At a Glance
Immerse in different wildlife discoveries in two of Africa’s iconic safari destinations, Botswana and Zimbabwe. A 11 day wildlife expedition traversing Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, paired with incredible game drives on private concessions. From river and delta, from Okavango Delta to Savute Region to Zimbabwe’s remote, tread lightly on safari expeditions cruising a myriad of deep waterways to extreme game drives, and unearth the unique wildlife of each location. A journey that will inspire and stay with you for a lifetime.
Your adventure begins in Bostwana where you’ll enjoy a scenic flight and short boat transfer to your remote lodge located on a private concession in Moremi Game Reserve and along the spectacular Okavango Delta. Fill your days delving deep into its myriad of deep waterways, ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 10 nights accommodation on a twin share basis
- All meals as specified
- All activities and sightseeing as specified
- Return airport and road transfers to and from accommodations
- Flight from Maun Airport to Xugana Airstrip (Day 1)
- Flight from Xugana Airstrip to Savute Airstrip (Day 4)
- Flight from Savute Airstrip to Maune Airport (Day 7)
- Return Flight from Johannesburg Airport to Buffalo Range International Airport (Day 8 & 11)
Itinerary
Arrive in Maun Airport where you'll board a 30 minutes scenic charter flight to Xugana Airstrip. Enjoy a serene short boat transfer to your remote lodge located in Okavango Delta. You’ll stay at the rustic and charming Xugana Island Lodge located on a private concession in Moremi Game Reserve and known to be the most spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta. Unwind in the intimacy of one of just eight thatch lagoon-facing chalets with ensuite facilities complete with private viewing decks. Spend time making yourself feel at home. Laze by the cosy lounge, bar or expansive deck overlooking a permanent deep-water lagoon. Relax and take a refreshing dip in the picturesque pool. Marvel at a spectacular sunset from the lagoon-side viewing deck before indulging in a traditional open boma dining affair beneath a canopy of stars. Retreat with a drink in hand by the camp fire with magical views over the lagoon before calling it a night. |
The next few days, explore the Okavango Delta as little or as much as you please. Enjoy a serene breakfast before curating your own adventures in the lodge and its surrounds. Situated on a rich private concession and owing to its remote delta location, take full advantage of this magnificent site offering ultimate year-round water safari experiences with its myriad of deep waterways, open floodplains and diverse wildlife inhabitants. |
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Embark on a peaceful guided canoe cruise on a traditional mokoro exploring the crystal-clear waterways in pursue of magnificent birdlife, plant and reptile species that call this place home. On land, venture on a guided nature walk or game drive to the surrounding islands in the concession for up-close and personal perspective of nature and its array of wildlife. Try your luck in fishing for bream and tiger fish or go birdwatching for spectacular species of water and plains birds. In between adventures, unwind back at the lodge by the deck or lounge and simply savour the tranquility. |
Enjoy a delightful breakfast by the lagoon before your short scenic boat transfer to Xugana Airstrip. You’ll then board a scenic flight to Savute Airstrip into the spectacular Chobe National Park. Be greeted by your representative for a short drive to your safari lodge. |
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You’ll stay at the luxurious Savute Safari Lodge with a prime location on the banks of the Savute Channel, in the southern reaches of the Chobe National Park. Unwind in your well-appointed ensuite chalet on elevated wooden platforms complete with a private viewing deck. Spend time in the open-air spacious lounge offering stunning views of the waterhole and channel with a steady flow of animals visiting as you enjoy an exciting sofa safari from the lodge. Take a refreshing dip in the pool or unwind with a drink at the bar. Come evening, indulge in a bush dinner in the scenic dining lounge overlooking the waterhole. Retire with a drink in hand around the camp fire on the deck overlooking the Savute Channel under a starry night sky. |
Spend the next few days as you please, exploring deep into the Savute region or simply unwind in the oasis of your lodge. Savour a delightful breakfast before curating your safari adventures. Embark on thrilling morning and afternoon game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles for its intense predator encounter and exceptional game viewing. Here, in the Savute region and in particular the Savute Marsh, it is home to ferocious prides of lion who hunt elephant and hippo, and leopard who fish in the muddy waters of the channel. Explore the Savute Marsh to see the historic presence of the Savute Channel at the marsh against a backdrop of teeming wildlife. The ancient San rock paintings can also be seen at Gubatsa Hills – a small rocky outcrop on this extremely flat landscape. |
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In between adventures, enjoy time unwinding at the lodge with afternoon tea served daily in the open-air patio. Laze by the pool and the lounge for more sofa safari spotting. |
Enjoy a lagoon view breakfast before your transfer to Savute Airstrip where you’ll board a 1-hour flight to Maune Airport. You’ll take another flight (at own expense) to Johannesburg International Airport where you’ll be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. You’ll stay at the distinguished, The Residence, in Houghton, a serene oasis in the heart of the bustling city. Stroll through the tranquil gardens, play a game of tennis or take a refreshing dip in the pool. If you prefer, enjoy a game of golf nearby at the Houghton Golf Club (at own expense). |
Enjoy breakfast before your transfer to Johannesburg International Airport where you’ll board your chartered flight to Zimbabwe via Buffalo Range International Airport, where you clear customs. From here, enjoy a 45 minutes' drive into Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve to your luxury remote safari lodge. |
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You’ll stay at the opulent Singita Pamushana Lodge set on 130,000-acre private reserve within Malilangwe Reserve, perched high on a sandstone ridge overlooking the expanse of the serene Malilangwe Dam. Unwind in the intimacy of just one of eight elegant suites complete with your private plunge pool. Spend time in the main lodge offering a variety of living spaces that give sweeping views of the spectacular surrounding natural beauty. Savour the views form the expansive decks and a cliff-top fire pit and bar-deli overlooking the dam. Come evening, enjoy a bush inspired dinner affair under a canopy of stars. |
The next few days create your safari adventures with exclusive access to this untouched wilderness and immerse yourself into the spectacular bush and wildlife. Savour a delightful breakfast before your safari adventures begin. Embark on twice daily game drives with morning and afternoon drives, accompanied by professional guides and trackers for unforgettable up-close moments to animals in state-of-the-art Land Cruisers. Keep your eyes peeled for white and black rhinos with the density being particular high, alongside others like Lichtenstein hartebeest, sable, nyala, klipspringer, cheetah, wild dog, lion, leopard, and an abundance of bird life. Venture on guided safari walks to experience the bush up close and personal as you track animals on foot through the wilderness and explore the magnificent plants and landscapes around you. |
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Walk in the footsteps of the San Bushman, one of the oldest cultures on earth - the original hunter-gatherers, and explore ancient rock art, tens of thousands of years old and learn about their remarkable way of life. Visit The Kambako Cultural Museum, an initiative of the local Shangaan families where you can walk through hand built working villages to learn about their rich heritage and bushcraft skills. Try your luck in fishing at the dam below the lodge or a sundowner cruise makes for the perfect birding opportunity for fish eagles, malachite, giant kingfishers and herons while enjoying a gorgeous sunset as you sip on refreshing drinks. |
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Alternatively, savour a slow pace living and unwind at the lodge. Unleash the wine connoisseur in you with a visit to Singita’s cellar for some wine tasting of the most sought-after private reserves and vintage wines the continent has to offer (at own expense). Rejuvenate yourself at the spa wellness centre to heal your mind, body and soul (at own expense) or simply lazy by the picturesque pool. |
Savour one last breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible African adventure before your transfer to the airport where you’ll board a charter flight to Johannesburg via Buffalo International Airport. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Accommodation
More Info
- The departure point is Maun, Botswana
- The finish point is Johannesburg
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Botswana. The closest major airport is Maun Airport which is 2 km from the center of Maun.
Botswana's Okavango Delta has a climate that is warm to hot with distinct dry (May–October) and wet (November–April) seasons. June to July bring the coolest temperatures and least rainfall, with December to February being the most hot and wet months. At any time of year, temperatures plummet at night and in the early morning.
Zimbabwe enjoys a lovely, temperate climate. Dry season is from April to October, there is virtually no rainfall, and humidity is low. The best time for game viewing is between July and October, where wildlife will congregate around waterholes and rivers when other water sources dry up. Wet season is November to March. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 21°C to 35°C. Meanwhile, April to June provides great value, and fantastic views of Victoria Falls in full flow can be enjoyed.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum number is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.