Classic African Safari: Zimbabwe and Botswana

Our Classic African Safari is an eight-day wildlife journey through Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. Starting from $2500 per person, it combines Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, the power of Victoria Falls and Botswana’s riverine game viewing in one practical cross-border itinerary.

This is the safari we would point you towards if your priority is classic wildlife viewing, with early morning and afternoon game drives, a guided nature walk, a tour of the Falls and time on the Zambezi and Chobe rivers.

Classic Zimbabwe and Botswana safari: quick facts

• Duration: eight days
• Price: from $2500 per person
• Group: minimum two guests, with no fixed upper limit
• Route: Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park
• Accommodation: a choice of tented safari camps or lodge accommodation
• Meals: meals are included throughout the trip as shown in the itinerary
• Transport: ground transfers and safari transport from arrival at Victoria Falls Airport until your return

The complete inclusions and daily plan are available on the Classic African Safari Zimbabwe and Botswana tour page.

Why does the safari begin in Hwange?

After arriving at Victoria Falls International Airport, you travel by road to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most renowned wildlife reserve. Beginning here allows you to settle quickly into the rhythm of the bush.

Your first full day includes an early morning game drive, when predators and other wildlife are often active, followed by an afternoon drive as animals return to the waterholes and the light becomes softer. A full-day drive on day three lets you explore more of Hwange’s varied ecosystems and look for the elephants, lions, buffalo and birdlife for which the park is known.

Game drives at different times of day

A morning and an afternoon drive are not simply repeats of the same activity. Temperature, light and animal movement change through the day. By including both, followed by a full day in the park, the itinerary gives you several ways to experience Hwange rather than rushing on after one outing.

Read more about what happens on a guided game drive.

What happens between Hwange and Victoria Falls?

Day four begins with a guided nature walk. Moving on foot slows the experience down and draws attention to tracks, plants, birds and the smaller signs that are easy to pass in a vehicle. You can compare the two experiences in our guide to walking safaris and game drives.

After the walk, you transfer to Victoria Falls for a guided visit. The following day is deliberately more open, allowing you to choose an optional adventure or cultural activity before joining a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

Why finish in Chobe National Park?

After breakfast on day six, the journey crosses into Botswana and continues to Chobe National Park. An afternoon game drive introduces you to a landscape known for its elephant population and riverine wildlife.

The next morning brings another game drive. In the afternoon, you can choose an additional drive or a Chobe River sunset cruise. That choice captures the character of the whole trip: you can observe wildlife from the land, then change perspective and watch the riverbanks from the water.

What is included in the eight-day safari?

The package includes accommodation, meals, the ground transport listed in the itinerary, safari transfers and excursions in suitable 4×4 vehicles, and professional guide and driver services. The published exclusions are:

• visas;
• flights to and from Victoria Falls;
• tips;
• airport departure taxes; and
• travel insurance.

Who will enjoy this safari most?

This route is well suited to first-time safari travellers and returning visitors who want wildlife to remain at the centre of the trip. It balances active mornings with quieter moments, keeps the route focused and gives each of its three main destinations a distinct purpose.

It can also be adjusted. If you want a different pace, accommodation style or mix of activities, we can use the route as the starting point for a tailor-made Southern Africa safari.