Zimbabwe Botswana Safari IP7E

Experience 3 of Africa's best safari destinations from incredible Chobe and Victoria Falls to amazing Hwange National Park, while staying in superb luxury lodges

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

Total Price 7 Nights (2024): US$ 5752 (low season) | US$ 9919 (high season)
Total Price 7 Nights (2025): US$ 6085 (low season) | US$ 10395 (high season)
per person sharing

Safari Overview

This short stay safari is created for guests who are on a high end budget wanting to experience the best lodges in Chobe, Victoria Falls and Hwange National park. These premiere lodges, along with the transfers in between have all been carefully chosen to provide an exceptional safari experience.

Starting at Ngoma on the western side of Chobe National park. This luxurious and exclusive lodge has outstanding views and its remoteness means far fewer tourist and more intimate game viewing. Private gold class road transfers then take you to the outstanding Elephant Camp, which is ideally located on a private concession just outside Victoria Falls town. This is a great place to base yourself to see the Victoria Falls and enjoy all the activities on offer.

Finish off with 3 nights at Linkwasha Camp in the heart of Hwange National park, on a premier and private wildlife concession ensuring that quintessential safari. This top safari could possibly only be bettered by spending longer at each location.

Inspired Journey Overview

Notes: Day 1 & 2

DAY 1
Upon arrival at Kasane Airport, you will be met by a representative from Ngoma Lodge and transferred by road to the lodge. This drive, through the National park takes about an hour and you are very likely to encounter your first elephants. After settling into your luxurious room with its incredible views, it’s time to experience the wonder of Chobe with a game drive on the lodge’s private concession or into the Chobe national park. Sundowners by the deck at the lodge are a wonderful way to end the day. Dinner is a 3-course meal under the stars, accompanied by drinks

DAY 2
Wake up to a satisfying breakfast before heading off for a morning game drive through Chobe National Park to Kasane, where you will jump onto a boat for your river cruise. This 3-hour cruise up the Chobe River gives you the chance to see elephants playing and swimming in the water or simply enjoying the green grass found along the banks. Pods of hippos will be dispersed amongst the elephants and you will find yourself not knowing which way to look.

After spending the morning spotting game on the Chobe River, you will take an afternoon game drive through the park back to Ngoma Safari Lodge. During the drive you will mostly likely see hundreds of elephant, herds of buffalo and giraffe along with a plethora of other game. This is also a good time for spotting the cats as they start move after the heat of the day, often looking for their prey.

Freshen up after a long day – before dining on the deck under the stars.

Chobe National Park

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 waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them.

Overnight: Ngoma Safari Lodge

Located in the Chobe Forest Reserve just three kilometres from the Ngoma entrance gate on the western boundary of the Chobe National Park. The western side of the park has far fewer tourist than the east, around the town of Kasane, which is a big advantage. This along with Ngoma Safari Lodge’s awe-inspiring views over the Chobe River and Caprivi Floodplain make it a very obvious choice.

The Lodge’s central area includes a well-appointed sitting room, dining room and bar area as well as a plunge pool.

Your own private river-facing suite offers quiet refuge and is one of only eight luxuriously styled and spacious lodges, each complete with bath, indoor and outdoor showers and a private outdoor living area.

Due to its location in the Chobe Forest Reserve the Lodge is able to offer game walks with a professional guide as well as night drives. A full day safari in the Chobe National Park incorporates a game drive, sumptuous lunch and boat cruise on the Chobe River.

Ngoma Safari Lodge, a joint community and privately funded project, is committed to making a sustainable difference to the local communities and their environment.

Activities at Ngoma

Game walks
Game walks on the concession are escorted by an armed professional guide.

Full Day Safari
A full day Safari includes a boat cruise on the Chobe River and game drives within the Chobe National Park, with a delicious picnic lunch and drinks included.

Game Drives
Day drives are into Chobe National Park and night drives are on the concession.

Birding
There are over 450 species to be spotted

Game viewing by boat
Boat cruising is done on the Chobe River

Notes: Day 3 & 4

DAY 3
You may feel like just relaxing in your room and enjoying the magnificent view or you can also choose to do another game activity like a walk on the Ngoma lodge’s private concession with an armed professional guide. After breakfast prepare for your transfer to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. There is a border crossing involved, so make sure that you have the necessary documents (click here for information about Zimbabwe Visas). The total distance is about 135kms to Elephant Camp which is mostly through National Park on a good tar road and takes approximately 2hrs. After checking in you can enjoy lunch at the lodge or catch a transfer into town for lunch at the breath-taking Lookout Cafe. After lunch it’s time to see one of the seven natural wonders of the world; the mighty Victoria Falls. This tour normally takes around 2.5 hours after which you will be picked up and returned to Elephant Camp. Enjoy sundowners at the main tent, or out in the bush at the Batoka Gorges. Dinner will be served in the dining room or on the deck under the stars.

DAY 4
A popular, inclusive activity at Elephant Camp is meeting the Wild Horizon’s elephants down at the wallow on the camp’s estate. Spending time relaxing at the lodge is recommended, as it’s such a fabulous setting but there are also a multitude of activities available in Victoria Falls. It is the adventure capital of Africa and there are activities on offer to cater for everyone’s needs. Although these activities are not included in your package, please have a look at the available Victoria Falls Activities and contact us to help arrange a suitable itinerary just for you.

The Elephant camp also has some of its own unique activities exclusive to guests who are staying there. These include, birding and walking safaris around the camps concession with one of the guides, followed by an elephant interaction with the Wild Horizons elephant. A visit to the onsite Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and learn how research and activities are contributing to wildlife conservation in the area. A rural village tour where you will see local villagers going about their daily tasks and you can interact with them, this cultural activity shows you rural Zimbabwean life first-hand. A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a canopy tour at the gorge highwire site are also offered at Elephant Camp. Or simply relax by the pool and socialise with the other guests while watching the elephants coming to wallow at the waterhole.

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: Elephant Camp

Situated on a private concession within and bounded by the Masuwe River and the Zambezi gorges, The Elephant Camp has breath-taking views of the Victoria Falls' spray and the spectacular gorges which separate Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Elephant Camp is a luxury, intimate lodge under canvas within easy reach of Victoria Falls (approximately 10km) and all its attractions and activities, yet secluded in its own private game reserve. The Elephant Camp offers exclusive suite accommodation for only 24 guests in 12 luxury tents.

All suites are gorge facing and boast a private viewing deck and plunge pool, private lounge area, air-conditioning and fans, bath (with a view), inside and outside shower, mini bar and tea/coffee stations. The lounge, bar and dining area lead out to a sun kissed pool from where the roar of the water rushing over gorges becomes a constant beat and soon settles into the background like an old friend. It is calming and therapeutic to sit back, watch and listen to "the smoke that thunders".

Select Spa Treatments are available in the privacy of your suite (subject to availability, on request at an additional charge). Access is by road transfer from Victoria Falls (15 km from Victoria Falls Airport and 10 km from Victoria Falls town), Livingstone and Kasane.

Activities at Elephant Camp

Spa Treatments
Selected Spa Treatments are available in the privacy of your suite (subject to availability, on request at an additional charge).

Walking Safaris - Nature & Birding Walks
Explore our beautiful concession, part of the Victoria Falls National Park, with experienced guides who will bring the landscape to life. This activity is included in our rates but must be scheduled on arrival and is subject to availability.

Village Tour
Guests will be transferred to a rural village where they will see local villagers going about their daily tasks and interact with them. The tour enables them to see rural Zimbabwean life first hand.

Lunch at the Lookout Cafe
Embark on a trip to the one-of-a-kind Lookout Café, perched 120 meters above the turbulent rapids of the Zambezi River. This all-inclusive activity is set against the backdrop of the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, which hangs over the spectacular chasm of the Batoka Gorge. During the rainy season, wisps of the spray from the rainforest curl around the edge of the rock face near the bridge. Creative cocktails and other beverages are included in the activity. From the vantage point of the café, guests can watch the bright rafts plummet through the rapids below, or adrenalin lovers soaring through the air on one of the exciting high wire activities.

Visiting the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
Guests visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFTW), a non-profit whose mission is to advance environmental conservation through hands-on wildlife research, the management of a veterinary laboratory and rehabilitation facility and the education of local peoples in the sustainable usage of natural resources. This activity is included but must be scheduled on arrival and is subject to availability.

Guided Tour of Victoria Falls
There is no finer ambience than the gentle roar of the waterfall. The trees grow so closely together that their branches entwine, and their soft, wet drip across the stone path that weaves through this natural wonder. Submerge yourself in the fragrance of the fauna and the playful fauna in this enchanting and awe-inspiring space. Satisfy your wanderlust by visiting the more beautiful of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Canopy Tour
The black basalt of the Batoka gorge stretches 100 meters skywards and is enrobed in thick vegetation, creating an idyllic space for zip lines to whizz through and unveil a stunning perspective of this breath-taking natural setting. Embark on a two-hour eco-adventure lead by two professional guides across nine unique slides. The adventure unfolds from the Wild Horizons Lookout Café, perched above the cove that forms at the first bend of the river below the waterfall. This is where your senses awaken to the excitement to come as the overwhelming view of this cavernous gorge rises to greet you. The turbulent rapids rage below, their steady roar climbing up the canyon creating an ambience of adventure. The awe-inspiring fauna and flora that sprouts across the lips of the gorge entice Trumpeter Hornbills, Schalow’s Turaco, Peregrine Falcons- and if you are extremely lucky, the rare Taita Falcon. The gentle nature and moderate speed of the slides entices those who want to experience an adrenaline rush minus the scare factor. This is the activity where tranquility meets titillation and can be enjoyed by nature lovers, families, thrill seekers and corporate team building groups. The canopy tour can even be appreciated by those who get sweaty palms and a tingle in their toes just thinking about heights, as the slides traverse over a thick tangle of trees and vegetation.

Zambezi Royal Sunset Cruise
The Zambezi Royal is a luxurious, 28 seater single level cruise boat, offering a unique and intimate way to view the Zambezi River. The boat is the first of its kind, custom built to maximize comfort, style, practicality and service. Guests relax in the lush furnishings of this modern and contemporary vessel, enjoying lavish snacks, wine, cocktails and sparkling wine, as they coast up-river taking in the stunning scenery and surrounds of the upper Zambezi River.

Notes: Day 5, 6, 7 & 8

DAY 5
Around mid-morning you will be transferred to Victoria Falls airport for a charter flight to Hwange National park. This one-hour flight takes you into the heart of Hwange. From the Wilderness Airstrip, a Linkwasha 4x4 vehicle will collect you and take you on a 45-minute game drive back to camp. After checking in, enjoy some lunch in the central dining area while watching the animals coming down to the waterhole. Afternoon activities start at around 3.30pm and you will be sure to have an excellent game viewing experience - on foot or by vehicle. Dinner will be served at the main lodge dining area; after which you can go on a night drive to experience the nightlife of the wild. Head back to camp for more drinks at the camp fire or to retire to your room.

DAY 6
No two days are the same at Linkwasha Camp, game viewing and cultural experiences are tailor-made to guest’s preferences, please see details below of the activities available and arrange these with the lodge managers onsite to suit your individual needs. Whether you choose to track a herd of elephant on foot with your highly trained guide at dawn or spend the afternoon relaxing overlooking the waterhole on the deck by the pool, this wild and unspoilt bush paradise will guarantee you leave with memories to last a lifetime!

DAY 7
Another day of game viewing activities at Linkwasha, tailor-made to suit your needs and influenced by what the wildlife at the time of your visit is doing. Hwange offers some of the best wildlife sightings available in Africa without the congestion of numerous tourists.

DAY 8
It’s a good idea, although not compulsory to wake up early and go for another early morning game drive in Hwange National Park. 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 to Wilderness Airstrip for your charter flight to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your onward flight.

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: Linkwasha Camp

Linkwasha Camp is positioned overlooking one of the largest plains in Hwange, this camp is perfectly situated for the ultimate game viewing experience. Roughly an hour’s flight from Victoria Falls will put you right into the heart of Hwange, then a 45minute game drive into camp will give you a good taste of what this area has to offer.

This premier wildlife concession owned and operated by Wilderness Safaris is one of the best private concessions in Zimbabwe, the wildlife movements up and down this vlei are breath-taking. Typical open African savannas offer fantastic photographic opportunities to get that classic wildlife shot. Linkwasha is a beautiful modern camp achieving a high standard of luxury and comfort while still keeping their carbon footprint minimal, this is a great example of an Eco-Friendly Camp.

The fresh, open and airy design of the camp is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors. The nine luxurious en-suite tents (eight twin and one family) all offer uninterrupted views of the waterhole, while the main area includes various multi-level decks and a cosy winter lounge complete with fireplace and library. Shaded salas surround an inviting pool.

Game drives in the Linkwasha private concession give you a chance to explore the wonders of Hwange away from general tourists. Lions, Elephant and Buffalo are all residents in this area, and often move through camp. With all the accompanying plains game being plentiful, eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and many more. To see the smaller things the concession has to offer, take a walk with one of the professional guides and learn all about the ecology, geology and smaller life that one often misses in the vehicle, then finish off the day with an exciting night drive.

Activities at Linkwasha Camp

Game Drives
Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe at 14 651 km² with varied habitats and vegetation types – meaning that game drives are exciting with always something new to be seen. (Wind-resistant ponchos are provided during winter months.)

Walking Safaris
Hwange was proclaimed a national park over 80 years ago and has served as a haven for one of the densest concentrations of game in Africa. There is no better way to experience this park than on foot with one of our experienced safari guides.

Evening Drives
The Hwange ‘night-act’ includes nocturnal species such as lesser bush baby, spotted hyena, leopard, lion, Selous mongoose, pangolin, caracal, porcupine, scrub hare, springhare and even honey badger.

Village Visits
An authentic village experience takes place in a manner that is respectful to all parties. It usually takes around four hours and guided by one of the local villagers or a guide. It includes a guided tour of the school, meeting the headman or headwoman and enjoying cultural exchanges with the villagers.

Price

Total Price 7 Nights (2024): US$ 5752 (low season) | US$ 9919 (high season)
Total Price 7 Nights (2025): US$ 6085 (low season) | US$ 10395 (high season)
Per person sharing

Included in this safari

NGOMA SAFARI LODGE
• Accommodation in a luxurious suite with views of the Chobe riverfront and the Caprivi plains in the distance
• All meals and house beverages
• Laundry
• Scheduled activities (including morning walk or drive, full day safari inclusive drive and cruise, afternoon walk or drive, cultural/community tour, and night drive)
• Bed Levy, VAT, and Community Levy
• Park Fees

ELEPHANT CAMP
• Accommodation in a luxury tented room
• All meals, local brand drinks & house wines, complimentary mini bars in the rooms
• Two transfers to Victoria Falls town per day
• Laundry
• Conservation and parks fees
• Emergency Medical Evacuation cover
• Activities: Meeting the Wild Horizons elephants; Sundowners at the Batoka Gorge; Birding & Nature walks on the concession; Lunch at the Lookout Cafe (Including drinks); Guided tour of Victoria Falls; Canopy Tour; Zambezi Royal sunset group

LINKWASHA CAMP
• Accommodation in a generous and luxurious tent with views of the waterhole
• All meals and local drinks
• Twice daily scheduled camp activities: Morning and evening game drives, Nature walks, Village visits
• Laundry
• National Park Fees

TRANSFERS
• All road transfers between Kasane, Ngoma, Elephant camp (Gold Class), Victoria Falls airport, Linkwasha Camp
• Charter flights between Victoria Falls Airport and Wilderness Airstrip

Excluded

NGOMA SAFARI LODGE
• Premium beverages
• Shop purchases
• Private vehicle activities
• Gratuities

ELEPHANT CAMP
• Transfers other than specified
• Activities other than specified
• Premium brand drinks

LINKWASHA CAMP
• Premium imported brands and champagne

More Travel Information

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

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