On this action-packed budget safari, guests visit prime destinations in Southern Africa. Beginning with Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the mighty falls as they cascade 108 meters into the Zambezi. We spend two days at this world-famous destination participating in some of the many adventure activities available here. From a tour of the falls to a visit to a local village, a canoe trip on the Zambezi, a dinner in a boma, a sunset cruise, and, possibly the highlight of the visit, a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls.
From here we continue into Zimbabwe to Hwange National Park, a destination that should be on everyone's bucket list, due to its high concentration of wildlife. Home to the Big 5 of Africa, guests can expect to spot some exciting wildlife and birdlife. Then it's time to cross into Botswana for a safari in Chobe National Park. The wildlife viewing here is a different prospect as there are river-based safaris that give a different perspective of the animals and birds. Both Hwange and Chobe are famous for their huge elephant populations and high concentrations of game.
Enjoy comfortable accommodation, fun activities, and game drives in open safari vehicles on this exciting African adventure.
This Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe Safari Tour kicks off with a collection from the Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe. You are transferred from the airport to your hotel in Victoria Falls. After checking in at the hotel you are free to rest in your air-conditioned room, relax in the leafy gardens and take a dip in the pool.
This afternoon at about 15:30, we set off on a two-hour sunset cruise along the Zambezi River towards Victoria Falls. The laid-back boat cruise takes us downstream as far as Palm Island, from where we can see the spray of the mighty waterfall. Soak up the scenery and keep an eye out for wildlife and birds as we enjoy sundowners and snacks (included). Hippos, crocodiles, and antelopes are often spotted, along with various other animals including elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and even rhinos.
Cruising along the Zambezi River is the perfect way to end your first day on safari in Africa - easing into holiday mode while watching a beautiful sunset from the water.
Returning from our lazy sunset boat cruise we head to The Boma restaurant for a unique African dining experience. Taste an array of traditional foods and enjoy warm Zimbabwean hospitality under the stars at the boma amid indigenous trees. It's an evening set to delight the senses - filled with new aromas, sights, flavors, and vibrant African rhythms. Tuck into Zimbabwean specialties such as game, potjiekos (meat stew), fish, and vegetarian dishes. The Boma is famous for its warthog fillet and the adventurous can try ethnic delicacies such as mopane worms, deep-fried kapenta fish, and groundnuts.
Amakwezi traditional performers entertain us with lively singing and dancing, and after dinner, a local sangoma (traditional healer) enthralls us with old tales of Zimbabwe. The local customs (beer tasting and handwashing rituals) bring special detail to the night, and the mysterious witch doctor adds intrigue to this cultural feast. The evening ends on a high note with a live drumming session, which you are invited to join.
Day two begins with a 07:30 departure for Chundu, where our half-day canoeing trip begins. Enjoy some game viewing en route to Chundu, located in the Zambezi National Park. After a safety briefing by the professional river guide and a quick practice session on the water, the paddle begins.
We canoe along the island-dotted channels of the Upper Zambezi River, above Victoria Falls, for about 15 km. This is an easy paddle, entailing a few small rapids. Canoeing experience is not required as the excursion is not challenging but focuses on taking in the scenery and watching for animals and birds instead. Canoeing along the banks of the Zambezi National Park we may encounter hippos, buffalos, crocodiles, elephants, kudus, impalas, and other animals, as well as over 50 kinds of birds, including martial eagles. After canoeing, we relax on the riverbank and have a picnic lunch with drinks included.
This afternoon the adventure continues with a guided tour of the natural wonder of Victoria Falls. Our guide first leads us to an ancient baobab tree in the forest to admire the 16m thick giant, simply called the Big Tree. Then we walk on through the lush rainforest to Victoria Falls, looking out for bushbuck and other animals along the way.
Our knowledgeable guide explains the geology of Victoria Falls and tells you more about this massive waterfall as you walk along the entire length of Vic Falls. The walk takes you from Livingstone View to the Devil’s Cataract and on to the Main Falls, before heading to the Rainbow Falls and Danger Point - offering a full range of stunning views.
Today we lift off on our thrilling helicopter flight at 08:00 in the morning. This Flight of Angels takes you on a scenic chopper ride over the thundering Victoria Falls waterfall, providing a whole new perspective on the world's largest waterfall.
The 15-minute helicopter flight provides an uninterrupted bird’s eye view of the breathtaking Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and the surrounding bush. We fly upstream over the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where we may see game roaming, and downstream over the impressive Batoka Gorge. This scenic Flight of Angels is conducted in a helicopter designed to offer each passenger the best visibility possible.
After our unforgettable helicopter flight, we return to the hotel in Victoria Falls, checking out by about 09h30. Then we visit a local village with a skilled guide, gaining insight into the lives of local Zimbabweans and their rich traditions. We visit Mpisi Village to see how the Matabele people live and find out more about their unique history and customs.
After our cultural experience, we hop into our comfortable microbus and drive south to Hwange Safari Lodge, located on the border of Hwange National Park. The transfer from the village near Vic Falls to Hwange takes about two and a half hours, bringing us to the safari lodge at about 13h00. First, we have lunch and relax at the lodge, until tea time and our afternoon game drive, departing at about 15h30.
After coffee, tea, and a sweet snack at 15h30, we set off on our two-and-a-half to three-hour sunset game drive. The game drive will be either in the Hwange Conservation area or in Hwange National Park, in which case entry fees to the national park are not included and are payable at the gate.
We go in search of the multitude of wild animals found in the Hwange ecosystem - ranging from lions to giraffes and zebras. We are sure to see elephants as the Hwange area is famous for its abundance of African elephants - hosting one of the largest populations on the continent.
Back at the lodge, this evening dinner is served at 19h30, followed by free time to unwind and enjoy the bush setting. Sit around the campfire under the stars or have a drink at the bar before retiring.
The day begins with an early wake-up call at 05h30. We start with a continental breakfast of cereal, fruit, toast, juice, coffee, and tea. Breakfast is served in the dining area from where you can watch the bush coming to life and possibly spot your first wildlife of the day. By 06h30 we depart for our game drive in the 14,651km² Hwange National Park (entry fees payable directly at the park entrance in cash).
Not only is Hwange National Park home to massive elephant herds but also impressive buffalo herds, as well as healthy populations of the other Big Five - lion, leopard, and rhino. Keep your eyes open for endangered African wild dogs too, as Hwange is one of Africa's major strongholds for these social canids. All of the endangered species of Zimbabwe are in fact represented in Hwange, from sable and roan to wild dog. We may encounter cheetahs, jackals, and both brown and spotted hyenas too, along with all kinds of antelopes.
After our exploration, we return to the safari lodge where you have time to freshen up, have a hot and cold brunch, and take it easy. Swim in the pool, take a nap, or read a book in the shade, before meeting up for tea, coffee, and a sweet treat. At 15h00 we embark on our second game drive of the day, returning to the world-famous Hwange National Park for more wildlife action.
We head back to the lodge at about 18h30 and at about 19h30 we tuck into dinner, enjoying our night under the stars.
We have another early wake-up call this morning for a final game drive in Hwange National Park. As well as over 100 species of mammals Hwange is home to magnificent birdlife too. Bird lovers will be impressed with the over 500 species that are found here particularly the huge population of raptors.
Back at camp, we enjoy breakfast before hitting the road for Botswana and Chobe National Park. En route be prepared for a stop to stand on a sanitized mat, a precaution to prevent anyone carrying Foot & Mouth or any other disease into the country. Once our passports have been stamped for entry into Botswana we head to our safari lodge in time for lunch and a little relaxation before heading out on our next game viewing adventure.
Our Chobe Safari begins with a river cruise into the park where along with the numerous waders, we can expect to see hippos and crocodiles. Chobe is home to many herbivores, which gather at the river to drink, and some of those you can expect to see are elephants and buffalos. Lechwe and puku are often spied on the islands and many antelopes gather on the river bank, kudu, impala, and waterbuck being quite common.
Soft drinks and water are on hand during the cruise. NB: Don't forget to take your camera, a hat, and sunscreen are essential and binoculars are useful too.
We have an early wake-up this morning for our exciting wildlife viewing drive in Chobe National Park. Sunrise is the best time of day to spot diurnal wildlife as, during the cool hours of the early morning, many of the birds and animals become more active, making this an excellent time for game viewing. Chobe Park incorporates about 11 700 km² of beautiful wilderness habitat, ranging from open grasslands and lush floodplains to dense woodlands. We are extremely likely to see elephants as Chobe is famous for its massive elephant population, hosting one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the world. Zebra, giraffe, warthog, hyenas, cheetahs, and the remaining members of the Big Five - leopard, lion, and rhinoceros. Herds of buffalo and antelopes are commonly sighted too, including sable and impala. Other antelope species that we may see include kudu, wildebeest, tsessebe, roan, bushbuck, waterbuck, puku, and more.
After our game drive, we retreat to our safari lodge to have lunch and rest during the hottest part of the day. This afternoon we embark on a relaxing boat cruise along Chobe River, again enjoying sundowners along the way. Chobe Park is home to over 450 bird species so keep an eye out for the amazing array of birds to be found here. Watching a blissful sunset from the boat is an ideal way to end the day.
This evening dinner is served at the lodge, followed by free time at the bar and around the campfire.
On Day 7 after breakfast, it's time to pack up and cross the border again into Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. Depending on your flight arrangements you may choose to extend your time here experiencing more adventure activities as listed below. Otherwise, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport where this jam-packed 7-day Zimbabwe & Botswana safari tour comes to an end.
Accommodation on this Victoria Falls Budget Tour Package is at the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, located on the Zimbabwean side of Vic Falls.
Spend three nights in pleasant en-suite rooms with air-conditioning on a bed-and-breakfast basis. These comfortable rooms have their own balconies and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel features a swimming pool with a poolside bar, a restaurant, a lounge, and lovely gardens. The staff offers personal and attentive service creating a friendly atmosphere.
Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel is within walking distance of Victoria Falls National Park and the center of Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe, making it a convenient base for adventure activities and exploring.
You can choose to upgrade your accommodation to en-suite rooms at the A'Zambezi Lodge, at a small extra cost. Please check the Full Pricing for the cost of this accommodation upgrade as the indicative tour price includes accommodation at Rainbow Hotel.
Along the banks of the majestic Zambezi River, on the edge of the Zambezi National Park, lies A'Zambezi Lodge. Situated in Victoria Falls, the A'Zambezi is the ideal spot to unwind, with its lush riverside gardens, sparkling pool, two bars, and two restaurants overlooking the Zambezi.
Hwange Safari Lodge is located on spacious grounds, bordering Hwange National Park. This comfortable lodge has a viewing platform overlooking an active waterhole frequented by an impressive variety of animals. Regular sightings include elephant herds, buffalos, zebras, sable, wildebeest, and other antelopes. Predators are sometimes also spotted at the waterhole near the lodge, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and jackals.
The lodge has an airy restaurant and bar, a big swimming pool, and established gardens. The rooms all feature en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and mosquito nets. Each room is fitted with an overhead fan, a small desk, and facilities for making tea and coffee.
Situated on the banks of the elephant-rich Chobe River, with sweeping lawns forming the riverbank, Chobe Safari Lodge offers comfortable, en-suite rooms with bath and shower facilities. Other amenities include air-conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, satellite TV, and a private patio. The room's private patio provides the ideal spot for watching the passing parade along the Chobe River.
The lodge's restaurant features cuisine based on the indigenous and rich flavors of Africa. Meet fellow guests in one of the two bars both of which offer spectacular views. On those hot summer days cool off in the lodge's pool.
Chobe Bush Lodge is based in Kasane along the Chobe River. With its modern, contemporary design, each of the luxury rooms features an open-plan bathroom with both bath and shower facilities, as well as air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Wi-fi is available in public areas.
Each room has a private outdoor area be it a patio on ground floor rooms or a balcony on the upper rooms. The public area has a restaurant and bar and a poolside lounge area. With Chobe Safari Lodge being in close proximity, guests are welcome to wander over there to explore the lodge's facilities.
Cresta Mowana is a luxury lodge located on the lush banks of the Chobe River. From the ancient Baobab tree in the lobby to watching elephants quench their thirst in the river from the comfort of your room, and experiencing a hairdressing salon in a treehouse - the Cresta Mowana Lodge exceeds expectations.
The luxurious standard rooms all have en-suite bathrooms with both bathtub and shower, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a beverage station, a minibar, and more. Full board and activities are included. Cool off and relax in the infinity pool with a lounge area while you decide on a cocktail from the Savuti Bar. Indulge in a relaxing massage or a Jacuzzi session at the state of art Spa (extra cost). Enjoy gourmet cuisine at the restaurant which offers a unique Africa-inspired menu, while you experience the best of warm African hospitality. Embark on two game activities per night booked - including game drives in Chobe National Park and Chobe River Cruises to experience unforgettable sunsets.
Experience the African Bush along the banks of the Zambezi River on the back of a horse. This Horseback Safari will allow you to get up close and personal with several game species endemic to the area including duiker, bushbuck, warthog, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
The horse ride is under the expert guidance of game rangers. The Horseback Safari is designed for inexperienced riders, and for those who have had considerable riding experience. You will be grouped with riders of similar experience to your own to ensure you get the most out of your outing. A perfect way to get up close to the natural game of the area.
The ultimate place for riverboarding - the Zambezi River has the necessary volume of water and few exposed rocks in its rapids and pools, making it ideal for this exhilarating activity.
Riverboarding on the Zambezi can be done as a half or full-day activity and is combined with rafting on an action-packed and thrilling adventure. Along the way stops are made to relax and play between rapids and clients always have the option of switching to the backup raft. The riverboarding adventures are led by trained and professional guides with first aid certificates to ensure your safety.
The White Water Rafting experience on the mighty Zambezi has been described as the best commercial whitewater rafting experience in the world. This exciting full-day excursion on the mighty Zambezi River is a fantastic experience for those with a sense of adventure. The day is all about clean water, a healthy helping of African sunshine, and a dose of exercise; all this against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world the spectacular Victoria Falls.
The day begins early with a briefing and breakfast. It's then off on your adventure where you will tackle some Grade 5 rapids under the expert guidance of world-class guides. Lunch is included. At the end of the day, you will be lifted out of the gorge where you will be met with cold drinks and beers. At the end of the white water rafting excursion, you get to watch a DVD of your thrilling day of Zambezi rafting.
A truly exhilarating experience!
Plunge off the Victoria Falls Bridge, falling 111 meters into the Batoka Gorge below! Experience a pure and extreme adrenaline rush as you plummet into the narrow gorge, flanked by Victoria Falls waterfall! More than 50 000 people have taken on the challenge of bungee jumping off this bridge where you dangle over the Zambezi River.
Both ankle and body harnesses are used and photographs or videos of your leap can be purchased to capture the heart-racing experience.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
All Victoria Falls Departures | All Lodge Safari trips
1. Hwange National Park, Dete, Zimbabwe
2. Chobe National Park, Botswana
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