Zimbabwe & Botswana Explorer
From Zimbabwe's granite hills to Botswana's wild heart.
24 Days | Zimbabwe - Botswana
Zimbabwe & Botswana Explorer ✦ Highlights: Victoria Falls • Hwange • Chobe • Botswana's wilderness ✦ Zimbabwe & Botswana ✦ Self-drive 4x4 safari
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THE JOURNEY
A Circular Adventure Through Zimbabwe & Botswana
Beginning and ending at Victoria Falls, this 24-day self-drive journey explores some of Zimbabwe and Botswana's most remarkable landscapes and wildlife destinations.
Discover the elephant-rich wilderness of Hwange, the ancient granite formations of Matobo and the extraordinary salt pans surrounding Kubu Island. Continue through Nxai Pan and into the Okavango region, where Khwai, Savuti and Chobe offer unforgettable wildlife encounters.
From remote campsites and sandy 4x4 tracks to breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife, this is an adventure designed for travellers who want to experience Southern Africa beyond the usual routes.
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YOUR ROUTE AT A GLANCE
Route Map & Overview
Start: Victoria Falls
End: Victoria Falls
Suggested Duration: 24 Days / 23 Nights
Countries: Zimbabwe, Botswana
Route Type: Circular self-drive adventure
Suitable For: Experienced self-drive 4x4 travellers (camping or lodges)
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THE ADVENTURE, STAGE BY STAGE
Suggested Itinerary
1. VICTORIA FALLS
2 Nights
Begin your adventure at one of Africa's most spectacular natural wonders. Explore the mighty Victoria Falls and enjoy a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River.
5. NXAI PAN
3 Nights
Spend a night among the giant baobabs of Gweta before exploring Nxai Pan National Park. Discover wide-open grasslands, the famous Baines' Baobabs and seasonal wildlife gatherings in this remarkable landscape.
9. CHOBE & KASANE
3 Nights
Explore the wildlife-rich Chobe Riverfront, famous for its enormous elephant herds, buffalo and predators. Enjoy spectacular riverside game drives and a sunset boat safari before preparing for the return to Victoria Falls.
2. HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
3 Nights
Explore Zimbabwe’s largest national park, famous for its enormous elephant herds, predators and beautiful wilderness. Spend your days discovering quiet game-viewing tracks and waterholes.
6. MAUN
1 Night
Arrive in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Restock supplies, refuel and prepare for the wilderness ahead, with the option of a scenic flight over the Delta's spectacular waterways.
10. VICTORIA FALLS
2 Nights
Cross back into Zimbabwe from Kasane and return to Victoria Falls. Enjoy two final nights relaxing beside the Zambezi, exploring the falls or experiencing some of the region's incredible activities before your departure.
3. MATOBO NATIONAL PARK
2 Nights
Discover the extraordinary granite hills of Matobo, ancient rock art and fascinating history. Explore dramatic landscapes and enjoy the opportunity to track rhinos on foot with an experienced guide.
7. KHWAI COMMUNITY AREA
3 Nights
Explore the wildlife-rich Khwai region, where floodplains, river channels and mopane woodland attract elephants, lions, leopards and wild dogs. Enjoy exceptional game viewing and remote camping on the edge of the Okavango Delta.
4. KUBU ISLAND
2 Nights
Cross into Botswana via Plumtree, overnight near Francistown and continue to the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans. Discover Kubu Island's ancient baobabs and extraordinary isolation, one of Botswana's most memorable wilderness camping experiences.
8. SAVUTI
2 Nights
Journey into the remote Savuti region of Chobe National Park, renowned for its powerful lion prides, large elephant herds and dramatic landscapes. Explore sandy tracks, open plains and exceptional predator country.
Suggested overnight stops and travel times may vary depending on road conditions, weather, campsite availability and your preferred pace of travel.
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JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
Unforgettable Experiences
Iconic Wildlife
Elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs and an incredible diversity of wildlife across Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Extraordinary Landscapes
From the granite hills of Matobo to the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans and the waterways of the Okavango.
World-Class Wilderness
Explore Hwange, Matobo, Nxai Pan, Khwai, Savuti and Chobe on one remarkable journey.
Remote 4x4 Adventure
Travel sandy tracks, remote wilderness routes and lesser-explored corners of Southern Africa.
Incredible Photography
Exceptional opportunities for wildlife, landscape and night-sky photography throughout the journey.
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PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE
Useful Information
Best Time to Travel
May to October generally offers drier conditions and excellent wildlife viewing. Kubu Island and the remote Botswana tracks are highly seasonal and may be inaccessible during or after heavy rain.
Accommodation
A mix of remote wilderness campsites, established camps and comfortable lodges, depending on your travel style and budget.
Border Crossings
Enter Botswana from Zimbabwe via Plumtree/Ramokgwebana and return to Victoria Falls via the Kazungula road border. Cross-border paperwork and entry requirements should be confirmed before departure.
Vehicle & Equipment
A fully equipped 4x4 is essential for the remote sections of this journey. We provide vehicles with camping equipment and practical overlanding essentials.
Good to Know
Remote sections require advance planning, adequate fuel, food and water, and suitable 4x4 experience. Campsites in Khwai, Savuti and Chobe should be booked well in advance.
