9 Days Well Balanced Big Five Trails
This 9 Days Well Balanced Big Five Trails is a magical experience in Southern Africa taking you to some of the most iconic attractions and destinations in the region, this tour starts in Maun to Victoria Falls, combing exceptional birding opportunities with the chance to encounter Africa’s iconic Big Five wildlife species.
Highlights of 9 Day Well Balanced Big Five Trails
Day 1: Welcome to Maun
Day 2: Journey into the Okavango Delta
Day 3: Explore Okavango Delta
Day 4: Transfer to Khwai Concession
Day 5: Explore Khwai Concession
Day 6: Discover Chobe Riverfront
Day 7: Explore Victoria Falls
Day 8: Explore Victoria Falls
Day 9: Departure
Detailed Itinerary of 9 Day Well Balanced Big Five Trails
Day 1: Welcome to Maun
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an African Vacation Safaris Representative and be transferred to your hotel in Botswana.
Overnight at Jump Street Chalets
Meal Plan: Dinner
Main Destination: Botswana
Day 2: Journey into the Okavango Delta
After breakfast, you will meet your driver-guide and journey to Okavango Delta. From Maun, you will drive to the Xakanaxa and Third Bridge areas, one of the best wilderness areas of Botswana which covers swamps and dry areas. The journey is approximately 4-5 hours.
Arrive in the afternoon, check in at your lodge for lunch and short rest. In the late afternoon you will go for a game drive in Okavango Delta, one of Southern Africa’s iconic safari destination. The delta is famous for its landscapes of islands, rivers and lakes, and the backdrop of an astonishing array of wildlife. Lookout for several animals including giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, zebras, buffaloes, lions, leopards and cheetahs among others.
Overnight at Inside Okavango Delta
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Day 3: Explore Okavango Delta
Explore the Okavango Delta on a morning game drive and boat ride. Set out in search of the Okavango Delta rich’s wildlife including its semi-aquatic antelopes, the elegant red lechwe and shy Sitatunga antelope, from lion prides to cheetah, leopard and African wild dog. Explore the open woodlands in search of roan and sable antelopes, elephants and graceful giraffes among others.
In the afternoon you will return to Okavango Delta for another exploration adventure on a boat cruise. Explore the countless channels that cross the Okavango Delta and enjoy a different perspective from the boat offering great sightings of water birds such as herons, colorful bee-eaters, and solemn owls and jeweled kingfishers among others.
Overnight at Inside Okavango Delta
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Day 4: Transfer to Khwai Concession
Wake up for breakfast then set off for Khwai Concession, which is part of Moremi Game Reserve. Drive through the village of Khwai and en-route enjoy sighting of several animals including lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, zebras and more thriving in the light woodlands, open grasslands and wildlife rich-riverbank.
Overnight at African Excursion Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Khwai Concession (Okavango Delta, Botswana)
Day 5: Explore Khwai Concession
Today you will enjoy some of the Okavango Delta’s best wildlife-viewing experiences in Khwai Concession, which is part of Moremi Game Reserve. Wildlife in this remote reserve is easy to see, with plenty of open country to go with the light woodlands and vegetation along the riverbank. Lookout for giraffes, zebras, elephants, leopards and lions among other animals.
In the afternoon you will explore the Okavango Delta in a canoe poled by a local who knows the waters here better than anyone. Have a chance to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife thriving in Okavango Delta.
Overnight at African Excursion Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Khwai Concession (Okavango Delta, Botswana)
Day 6: Discover Chobe Riverfront
Explore the Chobe Riverfront giving you some of the best wildlife sightings you will ever experience. This is where the wildlife of Chobe National Park comes down to drink water. Expect to some excitement when predators are near and the prey ventures down to the water’s edge. Expect sight of really big herds of elephants, lions, crocodiles and hippos among others.
Chobe National Park is also a great birding destination with more than 450 species recorded, boat trips on Chobe River are excellent for bird watching. A highlight of the river trips is the African fish eagle whose iconic call will stay with you forever. African skimmers gather on the sandbanks and flocks fly over the river, occasionally dipping in the water to feed.
Overnight at Water Lily Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Kasane Town, Botswana
Day 7: Explore Victoria Falls
Have breakfast, leave your hotel at around 6:00 am and go for your last safari activity in Chobe National Park, exploring the Riverfront.
At around 10:30 am, you will checkout of the lodge and transfer to Zimbabwe, through the border and head directly to your lodge in Victoria Falls. The border crossing will be at around 11:00 am. Reach your lodge at about 12:30pm.
Enjoy the magical views of Victoria Falls, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning the smoke that thunders. There are several optional activities to do today including morning game drive in Chobe National Park and a Zambezi boat safari.
Overnight at Victoria Falls Waterfront
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Day 8: Explore Victoria Falls
Today you will explore the magnificent Victoria Falls and get to explore this natural wonder. Nothing will prepare you for the sensory overland attached to first setting eyes on Victoria Falls, the spectacular landmark for which Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning Smoke that Thunders.
Victoria Falls are covered by foot and have well-built walkways and pathways that you will follow leading to various viewpoints.
In the afternoon, you will set out on foot to track Zambia’s only white rhinos. The reintroduced population of rhinos in Victoria Falls National Park is kept under 24-hour guard.
Main Destination: Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Accommodation: Pamarah Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Departure
Today is the last day of your safari, after breakfast you will meet your guide and say goodbye and depart for a drop-off at the airport for your flight back home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of 9 Day Well Balanced Big Five Trails
