Intimate Botswana & Zimbabwe
15 day Safari – from £4935
With flights from £6045
15 day Safari – from £5199
With flights from £6309
Journey through out-of-this-world landscapes to wildlife rich National Parks on this small group safari to Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Highlights:
- Enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls
- Spot elephants, hippos and crocodiles on a Chobe River cruise
- Search for lion, jackal and spotted hyena in Hwange National Park
- Stay on a luxury houseboat on Lake Kariba
- Take a game drive in the wildlife rich Moremi Game Reserve
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before or after your Botswana and Zimbabwe safari. Just let us know what you would like to do.
On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls.
In the evening, you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18:00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Shearwater Explorers Village or similar
Day 2 to 3 – Lake Kariba
After breakfast your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya – “the smoke that thunders”. You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kariba town. A short transfer will take you to Lake Kariba shore, where you will board a luxury houseboat for a relaxing two-night trip. A variety of activities are available including game viewing, guided walks and fishing. Nestled in the mountains, Lake Kariba is a man-made inland sea guarded by enormous reserves of game and made beautiful and savage by sun and storm, earth and water.
Sovereign Houseboat or similar
Day 4 – Chobe
Flight from Kariba Airport to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe is the second largest national park in Botswana, covering 10,566 square km and has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool.
Chobe Safari Lodge or similar
Day 5 – Chobe
Start your morning with a spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation until your afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River. Here you can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up-close photo opportunities.
Chobe Safari Lodge or similar
Day 6 to 7 – Hwange
This morning cross the border into Zimbabwe. Over the following two days, there will be plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to great herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.
Elephants Eye or similar
Day 8 to 9 – Matobo Hills
Disembark your houseboat and travel southwards to the majestic Matobo Hills, an area of exquisite beauty, steeped in tribal history, ancient mystery and dramatic rock landscapes. The national park has been given UNESCO World Heritage status and is home to both white and black rhinoceros, sable antelope and the world’s densest population of leopard. Birdlife is prolific and includes the highest concentration of black eagles in the world. Once the home of the San (Bushman), this area contains the richest source of the rock art found anywhere.
Spend the following day in the national park, including an opportunity to track rhino spoor by vehicle and foot. In the afternoon we further explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on game drives, ending with a visit to Rhodes’ grave.
Shashani Lodge or similar
Day 10 – Nata
Leaving Matobo Hills and drive through the savannas of southern Matebeleland en-route to Botswana. Visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans.
Nata Lodge or similar
Day 11 – Makgadikgadi Pans
A very early morning departure to embark on an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan, famous for its extraordinary lunar landscape and rocky outcrops. We explore the area, in search of uniquely adapted desert species such as bat eared foxes, springbuck, kori bustards, and some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats.
After lunch explore a nearby village and learn about the history and traditions of the Batswana people from a local guide. Then take a stroll through an impressive baobab grove, learning about the local ecology, geology and the unique biology of the baobabs.
Planet Baobab or similar
Day 12 – Maun
Today travel to Maun, a bustling safari town which serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book an optional scenic flight over the delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly glorious oasis.
Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Day 13 – Khwai River
This morning float in dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast.
After lunch, we make our way to our camp which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. Enjoy dinner and then embark on a night game drive in the concession – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day.
Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
Day 14 – Moremi Game Reserve
Today head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve is known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
Day 15 – Maun
Your safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Maun Airport in time for your onward travels.
Day 1 – Welcome to Victoria Falls
On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls.
In the evening, you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18:00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Shearwater Explorers Village or similar
Day 2 – Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park
After breakfast your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya – “The Smoke that Thunders”. You’ll then travel to Kasane in Botswana, the gateway to the Chobe National Park.
Chobe, which is the second largest National Park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to relax by the pool, or partake in optional activities.
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar
Day 3 – Chobe National Park
Start your morning with a game drive in Chobe National Park, on which you’ll have a great chance to spot elephant, hippo, giraffe, lion, and potentially leopard and hyena.
Returning to the lodge for a late breakfast, you can relax on your balcony or by pool until your wildlife cruise on the Chobe River, at around 15:00. Elephant, hippo and crocodile sightings can be expected – making for excellent up-close photo opportunities. The river also supports a wonderful variety of birdlife.
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar
Day 4 & 5 – Chobe to Hwange
This morning, you’ll travel across the border into Zimbabwe, to your safari lodge in a private concession in the North West corner of Hwange National Park. Over the following two days, you will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives.
Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to great herds of elephant, a large concentration of giraffe, and significant buffalo and zebra populations, attracting lion and other predators.
Nantwich Lodge or similar
Day 6 & 7 – Lake Kariba
Today, it’s off to Lake Kariba, for a relaxing two night cruise on a luxury houseboat.
Lake Kariba is a man-made inland sea, with escarpment mountains either side. It was created by the construction of the Kariba Dam in 1959, flooding the Kariba Gorge.
Your voyage takes you between Milibizi and Msuna River with game viewing along the way, followed by drinks and dinner on board.
In the morning, you can go fishing or for a guided walk, before brunch is served whilst cruising along the lake. In the afternoon, the boat moors by an island with a sandy beach, where you can watch the sunset over the lake, relax around the camp fire and enjoy a beach barbecue under the starry sky.
Sovereign Houseboat or similar
Day 8 & 9 – Matobo Hills
Disembarking the houseboat, you’ll travel southwards to the dramatic rock landscapes of the Matobo Hills, an area steeped in tribal history. The National Park has been given UNESCO World Heritage status and is home to both white and black rhinoceros, sable antelope and the world’s densest population of leopard. Birdlife is prolific and includes the highest concentration of black eagles in the world. Once the home of the San (Bushman), the Matobo Hills contain the richest source of the rock art found anywhere in Zimbabwe.
You’ll spend the following day in the National Park, including an opportunity to track rhino spoor by vehicle and foot. In the afternoon you’ll further explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on game drives, ending with a visit to Cecil Rhodes’ grave.
Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar
Day 10 – Matobo Hills to Nata
Leaving Matobo Hills, you’ll travel through the savannas of southern Matebeleland en-route to Botswana.
In the afternoon you’ll visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a magnificent view over the Sowa Salt Pan, part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans.
You’ll arrive at your next lodge in the late afternoon.
Nata Lodge or similar
Day 11 – Makgadikgadi Pans
It’s a very early morning departure today, for an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan, famous for its extraordinary lunar-like landscapes.
With you guide, you’ll go in search of the unique desert-adapted species that live there, such as bat eared foxes, springbuck, kori bustards, and some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats.
After lunch, you have the opportunity to visit a nearby village to learn about the history and traditions of the Batswana people from a local guide, before a stroll through an impressive baobab grove, the wonderful weirdness of the world’s largest succulents never failing to amaze.
Planet Baobab or similar
Day 12 – Maun
Today you’ll travel to Maun, a bustling town which serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
You can spend the afternoon relaxing next to the pool at your safari lodge or, if you are keen for some excitement, book onto an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO-listed wildlife-rich oasis.
Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Day 13 – Okavango Delta & Greater Moremi
This morning, you’ll float in a mokoro (a dug-out canoe) through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast.
After lunch, you’ll continue to your camp in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. Enjoy dinner and then embark on a night game drive – a fantastic opportunity to spot nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day.
Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
Day 14 – Moremi Game Reserve
The whole of today is spent exploring Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve, known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Southern Africa, with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife.
You’ll no doubt see giraffe, elephant, wildebeest, zebra and buffalo, but likely also lion and, with a little luck, leopard or wild dog. Rhinos have also been reintroduced to the reserve, though sightings are a rarer.
Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
Day 15 – Farewell from Maun
You safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Maun Airport for your flight home, on which you can plan your next African adventure…
Your Itinerary
You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before or after your Botswana and Zimbabwe safari. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Day 1
| Victoria Falls
On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls.
In the evening, you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18:00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Shearwater Explorers Village or similar
Day 2 to 3
| Lake Kariba
After breakfast your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya – “the smoke that thunders”. You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kariba town. A short transfer will take you to Lake Kariba shore, where you will board a luxury houseboat for a relaxing two-night trip. A variety of activities are available including game viewing, guided walks and fishing. Nestled in the mountains, Lake Kariba is a man-made inland sea guarded by enormous reserves of game and made beautiful and savage by sun and storm, earth and water.
Sovereign Houseboat or similar
Day 4
| Chobe
Flight from Kariba Airport to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe is the second largest national park in Botswana, covering 10,566 square km and has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool.
Chobe Safari Lodge or similar
Day 5
| Chobe
Start your morning with a spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation until your afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River. Here you can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up-close photo opportunities.
Chobe Safari Lodge or similar
Day 6 to 7
| Hwange
This morning cross the border into Zimbabwe. Over the following two days, there will be plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to great herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.
Elephants Eye or similar
Day 8 to 9
| Matobo Hills
Disembark your houseboat and travel southwards to the majestic Matobo Hills, an area of exquisite beauty, steeped in tribal history, ancient mystery and dramatic rock landscapes. The national park has been given UNESCO World Heritage status and is home to both white and black rhinoceros, sable antelope and the world’s densest population of leopard. Birdlife is prolific and includes the highest concentration of black eagles in the world. Once the home of the San (Bushman), this area contains the richest source of the rock art found anywhere.
Spend the following day in the national park, including an opportunity to track rhino spoor by vehicle and foot. In the afternoon we further explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on game drives, ending with a visit to Rhodes’ grave.
Shashani Lodge or similar
Day 10
| Nata
Leaving Matobo Hills and drive through the savannas of southern Matebeleland en-route to Botswana. Visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view over the Sowa pan which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans.
Nata Lodge or similar
Day 11
| Makgadikgadi Pans
A very early morning departure to embark on an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan, famous for its extraordinary lunar landscape and rocky outcrops. We explore the area, in search of uniquely adapted desert species such as bat eared foxes, springbuck, kori bustards, and some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats.
After lunch explore a nearby village and learn about the history and traditions of the Batswana people from a local guide. Then take a stroll through an impressive baobab grove, learning about the local ecology, geology and the unique biology of the baobabs.
Planet Baobab or similar
Day 12
| Maun
Today travel to Maun, a bustling safari town which serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, either relaxing next to the pool at the lodge or if you are keen for some excitement, why not book an optional scenic flight over the delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly glorious oasis.
Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Day 13
| Khwai River
This morning float in dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast.
After lunch, we make our way to our camp which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. Enjoy dinner and then embark on a night game drive in the concession – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day.
Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
Day 14
| Moremi Game Reserve
Today head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve is known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
Day 15
| Maun
Your safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Maun Airport in time for your onward travels.
Day 1
| Welcome to Victoria Falls
On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls.
In the evening, you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18:00 for your pre-departure meeting.
Shearwater Explorers Village or similar
Day 2
| Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park
After breakfast your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya – “The Smoke that Thunders”. You’ll then travel to Kasane in Botswana, the gateway to the Chobe National Park.
Chobe, which is the second largest National Park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to relax by the pool, or partake in optional activities.
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar
Day 3
| Chobe National Park
Start your morning with a game drive in Chobe National Park, on which you’ll have a great chance to spot elephant, hippo, giraffe, lion, and potentially leopard and hyena.
Returning to the lodge for a late breakfast, you can relax on your balcony or by pool until your wildlife cruise on the Chobe River, at around 15:00. Elephant, hippo and crocodile sightings can be expected – making for excellent up-close photo opportunities. The river also supports a wonderful variety of birdlife.
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar
Day 4 & 5
| Chobe to Hwange
This morning, you’ll travel across the border into Zimbabwe, to your safari lodge in a private concession in the North West corner of Hwange National Park. Over the following two days, you will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives.
Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to great herds of elephant, a large concentration of giraffe, and significant buffalo and zebra populations, attracting lion and other predators.
Nantwich Lodge or similar
Day 6 & 7
| Lake Kariba
Today, it’s off to Lake Kariba, for a relaxing two night cruise on a luxury houseboat.
Lake Kariba is a man-made inland sea, with escarpment mountains either side. It was created by the construction of the Kariba Dam in 1959, flooding the Kariba Gorge.
Your voyage takes you between Milibizi and Msuna River with game viewing along the way, followed by drinks and dinner on board.
In the morning, you can go fishing or for a guided walk, before brunch is served whilst cruising along the lake. In the afternoon, the boat moors by an island with a sandy beach, where you can watch the sunset over the lake, relax around the camp fire and enjoy a beach barbecue under the starry sky.
Sovereign Houseboat or similar
Day 8 & 9
| Matobo Hills
Disembarking the houseboat, you’ll travel southwards to the dramatic rock landscapes of the Matobo Hills, an area steeped in tribal history. The National Park has been given UNESCO World Heritage status and is home to both white and black rhinoceros, sable antelope and the world’s densest population of leopard. Birdlife is prolific and includes the highest concentration of black eagles in the world. Once the home of the San (Bushman), the Matobo Hills contain the richest source of the rock art found anywhere in Zimbabwe.
You’ll spend the following day in the National Park, including an opportunity to track rhino spoor by vehicle and foot. In the afternoon you’ll further explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on game drives, ending with a visit to Cecil Rhodes’ grave.
Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar
Day 10
| Matobo Hills to Nata
Leaving Matobo Hills, you’ll travel through the savannas of southern Matebeleland en-route to Botswana.
In the afternoon you’ll visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a magnificent view over the Sowa Salt Pan, part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans.
You’ll arrive at your next lodge in the late afternoon.
Nata Lodge or similar
Day 11
| Makgadikgadi Pans
It’s a very early morning departure today, for an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan, famous for its extraordinary lunar-like landscapes.
With you guide, you’ll go in search of the unique desert-adapted species that live there, such as bat eared foxes, springbuck, kori bustards, and some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats.
After lunch, you have the opportunity to visit a nearby village to learn about the history and traditions of the Batswana people from a local guide, before a stroll through an impressive baobab grove, the wonderful weirdness of the world’s largest succulents never failing to amaze.
Planet Baobab or similar
Day 12
| Maun
Today you’ll travel to Maun, a bustling town which serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
You can spend the afternoon relaxing next to the pool at your safari lodge or, if you are keen for some excitement, book onto an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO-listed wildlife-rich oasis.
Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Day 13
| Okavango Delta & Greater Moremi
This morning, you’ll float in a mokoro (a dug-out canoe) through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast.
After lunch, you’ll continue to your camp in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. Enjoy dinner and then embark on a night game drive – a fantastic opportunity to spot nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day.
Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
Day 14
| Moremi Game Reserve
The whole of today is spent exploring Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve, known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Southern Africa, with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife.
You’ll no doubt see giraffe, elephant, wildebeest, zebra and buffalo, but likely also lion and, with a little luck, leopard or wild dog. Rhinos have also been reintroduced to the reserve, though sightings are a rarer.
Mankwe Tented Retreat or similar
Day 15
| Farewell from Maun
You safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Maun Airport for your flight home, on which you can plan your next African adventure…
This Safari Includes
This Safari Includes
Departure Dates
2024-10-16
2024-11-04
2025-02-26
2025-03-14
2025-04-21
2025-05-14
2025-05-19
2025-06-02
2025-06-16
2025-07-04
2025-07-18
2025-08-05
2025-08-20
2025-09-03
2025-09-24
2025-10-02
2025-10-23
2025-10-30
2025-11-20
Flights & More
Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.
They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:
- Extra nights in Victoria Falls
- An Indian Ocean beach stay after your safari
Next Step
Please get in touch with our Africa Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Intimate Botswana & Zimbabwe
15 day Safari – from £4935
With flights from £6045
15 day Safari – from £5199
With flights from £6309
All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Seasonal variations may apply, please call Freedom Destinations for more information. Accommodation specified is subject to availability and may be substituted to a similar or higher standard if necessary. Please note luggage restriction of 15kg.
Map
Map
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