ENCOUNTER THE HIGHLIGHTS OF BOTSWANA AND ZIMBABWE IN 15 DAYS.

With some of the world’s greatest wildlife, Botswana and Zimbabwe are perfect partners for a safari. Enjoy our guides’ expertise and knowledge of both countries, and get to explore two of Southern Africa’s most enigmatic countries with its endangered wild dogs, rhino tracking, iconic Victoria Falls and among others, a traditional canoe trip.

QUICK FACTS

2023 Cost:

$5269 per person sharing a room

Single supplement: $1795 per person

Park fees and activities:  $550 pp

DEPARTURE DATES 2023

D – German guided departures / F – French guided departures /

GD – Guaranteed departures

ITINERARY

B = Breakfast       L = Lunch     D = Dinner

DAY 1: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE                                                                                            

On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting.

Accommodation:           A’Zambezi River Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Lunch & Dinner:                    For your own account

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA FALLS

Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Victoria Falls. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.   The rates are per person and are quoted in US Dollars. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.

15 Minute Helicopter Flight                     Flying Fox (Cable Slide)

22 Minute Helicopter Flight                    Gorge Swing

Boma Dinner incl. transfers                     Zip Line

Canopy Tour                                              Horse Back Safaris (novice)

Dinner Cruise                                             Canoeing (full day)

Bungee Jump                                             Rafting (full day, low water)

Bridge Swing                                               Rafting (full day, high water)

Bridge Slide                                                 Batoka Gorge Hike and Ndebele Village Tour

Historical Bridge Tour                               Traditional Village Tour

DAY 2: VICTORIA FALLS TO CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA                B

After breakfast your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya – “the smoke that thunders”. We then travel to Kasane in Botswana, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool.

Departure:   08h00           Distance:     100 km

Accommodation:           Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Breakfast:                           At A’Zambezi River Lodge or similar

Lunch & Dinner:              For your own account

DAY 3:           CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA                                             B

Start your morning with a hopefully spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation until our boat cruise on the Chobe River starts around 3pm. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up close photo opportunities.

Accommodation:           Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Breakfast:                          At Chobe Safari Lodge or similar

Lunch & Dinner:             For your own account

DAY 4-5: CHOBE TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE                   BLD

This morning we make our way across the border into Zimbabwe and to our lodge situated in a private concession near Hwange National Park. Over the following two days, we will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to great herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.

On arrival, we will visit the Painted Dog Conservation Centre to witness the work that is done to protect this endangered species. If time allows, you can partake in an optional game drive on the concession in the afternoon. The whole of the next day is spent exploring this magnificent area on a full day game drive in Hwange National Park.

Departure:  08h00              Distance:       280 km                                                             

Accommodation:           Elephant’s Eye or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar area)

Day 4

Breakfast:                         At Chobe Safari Lodge or similar

Lunch & Dinner:             At Elephant’s Eye or similar

Day 5

Breakfast:                          At Elephant’s Eye or similar

Lunch:                                 Lunch pack on game drive

Dinner:                                At Elephant’s Eye or similar

DAY 6 & 7:         LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE                                     BLD

Today we head off to Binga located on the south eastern shore of Lake Kariba, where we will board a luxury houseboat for a relaxing two-night trip. Nested in mountains, Lake Kariba is a man-made inland sea guarded by enormous reserves of game and made beautiful and savage by sun and storm, earth and water.

Our voyage takes us to the Sengwe River for afternoon wildlife activities and sunset, followed by drinks and dinner on board. In the morning we set out early for some leisurely fishing, guided walks or game viewing depending on your preference. When we return, brunch will be served whilst cruising to Elephant Bay where we will moor at one of the islands with a sandy beach. Watch the sunset over lake, relaxing around a camp fire and enjoying a beach barbecue under the starry sky.

Departure:  07h00           Distance:    185 km

Accommodation:           Umbozha Houseboats or similar (cabins with en-suite bathrooms, plunge pool & dining room area)

Day 6

Breakfast:                          At Elephant’s Eye or similar

Lunch:                                 Lunch Pack from Elephant’s Eye

Dinner:                                At Umbozha Houseboats or similar       

Day 7

All meals:                           At Umbozha Houseboats or similar

DAY 8-9:     MATOBO HILLS, ZIMBABWE                                                 BLD

We end our houseboat experience with some morning game viewing activities on Lake Kariba and cruise back to Binga where our voyage started. After disembarking we travel southwards to the majestic Matobo Hills, an area of exquisite beauty, steeped in tribal history, ancient mystery and dramatic rock landscapes. The national park has been given UNESCO World Heritage status and is home to both white and black rhinoceros, sable antelope and the world’s densest population of leopard. Birdlife is prolific and includes the highest concentration of black eagles in the world. Once the home of the San (Bushman), this area contains the richest source of the rock art found anywhere. Not only is it here that the Ndebele people buried their great king, Mzilikazi, but Cecil John Rhodes was also laid to rest on the “Hill of the Benevolent Spirit” or “World’s View” as named by him.

We spend the next day in the national park, starting our morning with tracking rhino spoor by vehicle and foot. In the afternoon we further explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on game drives, ending with a visit to Rhodes’ grave.

Departure:   08h00        Distance     485 km

Accommodation:           Camp Amalinda or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar, & swimming pool)

Day 8

Breakfast:                          At Umbozha Houseboats or similar

Lunch:                                 Prepared by the guide en-route

Dinner:                                At Camp Amalinda or similar

Day 9

Breakfast:                           At Camp Amalinda or similar

Lunch:                                  Lunch pack on game drive

Dinner:                                 At Camp Amalinda or similar

DAY 10: MATOBO HILLS, ZIMBABWE TO NATA, BOTSWANA                      BLD

We leave Matobo Hills and drive through the savannas of southern Matebeleland en-route to Botswana. In the afternoon we visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans. (Please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road conditions and water levels as well as time constraints.) We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon.

Departure:    06h00           Distance:       375 km

Accommodation:           Nata Lodge or similar (permanent safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)

Breakfast:                          At Camp Amalinda or similar

Lunch:                                 Prepared by the guide en-route

Dinner:                                At Nata Lodge or similar

DAY 11:                MAKGADIKGADI PANS, BOTSWANA                                     BLD

A very early morning departure leads us to Planet Baobab near Gweta, from where we embark on an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan to encounter some of Botswana’s distinctive landscapes and extraordinary creatures.

NTWETWE PAN EXCURSION:

The Ntwetwe Pan is one of the two major pans that make up the Makgadikgadi Pans, and is amongst the largest saltpans in the world. The pan was fed by the Boteti River until it was left permanently dry following the construction of the Mopipi Dam, which provides water for the diamond mines in Orapa. The waters may have returned to the river but Ntwetwe is now famous for its extraordinary lunar landscape, particularly the rocky outcrops, dunes, islets, and channels found along the western shore. We explore the area, in search of uniquely adapted desert species such as bat eared foxes, springbuck, kori bustards, and some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats. By spending quality time with these incredibly social, superbly adapted animals, you will be able to see how they interact with each other and their environment. Due to an ongoing habituation programme it’s possible to get up-close and personal with these captivating creatures.

After lunch we have the opportunity to explore a nearby village to experience modern African village culture. Learn about the history and traditions of the Batswana people from a local guide whose knowledge has been inherited from their forefathers. Visit the local primary school, ‘Sekolo’ with its outdoor classes and meet the children, visit the Kgotla – a traditional court that governs the village and get a glimpse of rural Botswana life.

In the late afternoon we take a stroll with our guide through an impressive baobab grove, as he explains the local ecology, geology and the unique biology of the baobabs, which are in fact not trees but the largest succulents in the world.

Departure:    05h00     Distance: 200 km

Accommodation:            Planet Baobab or similar (Bakalanga huts with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)

Breakfast:                           Breakfast packs prepared by Planet Baobab

Lunch:                                  Picnic lunch

Dinner:                                 At Planet Baobab or similar

DAY 12: MAUN, BOTSWANA                                                                                B

Today we travel to Maun, a bustling safari town which serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book an optional scenic flight over the delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly glorious oasis.

Departure:   07h00           Distance:     225 km                                                             

Accommodation:           Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Breakfast:                           At Planet Baobab or similar

Lunch & Dinner:               For your own account

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN MAUN

Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Maun. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person or per flight and are quoted in Botswana Pula or US Dollar. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.

Scenic Flight over the Delta (5 or 6 passengers)

Scenic Helicopter Flight from Boro (22 min, 3 seater)**

Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 min, 3 seater or 4 seater)

Scenic Helicopter Flight (60 min, 3 seater or 4 seater)

** The 22 min flight is available from the mokoro station at Boro only. It is advisable to book this for the same day as the mokoro excursion.

DAY 13:         GREATER MOREMI AREA, BOTSWANA                                           BLD

After breakfast we take a drive to the mokoro station. From here, we will float in dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. After this spectacular excursion and lunch, we make our way to our camp, which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. After settling into our camp, we will enjoy dinner and embark on a night game drive in the concession – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day.

Departure:   07h00      Distance: 150 km 

Accommodation:           Bedouin Bush Camp (semi-permanent tented camp with en-suite bathrooms). Please note that there is no electricity at the camp.

Breakfast:                         At Thamalakane River Lodge or similar

Lunch:                                At Thamalakane River Lodge or similar

Dinner:                               At Bedouin Bush Camp or similar

ACCOMMODATION DESCRIPTION BEDOUIN BUSH CAMP:

Experience one of Botswana’s finest game viewing areas in an unfenced, mobile bush camp located on a private concession right next to Moremi Game Reserve, a 2 hour drive from Maun. Twelve comfortable tents are positioned privately under big Acacia trees, offering travellers an authentic and secluded African bush experience. The camp is also equipped with a homely and communal dining and bar area.

The tents are covered with Bedouin-style fly-sheets, offering guests protection from Botswana’s weather conditions and fashioning the camp with a distinctive nomadic appearance & atmosphere. Listen to the remarkable night sounds of the bush from the comfort of a safari tent equipped with twin beds, soft pillows and duvets. Doors and windows are fitted with mosquito screening and insect repellent is provided.

To limit the camp’s impact on the environment yet still afford the necessary comfort in the bush, the en-suite bathrooms are equipped with flush toilets and hot bucket showers. Please note that the camp is solar powered, and cameras and mobile phones can be charged in the communal areas should the power levels allow it. At night the paths to your tents will be illuminated by lanterns and your guide will escort you back to the privacy of your tent.

DAY 14:                      MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA                              BLD

Today we head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve.

Departure:   07h00       Distance: 150 km

Accommodation:           Bedouin Bush Camp (semi-permanent tented camp with en-suite bathrooms)

Breakfast:                          At Bedouin Bush Camp or similar

Lunch:                                 Lunch pack on game drive

Dinner:                                At Bedouin Bush Camp or similar

DAY 15:     MAUN    /      END OF TOUR                                                                                   B

Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Maun Airport in time for your departure flight out. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures!

Breakfast:                           At Bedouin Bush Camp or similar

_____________________________

 GENERAL INFORMATION

TRAVELLING TIMES AND DISTANCES:

All travelling times are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.

ACCOMMODATION:

We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in national parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms. All of them have a private bathroom with a shower or bath and a toilet. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.

MEALS:

Where included most breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in the restaurants of the various accommodation establishments, however on certain nights the guide will provide an authentic meal for the group, which will be enjoyed together in the evening, often around a camp fire. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.

VISAS:

The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit Botswana and Zimbabwe prior to departure. Kindly remember that clients would require a multiple entry visa for Botswana and Zimbabwe should they partake in the Intimate Botswana and Zimbabwe Encounter guided group safari. Travellers entering Botswana will be required to present a valid international health certificate of vaccination for yellow fever should they originate from or have travelled through countries which have been declared yellow fever infected areas within the preceding 6 months.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance.

Call or text (818) 353-9500