Botswana captivates the imagination with its dramatic landscapes and bountiful wildlife.
Journey to the Heart of Africa
Itinerary: 11 Days, 10 Nights
Botswana captivates the imagination with its dramatic landscapes and bountiful wildlife. Here the dusty Kalahari Desert gives way to the watery paradise of the Okavango Delta and some of the world’s most endangered animals roam free. The only inland delta of its kind, the Okavango is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a staggering variety of animals, plants, fish, and birds. Three luxurious Belmond lodges, each located in a premium wildlife-viewing area, are a perfect base for an exciting African adventure to this paradise. Paired with stops in South Africa’s urban centers, this 11-day itinerary into the heart of Africa ticks off many must-see boxes.
Laid-back urban escape
With friendly locals and a relaxed vibe, Johannesburg is an easy city to love. Stay at the Four Seasons Westcliff, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding greenery and easy access to the city’s top sights. Amenities at this 5-star resort include world-class restaurants, two beautiful pools, and a luxe spa.
Water-based adventure
Located on a private island in the middle of the Okavango Delta, the Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is the perfect place for a water-focused safari. Watch the game from a viewing platform, take a guided walking tour to visit a local community, ride the jet boat along the winding waterways or head out into Lakeland on a traditional mokoro canoe. Ride on horseback next to buffalo, elephants, and wild African dogs on the hunt, or get a birdseye view of this magnificent landscape from a helicopter.
Big game viewing
An untouched wilderness, the protected Moremi Wildlife Reserve is home to zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, and elephant, as well as predators such as lion, leopard, and spotted hyena. Explore the area from Belmond Khwai River Lodge, which sits adjacent to the floodplains and attracts a large variety of big games. Go on a moonlight safari for a rare glimpse into the nocturnal life of the African bush.
Call of the wild
Authentic and wild, the Chobe National Park provides sweeping views of the true African savannah dotted by rocky outcrops. Located in the heart of the reserve, on the banks of a river, the Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge is a magnet for wildlife. Spend the evening sharing safari stories around a roaring campfire.
Energetic port city
Cape Town is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Table Mountains and filled with world-class restaurants, stunning views of the Atlantic, and a relaxed vibe that makes visitors feel at home. Belmond Mount Nelson has long been regarded as one of the city’s top 5-star hotels and enjoys a superb location at the foot of Table Mountain, just a short stroll from downtown.
Extend your stay: A visit to iconic Victoria Falls can be easily added to this itinerary.
– The Tully Team