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Chobe River – Hwange National Park – Victoria Falls

This Chobe Victoria Falls Safari combines river safaris, remote wildlife encounters, and one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders into one seamless eight-day journey across Botswana and Zimbabwe.

The itinerary begins aboard the Chobe Princess houseboat on Botswana’s famous Chobe River before continuing into Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park for immersive safari experiences at Bumbusi Wilderness Camp. The journey concludes at Victoria Falls with a stay at the elegant Ilala Lodge, positioned within walking distance of the waterfall itself.

Blending water-based safaris, game drives, guided walks, and luxury hospitality, this itinerary offers exceptional diversity while remaining highly accessible and professionally coordinated throughout.

 

Why This Chobe Victoria Falls Safari Works

This itinerary succeeds because it combines three very different Southern African environments into one balanced safari journey.

The Chobe River introduces calm water-based wildlife viewing and relaxed safari rhythms. Hwange National Park shifts the focus toward land-based wildlife encounters and remote bush experiences, while Victoria Falls provides cultural energy and natural spectacle at the end of the trip.

The progression between destinations feels natural and highly varied without requiring exhausting travel schedules. This creates a safari itinerary that remains immersive while still feeling comfortable and manageable for international travellers.

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Chobe River Houseboat Experience

The journey begins aboard the Chobe Princess, a luxury houseboat operating along Botswana’s wildlife-rich Chobe River.

This section of the safari introduces a slower and more peaceful safari style centred around water-based exploration. Guests spend their days gliding past elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and extensive birdlife while enjoying uninterrupted river scenery from the deck.

Unlike traditional lodge safaris, the houseboat environment creates a constant connection with the landscape. Wildlife often approaches the riverbanks directly beside the vessel, allowing exceptionally close viewing opportunities throughout the day.

The atmosphere remains intimate and highly relaxed, making it an ideal introduction to the safari.

 

Hwange National Park Safari Experience

Following the river safari, the itinerary continues into Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park for a more traditional wilderness safari experience.

Hwange remains Zimbabwe’s largest national park and supports diverse ecosystems ranging from teak forests to open grasslands and seasonal pans. Wildlife densities remain exceptionally strong, particularly around waterholes during the dry season.

Guests stay at Bumbusi Wilderness Camp within a private and remote section of the park that focuses on low-density tourism and immersive safari experiences.

The transition from river safari to remote bush camp creates strong contrast while maintaining continuity through expert guiding and personalised hospitality.

 

Victoria Falls and Ilala Lodge Experience

The final stage of the itinerary introduces Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most iconic natural attractions.

Guests stay at Ilala Lodge, positioned within walking distance of the falls and ideally located for easy access to restaurants, viewing areas, and activity operators. The lodge combines classic Zimbabwean hospitality with elegant accommodation and strong location advantages.

Victoria Falls itself creates a dramatic conclusion to the safari. Visitors explore rainforest walking paths, scenic viewpoints, and viewing bridges while experiencing the sound and spray of the Zambezi River as it plunges into the gorge below.

This combination of accessibility and natural spectacle makes Victoria Falls one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding safari extensions.

 

Plan Your Chobe Victoria Falls Safari

Voyage2Africa specialises in seamless Botswana and Zimbabwe safari itineraries combining river safaris, luxury camps, and iconic African destinations.

This Chobe Victoria Falls Safari combines houseboat exploration, remote Hwange wilderness experiences, and Victoria Falls hospitality into one unforgettable Southern African journey.

Explore our Botswana Safari Packages, browse Victoria Falls Tours, or discover our Safari and Beach Holidays in Africa collection.

Speak to Voyage2Africa today to start planning your personalised safari adventure.

Included
Property Info
  • 2 nights onboard Chobe Princess (all meals, drinks, river safaris, fishing, village visits)
  • 3 nights at Bumbusi Wilderness Camp (meals, drinks, daily game drives, walking safaris)
  • 2 nights at Ilala Lodge Hotel (bed & breakfast, central Victoria Falls location)
  • Return road and boat transfers between properties and border crossings
  • Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
  • Guided walking tour of Victoria Falls
  • Lunch at Lookout Café (excluding drinks)
  • Local airport transfers in Kasane and Victoria Falls
  • Park fees, activity charges, and select beverages

Chobe Princess by Mantis
Offering a floating safari on the Chobe River, this boutique houseboat features spacious cabins with panoramic windows, gourmet meals, and personalized service. Guests enjoy intimate wildlife viewing from water-based excursions and quiet anchorages in Namibia’s river channels.

Bumbusi Wilderness Camp – Hwange
Set against a backdrop of sandstone ridges and ancient baobabs, Bumbusi is a solar-powered eco-camp offering exclusive access to western Hwange. Guests can walk to Bumbusi Ruins, explore the gorge, or relax in the spring-fed pool as elephants visit to drink.

Ilala Lodge Hotel – Victoria Falls
This family-owned lodge is the closest hotel to the Victoria Falls entrance gate and offers refined colonial-era comfort with wildlife grazing the lawns and mist from the falls visible from your terrace. A perfect base to explore the falls and relax in style.

DURATION 7 NIGHTS

CAN BE EXTENDED

Victoria Falls Zimbabwe holidays

Victoria Falls

aerial view of the wooden deck over the river at Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe River

Deteema Springs in Zimbabwe with the sunset in the distance

Hwange National Park

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1–2: Chobe Princess – Chobe River

Arrive at Kasane Airport where you’ll be escorted through a seamless river border crossing between Botswana and Namibia. Step aboard the Chobe Princess and settle into your cabin, surrounded by ever-changing river views and abundant wildlife. Days are filled with water-based safaris, birding, catch-and-release fishing, and cultural visits to riverside villages. Watch elephants drink at the shore while sipping sundowners on deck.
Stay on Chobe Princess by Mantis (2 nights, all meals, local drinks, river activities included)

Day 3–5: Bumbusi Wilderness Camp – Hwange National Park

After breakfast and a final cruise, transfer by road across the Zimbabwe border to remote western Hwange. Your camp lies within a private concession—expect intimate safari moments with no crowds. Explore the park on twice-daily game drives or guided bush walks with expert trackers. Highlights include natural rock pools, fossilized woodlands, elephant herds, and a sunset gin-and-tonic atop Bumbusi’s rocky outcrops.
Stay at Hideaways Bumbusi Camp (3 nights, full board, game drives, soft drinks, walking safaris)

Day 6–7: Ilala Lodge – Victoria Falls

Travel to Victoria Falls by road, arriving at Ilala Lodge, a refined hotel only steps from the entrance to the falls. Enjoy a Zambezi River sunset cruise aboard the Ra-Ikane on your first evening. The next day, walk through the rainforest with a guide during your Victoria Falls tour, then enjoy lunch at the dramatic Lookout Café overlooking Batoka Gorge. Spend your final afternoon at leisure, shopping or enjoying the lodge’s garden and pool.
Stay at Ilala Lodge Hotel (2 nights, B&B, walking tour, cruise, café lunch included)

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flight. You leave with vivid memories of elephants on the riverbank, lions in Hwange, and the thundering spray of Victoria Falls.

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frequently asked questions

What makes the Chobe, Hwange & Victoria Falls safari unique compared to other Southern Africa itineraries?

This safari combines three iconic destinations in one seamless journey: river-based game viewing in Botswana’s Chobe, immersive bush experiences in Hwange National Park, and the majesty of Victoria Falls. Unlike standalone safaris, this itinerary offers a rare blend of water safaris, big game drives, and natural wonders. The variety of landscapes, activities, and luxury lodges means guests experience Southern Africa’s full diversity—while Voyage2Africa handles all logistics, transfers, and park fees. It’s a signature combination safari ideal for first-time or seasoned safari travelers.

How many border crossings are involved on this Zimbabwe and Botswana safari?

This 8-day safari involves at least two border crossings—between Botswana and Zimbabwe—as you travel from Chobe River to Hwange National Park and on to Victoria Falls. All transfers are arranged for you, including customs clearance assistance. Voyage2Africa ensures smooth transitions at each point, with experienced local partners to guide the process. Valid passports, visas (if required), and yellow fever certificates may be needed depending on your nationality. Our travel team will advise you in advance to ensure everything is in place before departure.

Is this safari suitable for older travelers or guests with limited mobility?

Yes, this itinerary is well-suited to older travelers and those seeking a slower-paced safari. The combination of houseboat relaxation on the Chobe River and vehicle-based game drives in Hwange means minimal physical exertion. Properties like Chobe Princess and Ilala Lodge are known for comfort, accessibility, and personalized service. While some bush walks may be optional, most activities are vehicle-based. Voyage2Africa can also arrange extra support services or room preferences based on specific needs, ensuring your safari is both memorable and comfortable.

When is the best time of year to book this Chobe, Hwange & Victoria Falls safari?

The best time for this itinerary is during Southern Africa’s dry season from June to October. During these months, wildlife congregates around waterholes in Chobe and Hwange, making game viewing exceptional. Victoria Falls is still flowing well, particularly in June and July, and the weather is dry and mild—ideal for travel. Shoulder season (April to May or September to November) can also offer excellent value with fewer crowds. Voyage2Africa recommends booking 6–12 months in advance for peak dates to secure preferred lodges.

What wildlife can I expect to see on this Botswana and Zimbabwe safari?

You can expect diverse sightings of elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and countless antelope species. Chobe National Park is world-renowned for its vast elephant herds, often seen from the water on boat safaris. Hwange offers classic big game drives with a high chance of spotting predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Birdwatching is excellent throughout, with over 450 species. The variation in landscapes—from rivers to savannahs—means each destination provides a fresh perspective on Africa’s wildlife.

What’s included in the Chobe, Hwange & Victoria Falls safari package?

This 8-day package includes 7 nights’ accommodation, most meals, all scheduled activities, local road transfers between lodges and across borders, park fees, and river cruises. You’ll stay in carefully selected lodges such as Chobe Princess (on the river), Bumbusi Wilderness Camp in Hwange, and Ilala Lodge near Victoria Falls. Game drives, guided walks, and sunset cruises are part of the experience. Not included are international flights, visa fees, premium drinks, tips, and optional excursions like a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls.