This 6-Day Victoria Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari combines three nights at the stylish 4-star Insika Lodge with a full-day safari in Chobe National Park and two nights at Hwange Safari Lodge overlooking a busy wildlife waterhole on the edge of Hwange National Park.
Ideal for travellers seeking extra comfort without the luxury price tag, this safari combines Victoria Falls adventures, Big Five wildlife viewing and authentic Zimbabwean cultural experiences. Enjoy a Chobe safari in Botswana, game drives in Hwange National Park and unforgettable experiences on the Zambezi River.
This 6-Day Victoria Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari kicks off with collection from the Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe. From the airport, you are transferred to the stylish Insika Lodge, where you are assisted with check-in. Settle into your elegantly decorated room and soak up the atmosphere of this boutique lodge surrounded by serene gardens and a private on-site waterhole, attracting wildlife.
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, buffalo, and even rhinos. Cruising along the Zambezi River is the perfect way to end your first day on safari - 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, flavours and vibrant African rhythms. Tuck into Zimbabwean specialities 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) enthrals us with old tales of Zimbabwe. The local customs (beer tasting and hand washing 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.
On day two of our 6-Day Victoria Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari, we are collected from the lodge at 07:30 for our day trip to Chobe National Park in neighbouring Botswana. Leaving Zimbabwe, with passports stamped, we transfer to a 4x4 safari vehicle for our game-viewing adventure in one of Africa's top national parks.
First, we cruise along the Chobe River, entering the park by water. Chobe is renowned for its superb boat-based game viewing, so keep a lookout for hippos, elephants, crocodiles and a variety of other animals. Wildlife sightings on the islands and riverbanks include buffalo and an array of antelope species - from lechwe and puku to kudu and waterbuck. The Chobe River also attracts prolific birdlife, so bird watchers are in for a real treat!
Water and soft drinks are included on the boat cruise, which is followed by a buffet lunch with complimentary juice at Chobe Safari Lodge.
After lunch, we continue in an open-sided safari vehicle for our three-hour game drive in Chobe National Park. Our 4x4 game drive provides excellent game-viewing and photographic opportunities in the wildlife-rich African bush. Elephants are commonly sighted in Chobe Park, along with lions and antelopes, with rarer sightings including cheetahs and leopards. After our rewarding game drive, we return to the border post, crossing back into Zimbabwe and returning to Victoria Falls.
At about 18:00, we arrive back at Insika Lodge, where you are free to unwind and enjoy the tranquil gardens and private wildlife waterhole.
Please note: Remember to take your passport with you today. A camera, a hat or cap and sunscreen are also essential, and binoculars will come in handy.
Day three of our Victoria Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari 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 practise 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 kilometres. This is an easy paddle, entailing a few small rapids. Canoeing experience is not required, as the excursion is not challenging and 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, buffaloes, 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 through the lush rainforest created by the spray of Victoria Falls, looking out for bushbuck and other animals along the way.
Your knowledgeable guide explains the geology of Victoria Falls and tells you more about this massive waterfall as you walk to viewpoints along the entire length of Victoria 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, 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, return to the hotel in Victoria Falls, checking out by about 09h30. Then we visit a local village, with our knowledgeable guide giving us 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 the 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. On arrival at Hwange Safari Lodge, enjoy lunch and relax at the lodge until tea time, before departing at about 15h30 for an afternoon game drive.
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 sunset game drive takes place either in the Hwange Conservation Area or in Hwange National Park. If the game drive enters Hwange National Park, park entry fees are not included and are payable directly at the gate.
Our game drive takes us 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, 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.
Please note: Park entry fees are not included for the Half Day Canoeing Trip and the Helicopter Flight (US$10 to US$12 where applicable). Excluded fees are payable directly on the given day.
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 morning game drive in the 14,651km² Hwange National Park (entry fees are 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, along with all kinds of antelopes.
After our morning exploration, we return to the safari lodge, where you have time to freshen up, enjoy a hot and cold brunch, and take it easy. Swim in the pool, take a nap or read a book in the shade. Mid-afternoon, we meet 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 Hwange Safari Lodge at about 18h30, and at about 19h30 we tuck into our final dinner together, enjoying our last night under the stars.
On the final day of our Victoria Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari, we have breakfast at the lodge and then head to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre at about 8h30. At the centre, we see African wild dogs (painted dogs) and find out more about the work being done to conserve this endangered species.
After visiting the centre, our shuttle heads back to Victoria Falls, where you are transferred to the airport for your onward travels. Here, your Victoria Falls, Chobe & Hwange Safari comes to a close.
Insika Lodge offers a stylish boutique upgrade for travellers seeking added comfort and a more refined Victoria Falls Short Stay experience. Set among lush gardens on the outskirts of town, the lodge combines a tranquil natural setting with elegant design, creating a relaxed yet polished atmosphere. The spacious rooms are tastefully decorated and feature luxurious amenities, including opulent bathtubs and double showers, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. A private on-site waterhole attracts wildlife and enhances the sense of immersion in nature, while a complimentary shuttle provides convenient access to Victoria Falls town. Insika Lodge is perfect for those wanting a more sophisticated stay without entering the luxury price bracket.
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, buffalo, 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.
Hwange Safari Lodge boasts 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.
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 out-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 Zambezi River is the ultimate place for riverboarding - it 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 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 are 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 metres 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.
This 4-Day Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Safari: Insika Lodge Package is the most complete short stay vacation to Victoria Falls, with a day safari in Chobe
This excellent-value 5-Day Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari: Insika Lodge Package offers a good balance between Victoria Falls activities and wildlife viewing in Chobe
This tour does take children.
Please note there is a minimum age requirement of 10 years old for the canoeing excursion.
All Victoria Falls Departures | All Zimbabwe Tours |
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The Zimbabwe Safari to Victoria Falls and Hwange Park is an authentic African Wildlife Safari, staying at a grand Victoria Falls hotel and a comfy eco-safari lodge in a private reserve at Hwange Park.
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This Budget African Safari to Botswana & Zimbabwe lodges, visits Victoria Falls, the Chobe Region of Botswana & Hwange Park, Zimbabwe. An authentic African lodge safari for superb game viewing in elephant safari hotspots.
More on this 6 Day Budget Lodge Safari
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