16 Days Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari : In recent years, Zimbabwe has seen an increase in its appeal as a tourist destination. The country provides an exceptional two-week camping adventure in Southern Africa, especially when paired with Kruger and Botswana. The guided tour of the Zimbabwean ruins, the game drives in Matobos, and the open-air Hwange game drives stand out as some of the key attractions of the Kruger National Park. Furthermore, one can enjoy adventure activities at Victoria Falls, embark on a sunset cruise along the Chobe River, and experience a mokoro tour in the Okavango Delta.
Tour highlights
Kruger National Park
Explore Great Zimbabwe
Explore Matobo National Park
Hwange National Park
Victoria Falls
Chobe National Park
Discover Gweta
Explore Okavango Delta
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Days 1-2: Arrival at Kruger National Park
Your journey will commence from Johannesburg at 6:30 a.m., heading northeast towards the famous Kruger National Park. Journeying from Letaba to Pafuri, you will discover the park’s secluded and infrequently explored northern area. During your morning and afternoon game drives in our safari vehicle, you will have the opportunity to observe lions, elephants, rhinos, and various other species in this emblem of wildlife preservation. Engagement is an essential aspect of your journey. Every action you take, whether it’s setting up your tent or packing the truck the following morning, contributes to your overall journey. Your tour guides will take care of all dinner preparation, but we encourage guests to participate in the cleanup on a rotational basis. Kindly note that even with all required documents in hand, Sunway may face an unusually extended day because of the protracted Beitbridge border crossing into Zimbabwe.
Day 3: Discover Great Zimbabwe
Your journey will take you from the border crossing at Beit Bridge to the town of Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. The preserved ruins, dating from the 11th to the 14th centuries, rank among the oldest and largest stone structures in Southern Africa. The mysteries of these ancient stone monuments and the civilization that built them will be explored on foot.
Days 4-5: Discover Matobo National Park
As you continue your journey, you will arrive in Bulawayo late in the afternoon and set up camp just outside the park. Enjoy a sundowner and spend the evening gathered around the campfire. The next morning, you will visit the Matobo National Park with a local guide to discover the heart of the Matopos Hills, an area characterized by granite koppies and lush valleys. During our open-vehicle game drive, you will gain insight into the historical significance of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave and discover the unique rock formations of the region. Your tour will include a guided walk where you will search for and potentially observe endangered white rhinos, along with other species, and view bushman rock art.
Days 6-7: Discover Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park, named after a native Nhanzwa chief, is the largest park in Zimbabwe, covering approximately 14,650 square kilometers and located in the north-western part of the country. It is famous for its large population of elephants. Your camp is situated in the game management zone on the outskirts of the park. Accompanied by our local guide, you will embark on a full-day game drive in the park using an open 4WD vehicle designed for game viewing.
Day 8-9 : Transfer to Victoria Falls
Two nights will be spent camping in Victoria Falls. A stunning walk through vibrant tropical vegetation leads you to Victoria Falls, referred to as “Mosi oa Tunya” or “the smoke that thunders.” Engage in bungee jumping, navigate the thrilling rapids of the Zambezi River, or enjoy a “flight of angels” (at your own expense).
Day 10 : Transfer to Chobe National Park
After entering Botswana, you will make your way to your camp located in Kasane, a town along the banks of the Chobe River. The river gracefully winds its way along the northern edge of the park, attracting some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. The afternoon “sundowner” game viewing cruise stands out as the pinnacle of any trip to Chobe, offering the chance to observe numerous elephants and other wildlife as they quench their thirst at day’s end.
Day 11: Explore Gweta
This morning, there is a chance to embark on an optional wildlife drive in Chobe National Park, available at your own expense. Your journey will take you to Gweta for an overnight stop, passing through the scenic Kasane Forest Reserve in the south. Your tents will be arranged here, at the foot of ancient baobab trees that have stood for centuries.
Day 12-14 : Transfer to Maun
Following an early start, you will journey to Maun, where you will be transferred to the delta in an open 4WD game viewing vehicle. Our local guides will take you deep inside the Okavango Delta on a mokoro (dug-out canoe). The experience of being gently guided through the intricate maze of channels is invaluable. A stunning, verdant haven for wildlife and birds, the delta forms as rainfall from the Angolan highlands flows over the sands of the Kalahari Desert. In this wonderfully vibrant environment, you’ll experience wild camping on secluded islands and engage in activities such as bushwalking, bird watching, and swimming in pristine lakes. During your camping experience with the local guides, you will gain deeper insights into their lifestyle and cultural practices. On the 14th day, you will make your way back to Maun in the late afternoon. At this time, you have the option to embark on a game flight over the Okavango, allowing you to view the delta from a new vantage point, though this will be at your own expense.
Day 15: Discover the Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Your journey to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary from Maun will take you through the vast Kalahari Desert by car. This wildlife project, initiated in 1992, aims to rescue the extinct rhinos, restore a once-abundant wildlife area to its natural condition, and provide economic benefits to the local Batswana community through tourism and sustainable resource management. During an afternoon wildlife drive, you might have the chance to spot some of the elusive rhinos.
Day 16: Departure
Your journey will take you to Johannesburg, where the tour will conclude in the late afternoon, following your return to South Africa.
End of 16 Days Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari
