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Local transport on the Okavango River - Botswana and Zimbabwe Explorer, Zimbabwe
Local transport on the Okavango River  | Peter Walton
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Victoria Falls at high water
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Wildlife viewing in Chobe River  | Peter Walton
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The stunning wildlife rolling around the Okavango River  | Peter Walton

Botswana and Zimbabwe Explorer

An epic Southern Africa safari circuit linking Kruger, Hwange, Chobe and the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls.

Zimbabwe, Botswana
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 15 reviews

16 Days from

$3690 USD

Trip Code: BZX
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement - Entire Trip
$990 USD
Duration
  • 16 Days
Activities
  • Wildlife Safari
Accommodation
  • 15 nights accommodation in comfortable guest houses, chalets, lodges or permanent tented camps on a twinshare basis
Meals
  • 9 Dinners
  • 13 Lunches
  • 15 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

66kg of CO2-e PP per day

(988kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Search for the Big Five in South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park
  • Explore Hwange and Chobe National Parks, renowned for vast elephant herds, combining game drives with a sunset cruise along the Chobe River
  • Step back in time at the UNESCO-listed Great Zimbabwe, the largest ancient stone city in sub-Saharan Africa
  • Journey by traditional mokoro into the Okavango Delta, camping on a Delta island, experiencing the wetland ecosystem up close
  • Track rhino on foot and discover ancient San rock art in Zimbabwe’s Matobo Hills, where dramatic granite domes shelter centuries-old paintings

Overview

Botswana and Zimbabwe Explorer is a far-reaching Southern Africa safari through South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, linking iconic wildlife parks including Kruger, Hwange and Chobe National Parks, the Okavango Delta and the ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe in one rewarding circuit.

Starting and returning to Johannesburg, the journey explores Kruger National Park in search of the Big Five before crossing into Zimbabwe to visit the UNESCO-listed Great Zimbabwe and the granite landscapes of Matobo Hills, where rhino and ancient San rock art can be found. In Hwange National Park, vast elephant herds roam open grasslands, followed by time at Victoria Falls, one of the world’s great natural wonders. Entering Botswana, the safari continues with a Chobe River cruise, the stark beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans, and a mokoro journey into the waterways of the Okavango Delta.

Combining camping, simple lodges and hotels, the journey offers an authentic Southern Africa safari at exceptional value.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Departing Johannesburg at 06:30am we head into the world famous Kruger National Park. We visit the northern part of the park. We enjoy an afternoon game drive in our safari vehicle and hope to spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in this icon of wildlife conservation. Overnight in basic Kruger National Park chalets. Drive:580kms/8 hrs

Meals: L,D

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. Northern Kruger is dominated by mopane veld and is the domain of large elephant bulls, wild dogs and lions. We overnight in the far northern section of the park and enjoy the sounds of the wild for another night. Overnight in Kruger National Park Chalets Drive 250km/ 6.5 hrs

Meals: B,L,D

Entering Zimbabwe at the Beit Bridge border post, we travel north to our overnight stop. 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. Drive: 450 km/6.5 hrs plus border crossing

Meals: B,L,D

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. Drive:360 km/5 hrs

Meals: B,L,D

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. Drive: 340km/5 hrs

Meals: B,L,D

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). NOTE - It is possible to finish the tour on Day 10 in Victoria Falls - ask us for costs and details. Overnight hotel. Drive: 200km/3 hrs

Meals: B

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 private tented camp with views of Chobe River. Drive: 85km/1 hr plus border crossing

Meals: B,L,D

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. In the late afternoon, we head to Nata Sanctuary to watch the sunset and take in the vast views of the Makgadikgadi Pans. During the dry season, the pans stretch out as endless white plains, while the summer rains transform them into shallow lakes teeming with flamingos, pelicans, and migrating herds. Overnight tented lodge. Drive: 340km/4.5 hrs

Meals: B,L

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. Drive: 340km/4.5 hrs + 2 hr 4WD transfer into the Delta, each way.

Meals: B,L

Heading south from Maun, we drive through the wide open spaces of the Kalahari Desert. As we make our way along the route, we may encounter small herds of zebras grazing among cattle near remote villages. As we near Goo-Moremi, the Tswapong Hills come into view on the horizon. This protected conservation area is home to endangered Cape Vultures, which nest on the gorge cliffs above the ancestral waterfalls of Goo-Moremi Gorge. If time allows, we’ll take a guided afternoon walk to stretch our legs. Overnight in basic chalets with shared bathroom facilities. Drive: 665km/8.5 hrs

Meals: B,L,D

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. Drive: 515km/6.5 hrs plus border crossing

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

53 scheduled departures between 5 Sep 2026 and 18 Dec 2027.

  • Departs 5 Sep 2026 – ends 20 Sep 2026 (16 days)
  • Departs 9 Sep 2026 – ends 24 Sep 2026 (16 days)
  • Departs 19 Sep 2026 – ends 4 Oct 2026 (16 days)
  • Departs 26 Sep 2026 – ends 11 Oct 2026 (16 days)
  • Departs 30 Sep 2026 – ends 15 Oct 2026 (16 days)
  • Departs 10 Oct 2026 – ends 25 Oct 2026 (16 days)
  • … and 47 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 15 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 11 dinners
  • 15 nights accommodation in comfortable guest houses, chalets, lodges or permanent tented camps on a twinshare basis
  • English speaking local guide
  • Private transport in minibus / safari truck
  • Game drives, day walks and excursions as listed in itinerary
  • National park fees and site entrance fees as listed in itinerary

Not included

  • Local cash payment of US$300 per person payable to the tour guide on day 1
  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled water and alcoholic drinks
  • Entrance to Victoria Falls
  • Optional activities
  • Tips

Reviews (15)

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Fantastic Group / incredible experiences

Ashley|VIC, Australia
28 Nov 2025
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Amazing journey and value for money. The guides, the transport and of course the animals were outstanding. Don’t leave it for your bucket list go now.

Alison|NSW Australia
8 Jul 2025
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Great trip and we were well advised by World Expeditions. The local staff in Southern Africa were terrific,all the accommodation was great. When unexpected floods affected the end of the trip the staff in Africa and the World expeditions staff were very helpful.

Sally Gregor|NSW Australia
19 Mar 2025
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This was a wonderful trip. Our guides, Maxwell and Tanaka were fabulous and definitely helped to make the trip as good as it was

Robyn Frearson|Red Lynch, QLD Australia
22 Nov 2023
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A fine trip, luxurious and adventurous both at once. Marcus and Chandli did an excellent job. Highly recommended.

Zane Lovitt|Carlton, VIC Australia
18 Jul 2023
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Fantastic trip from start to finish. The early starts and long drives led to great experiences in all of the places we visited. Would do it again in a heartbeat

Denise Mann|Guildford West, NSW Australia
30 Jun 2023
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Sunways were a great organisation to travel with, both driver and guide were from South Africa and did an amazing job. Always happy to help with requests thanks Steve and Shandler.

Accommodation excellent, food great- felt well catered for as a vegetarian.

Good knowledge of culture and animals/ birds.

Judith Jeffery|Jannali, NSW Australia
14 Jun 2023
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This was my 3rd adventure with World Expeditions and my 2nd to South Africa. The variety of each and every tour is a major factor in my decision making and this tour did not disappoint. Each day was something different and we were so lucky to have such wonderful guides as Jojo and Bryan. Their knowledge and those of the local guides were tremendous. Each yummy meal was prepared and delivered by our guides - something we looked forward to each day. We managed to see a wide variety of animals and birds and they were described to us in a very professional way. I loved visiting the historical sites and learning about the lives of the local people. Your Responsible Travel policies and practices are to be applauded. Well done WE. Even the local guides who we had for 1/2 or full day trips were of a high standard. Everything ran so smoothly. I can't wait to visit again!

L. Oates|Pacific Pines, QLD
25 Sep 2019
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This was my third ‘overlanding’ expedition in Southern Africa and it did not disappoint. The scenery, wildlife and cultures in Zimbabwe and Botswana were spectacular. Particular highlights were having the fabulous ruins at Great Zimbabwe all to ourselves to explore with our brilliant local guide at leisure; tracking rhino on foot in Matobo NP with an anti-poaching patrol and venturing into the watery Okavango wonderland to free camp in the wild. Unforgettable experiences - thank you World Expeditions!

S. Gray|Beaumaris, VIC
24 Jul 2019

Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings. 

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run. 

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route. 

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Guaranteeing A Great Zimbabwe Trip

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