Intimate Botswana & Zimbabwe
- 15 Days
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- Botswana
- Zimbabwe
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- Small Group Tour
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- Wildlife Safari
- Duration
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15 Days
- Travel Style
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- Small Group Tour
- Group Size
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- 4-12 Guests
- Destination
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- Botswana
- Zimbabwe
- Experience Type
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- Wildlife Safari
On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the area at your own pace, with a wide range of activities to choose from. You might soar above the falls on a helicopter flight, glide along a zip line or Flying Fox cable, or test your courage with a bungee jump, bridge swing, or bridge slide. For a more relaxed experience, consider a guided tour of the falls, a historical bridge walk, or a cruise along the river at sunset. Cultural experiences include visits to Ndebele or traditional villages, while adventure seekers can try horse riding, canoeing, rafting, or hiking in Batoka Gorge. In the evening, gather at the lodge at 18:00 to meet your guide and fellow travellers for a pre-departure briefing. Pre-booking is recommended for most activities, as they may require minimum numbers, operate seasonally, or be subject to availability.
Optional activities in Victoria Falls (at own expense)
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Victoria Falls. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact the reservations office for further information.
15 Minute Helicopter Flight Flying Fox (Cable Slide)
22 Minute Helicopter Flight Gorge Swing
Boma Dinner incl. transfers Zip Line
Guided Tour of the Victoria Falls Horse Back Safaris (novice)
Dinner Cruise Canoeing (full day)
Bungee Jump Rafting (full day, low water)
Bridge Swing Rafting (full day, high water)
Bridge Slide Batoka Gorge Hike and Ndebele Village Tour
Historical Bridge Tour Traditional Village Tour
Canopy Tour
Accommodation: 1 night Shearwater Explores Camp.
Explorers Village offers the modern pioneer a perfect haven from which to investigate Victoria Falls, widely recognized as the adventure capital of the African continent. Shearwater has been developing and honing adventure, scenic and wildlife experiences in Zimbabwe for over 30 years and the Explorers Village is the ideal melting pot for like-minded individuals to explore the wonders of Victoria Falls and launch themselves into some unforgettable adventures.
Located merely 400m from the Victoria Falls, 100m from the epicentre of the Vic Falls town with its craft and curio markets, bohemian cafes and overlooking natural African bush panorama, the Explorers Village is the perfect "Base Camp". Comprising of 5 bespoke Overland camping sites, modern ablution facilities and 42 private rooms, the village represents budget accommodation at its finest - clean, cool, relaxing, elegant, excellent traditional food, ice cold drinks and exceptionally friendly hosts ready to welcome you and guide you through your Vic Falls experience.
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 100 km
After breakfast, your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya - “the smoke that thunders”. You then travel to Kasane in Botswana, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool. (B,B)
The next day you will start your morning with a game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation until your boat cruise on the Chobe River starts around 3pm. Here you can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up-close photo opportunities.
Accommodation: 2 nights Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa.
On the banks of the mighty Chobe River lies Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa - where nature meets luxury! In these tranquil surroundings you will come to experience true African comfort: superb, spacious accommodation, delectable cuisine and personalised, one-on-one service. To take full advantage of a wealth of wildlife, embark upon an exhilarating game drive in the Chobe National Park. The national park is famous for its large elephant herds, and has some of the largest concentrations of game on the entire African continent. For a more laid-back holiday, tackle 9 holes on the infamous golf course, or simply interact with the spectacular, natural surrounds on a slow walk along the river.
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 183 km
This morning you make your way across the border into Zimbabwe and to your lodge situated in a private concession in the North West corner of Hwange National Park. Over the following two days, you will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives. (BLD,BLD)
Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and is home to great herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.
If time allows, you can partake in an optional game drive on the concession in the afternoon. The whole of the next day is spent exploring this magnificent area on a full day game drive in Hwange National Park.
Accommodation: 2 nights Hideaways Nantwich Lodge.
A unique, small and intimate eco-lodge reclaimed from a bygone era for true safari lovers who want to get off the beaten track and discover the pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife of Northern Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
Perched up on a bluff overlooking a large dam with resident crocodile and hippo, the lodge boasts one of the best views in the park. Built from the foundations of an old Zimparks outpost, and using as many eco principles as possible, the refurbished lodge embodies the very essence of conservation and responsible tourism by re-purposing, preserving and celebrating the natural heritage of the site.
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 470 km
Today you travel south to the majestic Matobo Hills, an area of exquisite beauty, steeped in tribal history, ancient mystery and dramatic rock landscapes. The national park has been given UNESCO World Heritage status and is home to both white and black rhinoceros and sable antelope. Birdlife is prolific and includes the highest concentration of black eagles in the world. Once the home of the San (Bushman), this area contains the richest source of the rock art found anywhere. Not only is it here that the Ndebele people buried their great king, Mzilikazi, but Cecil John Rhodes was also laid to rest on the “Hill of the Benevolent Spirit” or “World’s View” as named by him. (BLD,BLD)
You spend the next day in the national park, starting your morning with tracking rhino spoor by vehicle and foot. In the afternoon, we further explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on game drives, ending with a visit to Rhodes’ grave.
Accommodation: 2 nights Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge.
Shashani Matobo Hills lodge has 10 comfortably furnished individual en-suite rooms which also have private verandas. These widely spaced Matobo Hills Lodges are on the edge of a huge rock dome. Thus, giving you fantastic views of the wooded valley and its characteristic granite dwalas.
The main building at this Matobo lodge has a comfortable lounge and bar with an adjoining dining room. All open-fronted towards the breathtaking view while a large fireplace is available to take the chill out of winter evenings. Furthermore, the swimming pool is ideally placed to gather the sun’s warmth. The relaxing pool also offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Departure: 06h00
Distance: 375 km
Today you will leave Matobo Hills and drive through the savannahs of southern Matebeleland enroute to Botswana. (BLD)
In the afternoon visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans (please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road conditions and water levels as well as time constraints). You will arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: 1 night Nata Lodge.
Nata Lodge is a paradise for avid bird watchers. Set in an oasis among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana the lodge is a hive of activity. View a variety of bird species from the comfort of the lodge’s stunning pool deck, restaurant or open bar, including Paradise whydah, meyers parrot, yellow hornbill and many more.
Departure: 05h00
Distance: 200 km
A very early morning departure leads you to Planet Baobab near Gweta, from where you will embark on an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan to encounter some of Botswana’s distinctive landscapes and extraordinary creatures. (BLD)
Ntwetwe Pan Excursion
The Ntwetwe Pan is one of the two major pans that make up the Makgadikgadi Pans, and is amongst the largest saltpans in the world. The pan was fed by the Boteti River until it was left permanently dry following the construction of the Mopipi Dam, which provides water for the diamond mines in Orapa. The waters may have returned to the river but Ntwetwe is now famous for its extraordinary lunar landscape, particularly the rocky outcrops, dunes, islets, and channels found along the western shore. Explore the area, in search of uniquely adapted desert species such as bat eared foxes, springbuck, kori bustards, and some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats. By spending quality time with these incredibly social, superbly adapted animals, you will be able to see how they interact with each other and their environment. Due to an ongoing habituation programme it’s possible to get up-close-and-personal with these captivating creatures.
After lunch, you will have the opportunity to explore a nearby village to experience modern African village culture. Learn about the history and traditions of the Batswana people from a local guide whose knowledge has been inherited from their forefathers. Visit the local primary school, ‘Sekolo’ with its outdoor classes and meet the children, visit the Kgotla – a traditional court that governs the village and get a glimpse of rural Botswana life.
In the late afternoon, take a stroll with your guide through an impressive baobab grove, as he explains the local ecology, geology and the unique biology of the baobabs, which are in fact not trees but the largest succulents in the world.
Accommodation: 1 night Planet Baobab.
Situated far from the hustle and bustle of city life in the midst of the arid Botswana landscape you will come across one of the most vibrant and unique camps you have ever seen! Named after the 4,000 year old giant baobab trees which surround the camp, Planet Baobab is a traditionally styled mud Bakalanga hut village which combines Afro-chic style with comfort. Remaining true to its traditional African inspiration, Baobab’s Makgadikgadi experience provides an opportunity for guests to learn more about Botswana’s culture and traditions, and the fascinating geological origins of the Makgadikgadi Pans. This is the perfect accommodation for adventurous travellers and families who desire a truly unique African experience.
Departure: 07h00
Distance: 225 km
Today you will travel to Maun, a bustling safari town which serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book an optional scenic flight (at own expense) over the delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly glorious oasis. (B)
Optional activities in Maun (at own expense)
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Maun. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Please contact the reservations office for further information.
Scenic Flight over the Delta (3, 5 or 6 passengers)
Scenic Helicopter Flight from Boro (22 min, 3 seater)**
Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 min, 3 seater)
Scenic Helicopter Flight (60 min, 3 seats)
Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 min, 4 seater)
Scenic Helicopter Flight (60 min, 4 seater)
**The 22 min flight is available from the mokoro station at Boro only. It is advisable to book this for the same day as the mokoro excursion.
Accommodation: 1 night Thamalakane River Lodge.
Set on the lush banks of the Thamalakane River in Botswana the Thamalakane River Lodge offers its guests magnificent views of the riverbanks which are frequented by a wide array of birds and water fowl. The lodge is based just on the outskirts of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta and the Moremi Game Reserve. It’s location right on the river banks is what makes this accommodation special. Breathe in the deliciously refreshing river air while you enjoy the lodge’s comfortable facilities including the full service restaurant and large swimming pool.
Departure: 07h00
Distance: 80 km
After breakfast, you take a drive to the mokoro station. From here, you will float in dugout canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After this spectacular excursion and lunch, you make your way to your camp, which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. (BLD,BLD)
After settling into your camp, you will enjoy dinner and embark on a night game drive in the concession – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day. The next day you head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Accommodation: 2 nights Mankwe Tented Retreat.
Located in the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, Mankwe Tented Retreat offer guests a lovely camping experience in lush green surroundings. Accommodation consists of ten tented suites, each with a private viewing deck, en-suite bathrooms and complimentary bath amenities. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes in the communal dining area. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, a lounge, a bar and Wi-Fi is available throughout the main area.,
Disclaimer: The images highlight both included activities and optional experiences, designed to inspire you to tailor your safari. For full details, please refer to the experience inclusions.
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Intimate Botswana & Zimbabwe
