planned and we received optimal assistance throughout the trip and constant availability and monitoring during the journey. Our Zicasso travel agent was very professional and always available to respond to our requests and needs. The choice of hotels was excellent and reflected the expectations. The activities offered in the different locations were very well structured and the guides were of high quality, particularly those in Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta.
Reviewed By Roberto B.
We had a wonderful trip, with nearly seamless arrangements. All hopes and objectives were fulfilled. All camps were in good locations, with excellent service. We had experienced and knowledgeable guides at all camps. We were sorry to have it end!
Reviewed By Jean D.
Zicasso's trip designer arranged a flawless, extraordinary trip.
Reviewed By Bernard L.
We’re still not over our trip! Everything was absolutely fantastic. Thank you for organizing such a great experience and making it so effortless for me. I already have family and friends asking who I went through, and I’m guessing some of them will be reaching out to you in the next year.
I do have one small piece of constructive feedback about our camp in the Olifants West Nature Reserve. The staff, lodge, and food were wonderful, but unfortunately, the safari guide fell short. We had just come from the camp in the Thornybush Game Reserve (where we left our hearts—the guide there was truly exceptional, with such a great personality), so the difference stood out even more. At the Olifants West Nature Reserve camp, we saw very few animals and the guide didn’t engage much—he barely spoke, and when he did, it wasn’t very professional or kind, especially toward my son. My son even said the trip might have worked better in reverse, since after Botswana it was hard to adjust to seeing only a few animals a day.
That said, I’m so grateful for how smoothly you planned everything, especially on such short notice. It really was a trip of a lifetime for us.
Thank you again!
Reviewed By Mona P.