Zimbabwe Botswana Explorer

Zimbabwe & Botswana Explorer

12 days Accommodated OR Camping

Camping tour – starting from USD 2100.00

Accommodated tour – starting from USD 2550.00

Highlights
• Take a look at a conservation project in Zimbabwe
• Safari in Zimbabwe’s premier park – Hwange National Park
• Check out the beauty and splendour of Matopos National Park
• Explore the Waterways of the Okavango Delta
• Share a thirst quenching Sundowner with the Elephants
• Cruise and Game Drive in Chobe National Park
• Visit the majestic Victoria Falls

Day 1. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met by your Driver/Guide. After a short transfer to Town and your Hotel, you will have a chance to relax a little before taking a Sunset Cruise on the Upper Zambezi River (Optional Activity), a wonderful way to begin your African Adventure.

Day 2. Hwange National Park / Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
An early start and we drive south heading for the world famous Hwange National Park, the largest in Zimbabwe. Once the royal hunting grounds to the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi, it was set aside as a National Park in 1929. Our camp is located on the edge of the Park. We will take a morning game drive in the park, home to 400 bird species and 105 species of game including the ‘Big Five’. After leaving the park we visit the local Wild Dog Project. These endangered animals are in constant threat from disease and conflict for habitat. Our fascinating visit will allow us to find out about the efforts being made to protect them and the success stories so far. Our journey will continue on to Bulawayo, the City of Kings.

Day 3. Bulawayo, Matopos National Park, Zimbabwe
This morning, knowledgeable local guides will take you to Matopos National Park. A place of tranquil scenic beauty, featuring the weird wind sculptured formation of the Matobo Hills, some of which display Bushman’s paintings believed to be between 1,000 and 4,000 years old. Whilst in the Game Park we will disembark our vehicle to view of some of the animals on foot, including the White Rhinos, an experience not to be missed. Lunch will be served as part of the Safari, before returning to town.

Day 4. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Your guide and vehicle will be at your disposal today, to continue to explore Bulawayo at your will.

Day 5. Maun, Botswana
Departing Bulawayo, we drive west heading for the Botswana border. After crossing we continue on our journey to Maun, the gateway to the world famous Okavango Delta. Along the way we pass through National Parks, State Forest Reserve and Private Concession Areas, so we may be fortunate to spot some of the game animals as we go. This is a long driving day, but it gets us to where we need to be to really make the most of our tour.

Day 6. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Heading out early after breakfast we begin our excursion into the Okavango Delta. The first part of the journey is by 4×4 over rough sandy paths to the ‘mokoro’ station, where the river level reaches. Here we are introduced to the local Tswana ‘polers’, our guides for the excursion, and transfer our luggage and equipment to the mokoros (dug-out canoes). We travel by these shallow canoes amongst giant lily pads, tall grasses and labyrinthine channels to our camp on the edge of the Okavango. From our camp we venture out on guided walks in search of some of the prolific birdlife and larger mammals that inhabit the reserve. The whole area is a natural wetland spreading over some 1,600,000ha of northern Botswana offering a perfect habitat for the wildlife that roams here freely. The Okavango River rises in Angola (far to the north) and flows south dividing repeatedly to form an intricate floodplain of channels and swamps which then spreads out into a broad flat inland delta – the only one of its kind in the world. We enjoy the afternoon wilderness experience and for many people the feeling of being at camp overnight is an unforgettable experience.

Day 7. Okavango Delta and Elephant Sands, Botswana
The following morning we explore the surrounds on a nature walk where you have the thrilling experience of being out in the natural wilderness. This is a great way to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the wilderness and enjoy nature as it wakes for the day. After the bush we enjoy breakfast and then pack up again onto our mokoros, leaving nothing behind but footprints. Returning to our 4×4 and bidding our polers farewell, we return to Maun. The afternoon offers the opportunity to join the guide for a trip into town for a little shopping. Another popular activity here is an optional scenic flight over the ‘Delta’ for a bird’s eye view of the wilderness you have just explored by makoro and on foot. Prices depend on the number of people interested, but seeing the vastness of the Okavango from the air gives a further appreciation of the beauty of this part of Africa. We return to our camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 8. Moremi National Park, Botswana
An early start sees us leaving Maun to take a day tour to Moremi Game Reserve. Located on the edge of the Okavango Delta, the Reserve was declared a protected area after being used by the then chief Moremi as an exclusive hunting ground. The area is rich with game and offers an untouched wildlife experience. The combination of different habitats from Mopane woodland to Acacia forest, floodplains and lagoons make the area a place of stunning beauty, supporting a diverse array of wildlife. Sightings of leopard, wild dog, cheetah and lion are common, as are elephant, giraffe and zebra encounters.

Day 9. Elephant Sands, Private Game Reserve, Nata, Botswana
Farewell to Maun. Our destination is Elephant Sands, Private Game Reserve. Here we can spend the evening by the floodlit waterhole, which is at the heart of the camp. Here we hope to observe the many local Elephants that come to quench their thirst.

Day 10. Thebe River Lodge, Kasane, Botswana
Conveniently located on the banks of the Chobe River, Thebe River Lodge is the ideal place to base our exploration of the Chobe National Park – home to large herds of Elephants and many other species. We will undertake an afternoon game cruise and an early morning game drive, were we expect to have some excellent game viewing opportunities.

Day 11. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Following the game drive we return to Victoria Falls, arriving around midday. The afternoon will be spent with a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls. The Falls plummet 110 meters into the Batoka Gorge, sending spray up to 200 meters into the air. An awe inspiring sight. There will also be time for you to participate in some of the various optional activities available.

Day 12. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The tour ends after breakfast with a transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flight.

Start Victoria Falls Finish Victoria Falls

Tour Highlights – included in the tour price

  1. Victoria Falls, sunset cruise (Optional Activity)
  2. Bulawayo, Hwange National Park, morning game drive and Painted Dog Conservation visit – B.
  3. Bulawayo, Matopos NP day tour – BL.
  4. Bulawayo, Free Day to Explore Bulawayo – B.
  5. Maun, Driving Day – BLD.
  6. Okavango Delta, Overnight Delta Excursion – BLD
  7. Maun, return from the Delta. Delta Scenic Flight(Optional Activity) – BLD
  8. Maun, Moremi National Park day tour – BLD
  9. Elephant Sands, Okavango Delta Nature Walk and Sunset Waterhole – BLD.
  10. Kasane, Afternoon Game Cruise in Chobe National Park – BD.
  11. Victoria Falls, visit to Victoria Falls – B.
    Victoria Falls, Airport Transfer. Tour Ends. B.

Group size: Min. 2 Max. 12 Age: Open
(Can take single bookings if minimum group size is met)

Departs: Any Day

Included in tour price: All tour highlights, transport, accommodation, meals as indicated, driver/guide on excursions.

Not Included: Visas, travel insurance, flights, departure taxes, airport transfers, drinks, tips, optional activities and items of a personal nature.

Transport: Minivan, 4×4

All Accommodation:
Victoria Falls – Shearwater Explorers Village (or similar) 2 nights, Twin/Double ensuite rooms.
Bulawayo – Travellers Guesthouse (or similar) 3 nights, Twin/Double ensuite rooms.
Maun – Sitatunga Camp (or similar) 2 nights, Twin ensuite rooms
Okavango Delta – Private Mobile Camp. Twin Safari Tents, with basic ensuite facilities
Elephant Sands – Elephant Sands Lodge. Twin/Double ensuite rooms or safari tents
Kasane – Thebe Safari Lodge. Twin/Double ensuite rooms

Accommodation/Camping option:
Victoria Falls – Shearwater Explorers Village (or similar) 2 nights, Twin/Double ensuite rooms.
Bulawayo – Travellers Guesthouse (or similar) 3 nights, Twin/Double ensuite rooms.
Maun – Sitatunga Camp (or similar) 2 night, Camping, 2 person Dome Tents shared facilities
Okavango Delta – Private Mobile Camp. 1 night, Twin Safari Tents, with basic ensuite facilities
Elephant Sands – Elephant Sands Lodge. 1 night, Camping, 2 person Dome Tents shared facilities
Kasane – Thebe Safari Lodge. 1 night, Camping, 2 person Dome Tents shared facilities

Meals:
Meals indicated in the tour highlights are included in the tour price. Other meals can be taken in local restaurants, takeaways or at your lodging at your own expense. Your Driver/Guide will be able to assist with recommendations and reservations.