Chobe, Hwange & the Wild Zambezi
11 Nights • 4 Destinations • From $13,569
Explore the untamed Chobe River on a sunset cruise, experience a “JoBurg” hotel frequented by Nelson Mandela, and feel the mist from one of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. Visit three game-rich national parks where you'll see vast herds of elephants, big cats like lion and leopard, rivers filled with hippos and crocodiles, and perhaps a rare look at a wild dog pack!
11 Nights
4 Destinations
Full Trip Itinerary
Day 1-2 Johannesburg, South Africa | Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
Day 2-4 Chobe National Park, Botswana|Ngoma Safari Lodge
Day 4-6 Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | Victoria Falls River Lodge
Day 6-9 Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe | Linkwasha
Day 9-12 Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe | Chikwenya
Day 12 Departure Johannesburg, South Africa
Highlights
See large concentrations of elephants in famed Chobe National Park from the comfort of your river boat
Learn about the area’s rich history; visit a local community; or photograph the falls from a helicopter
Get active in Hwange and Mana Pools and explore these game-rich parks on foot, by boat, or canoe
Stay in private concession properties for a more exclusive gameviewing experience away from the crowds
Travel Itinerary: Day 1-2
DESTINATION
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg serves as the main International Airport for arrival into southern Africa. Many travelers spend a night here at the beginning or end of their African adventure, as there are plenty of upscale, interesting hotels and restaurants in this city. Jo’Burg is South Africa’s economic capital, and there are plenty of interesting sites to take in, such as an eye-opening tour of the township of Soweto, where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu both resided at one time.
ACCOMMODATION | 1 NIGHT
Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
Blonde wood and African artifacts give this gorgeous boutique hotel a sense of serenity in the magnificent gardens of a Johannesburg suburb. Its Nelson Mandela suite is a reminder of his stay here, while he wrote ‘Long Walk of Freedom’.
Travel Itinerary: Day 2-4
DESTINATION
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe is famous for vast herds of elephant, huge pods of hippo yawning in the river, and gigantic crocs sunning themselves with toothy smiles. This area just teams with wildlife and is a photographer’s heaven. Multiple lodges are strategically placed to take advantage of the abundance of wildlife, with excursions by landrover and boat.
ACCOMMODATION | 2 NIGHTS
Ngoma Safari Lodge
Enjoy the personal touch at this intimate camp with river-facing suites, Chobe River cruises, cultural experiences, walks and night drives.
Travel Itinerary: Day 4-6
DESTINATION
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
In the widest unbroken curtain of falling water in the world, the majestic Zambezi River topples over Victoria Falls and blows back a tall mist from below. Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, Vic Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adventurers have the option to white water raft, bungee jump, and/or take a “Flight of Angels” helicopter ride. Walking paths skirt the Zambezi for a more peaceful afternoon.
ACCOMMODATION | 2 NIGHTS
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Oh, what a sight: the Zambezi River flowing steadily in front of your luxury tented room with plunge pool, and the Victoria Falls' visible spray in the distance. Inside Zambezi National Park, a stay here combines safari with a UNESCO natural wonder of the world.
Travel Itinerary: Day 6-9
DESTINATION
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Huge old bull tusker elephants, predatory lionesses, skulking leopards and speeding cheetahs; Hwange has offerings unlike anywhere else. With a landscape of mopane woodland, grassland salt-lick pans and plentiful water holes, huge herds of animals inhabit this bountiful area. Thanks to the Painted Dog Conversation group, there is always a better-than-average chance to catch site of the highly endangered wild dog.
ACCOMMODATION | 3 NIGHTS
Linkwasha
After game drives and walks seeing elephants, predators (hopefully wild dog), and the whole gambit of grazing animals, sip sundowners at a waterhole or visit a hide for close up animal-viewing. There's even a star-bed sleep out platform for the adventurous!
Travel Itinerary: Day 9-12
DESTINATION
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools is distinctively different. You will explore the islands, channels, and sandbanks by canoe or boat, and it is easy to spot elephant splashing, hippos snorting and crocs smiling nearby. Birders will delight in seeing masses of beautiful red southern carmine bee-eaters nesting in the riverbanks. This is also a walker’s paradise, as the extreme wilderness offers up wonders at every turn in your path. The landscape is spotted with acacia trees and vibrant plant life, which of course makes for fat and happy wildlife!
ACCOMMODATION | 3 NIGHTS
Chikwenya
Floodplains of the Zambezi River set the watery scene of this camp nestled into a dense forest. It's a photographers' paradise, with birdlife and big game, including elephants renowned for standing on their tippy-toes to reach high into the trees.
Travel Itinerary: Day 12 | Departure city Johannesburg, South Africa
Chobe, Hwange & the Wild Zambezi
11 Nights • 4 Destinations • From $13,569
Accommodation & Pricing Information
Your custom safari is always tailored to your preferences, which is why we offer three tiers of accommodation. Location, amenities, game viewing opportunities, dining experiences, property size, and service levels are all factors to consider when planning your safari. Pricing is per person, double occupancy.
Classic
From $13,569
Offers stylish authenticity and includes all your basic comforts (clean sheets, private bathrooms, delicious food, and a hot shower) so that you can experience nature without roughing it.
Classic Plus
From $15,900
Adds a higher level of luxury so you can enjoy all your creature comforts in premier accommodation. Adventure by day and comfort by night. By industry standards, this is generally 5-star in coveted locations.
Premier
From $18,210
The ultimate 6-star experience in the most sought-after locations for the ultimate wildlife sightings. Expect daily gastronomic delights produced by top chefs, attentive staff, and the most knowledgeable professional guides.
INCLUSIONS Domestic African airfare, accommodations, game drives, meals on safari, park entrance fees, naturalist guides, porterage of one soft-sided bag, medical evacuation insurance.
EXCLUSIONS International airfare, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, gratuities, airport departure and security tax, passport and visa fees, trip cancellation insurance.
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