Botswana and Vic Falls Safari

Your adventure begins in Kasane, where you’ll transfer to Chobe Game Lodge, set on the banks of the Chobe River. As one of Botswana’s oldest lodges, it stands out for its forward-thinking initiatives, including solar-powered boats, electric safari vehicles, and an all-female guiding team. The lodge offers a large deck with breathtaking views of the river, where guests can unwind while listening to the sounds of hippos and watching crocodiles sunbathe. Chobe Game Lodge’s eco-friendly approach ensures a sustainable safari experience without sacrificing comfort. Its prime location inside Chobe National Park provides guests with an immersive wildlife experience right from the doorstep, offering both luxury and responsible tourism.

Chobe Game Lodge offers exclusive access to Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. Since the lodge is within the park, you can begin your morning game drives early, catching wildlife at their most active. The park is famed for its rich diversity, featuring lion, wild dog, leopard, and various plains game, along with its renowned elephant herds. A highlight of your stay is a peaceful boat trip along the Chobe River, using nearly silent electric boats. During the dry season (May to November), elephants frequently gather along the riverbanks, offering unparalleled viewing opportunities as they wade or cross the river, often with young elephants in tow.

Next, you’ll transfer to Victoria Falls Town, often called the adventure capital of Africa. With so many activities to choose from, the highlights include white-water rafting, bungee jumping, a dip in Devil’s Pool on the edge of the falls, and gorge swinging. For those who prefer a slower pace, the town’s cultural scene is blossoming. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with a social purpose or join a guided tour of the local markets, where you can purchase goods that support community projects.

The main attraction, of course, is the Victoria Falls themselves, viewable from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides. We can advise you on the best time of year to visit, as the water levels change dramatically throughout the year, altering the experience of the falls.

After your time in Victoria Falls, you’ll transfer to Dete Railway Station to board the Elephant Express, a scenic rail journey to Hwange National Park. The three-hour trip includes frequent stops for wildlife viewing. Your destination is a safari lodge in a community conservancy bordering Hwange. Properties in this area offer exceptional safari experiences, comparable to those inside the park, while extending the positive impact of tourism. The Community Rhino Conservation Initiative is a key project, where local communities are paid to protect the land and its wildlife, including two reintroduced white rhinos. Local rangers patrol the conservancy to prevent poaching, and every guest helps support this vital conservation effort through their stay.

On safari, you’ll explore Hwange National Park on game drives and walking safaris. Zimbabwean guides are considered some of the best in the industry, completing rigorous apprenticeships lasting between five and ten years, ensuring you are in the hands of experienced experts. Hwange is home to over 40,000 elephants—more than the Serengeti, Masai Mara, and Kruger combined! One highlight of your stay is the property’s underground hide at a waterhole, offering up-close photography opportunities of elephant and other large mammals. Your schedule is flexible, allowing time for game drives, walking safaris, and visits to the rhino sanctuary.

At the end of your stay, you’ll return to Victoria Falls for your flight home.

Photo credits Imvelo and Desert & Delta Safaris