Classic Botswana and Zimbabwe

12 Days
Botswana, Zimbabwe
Classic

This spectacular safari takes you to the glittering waters of the Okavango Delta and the predator capital of the world at Moremi, to the banks of the Zambezi River (close to Victoria Falls) and on to the grand Hwange National Park.

Curated experiences – Discover what makes each camp so interesting and what you can do while there. Each camp and lodge have something different to share. Drawing on our extensive local knowledge, we make sure you get to experience the best that each site has to offer.

Explore the Okavango Delta – This is your chance to explore Botswana’s prized jewel, the Okavango Delta. Over 11 000 km3 of seasonal floodwater travels from the neighbouring Angola Highlands to fill this inland river basin to create a home to more than 2 000 plants, 450 birds, 65 fish and over 200 000 large mammal species.

See the mighty Victoria Falls – One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the locals call Victoria Falls “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, which means “smoke that thunders” in honour of the roar of the water plunging into the Zambezi River below. You will now be able to tick Victoria Falls off your life’s bucket list.

Explore a variety of biomes – A biome is a community of animals and plants that share common characteristics for the environment in which they live. Biomes can include a variety of habitats and as such, support different animal and life forms. This package covers several biomes enabling you to enjoy a wide diversity of wildlife in a single trip.

Visit Hwange National Park – An hour’s drive from Victoria Falls, this package takes in the largest park in Zimbabwe. At 14,600km2 in size, Hwange National Park is home to the “Presidential Herd” of elephants and is the only place in the country to see a giraffe. The vast space is the ideal way in which to immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of a safari.

Highlights

  • Explore the Okavango Delta
  • The predator capital of the world at Moremi
  • See the Zambezi River & Explore Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Explore Hwange National Park Game Drives & Walking Safari

Inclusions

  • Flight from Maun to Machaba Camp, then onto Gomoti Plains Camp
  • Flight from Gomoti Plains to Kasane Airport
  • Road transfer from Kasane to Old Drift Lodge (Approx. 45 minutes)
  • Transfer back to Vic Falls Airport
  • Return flights from Vic Falls Airport to Manga – Manga to Vic Falls Airport (Approx. 45-minute flight)
  • Fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals, laundry, lodge activities, return vehicle airstrip transfers, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages (excluding imported and premium drinks) & taxes
  • Machaba Safaris Conservation and Community Levy (CCL) of USD 15 per person per night at all camps.

At Old Drift Lodge inclusive

  • Accommodation, all meals and drinks; Complimentary mini bars in the rooms
  • Return Victoria Falls Airport / Livingstone Airport transfers;... View All Inclusions

    Inclusions

    • Flight from Maun to Machaba Camp, then onto Gomoti Plains Camp
    • Flight from Gomoti Plains to Kasane Airport
    • Road transfer from Kasane to Old Drift Lodge (Approx. 45 minutes)
    • Transfer back to Vic Falls Airport
    • Return flights from Vic Falls Airport to Manga – Manga to Vic Falls Airport (Approx. 45-minute flight)
    • Fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals, laundry, lodge activities, return vehicle airstrip transfers, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages (excluding imported and premium drinks) & taxes
    • Machaba Safaris Conservation and Community Levy (CCL) of USD 15 per person per night at all camps.

    At Old Drift Lodge inclusive

    • Accommodation, all meals and drinks; Complimentary mini bars in the rooms
    • Return Victoria Falls Airport / Livingstone Airport transfers; Shuttle to Victoria Falls town; Gym in a bag; Laundry
    • Emergency Medical Evacuation cover; 2% Tourism levy; VAT on accommodation, meals and drinks Activities available at Old Drift Lodge at no extra charge to guests: Morning and Afternoon Game drives in the Zambezi National Park & Morning and Afternoon River Safaris
    Close

The Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival / Flight to Okavango Delta

You will book an international flight to Maun in Botswana, when you arrive you will be assisted onto a light flight to Khwai airstrip then road transfer to Machaba Camp in Okavango details where you start your first three nights of your safari.

Check-in and depending on your arrival time you will relax or do the afternoon activity then dinner and bedtime.

Day 2 & 3

Explore The Okavango delta

During these days you will have two game viewing activities per day, you have breakfast then a morning activity and then a break for lunch and free time to relax.

Later in the afternoon, you have afternoon tea /coffee followed by game viewing activities back to the camp relax then dinner and bedtime at your convenient time.

Day 4

Transfer to Gomoti Plains, Okavango Delta

Perched on the edge of the Okavango Delta, Machaba Camp offers the dual advantage of viewing large wildlife populations and exploring the tributaries of the Delta’s outer reaches in a mokoro canoe.

On day 4, you will have breakfast and then check out of Machaba Camp and then you will be transferred to Khwai airstrip and flight to Gomoti Plains airstrip where you will meet the guide from Gomoti Plains Camp and transfer the camp check-in and then lunch.

After lunch, you will have free time to relax then afternoon tea/coffee followed by the afternoon game viewing activity then return to the camp, relax and dinner then bedtime.

Days 5 & 6

Explore Gomoti Plains, Okavango Delta

Based in a private concession on the edge of the Gomoti flood plain system, this camp has access to incredible wildlife and scenery. Depending on the time of year, the floodplains can be explored by vehicle or canoe.

On days 5 and 6 you will have breakfast followed by morning activity then return to the camp for lunch and free time to relax. Later afternoon tea/coffee then you will go out for the afternoon activity then return to camp relax and dinner then bedtime.

Days 7

Transfer to Victoria Falls, Zim Via Kasane

Breakfast in the morning and then you will check out, depending on your flight time you will be transferred to Gomoti Plains airstrip for your charter flight to Kasane airport and then you will be transferred to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Check-in and then depending on your arrival time you will be served with lunch and free time to relax.

Later in the afternoon tea/coffee followed the afternoon game drive or River Safari return to the Lodge then dinner and bedtime.

Day 8

Old Drift Lodge – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

You will have free activities available at Old Drift Lodge at no extra charge to guests: Morning and Afternoon Game drive in the Zambezi National Park & Morning and Afternoon River Safaris.

Day 9

Flight from VFA to Manga Airstrip Hwange NP

Breakfast and then check out of the lodge our driver will transfer you to Victoria Falls Intl airport in time for your 45 minutes flight to Manga airstrip and then transfer to Verney’s Camp – Hwange National Park.

Check-in and lunch will be served then free time to relax followed by afternoon activity then return to the camp dinner and then bedtime.

Days 10 &11

Safari Activities in Hwange NP

Inspired by safaris of the past, Verney’s Camp is situated in a teak forest that is synonymous with Hwange. With views over a waterhole, the animals put on a daily parade as they come down for their evening drink.

On days 10 and 11 you have breakfast then a morning game viewing activity you will return to the camp in time for lunch and free time to relax and then afternoon tea/coffee followed by afternoon activity then return to the camp in time for dinner and then bedtime at your free time.

Day 12

Transfer to Victoria Falls Intl Airport

On this day you will have breakfast in the morning and you will check out of the camp, then you will be transferred to Manga Airstrip for your 45 minutes flights back to Victoria Falls Intl airport in time for your international flight back home.

Where You'll Be Staying

Machaba Camp,

Okavango Delta

The name Machaba is the local Setswana name for the Sycamore Fig Tree, the tree of life. Machaba Camp is independently owned and run and is aimed at the affordable luxury travel markets across the world, offering great value for money and a unique classical safari experience. Machaba Camp will appeal to novice safari guests as well as to seasoned safari travellers. Machaba Camp Style: The camp is built in the classic 1950’s style, with luxury safari tents, en-suite bathrooms…
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Gomoti Plains,

Okavango Delta

About Gomoti Plains Camp – Gomoti Plains Camp is named after the Gomoti River situated nearby with roaming flood plains based on either side of the camp strewn with towering palm trees, built with our iconic signature Machaba style tents, and decorations taking in the local theme of water and land, both essential to life in the Okavango Delta, offering our guests a unique safari experience incorporating the natural surrounding habitat. Gomoti Plains Camp offers the perfect pairing with both…
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Old Drift Lodge,

Victoria Falls

Upstream of the iconic Victoria Falls, on the banks of the Zambezi River, lies Old Drift Lodge. The lodge boasts luxury accommodation overlooking the pristine Zambezi National Park, a mere 7 kilometres from the mighty Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Old Drift Lodge is nestled within a wild paradise frequented by elephants, buffalo, herds of sable, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala. AMBIENCE – The symphony of birdsong and calls of wildlife create a choir that enraptures all listeners and accompanies…
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Verney’s Camp,

Hwange National Park

About Verney’s Camp – Verney’s Camp is based in a private concession in the heart of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. The Camp is located at Verney’s Pan, which is situated on a large open floodplain surrounded by teak forest typical of Hwange National Park. The waterhole at Verney’s plays host to numerous animals and is a playground for the famous elephant herds of Hwange. Verney’s Camp is part of the Machaba Safaris group and is built in keeping with…
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What's not included

Visas fees - Rates exclude premium imported drinks - International flights - Travel & Medical Insurance - Discretionary tips

Why Choose Absolute Zambia Safaris?

Absolute Zambia Safaris is a specialist in bespoke and private safaris in Zambia. Through our large safari operators, we proudly assist our guests in designing custom-made safaris.

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Feedback From Our Previous Clients

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Dillon P profile picture
Dillon P
01/01/2025
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Epic experience Truly a once in a lifetime experience! We always felt safe and well looked after on the trip, the scenery was excellent and the value for money was off the charts. Definitely a trip we would want to do again.
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howard0928
10/11/2024
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Excellent operator! Absolute Zambia was fantastic. Every connection ran smoothly, a representative was in hand whenever necessary. Booked us in fantastic lodges with great accommodations and even better food Highly recommended
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Sorel
19/10/2024
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Well organized, amazing safari Robert helped us plan every detail of our first safari/trip to Africa. He was incredibly responsive via email, and allowed us to explore a variety of options. We visited the city of Lusaka, 2 game parks, Victoria Falls, Johannesburg, and a Mozambique beach resort. Every step of the way went smoothly.I especially recommend South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi game parks for safari. We saw a wide range of game and our guides were knowledgeable. It was overall an amazing experience.
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Laurent - societyofexploration
18/09/2024
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100% recommendation for your Zambia travels Robert arranged a two weeks photography tour for us, combining Wildlige and culture (Likumby Lya Mize and Nyau mask dances) and we enjoyed it a lot. He was extremely responsive to answer all our questions before the tour and arranged many extras that are, for photographers, of the utmost importance - private safari vehicles, full day game drives, efficient planning - making sure we didn‘t miss a thing! Also the recommended lodges were faultless. A special thanks to our driver, Kamara, who, with his professionalism and positive attitude, helped to overcome every small difficulty that we met during our overland travel days. The budget we gave was also respected and we got good value for our money. I give a 100% recommendation to this reputable Zambian owned company.
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marys
25/08/2024
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AMAZING EXPERIENCE Robert Zgosi was amazing! Everything on our trip was perfectly planned and executed. I couldn't have asked for a better experience! I have recommended this company to friends and would definitely use them again!
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Diamond1924
07/07/2024
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Absolutely Great Tour AZS organised a perfect customised tour for us, combining Victoria Falls and South Luangwa nature reserve. Everything went really smoothly from stepping off the plane at Livingstone, crossing the Zimbabwean border, internal Zambian flights, and selecting terrific Lodges. We were pleasantly surprised to be welcomed at Lusaka Airport as we connected to our flight to Mfuwe. Would thoroughly recommend - AZS were brilliant at rearranging everything when we had to delay our trip as well. Really good.
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Anna L
14/05/2024
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Perfect holiday in Zambia Robert designed a perfect trip for our family. He chose local owned lodges that met our budget. He was always available to make sure we were okay or to give us advice. I highly recommend Absolute Zambia Safari!
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Howard K K WONG
13/05/2024
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The most professional and trustworthy agent for safaris in Africa We have just returned from a wonderful 9 days’ trip in Zimbabwe which was recommended and well organized by Robert from Absolute Zambia Safaris. According to our budget and wishing list, Robert organized us to stay at two wonderful lodges each close to two different National Parks in Zimbabwe and last stop by Victoria Falls. I was lucky to have entrusted Robert to organize my first experience of safari at his own country ( 5 days’ Luangwa trip) in 2019. Same as before, we did not have to think about anything on this trip but enjoying every moment on our safaris, especially the sightings of white rhinos which we mostly interested in. All the arrangements were seamless with only one hiccup, it was not the fault of Robert or his team but the “Imvelo” whose tram services could not be resumed on the date as they had hoped. What a pity that we could not celebrate our special event on that tram as planned. Robert be given credit once again in this regard, he promptly negotiated with Imvelo who eventually compensated us a charter flight to Victoria Fall with no extra charge and had out luggage forwarded by road to our hotel on the same day. All the way through our return to the airport for our flight back home, definitely exceeded our expectations. Robert of Absolute Zambia Safaris was truly amazing and I wholeheartedly recommend him to those planning a trip in South Africa.
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Gary V
19/12/2023
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Another perfect holiday We were a party of eight, most of us on a return trip (last one in 2020 - also with Absolute Zambia Safaris) under the expert guidance of Robert. It was again a holiday without a single complaint. Pickups were reliable and punctual, the David Livingstone resort is perfectly located on the banks of the Zambezi with comfortable beds, sumptuous food, an infinity pool, and an unlimited supply of food and drinks on the silent but spacious sunset cruise. Robert (from Absolute Zambia Safaris) dealt with all our changes, additions, amendments, and cancellations with endless patience and understanding. It was a perfect holiday, we will be back. Thank you Absolute Zambia Safaris.
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Lisa A
24/11/2023
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Amazing five-day trip Absolute Safari organised an amazing five-day trip for us which included 2 nights in Mwanfushi safari lodge and 2 nights by Victoria falls. Everything worked out perfectly and Robert was quick on the email, answering and organising according to our wishes. Our driver Brian was excellent and always on time and the price very reasonable. Can highly recommend.

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