Deluxe African Safari: Zimbabwe & Botswana

The itinerary below is our planned schedule. Times are general estimates and vary depending on local weather.

DAY 1 - Arrival Arrive in Kasane Airport, Botswana early afternoon. Chobe Savanna Lodge is located in the Eastern Zambezi Region of Namibia. It is perfectly set on the banks of the Chobe River with spectacular views of Botswana’s Chobe National Park. The lodge is accessed by boat via the town of Kasane (Botswana). Our guides will meet you at the Kasane border and assist you with the simple border procedures before transporting you away from the bustling town of Kasane to remote location for which Chobe Savanna Lodge is renowned.

You will have a chance to rest and freshen up before we rendezvous at the bar for a welcome drink and briefing. Our trip leader will give us an overview of what excitement lies ahead!

At 4 pm, we will board our vessel for a relaxing sunset cruise to enjoy a few drinks while looking for game and will enjoy the beautiful and abundant bird life. Our first African sunset to be enjoyed with our fellow Zambezi explorers while we gently drift amongst the Hippo pods will be unforgettable! (D)

Day 2-3 - Boat Safaris in Chobe Guests can choose morning, afternoon or night boat safaris to get their fill of the wonderful game viewing that is available here. This is a fantastic way to get your first glimpse of African wildlife while recovering from your long journey.

Activities & Wildlife Sightings As this is a water-based lodge, guests have a choice of aquatic activities. River excursions in small, easily maneuverable boats are ideal for close encounters with the wild visitors to the river’s edge. Those wishing to experience some of the local Namibian traditions will enjoy a cultural village visit to one of the surrounding communities, where one can observe the ancient heritage of the local people. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Transfer to Elephant Camp Morning Game activity at Chobe Savanna Lodge followed by breakfast / brunch. Then, we will transfer to the Elephant Camp.

A 2 hour transfer back to Victoria Falls and relax into our lodge Elephant Camp for the next two nights. Once at Elephant Camp, you have a range of afternoon activities to choose from. After your afternoon activity, relax with a sundowner, the breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls’ spray, and the spectacular gorges which separate Zimbabwe and Zambia. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Day at Old Drift Lodge Optional Acitivies include Canoeing, walking safaris and driving safaris. Many will opt to stay and enjoy the luxury and comforts of this iconic lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Transfer to Hwange National Park 3 hour transfer to our hotel for the next 3 nights: Verney’s Camp in Hwange National Park. There we will enjoy an afternoon game drive, relax with some sundowners and potentially go on a night drive. Over night Verney’s Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Hwange National Park Just before the sun rises your day on safari begins. After a wakeup call, everyone gathers at the camp fire to have a light breakfast before setting out on the morning’s activities. We usually leave by Land Rover for a game drive to a designated area chosen earlier, where you will be briefed by your guide and then all set off on a safari walk. On completion of your walk, you will return to camp in the late morning, for a brunch, and a time of relaxation, where you can return to your rooms for a siesta, or sit and watch the activities at the waterhole. We do have a unique log pile hide in the shade near the waterhole which you guide will be happy to take you – so that you may have a close up view of all the visitors needing to drink and carry out their ablutions.

Mid-afternoon we will gather at the main area again to discuss the afternoon’s activity. Please note that there are no time restrictions to our activities, the walks/drives will be governed by what you see and not meal times. Hampers of delicious foodstuffs and refreshments will accompany every adventure into the bush, be it on foot or vehicle. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – More Hwange National Park Again we will wake early, enjoy a very light breakfast and enjoy the coolness of the morning while observing the animals of Africa. Walking and Driving Safaris available. (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Transfer to Elephant Camp A 3 hour transfer back to Victoria Falls and relax into our lodge Elephant camp for the next two nights. Once at Elephant Camp, you have a range of afternoon activities to choose from, including introducing yourself to Sylvester, the ambassador cheetah. After your afternoon activity, relax with a sundowner, the breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls’ spray, and the spectacular gorges which separate Zimbabwe and Zambia. (B,L,D)

Day 10 – Devils Pool After breakfast we will head out by vehicle, cross into Zambia to the boat jetty on the Zambezi where a small motor boat will ferry us out to the middle of the Victoria Falls and take us to Livingstone Island. From here we hike a short distance to the upstream edge of the Victoria Falls and from there will traverse a pool of calm water by swimming and then we climb onto a rock outcropping that allows us to jump into the famous Devil’s pool! This natural “tea cup” allows you to literally sit on the edge of the falls as water spills over the edge of the cup where you jumped in! It is a truly amazing and unforgettable experience that will set the tone for the exciting fun held in store for you! After the refreshing “dip” we swim, hike back to the tented “tea room” for a light, late morning snack of crumpets and tea. We return to the lodge for lunch and rest.

In the afternoon, we can enjoy more of what the Elephant Camp has to offer and meet some of the rescued wildlife up close and personal, or take a trip back to Vic Falls for some adventure activities, souvenir shopping …the choice is yours, but we’re betting you are not going to want to leave. Tonight will be our farewell dinner as we share great stories and make plans for our next Adventure. (B,L,D)

Day 11 – Depart By now, your new home in the bush will feel so comfortable that you will begin to ponder ditching the real job back home and opening your own lodge in Africa. But while you are fantasizing we will transfer you to the Victoria Falls Airport for a mid-day flight out. You will connect with your international flight home, and you will still be dreaming and reflecting on one of the best experiences in your life and the new friends made. You might already be scheming a timely return to the African wilderness and its supreme river – the inimitable Zambezi…(B)