Ultimate Safari | Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe Escorted Tour

Overview
Witness the African wilderness at its most breathtaking on an extraordinary small-group safari across Southern Africa. Combining the wildlife-rich floodplains of Botswana’s Chobe National Park with the iconic majesty of Victoria Falls and the pristine private concessions of Zimbabwe, this carefully curated 14-day itinerary offers a truly immersive journey into the heart of the bush.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll enjoy a seamless blend of world-class game viewing, luxury lodge accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Track the famous ‘Big Five’ across secluded sections of Chobe, Hwange, and Matobo National Parks away from the tourist crowds. Glide along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers on relaxing sunset cruises, discover ancient San Bushman rock art in the granite hills of Matopos, and witness vital conservation initiatives working to protect Africa’s endangered species.

Designed for discerning travellers, nature enthusiasts, and couples looking for a bucket-list adventure, this Premier Collection tour offers exceptional value. With return UK flights, hand-picked four and five-star lodge stays, 24 meals, and 15 included excursions, every detail is expertly managed by your dedicated tour manager so you can simply soak in the magic of the African continent.

Holiday Highlights

• Small-Group Exclusivity: Intimate animal encounters with six included 4×4 game drives across three world-renowned national parks.
• Victoria Falls Experience: Guided tours of the jaw-dropping natural wonder and an interactive visit to the historic Edwardian Victoria Falls Bridge.
• Luxury Lodge Stays: Recharge in unique four and five-star safari lodges situated within or directly alongside pristine wildlife reserves.
• Conservation & Community: Meet local teams at the Painted Dog Conservation Centre and attend an insightful anti-poaching talk.
• Two River Cruises: Enjoy golden hour with included sunset boat cruises along both the Chobe and Zambezi rivers.
• Ancient Heritage: Take an escorted bushwalk through the Matopos Hills to explore prehistoric San Bushman cave art and visit Cecil Rhodes’ hilltop grave.
• UK Flights Included: Return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester, with all regional transport and transfers fully taken care of.

Day 1 – Depart the UK

Board your overnight flight from the UK to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Day 2 – Arrival in Victoria Falls & Transfer to Chobe

Touch down in Victoria Falls, where you will be met and transferred across the border into Botswana’s legendary Chobe region. Check into your safari lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or taking in your first sights and sounds of the African bush.

Day 3 – Chobe Game Drive & River Sunset Cruise

Set off on an early morning game drive in Chobe National Park, famous for boasting one of the densest populations of elephants on the continent. Keep your camera ready for lions, leopards, and large herds of buffalo. In the late afternoon, board a tranquil riverboat for a sunset cruise along the Chobe River, watching wildlife come down to the water’s edge to drink.

Day 4 – Chobe National Park Exploration

Enjoy a morning at leisure to relax at the lodge, or choose an optional photo boat safari. In the afternoon, head back into Chobe National Park on another open-top 4×4 game drive to track elusive predators as the temperature cools.

Day 5 – Chobe to Victoria Falls & Evening Theatre

Travel back across the border into Zimbabwe to the vibrant town of Victoria Falls. After checking into your lodge, you have the option to take a breathtaking helicopter flight over the falls (“The Smoke That Thunders”). In the evening, enjoy a local cultural theatre performance, Simunye.

Day 6 – Victoria Falls Tour & Zambezi Sunset Cruise

Spend the morning exploring the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls on a guided walking tour, taking in magnificent views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. In the late afternoon, embark on an evening sunset cruise along the mighty Zambezi River with drinks and snacks provided.

Day 7 – Victoria Falls Bridge & Afternoon Options

Discover the engineering history of the region on an interactive tour of the famous Edwardian Victoria Falls Bridge. Your afternoon is at leisure to relax, join an optional game drive in Zambezi National Park, or indulge in an optional high tea on Livingstone Island following in David Livingstone’s footsteps.

Day 8 – Journey to Hwange National Park

Leave Victoria Falls behind as you travel south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve. Arrive at your lodge in time for an afternoon game drive across Hwange’s diverse landscapes, home to over 100 species of mammals.

Day 9 – Sable Valley Private Concession

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives within the exclusive Sable Valley private concession. Away from the main park tracks, you’ll experience peaceful wildlife viewing before ending the day with traditional sundowners against the backdrop of an African sunset.

Day 10 – Community Culture & Painted Dog Conservation

Visit a local village to learn about community life and human-animal co-existence in the region. Head to the renowned Painted Dog Conservation Centre to learn about efforts to protect Africa’s endangered wild dogs, followed by an afternoon game drive through Hwange National Park.

Day 11 – Anti-Poaching Talk & Transfer to Matopos Hills

Attend an eye-opening anti-poaching presentation delivered by local rangers from the Amalinda Collection. Afterward, journey south towards the dramatic, boulder-strewn landscape of the Matopo Hills. Finish your day with a guided bushwalk and sunset drinks.

Day 12 – Matobo National Park & San Bushman Caves

Set out on a morning game drive through Matobo National Park, an outstanding area for tracking white and black rhinos. In the afternoon, take a guided walk to discover ancient San Bushman rock art hidden inside prehistoric caves, and visit the hilltop resting place of Cecil John Rhodes for 360-degree panoramic views.

Day 13 – Transfer to Bulawayo & Return Flight

Enjoy a final breakfast in the bush before transferring to Bulawayo Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Day 14 – Arrive in the UK

Arrive back in the UK today with incredible memories of your Southern African adventure.

Accommodation

Throughout this Premier Collection touring holiday, you will stay in hand-picked, high-quality safari lodges and four to five-star hotels carefully selected for their comfort, exceptional hospitality, and prime locations in or adjacent to the game reserves.

Featured Properties Include:

• Chobe Safari Lodge (or similar), Botswana – 3 Nights: Situated on the doorsteps of Chobe National Park right on the banks of the Chobe River, offering comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, river-view dining, and frequent wildlife sightings right from the grounds.

• Victoria Falls Hotel / Safari Lodge (or similar), Zimbabwe – 3 Nights: Set within easy reach of the falls, featuring lush gardens, swimming pools, multiple dining options, and classic safari charm.

• Sable Valley / Hwange Safari Lodges (or similar), Zimbabwe – 3 Nights: Authentic African bush lodges offering secluded accommodation, private viewing decks over active waterholes, and relaxed outdoor dining.

• Amalinda Collection Lodge (or similar), Matopos Hills – 2 Nights: Unique, high-end accommodation built into the natural granite domes of the Matopo Hills, featuring a rock-hewn infinity pool, luxury spa facilities, and fine local dining.

What’s Included

• Return international flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Victoria Falls / returning from Bulawayo
• 11 nights’ hand-picked accommodation in four and five-star safari lodges (3 nights Chobe, 3 nights Victoria Falls, 3 nights Hwange, 2 nights Matopos)
• 2 nights aboard the aircraft
• 24 meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 8 dinners
• 6 guided small-group game drives across Chobe, Hwange, and Matobo National Parks
• Chobe River sunset boat cruise
• Guided tour of Victoria Falls
• Interactive tour of the historic Victoria Falls Bridge
• Zambezi River evening sunset cruise with drinks and snacks
• Entry and guided tour of the Painted Dog Conservation Centre
• Local village visit and human-animal conservation discussion
• Expert anti-poaching ranger talk
• Escorted bushwalk and San Bushman cave art excursion in the Matopos Hills
• Travel in air-conditioned coaches and open-top 4×4 safari vehicles for game drives
• Services of an experienced, professional Premier Collection Tour Manager throughout
• All mandatory local taxes, park entry fees, and resort charges
• Full ATOL protection for your complete financial peace of mind

What’s Not Included

• Travel insurance (compulsory for all travellers)
• Zimbabwe / Botswana entry visas (if applicable to your passport)
• Optional excursions (e.g., Victoria Falls helicopter flight, photo boat safari, Livingstone Island high tea)
• Meals and drinks not specifically listed in the itinerary
• Gratuities and tips for drivers, local guides, and tour managers
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and internet charges
• Airport parking or UK domestic transfers