16 Day Budget Kruger, Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari

Quick Itinerary Overview

Embark on a budget-friendly Kruger, Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari that combines the beauty of Southern Africa’s natural wonders, top wildlife destinations, and cultural highlights.

Big 5 South Africa Safari in Kruger National Park
Historical Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Sacred Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s flagship Hwange National Park
The world-famous Victoria Falls
Wildlife viewing drive in Chobe National Park
Sunset River Cruise in Chobe National Park
The pristine Okavango Delta in Botswana
Guided walk in the Goo-Moremi Gorge at Tswapong Hills

A well-rounded and affordable African safari combining wildlife and wilderness with historic and cultural treasures!

Itinerary

Day 1: Kruger National Park – South Africa

Your Kruger, Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari begins in Johannesburg. After departing early, travel into Mpumalanga Province towards Kruger National Park, South Africa’s iconic safari destination. Explore the untamed northern section of Kruger, known for its fewer crowds, in the Letaba area. Take an afternoon game drive to witness the Big Five and more.

Includes: Entrance to Kruger National Park & afternoon game drive
Overnight: Chalets at Letaba Camp with en-suite chalets, pool, and restaurant
Optional Activity: Night game drive
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Kruger National Park – South Africa

On day two, embark on an early morning game drive through the Pafuri area, where lions, elephants, and African wild dogs roam. Continue through the Limpopo Valley before heading to a tented lodge outside Kruger.

Includes: Full-day game drive
Overnight: Meru-style tented camp with en-suite tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Great Zimbabwe Ruins – Zimbabwe

Depart from Kruger and travel to Zimbabwe, crossing into the country and visiting the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most impressive archaeological treasures. Explore the ruins that date back to the 11th century and admire the grandeur of the stone structures.

Includes: Entrance & guided tour of the Zimbabwe Ruins
Overnight: Hotel with en-suite facilities, restaurant, and bar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 to 5: Matobo National Park – Zimbabwe

Next, visit Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its scenic granite hills and cultural significance. Take a walk to the World’s View site, where colonial settler Cecil John Rhodes is buried, and explore the park’s wildlife and rock art.

Includes: Entrance to Matobo National Park & game walks
Overnight: Chalets near the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 to 7: Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve, is next. Renowned for its large elephant population, the park offers abundant wildlife including the Big Five. Enjoy a full-day game drive with a local guide.

Includes: Full-day game drive in open 4×4 safari vehicle
Overnight: Tree houses with en-suite facilities, swimming pool, and boma
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 to 9: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Your journey continues to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Explore the falls up close, feeling the spray from the mighty Zambezi River. Optional activities like white-water rafting and sunset cruises are available for thrill-seekers.

Includes: Entrance to Victoria Falls
Overnight: Hotel in Victoria Falls
Optional Activities: White-water rafting, scenic flights, and more
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Chobe National Park – Botswana

Cross into Botswana and head to Chobe National Park, home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Chobe River, a prime spot for viewing wildlife.

Includes: Chobe Park entrance & sunset cruise on Chobe River
Overnight: Twin chalets with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, and swimming pool
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Nata – Botswana

On day 11, enjoy a game drive in Chobe before traveling south to Nata, a village located near the vast salt pans of Botswana.

Includes: Game drive in Chobe
Overnight: Tented lodge with en-suite facilities
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12 to 14: Okavango Delta – Botswana

Enter the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta. Explore the delta by mokoro (dugout canoe), guided by local experts. Stay in tents with en-suite toilets and take game walks to witness the vibrant wildlife of the delta.

Includes: Mokoro trips and game walks in Okavango Delta
Overnight: Tent with en-suite facilities & shared bucket showers
Optional Activities: Scenic flight over Okavango Delta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Goo-Moremi Gorge – Botswana

Explore the Goo-Moremi Gorge in central Botswana. A guided walk takes you through lush forests and waterfalls, with a chance to spot rare Cape vultures along the cliffs.

Includes: Guided walk in Goo-Moremi Gorge
Overnight: Chalets with shared bathrooms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Goo-Moremi Gorge to Johannesburg – South Africa

Return to Johannesburg, completing your unforgettable Kruger, Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari. The safari concludes in Johannesburg around 18:00.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Safari Upgrades

This 16-day budget Kruger, Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari is also available in shorter versions, including the 10-day Kruger & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari or the 15-day Kruger, Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari. You can also opt for a small group camping safari.