17-Day Journey Through Zimbabwe & Botswana

Upon your arrival at Harare International Airport, a dedicated member of our team will be there to greet you. We’ll then provide a seamless and comfortable transfer to your accommodations at the charming York Lodge, where you can relax and settle in before your adventure begins.

Harare City Tour

You’ll be picked up this morning for a comprehensive full-day tour of Harare, also known as the “Sunshine City.” Our exploration will take you through the heart of the city, offering a glimpse into its rich history and vibrant culture. You will visit the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, which showcases a fascinating collection of contemporary Zimbabwean art, and the National Heroes Acre, a significant monument honoring those who fought for the country’s independence. For a true taste of local life, we’ll head to Mereki Food Market for a traditional braai (barbecue) or to Gava Restaurant for an authentic Zimbabwean lunch. We will also explore the bustling Mbare Musika, one of the largest and most vibrant markets in the country. The tour will conclude with a visit to the iconic Chiremba Balancing Rocks (or Epworth Balancing Rocks), a remarkable geological formation that has become a symbol of Zimbabwe’s natural beauty. This day is designed to provide you with a deep and authentic appreciation for Harare’s unique character and spirit.

Road Transfer to Masvingo

After breakfast, you will check out of York Lodge and begin your scenic drive to The Lodge at the Ancient City. On your way, you’ll pass through the town of Masvingo, a city with wide, palm-lined streets, just 27 kilometres from the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at The Lodge at the Ancient City, a unique hotel built into a granite outcrop in the same style as the ruins themselves. The lodge offers stunning views of the Msasa valley and the ancient city. As the day ends, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge’s restaurant, which is designed to echo the grand and ancient architecture of the Great Zimbabwe Monuments.

Tour of the Ancient Ruins

After a delightful breakfast and checking out of the lodge, you will step back in time to explore the grandeur of Great Zimbabwe, the nation’s most treasured World Heritage site and the very place from which the country gets its name. This was once the capital of an ancient, powerful kingdom, and its ruins are the largest and most significant stone archaeological complex in sub-Saharan Africa. For nearly two hours, your expert guide will lead you through this remarkable city, built entirely of rectangular granite blocks stacked without mortar. You’ll witness the impressive walls and towers, some rising up to 12 meters high, as you explore the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Ruins. This immersive tour offers a deep insight into the rich history, ingenuity, and cultural significance of this lost civilization, a testament to the advanced society that thrived here from the 11th to the 15th century.

Transfer to Matobo Hills Lodge

After an incredible journey from Great Zimbabwe, you will arrive at Matobo Hills Lodge, your secluded haven nestled in the heart of these ancient, majestic hills. The journey itself is a delight, as you pass through Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, with its charming colonial feel and wide, tree-lined streets. When you arrive at the lodge, you will be struck by its seamless integration with the rugged landscape. Built right into a granite outcrop, the lodge’s large windows offer breathtaking, panoramic views of the hills and the wild bush. As the day begins to wind down and the famous Matobo sunset approaches, take some time to settle in before embarking on a peaceful hike around the lodge. It’s the perfect, gentle introduction to the raw beauty that awaits you.

Matobo Hills Day Trip

Get ready for an insightful and unforgettable day trip into Matobo National Park, one of Africa’s true hidden gems. Today’s full-day adventure is designed to give you a deep appreciation for this remarkable landscape and its history. The tour will take you through a stunning landscape of impressive granite boulders, some balanced precariously atop one another. You’ll have the unique and exhilarating experience of tracking rhino on foot, a truly intimate encounter with these magnificent and endangered creatures. Afterward, your guide will lead you to ancient San (Bushmen) rock paintings, where you’ll gain fascinating insights into the spiritual and daily life of the area’s earliest inhabitants. In the afternoon, you’ll be treated to a delicious three-course meal in the bush. As the day draws to a close, we’ll head to Rhodes’ Grave at the famous “World’s View” site. Here, you’ll take in a breathtaking panoramic vista of the surrounding hills, all while being bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun—a perfect and peaceful end to a day of adventure and discovery.

Road Transfer

Your adventure continues as we transfer you by road from the ancient Matobo Hills Lodge to the incredible Ivory Lodge. On arrival, you’ll immediately be welcomed into a world of pure safari luxury. You’ll be treated to a beautiful lunch served with a breathtaking view, overlooking a vibrant waterhole from a distance—the perfect introduction to the wild heart of Hwange National Park.

Evening Game Drive

The African bush takes on a different spirit after dark as you’ll experience its magic firsthand. After a late afternoon drive, the evening creeps in then you will proceed on a thrilling night game drive, a truly intimate way to see the wilderness come to life. As the sun sets, our expert guides will use spotlights to search for the park’s more elusive and shy creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for predators like the mighty lions and the elusive leopards as they begin their nightly hunt. You may also be lucky enough to spot smaller, fascinating animals such as the civet cat, genet, and perhaps even the rare and enchanting lesser bushbaby in the trees. The highlight for many is the chance to see a porcupine or even the ever-elusive pangolin. To complete this special experience, we will find a scenic spot to stop for snacks and drinks under a canopy of a thousand stars, listening to the sounds of the African night. Afterward, you’ll return to the lodge for a delicious dinner, filled with stories from your incredible adventure.

Full Day Game Drive

Today is all about immersing yourself in the wild heart of Hwange National Park. Get ready for a full-day guided game drive, where you’ll experience the raw and untamed beauty of Zimbabwe’s largest national park. In an open safari vehicle, our expert guide will take you on a journey through Hwange’s vast, open plains and acacia woodlands. You’ll be in awe of the park’s famous elephant herds—the last of their kind to roam freely in such great numbers. You’ll also have the chance to witness a wide variety of other animals, from majestic sable and roan antelope to the comical zebras and graceful impala. This is also a prime opportunity to seek out Hwange’s impressive predators, so keep a keen eye out for powerful lions, cunning spotted hyenas, and possibly even the elusive leopard. We’ll pause for a delicious picnic lunch in the heart of the bush, where you can simply listen to the sounds of nature. As the day draws to a close, we’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional sundowner, watching the African sun paint the sky in brilliant hues of orange and red, before heading back to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner.

Early Morning Game Drive

This morning marks your final game drive in the magnificent Hwange National Park. It’s a last chance to witness the park’s vibrant ecosystem in the cool morning air, as animals are at their most active. As the sun rises, you’ll witness the park’s predators returning from their nightly hunts and herbivores starting their day, making for a truly memorable and action-packed experience. We hope you’ll cherish these final moments and the memories you’ve made in this incredible wilderness.

Road Transfer

Prepare for a change of scenery today as we transfer you from Ivory Lodge to the charming Insika Lodge. This road trip offers a chance to relax and take in the shifting landscapes as you make your way toward a new part of your adventure.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Get ready for a truly special evening. Your driver will pick you up from the lodge for a spectacular sunset cruise on the magnificent Zambezi River. This unique experience gives you the best of both worlds. As you glide along the river, you’ll be immersed in the sounds of the African bush and surrounded by lush vegetation, prolific birdlife, and abundant game. You’ll have the chance to spot elephants crossing the river to feed and hippos surfacing from the water. Following the breathtaking sunset, you’ll be treated to a three-course meal, freshly prepared on board by chefs and served to you as you continue your cruise under the stars. It’s an unforgettable blend of wild beauty and exquisite dining.

Guided Victoria Falls Rainforest Tour

After a delicious breakfast, a knowledgeable guide will accompany you on an unforgettable journey through the Victoria Falls rainforest, a place locals call Mosi-oa-Tunya—”The Smoke That Thunders.” This walk is more than just a view of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World; it’s an immersive experience that provides fascinating insights into the geology, unique wildlife, and rich history of Africa’s most famous landmark. As you feel the thundering spray and see rainbows arching across the gorge, your guide will share the stories and science behind this incredible natural masterpiece.

Village Tour Experience

This afternoon, prepare to step beyond the well-trodden tourist paths and gain a genuine, unfiltered glimpse into local life. You’ll be driven from your lodge through Chinotimba, the oldest and largest township in Victoria Falls, where you can feel the vibrant pulse of urban life. From there, we’ll journey just a short distance to the serene rural community of Monde Village. This is more than just a tour; it’s a genuine cultural exchange where you will be warmly welcomed by the local inhabitants. They will share their world with you, offering insights into their customs, daily routines, and rich history. You’ll be shown the intricate layout of their homesteads, the importance of their animals, the tools they use, and even the traditional foods they enjoy. This intimate and authentic experience offers a truly meaningful connection to the heart of the community.

Boma Buffet Dinner

Prepare for an evening of unforgettable immersion into African culture at The Boma. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a feast for all the senses. You’ll be treated to a delicious four-course dinner, beginning with a mouth-watering selection of starters, followed by a hearty soup from the campfire, and a substantial barbeque buffet served on traditional cast iron plates, all featuring the rich flavors of Zimbabwean cuisine. But the experience goes far beyond the food. Throughout the evening, you will be captivated by a lively showcase of nightly entertainment, including the mesmerizing performances of Amakwezi traditional dancers, talented singers, and an enchanting local storyteller. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to meet a traditional healer. The grand finale is an interactive drumming extravaganza where you’re invited to pick up a drum and join in the rhythm, creating an exhilarating and truly memorable end to your night.

Chobe Day Trip

After a memorable two-night stay in Victoria Falls, you will depart for Botswana, a country celebrated as a wildlife paradise. Following a seamless border crossing, you’ll be welcomed with a mini breakfast of teas, coffees, and fresh fruits at the Chobe launch site, setting the scene for an incredible day. Your first safari of the day is a two-hour boat cruise along the majestic Chobe River. As you glide silently on the water, you will be in awe of the immense herds of elephants that congregate at the river’s edge, along with the constant presence of hippos and crocodiles. The river is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, teeming with a breathtaking variety of species. Around midday, your morning on the water will conclude with a delicious lunch served on the scenic banks of the Chobe River. Refreshed, you will then transition to an exhilarating afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park. Exploring the famous Chobe Riverfront in an open safari vehicle, you will once again have the opportunity to enjoy an abundance of wildlife, with excellent chances of spotting the lions and other predators that have made this magnificent ecosystem their home. As the sun begins to set, you will be transferred to the elegant Cresta Mowana Hotel, where you will spend the next two nights. This exceptional lodge offers charming hospitality, beautiful accommodations, and breathtaking river views, providing the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your first unforgettable day in Botswana.

Early morning game drive

The magic of an African safari truly awakens with the sun, and your early morning game drive in Chobe National Park is sure to become the highlight of your trip. You’ll be picked up in an open-air safari vehicle just as Mother Nature begins to stir, watching as the bush comes alive in the cool morning light. For the next three to four hours, your expert guide will lead you on a journey to find the park’s more elusive wildlife. This is the prime time to witness magnificent herds of elephants making their way to the Chobe River for their first drink of the day. You’ll also have the chance to see a wide variety of animals as they are most active, offering an intimate and unforgettable look into the daily rhythms of the wild.

Afternoon Boat Cruise

After a tasty lunch, your adventure continues with a late afternoon boat cruise along the majestic Chobe River. Over the next three hours, you will have a front-row seat to the daily rhythm of this vibrant ecosystem. The riverbanks are a hub of activity, with hippos and crocodiles basking in the warm sun and enormous herds of elephants and other wildlife gathering for a drink. As the African sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the water, you’ll be treated to magnificent views and the opportunity to spot a variety of fauna and flora. With over 460 bird species in the park, this cruise is a paradise for birding enthusiasts. And if you’re lucky, you might even glimpse a lion or a leopard coming down to the water’s edge. Your unforgettable safari experience will be perfectly complemented by a sundowner as you watch the sky transform into a canvas of brilliant colors. As the day ends, you will return to your lodge for a final dinner, a perfect way to conclude your amazing stay in Chobe.

Road Transfer

This morning, your driver will pick you up from Cresta Mowana Hotel for a scenic drive to Elephant Sands Lodge. The journey offers a wonderful opportunity to witness the changing landscapes of Botswana. Upon arrival, you’ll be struck by the sight of the beautiful waterhole that sits at the very heart of the lodge. Here, the world’s largest land mammals—the majestic elephants—come to you. As they gather to drink and play, you’ll be able to watch them up close from the lodge’s main deck. It’s an intimate and powerful experience, allowing you to witness their gentle presence and social dynamics, making for an unforgettable welcome to this elephant haven.

Afternoon game drive with bush dinner

This afternoon, your guide will pick you up for an exclusive game drive to further explore Elephant Sands Game Reserve. As the day begins to cool, you will venture out in search of other magnificent wild animals, with excellent opportunities to spot graceful eland, striking zebra, towering giraffe, and even the powerful lions that roam this area. As the sun sets, your journey will take a magical turn. You will be driven to a secluded clearing, where a spectacular bush dinner awaits. Set under a vast, open sky and surrounded by the sounds of the African night, you will enjoy a delicious meal as the sky fills with a brilliant galaxy of stars. It’s a truly unforgettable experience, dining under a celestial canopy in the heart of the bush.

Transfer by Road

After a final breakfast at Elephant Sands Lodge, you will check out and begin your scenic road journey to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Upon your arrival, you will check in at the unique and eccentric Planet Baobab, where you’ll have some time to unwind and relax before embarking on your exciting half-day tour.

Half Day Ntwetwe Salt Pans

Prepare for a thrilling afternoon as you rev your engine and set off on an exciting quad bike adventure across the seemingly endless Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. This incredible landscape is a haven of unique biodiversity, home to the impressive Baobab trees and a variety of desert-adapted life. Your journey will take you to see the highly entertaining and human-habituated Meerkats. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with these charming creatures, observing their natural behaviors and quirky personalities from a remarkably close distance. Following this enchanting encounter, you will be transported to the vast Ntwetwe Salt Pan. As part of one of the largest salt pans in the world, its immense, flat surface is an awe-inspiring sight, often likened to being on the surface of the moon. This is a moment to simply behold the surreal beauty of the landscape before you. Your tour will conclude as you head back to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner.

Road Transfer

Today, you will be transferred by road from the unique Planet Baobab to the serene Thamalakane River Lodge. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing afternoon lunch, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the peaceful riverine setting. Later, for a truly unforgettable experience, you have the optional opportunity to take to the skies on a breathtaking helicopter flight over the majestic Okavango Delta. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the delta’s intricate network of lagoons and channels from a magnificent aerial perspective, offering a completely unique and stunning view of this magical wilderness.

Mokoro Day Trip

This morning, after a hearty breakfast, you will be picked up for a truly unique and traditional mokoro day tour. A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe, and your journey in one offers a silent, intimate way to explore the stunning waterways of the Okavango Delta. The experience is led by an experienced poler, who will expertly navigate you through the delta’s shallow waters and reeds. The slow, peaceful pace allows you to fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this incredible wetland. The Okavango is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and the silent glide of the mokoro offers an unparalleled opportunity to see animals—from elephants and buffalo to an abundance of bird species—up close and without disturbance. After you’ve had time to relax, you’ll have the unique opportunity to stretch your legs on a guided bush walk. This is your chance to experience the delta from a different viewpoint, focusing on the intricate details of the ecosystem, from fascinating insects to animal tracks and indigenous plants. Mid-day, you’ll be treated to a delicious picnic lunch in the heart of the delta before continuing to investigate the area. In addition to the magnificent wildlife, a mokoro trip provides a rare glimpse into the traditional way of life and the deep connection between the local people and their environment. As the tour concludes, you will head back to the lodge, where you can reflect on your unforgettable day over a relaxing dinner.

Moremi Day Trip

This morning, you will be picked up early for an incredible day trip to the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. The journey begins with a drive of approximately 80 kilometers from Maun, passing through the buffalo fence after 50 kilometers, where your thrilling game viewing experience will truly begin. You will have a quick breakfast at the national park gate entrance before you continue with your amazing tour. Moremi is a quintessential Botswana experience, offering a remarkable journey through a range of habitats, from arid landscapes to vibrant, water-rich wetlands—a testament to the life-giving effect of the Okavango floodwaters. This incredible diversity of ecosystems supports a spectacular array of wildlife. You’ll have the chance to see huge herds of impala, tsessebe, buffalo, wildebeest, elephant, and zebra in the grasslands, while the wetland areas are home to red lechwe, waterbuck, hippo, and crocodile. The abundance of prey attracts an impressive number of predators, so keep a keen eye out for lion, cheetah, and the highly endangered wild dog. You’ll stop at a scenic picnic site for lunch, after which you’ll continue to explore this massive area. Throughout the day, your professional guide will use their extensive knowledge to ensure you enjoy the very best of what this world-class reserve has to offer. The tour will conclude as you return to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner.

Airport Transfer

And so, your incredible 17-day journey through Zimbabwe and Botswana comes to a close. We hope that your time in these remarkable countries has felt like a true homecoming, leaving you with a heart full of exciting and cherished memories. This morning, we will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, but we sincerely hope to welcome you back to your new African home again soon.