8-day Golden Safari Expedition

The Golden Safari Expedition begins and ends in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This 8-day safari in Botswana and Zimbabwe is a wildlife extravaganza that starts and ends in Victoria Falls. This small town is a hub for visitors from across the world who come to Zimbabwe to see the spectacular Vic Falls. It’s also the departure point for a host of adrenaline-pumping Victoria Falls adventure activities. You’ll spend your first night here at the popular Ilala Lodge. The following 6 nights are bliss for wildlife enthusiasts as we go on safari to Chobe and Hwange. Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is known for its large elephant herds and an impressive, diverse range of wildlife such as lion, leopard, hyena, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, gemsbok and many more.

As the great herds of elephants and buffalo move between Chobe and Hwange in Zimbabwe, so too can safari enthusiasts who want to explore these two exciting neighbouring wildlife regions. One of the best Botswana game reserves for game viewing, Chobe National Park encompasses floodplains, swamps, woodland and one of the most beautiful rivers, the Chobe River. Chobe National Park is famous for the large herds of elephants and buffalo that flock to the Chobe River to quench their thirst during the dry winter months. The expansive grassland, natural pans and Mopane tree forests also offer sanctuary to wildebeest, buffalo, antelope, sable, giraffe, zebra, lion and leopard. One of the premier destinations for Botswana birding tours, Chobe is home to almost 500 species of birds. You will experience Chobe National Park in an open safari vehicle on exciting game drives deep into the wild and on a Chobe River Cruise for a front-row seat to the abundant wildlife activity in the water and on the banks.

 

Highlights

  • Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Zimbabwe
  • Botswana
  • Kazuma Forest Reserve
  • Hwange National Park

Tour Summary

Full Day by Day Itinerary

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Day 1 : Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Upon your arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred by road to your accommodation, the wonderful Ilala Lodge where you will spend the night. This afternoon you have the opportunity to relax while on a sunset cruise exploring the mighty Zambezi River.  Explore Vic Falls town to discover this laid-back travel hub where you can visit charming cafes or bustling markets. Find the best spot to view the Victoria Falls and be dazzled by the roar of the “Smoke that Thunders”. Feel the cool spray of the fine mist that rises meters above mighty falls where thousands of litres of water plunge down a steep gorge, gouging out a winding canyon below.

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Day 2 – 3 : Kazuma Forest Reserve

This morning, you will be taken on a guided tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  After your tour, you will then proceed on a road transfer to Kasane, Botswana. Here, you will enjoy lunch before departing for your Chobe River cruise.  After this immersive experience you will carry on to Camp Kuzuma, a true hideaway in the Chobe Region. Located on a busy Elephant Corridor between Chobe and Hwange, this boutique tented camp provides an exclusive safari in a pristine environment. During your stay at Camp Kuzuma, your days are spent on game drives on our 11,000-hectare concession. Chobe, the second largest national park in Botswana covering 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. Besides the breeding herds of elephants, one can also find wildebeest, buffalo, antelope, sable, giraffe, zebra, lion and leopard in the expansive grassland, natural pans and Mopane tree forests.

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Day 4 – 5 : Hwange National Park

Today, you will leave Botswana behind and cross the Pandamatenga Border to Nantwich Lodge, your home for the next two nights. This Hwange game lodge, situated in the Northwest corner of the park overlooks a large dam with resident crocodile and hippo, boasting one of the best views in the Hwange National Park. Spend your time exploring this vast reserve, discovering secluded hides and waterholes where wildlife roams freely. Enjoy the unique opportunity to venture on guided bush walks (bush walks are seasonal), immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the wild. Our safari hide offers a perfect vantage point for quiet observation, bringing you up close to nature.

 

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Day 6 – 7 : Hwange National Park

This morning we transfer onto Bumbusi Wilderness Camp. It is located in a reclaimed corner of Hwange National Park, where gorges, riverines, and hills are ideal for safari lovers, especially those who enjoy exploring on foot.  During your stay, experience our tailored bush walks (bush walks are seasonal) and create lasting memories. Whether you are exploring the Bumbusi Gorge or spotting crocs at Bera Pools, each walking experience is truly unique. The camp's surroundings hold 4000 years of rich history. Take a journey through time with a Bumbusi history tour, starting from the San hunter-gatherers to the well-preserved late farming period settlement.

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Day 8 : Departure

Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred by road to Robins Airstrip, where you will depart on your flight back to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward journey home. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.

Included

7 x Breakfast
6 x Lunch
6 x Dinner
Selected drinks at Camp Kuzuma, Nantwich Lodge and Bumbusi Wilderness Camp
1 Internal flight (Robins Airstrip to Victoria Falls Airport)
Transfers and activities as specified in the itinerary
Services of an English-speaking driver guide on included activities
Park entrance and river usage fees unless otherwise stipulated

Excluded

Pre and post tour accommodation
Optional activities
Imported and premium brand drinks
Personal expenses such as gratuities, telephone calls, curios etc.