Botswana & Zimbabwe Wildlife Safari
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Witness wildlife at its fiercest and freest.
After an introduction to the continent at Victoria Falls, spend a week scanning the horizon for cheetah in Hwange National Park, tracking the elephant herds in Chobe, and gliding through the lush lagoons of the Okavango Delta. Journey from grasslands to woodlands, through waterways and byways, to experience Africa’s incredible diversity on this small group Safari Tour.
Your tour package includes
- 9 nights in handpicked hotels
- 9 breakfasts
- 6 lunches
- 7 dinners with beer or wine
- 9 sightseeing tours
Included highlights
- Victoria Falls National Park
- Expert-led anti-poaching talk
- Rose of Charity community project
- Hwange National Park
- Chobe River wildlife cruise
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to Johannesburg today.
Welcome to the South Africa! Settle in to your hotel this evening.
Board a flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe this morning. Later, meet and interact with the seasoned anti-poaching activist during an informative talk.
- Hear how locals, international organizations, and indigenous communities work together to protect the wildlife
- Learn about the anti-poaching efforts in southern Africa, with a special focus on elephants and rhinos
- Ask the expert questions during the chat
Afterwards, get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Set out to experience the power and beauty of Victoria Falls firsthand.
- Discover the falls from multiple angles and learn about the area’s flora and fauna
- Visit the Rose of Charity, an organization helping to transform the lives of impoverished children, their families, and their communities through education
Sit down for an included dinner this evening with your group.
Please note: Shoes with good grip are highly recommended for the walk around Victoria Falls due to slippery surfaces.
Travel to Hwange National Park, the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe. Enjoy an included lunch before setting out on a game drive.
- Ramble across sweeping landscapes during a short sunset drive though Hwange Conservancy in the late afternoon
- Keep watch for over 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds that make their home in the park
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Embark on a full-day of game drives in Hwange National Park.
- Experience the diverse landscape of dense teak forest and open grassy plains with acacia as well as islands of mopane woodland and ilala palms
- Spot herds of buffalo, prides of lions, and a wealth of plains game
- Enjoy an included picnic lunch
- See elephants trudge along in herds
- Scan the landscape in search of giraffes
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Get a chance to see more wildlife on an early morning game drive in Hwange National Park. Then, cross the border into Botswana and enter Chobe National Park, one of Africa’s best off-the-beaten-path safari destinations.
- Enjoy an included lunch
- Take a peaceful late-afternoon wildlife cruise along the Chobe River
- Watch for elephants, crocodiles, and hippos who come to drink and bathe at sunset
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Spend another day roaming among Chobe’s exotic wildlife.
- Cross the border into Namibia to walk around the village on Impalila Island and visit with the community there
- Enjoy an included lunch
- Embark on a late afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park, which boasts Africa’s highest concentration of elephants
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Follow a local guide along the varied landscapes of Chobe on an early morning game drive before flying by chartered plane to Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
- Enjoy an included lunch
- Explore the delta’s serene surroundings by boat
- Glide along reed-fringed waterways to see wildlife from a different perspective
Please note: The boating excursions are dependent upon water levels. If the water levels aren’t high enough, the tours will be conducted in safari Jeeps.
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Begin your day floating along the delta’s tranquil channels in your mokoro, a traditional canoe.
- Keep your eyes peeled for giraffe, lion, leopard, jackal, impala, red lechwe, and other denizens of the delta
- Traverse the region’s rugged landscape on a guided bush walk
- Enjoy an included lunch
- Take to the water again on a motorized boat
Please note: The boating excursions are dependent upon water levels. If the water levels aren’t high enough, the tours will be conducted in safari Jeeps.
Celebrate your adventures with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.
Get one last glimpse of Africa’s wild landscapes on a boating excursion. Then, transfer to Maun and board a flight to Cape Town, South Africa to connect to your overnight flight home.
Please note: The boating excursions are dependent upon water levels. If the water levels aren’t high enough, the tours will be conducted in safari Jeeps.
Arrive home today.
Fly from Maun to the jewel of southern Africa: Cape Town.
Join your Tour Director for a tour of Cape Town, a beautiful and culturally rich city.
- Take a cable car ride up Table Mountain and soak in panoramic views of the city below (weather permitting)
- See Signal Hill and the Castle of Good Hope
- Catch glimpses of City Hall and the Houses of Parliament as you drive through the city
- Take a walking tour of the Bo-Kaap area, home to Cape Malay culture and some of the city’s most vibrant architecture
- Visit the District Six Museum to learn about the diverse communities that were forcibly removed under apartheid
- See how the people working at the museum are helping to rebuild the communities and strengthen the rich cultures in District Six and beyond
Please note: On some departures, the optional excursion will be offered in the morning and the sightseeing tour will take place in the afternoon. In the event of inclement weather, the visit to Table Mountain will be moved to day 13 or 14. In the unlikely event of poor weather both days, Table Mountain will be replaced with a visit to Signal Hill. For departures during July and August, travelers will visit Signal Hill and enjoy an included lunch due to annual maintenance of the Table Mountain cable car.
Spend a free afternoon in Cape Town or add an excursion.
Robben Island
From $85 per person
Spend the day exploring the Cape Peninsula.
- Drive along the Atlantic seaboard, passing the Clifton and Camp’s Bay beaches
- Visit the Cape of Good Hope and the lighthouse at Cape Point to soak in beautiful views of where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet
- Visit Boulders Beach, a protected marine habitat for the endangered African penguin
- Learn how your visit helps support the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, a local NGO
As you travel back to Cape Town, stop to enjoy a performance by the Major Voices South African Choir.
- Listen to the talented group sing a cappella, Isicathamiya, Afro-gospel, and jazz music
- Watch as they dance along to the songs
- Hear about the group’s mission to give youth community members an opportunity to be involved in music and the arts
Enjoy a free day in Cape Town or add an excursion.
This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.
Cape Winelands Tasting & Lunch
From $109 per person
This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Arrive home today.
Book for just $99 down
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Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
Overall rating 4.8 out of 5
5 out of 5 stars
my experiences probably a little different than the rest of my group as I had a medical issue at the very beginning the way that the tour guide and the main office was able to make sure I was well and meet back with my group who has gone ahead without me, they had people taking care of me every step...
Janet, thank you for your review. We are happy to ...
5 out of 5 stars
Everything superb. Long flights worth it.
5 out of 5 stars
This tour was everything I had hoped for, and then some. Our tour guide, and all the locals were fantastic. The food was fabulous and all the hotels were amazing. To come up so close to each animal was breathtaking.
Brenda, We're delighted to hear that your tour wi...
Traveler photos
Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.This contemporary hotel is located in Johannesburg’s northern Sandton suburb. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, and an outdoor swimming p...
This unique hotel is located on the bank of the Zambezi River. Guests enjoy multiple restaurants, a bar, and an outdoor pool. Nearby, you'll find the ...
This inviting hotel is located on the border of the Hwange National Park. Guests enjoy multiple restaurant options, a pool, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll ...
This modern hotel is located in the town of Kasane in Chobe National Park. Guests enjoy a cocktail bar, restaurant, and swimming pool. Nearby, you’ll ...
This scenic hotel is surrounded by the Moremi's game-rich seasonal floodplains. Guests enjoy a lounge, a dining room, and swimming pool. Nearby, you’l...
This elegant hotel is located in the city center of Cape Town. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, an indoor pool, and a spa. Nearby, you’l...
Flights
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
- Find out more about flights
FAQ
Print FAQ- In order to enter Botswana and Zimbabwe (and South Africa on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- Travelers are required to have at least three blank passport pages for entry stamps and 3-6 blank visa pages.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in order to enter Zimbabwe. U.S. Passport holders may purchase an individual visa for $30USD at the airport upon arrival. Canadian passport holders may purchase a single entry visa on arrival or through an e-visa service for $75USD per person.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- All minors traveling through Botswana border posts are required to have a valid passport and a certified copy of an unabridged birth certificate.
- In the event that one parent is not present, the minor is required to have an affidavit consenting travel from that parent. An affidavit will not be required if the missing parent's name does not appear on the birth certificate. (Please note: If the minor is traveling through to South Africa on the tour extension, the documents they provided for the port of entry to Botswana will cover them going through the ports of entry to South Africa.)
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code BZB.
- You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and unpaved trails, with some steep hills.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
- You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times. This tour also includes long bumpy rides in safari vehicles. You should feel comfortable stepping up and down to get in and out of the vehicles, standing for long periods of time, and maintaining your balance.
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- Your round-trip flights must be purchased through Go Ahead Tours. Due to airline scheduling and availability, some travelers may be required to depart one day early and stay overnight in New York before boarding their flight to South Africa. In these cases, Go Ahead Tours will book the overnight hotel on your behalf.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included in the price of your Go Ahead Tours airfare package.
- A flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls and Maun to Cape town, as well as chartered flights on small aircrafts from Chobe to the Okavango Delta and from the Okavango Delta to Maun are included in the price of your tour.
- During your safari, you’ll travel in open-air safari vehicles, motorized boats, and traditional canoes. Transfers between parks are long and cross bumpy terrain, so we recommend bringing a small pillow to ease the ride. Safari vehicles are fitted with a mini-fridge or cooler box.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on safari vehicles and other transfers, which include on-tour flights.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Safari baggage limits are strict and strongly enforced. It’s essential that your baggage meet the following requirements:
- Both your checked bag and carry-on must be soft, flexible, duffel-style bags. Duffel-style bags without hard bottoms or wheels are best. Absolutely no hard suitcases are permitted.
- Your carry-on bag must not exceed 24 inches x 12 inches x 10 inches (length by width by height) so that it fits in the baggage compartment on your included on-tour flights.
- Checked bags must not exceed a total of 33lbs per person and carry-on bags must not exceed a total of 11lbs per person. This total baggage limit of 44lbs per person includes any camera equipment.
- Loose-fitting, layered clothing that can accommodate varying temperatures will be most comfortable. Quick-dry material is best for hot days outside and a warmer layer may be needed for chilly evenings and early mornings.
- Wear muted colors for game drives, as bright clothing may scare animals away. Warm layers like hats, jackets, pants, and gloves are also recommended for morning game drives for the cool weather and breeze while driving in the open air safari vehicles.
- Comfortable closed-toes shoes, such as sneakers or lightweight hiking boots, are best for walking during the day.
- Sun protection is very important. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
- Occasional rain showers are common during certain seasons, so lightweight rainwear may be necessary depending on the timing of your trip.
- Insect repellent and binoculars are highly recommended. We also suggest bringing a flashlight as some hotels turn off the electricity at night and sometimes have unpredictable black-outs.
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- Local governments may require proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as a yellow card) or a statement of medical exemption from the vaccine. This is only required of travelers arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission (Please note: This does not include the U.S. or Canada). Visit cdc.gov/yellowfeverfor more information.
- Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
- Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
- Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
- Many hotels on this tour do not keep the electricity running throughout the night. Please contact Go Ahead Tours if you will be traveling with a CPAP machine so we can inform the hotels that the electricity in your room will need to stay running throughout the night.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code BZB.
- Cuisine in your game lodges reflects the region’s British colonial influence—you may find that many locals pause for afternoon tea. Porridge and maize-based dishes are staples, as well as locally raised beef and goat and many different types of fish. Fresh varieties of melon are often served for dessert.
- Zimbabwe and Botswana (plus South Africa on the tour extension) operate on 220-230 volts and uses a plug Type G plug (with three large, flat pins), a Type M plug (with two small, round pins and one larger round pin), and a Type C plus (with two round pins).
- South Africa experiences multiple periods of load shedding, or rolling blackouts, due to the demand for electricity exceeds its ability to produce. Travelers should only be impacted for brief moments as all accommodations are equipped with generators and tour activities should not be impacted.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- Not all of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
- Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
- Wi-Fi is available in some hotels, though charges may apply.
- Wi-Fiis often not available in the safari lodges in Zimbabwe and Botswana.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches or safari vehicles.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Botswana and Zimbabwe (plus South Africa on the tour extension) are two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). Botswana and Zimbabwe (plus South Africa on the tour extension) do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
- From November through March, when it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm on tour. From April through October, when it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
- The official currency of Botswana is the Botswanan pula, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
- You will use the Zimbabwean dollar in Zimbabwe.
- You will use the South African rand on the tour extension in Cape Town. (Please note, travelers are restricted from importing or exporting more than $25,000 in South African rand and may be required to claim any additional foreign currency at customs.)
- We recommend that you carry as little local cash as possible as well as small amounts of U.S. dollars (only crisp bills printed in 2004 or later).
- ATMs are not readily available in more rural locations.
- Major North American credit cards are accepted but can be difficult to use in certain remote locations (Visa is the most widely accepted).
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
- We recommend tipping $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $3USD per person per day for your driver.
- We also recommend tipping the equivalent of $5USD per person for your local wildlife guides per game excursion (some vehicles may have 1-2 wildlife guides).
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- Gratuities for baggage handling are included in the price of your tour.
- Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
- Your driver/guide will accept cash (in USDonly), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
- Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
- Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
- You will have the opportunity to shop for local handicrafts, such as wood carvings and textiles, at outdoor markets and roadside stalls. Some lodges will have boutiques on the premises as well.
- Prices at most markets are negotiable, so don't be afraid to bargain—it's a great way to strike up a conversation with a local.
- Many Africans are fond of North American goods, and travelers often bring token items (such as T-shirts, baseball caps, pens, English-language books, small toys, and crayons for children) to offer as gifts or when bartering for souvenirs.
- Offering local children candy or gum is somewhat controversial because of the potential lack of access to dental care.
- Go Ahead Tours strongly recommends that you don’t bring any goods that will require batteries or chargers.
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4.8 out of 5 stars