African Grandeur: Botswana and Zimbabwe

Baobab trees under the night sky in the Makgadikgadi Pan

What to expect on this itinerary

Discover the grandeur of an African safari on this customizable 9-day tour of Botswana and Zimbabwe, leading from the sweeping Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to the Okavango Delta floodplains and culminating at the jaw-dropping Victoria Falls. Along the way, embrace the spectacular scenery of each of these destinations, including flourishing environments and sparse savannas teeming with diverse wildlife indigenous to Africa.

Countries Visited

Botswana, Zimbabwe

Places Visited

Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls

Suggested Duration

9 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Makgadikgadi Pans - Welcome to the Kalahari Desert

Tucked away in the arid savannas of northeastern Botswana lies the Makgadikgadi Pans, an oasis covering an enormous piece of land that was once home to Lake Makgadikgadi, an ancient body of water that was larger than Switzerland. Today, a spectacular camp sits under acacias peppering the Kalahari Desert, and you will embrace the stunning view from the moment you arrive after your transfer to Botswana. You may spend your afternoon and evening enjoying the quietude of your home away from home for the following few nights.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Activity
Lunch, Dinner
Day 2

Makgadikgadi Pans - Discover Curious Desert Creatures

Day 3

Makgadikgadi Pans - The Finest Details of the Salt Pans

Day 4

Okavango Delta - First Safaris in the Untouched Delta

Day 5

Okavango Delta - Ultimate Safaris in the Okavango Delta

Day 6

Okavango Delta - Magnificent Moments in a Mokoro

Day 7

Victoria Falls - Sunset Cruises on the Zambezi River

Day 8

Victoria Falls - Mighty Views of Victoria Falls

Day 9

Victoria Falls - Heading through Victoria Falls National Park then Home

Trip Highlights

  • Witness an impressive zebra and wildebeest migration during the right time of year or discover much more of the Kalahari’s fascinating desert-dwelling animals on extensive day safaris across the Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Discover the finest details of Makgadikgadi on a guided bush walk showcasing the smallest creatures in the region as well as sharing up-close encounters with the wildlife
  • Wander the untouched wilderness of the Okavango Delta on afternoon drives showcasing the region’s natural beauty as well as the incredible array of animals sauntering across the landscape
  • Brace yourself for ultimate day safaris in the delta, where you will stumble upon some of Africa’s iconic game, including cheetah, lion, leopards, hippos, and elephants, to name a few
  • Peruse the sparkling waterways composing the Okavango Delta in a traditional dugout canoe known as a mokoro and absorb the spectacular riverside scenes, including prolific environments and diverse wildlife
  • Cherish the extraordinary scenery of the Zambezi River as you slowly cruise along its shimmering waterway and sip on cocktails against a backdrop of the fiery orange sunset
  • Observe otherworldly views of Victoria Falls from lofty observation decks sharing unparalleled spectacles of the massive sheet of water plummeting into the Zambezi Gorge
  • Enjoy one last opportunity to appreciate the unending natural beauty of Victoria Falls National Park on a thrilling safari adventure across its lush landscapes on your way out of the park

Starting Price

$8,800 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 61 reviews

bonnie A.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe: Safari, 13 Nights

The service before, during, and after our trip was totally "white-glove," and there were extra perks that we were surprised with each day of our trip. Zicasso's travel company listened to our goals and met and exceeded every one. We recommend them in every way and will be using them in the future!

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Margaret R.
South Africa Tour Review: 13-Night Trip

While we love to travel independently, it was reassuring to know Zicasso's tour operator was right at hand, intuitive to our preferences and attentive to our needs throughout our journey. We were delighted with their service.

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Ann S.
Zimbabwe, South Africa Luxury Vacation Review: Safari, Cape Town, 2 Weeks

"This was our first trip to Africa and it did not disappoint! The Zicasso travel agency was quick to respond to questions and was on top of every detail."

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Tiffany R.
Uganda, Tanzania Luxury Travel Review: Gorilla Trekking, 11 Nights

"Zicasso’s travel company was by far the most responsive and accommodating in their planning. It was a trip of a lifetime and I owe it to them!"

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Austin R.
South Africa Honeymoon Review: Cape Town, Franschhoek, Kruger National Park, Safari, Food & Wine, Spa, 12-Night Trip

"5 stars in everything." 

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Chidam K.
Botswana, Zimbabwe & South Africa Vacation Review: Victoria Falls, Safari, Wildlife, 10-Day Tour

"Our travel agency put together an itinerary that was just the right fit for our interests."

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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