22 Day Kruger National Park, Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari
Small Group Tour Max 12 Travellers
Naturalist Guides
Lake Kariba Cruise
7 Day Change of Mind
Return International Flights Included
Day by Day Itinerary
Victoria Falls, Chobe NP, Hwange NP, Lake Kariba, Matobo NP, Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta, Kruger NP
Highlights
- Explore the magnificent Okavango Delta, a UNESCO listed biosphere home to some of the world’s most endangered species of large mammals
- Houseboat stay cruising Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe including game viewing, guided walks and boat trips
- Safari game drives through Kruger National Park
- Traditional mokoro experience floating in the waters of the Okavango Delta in dug-out canoes
- Morning game drive and sunset boat cruise in Chobe National Park
- Track white and black rhinos in Matobo National Park
- Visit the vast salt pans of the Makgadikgadi – one of the largest salt flats in the world
- Explore Hwange National Park with included game drives of the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe
- Tour the mighty Victoria Falls with an expert guide
Itinerary
Home In-flight
Board your flight today bound for Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Meals: In-flight
Please note: depending on the airline booked, you may depart Australia & arrive in Victoria Falls on Day 2 of this itinerary.
Arrive Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Welcome to Victoria Falls! Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy leisure activities in Victoria Falls and later this evening, at 6pm, you will gather with your guide and fellow travelers at the lodge for a pre-departure meeting.
Meals: n/a
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorers Village 3* or similar
Please note: When booking international flights, please ensure that your arrival date falls on Day 1 of the itinerary.
Victoria Falls Chobe National Park, Botswana
Following breakfast, your guide will lead you on a tour of Victoria Falls, revered by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya, meaning “the smoke that thunders.” We will then journey to Kasane in Botswana, the entry point to Chobe National Park. Chobe, the second largest national park in Botswana, spans 10,566 square kilometers and boasts one of Africa’s largest populations of elephants. The afternoon offers free time to engage in optional activities or unwind by the pool.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa 4 * or similar
Chobe National Park
Start your day with an exhilarating morning game drive through the expansive wilderness of Chobe National Park, known for its extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Traverse the park’s varied landscapes, from lush floodplains to dense woodlands, in search of iconic African animals such as elephants, buffalo herds, and predators like lions and leopards.
After your thrilling game drive, return to the lodge for a leisurely late breakfast and some relaxation time. This afternoon enjoy an afternoon boat cruise along the Chobe River giving you an opportunity to view the wildlife form a different perspective. As you glide along the tranquil waters, you’ll encounter a bustling ecosystem teeming with life. Watch in awe as elephants gather at the river’s edge to drink and bathe, while hippos wallow in the shallows and crocodiles bask on sun-drenched banks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa 4* or similar
Chobe National Park Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Today, we cross the border into Zimbabwe, heading towards our lodge nestled in a private concession in the northwestern corner of Hwange National Park. Over the next two days, we’ll have ample opportunity to delve into this expansive wilderness through exhilarating game drives.
Hwange National Park stands as one of Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuaries, renowned for its impressive populations of elephants, buffalo, and zebra. The park also boasts a significant concentration of giraffes and is a haven for various predators and endangered species, alongside a rich diversity of birdlife.
If time permits, you may choose to join an optional afternoon game drive within the concession upon arrival before we enjoy dinner at the at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nantwich Lodge or similar 4* or similar
Hwange National Park
Today, we embark on a full-day game drive in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, renowned for its rich wildlife diversity. Home to abundant elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, predators, and endangered species, the park offers diverse landscapes from savannahs to dense forests. This immersive experience provides exceptional wildlife sightings and photographic opportunities, showcasing Africa’s natural beauty and the importance of conservation efforts in preserving this extraordinary ecosystem.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nantwich Lodge or similar 4* or similar
Hwange National Park Lake Kariba Cruise
Today, we journey to the Mlibizi area on Lake Kariba, where we’ll embark on a luxurious two-night houseboat excursion. Surrounded by mountains, Lake Kariba is a vast man-made reservoir renowned for its abundant wildlife and dramatic natural scenery shaped by sun, storms, and the elements. Our cruise will navigate between Mlibizi and the Msuna River, offering a sunset cruise with opportunities for game viewing. We’ll conclude the day with drinks and dinner aboard the houseboat, savoring the tranquil beauty of the lake under the evening sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Sovereign Houseboat 4* or similar
Lake Kariba Cruise
In the morning, we begin with early activities such as leisurely fishing, guided walks, or game viewing, tailored to your preference. Upon our return, brunch will be served as we cruise leisurely along the lake. Later, we’ll anchor at one of the scenic islands with a sandy beach. Here, we’ll enjoy the sunset over the lake, unwind around a campfire, and indulge in a beach barbecue beneath the starlit sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Sovereign Houseboat 4* or similar
Lake Kariba Matobo National Park
Upon disembarking, we begin an early morning journey from Msuna to the magnificent Matobo Hills, a region of unparalleled natural beauty, rich tribal history, and dramatic rock formations. This national park holds UNESCO World Heritage status and is habitat to both white and black rhinoceros, as well as sable antelope. The area boasts prolific birdlife, including the highest concentration of black eagles worldwide. Once home to the San (Bushman) people, it also features the richest collection of rock art globally. Notably, it is where the Ndebele people buried their esteemed king, Mzilikazi, and where Cecil John Rhodes chose to be interred on the “Hill of the Benevolent Spirit,” also known as “World’s View,” a name he bestowed upon it.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge 4* or similar
Matobo National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring this captivating national park. A standout experience includes tracking rhinos by both vehicle and foot, providing a remarkable opportunity. After our morning adventure, we enjoyed a picnic lunch amidst the park’s picturesque landscapes. In the afternoon, we embark on a game drive, encountering the park’s diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. The day concludes with a visit to Rhodes’ grave, providing historical context to the area. Late this afternoon we return to the lodge in time for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge 4* or similar
Motobo National Park Nata, Botswana
Leaving the captivating Matobo Hills behind, we traverse the savannas of southern Matebeleland on our journey to Botswana. In the afternoon, we explore the Nata Bird Sanctuary, offering splendid views of the Sowa Pan within the Greater Makgadikgadi Pans complex. Later in the afternoon, we reach our lodge, where we can relax and unwind after a day of scenic exploration and wildlife encounters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nata Lodge 3* or similar
Please note: Access to the pans depends on road conditions, water levels, and time constraints.
Nata Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Gweta
We depart early for Planet Baobab near Gweta, starting an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan, a vast salt pan within the Makgadikgadi Pans. This lunar-like landscape features rocky outcrops, dunes, and islets along its western shore, home to desert-adapted species like bat-eared foxes, springbok, kori bustards, and meerkats. Through a habituation program, we observe these creatures up close, witnessing their social behaviors and adaptations.
After lunch, we visit a nearby village to experience modern African village life, guided by a local expert. We explore ‘Sekolo,’ the local primary school with outdoor classes, and the traditional Kgotla village court. Later, we stroll through a baobab grove, learning about their unique biology from our guide.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Planet Baobab 4* or similar
Gweta Maun
Today, we journey to Maun, a vibrant safari hub and gateway to the Okavango Delta. Derived from the San word “maung,” meaning “the place of short reeds,” Maun offers a cultural glimpse into Botswana’s indigenous heritage. The afternoon invites leisurely pursuits, whether lounging by the lodge pool or opting for an exhilarating optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Planet Baobab 4* or similar
Optional tour: 45 minute flight over the Okavango Delta
Don’t miss the incredible opportunity to experience the Okavango Delta from a helicopter, where you’ll be treated to unparalleled views. Marvel at the intricate network of crystal-clear water channels as they meander through picturesque lagoons. Journey deep into the vibrant green floodplains, where abundant wildlife thrives in this pristine wilderness. Flying over some of the most remote and uninhabited areas of the Okavango Delta allows you to appreciate its untouched natural splendor from a unique perspective. This adventure promises not only breathtaking scenery but also an intimate encounter with the delta’s diverse ecosystems and the chance to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. Includes return hotel transfers.
Maun Greater Moremi Area
Following breakfast, we drive to the mokoro station to embark on a unique adventure. Drifting in dug-out canoes through the dense vegetation of the Okavango Delta, we discover a diverse array of birds and wildlife. Unlike typical deltas, the Okavango flows inland to the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast. After this memorable excursion and a satisfying lunch, we proceed to our camp located in a private concession within the Greater Moremi area. Settling in, we enjoy dinner before embarking on an exhilarating night game drive in the concession. This provides an excellent opportunity to encounter nocturnal animals rarely seen during daylight hours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mankwe Tented Retreat 4* or similar
Greater Moremi Area
Today, we venture into the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, celebrated as one of Africa’s most stunning and diverse wildlife reserves. Renowned for its exceptional concentration of wildlife, Moremi offers a pristine natural environment teeming with an incredible variety of animals. Throughout the day, we experience the untouched landscapes of Moremi, exploring its vast expanses and encountering iconic African wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. The reserve’s diverse habitats, from lush floodplains to dense forests and winding water channels, provide a perfect backdrop for observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for a final dinner under the stars this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mankwe Tented Retreat 4* or similar
Greater Moremi Maun Johannesburg, South Africa
After breakfast, transfer to Maun airport for your included flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you will be met in the arrivals hall and shown to the complimentary shuttle service to your hotel conveniently located close to the airport. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport 4* or similar
Johannesburg Kruger National Park
After breakfast, meet your driver in the hotel lobby at 9am for your road transfer to Kruger National Park. Your home for the next three nights is a beautiful eco lodge located in the town of Hazyview and just a 15 minute drive to the famous Kruger National Park gates.
This afternoon, venture into Kruger National Park on an open vehicle safari. Experience the thrill of encountering the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—amidst stunning landscapes. Guided by knowledgeable rangers, witness Africa’s diverse wildlife up close and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this iconic reserve. Return to your lodge for dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Umbhaba Eco Lodge 4* or similar
Kruger National Park
Today presents yet another chance to witness the awe-inspiring wildlife of Kruger National Park during a comprehensive full-day game drive. With a knowledgeable naturalist guide by your side, you’re poised for an unforgettable experience aboard an open safari vehicle. From encountering iconic species like elephants and lions to observing the park’s diverse birdlife, every moment promises to be filled with wonder and discovery. As the day concludes, we retreat to the lodge, where an authentic boma dinner awaits beneath the starlit sky, providing a perfect end to an exhilarating day immersed in South Africa’s natural beauty.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Umbhaba Eco Lodge 4* or similar
Greater Kruger Area
Today is at leisure to relax.
Alternately, you may wish to take an optional full day safari to further experience the wonder of Kruger National Park or enjoy a full day exploring the incredible Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon – the worlds largest green canyon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport 4* or similar
Optional tour: Full Day Kruger National Park Safari
Embark on an exhilarating full-day game drive through Kruger National Park aboard an open vehicle safari. Traverse diverse landscapes from savannah to dense bushveld, encountering Africa’s iconic wildlife including the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. Guided by knowledgeable rangers, delve into the park’s rich ecosystems, spotting rare bird species and learning about local flora. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wild, creating lasting memories of this immersive African safari experience.
Optional tour: Full Day Panorama Route including Blyde River Canyon
Today embark on an exploration of the awe-inspiring Panorama Route, renowned for its breathtaking vistas, stunning landscapes, and picturesque waterfalls. Discover iconic landmarks such as God’s Window, the Three Rondavels, and the Blyde River Canyon – the third largest canyon in the world and the largest ‘green canyon’ due to its lush subtropical foliage, with the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet. Explore the geological marvels of Bourke’s Luck Potholes and visit the historic village of Graskop, one of South Africa’s earliest gold mining settlements.
Depart Kruger National Park Johannesburg
Enjoy breakfast before starting the return journey to Johannesburg.
Arrive in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) and check into your hotel for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Southern Sun Sandton 4* or similar
Johannesburg Home
Your African adventure comes to an end after breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, take the hotel ‘s complimentary shuttle back to the airport in time for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast & In-flight
Please note: Please ensure you check into your flight at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Arrive Home
Welcome home, we hope you have a had a great trip to Africa with AGV Travels.
Included
- Return International Flights
- Small group with no more than 12 persons
- One afternoon and one full day game drive in Kruger National Park in open vehicles
- Explore the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO listed biosphere
- Traditional mokoro (canoe) ride in the Moremi Game Reserve
- Two night houseboat stay on Lake Kariba
- Morning game drives and sunset game cruise in Chobe National Park
- Rhino tracking in Matobo National Park
- Salt pans visit of the Makgadikgadi National Park
- Hwange National Park full day game drive
- Victoria Falls tour (Zimbabwe side)
- 18 nights in hand-picked 3 & 4-star boutique lodges, camps and hotels all with private facilitates including a 2 night houseboat stay on Lake Kariba
- Daily breakfast, 9 lunches & 13 dinners
- Internal flights from Maun to Kruger National Park
- Arrival & departure transfers on the first and last day of your tour
- Fully escorted by English-speaking naturalist guides (days 1 – 15)
- Independent Kruger National Park stay (days 15 – 19)
- All park & conservation fees
Excluded
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Tipping
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
Asia Vacation Group offers you a “3 Instalment Payment Plan”, you will be required to settle a small deposit followed by a series of instalments when you select to book your departure tour.
- First payment: You will be required to settle $300 per person deposit online through our website link.
- Second payment: You will be required to settle the second payment $2,000 per person after 7 days when you receive our company invoice.
- Final payment: Final payment will be collected 120 days before your departure.
However, you will have 7-day cooling off period. Please refer to “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Flight Information
This package includes return flights from Melbourne, Sydney & Perth
Flights from Brisbane and Adelaide $400 surcharge.
Airline Selection: We book the best available airlines for your journey, which may include a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers. Specific airline requests can be made at the time of purchase. This includes upgrades to your preferred carrier, premium economy or business class cabins or specific seats. Whilst we will try our best, not all requests can be confirmed.
Flight Conditions: Flights may not be direct and could involve a maximum of two transits.
Ticketing Information: Once issued, tickets are non-refundable. Changes are subject to airline rules, airline change fees, and an Asia Vacations Group change fee of $250 per person.
Passenger Details: Please ensure all traveller names are as per passports. This includes all middle names. Errors may incur a name change fee of $150 plus airline charges, or may require a forfeit of the existing ticket and purchase of a new ticket at an additional cost.
Flight Schedule Changes: Any changes or cancellations to airline schedules are outside our control. We recommend staying updated with airline schedules before departure. Additional expenses for extended transits or alternative arrangements are the traveller’s responsibility.
Internal Airfares: Local flights included in your itinerary may utilise low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage is included; any additional baggage fees are payable at check-in.
Booking Considerations: If travelling with others on separate bookings, we may not be able to guarantee all flights are the same flight due to availability.
Luggage and Fees: You are responsible for your luggage at all times. Excess baggage fees, if incurred, are payable directly to the airline. All tickets will include 20 kg checked baggage per person, plus 7 kg of hand luggage. We recommend travelling with a max 20kg per person due to restrictions on internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Please note, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included.
No-Show Policy: Missing your flight may result in fees including a no-show fee, airline reissue fee, and possible new ticket purchase. AVG Travels charges a $250 admin fee for re-booking assistance.
Price Adjustments: Prices are final at the time of ticketing. Any subsequent changes may result in additional costs due to factors beyond our control, such as currency fluctuations or airline surcharges.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
- Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
- Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
- Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
- Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
- Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
Important Information
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required. There is very little walking as the majority of touring will by on a 4X4 safari vehicle. You must be able to comfortably navigate and get on and off a raised 4X4 vehicles, mini vans, boats and canoes. You will also be travelling off road so this is not recommended if you have any back conditions that could be aggravated on bumpy roads. Please disclose any physical conditions at the time of booking to assess suitability for the tour.
Travelling Times and Distances:
All travelling times are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.
Accommodation:
We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in national parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps all with private en-suite bathrooms.
Tipping:
$10-15 per day
MIN PAX: 2
MAX PAX: 12
Visa & Passport information:
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.
A visa is not required for travel to South Africa or Botswana for stays up to 90 days total within a 12-month period for Australian, New Zealand or US passport holders.
A visa is required to enter Zimbabwe for Australian, New Zealand or US passport holders This tour requires a multi-entry visa and can be obtained on arrival at VFA airport at a cost of USD55 (subject to change). We strongly advise visitors to have cash in USD for their visas as credit card machines often do not work due to network problems. We do NOT recommend obtaining an e-visa as this will cause lengthy delays in both applying and verifying the application on arrival.
IMPORTANT
Please note that visa information can change at any time without notice and it is recommended you contact the nearest high commission/embassy or consulate of that country for the latest details.
Children
Children under the age of 15 years will not be permitted to travel on this tour.
How to Extend Your Stay
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can pay extra for arriving early or extension your trip.
Pre Tour Accommodation Victoria Falls including breakfast & arrival transfer – AUD410 per room, per night for double/twin/single
Post Tour Accommodation Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport including breakfast & departure transfer – AUD230 per room, per night for double/twin/single
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW
Reserved your seat with a small deposit and you can change your mind in 7 days.
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