Botswana Experience

Day 1 – Arrival. Maun, Botswana

Once you have arrived in Maun, you will be taken to a safari base just on the outside of the town where your orientation will be held the following day.

Day 2 – Getting started

Today is all about getting settled – you will begin the day with your orientation and detailed briefing of the exciting adventure that lies ahead, this will be given by your trip leader. There will also be time for you to ask any questions that you may have about the programme. Following this, you will be taken on an orientation tour around Maun where you will be shown how to use public transport, have the opportunity to try some traditional local food and will also be shown around Maun so you get a feel for where everything is.

There will also be an opportunity for you to visit a lady named Motsana to buy some souvenirs, she is also Botswana’s leading basket maker so you may even see some of her amazing baskets being created! She also offers lessons on the weekends or afternoon for a small fee. 

Days 3 to 7 – Safari time! Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

The world famous Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world. It is home to thousands of animals and birds, offering some amazing opportunities for wildlife encounters… so don’t forget your camera! The Okavango Delta is one of the top wildlife destinations in the World.

For this section of the trip you will embark upon a 5 day / 4 night safari into the Moremi Game Reserve which is right in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Not only will you be camping in the park itself but you will also have unlimited game drives to explore the vast wilderness under the expert guidance of one of the wildlife guides. Moremi Game Reserve is a true African wilderness camping experience with back-to-basics facilities and is a very intimate, classic wildlife adventure.

On day 7 you will leave Moremi Game Reserve and head back to Maun

Days 8-19: Community Volunteering in Maun

The next 2 weeks will provide you with the unique opportunity of staying with a local family whilst volunteering at one of a number of community projects in Maun. This is a fantastic way to get completely immersed in the culture and way of life of the Tswana people. The host families are located on the outskirts of Maun town.

As a volunteer you will be working at one of a number of community projects in Maun. Botswana has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in Africa and an ever increasing population of children; meaning that many of the children are in need of your help, whether it be extra help with their school work, support or just a friend.

During your free time at weekend, there are lots of activities which you may like to get involved in, at your own additional cost, which may include scenic flights or mokoro trips into the Delta; alternatively you may just choose explore Maun a little further and become one of the locals!

Day 20 - 28: Adventure to Victoria Falls

On day 20 you will be bidding a fond farewell as you head to Livingstone, Zambia. On arrival in Livingstone you will be taken to a local backpackers lodge where you will have time to settle in and then be introduced to the wide array of adventure activities on offer!

Your time in Livingstone, is your own free time to do as you please. Livingstone is very close to Victoria Falls – the Adventure Capital of Africa! You may like to take advantage of the numerous activities o n offer at Victoria Falls whether it be White Water Rafting on the Grade 5 rapids of the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a leisurely cruise upstream of Victoria Falls, Bungee Jump, Swing or Zip line in the Gorge (please note that all of these activities are at your own cost). Alternatively there are a number of enjoyable walks around Victoria Falls National Park which offer some breathtaking views of Victoria Falls / Mosi oa Tunya (Smoke that thunders). After an action packed few days in Livingstone it will be time to head back to Maun. 

On day 28 you will have free time in Maun to explore, pick up some last minute souvenirs and for those staying for 4 weeks it will be time to say your goodbyes to your new found friends and host family!

Day 29: 4 week option - Departure

All good things must come to an end for those staying for 4 weeks, it will be time to bid Botswana farewell as you are taken to Maun airport for your flight home.

Day 29 – 40: 6 week option – Return to your host family and project work

If you are staying for the 6 week programme then you will be returning to a warm welcome from your host family as you settle back in and continue with your project work.

Day 41-42: Free time

This will be your final weekend in Maun so it’s a great time to enjoy some excursions, buy any last minute souvenirs and generally soak up the local culture.

Day 43: Time to say goodbye

After what we hope has been a fantastic journey filled with many great memories, today is your final day of the programme and you will be taken to Maun to airport in time for your flight home.

Please note: Itinerary, route and activities are subject to change without prior warning in case of unusual weather or logistical complications.