9-Day Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari | Victoria Falls & Big 5

Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park & African Wildlife

Experience the best of 9-Day Zimbabwe And Botswana Safari, combining the spectacular power of Victoria Falls with exceptional wildlife encounters in Hwange National Park and Chobe National Park.

This carefully designed safari is ideal for travelers who want to experience the highlights of southern Africa in one journey. From the thundering waters of Victoria Falls to game drives across Zimbabwe’s largest national park and wildlife-rich Chobe, the itinerary offers a memorable combination of adventure, nature, photography and Big Five wildlife viewing.

You will explore Victoria Falls, enjoy game drives in Hwange National Park, cross into Botswana for a Chobe safari and experience the wildlife-rich waterways of the Chobe River.

Safari Overview

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Countries: Zimbabwe & Botswana
Main Destinations: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park
Safari Style: Private Safari
Wildlife: Big Five, elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, hippos, crocodiles and more
Starting Point: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Ending Point: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Kasane, Botswana
Accommodation: Midrange to Luxury options available
Best For: Wildlife lovers, couples, families, photographers and first-time Southern Africa travelers

Safari Highlights

Explore the magnificent Victoria Falls
Enjoy a guided Victoria Falls rainforest walk
Experience thrilling game drives in Hwange National Park
Search for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes and other wildlife
Travel from Zimbabwe into Botswana
Enjoy a full-day Chobe National Park safari
Take a scenic Chobe River boat safari
Experience excellent elephant and buffalo viewing
Search for the Big Five across two iconic wildlife destinations
Enjoy beautiful African landscapes and sunset experiences
Stay in carefully selected safari lodges and camps
Travel with a professional safari guide

Detailed 9-Day Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport, where you will be met by your professional safari guide and transferred to your lodge.

After checking in and settling into your accommodation, you can spend the remainder of the day relaxing or exploring the town of Victoria Falls at your own pace.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional sunset experience overlooking the Zambezi River.

Destination: Victoria Falls
Accommodation: Lodge/Hotel in Victoria Falls
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Victoria Falls Tour – The Smoke That Thunders

Today is dedicated to one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders: Victoria Falls.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the Victoria Falls rainforest. Walk along the established trails and viewpoints while your guide explains the history, geology and natural significance of the falls.

The Zambezi River plunges dramatically into the gorge, creating spectacular views and mist that rises above the rainforest.

There will be plenty of opportunities for photography from the different viewpoints.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax or choose from optional activities such as:

Zambezi sunset cruise
Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
Zip-lining
Gorge activities
Cultural experiences

Destination: Victoria Falls
Accommodation: Lodge/Hotel in Victoria Falls
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 3: Victoria Falls – Hwange National Park

After breakfast, depart Victoria Falls and travel towards Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest national park and one of the country’s most important wildlife areas.

The journey takes you into the heart of Zimbabwe’s wilderness.

After checking into your safari lodge or camp, enjoy lunch and some time to relax before heading out for an afternoon game drive.

Hwange is particularly famous for its large elephant population, but the park also supports lions, buffalo, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and numerous antelope species.

Your first game drive gives you an introduction to the wildlife and landscapes of this remarkable park.

Destination: Hwange National Park
Accommodation: Safari Lodge/Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Hwange National Park Safari

Today is dedicated entirely to wildlife exploration in Hwange National Park.

Rise early for a morning game drive when wildlife is often most active. Your experienced guide will track animals and look for opportunities to observe predators and large herds.

Hwange’s diverse habitats provide excellent opportunities to see elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators such as lions and, with luck, leopards and African wild dogs.

Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation before heading out again for an afternoon game drive.

As the sun begins to set, enjoy the changing colors of the African wilderness before returning to camp.

Destination: Hwange National Park
Accommodation: Safari Lodge/Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Hwange – Victoria Falls – Kasane, Botswana

After breakfast, depart Hwange and travel towards Victoria Falls before continuing across the border into Botswana.

You will enter the Kasane area, located close to the famous Chobe National Park.

After completing border formalities, continue to your lodge for check-in and relaxation.

Kasane is strategically located at the meeting point of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia, making it one of Southern Africa’s most important safari hubs.

Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity for a short afternoon activity.

Destination: Kasane, Botswana
Accommodation: Lodge in Kasane
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Chobe National Park – Full-Day Wildlife Safari

Today you explore Chobe National Park, one of Botswana’s premier wildlife destinations.

After breakfast, enter the park for a full-day safari experience.

Chobe is particularly famous for its enormous elephant population and large herds of buffalo. The park also provides opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras and numerous antelope species.

Your guide will spend the day searching for wildlife while taking you through different habitats and along the Chobe River region.

The combination of open woodland, floodplains and riverine environments creates excellent conditions for wildlife viewing and photography.

Return to your lodge in the evening after a rewarding day in the Botswana wilderness.

Destination: Chobe National Park
Accommodation: Lodge in Kasane
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Chobe River Safari – Wildlife from the Water

After breakfast, enjoy another unique perspective of Chobe National Park with a Chobe River boat safari.

The river provides an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife from the water. Large herds of elephants often gather along the riverbanks to drink and bathe, while hippos and crocodiles can frequently be seen in and around the water.

You may also encounter buffalo, giraffes, antelopes and a wide variety of bird species.

The slower pace of a boat safari provides excellent photography opportunities and allows you to appreciate the landscapes of northern Botswana.

Later, return to your lodge and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Destination: Chobe River / Kasane
Accommodation: Lodge in Kasane
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8: Chobe – Optional Safari Experience

Enjoy a relaxed morning before undertaking another safari activity in the Chobe region.

Depending on your interests, this day can be arranged as an additional game drive, another river safari or a combination of activities.

For wildlife photographers, this provides extra time to search for specific species and enjoy the changing scenery of Chobe.

You may also choose to spend part of the day relaxing at your lodge.

In the evening, enjoy your final night in Botswana.

Destination: Kasane
Accommodation: Lodge in Kasane
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9: Kasane – Victoria Falls / Departure

After breakfast, your Zimbabwe and Botswana safari comes to an end.

Depending on your departure arrangements, you will be transferred to Kasane Airport or driven back to Victoria Falls for your onward flight.

If your flight is later in the day, there may be an opportunity to enjoy a final activity around Kasane or Victoria Falls, depending on your schedule.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Wildlife You May See

This Zimbabwe and Botswana safari provides opportunities to encounter a wide range of African wildlife, including:

African elephant
African buffalo
Lion
Leopard
African wild dog
Giraffe
Zebra
Hippopotamus
Nile crocodile
Wildebeest
Kudu
Impala
Waterbuck
Warthog
Numerous bird species

Accommodation

Accommodation can be customized according to your preferred safari style and budget.

Midrange Safari

Comfortable lodges and safari camps offering private rooms, good facilities, meals and convenient access to the parks.

Luxury Safari

Premium safari lodges and camps offering spacious rooms or tents, excellent dining, personalized service and enhanced wilderness experiences.

We can tailor the accommodation according to your preferred budget, location and travel dates.

Safari Inclusions

Private safari transportation
Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
Airport transfers
Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
Meals as indicated
Victoria Falls guided tour
Hwange National Park safari activities
Chobe National Park safari activities
Chobe River boat safari
Game drives as indicated
Park entrance fees
Border assistance between Zimbabwe and Botswana
Bottled drinking water during safari
All applicable government taxes and fees

Safari Exclusions

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Alcoholic and premium drinks
Optional activities
Tips for guides and lodge staff
Laundry services
Items of a personal nature
Activities not specifically included in the itinerary
Any additional costs resulting from changes requested by the traveler

Best Time for This Safari

Zimbabwe and Botswana can be visited throughout much of the year, but the safari experience changes with the seasons.

May to October is generally the dry season, when vegetation becomes less dense and wildlife often concentrates around available water sources. This period is particularly popular for traditional game viewing.

November to April brings the green season, with more vegetation, seasonal rains, migratory bird activity and beautiful landscapes. Wildlife viewing can still be excellent, although conditions vary throughout the region.

Victoria Falls also changes considerably according to seasonal water levels, making the timing of your trip an important consideration when planning your experience.

Why Combine Zimbabwe and Botswana?

Combining Zimbabwe and Botswana allows you to experience two different safari environments within one journey.

Zimbabwe brings together the spectacular Victoria Falls and the expansive wilderness of Hwange National Park, while Botswana adds the wildlife-rich Chobe region and its remarkable river ecosystem.

The result is a balanced safari combining:

Victoria Falls + Hwange Wildlife + Chobe Wildlife + Chobe River

Who Is This Safari Suitable For?

This 9-day itinerary is suitable for:

Couples looking for a Southern Africa adventure
Families traveling with older children
First-time African safari travelers
Wildlife photographers
Big Five enthusiasts
Honeymooners
Travelers combining Victoria Falls with Botswana
Travelers seeking a private safari experience

Travel & Border Information

The safari crosses between Zimbabwe and Botswana, so travelers should carry valid passports and ensure that they meet the applicable immigration and visa requirements for both countries.

Border procedures can vary depending on nationality and current regulations. We assist with the logistics of the border crossing as part of the safari arrangements.

Book Your 9-Day Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari

Discover the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of Zimbabwe and Botswana on one professionally organized safari.

From the breathtaking Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich plains of Hwange National Park and the elephant-filled waterways of Chobe National Park, this journey offers an unforgettable introduction to Southern Africa.

9-Day Zimbabwe And Botswana Safari | Victoria Falls & Big 5