The 16-day Botswana, South Africa and Rwanda safari takes you to three of Africa’s most iconic destinations. The journey begins in Botswana and ends in Rwanda. The trip offers a mix of wildlife, culture and adventure for travelers seeking the best of Southern and East Africa. Explore the waterways of Okavango Delta, spot massive elephant herds in Chobe National Park, experience the cultural highlights of South Africa and end your trip in misty forests of Rwanda, home to endangered mountain gorillas.
Trip summary
Day 1: Arrival in Maun.
Day 2: Transfer to Okavango.
Day 3: Full day exploration of delta on Mokoro.
Day 4: Transfer to Savuti Chobe National Park.
Day 5: Game drive in Savuti Chobe National Park.
Day 6: Transfer to Chobe riverfront for water excursion.
Day 7: Transfer to Victoria falls.
Day 8: Transfer to Cape Town.
Day 9: Cape peninsular tour.
Day 10: Table mountain and city tour.
Day 11: Transfer to Kruger.
Day 12: Game drive in Kruger National Park.
Day 13: Transfer to Kigali.
Day 14: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and visit Iby’Iwacu cultural village.
Day 15: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 16: Departure.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Maun
When you arrive at Maun International Airport, your tour guide will meet you and take you to Thamalakane River Lodge, where you will spend the night. If you arrive early, you can relax at the lodge or explore Maun town at your own pace. Take a walk around the town to see local life. You can try some traditional food at Marc’s Eatery or shop for souvenirs at Duck Café. Don’t miss the Nhabe Museum which shows the history and culture of the Okavango Delta. Inside, the Bailey Arts Centre lets you watch local artists at work and buy handmade items like baskets, paintings, pottery, and prints a real taste of Botswana’s creativity. For a quiet moment, visit the Thamalakane Riverfront, where you can enjoy the river views, take photos or simply relax and watch the sunset. Walking or taking a short taxi ride makes it easy to get around. You can make some money exchange to Botswana Pula for small purchases though many places accept cards. After exploring, return to Thamalakane River Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Transfer to Okavango delta
After an early breakfast in Maun, you set off for the Okavango Delta travelling by road via Matlola. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on road conditions and the park gate used. This drive takes you through villages, cattle posts, and wide open Kalahari landscapes offering a glimpse into everyday rural life in Botswana. Along the way, you may stop to stretch your legs, take photos, or interact briefly with locals, adding a light cultural touch to the journey. By midday, you arrive at one of the Okavango Delta entry points and continue to your lodge 4 Rivers Okavango Lodge, Camp Okavango Lodge, Camp Xakanaxa Okavango Lodge, Eagle Island Lodge Okavango. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed lunch with views of the surrounding waterways and floodplains. This is a perfect moment to rest after the drive. The Okavango Delta is located in the Kalahari Desert of northern Botswana. It is one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems. The delta has seasonal floodwaters that create a lush oasis of channels, lagoons, islands, and grasslands.
In the afternoon, head out for an evening traditional mokoro ride. You will be guided by the local guide and explore the sections of the Okavango delta. Most of these local guides are Bayei who are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of the delta. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about the diverse life within the inland oasis. The guides share knowledge about all creatures at Okavango Delta, for instance big fives along the shores and reed frogs. During the ride, you’ll stop at one of the islands for a nature walk and later you will continue with exploring the unlimited channels and stop at any other island as you may please. This experience is best done between June and September when water levels are high and wildlife gathers near permanent water sources thus offering excellent game viewing. Alternatively, you may take a motorboat cruise to explore larger channels and look for hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the riverbanks. At 6:00 pm return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Full day exploration of the delta on the mokor
After breakfast depart for your full day mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta. You will explore sections of the permanent Delta by boats, traditional dugout canoes and nature walks all guided by the local guide. Your guide will share their knowledge of the region, highlighting the unique features and intricate ecosystems of this part of the Okavango Delta. Many of these guides are Bayei, believed to be some of the earliest inhabitants of the Delta. You’ll have the chance to learn about the diverse life within this inland oasis, from tiny creatures like reed frogs to Big Five mammals along the shores. The guide will also explain the traditional and medicinal uses of the Delta’s wild plants. During your journey, you’ll stop at one of the islands for a packed lunch, followed by a nature walk. After relaxing you will continue with your adventure exploring the unlimited channels and choosing to stop at any other islands as you may please. Return from the activity at 6:00 pm. Dinner and overnight stay at Divava Okavango Resort & Spa.
Day 4: Transfer from Okavango Delta to Savuti- Chobe National Park
After breakfast at your lodge in the Okavango Delta, you’ll depart for Savuti, a famous region in Chobe National Park. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours by road depending on conditions and travels through scenic landscapes of northern Botswana including open savannah, dry riverbeds, and small villages. Along the way, you may spot wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, impalas and elephants offering a preview of the adventure. The drive is usually conducted in a 4×4 safari vehicle, which allows for easy wildlife spotting and photo opportunities along the way. Along the way there are hidden gems for instance, small waterholes and dry river channels where animals often gather.
Savuti also known as Savuti Marsh is located in the west of the Chobe National Park and is famous for lion prides, hyenas and seasonal predators that follow water sources. This area was once home to a large lake but due to tectonic movements, water supply was cut off causing it to dry up. The river that remained in this channel is seasonal as it flows and dries up sometimes completely. Besides the channel, Savuti hosts other habitats like mopane woodlands, and savannah grassland which supports a variety of wildlife species. Some of these include giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, wild dogs, leopards and lions.
Chobe National Park is located in northern Botswana and is best known for having one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.
The park is centered around the Chobe River, which attracts wildlife year-round especially during the dry season. Chobe is home to elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species. Its rich wildlife, beautiful river scenery, and easy access make it one of Botswana’s most rewarding safari destinations. Upon arrival in Savuti, check into your safari lodge or camp. Overnight stay and dinner at Savuti lodge or camp
Day 5: Game drive in Savuti
You will have two full days exploring Savuti and you can enjoy the game drives at different times each day and spend several hours in the wild. Wake up at 5:00 am for breakfast and prepare for the morning game drive which starts at 6:00 am. At this time the nocturnals and the big cats are still active thus offering chances to see them. Around late morning, return to your camp or lodge for bush brunch. After relaxing in the afternoon you can go for an evening game drive using different routes in search of animals.
The evening game drives usually;y last between 3:30 to 6:30 pm and this is a great time to spot wild dogs as they love hunting at this time. Also lions can be witnessed walking down the roads to one of the three man-made watering holes in Savuti. Game drives are specially done in 4×4 vehicles for 3 hours. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Transfer to Chobe riverfront for water excursion
This morning you’ll head off on your final safari in Botswana. Enjoy a 4 hour drive from Savuti to Kasane. You can also prefer to use flights which take less than an hour. The town lies in the northeast of Botswana near the border of Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Have lunch in Kasane town and later hop on a boat cruise at Chobe riverfront. This is an excellent way to observe hippos, crocodiles and elephants up close without causing disturbance, along with other animals that gather at the riverbank.
The Chobe River is the main water source in the area lying along the northern boundary of Chobe National Park. The river attracts wildlife from miles around for instance, huge numbers of buffaloes, elephants, and lions are often spotted and other plains game. Most safari activities are conducted on the river since it gives access to other inaccessible parts of Chobe National park. Boat cruises tend to last around 3 hours and give you front-row seats to unparalleled animal encounters and great good points for photos too. Alternatively you can opt for a game drive along the riverfront. Dinner and overnight stay at River View Lodge, Chobe Marina Lodge, and Sunbirds Hotel Chobe.
Day 7: Transfer to Victoria falls
After breakfast, you will embark on an hour-long journey to Victoria falls in Zimbabwe depending on how long you spend at the border crossing. It’s a good idea to arrive early at the border to avoid the long queues which can escalate the whole day. You will need to pay for a visa on arrival and payments depend on your nationality. In case you want to view the falls from the Zambia side too you should mention it since you’ll need to be able to re-enter Zimbabwe after seeing falls in Zambia. It can take 10 minutes on border crossing and later drive through the mopane woodland. Different animals can be spotted at the side of the road.
Pass through the Victoria falls town which offers a gateway to Victoria falls, the world’s largest waterfall. The falls are 1.7 km wide and drop 108 meters into the Zambezi Gorge. Locally Victoria falls are known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” meaning “The Smoke that Thunders.” It takes around 3 hours to view Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side which is the most spectacular side. There are 16 different viewpoints and each offers breathtaking views than the last. However, the last viewpoint can get you pretty wet so make sure to bring some rain coats. Afterward, cross the bridge into Zambia, go through immigration, and enjoy another perspective of the cascades from the other. You are allowed 3 hours for this side too.
On the Zambian side there is Devil’s pool where travelers can swim up to the edge of the falls. This pool is usually open only between mid-August and mid-January. However many visitors combine a stop at Devil’s Pool with a boat trip to Livingstone Island which is in the middle of the river. Dinner and overnight stay at Victoria Falls Hotel, Shongwe Lookout,, and Pamarah Lodge in Zimbabwe’s Victoria falls town.
Day 8: Transfer to Cape Town
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Cape Town, South Africa. This journey combines a short regional flight with a connecting flight to Cape Town and takes approximately 5 to 7 hours including layover time. Most of these regional flights pass via Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport. As you depart from Victoria Falls, you leave behind the thundering waterfalls. On your arrival in Cape Town, you’ll see a big change in wild landscapes. The coastal city is surrounded by mountains, ocean views and vibrant neighborhoods. You’ll meet your guide at Cape Town International Airport and you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you may choose to relax at the lodge, walk around the area, or try a local restaurant and taste South African cuisine. Overnight stay and dinner City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront, ONOMO Hotel Cape Town, Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge, and Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town.
Day 9: Cape peninsular tour
After breakfast, you set off on a full-day journey around the Cape Peninsula, one of the most scenic regions in South Africa. The tour starts with the Atlantic Seaboard where sweeping ocean views meet with mountain backdrops. The journey takes you past the beautiful beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay with the iconic Twelve Apostles mountains rising behind the coastline offering excellent opportunities for photos along the way.
The drive continues to the harbor town of Hout Bay, a coastal gem known for its fishing heritage. Here, you may choose to take an optional boat cruise to Seal Island, home to a lively colony of Cape fur seals, or spend some time exploring the small craft markets near the harbor. From Hout Bay, the journey follows the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, a winding coastal road carved into steep cliffs and widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking drives in the world.
By late morning, you arrive at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve which is defined by rugged landscapes, windswept beaches, and rich biodiversity. You’ll have time to explore the reserve, spot wildlife such as baboons, ostriches, and antelope, and make your way to Cape Point for panoramic views from the lighthouse. The meeting of land and ocean here creates a powerful sense of being at the edge of the continent.
Afterward, the tour co ntinues to the naval town of Simon’s Town where you will have your lunch from. In the afternoon, visit Boulders Beach for African penguin spotting. On the return journey to Cape Town, you will pass through the village of Kalk Bay which is known for its colorful fishing boats, seaside cafés, and old-world charm. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Table mountain and city tour
After breakfast, you go on a city tour of Cape Town, a city surrounded by mountains and the ocean. You drive through the city center and see important places such as Parliament Buildings, City Hall, and the Castle of Good Hope. Your guide explains the history of the city and how different cultures live together today. Next stop, you visit Bo-Kaap, the area known for its bright houses and rich Cape Malay culture. You can walk around, and take photos.
Later in the morning, you travel to Table Mountain, Cape Town’s most famous landmark. If the weather is good, you take a cable car to the top of the mountain. From the top, you enjoy wide views of the city, the ocean, and nearby islands. You will be allowed to walk around and take photos. After coming down from the mountain, you have time for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you may visit Greenmarket Square where local people sell crafts and souvenirs. This is a good place to buy gifts and see local life. Later in the late afternoon return to your lodge for overnight stay and dinner.
Day 11: Transfer to Kruger National Park
After breakfast, you check out from your hotel in Cape Town and transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Kruger National Park. The flight from Cape Town to Kruger (via Johannesburg or direct to a nearby airport such as Hoedspruit, Skukuza, or Nelspruit) takes about 5 to 6 hours in total including connection time. The direct flying time is approximately 2 to 3 hours, while road travel would take more than 18 hours, making flying the best and most comfortable option.
On arrival at the airport near Kruger National Park, you will meet your guide or lodge representative who will drive you to your lodge. The drive to the lodge usually takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the location of the camp and park gate used. Along the way, you may begin to see wildlife such as antelope, giraffes, or elephants, marking the start of your safari experience. After checking in at the lodge, the rest of the day is free to rest and relax after the long journey. Overnight stay and dinner at Skukuza Rest Camp, Lower Sabie Rest Camp, Satara Rest Camp, Olifants Rest Camp and Pretoriuskop Rest Camp
Kruger National Park is located in the northeastern part of South Africa and among the largest national parks in Africa. The protected area covers a vast area of savannah, woodlands, rivers, and open plains. The park is best known for being home to the Big Five-lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros along with many other animals such as giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, and hyenas. Kruger is also a home to over 500 bird species.
Day 12: Game drive in Kruger National Park
After an early breakfast, you set out for a full day game drive in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s best places for wildlife viewing. The drive begins in the early morning which is the best time to see wildlife. During this time animals are more active and you may spot animals like lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and different animal species as they move through the bush. Your guide will stop at good viewing points and share interesting information about the animals, plants, and ecosystem. Around midday, you stop at a rest camp or picnic site inside the park for lunch and a short break. This is a good time to stretch your legs, enjoy refreshments while watching animals near waterholes or rivers.
In the afternoon, the game drive continues as you explore different areas of the park, including open plains, riverbanks, and wooded areas. You may see hippos and crocodiles resting in rivers, as well as many bird species. As the day comes to an end, you return to your lodge or camp in the late afternoon or early evening.
Day 13: Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, you check out from your lodge in Kruger National Park and begin your journey to Kigali, Rwanda. Because of the long distance between the two destinations, the transfer is done by road and international flight, which is the most comfortable and time-saving option.
The guide will drive you to nearby airports for instance Hoedspruit, Skukuza, or Nelspruit and the journey takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the location of the camp. From here, you board your flight to Kigali International Airport, usually with a connection through Johannesburg. The total travel time for the day is approximately 7 to 9 hours, including flight time and connection. Flying time itself is about 4 to 5 hours, while the rest is spent on airport transfers and layovers.
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. The drive into the city is short, usually 15 to 30 minutes, and gives you your first view of Kigali’s clean streets and rolling hills. After check-in, the rest of the day is free to rest and relax after the journey or enjoy a gentle evening walk around the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at Hôtel des Mille Collines, Kigali Serena hotel, Kigali Protea Marriott, Radisson Blu hotel, 5 to 5 hotel, a hotel in Kigali.
Day 14: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Visit Iby’Iwacu cultural village
After breakfast, you leave Kigali and travel north to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and passes through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. Along the way, you enjoy views of green hills, tea plantations, roadside markets, and small villages, giving you a real sense of local life. Short stops can be made for photos, stretching, or to buy local items such as handmade baskets, fruits, and crafts from community stalls.
One of the hidden gems along the route is the scenic countryside of Musanze, where volcanoes slowly appear in the distance. You may also pass local farms and banana plantations, offering a calm and authentic view of rural Rwanda.
Before reaching your lodge, you stop at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village. This community-based experience allows you to learn about traditional Rwandan culture and conservation efforts. During the visit, you take part in several activities, including traditional music and dance performances, drumming, and storytelling about Rwanda’s history and the importance of protecting mountain gorillas.
You will also see demonstrations of traditional hunting techniques, local medicine practices, and craft making. Visitors are invited to participate by learning local dances, trying the drums, wearing traditional clothing, and even taking part in a mock traditional leadership ceremony, making the experience fun and interactive. The visit highlights how local communities have shifted from hunting to conservation and tourism.
After the cultural experience, you continue to Volcanoes National Park and transfer to your lodge. On arrival, you check in and enjoy the views of the Virunga volcanoes. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the lodge facilities, or take a short nature walk around the area. Dinner and overnight stay at Mountain Gorilla view lodge, Tiloreza Volacones eco lodge, Virunga lodge, Gorilla Solution lodge, Da Vinci lodge, and One and Only gorilla nest lodge
Day 15: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you are transferred to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing, which starts at around 7:00–7:30 am. During the briefing, park rangers explain the rules of gorilla trekking, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the walk. You are then assigned to a gorilla family and introduced to your professional guide and trackers.
At about 8:00 am, the trek begins. You drive a short distance to the starting point and then walk into the forest. The trekking time can vary from 1 to 5 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located that day. The walk takes you through bamboo forests, thick vegetation, and mountain slopes, sometimes muddy and steep, so a reasonable level of fitness is helpful. Porters are available to assist with carrying bags and to offer support during the hike.
Once the gorillas are found, you are allowed to spend one hour with them. During this time, you observe the gorillas as they feed, rest, groom each other, and interact in their natural habitat. Your guide helps you understand their behavior and ensures everyone keeps a safe distance while respecting conservation rules. This close encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After the hour with the gorillas, you begin the walk back to the starting point where you receive a gorilla trekking certificate to mark the achievement. You then return to your lodge for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, you head out for a visit to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, located near Volcanoes National Park. These beautiful lakes sit at the base of the Virunga volcanoes and offer peaceful views of water, hills, and local villages. You may take a short walk, enjoy photography, or simply relax while taking in the calm scenery. The area also provides insight into local fishing activities and rural life around the lakes. Later in the afternoon, you return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 16: Departure
After breakfast, you check out from your lodge and begin the drive back to Kigali. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours. On arrival in the city, you enjoy a short Kigali city tour giving you a final look at Rwanda’s capital before departure.
During the city tour, you visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial where you learn about Rwanda’s history and the journey toward peace and unity. You also drive through the city center and residential areas, seeing clean streets, local markets, government buildings, and modern neighborhoods. If time allows, you may stop at a local craft market to buy souvenirs such as baskets, jewelry, and artwork. After the city tour, you are transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. Assistance is provided with check-in and immigration procedures. This marks the end of your safari and cultural journey.