The Wild Reset
The Wild Reset
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
The Wild Reset
Maun, Botswana
Recover from your international journey with time to unwind – stretch your legs on a guided nature walk or enjoy a leisurely guided horseback ride through the private reserve. As the sun sets, enjoy “giraffe sundowners,” sipping a refreshing drink while meeting the resident herd and learning about vital giraffe conservation efforts. After a restful night, visit Elephant Havens, Botswana’s only elephant orphanage, where rescued calves are lovingly rehabilitated for life back in the wild. Following this inspiring encounter, board your helicopter for a scenic flight to your first camp in the Okavango Delta.
Thamo Telele is an intimate safari lodge set within a private 600‑acre reserve on the edge of Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Nestled among ancient leadwood and acacia trees, safari tents overlook a wildlife‑rich habitat.
Abu Private Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Explore a spectacular corner of the Okavango Delta, accessible only by helicopter. Safari here returns to its roots – immersive, grounding and deeply authentic. Guided with care and intention, every moment feels connected to place, purpose, and presence. With just ten guests sharing 74,000 acres of pristine wilderness, wildlife encounters are intimate and unhurried, without another vehicle in sight.
Each day follows the natural pace of the bush: game drives, mokoro excursions when conditions are right, walking safaris, and tracking on foot. Evenings end simply, gathered by campfire under the expansive night sky.
Your journey begins along the southern Kweene River at Kweene River Camp, where productive grasslands attract large herds of grazers – and the predators that follow.
The adventure continues north to Magwegwe Camp, set within a seasonal swamp shaped by the annual Okavango floods. Endless floodplains, wooded islands, and year-round surface water create superb scenery and draw abundant wildlife.
When moving from one camp to the next, the journey itself becomes the experience. Traveling by game vehicle, on foot, or by silent mokoro – sometimes a combination of all three – spend a full day immersed in the wilderness. A leisurely siesta and beautifully prepared picnic unfold along the way, while your support team discreetly relocates the camp.
Airy Meru tents open fully to the surrounding bush, immersing you in nature while offering refined essentials. Comfortable camp beds and Egyptian cotton linens ensure restful nights. The main tent features an en-suite bathroom with bucket shower, compost loo and thoughtfully chosen amenities to ensure comfort and privacy. Fresh, healthy food is cooked on an open fire and complemented by handpicked South African wines and a collection of premier brand spirits from boutique distilleries around the world.
Mapula and Sekwana Concession, Okavango Delta, Botswana
A scenic helicopter flight from Kweene to Karangoma reveals the breathtaking grandeur of the Okavango Delta. Karangoma offers a rare opportunity to experience the Delta through the lens of culture, conservation, and true exclusivity. Created in partnership with local elder Olatotse Sarefo of Gudingwa, the camp is deeply rooted in Bukakhwe San and Hambukushu traditions and committed to meaningful, lasting impact for both communities and wildlife. Set amid diverse, wildlife‑rich habitats, Karangoma delivers exceptional game viewing paired with immersive activities.
With just eight secluded tented suites tucked along a shaded peninsula overlooking sweeping floodplains, guests enjoy an intimate, soulful safari that connects nature, culture, and purpose.
Livingstone, Zambia
Journey by helicopter, light aircraft, and overland transfer to one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders—Victoria Falls. Experience the Zambezi from every angle: a romantic dinner aboard a floating river sampan, a tranquil sunrise cruise, or an excursion to the private Livingstone Island. When conditions allow, slip into Devil’s Pool, Angel’s Pool, or Rock Pool—natural infinity pools perched dramatically on the edge of the falls. On land, seek out wildlife on game drives or feel the pulse of adventure tracking white rhino on foot in Mosi‑oa‑Tunya National Park. Conclude in grand style with a four‑course dinner aboard the Royal Livingstone Express, a historic luxury train, crossing Victoria Falls Bridge at sunset.
Set on a secluded bend of the Zambezi, the award-winning Tongabezi Lodge blends romance, sustainability, and Zambian artistry. Thatched cottages overlook the river, with private plunge pools and personal valets ensuring effortless comfort. Guests are welcomed into the rhythm of the lodge’s community projects and its tranquil riverside life — dining by lantern light, lulled by hippos at dusk, and awakening to the call of fish eagles at dawn.
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
The Wild Reset
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.
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.
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.
Helicopters Over the Okavango
Walking Safaris & Waterways
Unscripted safari moments
Wild Places Few Travelers Reach
Helicopters Over the Okavango
Walking Safaris & Waterways
Unscripted safari moments
Wild Places Few Travelers Reach
Speak With a Journey Expert
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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