15 Days Botswana's Great Herds Tour Package

Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Priced From: $13,995 pp dbl.occ.
Dates: Jul - Dec, Jan - Jul 

Botswana is one of the best-kept secrets in Africa—unspoiled and untamed, a wonderland of natural beauty and prodigious wildlife. The astounding variety of species, combined with a sparse population and a government that is committed to protecting its natural treasures, makes this an awe-inspiring safari destination. It is quintessential game-viewing country—where the “Big Five” are stars of the show, and yet only the beginning of the marvels we will see.

The appeal of this country lies in its astonishing contrasts: the winding waterways and lush lagoons of the immense Okavango Delta, the parched landscape of Chobe National Park, the immense floodplains of Moremi Game Reserve, and the gape-inducing grandeur of Victoria Falls. While each area has its own highlights, one thing remains constant: wildlife. Lions, elephants, wildebeest, rhinos, zebras, eland, leopard, cheetah, impalas, hippos and more—this region is a bounty of intertwined ecosystems. Discerning travellers will appreciate commitment to travel lightly; on our safaris, we are respectful observers rather than intruders in these precious areas.

With experienced and knowledgeable staff leading the way, we’ll embrace each of these regions with long stays in luxurious camps. We will explore densely forested islands and vast grasslands. There will be invigorating game drives through the wildlife-rich bush and serene boat rides through the marsh. The proud majesty of elephants and lions will take our breath away, as will the stunning sunsets on the savannah. This well-designed, impeccably paced adventure will take us into the wild heart of Africa with the uniquely personal Micato touch.

Day 1 United States

We depart on our international flight bound for South Africa.

Day 2 Johannesburg

We touch down and transfer to the Westcliff Hotel, situated in the city’s most exclusive residential suburb. The Westcliff’s hillside setting with cascading, sculpted gardens and elegant accommodations evoke a bygone era of refinement in this renewed and vibrant city. Dinner will be served in the private home of our hosts—the first taste of the personal attention we’ll enjoy over the next two weeks.

Day 3 Okavango Delta

Today we fly to Eagle Island Camp, our home for the next few nights and the only camp in Botswana to offer helicopter game viewing! Nestled on a tranquil island, it’s a luxurious escape in a beguiling wilderness. Under a cooling canopy of Illala palms, we take in the winding waterways and expansive floodplains of this remote paradise under wide African skies. With our expert guides, we set off into the
bush for a glimpse of the area’s ample wildlife.

Day 4 – Day 5 Okavango Delta

In these postcard-perfect surroundings, we continue our exploration of Okavango’s flora and fauna—by foot, dugout canoe (mokoro),  motorboat—or via an included game-viewing flight by private helicopter! Breathtaking moments are plentiful: watching crocodiles sunning themselves by the water or a pride of lions lounging in the shade of a baobab. The delta is teeming with over 1100 species including giraffes, leopard, hippos and elephants among so many others. Later, a refreshing drink beckons at the Fish Eagle Bar, which The New York Times calls one of the world’s most romantic bars.

Day 6 Chobe National Park

From Okavango, we’ll take a quick flight to the semi-arid Savute region of Chobe National Park. Famous for elephants, Chobe also boasts a swath of other fascinating wildlife including buffalo, lion and a spate of exotic bird species. This is a chance to see the Kalahari Desert at its best: unique and abiding, a remarkable corner of the planet that is still governed by nature.We’ll stay at Savute Elephant
Camp, a lavish escape ideally located for exploration of these alluring wilds. With a waterhole only a few feet away, an impressive view of wildlife is available without even leaving camp.

Day 7 – Day 8 Chobe National Park

We are now at the centre of a classic big-game country and there is thrilling evidence all around us. Set unobtrusively on the banks of the now-dry Savute Channel, Savute Elephant Camp offers a fantastic base to explore this famed wilderness. Whether it’s the hulking mass of a bull elephant herd or the exciting sight of a large pride of lion, we’ll see what makes this region a wildlife-viewing Eden. We’ll
also come within close viewing range of impala, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra. One animal is master of the Savute, however—the elephant. The region is ideal for spotting Earth’s largest land creatures in all of their imposing glory.

Day 9 MoremiWildlife Reserve

We’ll catch another short flight to one of Botswana’s oldest safari lodges—Khwai River Lodge. This legendary camp, opened by the first president of independent Botswana, will make us feel pampered amidst the wild surroundings. The location is ideal for elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah sightings—and the camp blends so well with the surrounding bushveld, it’s not uncommon to see some of them from our private deck.

Day 10 – Day 11 MoremiWildlife Reserve

Game viewing opportunities abound in the area around Khwai and no experience is more diverse and jaw-dropping than at nearby Moremi Wildlife Reserve. Here we are close to the core of timeless Africa; in the centre of a world that is immortally wild. Whether driving along a roaming zebra herd or watching baboons play along the riverbank, nearly every turn of the head seems to offer a spectacular menagerie of exotic animals. Returning to camp, lounge by the heated pool and perhaps glimpse a pod of hippo playing in the river. At night we lie under a star-speckled sky, basking in the calming cacophony of the African night.

Day 12 Victoria Falls

We’ll be whisked away by flight to Livingstone, Zambia, where we’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise along the legendary Zambezi River. Retiring to the five-star Royal Livingstone Hotel, our thoughts turn to the wonder that awaits us in the morning.

Day 13 Victoria Falls

This morning we visit the venerable Victoria Falls. Nothing will prepare us for the pure, humbling power of this regal sight. Continuing to the heli-pad for our “Flight of Angels,” we’ll get a bird’s eye view of this colossal cascade in full perspective; an elephant-back trek is another option. The experience will inspire breathless awe and the stunning images will linger in our imagination for years to come.

Day 14 Johannesburg – United States

After breakfast, we fly to Johannesburg for international connecting flights home—where we can reflect on a true trip of a lifetime.

Day 15

We arrive home on Day 15.

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