From Wilderness to Waterfalls
This exclusive journey offers a true immersion into Botswana’s intoxicating diversity; its wildlife, its landscapes, its culture and its sublime hospitality. From this nature lover’s paradise, we migrate across borders to Zimbabwe and the majesty of Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya). This marvel of the natural world never fails to captivate, and we will explore its periphery on foot, led by an informative guide, to take in this spectacular sight swathed in its mists.
With cultural visits, sunset cruises and superb dining to be enjoyed, this is a wonderfully flamboyant end to an exceptional adventure through two great African nations.
Departing in May 2026, this small-group adventure is exclusively for women.
Botswana is a land of raw, untamed beauty where vast landscapes stretch from the shimmering Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to the lush floodplains of the Okavango Delta.
Its protected wilderness areas – including Chobe, Moremi, and the Central Kalahari – support exceptional wildlife populations, from great elephant herds to endangered predators.
Safaris here are defined by exclusivity, with low-impact tourism ensuring privacy and space. Whether tracking lions across the savannah, gliding through papyrus-lined channels, or walking with San tribespeople in ancient desert terrain, Botswana offers deeply immersive safari experiences in some of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems.
You will love
- Remote wilderness destinations
- Rich & abundant wildlife
- Serene mokoro excursions
- San cultural connections
- Industry-leading properties & guides
13 CAPTIVATING DAYS
DAY 1 | THURSDAY 14 MAY - JOHANNESBURG
We arrive in Johannesburg and settle into our convenient airport hotel, just steps from the terminal. After your international journey, tonight offers a moment to pause, rest and prepare for the wild landscapes that await.
Overnight: City Lodge Hotel
DAY 2 | FRIDAY 15 MAY - MAKGADIKGADI
Flying into Maun, we’re met and driven into the remote Boteti River Valley, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. After settling into Moela Safari Lodge, we set out to explore this ancient desert landscape on our first game activity, tracking wildlife across open pans and fossil riverbeds.
Overnight: Moela Safari Lodge
DAY 3 | SATURDAY 16 MAY - MAKGADIKGADI
Surrounded by vast skies and the quiet rhythm of the Kalahari, today we explore on both game drives and guided walks. We’ll spend time with the Zu’hoasi San Bushmen to learn their remarkable survival skills and connection to the land, and venture further afield in search of oryx, jackals, hyena and desert lions.
Overnight: Moela Safari Lodge
DAY 4 | SUNDAY 17 MAY - KHWAI
A light aircraft flight takes us north to the Khwai Private Reserve, where the arid land gives way to floodplains, woodlands and winding channels. A game drive on arrival introduces us to this rich and varied ecosystem, with elephants, leopards and a host of Delta wildlife already on the move.
Overnight: Little Sable Camp
DAY 5 | MONDAY 18 MAY - KHWAI
We’ll explore Khwai by vehicle and, water levels permitting, by mokoro or boat — gliding silently past reeds and hippos as the river meanders through the reserve. This is prime predator country, and our drives may bring us close to lion, wild dog and leopard as the sun paints the floodplain in gold.
Overnight: Little Sable Camp
DAY 6 | TUESDAY 19 MAY - OKAVANGO DELTA
This morning we fly deeper into the Okavango Delta — a world of mirrored channels, papyrus stands and palm-studded islands. Arriving at Mbamba Camp, we settle into a private concession where wildlife thrives in a timeless wilderness, and enjoy our first gentle exploration of this water-laced paradise.
Overnight: Mbamba Camp
DAY 7 | WEDNESDAY 20 MAY - OKAVANGO DELTA
Today is all about variety — game drives, mokoro excursions and walking safaris reveal the incredible biodiversity of the Delta. Watch elephants bathing in lily-filled lagoons, listen for kingfishers flashing through the reeds, and keep an eye out for sitatunga or reed frogs tucked into the papyrus.
Overnight: Mbamba Camp
DAY 8 | THURSDAY 21 MAY - OKAVANGO DELTA
On our final full day in the Delta, we move at our own pace — rising early for a morning drive or staying back to soak up the peace of camp. In the afternoon, we’ll head out once more, wrapping up our Delta experience with sundowners as hippos grunt in the fading light.
Overnight: Mbamba Camp
DAY 9 | FRIDAY 22 MAY - CHOBE
We fly to Botswana’s far north, where the Chobe River carves through floodplains rich with life. At Chobe Elephant Camp, perched on an escarpment with sweeping views, we begin to explore this iconic region — home to the largest elephant herds in Africa.
Overnight: Chobe Elephant Camp
DAY 10 | SATURDAY 23 MAY - CHOBE
A full day of exploration awaits. We’ll head out on game drives through woodland and grassland, and cruise the river for a chance to observe buffalo, crocodile and elephants from the water. Those keen to learn more may also enjoy a guided walk to uncover Chobe’s smaller wonders.
Overnight: Chobe Elephant Camp
DAY 11 | SUNDAY 24 MAY - VICTORIA FALLS
After breakfast, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to Victoria Falls — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. We check in to Insika Lodge, a boutique retreat surrounded by natural bush, before heading out in the evening for the Simunye Show — a lively celebration of Zimbabwean music, dance, storytelling and traditional cuisine.
Overnight: Insika lodge
DAY 12 | MONDAY 25 MAY - VICTORIA FALLS
This morning we take a walking tour of the majestic Victoria Falls, where columns of mist rise from the gorge and rainbows dance in the spray. We’ll then enjoy a traditional lunch at Dusty Road in Chinotimba township — a vibrant dining experience that brings local flavours and community spirit to the table. The afternoon is yours to browse the markets or relax at the lodge before we gather for our final safari celebration: a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
Overnight: Insika lodge
DAY 13 | TUESDAY 26 MAY - DEPARTURE
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before our transfer to the airport. As we depart, we carry with us the unforgettable stillness of the Kalahari, the rhythm of the Delta, and the energy of Zimbabwe — a journey of wild places, deep connection, and shared adventure.
A full colour, detailed itinerary is available. Please click here if you would like us to share this with you, and/or to stay up to date with what we have on offer.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
A selection of the finest safari camps
Moela – Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Moela is a beautifully crafted lodge in Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Wildlife viewing is productive all year, but it puts on a real show when the zebra migration - the longest terrestrial wildlife migration in Africa - arrives in town, and there can be groups of over a hundred elephants in the valley below. Read More
Little Sable – Okavango Delta
Little Sable is the sister camp to the larger Sable Alley, and both sit within the Okavango Delta, just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve, famed for its immense game densities. With just eight rooms it is a relaxed and intimate hideout deep in the wilderness. Read More
Mbamba Camp – Okavango Delta
Mbamba is situated in the northwest sector of the Okavango Delta adjoining the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. The unusually large size of the concession, coupled with limited human impact and a vast abundance of wildlife, ensures a stay at Mamba offers a truly wild, reqwarding and untouched Delta experience.
NEED TO KNOW
13 Days | Monday 19 May - Tuesday 3 June 2025
USD 13,970 TWIN SHARE
USD 16,970 SINGLE
Hosted by 'Journeys for Women' Founder, Sarah Hoyland
13 Days
Monday 19 May - Tuesday 3 June 2025
USD 13,970 TWIN SHARE
USD 16,970 SINGLE
Hosted by 'Journeys for Women' Founder, Sarah Hoyland
START: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA | Finish: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
SINGLE: USD 16,970 per person
TWIN: USD 13,970 per person on a twin share basis
Inclusions
- Hosted ex Johannesburg by Sarah Hoyland
- VIP arrival in Johannesburg
- 13 nights in hotels & bush luxury tented safari camps
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner every day
- All drinks whilst on safari – days 2 through 12
- Arrival & departure transfers on dates specified
- All charter flights: Makgadikgadi – Maun – Khwai – Delta – Kasane
- Game viewing in customised four-wheel drive vehicles
- Qualified guides on all game viewing activities
- Mokoro (dug out canoe) & boating in the Delta
- Walking with the San Bushmen\Afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River
- Sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River including drinks
- Walking tour of the Victoria Falls
- Simunye Dance performance
- Dusty Road Township experience
- All game reserve, community & conservation fees
Exclusions
- International air arrangements
- Personal gratuities for your camp attendant & guides
- Travel insurance & health requirements
- Additional meals & drinks (other than specified)
- ‘Top shelf’ drinks whilst on safari
- Laundry & personal purchases
- Zimbabwe Tourist Visa – USD30
- Any item not specified
Minimum – 5 travellers
Maximum – 10 (including host)
FLIGHTS & AIRFARES
We recommend flying with Qantas ex Sydney or South African Airways ex Perth to Johannesburg, South Africa. Airfares are not included in the tour cost to allow you the freedom to choose your preferred carrier, class of travel and/or to utilise frequent flyer points if you wish. Airfare quotes are available on request.
Terms and conditions apply – please click here for full details.
This tour departs with a minimum of 5 people and a maximum of 9 people (plus host).
If you wish to secure a twin share room as a solo traveller you are responsible for finding a ‘willing to share’ participant or the single room supplement will apply. From experience we do not pair travellers who do not know each other prior to departure.
The price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control.
Due to situations beyond our control, we reserve the right to substitute any hotel or boat with another of comparable quality – this would be advised as soon as possible.
Any quoted airfares & taxes are subject to change at any time before, or at the time of, ticketing.
Australian & New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Namibia (or South Africa) for a stay of up to 30 days. If you do not travel on an Australian or New Zealand passport please let us know.
By making any payment for this tour, and joining this tour, you acknowledge you have read and understood the content, pace and price of this tour and our Booking Terms & Conditions
Hosted by...
SARAH HOYLAND
Sarah is the Founder of our Journeys for Women collection and co-Director of The Classic Safari Company. Over the years she's travelled to all seven continents, visited over 63 countries, forged global lifelong friendships, and honed her haggling skills to perfection! In her own words, 'I am happiest when I am lost in a souk, on safari in Africa, travelling with my daughters or when I have the privilege of viewing wild and wonderful places afresh through the eyes of the ladies I host on our womens-only soirees!'.
The trip was superbly organised, the hotels brilliant and activities, informative and spectacular. This definitely won't be the last trip that I take.
KIThat was a spectacular holiday! I can't imagine how I'll answer if I am asked to pinpoint a standout experience - every day was an incredible experience never to be forgotten!
JKI'm still pinching myself a week after our return home as I remember our spectacular adventure. Thank you for an exceptional holiday!
MHThank your for the most fabulous holiday. I have not laughed that much in years! Exceptional arrangements from start to finish and a wonderful group of women - my new circle of friends & certainly my future travel companions!
DM
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