This 7-Day Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe Lodge Safari combines two nights at the stylish Insika Lodge near Victoria Falls with two nights at Hwange Safari Lodge and two nights at Chobe Safari Lodge on the banks of the Chobe River.
From boutique comfort in Victoria Falls to wildlife viewing beside a busy Hwange waterhole and riverfront safari stays in Chobe, this itinerary combines three distinctive lodge experiences with some of Southern Africa's most rewarding wildlife areas.
This 7-Day Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe Lodge Safari kicks off with a collection from the Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe. From the airport, you are transferred to the stylish Insika Boutique 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 gardens and the private on-site waterhole that attracts 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 other animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, 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, 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 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, buffalo, 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 Victoria Falls, one of the world's great natural wonders. 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 to the viewing points along the 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, your Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe Lodge Safari lifts off on a thrilling helicopter flight at 08:00 am. 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 Insika Lodge and check out by about 09h30. Then we visit a local village with a knowledgeable guide who gives you 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 head 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, arriving at the safari lodge at about 13h00. First, we have lunch and relax at the lodge until tea time, then depart for our afternoon game drive 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. Depending on wildlife movements and conditions, your game drive will take place either in the Hwange Conservation Area or inside Hwange National Park. If the national park is visited, entry fees are payable directly at the gate.
We go in search of the multitude of wild animals in the Hwange ecosystem, including lions, giraffes, and zebras. We are sure to see elephants, as the Hwange area is famous for its abundance of African elephants and hosts 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 it is also home to 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 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 exploration, return to the safari lodge for a hot-and-cold brunch and some time to 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. Head back to the lodge at about 18h30, freshen up, tuck into dinner, and enjoy another night under the stars.
We have breakfast at the lodge and then head to the Painted Dog (wild dog) Conservation Centre at about 8h30. At the centre, we see African wild dogs and find out more about the work being done to conserve this endangered species.
Your Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe Safari then heads for Botswana and Chobe National Park. En route, be prepared for a stop for border formalities, including standing on a sanitised mat for Foot & Mouth disease prevention. Once our passports have been stamped, we head to our safari lodge in time for lunch and a little relaxation before heading out on our next game viewing adventure. Spend the next two nights at Chobe Safari Lodge, set on the banks of the Chobe River, surrounded by lush gardens that attract wildlife and an abundance of birds.
Our Chobe Safari begins with a safari river cruise into the Chobe National Park, where you can expect to see a host of water birds, hippos and crocodiles. Chobe is home to many herbivores, which gather at the river to drink, particularly large herds of elephants and buffalo. Lechwe and puku are often spotted on the islands, and other antelopes that gather on the riverbank include kudu, impala, and waterbuck. Soft drinks and water are on hand during the cruise. Don't forget to take your camera. A hat and sunscreen are essential, and binoculars are useful too.
Return to Chobe Safari Lodge for a hearty meal and an evening around the campfire.
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 many of the birds and animals are most active. 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, as well as 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, 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, retreat to the safari lodge for lunch and rest during the hottest part of the day. This afternoon, we embark on another relaxing boat cruise along the Chobe River, again enjoying sundowners along the way. Chobe Park is home to over 450 bird species, so bird enthusiasts are in for a treat. Watching a blissful sunset from the boat is an ideal way to end the day.
Return to Chobe Safari Lodge for a final evening of dining and relaxing alongside the Chobe River.
After breakfast, it's time to pack up and cross the border once again, heading back into Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls. Depending on your flight arrangements, you may choose to extend your time at the falls to experience more of the adventure activities as listed below. Alternatively, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport, where this 7-Day Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe Lodge Safari concludes.
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 scheduled 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.
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 down to 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 the rich, indigenous flavours 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.
[Note: These optional activities are not included in the tour price]
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, elephant, hippo, and crocodile.
The horse ride is under the expert guidance of game rangers. The Horseback Safari is designed for both inexperienced riders and those with riding experience. You will be grouped with riders of similar experience to ensure you get the most out of your outing. A perfect way to get up close to the area's natural game.
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 for an action-packed, 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, 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! 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 Safari: Insika Lodge package is a comprehensive yet affordable short stay at Victoria Falls with a day safari in Chobe.
This 5-Day Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari: Insika & Chobe Safari Lodge Package includes the same Victoria Falls highlights and Chobe safari experiences, without the additional Hwange National Park extension.
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 Victoria Falls Tours |
1. Hwange National Park, Dete, Zimbabwe
2. Chobe National Park, Botswana
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