African Wildlife Safaris invites you to join us in Southern Africa on our newest escorted small group safari:
Classic Botswana & Zimbabwe
Tour Cost
4-5 clients: AUD $14,225 /pp twin share*
6+ clients: AUD $12,758 /pp twin share*
Departs
Sat 06 July 2024 – ex Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Just 6 spots left!
*Final price subject to the number of passengers. Single travellers on request. Subject to availability. Conditions apply.
Departing on Saturday 06 July from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, this all-inclusive 13-day tour provides guests with a classic safari experience during prime gameviewing season, mobile camping in one of the world’s most remarkable and pristine areas – the Okavango Delta. The maze of lagoons and islands sustains a huge variety of flora and fauna, including iconic African animals such as lion, elephant, leopard and hippo, as well as antelope like lechwe and the shy sitatunga.
In keeping with our company philosophy, this is an African safari of old, visiting breath-taking wildlife areas whilst staying in a comfortable mobile camp. Travelling by 4WD vehicle and accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, we explore three contrasting landscapes, spending a number of days in each. The camps are set up in advance by a superb team of camp staff who cater to our every need. The tents are spacious with ensuite bush showers and toilet. This safari also offers the chance to step out into the bush on foot and paddle by mokoro (dugout canoe) through the delta’s pristine waterways.
The first 3 nights are spent in Zimbabwe, in the heart of Victoria Falls staying at beautiful Ilala Lodge, just 10 minutes’ walk from the falls themselves. Here we will enjoy a tour of the falls, a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River and a fun-filled elephant interaction experience. A special excursion into the Zambezi NP to meet the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit is also planned, who we have supported since their inception over 20 years ago.
This memorable trip will be escorted by James Cameron, one of our experienced team who has travelled many times to Africa. Botswana is one of James’ favourite wildlife areas and this will be the 3rd time he has embarked on this classic safari.
Tour details
- 3 different regions of Botswana – Moremi, Mababe & Chobe
- Mokoro excursion through the waterways
- Listen to the sounds of the African bush at night sitting around the fire
- Elephant interaction experience
- Tour one of the Natural Wonders of the World – Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)
- Take a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River
- A morning with the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit in the Zambezi NP
- 9 nights mobile tented camping accommodation
- 3 nights accommodation at Ilala Lodge
- Meals and sightseeing as per the itinerary with services of a local English-speaking guide & camp assistants
- Beverages (except in Victoria Falls).
- Internal light aircraft flight Maun – Xakanaxa
- Transfers by air-conditioned vehicle from Victoria Falls to Kasane and whilst in Victoria Falls on included activities.
- Gratuities
- All airfares (other than mentioned)*
- Visas and travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
*We can book international airfares in your preferred class of travel and any additional arrangements. Contact us for details.
Victoria Falls is one of Zimbabwe’s major entry points for visitors travelling to the country for a safari, as it is the site of the renowned Victoria Falls themselves, as well as being very close to legendary Hwange National Park, the Zambian town of Livingstone just across the border and Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Most people arriving into Southern Africa fly to Johannesburg in South Africa. From here it is a 1 hour 40 minute flight to Victoria Falls, operated by several airlines. There are also direct flights to Victoria Falls available from Cape Town in South Africa with Airlink and Maun in Botswana (55 minutes) with Fastjet (both operate select days).
Itinerary
Classic Botswana & Zimbabwe
Saturday 06 July 2024 – Ex Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
13 days/12 nights
Days 1-3 | 06-08 July
Victoria Falls
On arrival in Victoria Falls you will be transferred to Ilala Lodge, located in the heart of the town. This afternoon you will meet your tour escort at the lodge. On day 2, an early guided tour of the famous Victoria Falls beckons, followed by an elephant interaction experience and lunch at the Lookout Cafe. In the afternoon take a scenic sunset cruise along the Zambezi River where we enjoy sundowners. On day 3, head into the Zambezi National Park and meet the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit. D (day 1) B L D (days 2&3)
Day 4 | 09 July
Central Chobe Region
We depart early by road from Victoria Falls via the Kazungula border where we clear customs and enter Botswana, arriving in Kasane just across the border where we will meet our guides. Here we will enjoy a morning cruise along the famous Chobe River. After lunch, we travel south through the Chobe National Park and reach our first campsite in the late afternoon. B L D
Days 5-6 | 10/11 July
Central Chobe Region
Over the next two days we will discover the Central Chobe region, exploring the desert-like landscape on game drives. This area is lion and cheetah country, home to the renowned Savuti Marsh, which has been the stage for many of the most dramatic wildlife documentaries in Africa. B L D
Days 7-9 | 12-14 July
Mababe Private Reserve
Take one last slow game drive through the Savuti region on our way to the the Mababe Concession. The Khwai River flows through the concession, offering plenty of riverside routes to explore. The Mababe Concession allows for walking safaris, night drives and has a strict maximum of just 20 vehicles. Exploring after dark, we may see rarely encountered species such as African wild cat or genet. B L D
Days 10-12 | 15-17 July
Moremi Game Reserve
Enjoy a mokoro excursion in the calmer backwaters of the Khwai channels, before carrying on to the Moremi. The reserve is home to sensational bird life and iconic species including hippo, elephant, lion and giraffe. In between game drives, relax around camp each day, and get used to the sounds of the bush around you. This is classic camping at its best! B L D
Day 13 | 18 July
Tour Ends
Savour one last game drive before transferring by light aircraft from Xakanaxa Airstrip to Maun where our tour ends. B
Tour escort
James Cameron – Marketing Co-ordinator & Copywriter
Growing up with tour operators as parents, James spent many family holidays visiting unique destinations worldwide, which instilled in him a passion for travel, culture and wildlife. His first safari was in 2002 to Kenya and Tanzania, and a long-lasting highlight of that trip was camping in the endless plains of the Serengeti, listening to the roar of lions at night. Since then, he has returned many times to the continent, and has spent time volunteering in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, explored Botswana’s game-rich wildlife areas, witnessed the wildebeest and zebra migration in Kenya, wandered the fascinating cities of Morocco, and discovered the wonders of ancient Egypt. This will be James’ 3rd time on our Classic Botswana safari.
