Zimbabwe Botswana Safari IB7E

Experience 3 great destinations without breaking the bank - 7 days in Chobe, Hwange and Victoria Falls in comfortable lodging, great game viewing and exciting activities

3 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
2 Nights Hwange National Park
2 Nights Chobe National Park, Botswana
8 Days / 7 Nights
Reference: ib-7e
Starts Victoria Falls Airport / Ends Kasane Airport

Total Price 7 Nights (2024): US$ 2196 (low season) | US$ 2383 (high season)
per person sharing

Safari Overview

We have put together this very affordable safari for those on a tighter budget who want to experience the excellent game viewing of Chobe and Hwange National Parks and the magnificence of Victoria Falls. Carefully choosing accommodation that wont disappoint but fits this price range.

Starting in Victoria Falls with three nights at Bayete lodge, which is a family run and personalised B&B offering excellent value, quality accommodation. It’s the ideal spot to base yourself whilst enjoying all the activities available in Victoria Falls.

Follow with two nights at Ivory Lodge, situated on border of Hwange National park on its own private 6000 acre game concession. Here you will get to experience a piece of real Africa which is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

Finally, finish off with two nights at Chobe Safari Lodge, which offers by far the best value accommodation and game viewing package of the Chobe River front.

The contrast between Chobe and Hwange will be evident to see; Hwange offers great game viewing without the over-commercialisation and large quantity of tourists that is evident in Chobe, however the sheer volume of game in Chobe makes it an absolute must visit. The combination of the two provides a perfect cross section safari.

The route map for Zimbabwe Botswana Safari ib7e from Victoria Falls to Hwange and Chobe

Inspired Journey Overview

Notes: Day 1, 2 & 3

DAY 1
On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to Bayete Guest Lodge. Take some time to settle in and relax, or we recommend a sunset cruise or helicopter flight on this first afternoon. Dinner can either be at the lodge or we can recommend other options in and around town. Although activities are not included in the package price, please let us help you to arrange an itinerary of activities suitable for you. Have a look at these Victoria Falls activities and discounted packages to see what is on offer.

DAY 2 & 3
You have 2 full days to soak up the wonderful atmosphere of Victoria Falls, it is the adventure capital of Africa and there are activities on offer to cater for everyone’s needs. View the mighty Falls, partake in the many activities on offer or wander around the streets to do a bit of curio shopping, then finish off at a café for refreshments and a bite to eat. Please have a look at the available Victoria Falls Activities and contact us to arrange a suitable itinerary just for you.

Victoria Falls

One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine a game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.

Overnight: Bayete Guest Lodge

Bayete Guest Lodge offers comfortable and affordable accommodation and is situated in the heart of the Victoria Falls Residential Area. The lodge is 3km away from the Victoria Falls rainforest and 22 km from the airport.

Recently renovated, this family run lodge has 25 rooms which are set in a lush tropical garden. Central to the lodge is the large tear drop pool which is hugged by the Caldecott Boma and Ngwezi Tavern. Breakfast is served in the Caldecott Boma every day. Lunch and dinner are also available on special request and are delicious home cooked meals. Buffets and BBQ’s are available for group bookings or by special request. This personalised lodge with a lovely home from home atmosphere, is certainly the best choice in this range of accommodation.

Notes: Day 4 & 5

DAY 4
On your last day in Victoria Falls, you have time for one more short activity, otherwise, prepare for your transfer to Hwange. The ride is about 2.5 hours mostly on tarred road, and you will arrive at Ivory Lodge by Lunchtime. Check in, have an induction and discussion on aspects of the lodge and any dietary requirements that you might have. Lunch will be served in the main lodge; after which you will have your own leisure time. We recommend you visit the hide which overlooks the waterhole and salt lick or simply relax in your elevated room and soak up the lovely African scene. In the late afternoon, you will be taken on a game drive around the lodge’s concession, which returns in time for dinner. Pre-dinner drinks around the campfire follows, and then a 3-course meal at the Captain’s Table.

DAY 5
An early morning wakeup call precedes tea’s and coffees. Then it’s time for the early morning game drive inside Hwange National Park. Your packed breakfast will be served sometime during the game drive, which returns around noon. At the lodge, a 2-course lunch will be served and then you may want to rest for a couple of hours, or take a dip in the pool. In the afternoon, you can visit the Painted Dog Conservancy where you are able to meet the resident dogs and learn how the dogs are rehabilitated and re-introduced into packs, or you can choose to another game drive. After your activity you will be returned to the lodge for some pre-dinner drinks around the campfire followed by a 3-course meal at the Captain’s Table. The floodlit waterhole in front of the lodge is often very active with animals, especially elephant and time spent in the hide is incredibly rewarding as these magnificent animals come within a few meters of you. A real highlight.

* Note: Above is an example of what you can do, but activities can be tailor-made to suit your preferences.

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species, including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent. Terrain ranges from desert dunes and savannah lands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests.

Overnight: Ivory Lodge

A small intimate lodge featuring 7 luxurious tree houses and 2 Presidential Elephant Suites set on elevated platforms amongst the indigenous flora of Hwange Game Park. Deep in the mystical teak forests of Hwange is this unobtrusive camp, bathed in the tales of pioneering hunters and explorers such as Fredrick Courtney Selous. Lumbering giants drift around your stilted platforms, their tusks glinting in salute to the sanctuary of shade offered up by these massive trees.

This is Ivory Lodge – place of elephants. It is here that great herds of elephants are found – sometimes over 100 strong.

Hwange is renowned for its huge tuskers – big old bulls with magnificent tusks. It is also here that the famous Presidential Herd drinks – these elephants’ home-range is amongst the dense feeding areas of the Sikumi Vlei and where they find refuge from the scorching heat at Ivory’s water hole.

Silently, elegantly, the lodge stands over the waterhole. Watch by flood light under a star spangled African night sky – the elephants in their play-fighting; their display of instinctive rituals; their caressing and murmurings.

Activities at Ivory Lodge

Game Drives
Morning, afternoon & full day game drives can be arranged on the concession and into the National Park. An abundance of game species can be spotted within the concession and National Park including Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Cheetah, Zebra, Sable, Wild Dog, Leopard and much more! Within the concession, evening game drives can be arranged with a sunset stopover for sundowners and your choice of beverage. Returning to the lodge by spotlight to find those elusive night animals & arriving back in camp in time to freshen up for dinner.

Walking Safari
After a fireside coffee and delicious muffins, journey into the bush on foot with your professional guide on a walking safari. Enjoy the early crisp mornings as you discover the wonders of the African bush and witness its wildlife come to life. Starting time is first light. Walking Safaris are carried out on our private concession of 6000 acres and are weather dependent. Walking Safaris only available upon request during reservation.

Painted Dog Conservation Centre
Zimbabwe boasts one of the largest populations of this endangered species. A visit to the Hwange Research Centre to learn more about these beautiful painted dogs and the rehabilitation, research and conservation efforts surrounding the centre is highly recommended. There is no entry fee charged but the program kindly asks visitors to either buy something from the curio shop with proceeds going to the program or welcomes any donations.

Culture & Community
Zimbabwe offers a rich, dynamic culture and through the support of Ivory Lodge’s non-profit project, “The Mother Africa Trust”, guests are offered visits to local clinics, rural schools and the Dete Old Age Home - a fantastic way to get to know the friendly people and culture of Zimbabwe!

Pan Sits
Spend the day, half a day, or a few hours relaxing near the pan with full waiter service and watch the animals as they get up close and personal.

Notes: Day 6,7, & 8

DAY 6
It’s a good idea, although not compulsory to wake up early and go for another early morning game drive or walk on Ivory Lodge’s private concession. Predators like lions are the most active in the early mornings and you have a good chance of spotting them. Return to the lodge for breakfast and then transfer out of Hwange and onto Botswana. There is a border crossing involved, so make sure that you have the necessary documents (click here for information about Botswana Visas).

On arrival at Chobe Safari Lodge check in and meet with your personal activities advisor who will explain how the game drives, cruises and other activities work, along with the times and places of departure. Lunch, is a delicious buffet spread or you can take a pool snack for the not so hungry (price of lunch not included in this package).

Freshen up and rest before meeting at the jetty for the Sunset Cruise at 15h00. This is a 3-hour cruise up the Chobe River – you will have a chance to see elephants playing and swimming in the water or simply enjoying the green grass found along the banks. Pods of hippos are dispersed amongst the elephants and you will find yourself not knowing which way to look as the abundance of all species of game surrounds you.

There is a cash bar on the cruise if you feel you would like to enjoy a cold drink as you watch a magnificent sunset aboard the boat before returning to the lodge in time to freshen up before dinner.

DAY 7
An early morning starts with a Safari Game Drive departing from the lodge around about 06h00-06h30. The early mornings are the best time to find the cats as they make their way back into the shade for the heat of the day – often after making a kill during the night. Prides of Lions are very often seen on these early morning game drives.

You will return to the lodge around about 09h00 in time for a Full English breakfast which is normally welcomed by all. The heat of the day can be spent enjoying the swimming pool, wandering around the lodge property or simply relaxing in your room.

The afternoon is at your leisure. You can decide to just relax or partake in another boat cruise or afternoon game drive (not included).

DAY 8
Sadly, this is your final day of this safari but you still have time for one more morning game drive within the Chobe National Park (not included). These drives are always rewarding and a profusion of wildlife is seen. Return to the lodge for breakfast after which you will be transferred the short distance to Kasane Airport for your departure flight.

Chobe River Front

The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its reliable and diverse game viewing. Safaris are conducted both by boat and on land. This section of the park is best known for its elephant and hippo populations but the water attracts all manner of game, including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them.

The Chobe National Park with its abundance of game and hundreds of elephants can tend to get very busy, especially in the peak season and one may find that you have to be content with sharing the sightings with a large number of vehicles and/or cruises. If you are after an intimate safari on a private concession then this is not the place to be, if you are after a profusion of wildlife then it certainly is.

Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River, just a short 10-minute drive to the entrance gate of the Chobe National Park making it an ideal choice.

This popular lodge has 66 bedrooms and 8 rondavels, a large central eating and entertainment area, with an inviting swimming pool. The riverside bar is a great place to enjoy a few drinks before or after your game activities. The staff are friendly and helpful and the lodge is well organised.

Wild but habituated warthogs, mongoose and monkeys roam freely on the lawns providing endless entertainment from the balcony of your room, while the variety of birds is an absolute delight.

You can also hire a small boat and guide by the hour and this is a truly wonderful experience. You can really get up close and personal with the wildlife on such a trip, and concentrate on the wildlife of particular interest to yourself and having the time to get good photos.

Price

Total Price 7 Nights (2024): US$ 2196 (low season) | US$ 2383 (high season)
Per person sharing

Included in this safari

BAYETE GUEST LODGE
• Accommodation in a deluxe en-suite room
• Daily breakfast

IVORY LODGE
• Accommodation in an elevated tree house with views of the waterhole
• All meals and local beverages
• 2 activities per day (Half day game drive; Full day game drive; Visit to the painted dog conservancy; Village tour; Walking safaris (on request); Game Count (on request)
• Laundry
• Conservation fees
• National Parks fees

CHOBE SAFARI LODGE
• Accommodation in a luxury room with garden views
• 2 Breakfast and 2 Buffet dinners
• Activities: 1 game drive, 1 boat cruise
• 1 day park fees

TRANSFERS
• All road transfers from Victoria Falls Airport to Bayete Guest Lodge, Ivory Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, and Kasane airport.

Excluded

BAYETE GUEST LODGE
• Other meals and drinks
• Victoria Falls activities

IVORY LODGE
• Premium beverages
• Other activities

CHOBE SAFARI LODGE
• All beverages
• Lunch
• Laundry
• Shop purchases and items of a personal nature
• Other activities

More Travel Information

• Victoria Falls Travel Information
• Victoria Falls Activities
• Hwange National Park Information
• Chobe National Park Information

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