Zimbabwe, Zambia & Botswana: 5-Day Exploration

Zimbabwe, Zambia & Botswana: 5-Day Chobe Tour

Triple-country adventure – Victoria Falls rainforest trek from both sides, Zambezi sunset cruise, Chobe National Park game drives for Big 5 and elephant herds, Livingstone market visit, 4 nights lodge stay with daily breakfast, select meals, airport transfers and all entrance fees included.

4.9
$ 1061 per person
120 hours
542 + bookings
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Overview

Embark on a seamless 5-day journey across Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana that captures the raw beauty of Southern Africa—from the thunder of Victoria Falls to the wild pulse of Chobe National Park and the intimate thrill of tracking white rhinos on foot.

Day 1 welcomes you with airport pickup and a sunset Zambezi River cruise, spotting hippos and elephants as the sky ignites. Day 2 tracks white rhinos in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, visits the Livingstone Museum, and explores Victoria Falls from the Zambian side, feeling the mist of the “Smoke That Thunders.” Day 3 crosses into Zimbabwe for a cultural tour of Mukuni Village and panoramic views of the falls from the Zimbabwe side. Day 4 crosses into Botswana for a full Chobe day—morning game drive for lions and buffalo, riverside lunch, and afternoon boat cruise past massive elephant herds. Day 5 ends with a sunrise tour of Victoria Falls in golden light before airport drop-off.

This small-group package (max 15) includes 4 nights at Dzimbahwe Guest Lodge, breakfast (4 days), lunch (2 days), all transfers, and expert guiding.

Real talk: multiple border crossings require passports (and birth certificates for kids under 18); KAZA UniVisa recommended.

Perfect for maximizing wildlife, falls, and culture—book early for dry season peak.

What's Included

  • 4 nights accommodation at Dzimbahwe Guest Lodge (or similar).
  • Breakfast (4 days).
  • Lunch (2 days).
  • All transfers (airport, between sites, hotel pickups/drop-offs).
  • Sunset Zambezi River cruise (Day 1).
  • White rhino walking safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya (Day 2).
  • Livingstone Museum visit (Day 2).
  • Victoria Falls tours (Zambia side Day 2, Zimbabwe side Day 3).
  • Mukuni Village cultural tour (Day 3).
  • Full-day Chobe National Park safari (game drive + boat cruise, Day 4).
  • Sunrise Victoria Falls tour (Day 5).
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • Bottled water/soft drinks during activities.
  • Park entrance fees (payable on site in USD cash): Victoria Falls (Zambia) ≈ US$20/person Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) ≈ US$50/person Sunset cruise park fees ≈ US$10/person Chobe National Park ≈ US$20/person
  • Visa fees (if applicable; KAZA UniVisa recommended).
  • Gratuities for guides/drivers.
  • Dinner or additional snacks.
  • Personal expenses.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrival & Zambezi Sunset Cruise Airport pickup at Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA). Transfer to Dzimbahwe Guest Lodge. Afternoon pickup (~3:30 PM winter/4:00 PM summer) for sunset cruise on the Zambezi River: spot hippos, elephants, crocodiles, birds, with finger foods and open bar. Return to lodge.
  2. Day 2: Rhino Walk, Livingstone Museum & Victoria Falls (Zambia) Morning white rhino walking safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: track rhinos on foot with rangers. Visit Livingstone Museum for history and artifacts. Lunch break (own expense). Afternoon guided tour of Victoria Falls (Zambian side): feel the mist and see the falls up close. Return to lodge.
  3. Day 3: Mukuni Village & Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Morning pickup for Mukuni Village cultural tour: meet artisans, learn Leya customs. Lunch break (own expense). Afternoon guided tour of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side): panoramic views from multiple vantage points. Return to lodge.
  4. Day 4: Full-Day Chobe National Park Safari (Botswana) Early pickup for Chobe (Botswana). Border crossing at Kazungula. Morning game drive in Chobe National Park: search for lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes. Buffet lunch at a riverside lodge. Afternoon boat cruise along Chobe River: spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, birds. Return to lodge in Victoria Falls (~5:30 PM).
  5. Day 5: Victoria Falls Sunrise Tour & Departure Early pickup for sunrise tour of Victoria Falls (first in park for golden light on mist). Explore viewpoints (~2–3 hours). Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for departure.

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your 5-day trip go well, based on common experiences with wildlife, borders, and weather. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Light layers (early mornings cool, afternoons warm), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, and a good camera/phone aren't optional. Several guests said the boat breeze chills—bring a windbreaker. Cash for park fees and tips essential.
  • Wildlife sightings. Chobe excels in elephants—guests reported huge herds drinking at the river; rhino walk is intimate and thrilling. Guides maximize sightings—binoculars help.
  • Border crossings. Quick with guide assistance. Bring passports (and birth certificates for kids 0–18). Guests said the process took ~30 minutes total.
  • Boat and game drive. Morning cruise is calm and shaded; afternoon 4x4 is open-air and bumpy. Guides spot animals from afar—binoculars help.
  • Meals. Breakfast included; Day 4 lunch buffet is hearty. Guests loved the fresh options and river views.
  • Group setup. Max 15 feels relaxed. Past visitors said the small size allowed personal guide attention.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round, but May to October (dry season) for best wildlife concentrations along the river. Guests early 2026 noted June–September offered epic elephant herds and clear skies.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
May-Oct (Dry) Animals concentrate on river, best sightings Colder mornings Early morning
Nov-Apr (Wet) Greener landscapes, fewer crowds Animals more dispersed Early morning

Common issues. Not wheelchair accessible—boat and 4x4 terrain. Guests found moderate walking but bumpy rides—hold on tight. Weather rarely cancels; dress in layers.

FAQ

Will we definitely see elephants and rhinos?

High likelihood—Chobe is elephant central, and rhino walk is guided for close views. Guides maximize sightings; guests saw large herds and rhinos most trips.

How long are the boat and game drive?

Morning cruise ~3 hours; afternoon 4x4 ~3 hours. Flexible based on animal movement—guides adjust for the best experience.

Suitable for kids?

Yes for children who handle long days and bumpy rides. Families said kids loved the boat and rhinos, but supervise closely.

Vegetarian meal options?

Buffet usually has veg choices (salads, veggies, sides). Notify early for adjustments. Guests found options sufficient.

Best photos from the tour?

Boat deck and open 4x4 give great angles—bring a good zoom lens or phone with stabilizer. Guides pause for shots when animals are close.

Why this multi-country tour?

Victoria Falls from both sides, rhino walk, and Chobe river/land combo in 5 days with included meals and transfers. Past guests preferred the comprehensive wildlife and falls experience over single-park trips.

Book it today with Chobe Tours or simply following this link.

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