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7 NIGHT CHOBE, HWANGE AND VICTORIA FALLS (A) SAFARI 2 Nights Chobe National Park, Botswana

3 Nights Hwange National Park

2 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

8 Days / 7 Nights

Reference: IG-7A

Starts Kasane Airport / Ends Victoria Falls Airport

Total Price 7 Nights: US$ 3161 (high season) / US$ 2456 (low season) per person sharing

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Overview Experience the best of Botswana and Zimbabwe in the famous Chobe and Hwange national parks.

This safari begins with a 2 night stay along the Chobe riverside, the base for your Chobe National Park safari

where you will kick off your African safari with awe-inspiring game drives and river cruises where you witness a

variety of game and bird species that Chobe is famous for.

Then cross the border to Zimbabwe’s largest nature reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe,

lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. Watch game on foot, in a vehicle, at the hide, or from the

comfort of the lodge’s main area which faces the nearby waterhole.

Finish off in fantastic Victoria Falls, home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and Africa’s

adventure capital, while staying at a fabulous and fairly new guest lodge near the edge of town.

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Inspired Journey Overview

Accommodation

Nights 1 – 2 Luxury safari room at Chobe Safari Lodge

Nights 3 - 5 Thatched Chalet at Camp Hwange

Nights 6 - 7 Standard Room at Batonka Guest Lodge

Transfers Included

Day 1 Road Transfer: Kasane Airport to Chobe Safari Lodge

Day 3 Road Transfer: Chobe Safari Lodge to Camp Hwange

Day 6 Road Transfer: Camp Hwange to Batonka Guest Lodge

Day 8 Road Transfer: Batonka Guest Lodge to Victoria Falls Airport

Highlights

Chobe Safari Lodge situated on the banks of the Chobe River

Phenomenal game viewing in Chobe National Park - good chance in spotting 4 of the big 5

Game drives and river cruise on the Chobe River

Spacious thatched accommodation on a private concession in Hwange National Park

Excellent guided game viewing by foot and by game vehicle, including night game drives

View the spectacular and mighty Victoria Falls

Partake in the multitude of activities available at Victoria Falls from sedate sunset cruises to adrenaline crazy bungee jumping and everything in between.

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Day 1 – 2

Chobe River Front

The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its reliable and diverse

game viewing. Safaris are conducted both by boat and on land. This section of the park is best known for its

elephant and hippo populations but the water attracts all manner of game, including large herds of buffalo and

the lions that prey on them.

The Chobe National Park with its abundance of game and hundreds of elephants can tend to get very busy,

especially in the peak season and one may find that you have to be content with sharing the sightings with a

large number of vehicles and/or cruises. If you are after an intimate safari on a private concession then this is not

the place to be, if you are after a profusion of wildlife then it certainly is.

Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River, just a short 10-minute drive to the

entrance gate of the Chobe National Park making it an ideal choice.

This popular lodge has 66 bedrooms and 8 rondavels, a large central eating and entertainment area, with an

inviting swimming pool. The riverside bar is a great place to enjoy a few drinks before or after your game

activities. The bedrooms all face the river and are big and comfortable, with fans and air-conditioning, along with

all other necessary amenities. The staff are friendly and helpful and the lodge is well organised.

Wild but habituated warthogs, mongoose and monkeys roam freely on the lawns providing endless

entertainment from the balcony of your room, while the variety of birds is an absolute delight.

You can also hire a small boat and guide by the hour and this is a truly wonderful experience. You can really get

up close and personal with the wildlife on such a trip, and concentrate on the wildlife of particular interest to

yourself and having the time to get good photos.

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Notes: Day 1, 2

DAY 1 On arrival at Kasane airport you will be met by a representative of Chobe Safari Lodge who will transfer you to the lodge only 10 minutes away. After checking in you will meet your personal activities advisor who will explain how the game drives, cruises and other activities work, along with the times and places of departure. Lunch, is a delicious buffet spread or you can take a pool snack for the not so hungry. Freshen up and rest before meeting at the jetty for the Sunset Cruise at 15h00. This is a 3-hour cruise up the Chobe River – you will have a chance to see elephants playing and swimming in the water or simply enjoying the green grass found along the banks. Pods of hippos are dispersed amongst the elephants and you will find yourself not knowing which way to look as the abundance of all species of game surrounds you. There is a cash bar on the cruise if you feel you would like to enjoy a cold drink as you watch a magnificent sunset aboard the boat before returning to the lodge in time to freshen up before dinner. DAY 2 An early morning start to the day with a Safari Game Drive departing from the lodge around about 06h00-06h30. The early mornings are the best time to find the cats as they make their way back into the shade for the heat of the day – often after making a kill in the night. Prides of Lions are very often seen on these early morning game drives. You will return to the lodge around about 09h00 in time for a Full English breakfast which is normally welcomed by all. The heat of the day can be spent enjoying the swimming pool or relaxing in the cool of your air conditioned room. Once the day has cooled down, make your way to the jetty for a second afternoon sunset cruise. No two cruises are the same and the wildlife experiences are always exciting and rewarding. The sheer abundance and variety of animal and birdlife will keep you fixated. The notorious sound of the laughing hippo, never very far away, will add to the overall magical experience.

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Activities Info

Game Drive

Boat Cruise & Private Boat Cruises

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Day 3 – 5

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion,

zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species,

including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent.

Terrain ranges from desert dunes and savannah lands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests, and visitors have the

choice of game drives, guided walks or horseback safaris as a means of experiencing the park and its creatures.

Overnight: Camp Hwange

Ideally situated in a private concession in the North part of the Hwange National Park, just 3hrs 30min by road

from Victoria Falls, Camp Hwange, the newest safari camp to be built in Hwange, consists of 8 comfortable

chalets.

Camp Hwange offers the chance to have a unique experience with excellent safaris both by vehicle and on foot,

plus the chance to do night drives. The guides, arguably considered to be amongst the best in Africa, known for

their love of nature and the wide open spaces, offer you a chance to discover the world where you are a part of

the mosaic of life. A stay at Camp Hwange is more than a great safari, it is an experience of life.

Notes: Day 3, 4 & 5

DAY 3

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After breakfast, you will be picked up for your transfer out of Chobe and into Botswana. There is a border

crossing involved, so make sure that you have your travel documents and visa if you need one. It is an hour to

Victoria Falls, and then 3.5 hours to Camp Hwange in Hwange National Park. Once you are checked in, you may

freshen up and take in the surroundings. A night game drive is recommended this evening, and then you may

return to the lodge for drinks and dinner in the open dining area.

DAY 4 Start the day with an early morning game drive in Hwange National Park. Breakfast and snacks will be packed for

you. The drive is combined with walking safari where you will be tracking animals on foot with a licensed and

experienced guide. Spend some time at the water points and watch the animals that come to drink and play. At

about mid-day, head back to camp for lunch and a siesta. Well rested, meet back late afternoon have tea/coffee

with some snacks to keep you going until dinner, and then it is off either on a drive or a walk out of camp. In the

dryer months walking to the log hide in front of camp is one of the most rewarding things to do. In the log hide

you can have elephants coming within meters of you, zebra coming in to quench their thirst, warthogs trotting in

for a quick mud bath, the sun sets behind the hide and so the light is usually soft and picture taking is at a

premium. As the sun sets, enjoy your favourite drink. A night drive on the way back to camp is a nice way to end

off and hope to see the nocturnal animals, like springhares, serval, honey badgers, bat eared fox and if you are

lucky a leopard or an Aardwolf. The day ends with dinner and relaxation in the main camp area while you enjoy

the African night sky.

Day 5

Wake up for a light breakfast and head out for a game drive and walking safari in the park. Drinks and snacks will

be served during the excursion and a picnic lunch in the park as well. Head back to camp for some rest and

relaxation. In the afternoon, take a walk down to the log hide and enjoy watching the wildlife up close behind

the safety of the hide. As the sun goes down, you will get amazing photographic opportunities, while you sip on

refreshing beverages. Take a night drive and then head back to camp for dinner and refreshments.

Activities Info

Game Walk

Camp Hwange reverts back to the concept the original safari, where activities centred on being immersed in the

wild, walking being the main activity. During walks with well trained and experienced guides you will track and

follow some of the most feared animals of Africa, secure in the knowledge that your guides and trackers are

competent in all aspects of this exciting adventure. Not only will you get the chance to see the well-known

dangerous animals, sightings and the habits of the smaller, lesser known species and aspects of the African bush

will be explained you, giving you an insight into the mysteries of how all things depend on each other.

Just before the sun rises your day on safari begins. After a wakeup call everyone gathers at the camp fire to have

a light breakfast before setting out on the morning’s activities. We usually leave Camp Hwange by Land Rover for

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a game drive to a designated area chosen earlier, where you will be briefed by your guide and then all set off on a

safari walk.

Hide sit

Sit and watch the activities at the waterhole. We do have a unique log pile hide in the shade near the waterhole

which you guide will be happy to take you - so that you may have a close up view of all the visitors needing to

drink and carry out their ablutions.

Game Drives

In the mornings when it is still cool and the light is soft for photography, the air of expectancy is everywhere. It is

nice to cruise along in the vehicle getting a few pictures of animals here and there. Your guide will be scowering

the road for tracks of some of the animals that rule the night i.e. lion, hyena and leopard to mention a few.

Should you not find them in the vehicle, but find their tracks especially the lion then it is time to get out and track

them on foot. Whether you see them up close or as a flash running away, time on foot with lion is thrilling way to

spend the morning.

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Day 6 - 8

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely

popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, this spectacle is accessible from both

Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine a game viewing and water sports. There is excellent

fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.

Overnight: Batonka Guest Lodge

Batonka Guest Lodge is an upmarket boutique guest lodge and simply put is just beautiful. It really is in a class of its own in this price range and also holds onto a standard of service that is rare to find these days. The Eco Friendly Lodge opened its doors in June of 2016 and is located in the residential suburbs just 2.5 kilometres from the Victoria Falls entrance. Being new it has all the up-to-date mod cons.

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The lodge offers 22 tastefully designed and decorated, spacious rooms each with its own small balcony. TV, wifi, air-conditioning, universal chargers and a tea and coffee station are standard in every room. The large modern en-suite bathrooms are really stunning. Inter-leading family rooms are available.

The large central area encompasses the reception, curio shop, lounge and indoor dining room as well as a very large outside terrace which overlooks the gardens and swimming pool. This terrace, with a nice coffee bar is an ideal place to relax and chat to fellow travellers take in a coffee or opt to eat your meals here.

All of the above makes for grand lodge but perhaps Batonka greatest feature yet is its staff; super friendly, accommodating and helpful, most guests just don't want to leave!

Notes: 6, 7 & 8

DAY 6 On this day, after breakfast you will be picked up for your road transfer to Victoria Falls town. This is about a 3.5-

hour ride. You will be taken to Batonka Guest Lodge. After check in, feel free to wander around town which is in

walking distance from the hotel, take part in any of the activities offered, or visit the Victoria Falls themselves,

which are within walking distance from the hotel. You can have lunch at the lodge or at one of the restaurants

around town.

DAY 7 You have a full day to soak up the Victoria Falls and partake in some of the numerous activities on offer. Visit our

Activities Page or ask us to arrange your activities for you.

DAY 8 This is the last day of your tour. After breakfast, you will have time to pack up and around mid-morning, you will

be picked up for your transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport for your departure flight.

Activities Info

Visit our Activities Page or ask us to arrange your activities for you.

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Price

Total for 7 nights: US$ 3161 (high season) / US$ 2456 (low season)

Per person sharing

Included

CHOBE SAFARI LODGE

• Accommodation in a luxury room with garden views of the lodge

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Activities: 2 game drives, 2 boat cruises

CAMP HWANGE

• Accommodation in a spacious thatched chalet with views of the Hwange bush and nearby waterhole

• All meals and local beverages

• Laundry

• Emergency Medical Evacuation

• Activities: Game drives; Walking safaris; Night game drive

BATONKA GUEST LODGE

• Luxury accommodation in a standard room

• Daily breakfast

TRANSFERS

• Transfer from Kasane Airport to Chobe Safari Lodge

• Cross-border transfer from Botswana to Victoria Falls

• Return road transfer between Victoria Falls and Camp Hwange

• Airport transfer from Batonka Guest Lodge to Victoria Falls Airport

Excluded

CHOBE SAFARI LODGE

• Park fee of US$12 per person per day is not included

CAMP HWANGE

• Premium beverages

• All transfers to and from camp

• National Park fees

BATONKA GUEST LODGE

• All other meals and drinks

• Activities

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NATIONAL PARK FEES

• All national park fees in Chobe, Hwange and Victoria Falls are paid on arrival.

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Travel Information

Zimbabwe

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s

leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is

transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of

the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural

wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is

awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot

featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip

down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close

encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

Banking and Currency

Currency

Zimbabwe uses US$ as its own unit of currency. South African Rands and Euros are also widely accepted. It is

advised to carry small denominations of change with you. However, it is best to pay for as much as possible

outside of the country.

South African Rands work well in supermarkets, while US$ are preferred for curios, accommodation and

activities.

Banking

Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08h00 to 15h00, on

Wednesdays from 08h00 to 13h00 and Fridays from 08h00 to 11h30. They are closed on Sundays and Public

Holidays.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Taxis are safe and reliable, and can be booked through your hotel front desk. Taxis in cities travel within a 40km

radius of the city. Always take a taxi at night.

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Major airlines fly into Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. Charter flights are available to most attractions and

camps.

Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure, by African standards, although potholed. Between major towns, there

are frequent road blocks. Traffic drives on the left side of the road.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Zimbabwe's native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally be

accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often

prepare sadza if requested, and it is almost always available in small restaurants in the towns.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of

food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent.

If you are driving yourself around and plan to cook, then get most of your supplies in main towns.

Water in the main towns is usually purified. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that

it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it.

However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated

water available in towns and from all camps, lodges and hotels.

Clothing / Dress Recommendations

When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can

get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose fitting clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy

to wash. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rainwear for the wet season.

A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard

against the scorching sun rays. It is recommended you wear light shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of

walking.

For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth colour clothes, such as browns,

greens and tans are advisable.

Electricity and Plug Standards

Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Both square and round plugs are used.

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Botswana

Despite recent and surprisingly rapid modernization, Botswana’s cities provide little in the way of tourist

attractions. However, what the cities lack in excitement, the surrounding wilderness areas more than make up

for in outstanding natural beauty. The country’s primary tourist draw card is undoubtedly the vast red expanse

of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta - the largest inland delta in the world provide

a haven for an abundance of African wildlife. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi salt pans

where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains which host large

prides of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over

many millennia.

Banking and Currency

Currency

Botswana's currency is Pula (which means 'rain' in Setswana). It is divided into 100 thebe (which means 'shield' in

Setswana). Travellers' cheques and foreign currency may be changed at banks, bureaux de change and

authorised hotels.

The US dollar, Euros, British Pound and the South African Rand are the most easily convertible currencies (and

accepted by some establishments - but, generally, then an inflated rate of exchange will be applied).

Banking

Seven main commercial banks, as well as a number of foreign exchange bureaux, operate in Botswana.

Operating hours are Monday to Friday 08h30 to 15h30 and Saturday 08h30 to 10h45.

Full banking services are available in major towns, although ATMs are sprouting up all over the country. Most

credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants. Cultural sites and community art and craft outlets usually

only accept cash.

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Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Public transport in Botswana is geared towards the needs of the local populace and is confined to main roads

between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of

Botswana’s tourist attractions lie off the beaten track.

Driving off the main roads in Botswana is only recommended to expects in 4x4 vehicles, that are equipped

correctly. Most lodges offer transfers or they can be arranged. If, however, you will be driving in Botswana: your

home driving licence will be accepted (with an official English translation if necessary; driving is on the left side of

the road; and the national speed limit is on tarred roads is 120km/h and 60km/h in towns and villages.

Be sure to watch out for wild animals on the roads!

There are major airports in Maun, Kasane and Gaborone, while smaller charter flights are used to get to the other

top attractions and camps.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Tap water is considered safe to drink, although outside main cities and towns, visitors are advised to check first

and sterilise water if in any doubt. Bottled water is available in most tourist centres. Filtered water is available at

most camps and shops offer bottled water - it is advised to be well stocked of bottled water if you are travelling

off the beaten track. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products, local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables

are generally safe.

Safari lodges and camps serve international-style cuisine, generally of an extremely high standard, along with

local beer and imported wine and spirits. Good restaurants and bars can be found in main towns, often within

hotels. Beef and goat are very popular meats. Elsewhere, food is more basic: millet and sorghum porridge are

the local staples.

A discretionary 5 to 10% tip is typical for restaurant bills. In many places, a service charge is automatically added.

It is customary to tip the game guide and lodge staff while on safari.

Climate and Weather

Botswana's climatic pattern is typical of southern Africa, although its rainfall is less than countries further east.

The rains in Botswana come mostly between December and March, when average minimum temperatures are in

the low 20°s. Some days will be bright and sunny, some will have afternoon thunderstorms, and some will just be

grey.

As with Namibia, April and May in Botswana are generally lovely, with the sky clear and the landscape green.

Night temperatures start to drop during these months, especially in the Kalahari. Note that places in and around

the Okavango tend to have less extreme, more moderate temperatures than the drier areas of the Kalahari.

From June to August the night-time temperatures in drier areas can be close to freezing, but it warms up rapidly

during the day, when the sky is usually clear and blue. It's now very much 'peak season' for most safari areas: the

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land is dry in most areas so the animals congregate around the few available water sources.

This continues into September and October, when temperatures climb again, drying the landscapes and

concentrating the game even more. This is the best time for big game safaris – although October can feel very

hot, with maximum temperatures sometimes approaching 40°C.

November is difficult to predict, as it can sometimes be a continuation of October's heat, whilst sometimes it's

cooled by the first rains; it's always an interesting month.

Clothing / Dress Recommendations

In summer, lightweight, light-coloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as

they increase perspiration and discomfort. In winter, wear trousers, long-sleeved shirts / blouses and jerseys.

From May – August, night temperatures can fall below zero degrees Celsius, so warm jerseys and jackets are

vital, especially on morning and evening game drives. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and

forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing. Bring a lightweight jacket and/or jersey for unexpected

temperature changes or rain. Closed, comfortable walking shoes or gym shoes are a must in all seasons. Special

attention should be given to protection from the sun. Bring a sunhat, good quality sunscreen, sun lotion and

polarised sunglasses. Wide brimmed sun hats are essential.

Electricity and Plug Standards

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana are the "Type M " South African SABS1661 ("Large" 15 amp BS-546)

sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type M " South African plug and socket is not to be

confused with the "Type D " Indian plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type

is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match

the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply

change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're

plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with

multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the

same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with 220-240

volt electrical input, you will need a voltage converter.