15-Day Budget Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari – Lodge Tour
This 15-day Budget Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari is an unforgettable lodge adventure through Southern Africa, combining iconic wildlife destinations, unique wilderness experiences, and rich cultural encounters. From Victoria Falls to the Okavango Delta, enjoy excellent value and authentic game viewing while staying in comfortable safari lodges across Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Safari Highlights
- Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba, Matobo Hills
- Botswana: Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans, Khwai River, Moremi Game Reserve
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Your Budget Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari begins in Victoria Falls. Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge and enjoy a free afternoon to explore or relax. A pre-tour briefing will be held at 18:00.
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorers Village or similar
Meals: Own expense
Day 2: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park, Botswana
Visit Victoria Falls and take in the views of “The Smoke That Thunders” before crossing into Botswana. Arrive in Kasane and unwind or explore Chobe at your leisure.
Travel: 256 km | Departs: 07h00
Accommodation: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Chobe National Park, Botswana
Enjoy a thrilling game drive in Chobe National Park followed by a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. Expect sightings of elephants, crocodiles, lions, and abundant birdlife.
Accommodation: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Days 4–5: Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Cross back into Zimbabwe and travel to Hwange National Park. Explore this renowned wildlife reserve on multiple game drives in search of elephants, predators, and plains game.
Travel: 183 km | Departs: 08h00
Accommodation: Nantwich Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Days 6–7: Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
Board a luxury houseboat at Lake Kariba for two days of relaxing cruises, game viewing, and fishing. Enjoy a sunset sail, island barbecue, and guided bush walks.
Travel: 185 km | Departs: 07h00
Accommodation: Sovereign Houseboat or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Days 8–9: Matobo Hills National Park, Zimbabwe
Travel to Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Track rhinos on foot, explore ancient San rock art, and visit Cecil Rhodes’ grave at World’s View.
Travel: 470 km | Departs: 08h00
Accommodation: Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 10: Matobo Hills to Nata, Botswana
Cross into Botswana and visit Nata Bird Sanctuary. Conditions permitting, explore the salt flats of Sowa Pan, part of the Makgadikgadi Pans system.
Travel: 375 km | Departs: 06h00
Accommodation: Nata Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Explore Ntwetwe Pan and encounter meerkats, baobabs, and desert wildlife. Visit a local village and learn about Batswana culture before returning to your lodge.
Travel: 200 km | Departs: 05h00
Accommodation: Planet Baobab or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Maun, Botswana
Drive to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Optional scenic flight available over this UNESCO-listed wetland paradise.
Travel: 225 km | Departs: 07h00
Accommodation: Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Greater Moremi Area, Botswana
Glide through the Okavango Delta in traditional mokoro canoes. Continue to a private concession in the Greater Moremi region for a night game drive in Khwai.
Travel: 150 km | Departs: 07h00
Accommodation: Mankwe Tented Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Enjoy a full-day game drive in the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. This diverse and pristine area is rich in wildlife including lions, elephants, and wild dogs.
Travel: 150 km | Departs: 07h00
Accommodation: Mankwe Tented Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Departure from Maun, Botswana
After breakfast, your Budget Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari concludes with a transfer to Maun Airport for your onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities (Victoria Falls)
- Helicopter Flights
- Boma Dinner Experience
- Sunset River Cruises
- Bungee Jumping & Gorge Swings
- Canoeing & Whitewater Rafting
- Zip Line, Flying Fox & More
Child Policy
This tour is suitable for children. Please enquire for child rates and policies.
Plan Your Budget Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari
Embark on a journey through two of Southern Africa’s most iconic safari destinations with this affordable, lodge-based Budget Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari. Enjoy exceptional wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural insights while staying in hand-picked safari lodges and camps. Contact us today to customize or book your spot!