Intimate Botswana & Zimbabwe Encounter

Cultural tour & safari of Zimbabwe & Botswana

Guaranteed Departures

Discover Southern Africa’s safari gems on this unbelievable journey through the abundant wildlife, awe inspiring scenery, and local traditions that make this region so unique. Our adventure begins in Victoria Falls, home to one of the world’s most legendary waterfalls. Then, embarks on a discovery of the gentle giants and prowling predators of Chobe National Park, one of Botswana’s premier safari destinations. Continuing our journey into Zimbabwe gives us the opportunity to enjoy incredible close up wildlife viewing at Hwange National Park, the country’s safari highlight.  After a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the teeming game and spectacular scenery of Lake Kariba by luxury houseboat, we have the chance to come face-to-face with the rhinos and other animals of Matobo Hills. We end our adventure with time spent in the Makgadikgadi Pans, home to some of the earth’s largest saltpans as well as unique desert animals, and the Okavango Delta’s Moremi region, a World Heritage Site that offers one of the most diverse concentrations of species in existence.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites covered in this tour
1. Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe 2. Matobo Hills in Zimbabwe
3. Okavango Delta in Botswana    
Tour Information
Duration : 15 days
Minimum : 04 persons
Maximum : 12 persons
Price (From) : US$ 5850
International air not included
Day 01: Arrive Victoria Falls (ZIMBABWE)
Day 02: Victoria Falls/Chobe National Park (Drive) (BOTSWANA)
(B)
Day 03: Chobe National Park
(B)
Day 04: Chobe National Park/Hwange National Park (Drive) (ZIMBABWE)
(B, L, D)
Day 05: Hwange National Park
(B, L, D)
Day 06: Hwange National Park/Lake Kariba (Drive) (ZIMBABWE)
(B, D)
Day 07: Lake Kariba
(B, L, D)
Day 08: Lake Kariba/Matobo Hills (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 09: Matobo Hills
(B, L, D)
Day 10: Matobo Hills/Nata (Drive) (BOTSWANA)
(B, L, D)
Day 11: Nata/Makgadikgadi Pans (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 12: Makgadikgadi Pans/Maun (Drive)
(B)
Day 13: Maun/Okavango Delta/Greater Moremi (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 14: Greater Moremi/Moremi Game Reserve/Greater Moremi (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 15: Greater Moremi/Depart Maun
(B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 01: Arrive Victoria Falls (ZIMBABWE)

Aerial view of victoria falls in zimbabwe

We start our exciting exploration of Botswana and Zimbabwe’s highlights at the unequalled Victoria Falls. Upon arrival, balance of the day is free to relax or enjoy one of the many optional activities available in the area. Or another option is to arrive a day earlier and enjoy a helicopter ride over the majestic falls, take a dinner cruise, explore traditional villages and much more. Contact Bestway Tours & Safaris to pre-book (recommended). In the evening, we will meet our attentive guide and the rest of our group at the lodge at 18h00 for our pre-departure meeting.

Overnight: Shearwater Explorers Village, Victoria Falls (1 night)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 02: Victoria Falls/Chobe National Park (Drive) (BOTSWANA)

Botswana Chobe Safari Lodge

An exciting day ahead as we tour thundering Victoria Falls* after breakfast. Known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya, “the smoke that thunders”, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It measures 1,708 meters wide and 108 meters high, making for one of the most wondrous sites on earth. Next take a short journey across the border to Kasane in Botswana, the gateway to Chobe National Park. The second largest national park in Botswana, Chobe has the largest concentration of elephant found in Africa. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool or enjoy optional activities, such as a game drive into the park.

Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge (2024)/Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa (2025), Chobe National Park (2 nights) (B)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 03: Chobe National Park

We start our morning with a spectacular game drive through Chobe National Park, enjoying the chance to see lion, leopard, buffalo, impala, zebra, wild dog and, of course, many elephant. Chobe is also home to more than 450 species of bird. After returning to our lodge for a late breakfast, we relax until our afternoon boat cruise. At around 15h00, we hop on our comfortable safari boat and set off down the Chobe River, enjoying close views of elephant, hippo, crocodile and a large variety of birds. (B)

Day 04: Chobe National Park/Hwange National Park (Drive) (ZIMBABWE)

Elephant in the lush green jungle

We cross the border back into Zimbabwe on the scenic drive to our lodge, situated in a private concession near Hwange National Park. Hwange is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife. Spot great herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra, as well as a very large concentration of giraffe. The park also offers the opportunity to see many predators and endangered species. If time allows, we can partake in an optional game drive in the concession during the afternoon.

Overnight: Elephant’s Eye (2024)/Nantwich Lodge (2025), Hwange National Park (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Chalets with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar area)

Day 05: Hwange National Park

Our entire day is spent exploring magnificent Hwange National Park on a game drive. Hwange has one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, with some 100 wildlife species. (B, L, D)

Day 06: Hwange National Park/Lake Kariba (Drive) (ZIMBABWE)

A boat with tourists on Chobe River in Botswana watching elephants

Today we head to the Milibizi area on Lake Kariba. Here, we board a luxury houseboat for a relaxing two-night trip on the water. Surrounded by stunning sun-baked African hills, Lake Kariba is a photographer’s dream. This manmade inland sea supports enormous reserves of game, some of which we will see from our boat. Our breathtaking voyage takes us between Milibizi and Mazuna River for a sunset cruise. En route, we spot an abundance of bird and animal life, which could include elephant, crocodile, hippo and the iconic fish eagle. We then take in a breathtaking African sunset, followed by drinks and dinner on board our vessel.

Overnight: Sovereign Houseboat, Lake Kariba (2 nights) (B, D)
(Cabins with en suite bathrooms, plunge pool & dining room area)

Day 07: Lake Kariba

Set out early for an exciting morning of fishing, guided walks or game viewing, depending on our preference. When we return to the boat, brunch will be served as we cruise to Elephant Bay. Here we moor at an island with a beautiful sandy beach. Watch the sunset over the lake, relaxing around a campfire and enjoying a beach barbecue under the starry sky. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Lake Kariba/Matobo Hills (Drive)

Balancing rocks in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe, formed by millions of years of weathering

After disembarking our houseboat, we depart for an early morning transfer from Msuna to Matopos and the incredible Matobo Hills*, an area of exquisite beauty steeped in tribal history and dramatic rock landscapes. This unforgettable World Heritage Site is home to white and black rhinoceros, both incredibly rare, as well as sable antelope and a dense population of leopard. Bird life is prolific and includes the highest concentration of black eagles in the world. The traditional home of the San (Bushman) people, this area boasts a legacy of rock art that dates back 13,000 years. The earliest drawings were left by early Stone Age hunter gatherer-societies.

Overnight: Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge, Matobo Hills (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar & swimming pool)

Day 09: Matobo Hills

Spend the day exploring the national park. Our morning starts tracking rhino spoor by vehicle and on foot, perhaps seeing these endangered creatures. In the afternoon, we further explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on game drives. This region is not only where the Ndebele people buried their great king, Mzilikazi, but also where Cecil John Rhodes is laid to rest. We will end the day with a visit to his gravesite. Botswana was previously called Rhodesia – named after Cecil Rhodes. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Matobo Hills/Nata (Drive) (BOTSWANA)

Nata Lodge, Botswana

Leave Matobo Hills and journey through the rolling savannas of southern Matebeleland on our way to Botswana. In the afternoon, we enjoy an exciting visit of the renowned Nata Bird Sanctuary. Here we have the opportunity to take in the magnificent view over the Sowa pan, which is part of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans. (Please note that a visit to the pans is subject to road conditions and water levels, as well as time constraints). We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Nata Lodge, Nata (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 11: Nata/Makgadikgadi Pans (Drive)

Crocodile in Chobe River with a fish in his mouth

A very early morning departure brings us to our next destination, near Gweta, where we embark on an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan. Here we encounter some of Botswana’s most distinctive landscapes and extraordinary creatures. Ntwetwe Pan is one of the two major pans that makes up the Makgadikgadi Pans, and is among the largest saltpans in the world. It is famous for its extraordinary lunar landscapes, particularly the rocky outcrops, dunes, islets and channels found along its western shore. We explore the area in search of uniquely adapted desert species such as bat-eared fox, springbuck, kori bustard and one of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkat. Due to an ongoing habituation program, it is possible to get very up close and personal with these unique groups of creatures. We will be able to see how they interact with each other and their environment. Following lunch, we have the opportunity to explore a nearby village and experience modern African village culture. Learn about the history and traditions of the Batswana people from a local guide, whose knowledge is inherited from their forefathers. Visit the local primary school, ‘Sekolo’, with its outdoor classes, and meet the friendly children. Then visit the Kgotla, a traditional court that governs the village, and get a glimpse of rural Botswana life. In the late afternoon, we take a stroll with our guide through an impressive baobab grove as he explains the unique biology and ecology of the baobabs, which are in fact not trees but the largest succulents in the world.

Overnight: Planet Baobab, Makgadikgadi Pans (B, L, D)
(Bakalanga huts with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool & bar)

Day 12: Makgadikgadi Pans/Maun (Drive)

Today we travel to Maun, a bustling safari town which serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The afternoon is ours to spend at leisure, either relaxing by the pool or enjoying one of Maun’s many optional activities. One of the most popular and not-to-miss choices is a scenic flight over the delta. Please contact Bestway Tours & Safaris to pre-book.

Overnight: Thamalakane River Lodge, Maun (1 night) (B)
(Chalets with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 13: Maun/Okavango Delta/Greater Moremi (Drive)

Tourists in Mokoro boats

After breakfast, we take a short drive to the mokoro station. From here, we float in traditional dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta, discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, the Okavango Delta* flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast. This highlight of Botswana safari packages is a World Heritage Site with an unprecedented concentration of game life. After this spectacular excursion and lunch, we make our way to our camp, which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. After settling in to our camp, enjoy dinner and embark on a riveting night game drive in the concession - a fantastic opportunity to spot nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day.

Overnight: Mankwe Tented Retreat, Greater Moremi (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 14: Greater Moremi/Moremi Game Reserve/Greater Moremi (Drive)

Today we head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve for a full day. At the heart of the Okavango, Moremi is known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa. We will have the chance to spot elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, leopard, wildebeest, hyena, lion, cheetah, springbok, black and white rhino, the endangered wild dog and many, many more species. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Greater Moremi/Depart Maun

Umbozha house boat dining area, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Our exciting African safari comes to an end today after breakfast. We will be transferred to the airport in time for our departure. A great opportunity here to extend our adventure with one of Bestway’s African safari trips to South Africa, East Africa or beyond. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
2024 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Sep 01, 16 & 26; Oct 09 & 16; Nov 04 US$ 5850 US$ 1560
2025 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Feb 26; Mar 14; Apr 21; May 14 & 19; Jun 02 & 16; Jul 04 & 18; Aug 05 & 20; Sep 03 & 24; Oct 02, 23 & 30; Nov 20 US$ 6375 US$ 1580
Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
2024 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Sep 01, 16 & 26; Oct 09 & 16; Nov 04 CA$ 8073 CA$ 2153
2025 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Feb 26; Mar 14; Apr 21; May 14 & 19; Jun 02 & 16; Jul 04 & 18; Aug 05 & 20; Sep 03 & 24; Oct 02, 23 & 30; Nov 20 CA$ 8798 CA$ 2181

Departure sold out - Contact us to be put on the waitlist.

Guaranteed Departures

Operates on a minimum group size of 2 persons. Other departures require a minimum group size of 4 persons.
  • 2025 departures
  • Jun 16 (5 spots left)
  • Jul 18 (7 spots left)
  • Aug 05 (1 spot left)
  • Sep 03 (3 spots left)
  • Oct 02 (11 spots left)

Notes

N/A

Inclusions


Tour Price Includes
  • Accommodation/cruise as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
  • 33 Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All sightseeing and transfers on seat-in-coach basis
  • Services of local English speaking guides
  • Entrance fees to museums, sites & game parks included in the itinerary
Not Included
  • Any airfares
  • Insurance/visas
  • Tips/gratuities
  • Park fees & activities payment of US$ 325 / CA$ 449
Park Fees & Activities Payment: Payable at time of booking. Covers the cost of local park fees, as well as items and services purchased from villages and towns on our tour itinerary. These items include food and other safari accessories purchased from local farmers/shopkeepers, services of local assistants, etc. The local payment is part of our efforts to generate income in areas our safaris travel through. Please note governments and conservation bodies may increase park fees. In this scenario, any increase will be charged separately.

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 04 and a maximum of 12 participants
Guaranteed Departures (specific tour departure dates marked by a checkmark) operate on a minimum of only 2 participants.

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

Traveller's Testimonials

"We have just returned home from the 15-day Intimate Botswana & Zimbabwe Encounter tour, what an amazing experience! The tour was all we hoped for and more, fantastic accommodation, delicious food, first class guide and driver, not to mention the abundance of wildlife at each location. We cannot fault anything with this tour."

-- Noel and Kath

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