Botswana and Zimbabwe Explorer
Botswana and Zimbabwe Explorer
Botswana and Zimbabwe Explorer
16 Days Starting and ending in Johannesburg
Visiting: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana
Tour Overview
This adventure safari offers phenomenal value for money and is perfect for those who wish to visit the best wilderness areas and cultural sights of Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of water thundering over Victoria Falls, and search for wildlife on game drives in the world famous Kruger National Park, Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park. Explore the Rhodes Matobo National Park with its distinctive huge boulders and ancient bushman paintings, and the well preserved stone structures of the World Heritage listed Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Big game and bird life can be seen in abundance on mokoro excursions in the pristine Okavango Delta and a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River. This is a truly memorable journey, full of incredible wildlife opportunities.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Johannesburg, Early Morning Drive To Kruger National Park (580 Kms, ± 8 Hrs)
Departing Johannesburg at 06:30am we head into the world famous Kruger National Park. We visit the northern part of the park and stay in the Letaba area of the reserve. We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in our safari vehicle and hope to spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in this icon of wildlife conservation. Overnight in basic National Park chalets.
Approx. distance/time: 580 kms, ±8 hrs, not including stops for sightseeing and lunch.
NB: Breakfast is not included; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 2 : Kruger National Park (300 Kms, ± 8 Hrs)
Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa stretches north to south over approximately 500km and is home to the Big Five, as well as numerous other species of fauna and flora. The largest game reserve in South Africa boasts the world's greatest concentration of species, and has an amazing 16 different ecosystems. Exciting game drives provide us with excellent game viewing. Spot the “Big 5” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and many other animals in this true African wilderness.
This morning we wake early and game drive north through the park to the Pafuri region. The northern Kruger is dominated by mopane veld and is the domain of large elephant bulls, wilddog and lions. As we reach the Limpopo Valley the vegetation changes to forest and birdlife is prolific. We exit the park, late in the afternoon, and overnight at a lodge just outside Kruger. Overnight lodge. Approx. distance/time: 300 kms, ±8 hrs, game viewing drive, excluding stop for lunch.
NB: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the lodge.
Day 3 : Great Zimbabwe Ruins (450 Kms, ± 6.5 Hrs)
Entering Zimbabwe at the Beit Bridge border post, we travel north to our overnight stop. The following morning we visit the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its massive curving walls (some 11m high), constructed from millions of granite blocks fitted together without mortar, remain the largest ancient stone structure in sub Saharan Africa, and were built during the 11th to 14th centuries. The city had an estimated 18,000 inhabitants and archaeological artefacts including Chinese pottery shards and coins from Arabia suggest a vast trading network. We explore these ancient stone structures on an informative walk with a local guide. Overnight hotel. Approx. distance/time: 450 kms, ± 6.5 hrs, excluding stops for border crossing (which can take 2 to 4+ hrs) sightseeing & lunch.
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the lodge.
Day 4 : Matobo National Park (360 Kms, ± 5 Hrs)
Travelling via the city of Bulawayo we move on to the Matobo National Park and our chalets on the outskirts of the park. This afternoon we enjoy sundowners from the granite ridge overlooking the park. The following morning we visit World’s View and the historical site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. Unusual rock formations are home to an array of ancient bushman paintings which we visit while on our game drive and walk. This area is also home to Zimbabwe’s rhino which we hope to see on our excursion in the national park. Overnight chalets. Approx. distance/time: 360 kms, ± 5 hrs, excluding stops for sightseeing, shopping & lunch.
Day 4: (In 2023) Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the lodge.
(In 2024) Breakfast will be provided by the hotel; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be a set meal provided by the lodge.
Day 5: Breakfast & Dinner (set meal) will be provided by the lodge; Lunch provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 6 : Hwange National Park (340 Kms, ± 5 Hrs)
Named after a local Nhanzwa chief, Hwange National Park is the largest Park in Zimbabwe occupying roughly 14,650 square kilometres and is located in the north-west corner of the country. It is famed for its large elephant population. Our chalets are in the game management area that borders the park, and we explore the park with our local guide, on a full day game drive in an open 4WD game viewing vehicle. Overnight chalets. Approx. distance/time: 340 kms, ± 5 hrs, excluding stops for sightseeing, game viewing & lunch.
Day 6: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 7: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 8 : Victoria Falls (200 Kms, ± 3 Hrs)
We spend 2 nights in the town of Victoria Falls. We enjoy a spectacular walk through tropical vegetation to the very edge of the “Mosi oa Tunya” or “the smoke that thunders” - Victoria Falls. There are opportunities to participate in various optional activities (at own expense and risk). NOTE - It is possible to finish the tour on Day 10 in Victoria Falls - ask us for costs and details. Overnight hotel. Approx. distance/time: 200 kms, ± 3 hrs, excluding stops for sightseeing & souvenir shopping.
Day 8: Breakfast will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).
Day 9: Breakfast will be provided by the hotel; Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).
Day 10 : Chobe National Park (85 Kms, ±1 Hr)
Entering Botswana, we head to the town of Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River. The river flows lazily along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park attracting some of the largest herds of elephant in Africa. A highlight of any trip to the Chobe is the afternoon game viewing cruise where we hope to see a large number of elephants and other wildlife as they quench their thirst at the end of the day. Overnight chalets. Approx. distance/time: 85 kms, ±1 hr, excluding border formalities.
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the hotel; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 11 : Nata (340 Kms, ± 4.5 Hrs)
This morning we venture into the Chobe National Park for a game drive. Heading south through the Kasane Forest Reserve we make our way to the Nata area for our overnight stop. Overnight tented lodge. Approx. distance/time: 340 kms, ± 4.5 hrs, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch.
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).
Day 12 : Okavango Delta (340 Kms, ± 4.5 Hrs)
We transfer into the Okavango Delta by open 4WD game viewing vehicle. Our local guides will take us deep into the heart of the Okavango Delta on mokoro (dugout canoes). Being gently poled through the network of channels is an experience not to be missed. The Delta forms as rain water from the Angolan highlands flows out over the flat Kalahari Desert sands, forming a delicate, green oasis for birds and wildlife. We will camp wild on remote islands in this amazingly dynamic environment and enjoy bush walks, bird watching & swimming in the clear waters. Camping with our local guides we learn more about their lifestyle & culture. We return to Maun in the late afternoon of day 14 and have time for an optional game flight over the Okavango (at your own expense, +/- USD95-120pp depending on number of people in each aircraft), which will reveal a different aspect of the Delta. NOTE - It is possible to finish the tour on Day 15 in Maun - ask us for costs and details. Overnight for 2 nights in basic tented camp in the Okavango with twin camp beds and linen, en suite chemical toilet, and shared bucket shower tent with hot water off the fire; and 1 night chalet in Maun. Approx. distance/time: 340 kms, ±4.5 hrs + 2 hr 4WD transfer into the Delta, each way.
Days 12 & 13: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 14: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).
Day 15 : Khama Rhino Sanctuary (540 Kms, ± 6.5 Hrs)
Heading south from Maun, we drive through the wide open spaces of the Kalahari Desert on our way to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. This is a community based wildlife project established in 1992 to assist in saving the vanishing rhino, restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its previous natural state and to provide economic benefits to the local Batswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. We hope to spot some of the elusive rhino on an afternoon game drive. There may be an opportunity for an optional night game drive in open game viewing vehicle (at your own expense). Overnight in basic chalets with shared bathroom facilities. Approx. distance/time: 540 kms, ± 6.5 hrs, excluding stops for sightseeing.
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 16 : Drive To Johannesburg Where Trip Concludes (650 Kms, ± 8 Hrs)
Crossing back into South Africa, we make our way to Johannesburg where the trip concludes at approximately 18:00. Please note: we can do a free drop off at OR Tambo Johannesburg Airport at around 17:00pm so you can book your flight out for the last day of the tour. Approx. distance/time: 650 kms, ± 8 hrs, excluding border formalities & stops for sightseeing & lunch.
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Lunch will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).
What's Included
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Accommodation
15 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse -
15 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 11 dinners
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12 nights comfortable accommodation in hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
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1 night accommodation in basic chalets with shared bathroom facilities on a twinshare basis
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2 nights accommodation in basic tented camp with shared bathroom facilities on a twinshare basis
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English speaking local guide
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Private transport in minibus / safari truck
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Game drives, day walks and excursions as listed in itinerary
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National park fees and site entrance fees as listed in itinerary
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Local cash payment of US$300 per person payable to the tour guide on day 1
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International flights and airport taxes
Accommodation
15 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse
This trip features 11 nights in comfortable hotels, lodges and guesthouses (twin share); 2 nights in basic chalets with shared bathroom facilities (twin share); and 2 nights in basic tented camp in the Okavango with twin camp beds and linen, en suite chemical toilet, and shared bucket shower tent with hot water off the fire. Meals will be prepared by the tour leaders.
ROOM REQUESTS: On this trip, twin-bedded rooms are very common and double beds are either not available or limited in numbers. We can always request double beds upon arrival at each accommodation, but there is never any guarantee.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (it can be very cold on early morning activities), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Grading
Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. There is no shortage of advantages of packing as much into your time in Southern Africa as possible. The fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience.
Wildlife
The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. Please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals is never entirely without risk. By travelling into wild areas in search of wild animals, all participants accept that they are choosing an adventure that includes an element of risk and this is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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