The ultimate safari in Zimbabwe and Botswana
See Africa’s mightiest wildlife on dawn bush walks, game drives and river safaris, and jump aboard a helicopter to cruise above Victoria Falls
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Trip Highlights
Bush walk
Follow fresh animal tracks for intimate wildlife encounters on an early morning bush walk in Hwange National Park
River safari
Sail down Chobe river to see bathing elephants, wild hippo and crocodiles lurking in the shallows
Wildlife wonder
Watch out for lions, giraffe, rhino and more on epic game drives in Hwange National Park and Kazuma Forest Reserve
Hit the skies
Soar above the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, on a bucket-list helicopter ride
Savannah living
Swim and dine beneath the stars in beautiful safari lodges, and knock back sundowners by a private watering hole where animals come to feed
Cooking and rafting
Learn how to make spicy potjie in a South African cooking class, and paddle your way down the Zambezi
What's included
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8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, a cooking class and some safari sundowners
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8 nights’ accommodation in twin room safari chalets
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All activities, from helicopter rides to river safaris, included. Local Flash Pack guide and driver
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Max 14 Flashpackers
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Private airport transfers anytime on Day 1, country travel in private air-conditioned minibus
About the trip
Our nine-day adventure to Zimbabwe and Botswana begins at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Take in the splendor of the “smoke that thunders” by helicopter, and follow the rainforest trails that snake around its torrent of mists. Venture deep into iconic Hwange National Park on jaw-dropping game drives to spot lions, leopards, elephants and more, before crossing into Botswana to explore Kazuma Forest Reserve.
From river safaris amid wild hippo and crocodiles to mesmerising dawn bush walks and alfresco dinners under the wide African skies, this is a non-stop journey of delights. Sure, there’ll be challenges (bumpy roads, perhaps some unexpected delays) but if you’re game, you’ll uncover a world of wild elephant corridors and hidden watering holes where Africa’s greatest creatures flock. Whether it’s picnics on the banks of the Zambezi or sundowners over the wide savannah plains, prepare to blast open your horizons on this life-changing escape.
Where you will stay
Robins Camp, Hwange National Park
Chalet retreat in the grasslands of Hwange
This charming safari camp overlooks the Basalt area of Hwange, thought to have the highest concentrations of lions in the park range.
Why we stay here
Individual chalets are bright and welcoming. The pool, restaurant and bar are great side notes to daily game drives. But really it’s the location in the heart of the bush that is the star of the show here, offering front-row access to incredible African wildlife.
Wildtrack safari eco-lodge, Pandamatenga
Beautiful lodge in the Chobe region of Botswana
This gem of a hideaway is built on tribal land, in an area steeped in culture and history. Relax in luxury chalets decorated in traditional African style, with private views across the bush.
Why we stay here
Dine alfresco under wide, star-studded skies and take a dip in a pool overlooking the lodge’s private watering hole, for an intimate glimpse of lions, elephants and giraffes that amble by during the heat of the day.
The Flash Pack Promise
Here at Flash Pack, we’re committed to unique adventures that deliver great value for money. We pack our trips with epic experiences (unlike other companies, all activities are included), hand-pick stylish hotels and match you with like-minded people.
Itinerary
Day 1
Zimbabwe calling
Flashpackers, welcome to Zimbabwe, a true bucket-list haven famed for its wild adventure and immense natural beauty. Touch down at Victoria Falls Airport where a private transfer will be waiting to whisk you off to your first night’s accommodation. Our hotel is sandwiched between the fringes of Vic Falls town and the thunderous waters of Victoria Falls itself – you may even see some of mist in the distance during the high water season. Settle in, meet your new travel buddies, and prepare to celebrate the start of an incredible adventure with a first group dinner at a hotspot in Victoria Falls town. A hub of bohemian cafes, fun bars crammed with chilled craft beers, and restaurants serving up everything from traditional local fare to stone-baked pizzas, this is the perfect place to raise a toast to the epic eight days that lie ahead.
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Day 2
Victoria Falls by helicopter
Flashpackers, we’ll start your first full day in Zimbabwe with a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World and Zim’s most iconic spectacle. Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the smoke that thunders”), stands over 100 meters tall and 1700 meters wide, with surrounding rainforest bathed in mist. Between February and July, spray from the thundering plunge rises as high as 500 meters, so prepare to get wet as we take to trails that snake along the Zambezi.We’ll pause to soak up the breathtaking backdrop over the giant Batoka Gorge and Victoria Falls Bridge. Next up, it’s time to take to the skies for a helicopter view you’ll never forget. Soar above the splendor of the Falls and winding Zambezi and make a first tick on your Zimbabwe bucket list. Later, we’ll head to Victoria Falls’ River Brewing Company to sample local craft ales and toast an epic first day.
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Day 3
First safari at Hwange
Today we’ll drive three hours south through Zimbabwe to Hwange National Park. The oldest and largest national park in the whole country, Hwange is home to some of Africa’s most famous big animals; lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo. Arrive at Robins Camp in the northern Basalt area of the park, and check in to your private chalet. We’ll tuck into a lunch of fresh local fare at the camp, complete with incredible views stretching right across the woodland: stay tuned, because wildlife spots can happen anytime here. Come afternoon, we’ll jump into a jeep and set out on our first game drive of the trip. As well as the Big Five, Hwange is home to zebra, giraffes, hippos, cheetahs, wildebeest and over 400 species of birds, so keep your eyes peeled. Later, we’ll eat dinner back at the camp, along with ice-cold sundowners over the twilight South African plains.
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Day 4
A savannah bush walk
Wake up to the sounds of early morning birdsong as day breaks over your safari camp. We’ll be heading out before 6am for an off-road bush walk, as our guide takes us along fresh animal tracks and popular wildlife routes by foot. Get an intimate look at the wild landscape, and if you’re lucky, an up-close encounter with animals, enjoying the serenity of cooler morning temperatures. After a late brunch back at camp, we’ll take to the jeeps to cruise deeper in the park on an afternoon game drive. From sunbathing lions and leopards on the prowl, to elephants wallowing by muddy watering holes, our pro-guides will show us around Hwange’s key wildlife hangouts. Covering some 14,650 square kilometers, the sheer size of Hwange is staggering. With over 100 species of mammals inhabiting teak forests, bushland and arid open spaces, not to mention the world’s largest elephant population, every drive is full of surprises.
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Day 5
Border cross to Botswana
Pack your bags Flashpackers, today we’re leaving Zimbabwe and driving across the border into Botswana, where even more incredible safari action awaits. Rise early and enjoy one last breakfast overlooking the bush at Robins Camp before we depart for the Pandamatenga border. Although this is the most direct route, border control can sometimes be slow, the roads may be bumpy, and, depending on weather conditions, we may need to skirt flooded sections; so bring a good book and enjoy the mini-adventure. Once in Botswana, we’ll check in at our eco lodge, built on tribal land near the village of Pandamatenga in the Chobe region: an area steeped in culture and history. We’ll take a sun-drenched stroll toward the village, taking in Motswana architecture and the sense of place here, before heading back to the lodge to relax with a chilled sundowner and tuck into a traditional dinner under a star-studded night sky.
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Day 6
Kazuma game drive
Rise with the larks Flashpackers, as we head into Kazuma Forest Reserve on an early morning game drive. Sandwiched between the borders of two vast national parks – Zimbabwe’s Hwange to the west and Botswana’s Chobe on the east – Kazuma sits on a key elephant corridor roamed by over 200,000 giants. Spot nocturnal predators heading home, and early morning birds chorusing the dawn. We’ll spend around four hours following popular animal trails, before returning for a well-earned brunch. Cool down in the pool, then we’ll jump in the jeeps again for late afternoon game drive across the open plains, heading for Kazuma’s main water pan for an incredible sunset view. If you’re lucky, you’ll also glimpse elusive lions, leopards, jackals and honey badgers, as they set off for the nightly hunt. Back at camp, gather in the boma for belly-warming sundowners and enjoy another Motswana dinner under the glow of the Milky Way.
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Day 7
Chobe river safari
On our final day in Botswana, we’ll travel two hours to Kasane town by the great Chobe river and National Park for a magnificent river safari. Hop aboard a pontoon for an early morning glide down the mighty waters that separate Botswana and Namibia, before flowing into the powerful Zambezi. Look out for elephant herds splashing in the cool waters, or crossing the breadth to reach Sedudu Island, along with clusters of wild hippo grazing on the banks, and huge crocodiles sunbathing in the shallows. Come lunchtime, tuck into a picnic, with the Botswanan marshland and snaking Chobe creating an idyllic backdrop. Later, we’ll travel back to Victoria Falls, where the rest of the evening is yours. Head into Vic Falls town for delicious Zimbabwean cuisine washed down with a chilled craft beer or crisp Sauvignon. Zambezi bream with fresh greens is a favorite, while sadza (a white maize-based oatmeal) with gravy relish is a local staple.
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Day 8
Paddle down the Zambezi
It’s your last full day in Zimbabwe, Flashpackers, so sleep in, enjoy a late breakfast and relax by the pool. If you’re keen for more adventure, Victoria Falls is the place to be, from paragliding to white-water rafting or a bungee jump for the brave. Come afternoon, we’ll head to the banks of the Zambezi for a South African cooking masterclass, as you learn to whip up a spicy potjie dinner. While your handiwork sizzles away in a cast iron pot, take to the water in rafts and paddle your way down river for one last wildlife-spotting session with pro-guides from Zambezi National Park. After working up a sweat, glide your way back to the river banks and tuck into a tasty three-course meal with your potjie as the star dish. Wash it all down with a well-earned glass of wine and excellent company, as a dusky pink sunset glows over the Zambezi horizon.
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Day 9
Bye bye Zimbabwe
Flashpackers, the time has come to say farewell to Zimbabwe and close the door on your South African safari adventure. You’ll need to arrange your own transfers to Victoria Falls Airport – your guide will be on-hand if you need help. Wherever you’re headed next, ride high from your spectacular African escape. You’ve seen the thunderous splendor of Victoria Falls by helicopter and tracked animal trails by foot through the wild South African bush. You’ve spotted the lions roaming through Zimbabwe and Botswana, watched nocturnal predators stalk the forests of Kazuma, and seen elephants up close at Chobe river. You’ve paddled your way along the waters of the great Zambezi and learnt how to master a sizzling Zimbabwean potjie. You’ve dined under the stars, sipped coffee at daybreak to a chorus of birdsong and toasted sundowners with a crew of new friends for life. All in all, we’d say it’s been an immense trip.
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On the map
Important notes
- Fly into and out of Victoria Falls International Airport, Zimbabwe.
- Please try and arrive before 4pm on Day 1 (although we can pick you up anytime) and you’re free to leave anytime on Day 9.
- Like all developing countries, traveling around Zimbabwe can come with its own particular quirks and challenges, especially since we’ll be crossing the border into Botswana on this safari extravaganza. Bumpy trails, flooded back roads, dusty jeep rides and slow immigration checks are all par for the course, as are last-minute changes and long patient stints waiting for animals to stalk past our chosen hide-outs. Be prepared for this, and you’ll have the most brilliant time regardless.
- Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.
- We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures, click here to learn more.
