Journeys: Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Journeys: Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari" tour, where you'll explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Southern Africa. Begin your journey at the iconic Victoria Falls, then venture into Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park for thrilling open-vehicle safaris. Cross into Botswana to cruise the Chobe River, home to the world's largest elephant herds. Experience the serene beauty of the Okavango Delta, navigating its waterways by mokoro and enjoying wildlife excursions. Stay in comfortable safari lodges and camps, and immerse yourself in local culture with storytelling and traditional dinners. This small group tour, part of the National Geographic Journeys and Jane Goodall Collection, offers an upgraded safari experience with a focus on conservation and cultural heritage. With a variety of transport modes including private vehicles, boats, and planes, this tour promises an enriching and adventurous exploration of Botswana and Zimbabwe. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Victoria Falls
Location: Victoria Falls
Accommodation: Explorers Village Lodge - Deluxe
Accommodation Name: Explorers Village Lodge
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Additional Information: If you are interested in spending more time in Victoria Falls, it is recommended to book pre-accommodation to fully experience everything Victoria Falls and the Zambezi area has to offer.
TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
ACTIVITY: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Day 2: Victoria Falls/Hwange National Park
Location: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park
Accommodation: Iganyana Tented Camp
Accommodation Name: Iganyana Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Victoria Falls at leisure this morning, and opt to take a guided tour of this thundering natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, transfer to the headquarters of Painted Dog Conservation. Learn about this non-profit organization’s work to protect and rehabilitate injured painted dogs (also known as African wild dogs), and hear from a conservationist about the threats to these endangered animals. Afterward, venture out on safari in Hwange National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserves and home to nearly half of the country's elephant population.
Examine the life and struggles faced by the Painted Dog (wild dog) population in and around Hwange national park and the efforts made by the conservancy to prevent poaching and the damage done by snare traps that have endangered the Painted Dog population in Zimbabwe. The ultimate goal of the project is to release rehabilitated animals back into the wild and to work with local children and communities in an effort to educate and shift behaviors away from poaching.
Additional Information: Road conditions in the region can range from good to very poor. As such, we slow our traveling speed in the rough spots and enjoy some sand and bumps – all part of the adventure of traveling in Africa.
Please note that hot water shortages, low water pressure and power outages can occur in Southern Africa. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control. Wifi is available in most places (extra charge may apply), but in remote areas there can be service interruptions. A/C is not generally available in the accommodations we use, really it isn't needed as evenings tend to cool down. Floor or ceiling fans are usually available.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit Painted Dog Conservancy and meet with a senior conservationist to learn about the work being done to rehabilitate animals that have been injured from poaching. Learn about the dangers wild dogs face in and around Hwange National Park. The ultimate goal of the project is to release rehabilitated wild dogs back into the wild and to work with local children and communities in an effort to educate and shift behaviors away from poaching.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in the lodge's private concession, bordering the Hwange National Park. Keep an eye out for Africa's Big Five, as well as other predators, and over 300 bird species.
Day 3: Hwange National Park
Location: Hwange National Park
Accommodation: Iganyana Tented Camp
Accommodation Name: Iganyana Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set out on morning and late afternoon safaris through the sweeping grasslands of Hwange National Park and Dete Vlei. Track resident elephant and buffalo herds, as well as giraffes, lions, zebras, and the rare African wild dog. This evening, relax on the deck of your lodge or visit the underground hiding area which is perfect for photography enthusiasts, keeping an eye out for the wild creatures that visit the lodge’s watering hole.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest park, and home to elephant herds, lions, and the rare African wild dog. Get your cameras ready and keep an eye out for Africa's "big five," as well as other predators, over 300 bird species, and discover a remote portion of Hwange National Park where you will seldom see another vehicle.
Day 4: Hwange/Chobe NP
Location: Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge
Accommodation Name: Chobe Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Hwange and head north, crossing the border into Botswana and arriving in Kasane—the gateway to the stunning Chobe National Park. Settle into your lodge and embark on a boat safari on the Chobe River, the lifeline of the park. Look out for submerged hippos, basking crocodiles, bathing elephants, and an abundance of birdlife from the boat’s deck, and witness a spectacular fiery sunset over the river.
Keep an eye out for Chobe bushbuck and puku antelope, which are found only in this part of Botswana. The Chobe River is home to the world’s largest elephant herds; buffalo, hippos, and lions can also be seen here.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
ACTIVITY: EVENING Get a fantastic perspective of one of Botswana's national parks and its thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles, and hippos on a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. Bring a few drinks and a camera, sit back, and enjoy the view.
Day 5: Chobe NP
Location: Chobe National Park
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge
Accommodation Name: Chobe Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, continue your exploration of Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. On a safari along the banks of the Chobe River, keep an eye out for elephants, buffalo, lions, zebra, and rare semi-aquatic antelope, as well as an incredible variety of birds. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to get to know the area at your own pace.
ACTIVITY: MORNING Immerse yourself in Chobe National Park in an open-backed, open-seated safari vehicle, and experience the stunning wilderness of the game-rich park in the care of a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Explore with your eyes as the tour drives along routes that overlook the beautiful Chobe River and keep an eye out for the remarkable variety of animals that are drawn to this permanent water source.
During the safari drives it is not uncommon to spot several of Africa’s “big five” in the greater Chobe area and the early morning drive lasting 3 hours is a wonderful opportunity to have some unique sightings.
FREE TIME: Relax, or opt to explore this beautiful area at your own pace.
Day 6: Kasane/Okavango Delta
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge
Accommodation Name: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take in the views on a scenic flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Climb into a mokoro (dugout canoe) and glide along the waterways around our remote camp to catch a first glimpse of the area’s abundant wildlife. Settle into comfortable tents, explore the camp, or opt to go for a swim. After lunch, embark on a wildlife cruise, watching for hippos and elephants as well as aquatic birds drawn by the region’s unique fish and insects. Enjoy a sundowner deck back at the camp before dinner under the stars.
Please note that the Okavango Wilderness Project talk may be moved to the day that the group arrives in Maun due to the availability of lecturers within the region.
Additional Information: Planes used to fly into the Delta are small and weight restrictions are mandatory. For this reason luggage restrictions are 15kg per person for checked in luggage and 5kg for Hand luggage for a maximum of 20kg per person. As well, the airline requires the weight of each passenger, your CEO will collect this information from you privately, at the beginning of the trip.
Please note that during your time at camp any dietary requirements can be catered for – please just let our managers know on arrival so that special meals may be prepared.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Day 7: Okavango Delta
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge
Accommodation Name: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get an early start today, hopping into mokoros to maneuver through narrow channels of the delta. Arrive at Chief’s Island, part of the Moremi Game Reserve , and set out on a thrilling bush walk. Follow a guide into the wilderness, in search of giraffe, zebra, lion, kudu, elephant, and hippo as well as all manner of birdlife. Identify tracks and other signs of wildlife and learn about the medicinal uses of native plants and trees. Return to camp for brunch, then enjoy free time to relax or observe wildlife from the deck. After high tea, head out for another boating activity or wildlife drive. This evening, take time to stargaze and listen to the enchanting sounds of the delta after dark.
Tonight, the group will stay at Moremi Crossing accommodation, in en suite meru tents equipped with running hot and cold water, full beds, linens and a towel. Each tent is on its own deck dotted along the fringe of the island tucked away amongst the pristine riverine ecosystem filled with wildlife. There are animal sightings from the decking area on a regular basis.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy wildlife walks and viewing, mokoro trips, and birdwatching in the pristine wilderness area of the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta. In the evening, count the shooting stars, sing with the locals, or simply unwind with a sundowner (cheers!) around the campfire.
Day 8: Okavango Delta
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge
Accommodation Name: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embark on both morning and late afternoon wildlife excursions by boat, on foot, or by jeep, depending on current conditions and water levels. In between, enjoy the amenities at the camp, go for a swim, or relax with a book on the deck. Remember to keep your eyes open and binoculars close to observe passing wildlife.
Chief’s Island is a large area and the animals are free to move as they choose – and they do! During your guided walk there’s a chance you’ll see: lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu and hippo as well as a plethora of birdlife – particularly when the migratory species return to us between October and March. There is a huge difference to being on foot rather than in a vehicle for such encounters!
ACTIVITY: Continue exploring the Delta on a bush walk or by mokoro through the channels, searching for wildlife as you go.
Day 9: Okavango Delta/Maun
Location: Okavango Delta, Maun
Accommodation: Cresta Maun
Accommodation Name: Cresta Maun
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early-morning wildlife excursion, fly to the frontier town of Maun. Meet with an expedition member on National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project, a multi-year collaboration between international and local experts to survey the Okavango watershed’s biodiversity and ensure its future protection. Watch the National Geographic documentary “Into the Okavango,” and learn about delta conservation projects in the area. In the evening, experience a night of storytelling and traditional foods with celebrated local author Bonty Botumile. Born in Maun, Bonty’s work is dedicated to preserving Botswana’s literary heritage and providing youth with employment opportunities in the arts. Listen as she shares her in-depth knowledge of the region’s cultural history, and cap off the night with a delicious meal and colourful stories around a warm fire.
Additional Information: Please note that today you will be served a brunch between 10-11 before boarding your flight to Maun.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
ACTIVITY: National Geographic Explorer Steve Boyes leads the Okavango Wilderness Project, a multi-year collaboration between international and local African experts to survey the Okavango watershed's biodiversity and ensure its future protection. Join one of the expedition members to watch and discuss the new National Geographic documentary Into the Okavango, and learn about the delta conservation projects in the area.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy an evening of culture with celebrated author Bonty Botumile and the Thari-E-Ntsho Storytellers, a local enterprise dedicated to preserving Botswana’s heritage and providing youth with employment opportunities in the arts. Born in Maun, Bonty is a recipient of the Bessie Head Literature Award. Listen as she shares her in-depth understanding of the region’s cultural history. Cap off the night with traditional fare and storytelling around a warm fire.
Day 10: Maun
Location: Maun
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (1 nts), safari lodges/camp (8 nts) -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 8 dinners -
Journeys Highlight Moment
Experience the Painted Dog Conservation at Hwange National Park, the Okavango Wilderness Project, and Botswana Storytelling and Traditional Dinner in Maun.
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Arrival Transfer
An arrival transfer is included to start your adventure.
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Wildlife Safari Drives
Open-vehicle wildlife safari drives in Hwange and Chobe National Parks are included.
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Chobe Boat Safari
Enjoy a boat safari on the Chobe River.
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Wildlife Excursions
Participate in wildlife excursions by boat and foot in the Okavango Delta.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Transport
Private vehicle, 4x4, walking, boat, mokoro, plane.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 1 night in hotels and 8 nights in safari lodges/camps, offering a blend of luxury and adventure in the heart of nature.
Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 8 dinners
Group Size
Max 12, avg 10
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in Botswana. On this tour, we provide only a few meals for you and your group members, so as to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility in your choices. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though - while in the larger centres, your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
For the included meals, vegetarian meal requests and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.
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Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a mix of private vehicles, 4x4s, walking, boats, mokoros, and planes, ensuring a seamless and adventurous journey through the stunning landscapes.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. TRAVEL DAYS
This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.
2. INTERNAL FLIGHT WEIGHT RESTRICTION
Planes used to fly into the Delta are small and weight restrictions are mandatory. For this reason luggage restrictions are 15kg per person for checked in luggage and 5kg for Hand luggage for a maximum of 20kg per person. As well, the airline requires the weight of each passenger, your CEO will collect this information from you privately, at the beginning of the trip.
3. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
4. EXTRAS
Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask your sales GCO or travel agent about booking.
5. YELLOW FEVER
According to the WHO and CDC, there is no risk of yellow fever in Botswana. It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are travelling to Botswana from a Yellow Fever endemic country, or have recently travelled to a Yellow Fever endemic country (with entry stamps in your passport), including the following countries (but not limited to): Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Zambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.
**We advise all travelers to Botswana who are coming from one of the above countries, or who have visited them in the last 10 years, to be prepared with a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate or letter from your doctor with proof of vaccination. Yellow Fever inoculations need to be administered at least 10 days prior to your entry into the country. Border officials in Botswana have been strictly enforcing these requirements. Travelers without the correct documentation run the risk of being denied entry, and will not be able to continue with the tour. (Any additional travel expenses will be on your own account.) **
6. MONEY EXCHANGE
We strongly advise that you bring ZAR or USD from your home country or exchange money before the start of the tour, to avoid delays on tour. Please see the Money Exchange section for more details.
7. DRONES
The use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
8. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
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Group Leader
On this tour, you will be accompanied by a group Chief Experience Officer (CEO). All of our leaders in Southern Africa are registered and licensed tourism guides, meaning they’ve studied to have a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife, and are legally certified to lead/guide tours in the regions visited.
As the group manager and leader, the aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places where are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
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About Accommodation
General notes
-Please note that hot water shortages, low water pressure, and power outages can occur in Southern Africa. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
-Wifi is available in most places (extra charge may apply), but in remote areas, there can be service interruptions
-A/C is not generally available in the accommodations we use, really it isn't needed as evenings tend to cool down. Floor or ceiling fans are usually available
-Winter nights (June to September) can be cold, and most lodges and hotels do not have insulation or central heating. If you require additional blankets or a hot water bottle, these can be requested through your CEO or at the reception.
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What to Take
You will be on the move a lot and the small planes used have limited luggage storage, so please pack as lightly as possible to avoid issues. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one small soft compact sports/duffel bag, or backpack, (no hard suitcases please) weighing no more than 15kg. plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited.
Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.
The Southern Hemisphere essentially has the opposite weather to the Northern Hemisphere. The winter months of June, July and August, whilst clear and warm during the day (up to 25 degrees), can drop down to single figures and even below freezing at night. Between September and May it is considerably warmer with the time between October and March being the hottest, getting up to the high 30C and sometimes above. However it is always a dry heat and the temperature does drop at night. The wet season is between November and February, but this is not a bad time to go, as it generally does not rain for very long. We strongly recommend lots of layers to wear from the start of the day until the night. You might still need to wear a fleece jacket in the mornings, a t-shirt during the day and again the fleece jacket at sunset time. A woollen hat is also very much recommendable for the cold winter’s early morning wildlife safari drives.
Please be advised that if you plan to bring a drone with you, the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the safari drives in Hwange National Park?
During the safari drives in Hwange National Park, you can expect to see elephant and buffalo herds, giraffes, lions, zebras, and the rare African wild dog. The park is also home to over 300 bird species.
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What activities are included in the Okavango Delta experience?
In the Okavango Delta, you will enjoy wildlife walks, mokoro trips, and birdwatching. You will also have the opportunity to explore the delta on a bush walk or by mokoro through the channels, searching for wildlife.
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What is the luggage restriction for the internal flight to the Okavango Delta?
The luggage restriction for the internal flight to the Okavango Delta is 15kg per person for checked luggage and 5kg for hand luggage, with a maximum of 20kg per person.
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What is the focus of the Painted Dog Conservation visit?
The focus of the Painted Dog Conservation visit is to learn about the efforts to protect and rehabilitate injured painted dogs, also known as African wild dogs, and to understand the threats they face, such as poaching and snare traps.
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What can I expect during the Chobe River boat safari?
During the Chobe River boat safari, you can expect to see submerged hippos, basking crocodiles, bathing elephants, and an abundance of birdlife. The Chobe River is home to the world's largest elephant herds, and you may also see buffalo, hippos, and lions.
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What is the purpose of the Okavango Wilderness Project talk?
The purpose of the Okavango Wilderness Project talk is to learn about the multi-year collaboration between international and local experts to survey the Okavango watershed's biodiversity and ensure its future protection. You will also watch the National Geographic documentary 'Into the Okavango' and learn about delta conservation projects.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The accommodation during the tour includes hotels for 1 night and safari lodges/camps for 8 nights. In the Okavango Delta, you will stay in en suite meru tents equipped with running hot and cold water, full beds, linens, and a towel.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Journeys: Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari
10 Days Starting in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and ending in Maun, Botswana
Visiting: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Maun
Tour operator:
Tour code:
24788
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
