Botswana and Zimbabwe: 11-Day Diverse Habitats

Dominating massive parts of western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is a wildlife paradise home to an abundance of creatures, big and small, including Africa’s iconic Big Five and numerous dazzling birdlife species. Shortly after arriving in Zimbabwe and transferring from the international airport, you will enter this phenomenal reserve and find refuge beneath the ancient mopane trees fringing your remote camp. Slowly unpack your things while you listen to the sounds of nature on your doorstep and prepare for a thrilling first safari drive through Hwange.

Safaris in Hwange begin early in the morning, often before the sun has risen. At this time, while the landscape is mostly veiled in darkness, big cats come out to catch unassuming prey, a sight you will hope to spot with the help of your ranger’s powerful spotlight. As the sun draws above the horizon and envelope’s Hwange in light, fascinating wildlife scenes, including communions of zebras, buffaloes, and warthogs and herds of elephants wandering the lush greenery, will attract your attention. Such sightings are also possible in the evenings when animals roam more freely thanks to the cooler temperatures.

Beyond relishing the wildlife viewing opportunities across Hwange National Park, you will also adore the additional safari activities making this destination a prime stop during your wilderness vacation. In the afternoons, you will sip on elegant cocktails as the sky bursts into hues of pink and orange during sunset before returning to camp for a traditional Zimbabwean meal prepared over the open flames. As the campfire flickers on into the night, the stars will pierce the sky, and you will revel in uninterrupted stargazing upon the crystal clear African night sky.

Nicknamed ‘The Smoke that Thunders,’ Victoria Falls is a Natural World Wonder that lives up to its reputation in every way possible. Shortly after arriving in Zimbabwe and transferring to your accommodation, you will enjoy a tour of the mesmerizing viewpoints sharing panoramas of its powerful streams cascading into the Zambezi Gorge. Regarded as the world’s largest waterfall, this enormous natural spectacle spans 1,708 meters of rocky cliffs and hurtles towards the river below in such great density that you will feel the refreshing spray of the falls from its summit.

First glimpses of the river, a peacock-blue ribbon running through the wildlife sanctuary of Chobe National Park, will take your breath away. You will transfer to a gorgeous lodge hemmed in the lush wilderness of the reserve, winding past the sprawling riverine and sweeping plains en route. These remarkable scenes will backdrop your stay in Chobe, a destination that will welcome you to the grandeur of Botswana’s untouched environments. A game ranger will await your arrival, and after checking in, you will relish a late-afternoon game drive showcasing the prolific wilderness.

Chobe’s wilderness roams freely across the nourishing environments blanketing its vast conservation areas. Within a 4x4 vehicle driven by your experienced ranger, you will meander rugged pathways weaving through the wilderness to hides and viewpoints affording unparalleled views of the scenery and abundant wildlife. With elephants, hippos, giraffes, and Africa’s Big Five on the spotting menu, you will hope to capture images of Chobe’s many creatures dwelling in its diverse habitats. Arriving at your lodge later this evening, you may reminiscence about your sightings over cocktails while the sun sets beyond the horizon.

Today, you will witness Chobe from a new perspective on board a riverboat gliding gracefully across the park’s shimmering river. Your slow journey across the waterways will allow you to appreciate the natural environments and thriving wildlife up close, admiring massive hippos lounging in the refreshing waters and gazing up at eagles circling the clear blue skies. This marvelous river cruise will spotlight the riverside spectacles brimming across the banks of the Chobe River while allowing you to leisurely soak up the splendid ambiance from the comfort of the boat.

The final stop on this diverse African safari tour is arguably one of the world’s most impressive wildlife getaway destinations, the spellbinding savannas and bewitching grasslands of Moremi Game Reserve. This mesmerizing slice of natural paradise is home to many species of game and birds you will discover from the minute you arrive and relish a safari tour of your camp’s surrounding scenes. As the sun sets over Moremi this afternoon, you will dip in the plunge pool circled by shady acacia trees and appreciate the flourishing environments with a cocktail in hand.

Your search for the Big Five will continue in Moremi this morning before dawn, as you join your expert game ranger on a big cat sighting safari under cover of the night sky. In these early hours, lions and leopards are most active in their hunts for prey as unsuspecting bucks cannot see as clearly as the predators during the night. From sighting these magnificent beasts to spotting elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes later in the day, your drives through Moremi should reveal the iconic African wildlife.

After breakfast, you will take pleasure in a walking safari around the habitats stretching from the foot of your camp in Moremi. Zigzagging along the pathways weaving through the bushveld, you will spot little creatures, marvelous insects, and dazzling birds finding refuge in the luxuriant landscape. Afterward, you will arrive at the banks of the river and hop on a traditional mokoro, wooden dugout canoe, for a boating safari unlike any other. Slowly and silently sailing across the river, you will come closer to the massive hippos than ever before and paddle past elephants swimming in the shallow waters.

You will embrace the signs of life this morning in Moremi, from the symphony of birdsong to the shimmering light reflecting off the evergreen grasslands. After packing up your things, you will head down to the patio for a delightful breakfast accompanied by vistas of the sprawling plains. You will watch as animals come and go, capturing exquisite wildlife photographs between bites, and treasure your final moments of serenity amongst Botswana’s unbridled natural beauty. Afterward, you will join your private transfer and cruise to the airport, where you will board your plane headed home.