Botswana & Zimbabwe Uncovered
SMALL GROUP COMFORT CAMPING: See the best of Botswana and Zimbabwe on this 13-day overland tour. Admire thundering Victoria Falls and search for wildlife in Hwange National Park, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Explore the Okavango Delta on foot and by mokoro canoe. Cruise the Chobe River, visit the biodiverse Nata Bird Sanctuary, watch a magical sunset over the Magkadikgadi salt pan, and pop into Namibia to discover the Caprivi Strip.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Victoria Falls
Day 1 Victoria Falls
Welcome to Zimbabwe! On arrival at Victoria Falls airport there is an included transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or head over to the mighty "Mosi-oa-Tunya", the "Smoke That Thunders". Optional activities on offer include white water rafting, scenic flights over the falls or simply a walk into the national park to see the cascades.
Please note: we recommend booking pre tour accommodation in Victoria Falls to enjoy all of the exciting activities on offer and pre booking Victoria Falls activities to ensure availability.
Days 2-3 Hwange National Park safari
Days 2-3 Hwange National Park safari
Victoria Falls - Hwange National Park. There's time on the morning of day 2 to enjoy activities in Victoria Falls. We depart mid-afternoon for the 2-hour drive to Hwange National Park. This is Zimbabwe's premier wildlife reserve and our campsite for the night is located within the Private Concession, renowned for its large elephant population.
We enjoy an included morning 4X4 game drive on day 3, and you will have the opportunity to join a second game drive if you choose, or enjoy some time spent relaxing at the campsite, which has its own game viewing deck.
Day 4 Nata Bird Sanctuary & the Makgadikgadi
Day 4 Nata Bird Sanctuary & the Makgadikgadi
Hwange National Park - Nata (Botswana). Leaving Zimbabwe, we cross the border into Botswana and journey to our campsite in the Nata region, home to the jaw-dropping Makgadikgadi salt pans. We pay a visit to the biodiverse Nata Bird Sanctuary and then it's onto the Makgadikgadi itself during the late afternoon. We'll remain in the area to watch the sunset, a spectacular sight to see over the white salt flats. You may be able to spot flocks of flamingos, zebra, wildebeest, and the occasional ostrich wandering onto the desolate lake bed.
Days 5-6 Khwai Area of Moremi Game Reserve
Days 5-6 Khwai Area of Moremi Game Reserve
Nata - Maun - Moremi Game Reserve. On day 5 we travel to Maun and switch into our open-sided 4X4 safari vehicles to travel to the Khwai area of Moremi Game Reserve. This beautiful area of complete wilderness, with lush green vegetation and palm trees, is teeming with birdlife and a vast population of wild animals. We camp within the park, where you will be able to enjoy the sounds of the bush as we eat meals and relax at the camp.
Day 7 Maun
Day 7 Maun
Moremi Game Reserve - Maun. There's time for one final game drive early this morning where we hope to spot any species that remain on your list! Then it's back to Maun where the afternoon is at leisure. There is an optional 1-hour scenic flight over the Okavango Delta for those who are interested.
Days 8-9 Exploring the Okavango
Days 8-9 Exploring the Okavango
Maun - Okavango Delta. Departing Maun on day 8, we drive around the panhandle to our camp in the northwest of the Okavango Delta. There's a sunset boat excursion this evening where we hope to see hippo, crocodiles and other abundant species in the biodiverse delta. On day 9 we sail deeper into the delta where we can enjoy mokoro canoe excursions and game walks on some of the smaller islands, subject to the water levels in the delta.
Day 10 Caprivi & Zambezi River
Day 10 Caprivi & Zambezi River
Okavango Delta - Caprivi Strip (Namibia). Heading out of Botswana today, we cross into Namibia and journey along the narrow Caprivi Strip to our campsite. The Caprivi Strip is located along the Zambezi River and is a bird-lover's paradise, with many species attracted to the lush terrain near the river. Huge colonies of Carmine Bee-eaters dart about, whilst hippos bathe in the water and crocodiles sun themselves at the water's edge. Here we have plenty of time to relax and take in the tranquil surroundings.
Days 11-12 Chobe National Park
Days 11-12 Chobe National Park
Caprivi Strip - Chobe National Park (Botswana). Day 11 sees us crossing back into Botswana and driving through Chobe National Park, keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife. Known for its large herds of elephants and a population of rare painted dogs, Chobe is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations.
The next day we further explore the park with an included game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. There are also further optional game drives for those who would like to book these locally.
Day 13 Back to Vic Falls
Day 13 Back to Vic Falls
Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Today after breakfast we drive back to Victoria Falls and our tour comes to an end with an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Located just 1.4km from Victoria Falls, you're able to see the spray from the hotel when the falls are in full flood. Rooms are comfortable, boasting queen-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms, a safe and climate control. Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the hotel, including outside on the sun terrace. There's a buffet breakfast at the onsite restaurant, and you can also enjoy meals outside by the pool, and enjoy a drink at either of the two bars.
Tuskers is an unfenced campsite within the Private Concession of Hwange National Park, with wildlife free to roam through the camp for an intimate safari experience. Elephants and buffalo in particular are often seen. There are also wildlife viewing areas built into the trees. Electricity, hot water, showers and toilets are all provided and there is a bar, fridge, free firewood and two central campfire pits. Additional game drives and game walks into the concession can also be booked.
On the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan and next to the diverse Nata Bird Sanctuary, Nata Lodge Campsite is shaded from the sun by marula trees and the remote location means clear skies at night make for excellent stargazing. Although there is no electric hook-up, ablution facilities are clean and well maintained, with hot water. Guests at the campsite are welcome to use the lodge facilities, including a well-stocked bar, swimming pool, restaurant and shop.
Audi Camp is located on the road into Moremi Game Reserve, 12km from Maun. Facilities at the site include a bar and restaurant with an extensive menu including local and international cuisine. There's a swimming pool onsite and camping pitches with power. Showers with hot water and toilets are provided, and there are areas for washing clothes and dishes.
Just a few metres from the banks of the Okavango River, Swampstop Campsite makes a great base for exploring the famous Delta. Guests at the campsite are welcome to use the facilities of the adjacent lodge, including two small swimming pools, a television lounge and bar. There's a raised viewing deck by the river where travellers can spot crocodiles and some of the area's abundant bird life, and there is Wi-Fi in communal areas. The campsite is nestled amongst trees providing shade and offers bathroom facilities with hot water, electricity, a fire pit, and children's playground.
Located next to a lodge of the same name on the banks of the Zambezi River, Zambezi Mubala Campsite is set in a grove of tall trees, with fish eagles calling throughout the day and the relaxing sound of the river lapping the shore. There's a bird hide, outdoor firepit, and jetty, too. Visitors to the campsite have access to the pool and bathroom facilities, and there are power sockets and a restaurant onsite. Birdwatching, fishing and other activities are also offered.
Chobe Safari Lodge Campsite in Kasane borders Chobe National Park, located on the banks of the Chobe River. It is often possible to spot elephants and hippos on the other side of the river as they come down to drink, which makes this a great place to camp! The campsite benefits from ablution facilities and power, and guests are welcome to use the pool, bar and restaurant at the adjacent lodge. Other facilities at the lodge that are open to campers include an internet cafe, squash court, spa and craft shop.
Tour Reviews
Wonderful trip
Absolutely fabulous tour, could not fault it at all! Packed itinerary but wouldn't change it, Richard the tour guide and team were fabulous as were the other guides for the game drives. We would highly recommend this tour.
Raymond and his colleagues organised a great holiday for us which turned out to be unique. We were hosted by Weston and Thabani and spent a fantastic fortnight travelling across Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia visiting wonderful reserves and viewing so many animals and birds - it was truly awe inspiring.
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