Botswana Safari And Gorilla Trekking, A Detailed Itinerary, Map & Tips

Botswana Safari And Gorilla Trekking: A Detailed Itinerary, Map & Tips. Botswana and Rwanda’s diverse flora and fauna provide some of the most intimate wildlife encounters we’ve ever had, based on our excursions throughout Africa. The UNESCO-recognized Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the most significant wildlife areas in Africa, home to the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, cape buffalo, rhinos, and leopards) as well as exceptional bird viewing. In stark contrast to Botswana, the Rwandan highlands provide the closest encounter with the wild: Rwandan mountain gorillas. To ensure a minimal human impact, each of the 10 habituated gorilla families can only be visited by a maximum of eight people per day. Even our most seasoned Africa travelers regard the Rwanda gorilla trekking experience to be their number one wildlife adventure activity anywhere!

Mountain Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

Detailed Itinerary: Botswana Safari And Gorilla Trekking

Day 1: Fly to Johannesburg

Through our sister company, premium air service provider The Bespoke African Safari Co, we can assist you with international airfare and the conversion of miles.

Day 2: Arrive Johannesburg + Fly Johannesburg/Maun/Okavango Delta

You will be assisted with connecting to your flight to Maun upon your arrival in Johannesburg. You will be assisted in boarding a light aircraft bound for the Okavango and then driven to Vumbura Plains Camp in Maun.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Vumbura Plains Camp

Day 3 – 4: Wildlife Viewing at Vumbura Plains Camp

Vumbura Plains Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Vumbura Plains Camp provides a range of safari experiences that encompass land, water, and air, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the diverse and ever-changing scenery. The local ecosystem boasts a diverse array of wildlife, encompassing various species such as impala, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, and crocodiles, which provide ample opportunities for seeing avian fauna as well. For individuals seeking a more daring experience, it is also possible to make a formal inquiry for a guided nature walk, with the added precaution of being accompanied by an armed guide. Engaging in a “wet camp” provides individuals with abundant opportunities to explore the delta region through the use of traditional mokoro vessels, which are dug-out canoes that offer a pleasurable experience. Vumbura, situated in the northernmost region of the Okavango Delta, presents a diverse array of habitats and species, affording visitors the opportunity to observe a comprehensive range of wildlife that inhabits the Okavango Delta.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Vumbura Plains Camp

Day 5: Fly Okavango Delta/Moremi Game Reserve

After the morning meal and, if there is enough time, a final excursion to observe animals at Vumbura, you will be transported to the runway for your flight on a small plane to Sanctuary Chief’s Camp located in the Moremi Game Reserve.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Day 6 – 8: Wildlife Viewing at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Proficient guides will impart their comprehensive understanding of wildlife as they provide you the remarkable chance to observe lions, antelope, zebras, buffalo, and wild dogs in their natural habitats. Participants will get the opportunity to partake in a visually captivating helicopter excursion above the Moremi Game Reserve.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Day 9: Fly Moremi Game Reserve/Maun/Johannesburg

You will be transferred to the airfield for your light aircraft journey to Maun after breakfast and, if time permits, one more game drive at Sanctuary Chief’s. Help with making your connection at Maun to get to Johannesburg is provided. You will be compelled to spend the night in Johannesburg, and upon arrival you will be assisted with checking into the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel

Day 10: Fly Johannesburg/Kigali + Private Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

You will be collected at the airport in Kigali and brought to a nearby restaurant for lunch. After a sobering stop at the Genocide Memorial, you’ll be whisked away in a private vehicle to one of our three recommended accommodations on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, or One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. You have the rest of the day to relax at the resort and get ready for your gorilla expedition tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, or One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Day 11 – 12: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

GORILLA TREKKING in Rwanda

To go gorilla trekking, everyone in your group must be at least 15 years old. Only 80 gorilla permits are provided daily, and each visitor is guaranteed one hour with a gorilla family. This is to minimize the negative impact that humans have on these remarkable animals. You will be picked up in the morning and taken to the park headquarters where you will meet the other members of your gorilla tracking group. There will be no more than eight individuals in your group, making this a very intimate and special time. To find out more about this unbelievable meeting.

Day 13: Fly Kigali/Johannesburg/Home

After a hearty morning meal, you’ll be driven discreetly to Kigali to catch your flight to Johannesburg, where you’ll be helped to catch your connecting aircraft back home.

End of the 13 Days Botswana Safari And Gorilla Trekking