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16 Day Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari

16-Day Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari from Johannesburg

Embark on an unforgettable Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari, starting and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa. This 16-day budget-friendly overland adventure takes you deep into the heart of southern Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas, including the Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta, and major national parks in Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Quick Itinerary Overview

Experience the wild beauty of the Okavango Delta through guided game walks, mokoro excursions, and boat trips. Track rhinos in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and explore remote private camps on thrilling 4×4 game drives. Enjoy stargazing on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and cruise the Chobe River in search of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Visit the world-renowned Victoria Falls, explore Hwange National Park’s vast wildlife population, and track rhinos in the granite hills of Matobo National Park. End your journey with a peaceful evening on the Limpopo River before returning to Johannesburg.

Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari Highlights

  • 4×4 game drive in Khama Rhino Sanctuary
  • Private camp stay in the Okavango Delta
  • Guided bush walks and mokoro rides in the Delta
  • Game drives along the Khwai River region
  • Serviced camping in remote national parks
  • Overnight under the stars on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
  • Wildlife cruise on the Chobe River
  • Victoria Falls National Park entry
  • Exploration of Hwange and Matobo National Parks

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg to Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Your Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari begins at 06:30 AM as you depart Johannesburg, heading north through South Africa’s North West Province. After crossing into Botswana at the Martins Drift border post, the journey continues into the arid landscape of the Kalahari Desert. You’ll arrive at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project safeguarding endangered rhinos and other wildlife. Enjoy your first night under the African sky, with a catered dinner and an informative briefing from your guide.

  • Meals: Dinner (Breakfast & Lunch at own cost)
  • Distance: Approx. 600 km
  • Accommodation: Dome tent camping at Khama Rhino Sanctuary
  • Included Activity: Scenic drive through Kalahari Desert

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary to Maun

Begin the day with an exciting open-vehicle game drive to spot rhinos and other wildlife. After brunch, the route continues north past rural villages and the shimmering Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. You’ll reach Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, where your riverside safari camp offers birdwatching opportunities and a peaceful night surrounded by nature.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Distance: Approx. 480 km
  • Accommodation: Dome tent camping at safari camp in Maun
  • Included Activity: Morning game drive in Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Days 3–4: Explore the Okavango Delta

Spend two full days immersed in the wilderness of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most pristine ecosystems in Africa. This region is famous for its seasonal floodplains, crystal-clear waterways, and abundant wildlife. From your well-equipped base camp near a lagoon, you’ll venture into the delta with expert local guides on foot and by mokoro (traditional canoe). Expect close encounters with birds, antelope, elephants, and perhaps even big cats as you discover the delta’s rich biodiversity.

Guides from the local community will share their deep knowledge of the delta’s flora, fauna, and cultural significance, enhancing your Botswana safari experience with authentic insight into this remote wilderness.

  • Meals: All meals included
  • Accommodation: Private wilderness camp in the Okavango Delta
  • Included Activities: Guided walks, mokoro trips, birdwatching

Days 3–4: Okavango Delta – Relaxation and Exploration on Your Botswana Safari

Enjoy two leisurely days in the heart of the Okavango Delta, a highlight of your Botswana Safari. Whether you choose to sip a chilled drink on a wooden deck overlooking the tranquil lagoon, venture into the wilderness on foot with an experienced Motswana guide, or cool off in the camp’s pool, these days are designed for both adventure and relaxation.

One afternoon, unwind with a breathtaking sunset Mokoro boat trip, watching the Delta’s waters reflect the shifting hues of the sky as evening approaches.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
  • Accommodation: Twin-bedded tented units (No linen provided) in the Okavango Delta
  • Activities: Guided bush walks and a scenic Mokoro boat cruise

Day 5: Okavango Delta to Maun – Scenic Flights and Sunset Views

On Day 5 of your Botswana Safari, we depart the Okavango Delta early and travel to Maun. Upon arrival, consider taking an optional scenic flight over the Delta (at your own expense) to witness its remarkable landscapes and wildlife from the air.

After arriving at our safari camp in Maun, take time for a swim or relax while watching the sun set over the horizon. End the day with a delicious dinner and prepare for the next phase—an unforgettable four-night wild camping experience in Botswana’s national parks.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch at own expense)
  • Distance Travelled: 480 km
  • Accommodation: Safari camp in Maun with 2-person dome tents
  • Optional Activity: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta

Days 6–9: Khwai Area – Authentic Bush Camping & Wildlife Adventures

The true wilderness experience begins here. After breakfast in Maun, we venture into Botswana’s pristine national parks for four days of immersive game drives and wild camping in private, unfenced campsites along the Khwai River—an essential part of every Botswana Safari.

Travelling in open 4×4 Land Cruisers and guided by expert Motswana guides, we explore remote areas, stopping at waterholes and hides to encounter wildlife up close. The Khwai region offers diverse habitats—palm-dotted plains, wetlands, Mopane woodlands, and acacia scrub—making it a hotspot for animal sightings.

Each evening, we camp under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush. Our route remains flexible, following seasonal wildlife movements and offering potential visits to Moremi, Savuti, the Central Kalahari, or even the Makgadikgadi Pans, depending on park conditions.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x4)
  • Distance Travelled: Approx. 125 km on Day 7
  • Accommodation: Wild camping in 2-person dome tents at private bush camps
  • Activities: Open-vehicle game drives, wildlife tracking, flexible routing based on animal migration

Day 10: Khwai Area to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans via Maun

After a final morning game drive in the Khwai region, we return to Maun for a riverside lunch at the Maun Lodge. The journey then continues to the breathtaking Makgadikgadi Salt Pans—a stark and beautiful contrast to the lush wetlands of the Delta.

Covering over 12,000 square kilometres, these ancient salt flats provide a unique desert safari experience. During the wet season, the area becomes a haven for migratory birds and grazing animals. In the dry season, enjoy spectacular star-gazing and the solitude of this otherworldly landscape.

If conditions prevent us from accessing the pans, we’ll camp at a nearby elephant watering hole instead—another unforgettable highlight of your Botswana Safari.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Distance Travelled: 200–300 km
  • Accommodation: Wild camping in 2-person dome tents
  • Activities: Visit to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, stargazing

Day 11: From Makgadikgadi to Chobe River and Victoria Falls

We travel north toward the Chobe River, our final stop in Botswana. Famed for its massive elephant and buffalo herds, the Chobe River offers remarkable wildlife viewing, especially on a serene boat cruise along its banks—a standout feature of any Botswana Safari.

After our river cruise, we cross into Zimbabwe and arrive at our lodge in Victoria Falls—conveniently located within walking distance of the iconic waterfall and local attractions.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner at own expense)
  • Distance Travelled: 320–400 km
  • Accommodation: Lodge in Victoria Falls
  • Activities: Chobe River boat cruise

Day 12: Victoria Falls – The Smoke That Thunders

Our journey ends on a high note with a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls, known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya”—The Smoke That Thunders. Your entry is included, allowing you to experience the grandeur of the falls and the surrounding rainforest.

Optional activities are plentiful, ranging from helicopter flights and bungee jumping to visits to local villages and curio markets. Whether you’re seeking adventure or cultural experiences, Victoria Falls offers a thrilling conclusion to your Botswana and Zimbabwe safari.

Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari: Victoria Falls to Johannesburg

Day 12: Explore Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Enjoy two unforgettable nights in Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of Zimbabwe. This part of your Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari offers the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration. Spend your time discovering the charming town, visiting the iconic Victoria Falls National Park, or choosing from a wide range of exciting optional activities.

Tonight, dine at a local restaurant (own expense), and toast to the roar of the mighty falls under the African night sky.

  • Meals: Breakfast (Lunch and dinner at own expense)
  • Accommodation: Lodge in Victoria Falls
  • Included Activity: Visit to Victoria Falls National Park
  • Optional Activities: Helicopter flight, white-water rafting, bungee jump, gorge swing & more

Day 13: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

After breakfast, we journey to Hwange National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most diverse game reserves. This iconic park is a major highlight of any Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari, known for its vast elephant herds, large buffalo populations, and over 400 bird species.

Upon arrival, settle into your safari camp and prepare for a thrilling open-vehicle game drive. Spot lions, leopards, and wild dogs as expert guides lead you through Hwange’s unique ecosystems.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Distance Travelled: 185 km
  • Accommodation: Safari camp in Hwange National Park (2-person dome tents)
  • Included Activity: Game drive in Hwange National Park

Day 14: Hwange to Matobo Hills via Bulawayo – Zimbabwe

Our Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari continues south to Bulawayo and on to the spectacular Matobo Hills. This afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Matobo National Park, famed for its dramatic granite rock formations and rich cultural heritage.

Track endangered rhinos on foot with experienced guides and explore the ancient “balancing boulders” that define this World Heritage Site. Your camp, nestled atop a granite dome, offers panoramic views of this sacred landscape.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Distance Travelled: 500 km
  • Accommodation: Safari camp in Matobo National Park (2-person dome tents)
  • Included Activities: Game drive & rhino tracking on foot

Day 15: Matobo Hills to Limpopo River – Botswana

After breakfast, we return to Botswana, where the final night of your Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari is spent on a private game reserve along the tranquil Limpopo River. This river forms a natural border between Botswana and Zimbabwe and supports an abundance of wildlife.

Enjoy a peaceful riverside walk as the sun sets over the African bush. Our farewell dinner around a roaring campfire marks a magical end to this wilderness adventure.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Distance Travelled: 450 km
  • Accommodation: Private safari camp on the Limpopo River (2-person dome tents)
  • Included Activities: Scenic drive & guided bush walk

Day 16: Return to Johannesburg – South Africa

On the final day of your Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari, we journey through the scenic Waterberg Mountains and return to Johannesburg. The tour concludes in the late afternoon.

Post-tour accommodation and airport transfers can be arranged on request.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Distance Travelled: 700 km
  • Included Activity: Scenic drive from Botswana to South Africa

Important Safari Information

All participants on this Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari must carry a valid passport and obtain required visas for South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana before travel. Seasonal malaria precautions are recommended and available locally.

Please bring a sleeping bag, towel, and pillow, along with a soft barrel bag or backpack. Extra expenses may include optional activities, restaurant meals, drinks, tips, visas, and airport transfers (for fly-in guests).

This group safari is led by two professional guides, with a maximum of 14 people per vehicle. A cooperative spirit and willingness to participate make for the best experience.

Optional Extras & Excursions

Enhance your Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari with these optional activities (enquire for latest pricing):

  • Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta
  • Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
  • White Water Rafting
  • Bungee Jumping

Child Policy

Please note: This Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari is not suitable for children.

Shorter Safari Option

This tour is also available in a Fly-in version from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls. Contact us for more details on pricing and availability.

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