Zimbabwe and Botswana Wildlife Safari 2027 - 13 Days

Our tour begins today in Victoria Falls, often referred to as the adventure capital of Zimbabwe. The town offers an exciting mix of land, air and water-based activities, making it a fitting starting point for the journey ahead. For those arriving in time, your tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. No other activities are planned for today, so you are free to arrive in Victoria Falls at any time. If you would like to arrange an airport transfer, please arrive into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), which is approximately a 30-minute drive from the hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will ensure you receive any essential information when you next meet. This evening, we will stay at either Shongwe Lookout or Shongwe Oasis. Both neighbouring properties are set within lush, landscaped gardens and offer a tranquil setting close to Victoria Falls. Each property features a swimming pool, spacious rooms, an expansive terrace where meals are served, and a bar stocked with a range of local and international refreshments. The properties also feature a unique lookout tower, offering stunning views across the Zambezi River and the mist rising above the world-famous Victoria Falls. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you may wish to take advantage of the wide range of optional activities available, including white-water rafting, a cruise along the Zambezi River, or a helicopter flight over the falls. Full details can be found in the Budgeting and Packing section of your trip notes.

Leaving our lodge after breakfast, we head southeast towards Hwange National Park on a journey of around four to five hours, to begin our wildlife safari experience. Upon arrival at the park gates, we will change transport and continue the final 55-minute drive to camp in our specialised open game-viewing vehicles. All our safaris in Hwange will also take place in these vehicles. While these vehicles provide an immersive experience, they can feel brisk and windy, so bringing layers is recommended, particularly on longer drives. Road conditions across both Botswana and Zimbabwe can vary, meaning some journeys may be slow and bumpy, but the ever-changing scenery and wildlife sightings make it worthwhile. Hwange is Zimbabwe's largest national park, covering just under 15,000 km². It is renowned for its vast elephant population, along with more than 100 species of mammals and over 400 bird species, including the African golden oriole, Bradfield's hornbill, and the crimson-breasted shrike. For those hoping to spot the Big Five, Hwange offers an excellent starting point, though its rich biodiversity ensures plenty more to see, from rare African wild dogs to giraffes and zebras. For the next two nights, we stay at Silwane Camp, located in the southeastern region of the park. This well-positioned camp offers an ideal base from which to experience Zimbabwe's wild and untamed landscapes. Accommodation consists of spacious, en-suite tented chalets, and the camp features a small swimming pool, a bar, and a large terrace overlooking the surrounding bushland and nearby waterholes.

We have an early start today to make the most of our time in Hwange National Park. After a simple breakfast, we will depart in our game-viewing vehicles with our expert safari guide in search of the park’s famous large elephant herds. During the season, it is not uncommon to encounter herds numbering in the hundreds as they gather around the waterholes in the cool early morning hours. Hwange’s landscape is remarkably diverse, ranging from vast open savannahs to lush forests, creating an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The park is home to many sub-Saharan species, including southern giraffes, pangolins, aardvarks, and an impressive array of birdlife. We will return to the lodge before noon for brunch. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you choose to relax with a siesta, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or spend some time birdwatching from your private sundeck. Later, we will set out on our second game drive of the day, exploring the park as the afternoon light softens and wildlife becomes increasingly active. As darkness falls, we will make our way back to the lodge in time for dinner. Dinner at the lodge is typically served buffet-style, featuring a selection of fresh, seasonal Zimbabwean dishes alongside a variety of international favourites.

This morning, we bid farewell to Hwange and set off towards the spectacular Matobo Hills, a journey of approximately nine to ten hours, travelling partly in our open-sided game-viewing vehicles and partly by minibus. Today is undoubtedly one of our longest travel days, and it's worth preparing for a full day on the road. Road conditions in this part of Zimbabwe can be particularly poor, with uneven surfaces and occasional potholes making for slow and sometimes bumpy progress. We'll break up the journey where possible, but patience and a little flexibility will be essential. Our route takes us through expanses of open bushland, passing rural villages and farming communities along the way. The main settlement en route is Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's historic colonial-era market town, where we may pause to stretch our legs before continuing our journey. Over the next two days, we'll explore Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe's oldest national park. Established in 1926 as the Cecil Rhodes National Park, named after the British colonialist and politician, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Today, Matobo is celebrated for its extraordinary landscape of ancient granite kopjes – spectacular formations of enormous, seemingly balanced boulders that create one of Zimbabwe's most distinctive natural settings. The park is also renowned for its remarkable leopard population, believed to be among the densest in the world, offering excellent opportunities to spot these elusive big cats. Another highlight is the Southern White Rhino, the world's second-largest land mammal, which can also be found roaming within the park. For the next two nights, our base is Farmhouse Lodge, beautifully situated on the boundary of the national park. Accommodation is provided in a converted farmhouse and its 12 individual bungalow cottages. The lodge also features a striking rock swimming pool, spacious gardens and a recently renovated bar and restaurant, where we'll come together this evening to enjoy a set dinner.

After an early breakfast this morning, we'll travel the short distance (around 30 minutes of driving) into the national park, accompanied by an experienced ranger and tracker. We'll then embark on a walking safari in the hope of spotting the white rhinoceroses that roam this part of the park. A walking safari is an intimate way to get closer to wildlife in areas that can't be accessed by vehicles or boats. While our focus is spotting the rhinos, it's a great opportunity for us to see other wildlife species such as antelopes, zebras and wildebeests. Matobo National Park doesn't have a regular population elephants or lions, so a walking safari is perfectly safe and we'll be joined by specially trained experts. Our safari fee goes towards helping the conservation of these majestic creatures and to protecting them from poaching. This afternoon, we'll see some of the cave paintings that can be found in the park - there are more than 3,000 in total. We'll also pay a visit to World's View - the grave of Cecil Rhodes, the founding father of Zimbabwe - perched at the very top of Motopo Hills. The spot has been given its name thanks to the endless views across the plains below. In the late afternoon, we'll return to our lodge with plenty of time to freshen up before dinner. This evening's meal is likely to be a traditional Southern African braai, a much-loved barbecue experience featuring a selection of locally inspired grilled meats and accompaniments, enjoyed in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Most of today will be spent on the road as we set off early towards Botswana. We expect to reach the Zimbabwe-Botswana border around two hours into our journey. Once border formalities have been completed, we will continue on to Ntwetwe Pan and our accommodation for the night. Please note that while crossing the border between Zimbabwe and Botswana is usually straightforward, delays can occasionally occur. This is perfectly normal and should not be a cause for concern. Today's journey covers just over 420 kilometres (260 miles) and will take approximately eight hours, depending on the length of time spent at the border crossing. Around lunchtime, after arriving safely in Francistown, we will change vehicles before continuing the remainder of the journey. We expect to arrive at our accommodation in the late afternoon, leaving time to freshen up, enjoy a shower, or simply relax before dinner is served.

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, we begin our journey towards Maun, where we will spend the night before embarking on the true safari part of our Botswanan wildlife adventure. The drive offers a fascinating introduction to Botswana’s vast and varied wilderness, with endless horizons, open grasslands, scattered palm trees and traditional rural villages dotted along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as giraffe, ostrich, zebra, antelope and, occasionally, elephants can be spotted along this stretch of road. En route, we pass through the small village of Gweta, situated on the edge of the magnificent Makgadikgadi landscape. This remarkable region is renowned for its immense salt pans, the remnants of an ancient superlake that once covered much of central Botswana. During the dry season, the pans stretch towards the horizon as vast, shimmering white plains, while the summer rains transform the landscape into seasonal wetlands, attracting an abundance of spectacular birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans. We expect to arrive in Maun around lunchtime, leaving us plenty of time to stock up on any supplies we may need for our upcoming four nights of wild camping. Maun marks the gateway to Botswana’s remarkable wilderness, providing the perfect base from which to begin our exploration of the wildlife-rich landscapes of Moremi, Savuti and Chobe. Over the coming days, we’ll venture deep into these spectacular regions, where some of Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters await.

This morning, we head north to Moremi Game Reserve, departing Maun after breakfast and arriving at the park gates mid-morning. Located in the Okavango Delta, Moremi is famous for its diverse landscapes that include floodplains, forests and lagoons, drawing all manner of wildlife and birdlife. We'll spend two nights camping within the park, where the waters feed an abundance of flora and fauna, including endangered African wild dogs - hippos are often heard at night, too. On the way to our campsite, we should have a good opportunity to spot some of Moremi's creatures, then, in the late afternoon, we'll set out on a game drive. Our campsite uses dome tents with private en-suite facilities. They're big enough for you to stand inside and are made from durable rip-stop canvas with sewn-in groundsheets. Each tent is equipped with sturdy camp beds, mattresses, fitted sheets, pillows, and duvets. Other equipment includes camping basins, washstands, hot water bucket showers and camping toilets. Safari-style fold-up chairs and large tables are provided. Our camp staff will set up and break camp as well as cook and clean for us during our two-night stay. Please note that, due to rainfall and occasional flooding in Moremi Game Reserve, we may sometimes stay near Kizikini or Mababe, just outside the park, if access becomes restricted or is closed at short notice by local authorities. Depending on conditions, we may also choose to spend these nights closer to Savuti. This flexibility helps us maximise wildlife-viewing opportunities while ensuring a safe and enjoyable safari experience.

We have two game drives ahead of us today. Setting off at first light (often around 5am), we'll get the chance to experience one of Africa's unspoiled wonderlands, with the possibility to spot hippos, crocodiles, lions and a great variety of birds, as well as the elusive sitatunga antelope. Moremi is also an ornithologist's paradise with fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, storks, egrets, weavers and bee-eaters all seen regularly. We'll return to camp for brunch and spend the hottest part of the day relaxing. Take the chance for a siesta, to relax reading a book or to do a bit of birdwatching. At around 4pm, we'll set out for our second game drive of the day, returning in the early evening.

After breakfast this morning, we'll journey north towards the spectacular Savuti region of Chobe National Park. Covering an area in the western reaches of the park, Savuti is one of Botswana's most wildlife-rich wilderness areas, famous for its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife and the fascinating Savuti Channel, which has a history of mysteriously flowing and drying up over the years. Along the way, the ever-changing landscapes will introduce us to an abundance of new flora and fauna, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife as we travel. Savuti and the wider Chobe region are renowned for their impressive populations of zebras and lions, as well as being home to some of Africa's largest elephant herds. Botswana is estimated to support more than 100,000 elephants, with around 80% found in the lush woodlands and open plains surrounding the Savuti Channel and Chobe River. Today's journey covers approximately 150 kilometres (93 miles). However, with challenging road conditions, we expect the drive to take between five and seven hours. We'll travel at a leisurely pace, making the most of every opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. We aim to arrive at our camp during the afternoon, leaving time to relax, soak up the surroundings or enjoy a spot of birdwatching before the day's adventures continue. As evening approaches, we'll head out on another exciting game drive through Savuti. With luck, we'll encounter some of the region's more elusive residents as they emerge under the fading African light, bringing another unforgettable day in the Botswana wilderness to a close.

Rise early for another exciting morning game drive across the vast open grasslands of the Savuti Marsh, an area renowned for its abundant wildlife and excellent predator sightings. As we explore this fascinating landscape, we'll look out for large herds of plains game and the predators that follow them. Savuti is particularly famous for its diverse predator population, so keep your eyes peeled for resident leopards, energetic African wild dogs, entertaining bat-eared foxes, spotted hyenas, jackals and, if we're lucky, even cheetahs. During the drier months, from May to September, the landscape can become increasingly stark as the Savuti Channel and marshland waters recede. Wildlife that remains in the area, rather than moving towards Linyanti, Selinda or the Okavango Delta, becomes increasingly reliant on the few remaining water sources. This can create some fascinating wildlife encounters, with animals gathering and competing for access to precious water. Following our morning adventure, we'll return to camp where you'll have some time to rest, relax and enjoy a little downtime before our camping crew serves up a freshly prepared lunch. After a leisurely afternoon, we'll head out once again in the early evening for our final game drive of the trip. This is your last opportunity to soak up the sights and sounds of the African bush, spot some incredible wildlife and enjoy one final memorable safari experience before returning to camp for dinner.

This morning, we'll leave our camp in Botswana and cross the border back into Zimbabwe, stopping in Kasane along the way before continuing to Victoria Falls, the town where our adventure began a few weeks ago. This afternoon, we'll visit the magnificent Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side of the river. Here, the mighty Zambezi River plunges over a sheer cliff face stretching more than 1,676 metres wide and dropping approximately 100 metres into the gorge below. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya , meaning 'The Smoke That Thunders', the falls take their name from the enormous plumes of water vapour that rise high into the sky, resembling clouds of smoke. Combined with the deafening roar of the cascading water, it's a truly spectacular sight. After checking into our hotels, there'll be time to relax, unwind and perhaps enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool before we head out for our final evening meal together, bringing our African adventure to a memorable close.

Our tour ends this morning after breakfast. Depending on the schedule of your departing flight, you might like to spend a few hours exploring the town. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Victoria Falls at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. There's so much to see and do in and around Victoria Falls and our itinerary allows for limited time in the area. If you'd like to add additional nights to the start or end of your trip, contact us to book accommodation.

Our tour ends this morning after breakfast. Depending on the schedule of your departing flight, you might like to spend a few hours exploring the town. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Victoria Falls at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our lodge. There's so much to see and do in and around Victoria Falls and our itinerary allows for limited time in the area. If you'd like to add additional nights to the start or end of your trip, contact us to book accommodation.