From $ 6,325.00 per person
Encounter the highlights of Botswana and Zimbabwe in 15 days.
With some of the world’s greatest wildlife, Botswana and Zimbabwe are perfect partners for a safari. Enjoy our guides’ expertise and knowledge of both countries and get to explore two of Southern Africa’s most enigmatic countries with its endangered wild dogs, rhino tracking, iconic Victoria Falls and among others, a traditional canoe trip.
Tour Highlights
Victoria Falls
Guided tour of the mighty Victoria FallsChobe
Morning game drive in the game-rich national park, Game viewing by boat on the Chobe RiverHwange
Full day game drive in the national park, Half day game drive on a private concessionLake Kariba
Exploration of the lake aboard a luxury houseboat, Various activities available
including game viewing, guided walks, fishing, boat tripsMatopos
Optional hikes amongst the boulders, Rhino tracking and guided tour of the national park. Visit to Cecil John Rhodes’ grave and World’s ViewMakgadikgadi Pans
Visit to the Nata Bird Sanctuary and Sowa Pan Ntwetwe Pan Expedition and afternoon baobab walkOkavango Delta
Traditional mokoro experience floating in dug-out canoesMoremi
Half day game drive on private concession. Full day game drive in wildlife rich
game reserve
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
DAY 1: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorers Village or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA FALLS
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Victoria Falls. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person and are quoted in US Dollars. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.
- 15 Minute Helicopter Flight
- Flying Fox (Cable Slide)
- 22 Minute Helicopter Flight
- Gorge Swing
- Boma Dinner Incl. Transfers
- Zip Line
- 12-13 Min. Flight of Angels
- Horse Back Safaris (Novice)
- 25 Minute Flight
- Livingstone Island: Lunch Departure
- Bungee Jump
- Victoria Falls Bicycle Tour
- Bridge Slide
- Canopy Tour
DAY 2: VICTORIA FALLS TO CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA – B
After breakfast your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya – “the smoke that thunders”. We then travel to Kasane in Botswana, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool.
Distance: 100 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Shearwater Explorers Village or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
DAY 3: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA – B
Start your morning with a hopefully spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation until our boat cruise on the Chobe River starts around 3pm. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up-close photo opportunities.
Accommodation: Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
DAY 4-5: CHOBE, BOTSWANA TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE – BLD, BLD
This morning we make our way across the border into Zimbabwe and to our lodge situated in a private concession in the North West corner of Hwange National Park. Over the following two days, we will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to great herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.
If time allows, you can partake in an optional game drive on the concession in the afternoon. The whole of the next day is spent exploring this magnificent area on a full day game drive in Hwange National Park.
Distance: 183 km Departure:08h00
Accommodation: Nantwich Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar area)
Day 4
Breakfast: At Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge or similar
Lunch: At Nantwich Lodge or similar
Dinner: At Nantwich Lodge or similar
Day 5
Breakfast: At Nantwich Lodge or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack on game drive
Dinner: At Nantwich Lodge or similar
DAY 6 & 7: LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE – BLD, BLD
Today we head off to the Milibizi area on Lake Kariba, where we will board a luxury houseboat for a relaxing two-night trip. Nested in mountains, Lake Kariba is a man-made inland sea guarded by enormous reserves of game and made beautiful and savage by sun and storm, earth and water.
Our voyage takes us to the between Milibizi. and Masuna River for a sunset cruise with game viewing along the way, followed by drinks and dinner on board.
In the morning we set out early for some leisurely fishing, guided walks or game viewing depending on your preference. When we return, brunch will be served whilst cruising to Elephant Bay where we will moor at one of the islands with a sandy beach. Watch the sunset over lake, relaxing around a camp fire and enjoying a beach barbecue under the starry sky.
Distance: 256 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Sovereign Houseboat or similar (cabins with en-suite bathrooms, plunge pool & dining room area)
Day 6
Breakfast: At Nantwich Lodge or similar
Lunch: Lunch Pack from Nantwich Lodge
Dinner: At Sovereign Houseboats or similar
Day 7
Breakfast: At Sovereign Houseboat or similar
Lunch: At Sovereign Houseboat or similar
Dinner: At Sovereign Houseboat or similar
DAY 8-9: MATOBO HILLS, ZIMBABWE – BLD, BLD
After disembarking, we depart for an early morning transfer from Msuna to Matapos to the majectic Matobo Hills, an area of exquisite beauty, steeped in tribal history, ancient mystery and dramatic rock landscapes. The national park has been given UNESCO World Heritage status and is home to both white and black rhinoceros and sable antelope. Birdlife is prolific and includes the highest concentration of black eagles in the world. Once the home of the San (Bushman), this area contains the richest source of the rock art found anywhere. Not only is it here that the Ndebele people buried their great king, Mzilikazi, but Cecil John Rhodes was also laid to rest on the “Hill of the Benevolent Spirit” or “World’s View” as named by him.
We spend the next day in the national park, starting our morning with tracking rhino spoor by vehicle and foot. In the afternoon we further explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on game drives, ending with a visit to Rhodes’ grave.
Distance: 470 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar, & swimming pool)
Day 8
Breakfast: At Sovereign Houseboat or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack from Sovereign Houseboat
Dinner: At Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar
Day 9
Breakfast: At Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack on game drive
Dinner: At Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar
DAY 10: MATOBO HILLS, ZIMBABWE TO NATA, BOTSWANA – BLD
We leave Matobo Hills and drive through the savannas of southern Matebeleland en-route to Botswana. In the afternoon we visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans. (Please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road conditions and water levels as well as time constraints.) We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon.
Distance: 375 km Departure: 06h00
Accommodation: Nata Lodge or similar (permanent safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)
Breakfast: At Shashani Lodge or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack or lunch at Nata Lodge
Dinner: At Nata Lodge or similar
DAY 11: MAKGADIKGADI PANS, BOTSWANA – BLD
A very early morning departure leads us to Planet Baobab near Gweta, from where we embark on an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan to encounter some of Botswana’s distinctive landscapes and extraordinary creatures.
NTWETWE PAN EXCURSION:
The Ntwetwe Pan is one of the two major pans that make up the Makgadikgadi Pans, and is amongst the largest saltpans in the world. The pan was fed by the Boteti River until it was left permanently dry following the construction of the Mopipi Dam, which provides water for the diamond mines in Orapa. The waters may have returned to the river but Ntwetwe is now famous for its extraordinary lunar landscape, particularly the rocky outcrops, dunes, islets, and channels found along the western shore. We explore the area, in search of uniquely adapted desert species such as bat eared foxes, springbuck, kori bustards, and some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats. By spending quality time with these incredibly social, superbly adapted animals, you will be able to see how they interact with each other and their environment. Due to an ongoing habituation programme it’s possible to get up-close and personal with these captivating creatures.
After lunch we have the opportunity to explore a nearby village to experience modern African village culture. Learn about the history and traditions of the Batswana people from a local guide whose knowledge has been inherited from their forefathers. Visit the local primary school, ‘Sekolo’ with its outdoor classes and meet the children, visit the Kgotla – a traditional court that governs the village and get a glimpse of rural Botswana life.
In the late afternoon we take a stroll with our guide through an impressive baobab grove, as he explains the local ecology, geology and the unique biology of the baobabs, which are in fact not trees but the largest succulents in the world.
Distance: 200 km Departure: 05h00
Accommodation: Planet Baobab or similar (Bakalanga huts with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)
Breakfast: Breakfast packs prepared by Plane Baobab
Lunch: Picnic lunch
Dinner: At Planet Baobab or similar
DAY 12: MAUN, BOTSWANA – B
Today we travel to Maun, a bustling safari town which serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book an optional scenic flight over the delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly glorious oasis.
Distance: 225 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)
Breakfast: At Planet Baobab or similar
Lunch: For your own account
Dinner: For your own account
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN MAUN
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Maun. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person or per flight and are quoted in Botswana Pula or US Dollar. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.
- Scenic Flight over the Delta (5 or 6 passengers)
- Scenic Helicopter Flight from Boro (22 min, 3 seater)**
- Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 min, 3 seater)
- Scenic Helicopter Flight (60 min, 3 seats)
- Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 min, 4 seater)
- Scenic Helicopter Flight (60 min, 4 seater)
** The 22 min flight is available from the mokoro station at Boro only. It is advisable to book this for the same day as the mokoro excursion.
DAY 13: GREATER MOREMI AREA, BOTSWANA – BLD
After breakfast we take a drive to the mokoro station. From here, we will float in dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After this spectacular excursion and lunch, we make our way to our camp, which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. After settling into our camp, we will enjoy dinner and embark on a night game drive in the concession – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day.
Distance: 94 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Mankwe Tented Retreat ((Meru-style tented suites with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)
Breakfast: At Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack from Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Dinner: At Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
DAY 14: MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA – BLD
Today we head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Accommodation: Mankwe Tented Retreat ((Meru-style tented suites with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)
Breakfast: At Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack on game drive
Dinner: At Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
DAY 15: END OF TOUR – B
Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Maun Airport in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures!
Breakfast: At Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
DEPARTURE:
The Intimate Botswana and Zimbabwe Encounter departs from Shearwater Explorers Village or similar in Victoria Falls.
Please note that the daily departure times are a guideline only and are subject to change due to seasonal variations, as well as unforeseen circumstances. The final decision rests with your guide who will advise you at what time you will be departing each day.
In the evening of day 1, there will be a meeting presented by your guide, at 18h00, at your lodge. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information.
Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore please treat the itinerary as a guide only.
TRANSPORT:
We use fully equipped Toyota Land Cruisers, Mercedes All-Terrain vehicle, 12-seater 4×4 safari vehicles or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing, a music and PA system. We endeavor to ensure that air-conditioning is provided, however we are unable to guarantee this for vehicles travelling through Namibia. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle. Some game drives may be conducted in open-sided safari vehicles. For transfers between Kasane and Victoria Falls or Hwange and Victoria Falls (or vice versa), 2×4 vehicles may be utilised.
TRAVELLING TIMES AND DISTANCES:
All travelling times are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.
ACCOMMODATION:
We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in national parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms.
MEALS:
Where included most breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in the restaurants of the various accommodation establishments. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
VISAS:
The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit the countries stated on the itinerary. Please note that travellers entering Botswana will be required to present a valid international health certificate of vaccination for yellow fever should they originate from or have travelled through countries which have been declared yellow fever infected areas within the preceding 6 months.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with us. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance.