Ultimate Elephant Safari

Journey from Zimbabwe to Botswana

Overview

Imagine exploring the remote game lands linking the famed elephant stronghold of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe with Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park. Some 200,000 elephants roam this wild trans-frontier corridor. We’ll head across rich savannas unknown to most travelers, encountering massive herds of elephants and plenty of other wildlife including lion, rare sable antelope, African painted dog, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, and more. Our unique lodges add comfort to the safari, and in Hwange, we’ll visit the newly created sanctuary for white rhinos, a community conservation success.

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-3
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe / Nehimba Lodge / Northern Hwange National Park

After a sundowner cruise and overnight at Victoria Falls, one of the wonders of the world, we fly down to northern Hwange in search of a full spectrum of wildlife. The elephant-hunting lions of this northern area are famous. We’ll explore by 4WD vehicle and on thrilling game walks that are a Zimbabwe specialty. Lovely Nehimba Lodge is set by a lively watering hole frequented by elephants.

Ilala Lodge
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Day 1 (1 night)
Nehimba Lodge
Hwange, Zimbabwe
Days 2 to 3 (2 nights)
Days 4-6
Camelthorn Lodge / Southeastern Hwange / Rhino Sanctuary

The open-air Elephant Express rail car bring us to Camelthorn Lodge in southeastern Hwange, with game viewing en route. A full day of 4WD game viewing has us on the lookout for elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and impala. We’ll also visit the local rhino sanctuary, newly built on community land and guarded by the village’s conservation unit.

Camelthorn Lodge
Hwange, Zimbabwe
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights)
Days 7-9
Jozibanini Camp / Southern Hwange National Park

At Jozibanini, game walks let us track the special species of southern Hwange, including the African painted dog, and we’ll visit St. Joseph’s School, with its enthusiastic students eager to welcome visitors. Our camp’s viewing blind brings unique views of elephants, and we’ll sleep under the stars in the remotest camp in southern Africa.

Jozibanini Camp
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights)
Days 10-12
Chobe Water Villas / Chobe National Park

We fly back to Victoria Falls and head to Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park for our final game viewing. Depart via Kasane on Day 12.

Baines' Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights)

Highlights

Highlights

Witness huge herds of migrating elephants at waterholes
Extraordinary wildlife, including lion, leopard, African painted dog, giraffe, roan, kudu, and more
Tracking game on foot, optional mountain biking—they’re all part of the adventure
Gorgeous safari camps in Hwange National Park and Chobe, each with its own unique atmosphere

Details

Length: 12 days
Cost From: $9195  
Arrive: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Depart: Kasane, Botswana
Lodging: 11 nights lodges and safari camps
Meals: All meals included as indicated in the Detailed Itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Activity: Wildlife and Natural History, Safaris
Trip Level:

Game viewing by 4WD vehicle, bush walks, optional mountain biking