Ultimate Zimbabwe and Botswana

16 days—Visitors are afforded some of the best game viewing and cultural explorations available over three Southern African countries. This fully accommodated

From

$3280 USD

Safari summary

Embark on a thrilling adventure from Johannesburg as we journey to the iconic Kruger National Park, renowned for its incredible wildlife. In Letaba, we immerse ourselves in the heart of this wilderness with morning and afternoon game drives, hoping to spot the Big Five. Our exploration continues into the northern region of Kruger, characterized by vast landscapes and diverse wildlife. We then venture into Zimbabwe, visiting the remarkable Great Zimbabwe Monuments, an ancient stone marvel. Moving forward, we delve into the wilderness of Matobo National Park, home to striking rock formations and Zimbabwe's rhino population. Next, we encounter the colossal elephant herds of Hwange National Park before arriving at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Here, we take in the breathtaking sights, with opportunities for thrilling activities. Continuing into Botswana, we explore the Chobe National Park, famous for its elephant gatherings, and head to Nata for an overnight stop. Our journey then leads us into the enchanting Okavango Delta, where we navigate its waterways by Mokoro (dugout canoes) and camp on a remote island. Wildlife encounters, bush walks, and cultural experiences enrich our stay. The tour concludes in Johannesburg after visiting the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, contributing to wildlife conservation.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Botswana South Africa Zimbabwe
	Parks	Chobe Hwange Kruger Makgadikgadi Pans Matobo Moremi Nxai Pan Okavango Delta Victoria Falls

Fine details

Safari highlights

Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
Helicopter | microlight | fixed wing
Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

Accommodation
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
All drinks
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Kruger

Departing Johannesburg at 06:30am we head into the world famous Kruger National Park. We visit the northern part of the park and stay in the Letaba area of the reserve. We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in our safari vehicle and hope to spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in this icon of wildlife conservation.

Kruger National Park Chalets

Day 2: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

This morning we wake early and game drive north through the park to the Pafuri region. The northern Kruger is dominated by mopane veld and is the domain of large elephant bulls, wild dogs and lions. As we reach the Limpopo Valley the vegetation changes to forest and birdlife is prolific. We exit the park, late in the afternoon, and overnight at a lodge just outside the Kruger.

Awelani Lodge

Day 3: GREAT ZIMBABWE

Entering Zimbabwe at the Beit Bridge border post, we travel north to our overnight stop. The following morning we visit the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. These well preserved ruins are some of the oldest and largest stone structures in Southern Africa and were built during the 11th to 14th centuries. We explore these ancient stone structures on an informative walk with a local guide.

Great Zimbabwe Hotel

Day 4: MATOBO NATIONAL PARK

Matobo

Travelling via the city of Bulawayo we move on to the Matobo National Park and our chalets on the outskirts of the park. This afternoon we enjoy sundowners from the granite ridge overlooking the park.

Hermits Peak

Day 5: MATOBO NATIONAL PARK

Matobo

The following morning we visit World’s View and the historical site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. Unusual rock formations are home to an array of ancient bushman paintings which we visit while on our game drive and walk. This area is also home to Zimbabwe’s rhino which we hope to see on our excursion in the national park.

Hermits Peak

Day 6: HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Hwange

We journey to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest at 14,650 sq km, famed for its elephants. Our chalets are in the adjacent game management area. Accompanied by a local guide, we embark on an open 4WD game drive to explore this remarkable park.

Miombo Safari Lodge

Day 7: HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Hwange

Our adventure continues in Hwange National Park. Guided by our local expert, we embark on another full-day open 4WD game drive, seeking out the park's diverse wildlife, including its iconic elephant population. Get ready for an unforgettable day of wildlife encounters.

Miombo Safari Lodge

Day 8: VICTORIA FALLS

Victoria Falls

We embark on a guided walk to the breathtaking Victoria Falls, "Mosi oa Tunya," at its very edge. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder amidst tropical vegetation. Optional activities like white water rafting, bungee jumping, or the "flight of angels" await (at your expense).

Phezulu Guest Lodge

Day 9: VICTORIA FALLS

Victoria Falls

Explore more of Victoria Falls at your own pace. Activities like white water rafting, bungee jumping, or scenic flights are available (additional cost). Savor the beauty and adventure of this iconic destination before our journey continues.

Phezulu Guest Lodge

Day 10: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Chobe

Entering Botswana, we head to the town of Kasane and our accommodation on the banks of the Chobe River The river flows lazily along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park attracting some of the largest herds of elephant in Africa. A highlight of any trip to the Chobe is the afternoon game viewing cruise where we hope to see large herds of elephants and other wildlife as they quench their thirst at the end of the day.

Thebe River Safaris

Day 11: NATA

Makgadikgadi Pans

This morning we venture into the Chobe National Park in an open 4WD in search of big cats and elephants. Thereafter we head south through the Kasane Forest Reserve to the Nata area for our overnight stop.

Nata Lodge

Day 12: OKAVANGO DELTA

Okavango Delta

We transfer into the delta by open 4WD game viewing vehicle. Our local guides will take us deep into the heart of the Okavango Delta on Mokoro (dugout canoes) to our pre-erected tented camp. 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.

Wild Camping - Okavango Delta

Day 13: OKAVANGO DELTA

Okavango Delta

The delta forms as rainwater from the Angolan highlands flows out over the flat Kalahari Desert sands, forming a delicate, green oasis for birds and wildlife. Our camp is on a remote island in this amazingly 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.

Wild Camping - Okavango Delta

Day 14: MAUN

Okavango Delta

Returning to Maun in the afternoon of day 14 there is time for an optional scenic flight over the Okavango (own expense).

Island Safari Lodge

Day 15: KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY

Heading south from Maun, we cross the wide open spaces of the Kalahari Desert on our way to Khama Rhino Sanctuary. This is a community-based wildlife project established in 1992 to assist in protecting rhino and restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its natural state. The reserve provides economic benefits to the local Batswana community through sustainable use of natural resources. We hope to spot rhino on an afternoon game drive.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary