This diverse Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari explores top wildlife, scenic, and cultural highlights. An exciting and budget-friendly Camping Overland Tour of Africa!
Setting off from South Africa we drive through the arid Kalahari Desert of Botswana into the wild Okavango Delta to discover the maze-like waterways on a mokoro trip in the Khwai River Area and spending a full-day game viewing in the Moremi National Park. Then visit Nata Pan in the iconic Makgadigadi Pans and enjoy a laid-back boat cruise on the Chobe River.
Cross into Zimbabwe to witness the thundering Victoria Falls and do thrilling optional adventure activities. Experience the cultural, historical, and wildlife highlights of Zimbabwe's leading destinations - game-rich Hwange National Park, the impressive Great Zimbabwe Ruins, and the unique Matobo Hills National Park. Travel back to South Africa and stay at a private reserve that borders great Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage site. Then back to Johannesburg where this action-packed Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe Safari comes to an end.
During this trip, you are likely to come across activities that encourage tourists to participate in lion, elephant or other wildlife interaction. 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.
Our camping overland tour begins in bustling Johannesburg, the economic hub of South Africa. We journey from the industrial heartland north towards Botswana.
With border formalities complete, we cross into Botswana and continue into the heart of the remote Kalahari Desert along the Trans-Kalahari Highway. The vast Kalahari Desert stretches over 900,000 square kilometers across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, an arid region with a unique blend of landscapes, from vast sand dunes to dense acacia bushlands
We will spend the first night of this Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari at a comfortable lodge in the town of Palapye in eastern Botswana, conveniently located on the great Trans-Kalahari Highway between Botswana’s main centers, Francistown and Gaborone.
Today, our journey takes us northward, through the austere yet captivating landscapes of the Central Kalahari Desert, en route to the Okavango Delta.
As we travel, we'll be passing through a variety of towns and villages that dot the landscape, offering a window into the daily life and culture of Botswana's inhabitants. Our journey will skirt the southern edge of the expansive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – keep a lookout for any wildlife drawn to the waterholes dotted around the pan.
Our destination for the night is the town of Maun which serves as the primary gateway for visitors to the Okavango Delta, while still being considered a village at heart. When we arrive in Maun you have the chance to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Viewing the delta from above reveals the grand scale and beauty of this unique ecosystem, allowing you to spot wildlife from above.
Tomorrow, we will leave our overland vehicle in Maun as we venture for two days into the Okavango Delta. You will need to pack a smaller bag that can be accommodated in the smaller 4x4 safari vehicles we will travel in.
On Day 3, there is another chance to take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Later we transfer to smaller safari vehicles for the drive through delta backroads.
Your knowledgeable guide will then steer you towards the Khwai River Area, your home for the next two nights. The Khwai River Conservation Area covers 1,800 square kilometers of the northeastern part of the Okavango Delta, sharing a border with the Moremi Game Reserve.
After settling into camp, we head out in the vehicles once more. We head to a mokoro station to meet our local guides who will steer our traditional mokoro boats through the crystal-clear waters of the delta's unique ecosystem, bringing you face-to-face with its rich flora and fauna. Your guide will invite you to join a guided nature walk on one of the many islands to take a closer look at the fascinating world of the delta's plant and animal life.
On Day 4 of our camping safari, we are up early for a full day of exploring the Okavango Delta’s northwestern section, Moremi National Park. Moremi has a diverse landscape of waterways, lagoons and pools woven between pans, grasslands, and forests. The regular water during the rainy season transforms the land into a natural paradise that supports an impressive variety of plants and animals. It is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), and some of most endangered of the large mammals like cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, and African Wild Dog. It is also home to nearly 500 species of bird, from water birds to migratory birds and forest dwellers, a bird watcher’s delight!
Day 5 of our Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari sees an early start as we pack up camp and make the return journey to Maun. Keep a lookout for your last delta wildlife sightings on the drive.
Once we are reunited with the overland safari vehicle, we head out of Maun through rural Botswana and back into the desert. We are headed to the great Makgadigadi Pans, a string of dried-up salt pans that are all that remains of an ancient lake that stood here. It is a stark environment, but waterholes dotted around the area provide a lifeline for the surprising variety of creatures that call this home.
We camp for the night at Nata Pan, one of the pans that receives seasonal waters when the Nata River flows. This attracts great flocks of water birds which you may witness depending on the timing of your visit.
We continue through the vast, seemingly endless Kalahari sands towards Kasane, a town known for its close proximity to Africa's 'Four Corners,' where four countries nearly meet – Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
We will arrive at our riverside campsite in Kasane just in time for lunch, allowing us to refuel before our afternoon excursion up the Chobe River. The Chobe River runs along the Chobe National Park and a boat cruise is a popular way to get close-up wildlife sightings and excellent birdwatching. From the water, we get up close to animals such as hippos, antelopes, buffalos, crocodiles, and elephants.
An early morning start this morning for those joining the optional Chobe game drive, and a lie-in for the rest. If you opted for the morning game drive, you'll head into Chobe National Park in an open 4x4 safari vehicle.
Then, Day 7 of our Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari takes us to Victoria Falls, crossing from Botswana into Zimbabwe. We are in for a treat … Victoria Falls is known as the Adventure Capital of Africa with numerous thrilling activities on offer, as well as more laid-back things to do. We will camp in Victoria Falls village for two nights and you are free to plan your time as you prefer.
A visit to the mighty Victoria Falls waterfall is a must - experience the "Smoke that Thunders", or Mosi-oa-Tunya as the locals call it, for yourself. The mist caused by the falling water has been visible from as far as 50 kilometers (31 miles) away. Take it easy today and explore the historic town of Victoria Falls or enjoy an old-fashioned high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Alternatively, you can tick an adventure activity off your bucket list. Your guide will advise on the many options available to you.
Day 8 of our camping overland tour is free for you soak up the atmosphere and participate in some of the numerous exciting adventure activities at Victoria Falls. A popular choice is the Zambezi River White Water Rafting at Victoria Falls, said to be some of the best whitewater rafting in the world. There are however plenty of other thrilling activities to choose from including helicopter and microlight flights over Vic Falls, zip-line rides, trips to Livingstone Island, swimming in Devil's Pool, and bungee jumping. Afterwards, stroll around Victoria Falls village and sample some of the restaurants on offer.
On Day 9 of this Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe Safari we leave Victoria Falls and travel south. As you leave Victoria Falls, you'll traverse rural communities and small towns where you can catch a glimpse of local life. The road then winds through teak forests and acacia woodlands, offering picturesque views that are typical of this part of Africa.
We are headed to Zimbabwe's flagship national park, Hwange National Park. Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange covers an impressive area of about 14,650 square kilometers and is known for its diverse range of habitats, including desert sandveld, savannah, and woodland, which support a prolific amount of wildlife. It is especially famous for its massive herds of elephants, making it one of the best places in Africa to view these majestic creatures.
In the late afternoon, you can join an optional sunset game drive in Hwange Park or settle in and enjoy the wild setting at camp. This evening we sit back under the stars and enjoy dinner around the campfire. We will spend the next two nights at a safari campsite inside Hwange National Park (shared ablutions and hot showers).
A full-day wildlife safari in Hwange National Park is included today. Set off in open 4x4 safari vehicles this morning for an exciting wildlife adventure in this top African safari destination.
Hwange National Park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, as well as members of all of Zimbabwe’s endangered species. This African game park hosts more than 100 mammal species, including one of the world’s largest populations of endangered wild dogs, and 400 bird species. The Big 5 of Africa – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant - are found in Hwange alongside cheetah, hyena, zebra, and giraffe.
Our Africa Overland Camping Safari continues towards Zimbabwe's second-largest city, Bulawayo. This afternoon, we set off to Matobo National Park just south of Bulawayo at the heart of the Matobo Hills, exposed granite boulders creating an otherworldly landscape.
We spend the afternoon on a game drive in Matobo National Park, sanctuary to a wide array of animals and birds, particularly populations of both black and white rhinos that are frequently spotted during game drives. It also boasts a high concentration of leopards as well as numerous species of antelope, baboons, reptiles, and rock hyraxes. Birdwatchers will be thrilled with the abundant black eagles which congregate here in high numbers. It is also the final resting place of Cecil John Rhodes, prominent British colonialist.
Tonight, we take a break from camping and stay in comfortable en-suite rooms at a friendly lodge near Bulawayo.
Next, our journey through Zimbabwe takes us to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Africa. Located in the southeastern hills of Zimbabwe near Lake Mutirikwi, these ruins are believed to date back to the 11th century.
We will explore this famous historical site on a guided walk. The Zimbabwe Ruins consists of three main architectural groupings: the Hill Complex, the Valley Complex, and the Great Enclosure, all built from granite blocks without the use of mortar. The Great Enclosure, the most impressive of the three, is the largest pre-colonial structure in Sub-Saharan Africa with a distinctive conical tower and imposing walls that reach up to 11 meters (36 feet) high.
Today, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a source of national pride. The eight carved birds that are featured on the Zimbabwean flag are the renowned bird carvings, made from soapstone, that were found here at the Ruins. Soapstone carving remains an important cultural tradition to this day.
We overnight at a campsite nearby.
On Day 13 we cross the border back into South Africa, traveling into the beautiful Limpopo Province. The next stop on our camping safari is Mapesu Private Game Reserve, at the meeting point of the Limpopo and Sashe Rivers, confluence of South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The reserve is well-known for its conservation efforts and abundant birdlife, and is located next to Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient history.
On the final day of our Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari adventure, we drive south along the Great North Road to Johannesburg, economic heart of South Africa, and one of the strongest commercial centers in Africa. The dynamic city of Johannesburg, commonly known as Jo'burg, is a great place to gain insight into the cultures and history of this colorful nation.
Arriving in Johannesburg late this afternoon, our 14-day Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe Safari comes to a close.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
There is a minimum age limit of 8 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departures, however, children aged 8 and 9 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 10 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.
Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
1. Okavango Delta, Botswana
2. Chobe National Park, Botswana
3. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
4. Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe
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