Day 1: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

This 10-day Zimbabwe, Zambia & Botswana Safari commences with pickup upon your arrival at Victoria Falls Airport from where you’ll be transferred to a cosy guest house nestled in the peaceful, green neighbourhoods of Victoria Falls. The bustling town of Victoria Falls is named after the mighty and magnificent Victoria Falls.

Take time to settle in and unwind at your comfortable guest house, your ‘home-away-from-home’ for the next two days. Later in the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner experience at Jungle Junction, located at the iconic Victoria Hotel.

• Accommodation: Guest house in Victoria Falls
• Meal included: Dinner

Day 2: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Our second day in Victoria Falls begins with a delightful breakfast at the guest house. Then we embark on a guided tour of the majestic Victoria Falls waterfall. Situated on the Zambezi River, this waterfall is one of the largest in the world and the biggest in Africa. Victoria Falls forms a natural boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is renowned as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Its immense curtain of falling water earns it the local name Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “the Smoke that Thunders”. It was named Victoria Falls by the explorer, David Livingstone on his expedition here.

Following our exploration of Victoria Falls, the remainder of the day is free for leisure. You can unwind at your accommodation, explore the town, or participate in the various optional activities available in Victoria Falls. In the evening, savour a delicious dinner at the restaurant of your choice before retiring to the guest house for a well-deserved sleep.

Victoria Falls Optional Activities:

Victoria Falls is renowned for its myriad of adventure activities that can be booked at extra cost. For up-to-date and confirmed pricing of the optional activities, please contact African Budget Safaris.

Do some sightseeing in the historic town and visit the local markets. For the more adventurous, get your heart racing on various adventure activities (extra cost). Top choices include white water rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge, zipline ride across Batoka Gorge, or abseil into the narrow gorge. Take the Flight of Angels, as flights over Vic Falls are called in a fixed-wing plane, microlight or helicopter.

• Accommodation: Guest House in Victoria Falls
• Meal included: Breakfast
• Activity included: Victoria Falls Visit
• Optional Activities not included

Days 3 to 5: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

Our Southern Africa safari in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana takes us to Zimbabwe’s renowned Hwange National Park after breakfast this morning. We journey through Zimbabwe and arrive at Hwange National Park by lunchtime.

Our lodge accommodation for the next three days is within a 15,000-acre private concession, offering an exclusive retreat for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Designed to blend safari adventure with comfort, it promises an unforgettable stay with expert guides committed to crafting safari experiences tailored to seasoned and first-time travellers. The lodge offers a unique opportunity to witness the untouched beauty of the celebrated Hwange National Park on your safari in Zimbabwe.

During our three-day stay, we indulge in morning and afternoon open 4×4 vehicle game drives across the private concession bordering Hwange National Park. Exploring this expansive national park, we encounter a rich tapestry of predators and herbivores. Abundant photographic opportunities abound as we seek out large herds of elephants, buffalo, and plains game. We might be fortunate to catch glimpses of elusive predators near the waterholes, where wildlife gathers to drink.

Established in 1928, Hwange forms a crucial conservation area along the Zimbabwe and Botswana border. It is Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest game park, renowned for its abundant and diverse African wildlife, encompassing a variety of local animals and plants. Notably, Hwange National Park is best known for its vast elephant herds, boasting one of Africa’s largest populations of these majestic creatures. It also serves as a vital habitat for endangered African wild dogs, alongside over 100 other mammal species. The park’s biodiversity encompasses around 400 bird species and is a delight to birdwatching enthusiasts.

• Accommodation: Lodge in Hwange Private Concession.
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Local Brand Drinks
• Activities included: Hwange Game Drives

Day 6: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) to Livingstone – Zambia

After breakfast in Hwange, we leave for Livingstone, crossing into Zambia via Victoria Falls. Livingstone is the historic town at Victoria Falls in Zambia. As the gateway to Victoria Falls, it is a bustling hub for adventure and tourism. Formerly known as Maramba Town, Livingstone blends African charm with remnants of its colonial past. Today, Livingstone flourishes as Zambia’s premier tourism and adventure capital, enticing visitors with an array of tourist attractions and activities. The town harmonises old-world architecture with modern conveniences like restaurants, internet cafes, shops, and vibrant nightlife.

We check into our riverside safari lodge in Livingstone, where we will spend the night of our Southern Africa Safari. Spend the afternoon exploring Livingstone on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and visit Vic Falls (at extra cost) for a new perspective.

Later, we unwind with a sunset cruise on the Lady Livingstone along the breathtaking Zambezi River, enjoying refreshments and snacks on this laid-back boat cruise to complete the experience. Hippos and crocodiles are commonly spotted from the boat, along with various other wild animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and even rhinos. An amazing array of birds can also be sighted on this mellow-paced cruise in nature. We end the day with a delightful dinner by the riverbank.

• Accommodation: Safari Lodge in Livingstone
• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Activity included: Zambezi Sunset River Cruise

Day 7: Livingstone (Zambia) to Chobe River, Kasane – Botswana

On the seventh day of our Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana safari, we begin with a relaxed breakfast at our lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. Then our Southern Africa Safari takes us into Botswana. We drive through Zambia crossing into Botswana and head for Kasane. For the next three nights on safari in Botswana, we stay at a charming riverside safari lodge on the banks of the picturesque Chobe River.

Renowned for its stunning landscapes, breathtaking sunsets, and rich biodiversity of wildlife and birds, the Chobe River promises an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you have leisure time to unwind and explore at your own pace.

• Accommodation: Safari Lodge along the Chobe River
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Days 8 & 9: Chobe National Park – Botswana

Over the next two days, we’ll explore the diverse wildlife of Chobe National Park. We will embark on game drives and a scenic boat cruise on the Chobe River in Botswana.

On Day 8 of our Southern Africa Safari, we’ll have two opportunities for 4×4 game drives in Chobe National Park with an early morning and a late afternoon game drive. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for wildlife spotting when many animals and birds are most active. Covering approximately 11,700 km² of varied terrain from open grasslands to dense woodlands. Chobe Park is renowned for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife. We’re likely to encounter zebras, giraffes, warthogs, hyenas, cheetahs, and the famous Big Five African animals – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Herds of buffalo and various antelope species such as sable and impala are common sights, along with kudu and wildebeest.

Day 9 begins with a delicious breakfast followed by a mid-morning 4×4 game drive in Chobe National Park, providing another chance to observe wildlife. Later in the afternoon, we enjoy a mellow sunset game-viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River, offering us a different perspective of Chobe’s wildlife. With over 450 bird species, Chobe Park also promises remarkable birdwatching opportunities. We enjoy a blissful sunset from the boat, providing a serene conclusion to the day before we return to our lodge for a riverside dinner.

• Accommodation: Safari Lodge along the Chobe River
• Meals: Breakfasts & Dinners
• Activities: Chobe Game Drives & Boat Cruise

Day 10: Kasane (Botswana) to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Our 10-day Zimbabwe, Zambia & Botswana Safari ends after breakfast today. From the lodge, you are transferred to either Kasane Airport in Botswana or Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe where we say farewell.