Day 1: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Your Vic Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari begins when you land at Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe. You will be greeted and transferred to Ilala Lodge, a charming hotel just an eight-minute walk from the iconic Victoria Falls. Known as “The Smoke that Thunders,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest curtain of falling water, 1,708 meters (5,600 ft) wide and cascading millions of litres per minute during peak rainy season. Experience the thunderous roar and cooling mist while admiring the breathtaking spectacle.
The day is yours to explore Victoria Falls town with its relaxed atmosphere, quaint cafes and bustling markets. Thrill-seekers can engage in the host of activities on offer, like helicopter rides, and bungee jumping, or take a daring dip in Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool at the falls’ edge. Later in the afternoon, unwind on a sunset riverboat cruise along the mighty Zambezi River above the falls. With a refreshing drink in hand, soak in the peaceful ambience while spotting wildlife along the riverbanks, including birds, crocodiles, and possibly elephants.
- Included Activities: Road Transfer, Zambezi River Sunset Boat Cruise
- Optional Activities: Helicopter Flight, Flying Fox Cable Slide, Gorge Swing, Bungee Jump, Zip Lining, Bridge Slide, Canopy Tour, Sunset Cruise and more
- Meals Included: None
About Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls
At Vic Falls, this Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari stays at Ilala Lodge Hotel. This is a family-run luxury retreat just an eight-minute walk to Victoria Falls, making it the closest hotel to the iconic waterfall on the Zimbabwean side. Nestled in lush gardens, the lodge features 73 stylish en-suite rooms with balconies or garden access, offering views of the mist rising from the falls and frequent wildlife sightings. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining at the award-winning Cassia Restaurant, which serves alfresco meals under the African sky. The hotel is an ideal base for exploring the area’s attractions, including historical sites and adventure activities. For a unique experience, guests can embark on a sunset cruise aboard the Ra-Ikane riverboat fleet, reliving the journeys of early explorers along the Zambezi River.
Day 2 & 3: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park – Botswana
On day 2, your Vic Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari begins with an up-close guided tour of the magnificent Victoria Falls. Next, you travel by road to Kasane, just the other side of the border in Botswana. Upon arrival and after border formalities, enjoy a relaxing lunch before embarking on a scenic boat safari cruise along the Chobe River. The river lies along the edge of Chobe National Park in northeastern Botswana, home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including over 50,000 migratory elephants. A riverboat safari offers a unique opportunity to observe hippos lounging in the water, crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and elephants bathing or crossing the river. Along the lush shores, keep a lookout for lions, leopards, wild dogs, a variety of antelope species, and a dazzling array of birdlife.
Following your river safari, you will continue by road to beautiful Camp Kuzuma, an exclusive tented camp nestled in an elephant corridor between Chobe and Hwange Reserves. Over the next two nights, you will explore the camp’s 11,000-hectare private concession on guided early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, while evening safaris provide a chance to spot elusive nocturnal creatures. With expert guides leading the way, you will have the opportunity to witness the park’s incredible biodiversity, from large elephant herds to predators like lions and leopards. Between game-viewing adventures, relax at the camp, lazing by the pool or indulging in a pampering treatment at the spa.
- Included Activities: Victoria Falls Visit, Road Transfer, Chobe Riverboat Safari, Game Drives
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
About Camp Kuzuma, Chobe
On our Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari accommodation is at Camp Kuzuma. A remote and luxurious safari lodge bordering Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, Camp Kuzuma offers exceptional wildlife encounters in a pristine wilderness corridor. Nestled among Mopane trees, seven spacious tented suites provide absolute privacy and breathtaking views of the bushveld. Each suite features a romantic safari-inspired design with king-sized beds draped in mosquito nets, ensuite canvas bathrooms with double showers and deep Victorian baths, and private sun decks with stunning views. Committed to eco-tourism, the camp operates entirely off the grid while still offering modern comforts, including a pool, restaurant, and spa, ensuring a serene and immersive safari experience.
Day 4 & 5: Chobe to Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe
On day 4, your Vic Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari will cross the Pandamatenga Border back into Zimbabwe and head for Hwange National Park. Arrive at the beautiful Nantwich Lodge, your home for the next two nights, situated in the park’s northwest corner. The lodge overlooks a large dam teeming with resident hippos and crocodiles, offering one of the best views in Hwange.
Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, spanning 14,650 square kilometres, and is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including over 100 mammal species and nearly 400 bird species. It is particularly famous for its 40,000 tusker elephants, which gather at waterholes in impressive numbers. Explore this vast wilderness on open-air game drives, stopping at secluded hides and waterholes where wildlife often gathers. With professional guides leading both day and night safaris, you’ll have the opportunity to experience unforgettable wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s wildlife hotspots.
- Included Activities: Road Transfer, Game Drives
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
About Nantwich Lodge, Hwange
Our Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari stays at Nantwich Lodge, a secluded eco-lodge in Northern Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. This eco-friendly lodge offers an off-the-beaten-track safari experience. The lodge blends heritage with modern, eco-friendly design thoughtfully refurbished while preserving its historic charm and boasts one of the best views in Hwange. Perched on a hill overlooking a dam with resident crocodiles and hippos, it provides exceptional game-viewing opportunities. Relax by the swimming pool, and inviting lounge areas. The lodge features six intimate en-suite rooms with outdoor baths, four of which have interleading doors for families or friends. Between game-viewing adventures, relax in the main lodge with its dining area, indoor and outdoor lounges, swimming pool, and wireless internet.
Day 6: Hwange to Victoria Falls
Today, your Vic Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari comes to an end after breakfast. You will be transferred back to Victoria Falls Airport by road.
- Included Activity: Road Transfer
- Meals Included: Breakfast
Vic Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari Tour Notes
This Vic Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari departs daily with a minimum of 2 people to guarantee departures.
This Zimbabwe and Botswana itinerary is just a sample and can easily be tailored to suit your specific needs. Speak to our travel experts who are very happy to discuss your requirements and options.
Our friendly travel consultants are happy to arrange pre and post-tour accommodation and transfers should you wish to arrive the day before, or leave the day after your Vic Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari. Victoria Falls, in particular, has a host of activities to be experienced and it is advisable to spend more time to fully take advantage of everything on offer. Speak to an African travel consultant who will gladly assist you.
For more details contact African Budget Safaris.
