Ancient baobabs, wild dog country, remote Linyanti floodplains, a Chobe River sunset, the thunder of Victoria Falls, and 70,000 elephant in Hwange — all in one epic self-drive adventure. Camp under African skies from Botswana's Boteti River to Zimbabwe's iconic Falls, guided by the Bhejane team every step of the way.
From the ancient Baines Baobabs standing sentinel over Nxai Pan to the thundering spray of Victoria Falls, this expedition threads through the very best of northern Botswana and Zimbabwe. Game-drive along the Boteti River where elephant and lion come to drink within sight of camp, then venture deep into the wild heart of Khwai and Moremi East — one of Africa's last great wildlife strongholds, alive with wild dogs, leopard and prowling hyena.
Push on through the thick Savuti sand into the Linyanti and Chobe regions where free-roaming elephant herds move across open floodplains untouched by fences or crowds. Cruise the Chobe River at sunset before crossing into Zimbabwe for a full day exploring the majesty of Victoria Falls. From there, track through Hwange National Park — home to some 70,000 elephant — before a final night under the stars at Elephant Sands, where the waterhole never seems to run out of visitors.
This is untamed, self-drive 4x4 touring at its finest: full-day convoy adventure by day, campfire stories and star-strewn skies by night, guided every step of the way by the Bhejane team.
Baines Baobabs, Nxai Pan
Game viewing in Khwai, Linyanti & Chobe regions
Sunset cruise on the Chobe river
One full day at Victoria Falls
Hwange National Park
Final night at Elephant Sands
We meet at Camelthorn Farmstead, our camp for the next two nights situated on the banks of the Boteti River, lying adjacent to the Khumaga gate of the Makgadikgadi National Park. The afternoon is spent game driving or watching the wildlife drink from the river’s edge from one of the lookout decks without leaving camp – expect elephant, hippo, zebra and lion
Dinner around the campfire under the african sky
(Wi-Fi at Main Camp)
Today we drive to Nxai Pan National Park heading in the direction of Baines Baobabs which lie in the south of the Park. From the Park entrance and a sandy drive of approx. one hour, we reach a cluster of ancient Baobabs known as the Sleeping Sisters. First painted 155 years ago by English artist and adventurer Thomas Baines this impressive huddle of trees still stands seemingly unchanged since the small watercolor first captured the explorer’s attention.
A picnic lunch before the drive back to Camelthorn with sundowners next to the river and dinner around the campfire
An early departure after breakfast, leaving Nxai Pan travelling to Maun and the option of a scenic flight over the Delta - one of Africa's last great natural sanctuaries and home to vast concentrations of wildlife.
Those who decide not to do the scenic flip are able to shop at the local markets and stock up on provisions, enjoy a snack at the Rusty Donkey or explore some of the local markets.
From Maun, the convoy makes it’s way north to the Khwai (Moremi East) and Saguni Camp, sandwiched between Moremi Game Reserve and on the fringes of Chobe National Park. The next three days are game rich viewing opportunities in one of the best places in Botswana to see wild dogs and other predators. With no fences separating any of these areas, you are likely to see just about everything that northern Botswana has to offer.
The Khwai River spreads out forming marshy areas and water channels that have good populations of hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck and lechwe. The dry woodlands away from the river host good populations of sable and roan antelopes, zebras, impalas, giraffes, buffaloes, and many other species.
As is the case with most of northern Botswana, elephants can be found everywhere, as well as lions, leopards and hyenas which are commonly seen. Wild dogs often den in the area during the winter months and can often be seen with their pups. This is a space jam-packed with excellent sighting opportunities and a wildlife photographers dream.
The two full days we enjoy the game viewing at our own pace with plenty of time to kick back a little in this exquisite corner of Africa.
(Wi-Fi at reception)
Leaving the Khwai River behind us, we head north through the Savuti to the remote Linyanti area in Chobe National Park. Travelling through thick, deep sand the going is slow but the game along the route more than makes up for it and by the time we arrive in camp, the Bhejane team is preparing dinner leaving us with just enough time to wash off the Savuti dust and enjoy a sundowner.
Located in the northern corner of Botswana, bordering Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and adjacent to Chobe National Park - the Linyanti river and surrounding area may be remote, but the drawcard is a reserve packed with massive herds of free roaming elephant, and high concentrations of predators that inhabit the open floodplains, lagoons and riverine forests.
(Intermittent Wi-Fi)
We continue north east to Kasane, arriving at our destination, Thebe River Camp. Situated on the Chobe River, there are no boundary fences between the park and the town, so don't be surprised to see the odd warthog or elephant meander down to the river as the day winds down.
There will be an opportunity to restock and refuel in town.
No visit to Chobe would be complete without a few hours on the river, exploring the islands and channels. Chobe sunsets are spectacular, especially with all the animals making their way to the water's edge as the day comes to a close.
(Wi-Fi and Comms at Reception)
After breakfast, we pack up camp, exit Botswana, and cross into Zimbabwe at the Kazungula Border Post. From here it's an easy 1.5-hour drive to the little town of Victoria Falls. The N1 Victoria Falls Hotel is our lodge for the night, and within easy walking distance of the Falls. After check-in, we spend the day exploring the town, which is dominated by the massive Falls, lush rainforest, and riverbanks along the Zambezi River.
After taking in the wonders of the Falls, you can enjoy a superb lunch at LOOKOUT POINT restaurant situated just above the Zambezi Gorge, or head over to Vic Falls Hotel and enjoy their High Tea.
Formal accommodation at the Lodge. Wi-Fi at Lodge
Entrance to Vic Falls National Park is included in the tour package. Optional Activities: adventure activities such as bungy jumping and helicopter flights over the Falls (not included in the tour price). Speak to your guide who will make all the necessary arrangements on your behalf
Lunch, Dinner and breakfast on Day 10 are not included in the tour cost
Before departure this morning, there is an opportunity for a visit to the local markets where traditional Tonga basketware, beadwork, drums and carved stools form part of a thriving industry. We refuel and head towards Hwange.
It’s a very easy 4.5 hour drive on the Bulawayo Road and we arrive in Hwange town with plenty of time to refuel and restock. Tuskers camp is beautifully positioned, and although not actually in the Hwange National Park, is a mere 30-minute drive to the Main Gate entrance.
After a light lunch, it’s time to relax either cooling off in the shade of the trees by the deck that surrounds the water hole or heading into the park for our first Hwange wilderness experience.
Dinner this evening is served around the campfire.
The following day after breakfast there is no time to be wasted!
As Hwange is the largest national park in Zimbabwe, and one of the largest in Southern Africa, we spend the day game viewing on the park’s good road network. There are numerous hides, and, at certain times of the year, Hwange boasts the world’s largest elephant population, with up to 70 000 elephants in the park!
Healthy packed lunches Bhejane-Style that are easy to eat while game viewing are prepared by the chef for your midday sustenance.
Please note that we will not be game viewing in a convoy but rather everyone will go their own way on the good road network. It would be advisable to have a GPS with Tracks 4 Africa as park maps are not available.
Sundowners on the deck late afternoon in front of the waterhole sets the scene for our last night under the Zimbabwean stars. Photographs and memories are shared, before our evening meal.
(Wi-Fi Intermittent and camp dependent)
Breakfast this morning is excluded
After breakfast we leave Hwange and head back into Botswana en route the town of Nata and our camp at Elephant Sands, for our last night set within an unfenced 16 000-hectare private conservancy which is home to a variety of wildlife who are able to roam freely in the area.
This evening we enjoy sundowners around the Elephant Sands unfenced natural water hole. Expect to see herds of elephant congregating around the water hole at the end of the day, right in front of you!
Bring a good torch or headlamp for nighttime strolls to avoid unexpected encounters with browsing giants!
Our last night is spent around the campfire enjoying our last meal together, a more idyllic setting to the end of a memorable holiday one could not find.
(Wi-Fi at reception)
A last breakfast with new friends, perhaps a final cup of coffee and another group photo, and then it’s time to pack up, say our goodbyes and head home.
