Southern Africa: Cape, Delta & Falls

Southern Africa: Cape, Delta & Falls Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Destination: Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Programmes: Culture
Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
16 Days: Flight Inclusive
14 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: AJV

Trip Overview

Travel from the Mother City to the wilds of Botswana and Zimbabwe, visiting a wealth of natural and cultural wonders

Encompassing three countries, two Natural Wonders of the World, and a string of unforgettable experiences, this unique adventure unwraps the very best of southern Africa. It begins on the Western Cape of South Africa, where sophisticated Cape Town sits at the foot of Table Mountain and elite vineyards produce award-winning wines. We then hop to Botswana for an adventure in the wilds, scouring Chobe National Park on multiple game drives and discovering the Okavango Delta in mokoro canoes while staying in a wild camp. We end in Zimbabwe, marvelling at the thunderous rush and roar of Victoria Falls – a magnificent curtain of water that draws our adventure to a close.

At a Glance

Seven nights in hotels, four nights in lodges and two nights of wild camping
Travel by internal flights, boat, private minibus and 4×4 safari vehicles

Highlights

Marvel at Cape Town and beyond from the summit of Table Mountain
Enjoy wine tasting with food pairings at two wineries in Stellenbosch
Explore the Okavango Delta in poler-guided mokoro canoes
Search for elephants and lions on safari in Chobe National Park
Visit the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Leisurely). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

This 14-day adventure connects some of the best-known destinations in southern Africa, using two flights (Western Cape to the Okavango Delta; Okavango Delta to Chobe National Park) to significantly reduce journey times. The longest drive is approximately three hours (not including stops) but the rest are typically one to two hours unless there is a game drive. The drives between destinations are in a comfortable minibus or open-sided safari vehicles. Game drives are in open-sided safari vehicles.

The longest walk is a four-hour game walk over relatively flat terrain. The ground can be uneven and we have to navigate vegetation so you need to be steady on your feet. Most other walks are around two hours.

Most nights are spent in hotels or lodges, but there are two nights of wild camping within the Okavango Delta – a highlight for many travelers. This is full-service camping, which means the crew set up camp, cook the food and complete camp chores, so you can fully enjoy the wilderness. We stay in large tents with mattress-topped camp beds and the site has a bush shower and toilet. The shower and toilet are in separate tents with capacity for one person at a time. The crew can heat water on the fire to provide warm water for showers.

The journey into the Okavango Delta is by traditional dugout canoes called mokoros, which sit low in the water and can be difficult to board. Our crew can help if necessary.

Legal note: All group members joining this tour will be asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the trip. This indemnity form is a requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association, of which our local supplier is a member. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our sub-contractors.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 12

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Cape Town
End City: Victoria Falls

Flight Inclusive

Start City: London
End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Our adventure starts in Cape Town, the Mother City, and the afternoon is free to settle in. If you have time after your arrival, you might want to explore a little. The premier nearby attraction is the V&A Waterfront, a buzzy entertainment district of restaurants, stores and live performances within the oldest working harbour in South Africa. Alternatively, relax after your flight with a cooling dip in the hotel pool.

Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)

This morning, an icon of Cape Town beckons: Table Mountain, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. We take the cable car to the summit, where we enjoy a short walk, admiring views over the city and the Atlantic waters of Table Bay from several lookout points. After an hour or so, we take the cable car back down and head to our vehicle.

We then drive around the mountain to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, ranked among the top botanic gardens on the planet. Here, we spend the afternoon exploring the site, which sprawls over the eastern slope of Table Mountain with numerous trails to discover.

Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We check out early and drive straight to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, taking the scenic route through Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak. Upon arrival, we embark on a walk (approximately two hours) through the reserve, where elands, springbok, wildebeest, baboons and ostriches roam among the rugged cliffs, unspoiled beaches, shipwrecks and wild flora.

We first walk to the new lighthouse for panoramic views, before visiting the old lighthouse for spectacular cliff views. We then follow a downhill path to the Cape of Good Hope and see a board declaring it the southwestern tip of Africa. In the afternoon, we visit the protected African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Also known as jackass penguins, this endangered species is the only penguin on the continent. The beach falls under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area and plays an important part in the conservation of this species. After, we check into our hotel a very short distance away in Simon’s Town harbour.

Accommodation: Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, we depart for Hermanus, taking the scenic Clarens Drive from Gordon’s Bay, past Betty’s Bay and then onto the seaside town, where we check into our hotel.

The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy Hermanus. From July to November, southern right whales are easily spotted from the shore as they frolic in Walker Bay, a whale crier sounding his kelp horn when he spots them off the coast. Those who want can also do a boat-based whale-watching trip. There are also several other activities available, including hikes, river cruises and lagoon-kayaking, all of which are available year-round.

Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Leaving Hermanus in the morning, we head down Sir Lowrey’s Pass to Stellenbosch, a historic town cradled by the Cape Winelands vineyards. Our first stop is the Waterford Estate, where we enjoy a chocolate and wine-paired tasting. From here, we continue to the Middelvlei Wine Estate for a pairing experience with traditional South African dishes; we enjoy snoek (a type of mackerel) and cottage cheese braaibroodjie (a grilled-cheese sandwich) with Middelvlei Unoaked Chardonnay; boerewors (a spiralled sausage) and mozzarella braaibroodjie with Middelvlei Free-Run Pinotage; and fig and brie braaibroodjie with Middelvlei Shiraz. Soft drinks and vegetarian food options are also available. In the late afternoon, we check into our cottages where we can take a dip in the pool.

Accommodation: San Gabriel Cottages (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We depart Stellenbosch after breakfast and transfer to Cape Town International Airport for our flight to Maun, Botswana, which leaves in the morning and takes approximately 2hr 30min. In the afternoon, we shop in Maun for our time in the Okavango Delta – picking up the drinks and snacks we might want – before transferring the last 9mi (15km) to our lodge. Our accommodation is on the banks of the Thamalakane River; after settling in, we have time for a quick river swim before dinner (not included).

Accommodation: Crocodile Camp (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We transfer into the Okavango Delta in an open 4×4 game-viewing vehicle, before our local guides take us in traditional dugout canoes called mokoros to our wild tented camp. The Delta forms as rainwater from the Angolan highlands flows out over the flat Kalahari Desert sands, forming a delicate, green oasis for wildlife. Our camp is on a remote island in this dynamic environment and we enjoy bush walks, bird watching and swimming in the clear waters.

Camping with our local guides, we learn more about their lifestyle and culture. The camp will be put up by the polers and we use canvas dome tents with camp stretchers, mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows provided. There is also a gazebo for shade, which doubles as a mess tent. Please note, you only need to take luggage for two nights – bags will be provided.

In the afternoon, we take a two-hour bush walk with the polers. Following animal tracks with the help of our expert guides, we hope to see some of the resident wildlife, which includes zebras, giraffes, elephants and hippos.

Accommodation: Okavango Delta wild camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We wake early for a four-hour sunrise game walk led by the polers, a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the resident animals and to recognise their tracks. The polers also share the practical uses of the plants we pass. We return to camp for a well-deserved brunch.

In the afternoon, we take a short sunset cruise on our mokoros, navigating reed-lined waterways decorated with water lilies and keeping an eye out for hippos.

Accommodation: Okavango Delta wild camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We enjoy a two-hour morning game walk, our expert guide pointing out more of the extraordinary animals that live here, before returning to our vehicle by mokoro and transferring back to our lodge in Maun. The afternoon is free to enjoy the swimming pool at the lodge or to take an optional helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta.

Accommodation: Crocodile Camp (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We have an early breakfast to reach Maun Airport for our one-hour flight to Kasane, Botswana. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our lodge on the outskirts of Kasane, where we have lunch.

This afternoon, we take a short transfer to a jetty and embark on a three-hour boat cruise on the Chobe River. This section of Chobe National Park is home to large herds of elephants and buffalos plus rare species, such as puku and roan antelopes, and a fantastic amount of birdlife.

Accommodation: Kwalape Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have an early morning open-vehicle game drive in Chobe National Park, aiming to arrive when it opens. Our three-hour adventure takes us along the Chobe River and we hope to see iconic African animals, including lions, elephants, hippos and, if we’re very lucky, leopards.

We return to our lodge for brunch and time to relax at the pool or to visit Kasane. In the afternoon, we take a second three-hour game drive in Chobe, allowing us another opportunity to see the spectacular wildlife that lives here.

Accommodation: Kwalape Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we cross into Zimbabwe and head to Victoria Falls, arriving in time for lunch in the town of the same name.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a spectacular guided walk through tropical vegetation to the very edge of Mosi oa Tunya (the Smoke That Thunders), known in English as Victoria Falls. Named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this magnificent spectacle is one of the largest waterfalls on the planet, falling in a 1.05mi (1.7km) wide sheet.

Accommodation: Rainbow Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today has been left free for you to enjoy all the optional activities available in this region, bookings can be made the day before on arrival into the town. You could white-water raft on the mighty Zambezi River, enjoy a sunset river cruise or take a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls (all own expense).

Accommodation: Rainbow Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

The adventure comes to an end today. However, if you’d like more time to discover this beautiful part of the world, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Lodges, hotels and wild camping

For this African adventure, we have picked a selection of comfortable accommodations, each well located for our activities. We spend seven nights in hotels, four nights in lodges and two nights of full-service camping.

We mostly stay in three-star hotels and lodges. In Cape Town, we enjoy a privileged spot by the V&A Waterfront, a star attraction in the city, which is packed with a dizzying number of restaurants, shops and buzzy bars. Many of the other hotels and lodges on this trip have lovely views and most have pools.

Wild camping in the Okavango Delta

The highlight stay on this trip for many, however, is our two nights of wild camping in the Okavango Delta. Our neighbours, which you’ll likely hear shuffling around at night, include hippos, elephants and lions, while our away-from-it-all location normally allows us to see a night sky illuminated with stars. To make things easier, our camp is set up for us and all equipment is provided. We sleep in spacious, two-person tents fitted with mattress-topped camp beds and there is a bush shower and toilet, while dinner is taken around our atmospheric campfire.

Single supplement from £ 630

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners are included. These are typically:

Breakfast: Cereals, coffee, tea and toast, and the occasional cooked breakfast
Lunch: Cheese, cold meats, salads, bread or rolls
Dinner: Potjies (stew), braais (barbecue), stir fries, pasta

Where meals are not included, the leader will recommend a restaurant for a group meal. Dinners can cost the equivalent of US$20‐US$30 per person and lunches US$8-US$13.

Please be aware, we need at least two weeks’ notice to deal with special dietary requirements (eg vegetarian or allergies).

Transport

Transport is by minibus or open-sided safari vehicles. The vehicles are fitted with forward-facing seats and tow a trailer for equipment and luggage. Game drives are in open-sided safari vehicles. We use flights between the Western Cape and Okavango Delta and the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park to reduce journey times. To enter the Okavango Delta, we use mokoros, dugout canoes low in the water and steered by expert local polers.

Weather & Seasonality

Summer in South Africa is from October to April and winter is from May to September. The Western Cape is typically Mediterranean with a mild climate and can be visited any time of year. Over the year, the temperature typically varies from 9C to 25C (48F to 77F). Winter is wetter than summer but still has warm, sunny days. Strong winds can occur year-round.

There is no best time for game viewing or conditions in the Delta, as the Delta flows year-round, despite the flood periods. The wettest season is January and February, when travel on dirt roads becomes difficult. March to September, although dry and bright, can be cold at night (in June and July it can be chilly on occasions so bring appropriate clothing). Water levels in the Delta will be at their highest in July. Chobe National Park can be visited throughout the year; however, the riverfront area is best visited from May to October when the park is typically driest.

From December to June, water levels in the Zambezi are at their highest, and the spray from Victoria Falls can be seen several miles away as it soars sometimes as much as 150m (500ft) in the air. October and November are the hottest months, and midday temperatures can be very uncomfortable. The rains normally start slowly in late November. December can be wet, but it does not rain for long periods and should definitely not put anyone off travelling, as there is always plenty of sunshine.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: City Lodge V&A Waterfront, Dock Rd & Alfred St, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8012
Phone: +27 21 419 9450
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Cape Town Airport (CPT)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Flying via Johannesburg
If you are travelling on flights via Johannesburg, please note that you will need to collect your baggage in Johannesburg, even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Cape Town (and even if you are told you do not need to pick it up). After collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight. This only applies to the outbound flight – you do not need to do this at the end of the trip on the return flight.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Cape Town
Location end: Victoria Falls

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Backpack for the daytime
Lightweight walking boots or trainers (sneakers)
Neutral-coloured clothes (for the game walks)
Long-sleeve clothing and long trousers (pants) to wear when the sun goes down to protect skin from mosquito bites
Waterproof/windbreaker
Warmer clothes for winter
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Wet wipes or hand-sanitiser gel
Travel towel
Head torch (headlamp) with spare batteries
Portable charger

Water included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.

Optional Equipment

Binoculars
Camera with a zoom lens (at least 300mm) if you want good animal shots

Practical Information

Visa

Botswana

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Botswana. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Please note, if you are transiting through South Africa and are a non-UK passport holder you may require a transit visa. Please check before travelling. Please also be aware that children under the age of 18 must provide a full birth certificate (a short one won’t be accepted) as well as a valid passport. If the child is travelling with only one parent or with another adult, the missing parent (or parents) will have to provide an affidavit giving their consent for the child to travel. If flying via South Africa, you may have to pass immigration between flights and the same regulation is needed for entry into South Africa.

South Africa

Travellers from the UK, US and most (though not all) EU states normally do not need a visa to enter South Africa. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/south-africa
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html

Please note, all travellers to South Africa who require a visa need at least two consecutive blank pages in their passport (ie a left- and right-hand page) to enable an entry visa to be issued.

Additionally, any child under 18 travelling to South Africa needs to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents. If a child under 18 is only travelling with one parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than three months old, from the absent parent confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.

Zimbabwe

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

The current charge for a single-entry visa issued on arrival in Zimbabwe is US$55, although this is subject to change. You should bring enough cash with you to pay for your visa on arrival. You should ensure you have small notes as immigration officers may not be able to provide change.

Please note, if flying via South Africa you will probably have to pass immigration there. Children under 18 must have an unabridged birth certificate showing the names of both parents. If the child is travelling with only one parent, they will need to have an affidavit from the other parent, no more than three months old, confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.

Vaccinations and Health

Botswana

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have travelled from (or transited through) a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic. We also suggest you seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic about which malaria tablets to take.

South Africa

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Malaria prophylaxis is essential if travelling in the greater Kruger area; seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic about which tablets to take. The rest of South Africa, including the Garden Route, has a low risk of malaria.

Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is also a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend taking the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Zimbabwe

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaria is also a known risk. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic on the best course of action for all the above.

Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take.

Local Time

UTC +02:00 throughout

Electricity

Botswana and Zimbabwe both have plug types D (three round pins) and G (three rectangular pins). South Africa has plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins), M (three round pins) and N (three round pins).

Money

Botswana's currency: Botswana pula (BWP)

South Africa's currency: South African rand (ZAR)

Zimbabwe's currency: Zimbabwe gold (ZiG), though US dollars are primarily what is needed in Victoria Falls. South African rand is also accepted to a lesser extent.

ATM Availability

Money can be changed at the airport on arrival in South Africa. ATMs are widely available in all the major towns. Credit cards are widely accepted in most shops, bars and restaurants and will be accepted for all optional activities.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Meals not included: Allow the equivalent of US$10-US$15 per person per meal
Incidentals: Allow about US$7‐US$10 per day

Optional excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes)

South Africa:

Robben Island: 650 rand (US$35) per person
Cape Town Township & Robben Island tour 1600 rand (US$86) per person
Hermanus Whale Watching by boat: 1320 rand (US$70) per person
Hermanus Kayaking: 500 rand (US$27) per person

Botswana:

Helicopter flight over the Delta: US$185-US$550 per person depending on passenger numbers (maximum of three people per flight)

Zimbabwe:

Helicopter flight over falls (12 minutes to 13 minutes): US$150 plus park fees of US$15
Game/scenic flight (25 minutes): US$235 plus US$15 park fees
White-water rafting (half day): US$126 plus US$10 park fees
Sunset Zambezi cruise: US$45 plus US$10 park fees
Sunset Zambezi cruise and dinner: US$88 plus park fees of US$10

Tipping

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Tipping is optional but we recommend the equivalent of approximately US$2.65-US$3.80 per person per day.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
We employ local site guides in Chobe National Park and several other conservation areas.
In the Okavango Delta, we work with polers from the Poler’s Trust. This is a community-based project formed to create an ecotourism business to benefit everyone in the area. By using these facilities and going on boat tours with the Poler’s Trust, we ensure we are helping the community by providing employment and supporting environmental initiatives.
Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income used to upkeep and develop these important sites.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices regarding working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Our local partners support the Save Our Sausage Trees initiative in Botswana, which aims to address the issue of depleting forests in the area. The mokoro is a canoe used by the people of the Okavango Delta and it is crafted traditionally from a single mature kigelia Africana tree (or sausage tree). Although increased tourism has had some obvious benefits to the area, it has also brought a higher demand for mokoros and therefore more trees are being cut down. As a wooden mokoro only lasts about five years, there are hundreds of these trees being felled per year and there are not enough trees to sustain this. We have consulted with the Okavango community and have agreed to pay half the price of a fibreglass mokoro if a poler wants to purchase the other half to save the trees.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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