Zimbabwe and Botswana: Chobe, Hwange & the Wildlife of Victoria Falls - 8 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: Hwange: A Wildlife WelcomeArrival Day

  Much like the majestic wildlife on the Discovery Channel, Hwange National Park offers a profound view of some of these incredible creatures and nature's ever-changing beauty. We invite you to experience the wild heart of Africa in Hwange and discover your own connection to its serene landscapes. Travellers must arrive no later than 1PM for their included arrival transfer to the hotel in Victoria Falls. The group will depart from here by 2:30PM for Hwange. Upon arrival enjoy a welcome meeting to become acquainted with your fellow travellers, then tuck into a delicious dinner at the hotel. Afterwards, recharge, refresh and prepare yourself for the adrenaline rushes on the horizon.

• Days 2-1: Hwange: The Circle of Life from the Ground Up

  From high up in the vehicle, you gain an additional perspective on the circle of life in Africa. You start to notice the small dung beetles waddling their way through the dirt, their role in the ecosystem just as crucial as the lion, the giraffe, and the elephant. Begin your morning on a guided safari drive to discover Africa's creatures, and after a bush lunch head back out there to observe some wildlife. Enjoy morning and afternoon safari drives on the concession land near the lodge in Hwange. Sit down outside for a private bush lunch and head back out there to observe some more wildlife.

• Days 3-2: Hwange National Park: And the Beauty of Golden Hour

  Hwange National Park is renowned for its immense elephant population. Witnessing these majestic creatures in person is an unforgettable experience. Try to observe them from the safari vehicles as they drink at the watering hole and go about their daily routines. An early morning safari drive awaits before a slower morning to enjoy the hotter part of the day at our lodge. A refreshing trip to the pool should be in order. After high tea for lunch back at the lodge, head out onto the private concession to search for wildlife on another safari drive.

• Days 4-3: Victoria Falls: The Curtain Closes

  In most cultures across the globe, waterfalls symbolize peace and serenity. They demonstrate at once power, and tranquility. Waterfalls are nature's reminder that things are in an ever constant state of movement and change. See the beauty for yourself upon arrival at Victoria Falls. Feel the mist, listen to the thunder of the water, and feel the power of these falls shuddering past the rocks. Travel back to Victoria Falls and enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the area. Choose to prebook the Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride for a view from above. Or choose to book the Riversong Sunset Cruise. In the evening attend Simunye: The Spirit of Africa Show and have dinner afterwards as a group.

• Days 5-4: Victoria Falls: Your OMG Day

  Mosi-oa-Tunya, originally known as Victoria Falls, translates to "the smoke that thunders." These words alone evoke the sensation of cold mist on your face and the resounding roar. Choose your adventure and experience the history of the falls or the loving hospitality of the local community. First things first. Head straight into a fully guided tour of Victoria Falls. No trip would be complete without it. Then in the afternoon, the choice is yours. Journey through over 100 years of history on an exciting and informative tour of the Bridge over Victoria Falls. A team of guides takes you through the remarkable history of this iconic structure and offers an engaging look into the past, while serving up an extraordinary birds eye view of the falls. Or sit down for a traditional, Zimbabwean meal, cooked by the Lusumpuko Women’s Club, a group of women from a nearby township working to support themselves and their families through a the tour operator-supported community initiative.

• Days 6-5: Chobe: A Window to Africa's past

  Step back in time to a scene straight from a hundred years ago-a turn of the century explorers camp setup. Sip a gin and tonic around the fire listening to a story of those who explored this very spot before you were alive. Sleep in the bush with the call of lions in the distance and the sound of your breath keeping time. Like the true adventurer you are, cross the border from Zimbabwe to Botswana, entering Chobe National Park. Float downriver on board a small vessel and spot elephants, crocodile and hippo. Continue the safari on land en route to our exclusive bush camping experience. Your tent is up, the sun is setting, your headlamp is affixed, and the sounds of Africa surround you.

• Days 7-6: Chobe: National Park & River Explorer

  From a morning with golden light casting a glow over Chobe National Park and its abundant wildlife to gliding along the shoreline of the Chobe River, this day allows you to be fully present in the landscapes of the park. Search for the “big five” and the many bird species that call the wetlands home. Cap off the experiences today with some time to freshen up at the lodge and an included group dinner at camp this evening. Rise early for a morning wildlife safari drive in Chobe National Park and board the Chobe Explorer for a memorable ride along the Chobe River searching for bird species and lounging on the top deck for prime wildlife viewing. There will be a group dinner at camp in the evening.

• Days 8-7: Chobe National Park/Kasane

  Your adventure comes to an end at the airport in Kasane today. You can depart any time after 2pm. Enjoy one final morning safari drive on the route from Chobe to the airport in Kasane. Flights should depart after 2pm.