{"id":20367,"date":"2018-10-22T10:02:12","date_gmt":"2018-10-22T09:02:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flashpacknew.wpengine.com\/adventure-trips\/the-ultimate-safari-in-zimbabwe-and-botswana\/"},"modified":"2021-10-11T15:31:46","modified_gmt":"2021-10-11T14:31:46","slug":"the-ultimate-safari-in-zimbabwe-and-botswana","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/the-ultimate-safari-in-zimbabwe-and-botswana\/","title":{"rendered":"A wilderness safari in Zimbabwe & Botswana"},"content":{"rendered":"

Encounter <\/span>Africa<\/span>\u2019s mightiest wildlife on game drives and river safaris, and fly over Victoria Falls by helicopter.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":90513,"menu_order":149,"template":"","thumbnail_video":null,"checkout_hero_banner":null,"acf":[],"template_id":"na","duration":9,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Zimbabwe-safari-1120x620.jpg","continent":"Africa","country":"Zimbabwe","countries":["Botswana","Zimbabwe"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a33669","max":"\u00a33719"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac4329","max":"\u20ac4389"},"usd":{"min":"$4949","max":"$5019"},"cad":{"min":"$6779","max":"$6879"},"aud":{"min":"$6739","max":"$6839"},"nzd":{"min":"$7509","max":"$7619"},"hkd":{"min":"$36869","max":"$38539"},"aed":{"min":"DH17309","max":"DH17549"}},"about":"

Exotic wildlife, vast savannahs and one of the Seven Wonders of the World (via helicopter) \u2013 are you ready for Zimbabwe and Botswana?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This nine-day adventure begins at Victoria Falls, and ends on the banks of the almighty Zambezi River. Between then, you\u2019ll venture off-grid into the remote corners of Hwange National Park, in search of lions, leopards and elephants. <\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll cross the border into Botswana to explore the wild savannahs of the Kazuma Forest Reserve, and you\u2019ll absorb the beauty of one of the world\u2019s greatest wonders from the vantage point of your helicopter. Africa<\/a> is officially calling.<\/p>\n","highlights":[],"lang":"us","trip_type":[{"term_id":8457,"name":"Wildlife","slug":"safari-trips","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8457,"taxonomy":"style","description":"There are few moments more magical than spotting exotic and indigenous creatures in their natural habitat for the first time. It\u2019s why we\u2019ve crafted a series of global adventures around safaris and wildlife interactions, so why not take your pick?","parent":0,"count":20,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":8458,"name":"Winter Escapes","slug":"winter-escapes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8458,"taxonomy":"style","description":"Discover our vast collection of winter departures, perfect for the snow-lover and sun-seeker alike. Balinese beaches, island hopping in the Philippines, Iceland's northern lights and so much more awaits.","parent":0,"count":6,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"}],"hidden":true,"seasons":["spring","summer","autumn"],"scenery":[],"activities":["boat_trip","cooking_class","wildlife"],"activity_level":["relaxed"],"key_locations":"Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Botswana, Kazuma, Zambezi River, ","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive in Victoria Falls (VFA)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Touch down in Victoria Falls ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Welcome to Zimbabwe, home to spectacular wildlife and vast savannahs. Having arrived at your hotel by private transfer, meet your fellow travelers and guide at reception, before heading out together for a welcome meal in Victoria Falls town. Explore this hub of bohemian cafes, lively bars and restaurants, settling into your adventure ahead.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Touch down in Victoria Falls ","text":"

Welcome to Zimbabwe, home to spectacular wildlife and vast savannahs. Having arrived at your hotel by private transfer, meet your fellow travelers and guide at reception, before heading out together for a welcome meal in Victoria Falls town. Explore this hub of bohemian cafes, lively bars and restaurants, settling into your adventure ahead.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrive in Victoria Falls (VFA)","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ZBA-Itinerary1-victoria-falls-1120x620-Recovered-1.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Victoria Falls by helicopter ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Soar over thundering waterfalls by helicopter","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Your first full day in Zimbabwe and you\u2019re taking to the air above one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya \u2013 the smoke that thunders \u2013 these waterfalls stand at over 100 meters tall, bathing the rainforest in an ethereal mist. Admire the sight of this natural wonder from the sky, with the Zambezi flowing beneath you. Back on firm land, head to the Victoria Falls River Brewing Company to sample local craft ales.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Soar over thundering waterfalls by helicopter","text":"

Your first full day in Zimbabwe and you\u2019re taking to the air above one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya \u2013 the smoke that thunders \u2013 these waterfalls stand at over 100 meters tall, bathing the rainforest in an ethereal mist. Admire the sight of this natural wonder from the sky, with the Zambezi flowing beneath you. Back on firm land, head to the Victoria Falls River Brewing Company to sample local craft ales.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Victoria Falls by helicopter ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ZBA-Itinerary2-victoria-falls-helicopter-people-1120x620-Recovered.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive in Hwange National Park ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Encounter native lions, leopards and elephants","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Today we\u2019ll keep you at ground level as you journey through Zimbabwe into Hwange National Park. The oldest and largest national park in the country, Hwange is home to Africa’s most iconic wildlife: lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo. Enjoy lunch at the camp, before jumping into a jeep and venturing out on your first game drive. These vast prairies receive fewer visitors than other African national parks, meaning you can spend hours uninterrupted by another human presence. Savor some wildlife sightings all to yourself, before returning to the camp for dinner.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Encounter native lions, leopards and elephants","text":"

Today we\u2019ll keep you at ground level as you journey through Zimbabwe into Hwange National Park. The oldest and largest national park in the country, Hwange is home to Africa’s most iconic wildlife: lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo. Enjoy lunch at the camp, before jumping into a jeep and venturing out on your first game drive. These vast prairies receive fewer visitors than other African national parks, meaning you can spend hours uninterrupted by another human presence. Savor some wildlife sightings all to yourself, before returning to the camp for dinner.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrive in Hwange National Park ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ZBA-Itinerary3-lions-zimbabwe-1120x620-Recovered.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Game drives in the savannah ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Explore a wild savannah by foot ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Head out on an early morning game drive, with a chance to explore the landscape by foot. This is the perfect and most immersive way to enjoy close encounters with the animals – and much less scary than it sounds. After a late brunch at the camp, jump into a fleet of jeeps to explore the landscape further on an afternoon game drive. From sunbathing lions to stealthy leopards, uncover Hwange\u2019s wildlife secrets with the help of your knowledgeable guide.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Explore a wild savannah by foot ","text":"

Head out on an early morning game drive, with a chance to explore the landscape by foot. This is the perfect and most immersive way to enjoy close encounters with the animals – and much less scary than it sounds. After a late brunch at the camp, jump into a fleet of jeeps to explore the landscape further on an afternoon game drive. From sunbathing lions to stealthy leopards, uncover Hwange\u2019s wildlife secrets with the help of your knowledgeable guide.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Game drives in the savannah ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ZBA-Itinerary4-giraffe-zimbabwe-1120x620-Recovered.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive in Botswana \/ free afternoon ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Dine beneath star-strewn skies","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

This morning, you\u2019re off to Botswana. Journey onwards across the border (bring a book to see you through the unpredictable border controls), checking into your eco-lodge in the afternoon. Your hotel is built on tribal land near the village of Pandamatenga, an area steeped in culture and history. Enjoy lunch with your fellow travelers, then take the rest of the afternoon to relax. Head out again that evening to explore the region on a game drive, before savoring a traditional dinner beneath a star-strewn sky of the like you\u2019ve never seen.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Dine beneath star-strewn skies","text":"

This morning, you\u2019re off to Botswana. Journey onwards across the border (bring a book to see you through the unpredictable border controls), checking into your eco-lodge in the afternoon. Your hotel is built on tribal land near the village of Pandamatenga, an area steeped in culture and history. Enjoy lunch with your fellow travelers, then take the rest of the afternoon to relax. Head out again that evening to explore the region on a game drive, before savoring a traditional dinner beneath a star-strewn sky of the like you\u2019ve never seen.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrive in Botswana \/ free afternoon ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ZBA-Itinerary5-dinner-stars-1120x620-Recovered.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Game drives in Kazuma ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Witness the majesty of Kazuma\u2019s elephants","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Another early morning calls \u2013 you\u2019re heading into the Kazuma Forest Reserve on a dawn game drive. Nestled between Hwange National Park to the east and Chobe to the west, Kazuma is situated on an elephant corridor frequented by over 200,000 of these majestic creatures (Africa’s answer to rush hour). Keep an eye out for nocturnal predators winding down to sleep as the early morning birds usher in the dawn. Back at camp, take a few hours to relax in the pool, then head out for a late afternoon game drive across the open plains. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, leopards, jackals and honey badgers as they set out for the night hunt.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Witness the majesty of Kazuma\u2019s elephants","text":"

Another early morning calls \u2013 you\u2019re heading into the Kazuma Forest Reserve on a dawn game drive. Nestled between Hwange National Park to the east and Chobe to the west, Kazuma is situated on an elephant corridor frequented by over 200,000 of these majestic creatures (Africa’s answer to rush hour). Keep an eye out for nocturnal predators winding down to sleep as the early morning birds usher in the dawn. Back at camp, take a few hours to relax in the pool, then head out for a late afternoon game drive across the open plains. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, leopards, jackals and honey badgers as they set out for the night hunt.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Game drives in Kazuma ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ZBA-Itinerary6-elephants-botswana-1120x620-Recovered.jpg"],"day":6},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Pontoon sailing on Zambezi River ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"River adventures along the Namibian border","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Your final day in Botswana will take you to the great Chobe River. Board a pontoon in the early morning, as a magnificent river safari unfolds. Glide down the waters that separate Botswana and Namibia, as they flow into the powerful Zambezi. You\u2019ll likely find elephant herds splashing in the cool water, wild hippo grazing on the banks and crocodiles sunbathing in the shallows. After a morning on the water, enjoy lunch with your group at a local restaurant before heading back to where it all began: Victoria Falls.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"River adventures along the Namibian border","text":"

Your final day in Botswana will take you to the great Chobe River. Board a pontoon in the early morning, as a magnificent river safari unfolds. Glide down the waters that separate Botswana and Namibia, as they flow into the powerful Zambezi. You\u2019ll likely find elephant herds splashing in the cool water, wild hippo grazing on the banks and crocodiles sunbathing in the shallows. After a morning on the water, enjoy lunch with your group at a local restaurant before heading back to where it all began: Victoria Falls.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Pontoon sailing on Zambezi River ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ZBAItinerary7-1120x620.jpg"],"day":7},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Cooking class \/ Zambezi cruising","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Zimbabwean cuisine & Zambezi sailing","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

On your last full day in Zimbabwe, take the morning to savor a lie-in or a late breakfast. Come afternoon, head to the banks of the Zambezi for a masterclass in southern African cuisine, with spicy potjie on the menu. Work up an appetite as your meal slow-cooks over the fire, cruising down the Zambezi for a final wildlife safari. Then, back on dry land, share a three-course meal with your fellow travelers, looking back on a brilliant adventure.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Zimbabwean cuisine & Zambezi sailing","text":"

On your last full day in Zimbabwe, take the morning to savor a lie-in or a late breakfast. Come afternoon, head to the banks of the Zambezi for a masterclass in southern African cuisine, with spicy potjie on the menu. Work up an appetite as your meal slow-cooks over the fire, cruising down the Zambezi for a final wildlife safari. Then, back on dry land, share a three-course meal with your fellow travelers, looking back on a brilliant adventure.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Cooking class \/ Zambezi cruising","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ZBAItinerary8-1120x620.jpg"],"day":8},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Depart from Victoria Falls (VFA) ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Goodbye, Zimbabwe","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, then it\u2019s over to you to make your own way onwards. Your guide will be at hand to help you arrange a transfer to Victoria Falls Airport. If you\u2019re not quite done with beautiful Africa, why not extend this adventure with our trip to Tanzania<\/a>?<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Goodbye, Zimbabwe","text":"

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, then it\u2019s over to you to make your own way onwards. Your guide will be at hand to help you arrange a transfer to Victoria Falls Airport. If you\u2019re not quite done with beautiful Africa, why not extend this adventure with our trip to Tanzania<\/a>?<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Depart from Victoria Falls (VFA) ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ZBAItinerary9-1120x620.jpg"],"day":9}],"alternative_itinerary":null,"theme":null,"gallery_uris":[],"trip_highlights":[],"included_highlights":[],"included":["a","e","g","t","m","b","t","Max. 14 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[],"faqs":[{"question":"","answer":"Fly into and out of Victoria Falls International Airport, Zimbabwe (VFA).\n"},{"question":"","answer":"Please try to arrive before 4pm on day 1 (although we will arrange a transfer for you at whichever time you arrive) and depart at leisure on day 9.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"Traveling around Zimbabwe comes with its own unique quirks. Bumpy trails, flooded backroads and slow immigration checks are a familiar sight, as are last-minute changes. You may spend long patient hours waiting for animals to appear. However, if you\u2019re willing to embrace these quirks, we believe you\u2019ll have a brilliant adventure.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"Zimbabwe is a highly seasonal country. These trips have been planned for the dry season (May \u2013 November), but your experience will vary slightly depending on the time of year you choose to visit. At the start of the dry season (May \u2013 July), wildlife sightings can be sporadic. Incredible sightings are still possible, but finding them requires a little more patience. The best time to visit Zimbabwe for wildlife is between August and November.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"On the other hand, the best time to experience Victoria Falls is between the months of May and July. Between August and November (the best time for wildlife spotting), the water flow of the falls reduces significantly.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"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 \u2013 but we\u2019ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures, click here to learn more.\n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"Robins Camp, Hwange National Park ","short_description":"Chalet retreat in the grasslands of Hwange","description":"This charming safari camp overlooks the Basalt area of Hwange, thought to have the highest concentrations of lions in the park range.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ZBA-robinscamp.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Wildtrack safari eco-lodge, Pandamatenga ","short_description":"Beautiful lodge in the Chobe region of Botswana","description":"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.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ZBA-pandamatagena.jpg","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/20367"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/90513"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}