Toll Free Numbers: 1-888-414-6513 0-808-189-1052, All Other Countries - +27 21 791 0878
Game drive lions

Botswana, Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls African Safari Adventure

Tour Length16 days
Priced from pps $4636 R88390 £3676 4299 A$7145 C$6304 NZ$7776 Full pricing info
Change Currency

Summary of this Lodge Africa Overland Tour

  • Max. Group Size 16 Travellers
  • Starts & ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Accommodation Lodge / Safari Lodge / Fully Serviced Camping / Tented Lodge
  • Transport Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle / Large Overland Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Rhino, Wildlife Conservation Experience & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

Embark on a budget-friendly African Safari Adventure to Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Victoria Falls. Explore the Kalahari Desert, Makgadigadi, Okavango Delta, and wildlife havens like Khwai River, Moremi, and Savuti. Witness Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls and enjoy game sightings at Chobe River, Hwange Park, and a private Limpopo reserve. The tour features 5 days of camping in the Okavango Delta, game walks, mokoro rides, 4x4 drives, a starlit night at Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and a Chobe River cruise. 

This Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari Adventure is a wonderful wildlife-and-wilderness experience, with comfortable accommodation and a touch of wild camping.

Responsible Travel Note

During this trip, you are likely to come across activities that encourage tourists to participate in lion, elephant, or other wildlife interactions. This includes walking with lions, riding elephants, and any other tourist operation putting travelers in close contact with animals that would normally live wild and separate from human contact.

We absolutely do not encourage or endorse this type of wildlife interaction operation. For more information on why this is not good for Africa's wild animals, please see our detailed blog post on the subject.

Enquire About This
Departure Dates
Send to a Friend

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Johannesburg to Kalahari Desert & Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Botswana

Our Botswana & Victoria Falls African Safari Adventure starts in Johannesburg, South Africa. We depart at 06h30 am, and travel north through the arid North West Province of South Africa towards the Botswana border. After customs and immigration formalities we make our way through the vast Kalahari Plains for our first taste of the wide open spaces of Botswana. The Kalahari Basin covers and area of over 2,500,000 square kilometres extending throug Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, and even encroaching into parts of Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

It's a long drive to the lodge where we spend our first night in Botswana. We will stay at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, run by a community-based wildlife Trust established in 1992. 100% of the staff are Motswana led by the chief warden, and all profit made from this initiative go to the Serowe, Mabelepodi & Paje communities for development.

Rhinos in Africa are poached in ever increasing numbers due to the demand for their horns and other body parts. Learn about the efforts to save these creatures while also seeking to restore the land to its former glory while providing economic benefits to the local community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. This reserve has several natural waterholes and provides a prime habitat for white rhino, zebra and wildebeest.

In the evening your guide fills you in on the details of our Africa overland tour while we enjoy a catered meal (own expense) at the lodge.

  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 600 km
  • Includes: Scenic South Africa North West drive, Kalahari Desert, Khama Rhino Sanctuary
  • Excludes: Lunch & Dinner (own expense)

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary to Maun - Botswana

On day two of our African Safari Adventure, we set off early for the first of many game drives in search of rhino and other animals that inhabit the sanctuary.

We return for brunch before heading northward once again towards Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Our drive takes us through wide open desert landscapes, past remote villages. We skirt the vast Makgadigadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world. Actually a series of salt pans created by an enormous lake which dried up many millennia ago, this salty crusty area transforms to grasslands after the annual rainy season attracting migrating wildlife.

We head towards tonight's lodge situated on the banks of the Boteti River on the outskirts of Maun. This river flows from the delta bringing the seasonal waters towards the Makgadigadi each year. Settle into the lodge and enjoy the birdlife by the river and fall asleep to the grunting of hippos.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 480 km

Day 3 to 4: Okavango Delta - Botswana

We are up early on Day 3 and heading to Maun to catch a flight into the heart of the magnificent Okavango Delta. The view from the aircraft offers a breathtaking perspective on this incredible place.

The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world, an enormous wetland area beginning in the Angolan Highlands in the north and flowing directly into the Kalahari Desert to the south. It is made up of serene lagoons, winding channels, and secluded islands covering 600,000 hectares, which swell to 1.2 million hectares during the annual floods. An incredibly wide variety of wild animals, birds, and plant species thrive in this lush environment.

We settle in to a private camp on one of the largest lagoons and immerse ourselves in this incredible landscape. There is ample time to explore the pristine wilderness area on foot and by traditional dugout mokoro, as well as relax and bask in the tranquillity of this truly wild place. You have the chance to find out more about the local flora and fauna from the local guides who have grown up in the area. Interacting with the guides will give you an insight into the fascinating people living in this remote region. One afternoon we will take a leisurely sunset boat cruise.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (x 2)
  • Accommodation: Twin-bed tented unit
  • Includes: Guided game walk with local Motswana guides, mokoro trip, sunset boat cruise
  • Optional activities: Helicopter flights over Delta

Day 5 to 8: Khwai River Area, flexible schedule - Botswana

We have an early start on Day 5, with a transfer back to the airstrip and another flight over the delta and Moremi National Park. The flight gives you a unique perspective on the vast terrain and its teeming animals. Meanwhile the support vehicle has gone ahead with your luggage and equipment to set up camp on the banks of the Khwai river.

The ground crew will meet you on landing and get you settled in to the campsite for what is sure to be a highlight of the tour. The location is truly remote and unspoiled.

The next four days will be spent immersing yourself in this wild place. We will embark on game drives on open 4x4 Land Cruisers with our local Motswana guides to explore every corner of the Khwai concession, as well as the Moremi and Savuti Reserves. The route will depend on the season. We stop to keep watch at hides and waterholes. We explore a variety of habitats, from open plains to marshland, dense mopane woodlands and acacia scrub, looking out for the plants and animals drawn to each unique habitat. Days are spent in the wild, stopping for picnic lunches and drinks on the road.

We arrive back at camp towards sunset each day for a hearty meal prepared by the camp crew. Gather round the camp fire to share stories of the day and marvel at the stars. Drift off to sleep with the sounds of the bush - the roar of a distant lion or the grunting of a wallowing hippo.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Serviced camping (2 person dome tent)
  • Includes: 4x4 open vehicle game drives, extensive firsthand gameviewing experiences

Day 9: Maun - Botswana

The time has come to leave the magnificence of the Khwai River area and continue on our adventure. We take a slow game drive making our way back to Maun to stock up on supplies. After some free time to explore the busy town and have lunch (own expense), we make our way to the lodge for tonight. On arrival at our tented lodge just outside town, there is time to relax and take a dip in the pool before enjoying a catered meal and a restful night in comfort.

  • Breakfast / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tented Lodge, twin-bed units with en-suite bathrooms
  • Travel: About 225 km
  • Includes: Game drive out of the park, Visit Maun
  • Optional activities: Scenic flight over Delta - fixed wing or helicopter (own expense)

Day 10: Makgadikgadi Pans - Botswana

Enjoy a relaxed morning today. We make our way into Maun for the morning. Learn from the locals and their way of life: a local village walk with one of the villagers is an excellent way to experience authentic village life in Chenoga Village, which is off the tourist route.

Later we journey east to the mysterious Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. One of the largest saltpan complexes in the world, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans is a solitary and quiet place of stark scenery and open space. Surprisingly, the pans are known for their prolific birdlife and other animals that have adapted to living in this harsh environment. In the 19th century, Dr. David Livingstone traversed the pans, using a massive baobab tree - the only landmark around for hundreds of miles - as his guide.

After exploring the spectacular pans we continue to our lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening. The sunset and the stars are quite magnificent from here.

  • Breakfast / Brunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 200 - 300 km
  • Includes: Relaxed morning by the pool, Village Walk, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Stargazing

Day 11: Chobe River to Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Today we leave the vast and barren Makgadikgadi Pans, traveling north to Chobe River.

The Chobe River is the main source of water in Chobe National Park, famous for its huge herds of elephants. The scenic park is also home to hippo, crocodile, lion, antelopes, and extraordinary birdlife. In the afternoon we embark on a relaxing boat cruise on the Chobe River, gliding close to the riverbank in the hopes of encountering reptiles, mammals, and birds up close. During our river exploration of Chobe National Park, we explore both the Chobe Riverfront as well as the Namibian side of the river.

Back on land, we cross into Zimbabwe and drive to Victoria Falls town. Our lodge is conveniently located within walking distance of booking agents, local attractions, and the Victoria Falls waterfall.

  • Breakfast / Lunch
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 320 km
  • Includes: Chobe National Park, Boat Cruise on the Chobe River

Day 12: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Today we visit the mighty Victoria Falls, to witness Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means "The Smoke that Thunders". One of the highlights of our African Safari Adventure, a visit to Victoria Falls is awe-inspiring.

Victoria Falls is considered the largest sheet of falling water in the world, sending up a spray of water 400m and higher that can be seen from as far as 50km away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the natural wonders of the world.

We spend two nights at our Victoria Falls lodge allowing plenty of time to participate in optional adventure activities (at own expense) and explore the Vic Falls area by foot or bicycle. Optional activities in Vic Falls include; scenic helicopter flights over the Falls, Zambezi River Boat Cruises, White Water Rafting, and Bungee Jumping from the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Or you could visit a local village to encounter traditional tribes, the African curio market, or the crocodile farm among other attractions.

Tonight we will eat out at a local restaurant (own expense). Soak up the sounds of the African night and the distant roar of the famous Victoria Falls, toasting to your exhilarating adventures.

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: Free day to explore
  • Includes: Victoria Falls National Park, Victoria Falls entry fee
  • Optional activities: Helicopter flight, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swing

Day 13: Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe

After breakfast we make our way to Hwange National Park, the largest National Park in Zimbabwe, founded in 1928 and covering and area of 14,600 square kilometres. The park is home to over 100 species of mammal and 400 species of birds. It is famous for its massive elephant and buffalo herds, while lion, leopards and the rare wild dogs are often sighted.

We will enjoy an afternoon game drive with a local guide before heading back to the comfort of the lodge.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 185 km
  • Includes: Game drive in Hwange

Day 14: Hwange National Park to Bulawayo and Matobo National Park - Zimbabwe

Today we head south towards Zimbabwe's second city, Bulawayo. We drive through the wide streets and on to the granite outcrops of the Matobo Hills just south of town. The afternoon is spent on a game drive into the Matobo National Park. We leave the vehicle behind and head through the bush to track rhino on foot. For many it is a very moving experience to encounter these huge but critically endangered animals so close.

After this adventure we head up the slopes of the Matobo Hills to settle into tonight's accommodation which boasts a commanding view of Matobo Park below.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 500 km
  • Includes: Matobo National Park, Rhino tracking on foot

Day 15: Matobo to Private Reserve, Limpopo River - Botswana

Today we cross back into Botswana and head towards a private game reserve located along the banks of the great Limpopo River. We spend our last day walking along the river bank, savouring the sights and smells of the bush and looking out for wildlife. Then back to camp for a hearty meal and a final evening around the camp fire.

  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 450 km
  • Includes: Scenic drive, Short walk

DAY 16: Limpopo River to Johannesburg - South Africa

On the final day of this remarkable Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari, we cross the Limpopo River, back into South Africa, heading through the scenic Waterberg on our way back to Johannesburg. We arrive in the bustle of Johannesburg in the early evening bringing this memorable African Safari Adventure to an end.

Airport transfers and post-tour accommodation can be arranged through African Budget Safaris.

  • Breakfast
  • Travel: 700 km

Important Information

This African Safari Adventure requires a valid passport and for certain nationalities, a visa for South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

Seasonal Malaria precautions are necessary and are locally obtainable. A barrel bag or internal frame backpack is best suited for this trip (suitcases do not fit into the space provided). An extra tog bag or camera bag is advised. Spending money required will be for the restaurant meals, drinks, visas, tips curios, Zimbabwe airport tax US$50, if applicable (price subject to change), and airport transfer for flying clients only, and any other optional excursions.

On the four camping nights, we stay in dome tents at fully serviced camps, with all linen provided (sleeping bag/blanket, pillow, extra mattress & towel).

Please Note:

This overland tour is also available in a shorter Fly-in Tour version running from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls. Follow the link for information on pricing.

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

  • Scenic Okavango Flight
  • Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
  • White Water Rafting
  • Bungi Jumping

Child Policy

This tour does not take children.

Enquire About This
Departure Dates
Send to a Friend

Browse Similar Trips

Filter Tours by Price, Length & Destinations

+Where does the tour go to?
+Optional Activities & Day Trips
For confirmed pricing on these optional items, please drop us an enquiry
  • Scenic Okavango Flight
  • Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
  • White Water Rafting
  • Bungi Jumping
+Included in the Tour Price
  • food (no food kitty)
  • coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast
  • transport
  • two professional guides
  • mokoro hire
  • 9 nights of lodge accommodation, 2 nights tented camp
  • group equipment
  • 4 fully-services camping nights - linen, pillow, blanket, extra mattress, and towel
  • permits & park entrance fees
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • restaurant meals
  • visas
  • tips & curios
  • optional activities
  • bottled water, alcohol & soft drinks
  • airport tax, airport transfers & airfares
+Departure Dates

Scheduled Tour Departures
Click on a departure date to enquire

If you do not see departures listed for your dates, please do contact us for further info.

Explore the Route

Map

Unsure of where, when or what to book? Talk to a friendly human!

Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.

The African Budget Safaris team

We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.

Talk to us today