Experience the ultimate cross-border wilderness expedition on this 15-Day Of The Great Wilderness Loop Guided Lodge Tour starting and ending in Victoria Falls. Perfectly tailored for passionate wildlife enthusiasts and adventure travelers, this comprehensive itinerary traverses some of Southern Africa’s most breathtaking riverine, wetland, and savannah ecosystems, beginning with a guided tour of the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Cross into Botswana to explore Chobe National Park through thrilling morning game drives and peaceful sunset boat cruises along the Chobe River, before journeying east into the lush Zambezi Region along the Kwando River. Continue west to Mahango National Park for immersive game viewing, and glide through the pristine waterways of the Okavango Panhandle on serene river safaris.
Push deeper into the heart of the Okavango Delta to experience traditional mokoro excursions and full-day game drives in the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve. Transition across the arid expanses of the Makgadikgadi salt pans with a visit to the Nata Bird Sanctuary, before completing your grand circuit back to Victoria Falls for your departure.
Fully Customizable Safari: Your tour is 100% customizable to suit your preferences, interests and budget. We can adjust your route, activities, accommodation and travel pace to create your ideal safari.
Accommodation Standard: The advertised price is based on standard accommodation equivalent to approximately 3-star quality in Namibia. Luxury upgrades are available on request for travellers with a higher budget. All accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Pricing: All prices are quoted per person sharing. Travelling solo? Contact us for a personalized quotation, as single occupancy and private travel arrangements may increase the price per person.
Flexible Installment Payments: Secure your safari with a deposit, then pay the remaining balance in installments according to an agreed payment schedule.
Personalized Professional Guidance: Understanding an itinerary involves more than reading a programme. Our experienced safari consultants will explain your route, accommodation, activities and travel arrangements, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure? Contact your Motema Tours & Safaris consultant today to arrange a meeting and discuss your itinerary. We will answer your questions, clarify the details and help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through Namibia.
Included Activity: Airport transfer
Optional Activity: Scenic Helicopter | Cruise Dinner
Distance: 20 km | 20 mins
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: A’zambezi River Lodge or Similar
Welcome to Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your accommodation near the falls. After settling in, enjoy a peaceful afternoon at leisure, allowing you to unwind and soak in the atmosphere of this lush, tropical destination.
You may choose to take a refreshing swim, stroll through the verdant gardens, or simply admire the distant mist rising from the falls, often called “the smoke that thunders.” This gentle introduction sets the tone for an unforgettable journey.
As evening approaches, relax at your accommodation and enjoy a tranquil night surrounded by the sounds of nature. This first day offers calm and comfort before the excitement of exploring Victoria Falls and the surrounding wonders.
Included Activity: Victoria Falls Visit
Optional Activity: Helicopter Flight | Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River | Elephant Encounter
Distance: Surroundings
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: A’zambezi River Lodge or Similar
After breakfast, head out to explore Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Walk along the viewpoints and feel the refreshing mist rising from the gorge as the Zambezi River plunges into the depths below. The thunderous sound, shifting spray, and vibrant rainbows create an unforgettable scene that highlights the immense power and beauty of nature. As you move between the viewpoints, take your time to appreciate the geology, history, and cultural significance that make this landmark so extraordinary.
The afternoon is free at leisure. You may relax at your accommodation, enjoy the pool, or choose from optional activities such as a helicopter flight over the falls, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, or a cultural village visit.
As the day draws to a close, unwind in the peaceful surroundings and reflect on the remarkable natural wonder you experienced earlier.
Included Activity: Sunset Chobe River cruise safari
Optional Activity: NONE
Distance: 90 km | 1H
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: River View Lodge or Similar
After breakfast, you depart Victoria Falls and travel by road to Kasane, a welcoming riverside town set on the northern boundary of Chobe National Park. The drive unfolds through changing landscapes influenced by the Zambezi River system, offering scenic views and occasional wildlife sightings along the way as you cross into Botswana.
On arrival in Kasane, you check in at your accommodation and enjoy some time to rest after the journey. Later in the afternoon, you head out for a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, one of the region’s most iconic experiences. Slowly cruising along the water, you observe elephants gathering at the river’s edge, hippos submerged nearby, and crocodiles resting on the banks, while antelope come down to drink. The river is also rich in birdlife, with African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and many other species creating a lively atmosphere as the sun sets and the sky glows with warm colors.
Included Activity: Morning Game Drive | Afternoon Boat Cruise Safari
Optional Activity: NONE
Distance: Surroundings
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: River View Lodge or Similar
Start your day early as the bush slowly awakens with the first golden light. Embark on a morning game drive through the vast wilderness of Chobe National Park, where the crisp air carries the sounds of wildlife greeting the new day. Watch elephants moving across the plains, observe lions resting after a night of activity, and spot a wide variety of bird species perched among the trees. Every moment offers a chance to witness the natural rhythm of this remarkable ecosystem.
After a short rest at your accommodation, continue the adventure with an afternoon boat cruise along the Chobe River. As the sun begins to set, the water reflects shades of gold and amber, creating one of the most captivating scenes in Botswana. Hippos surface in the shallows, crocodiles bask along the riverbanks, and elephants gather for their evening drink. The calm drift of the boat provides the perfect ending to a day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Included Activity: Morning Game Drive | Afternoon Boat Cruise Safari
Optional Activity: NONE
Distance: Surroundings
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: River View Lodge or Similar
Begin the day with an early morning game drive through Chobe National Park, when wildlife activity is at its peak and the soft light enhances sightings and photography. Traverse the open floodplains and woodland areas in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and a wide variety of antelope, with frequent encounters near water sources.
After a break during the warmer hours of the day, return in the afternoon for a boat cruise along the Chobe River. From the water, enjoy a different perspective of the park as large elephant herds gather on the riverbanks, hippos surface close to the boat, and crocodiles rest along the shores. The combination of land and water experiences offers a comprehensive and rewarding exploration of one of Southern Africa’s most wildlife-rich regions.
Included Activity: Route to Kwando River
Optional Activity: NONE
Distance: 250 km | 3H00
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Namushasha River Lodge or Similar
Departing the Chobe region, you continue your journey eastward toward the Kwando River, entering the lush riverine landscapes of the Zambezi Region. The drive reveals a noticeable change in scenery, with dense vegetation, floodplains, and waterways replacing the open savannahs of Chobe. This region is renowned for its rich biodiversity and tranquil atmosphere, shaped by the permanent waters of the Kwando River.
Upon arrival at your accommodation along the Kwando River, settle in before enjoying an afternoon river cruise. Drifting quietly along the water, you have the opportunity to observe wildlife drawn to the riverbanks, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide variety of birdlife. The calm pace of the cruise, combined with the soft light of the late afternoon, offers a peaceful and rewarding safari experience in this pristine environment.
Included Activity: Afternoon sunset cruise on the Okavango Rive
Optional Activity: NONE
Distance: 230 km | 2H30
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Shametu River Lodge or Similar
This morning, depart the Kwando River region and travel westward through the scenic landscapes of the Zambezi Region toward Mahango. The route passes through a mosaic of woodlands, floodplains, and river systems, offering insight into the ecological richness of this northern corridor. Along the way, the influence of permanent water becomes increasingly evident as you approach the Okavango River.
Upon arrival near Mahango, settle into your accommodation before enjoying an afternoon sunset cruise on the Okavango River. As the boat glides along the calm waters, observe wildlife gathering along the riverbanks, including elephants, antelope, and abundant birdlife. The experience is enhanced by the changing colors of the sky as the sun sets, casting warm reflections across the river and surrounding vegetation. This tranquil cruise provides a memorable close to the day in one of Namibia’s most biodiverse regions.
Included Activity: Full-Day Game Drive in Mahango National Park
Optional Activity: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta | Cultural village visit | Local craft market exploration
Distance: Surroundings
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Shametu River Lodge or Similar
After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive in Mahango National Park, located in the northeastern corner of Namibia. The park’s floodplains, riverine forests, and woodlands provide habitats for elephants, hippos, buffalo, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. Birdlife is abundant, making this a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Your experienced guide will share insights into the park’s unique ecosystem, animal behavior, and ongoing conservation efforts. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush. The day offers ample opportunities for photography, wildlife spotting, and fully immersing yourself in the beauty of the Okavango region.
Included Activity: Afternoon Okavango River cruise
Optional Activity: NONE
Distance: 230 km | 2H30
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Xaro Lodge or Similar
After breakfast, you depart Divundu and follow the scenic route toward the Okavango Panhandle, a lush and wildlife-rich corridor marking the upper reaches of the Okavango River as it flows into Botswana. The drive reveals a changing landscape of wetlands, floodplains, and riverine woodlands, offering a clear sense of entering one of southern Africa’s most important and biodiverse ecosystems. This region forms the gateway to the greater Okavango Delta, where water shapes both wildlife movements and local life.
On arrival in the Panhandle area, you check in at your accommodation and take a short break before heading out on the river. In the afternoon, you enjoy a peaceful cruise along the Okavango River, gliding through calm channels bordered by reeds and trees. Elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species are often seen along the banks, while the skies and waterways are alive with birdlife. Fish eagles, herons, storks, and kingfishers are commonly spotted, adding color and sound to this tranquil experience as the light softens toward sunset.
Included Activity: Free Time
Optional Activity: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta | Cultural village visit | Local craft market exploration
Distance: 280 km | 4H00
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Cresta Maun Hotel or Similar
After breakfast, you depart the Okavango Panhandle and continue your journey south toward Maun, the main gateway to the Okavango Delta. The drive takes you through a mix of riverine vegetation, open floodplains, and gradually drier landscapes, offering a final glimpse of the water-rich Panhandle region before transitioning to the bustling yet laid-back atmosphere of Maun.
Upon arrival, you check in at your accommodation and enjoy a free afternoon at leisure. This is an ideal time to relax after the journey or explore the town at your own pace. Maun offers a relaxed safari-town feel, set along the Thamalakane River, and serves as a central hub for travelers heading deeper into the Delta. Those wishing to enhance their experience may choose from a range of optional activities, from aerial perspectives of the Delta to gentle river-based outings, depending on interest and energy levels.
Included Activity: Mokoro Excursion | Afternoon Game Drive in Moremi Game Reserve
Optional Activity: NONE
Distance: 100 km | 2H00
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Cresta Maun Hotel or Similar
After breakfast, you set out on a traditional mokoro excursion through the serene waterways of the Okavango Delta within Moremi Game Reserve. Gently gliding through narrow channels and open lagoons, guided by skilled local polers, this peaceful experience offers a unique water-level perspective of the Delta. Along the way, you may spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants moving between islands, and a rich variety of waterbirds. The silence of the mokoro allows you to fully absorb the calm atmosphere, broken only by birdsong and the soft movement of water.
Later, you embark on a game drive to further explore Moremi’s remarkable diversity of habitats, from open grasslands and floodplains to dense mopane and riverine forests. These ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife, and sightings may include giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species, as well as predators such as lions and leopards. The late afternoon light enhances the landscape, creating excellent conditions for photography and memorable wildlife encounters.
Included Activity: Full-day game drive in Moremi Game Reserve
Optional Activity: NONE
Distance: Surroundings
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Cresta Maun Hotel or Similar
Today is dedicated to a full-day game drive within the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, one of Botswana’s most diverse and rewarding safari destinations. Exploring the reserve over the course of the day allows you to experience a variety of habitats, including floodplains, lagoons, mopane woodlands, and open grasslands, each supporting different species and wildlife interactions.
Game viewing unfolds at a relaxed pace, with time to stop at key areas where animals are frequently encountered. Moremi is renowned for its healthy populations of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and antelope, as well as predators such as lion, leopard, and wild dog. Birdlife is equally impressive, particularly in the wetter areas of the reserve. By late afternoon, return to your accommodation after a day filled with exceptional wildlife encounters in the heart of the Okavango ecosystem.
Included Activity: Afternoon visit to Nata Bird Sanctuary
Optional Activity: NONE
Distance: 380 km | 4H00
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Nata Lodge or Similar
After breakfast, you depart Moremi and travel southeast toward Nata, a small settlement on the edge of the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans. The drive unfolds through open savannah and increasingly wide, arid landscapes, offering a strong sense of space and contrast to the wetlands of the Okavango region. Along the way, you may spot wildlife adapted to these drier environments while enjoying the changing scenery that makes Botswana so diverse.
On arrival in Nata, you check in at your accommodation and take time to settle in before heading out in the afternoon. Later, you visit the nearby Nata Bird Sanctuary, a protected area renowned for its exceptional birdlife, especially during the wet season. Flamingos, pelicans, storks, and many other waterbirds gather here in large numbers, transforming the pans into a vibrant natural spectacle. Walking along the sanctuary’s tracks, you observe and photograph birds in their natural habitat while appreciating the fragile ecosystems supported by these seasonal waters.
Included Activity: Free Afternoon
Optional Activity: NONE
Distance: 430 km | 4H00
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: A’zambezi River Lodge or Similar
After breakfast, you depart Nata and drive north toward Victoria Falls, retracing your steps toward the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe. The journey offers a final opportunity to enjoy Botswana’s wide-open plains, scattered villages, and scenic rural landscapes, providing a sense of the country’s vastness and diversity before crossing back into Zimbabwe.
Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, you check in at your accommodation and enjoy a free afternoon at leisure. This is an ideal time to relax, explore the lodge surroundings, or wander through the town and local markets. You may choose to purchase souvenirs, enjoy a coffee at a local café, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the area, reflecting on the memorable experiences of your journey through Botswana and the Okavango Delta.
Included Activity: Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport
Optional Activity: NONE
Distance: 10 km | 20 mins
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NONE
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at your accommodation, taking the time to savor the final moments of your journey. Later, you are transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flight. Use this time to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past days—from thrilling wildlife encounters in Botswana’s national parks and the tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta to the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls.
This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable adventure, leaving you with lasting memories, stunning photographs, and stories to share for years to come.
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