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12
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Best Time to Go Apr - Dec
Custom Safari

The Wild Reset

A Wild, Water-Shaped Safari Connecting Botswana & Zambia

This luxury Botswana and Zambia safari explores two of Southern Africa’s most extraordinary water-shaped wilderness regions: the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls.

Designed for travelers seeking a deeper, more immersive safari experience, the itinerary balances adventure, comfort, and slower exploration through diverse ecosystems including floodplains, river channels, grasslands, and private wildlife concessions. Along the way, guests experience a rich variety of safari activities beyond the traditional game drive.

Why We Love This Safari

  • A beautifully paced journey where each destination reveals a distinct landscape, ecosystem, and style of safari experience
  • Exceptional wildlife encounters across both land and water-based safari environments
  • Scenic helicopter flights connecting remote regions of the Okavango Delta
  • A rare combination of immersive wilderness, meaningful conservation experiences, and refined safari camps
  • Walking safaris, mokoro excursions, rhino tracking, and river experiences that extend beyond traditional game drives
  • Intimate camps with low guest numbers and expansive wilderness access
  • A strong sense of connection to place, nature, and the rhythms of the African bush

Best Time To Travel: April – December

This safari is best experienced during southern Africa’s dry season and seasonal flood cycles, when wildlife viewing conditions are exceptional and water-based safari activities throughout the Okavango Delta and Zambezi River region are at their most rewarding.

Beyond the Game Vehicle

  • Walking safaris
  • Scenic helicopter flights
  • Mokoro excursions
  • Elephant Havens elephant orphanage visit
  • Rhino tracking on foot
  • Livingstone Island excursion
  • Zambezi River cruises
  • Royal Livingstone Express historic train experience
  • Wildlife viewing by vehicle and boat
  • Cultural and conservation experiences

Video above courtesy of Beagle Expeditions.

Highlights

  • Explore the diverse landscapes of Botswana and Zambia, from the Okavango Delta floodplains to the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls
  • Experience exceptional wildlife encounters by vehicle, helicopter, mokoro, boat, and on foot
  • Visit Elephant Havens, Botswana’s elephant orphanage dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned calves
  • Witness the Okavango Delta from above on scenic helicopter flights between remote safari camps
  • Track white rhino on foot in Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
  • Journey aboard our historic Royal Livingstone Express train across Victoria Falls Bridge at sunset
  • Stay in intimate safari camps and lodges designed around immersive wilderness experiences and meaningful connection to place

Your Impact

Your safari directly supports conservation initiatives, wildlife protection programs, and community partnerships across Botswana and Zambia. Travel on this itinerary contributes to anti-poaching efforts within the Abu Private Reserve, infrastructure projects at Habu Primary School, solutions supporting human-wildlife coexistence, and predator conservation initiatives through Wild Entrust.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 - 2 Maun, Botswana |
Gateway to the Delta & Elephant Havens
Day 2 - 6 Okavango Delta, Botswana |
Walking Safaris, Mokoro Excursions & Immersive Wilderness Exploration
Day 6 - 9 Okavango Delta, Botswana |
Scenic Helicopter Flights, Diverse Wildlife & Remote Delta Landscapes
Day 9 - 12 Livingstone, Zambia |
Victoria Falls, Zambezi River Experiences & Rhino Tracking
Custom Safari

The Wild Reset

Two Countries. Twelve Unforgettable Days
Two horse riders approaching a giraffe in golden grasslands at Thamo Telele, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Safari guide pointing out giraffes and zebras at a waterhole to guests seated under a thatched shelter at Thamo Telele, Botswana
Thamo Telele branded game drive vehicle parked among giraffes and an ostrich in dry woodland, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Tower of giraffes and zebras grazing together in golden dry grasslands at Thamo Telele, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Guests and a safari guide walking toward a giraffe through golden grasslands at dusk at Thamo Telele, Botswana
Four guests standing on foot watching a herd of elephants at a waterhole in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Guests enjoying a bush breakfast on the grass beside a helicopter during a scenic heli flight over the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Two lionesses moving through scrub in front of a game drive vehicle at sunset in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Four guests standing on foot watching a herd of elephants at a waterhole in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Aerial view of four guests wading through the flooded spillway of the Okavango Delta on a walking safari, Botswana
Aerial view of a motorboat speeding along a river channel through lush green floodplains of the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Guide and two guests dining at a table set in the shallows of the Okavango Delta under an open blue sky, Botswana
Two guests and a guide walking toward a bush sundowner table set with food and drinks at sunset in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Two male lions — one standing, one resting — staring directly at the camera in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
A poler standing and guiding a traditional mokoro through reed-lined waterways of the Okavango Delta with guests on board, Botswana
Guests enjoying sundowners and local bites during golden hour on the banks of the Zambezi River, arranged by Tongabezi Lodge.
Smiling students giving thumbs up outside Tujatane School, supported by Tongabezi Lodge, Livingstone, Zambia.
Chef preparing pizza with fresh toppings at the wood-fired oven at Tongabezi Lodge, Zambia.
Private floating dinner platform illuminated by lanterns on the Zambezi River at sunset at Tongabezi Lodge, Zambia.
Custom Safari

The Wild Reset

Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls Safari offers a journey where every aspect of your trip is thoughtfully planned to ensure a seamless and immersive experience. From the moment you arrive in Maun, all essential services are covered, allowing you to focus on the experiences, and connecting deeply with the local environment, wildlife, and communities. This expertly curated expedition includes everything from accommodations and meals to guided tours and activities making it a truly worry-free travel experience.

Included in your custom tour

  • All scheduled regional/domestic air as indicated in the itinerary
  • Full-board accommodations
  • All activities and ground transfers as indicated in the itinerary
  • Conservancy, community and park fees

Price

Custom Dates From $16,340 per person

Custom Safari

The Wild Reset

Trip Pace and Activity Level

This safari is best suited for travelers who enjoy active, experience-rich journeys and are comfortable moving between remote wilderness regions by helicopter, light aircraft, boat, and safari vehicle. While the itinerary is thoughtfully paced with time to relax and fully absorb each destination, several activities involve walking on uneven terrain, boarding small aircraft and boats, and extended wildlife-viewing excursions in warm conditions.

Walking safaris, mokoro excursions, rhino tracking, and certain wilderness activities require a moderate level of mobility and a spirit of adventure. Guests should feel comfortable spending time outdoors and participating in activities that unfold naturally according to wildlife movement, weather conditions, and seasonal water levels.

The reward is an immersive safari experience that offers deeper connection to the landscapes, wildlife, and rhythms of Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Zambia’s Zambezi River region.

Climate & Seasonality

The best time to travel on this safari is between April and December.

April to June in Botswana marks the transition from the wet green season to the dry winter. Rainfall largely stops, landscapes are lush early on, and Okavango Delta water levels rise. Game viewing improves as vegetation thins and animals congregate, with warm, pleasant days and cooling nights.

July to October in Botswana is the peak dry season, offering world-class game viewing as wildlife concentrates around shrinking water sources. Expect sunny, dry days with high temperatures escalating from cool/mild (July-Aug) to extreme heat (Oct).

November/December marks the transition from the hot dry season to the “Green Season”. The parched landscape transforms into lush green scenery once more.

November and December are primary “birth months,” resulting in many newborns, which in turn attract predators. Migrant bird species arrive, making it a paradise for birders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari suitable for first-time travelers to Africa?

Yes. This itinerary offers an exceptional introduction to safari travel while also appealing to seasoned Africa travelers. The combination of the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, immersive wildlife experiences, and thoughtfully selected camps creates a well-rounded safari balancing comfort, adventure, and iconic landscapes.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Wildlife sightings vary seasonally, but guests commonly encounter elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, giraffe, zebra, antelope species, and abundant birdlife throughout Botswana and Zambia. The Okavango Delta is especially known for its water-based wildlife viewing and high density of large predators.

What makes this safari different from a traditional safari itinerary?

This journey emphasizes immersive, experience-rich exploration beyond traditional game drives alone. Activities include walking safaris, mokoro excursions (seasonal), helicopter flights, rhino tracking, conservation visits, river safaris, and cultural experiences that offer deeper connection to the landscapes and ecosystems visited.

When is the best time to travel?

This safari operates best between April and December, when wildlife viewing conditions across the Okavango Delta and Zambezi River region are generally at their best. Seasonal floodwaters, migration patterns, and river levels shape the experience throughout the year.

Are the camps private or shared with other travelers?

The camps and lodges featured on this itinerary are intimate properties with a limited number of guests, creating a quieter and more personal safari experience. Safari activities are shared with other guests staying at camp unless private guiding or exclusive-use arrangements are requested.

How do guests travel between destinations?

Travel throughout the safari includes a combination of helicopter transfers, a light aircraft flight, and overland transfers. Many regions visited are remote wilderness areas not accessible by commercial road networks.

Is this safari appropriate for families or multi-generational travel?

Yes. This itinerary can work very well for couples, families, and multi-generational groups, particularly for travelers seeking a more active and immersive safari experience.

Please note that the featured camps have a minimum age requirement of 12 years (age at the time of travel).

Can this itinerary be customized?

Absolutely. Every Bushtracks safari is privately tailored to the interests, pace, and travel style of each guest. Camps, routing, activities, and length of stay can all be adjusted to create a fully customized journey through Botswana, Zambia, and beyond.

Speak With a Journey Expert

Private Custom Travel

Not sure where to begin?

Planning an African safari can feel overwhelming — especially for first-time travelers. Our team has spent decades exploring Africa’s most extraordinary wilderness regions, camps, and experiences. We are here to guide you through every step, helping you choose the destinations, seasons, activities, and style of safari that best fit your vision for the journey.

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Credits

DESIGN: Pembroke Studios
DEVELOPMENT: Wine Works
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
© Jack Swynnerton, © Scott Ogg
© Bushtracks Expeditions, © Envato, © istock, © Unsplash, © Shutterstock

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