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Botswana & Zimbabwe...
 

Botswana & Zimbabwe Wildlife Safari

12 days |  16 days with Cape Town extension
12 days |  16 days with Cape Town extension
Group size818 travelers
Reviews

4.8 star rating

35
Physical activity
man in safari vehicle looking at a giraffe
victoria falls in zimbabwe
an antelope in hwange national park zimbabwe
wooden canoes docked on okavango delta river in botswana at sunset
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ

Currently, COVID-19 vaccination is required to participate in this tour.

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Fully Refundable Booking Period

Feel good about booking your tour today. Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book and if you change your mind, you have 60 days to receive a full refund of your payment.

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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
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Included highlights

  • Victoria Falls National Park
  • Expert-led anti-poaching talk
  • Rose of Charity community project
  • Hwange National Park
  • Chobe River wildlife cruise
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Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Johannesburg today.

Johannesburg1 night
Day 2: Arrival in Johannesburg

Welcome to the South Africa! Settle in to your hotel this evening.

Victoria Falls2 nights
Day 3: Flight to Victoria Falls & anti-poaching talk
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner

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. 

Day 4: Victoria Falls National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, 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.

Hwange2 nights
Day 5: Transfer to Hwange National Park & game drive
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 6: Hwange National Park game drives
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Chobe2 nights
Day 7: Hwange National Park game drive & transfer to Chobe National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 8: Impalila Island & Chobe National Park game drive
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Okavango Delta2 nights
Day 9: Chobe National Park game drive & flight to Okavango Delta
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 10: Okavango Delta
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Overnight Flight1 night
Day 11: Morning boating excursion, flight to Cape Town & departure
Included meal: Breakfast

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
Day 12: Arrival at home

Arrive home today.

Extension to Cape Town
From the top of Table Mountain to Cape Point at the tip of the African continent, Cape Town is, in a word, impressive. Fly to South Africa to discover this magnificent metropolis and its stunning surroundings with local guides in the lead.
Cape Town4 nights
Day 11: Flight to Cape Town
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly from Maun to the jewel of southern Africa: Cape Town.

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Cape Town
Included meal: Breakfast

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.

Spend a free afternoon in Cape Town or add an excursion.

Robben Island

From $99 per person

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of the Cape Peninsula & choir performance
Included meal: Breakfast

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
Day 14: Free day in Cape Town
Included meal: Breakfast

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 $129 per person

Overnight Flight1 night
Day 15: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast

This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Arrive Home
Day 16: Arrive home

Arrive home today.

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Reviews

4.8 star rating

Overall rating 4.8 out of 5

Based on 35 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Trip of a lifetime!
    8/5/23 by 2nd-time traveler Catherine

    This trip was well planned and coordinated by EF throughout my first signing up and the follow through at the end. I had questions about electrical plugs, what to wear, money to use, what to eat, malaria, immunizations, mosquitoes, animals, and fellow travelers. All were answered either in the tour ...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 9/19/23

    Thank you for leaving a review. We are glad that y...

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    5.0 star rating

    8/5/23 by 1st-time traveler Ellen

    5.0 star rating

    Zimbabwe & Boswana Tour
    7/15/23 by 5th-time traveler Mary

    Absolutely loved this tour. It was like something from a movie. Our guides were so knowledgeable and thank goodness they knew exactly what they were doing.

    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 8/22/23

    Thank you for the review! Glad to hear that you ha...

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    Show more reviews

    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.
    A'Zambezi River Lodge
    A'Zambezi River Lodge

    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 ...

    Read more +
    Hwange Safari Lodge
    Hwange Safari Lodge

    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 ...

    Read more +
    Chobe Bush Lodge
    Chobe Bush Lodge

    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 ...

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    Moremi Crossing
    Moremi Crossing

    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...

    Read more +
    Southern Sun Cape Sun
    Southern Sun Cape Sun

    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...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • 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
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • 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.
    • We recommend having at least three blank passport pages for entry stamps.
    • 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.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • 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.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • 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.
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    Baggage allowance
    • 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.
    • The Botswana Civil Aviation Authority has banned any Samsung Galaxy Note 7 cell phones on all flights arriving in or originating in Botswana.
    • 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.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • 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 and blue or black clothing attracts tsetse flies.
    • 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 assome hotels turn off the electricity at night and sometimes have unpredictable black-outs.
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    Health
    • 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.
    • 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.
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    Cuisine
    • 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.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • Zimbabwe operates on 220 volts and uses a Type I plug with three large, flat pins.
    • Botswana operates on 230 volts and uses a plug Type G plug (with three large, flat pins) and a Type M plug (with two small, round pins and one larger round pin).
    • South Africa (on the tour extension) operates on 220–230 volts and uses a Type M plug with two small round pins and one larger round pin.
    • 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.
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    Connectivity
    • 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.
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    Time zones
    • 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.
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    Currency
    • 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.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
    • We recommend tipping $8USD to $10USD 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.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
    • Gratuities for baggage handling are included in the price of your tour.
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    Purchasing excursions on 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.
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    Shopping
    • 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.
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    Items to give or trade
    • 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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