Experience Zambia & Botswana
For the competitive traveller this is the chance to tick off a surprisingly high number of Africa's must-see destinations. The dramatic waterways of the Okavango Delta offer breathtaking wildlife experiences. Chobe National Park in Botswana boasts Africa's highest elephant population, which you will have the chance to experience by langurous boat cruise on the Chobe River. The Victoira Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and our volunteer experience in Livingstone will give you the chance to contribute to their educational heritage.
Itinerary in brief:
Participants to arrive in Livingstone, Zambia on the first Sunday of the month.
| Day | Outline of activities | Location | Accommodation | Meals |
| 1 | Arrive in Livingstone Orientation and afternoon community volunteering | Livingstone, Zambia | Volunteer house or backpackers lodge | D |
| 2-3 | Community Volunteering | Livingstone, Zambia | Volunteer house or backpackers lodge | B, L, D |
| 4-5 | Boat cruise and game drives in Chobe National Park | Chobe, Botswana | Tented camping | B, L, D |
| 6 | Explore the Nata Salt Pans by quad bike | Nata, Botswana | Tented camping | B, L, D |
| 7-10 | Explore the Okavango Delta | Maun, Botswana | Tented camping | B, L, D |
| 11 | Travel to Palapye | Palapye, Botswana | Tented camping | B, L, D |
| 12 | Travel to Johannesburg | Johannesburg, South Africa | Lodge | B, L |
| 13 | Depart Johannesburg |
Note on community work:
Day 1: As your flight prepares to land, be on the lookout for the breathtaking view of 'Mosi oa Tunya' - The Smoke that Thunders - this is what many call the mist that rises up from the thundering waters of the Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Land in Livingstone and welcome the warm, humid African air. Our staff will be on hand to meet you at the airport. Once you've settled into your accommodation you will have an afternoon orientation meeting.
Day 2-3: Livingstone Volunteer Projects
You will spend the next two days participating in the Livingstone community volunteer projects, which are facilitated by our sister organisation, African Impact. During our stay we will have the chance to interact with children and other community members while assisting in local orphanages, schools, building/refurbishment projects and local sports development initiatives.
Day 4-5: Chobe National Park, Botswana
Cross over the border a short drive from Livingstone into Botswana, and you will find Chobe National Park, one of Africa's greatest elephant sanctuaries. En Route we will cross the mighty Zambezi River at the unique meeting point of four countries (Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana). Activities include a Chobe Game Drive and River Cruise.
Day 6: Nata
We continue South to Nata home to the unusual salt pans which are known to attract a huge variety of exotic birds. Optional activities include quad biking on the moonscape like environment.
Days 7-10: Maun/Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is the largest freshwater wetland in Africa; in Botswana's arid and unforgiving bush, it's an oasis where you'll find one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Today we travel to Maun, gateway to the world famous Okavango Delta. We will enjoy a two night Okavango Delta Safari. Boarding dugout canoes we make our way deep into the delta on the lookout for wildlife while navigating the many channels and sand bars of this wilderness water wonderland. At night we will camp on one of the many islands, sleeping under the stars.
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| Delta Makoro Canoe Experience | Delta by Air |
Day 11: Palapye
Today we travel overland to Palapye. This camp in Palapye is a popular overnight stop where we can sit around the fire and exchange stories of Africa deep into the night.
Day 12: Johannesburg
Making an early start we cross into South Africa to Johannesburg for our farewell dinner.
Day 13: Depart Johannesburg
Cost:
13 Day Experience Zambia and Botswana trip: GBP895 / US$1795
Please contact our booking staff if you would like to extend the volunteer portion of this trip.
Cost Includes:
Cost Excludes:
Accommodation:
During your stay in Livingstone you will be accommodated either in volunteer accommodation at the project base, or at a comfortable backpackers nearby in Livingstone town, depending on availability at the time. During the Botswana tour portion of the trip you will be staying in comfortable and organised tents with all equipment provided (except sleeping bags).
Meals:
You will be provided with three wholesome meals a day.
Breakfast is on a help-yourself basis and usually consists of cereals/porridge, toast, fruit, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are full meals, and will be cooked for you by one of the trip crew.
Note:
Please advise us of any specific dietary requirements before you arrive! Please also remember that you will be on a rural placement during the volunteer portion of your trip, and food will be quite simple, though plentiful and nutritious.
www.happyafricafoundation.org
Regd UK Charity Number: 1123529
Pathfinders and The Happy Africa Foundation
Pathfinders is proud to have been instrumental in the establishment of The Happy Africa Foundation and continues to be one of the Foundations major supporters. Donations made to support our community and conservation initiatives by private donors as well as by Pathfinders as a voluntoursim company are managed and distributed on our behalf by The Happy Africa Foundation.
The mission of The Happy Africa Foundation is to empower the African people through the support of community and conservation based initiatives that operate at grass roots level.
Conservation Development:
The Happy Africa Foundation works together with local African communities to conserve and protect the environment, wildlife and cultures in areas where the Foundation is involved. Thus, the Foundation supports, financially or logistically (or both), local and international organizations that operate projects supporting conservation education and research at a grass roots level.
Community Development:
The Happy Africa Foundation strives to initiate, facilitate and support community development projects that are sustainable. As such, The Happy Africa Foundation makes every effort to ensure and takes relevant measures in assessing, planning and monitoring community development projects for the benefit of local African communities.
The Happy Africa Foundation provides travellers, volunteers and other donors with a chance to give back to the communities they visit or volunteer in on their African journeys, or that they wish to support remotely through donations.