12 Days Classic Botswana and Zimbabwe

12 Days Classic Botswana and Zimbabwe

Discover Southern African

Experience Botswana’s charm and Zimbabwe’s wilderness across these extraordinary twelve days

A safari full of exciting and serene moments

This spectacular safari takes you to the glittering waters of the Okavango Delta and the predator capital of the world at Moremi, to the banks of the Zambezi River (close to Victoria Falls) and on to the grand Hwange National Park.

Curated experiences – Discover what makes each camp so interesting and what you can do while there. Each camp and lodge have something different to share. Drawing on our extensive local knowledge, we make sure you get to experience the best that each site has to offer.

Explore the Okavango Delta – This is your chance to explore Botswana’s prized jewel, the Okavango Delta. Over 11 000 km3 of seasonal floodwater travels from the neighbouring Angola Highlands to fill this inland river basin to create a home to more than 2 000 plants, 450 birds, 65 fish and over 200 000 large mammal species.

See the mighty Victoria Falls – One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the locals call Victoria Falls “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, which means “smoke that thunders” in honour of the roar of the water plunging into the Zambezi River below. You will now be able to tick Victoria Falls off your life’s bucket list.

Explore a variety of biomes – A biome is a community of animals and plants that share common characteristics for the environment in which they live. Biomes can include a variety of habitats and as such, support different animal and life forms. This package covers several biomes enabling you to enjoy a wide diversity of wildlife in a single trip.

Visit Hwange National Park – An hour’s drive from Victoria Falls, this package takes in the largest park in Zimbabwe. At 14,600km2 in size, Hwange National Park is home to the “Presidential Herd” of elephants and is the only place in the country to see a giraffe. The vast space is the ideal way in which to immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of a safari.

Safari Itinerary

Let our safari itineraries guide you to Southern African’s most iconic and hidden treasures.

Day 1: Arrival / Flight to Okavango Delta

You will book an international flight to Maun in Botswana, when you arrive you will be assisted onto a light flight to Khwai airstrip then road transfer to Machaba Camp in Okavango details where you start your first three nights of your safari.

Check-in and depending on your arrival time you will relax or do the afternoon activity then dinner and bedtime.

Day 2 & 3: Explore The Okavango delta

During these days you will have two game viewing activities per day, you have breakfast then a morning activity and then a break for lunch and free time to relax.

Later in the afternoon, you have afternoon tea /coffee followed by game viewing activities back to the camp relax then dinner and bedtime at your convenient time.

Day 4: Transfer to Gomoti Plains, Okavango Delta

During these days you will have two game viewing activities per day, you have breakfast then a morning activity and then a break for lunch and free time to relax.

Later in the afternoon, you have afternoon tea /coffee followed by game viewing activities back to the camp relax then dinner and bedtime at your convenient time.

Days 5 & 6: Explore Gomoti Plains, Okavango Delta

Based in a private concession on the edge of the Gomoti flood plain system, this camp has access to incredible wildlife and scenery. Depending on the time of year, the floodplains can be explored by vehicle or canoe. On days 5 and 6 you will have breakfast followed by morning activity then return to the camp for lunch and free time to relax. Later afternoon tea/coffee then you will go out for the afternoon activity then return to camp relax and dinner then bedtime.

Days 7: Transfer to Victoria Falls, Zim Via Kasane

Breakfast in the morning and then you will check out, depending on your flight time you will be transferred to Gomoti Plains airstrip for your charter flight to Kasane airport and then you will be transferred to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Check-in and then depending on your arrival time you will be served with lunch and free time to relax. Later in the afternoon tea/coffee followed the afternoon game drive or River Safari return to the Lodge then dinner and bedtime.

Day 8: Old Drift Lodge – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Breakfast in the morning and then you will check out, depending on your flight time you will be transferred to Gomoti Plains airstrip for your charter flight to Kasane airport and then you will be transferred to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Check-in and then depending on your arrival time you will be served with lunch and free time to relax. Later in the afternoon tea/coffee followed the afternoon game drive or River Safari return to the Lodge then dinner and bedtime.

Day 9: Flight from VFA to Manga Airstrip Hwange NP

Breakfast and then check out of the lodge our driver will transfer you to Victoria Falls Intl airport in time for your 45 minutes’ flight to Manga airstrip and then transfer to Verney’s Camp – Hwange National Park. Check-in and lunch will be served then free time to relax followed by afternoon activity then return to the camp dinner and then bedtime.

Days 10 &11: Safari Activities in Hwange NP

Inspired by safaris of the past, Verney’s Camp is situated in a teak forest that is synonymous with Hwange. With views over a waterhole, the animals put on a daily parade as they come down for their evening drink. On days 10 and 11 you have breakfast then a morning game viewing activity you will return to the camp in time for lunch and free time to relax and then afternoon tea/coffee followed by afternoon activity then return to the camp in time for dinner and then bedtime at your free time.

Day 12: Transfer to Victoria Falls Intl Airport

On this day you will have breakfast in the morning and you will check out of the camp, then you will be transferred to Manga Airstrip for your 45 minutes’ flights back to Victoria Falls Intl airport in time for your international flight back home.

What Does Include?

We take care of the details while you focus on experiencing the magic of Kilimanjaro.

Included
  • Flight from Maun to Machaba Camp, then onto Gomoti Plains Camp
  • Flight from Gomoti Plains to Kasane Airport
  • Road transfer from Kasane to Old Drift Lodge (Approx. 45 minutes)
  • Transfer back to Vic Falls Airport
  • Return flights from Vic Falls Airport to Manga – Manga to Vic Falls Airport (Approx. 45-minute flight)
  • Fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals, laundry, lodge activities, return vehicle airstrip transfers, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages (excluding imported and premium drinks) & taxes
  • Machaba Safaris Conservation and Community Levy (CCL) of USD 15 per person per night at all camps.
Excluded
  • Visas fees
  • Rates exclude premium imported drinks
  • International flights
  • Travel & Medical Insurance
  • Discretionary tips

26 Days Moshi to Cape Town Truck Safari

26 Days Moshi to Cape Town Truck Safari

Discover Africa

An epic overland adventure spanning
countries and endless scenery

countries and endless scenery

This 26-day truck safari takes you from Moshi to Cape Town, visiting some of Africa’s most exciting places. You’ll see amazing wildlife in Mikumi National Park, South Luangwa, and Etosha. Relax by Lake Malawi, marvel at Victoria Falls, and explore the Okavango Delta. Travel through Namibia’s deserts and the stunning Fish River Canyon before reaching South Africa’s Cape Town. This journey is full of incredible sights and adventures across eight countries.

Safari Itinerary

Let our safari itineraries guide you to Africa’s most iconic and hidden treasures.

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by a member of Our team, who will transfer you to the Moshi Coffee Lodge for the overnight. In the evening you will be briefed by our guide about locations and things to pack for the coming days.

Day 2: Mikumi National Park

Our journey South takes us to Mikumi, where we stop for the night. Mikumi National Park ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania and forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve.

Day 3: Iringa

We take early morning extensive game drive in the Mikumi National Park. And in the afternoon we continue to the southern highlands of Tanzania and Lake Malawi.

Day 4 – 6: Northern Serengeti

Leaving Tanzania behind, we descend the Great Rift Valley and cross the border into Malawi. Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” the lakeside country is blessed with natural beauty and our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi where we look forward to spending the next few days enjoying the attractions of the northern regions of the lake.

Second day offers a range of optional activities or simply a day at the beach, we will pay a visit to a local community this morning to meet the people of the lake. Hikers will find a selection of trips, including a rather strenuous outing to the mission village of Livingstonia, set high above the lake. Your guide will assist you to plan your activities for the coming days, or you can simply slow your clock to Africa time relaxing on the lake shore.

Day 7: South Luangwa National Park

This morning we enjoy a final sunrise on the shores of Lake Malawi before setting off for Zambia and the South Luangwa National Park. After crossing the border into Zambia we make a short stop in Chipata before continuing to our camp on the banks of the Luangwa River. Having watched the sun rise over we Lake Malawi in the morning we enjoy an equally spectacular sunset over the Luangwa River this evening.

On the second day, you can take optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris in the park. This afternoon we will enjoy a Sunset Drive in the park.

Day 8: Petauke

Leaving the Luangwa Valley this morning we make a stop at Tribal Textiles. The Chipata area is a major producer of Cotton and this morning we get a taste of the creativity of the African culture. Those interested can enjoy a tour of their workshops (March to December) to see how these colourful fabrics are crafted. Our destination tonight is the small town of Petauke.

Day 9: Eureka

As an important link between Lusaka and Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and we will cross the Luangwa River on our way to Lusaka. The route today is dotted with villages and subsistence farms, today landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many of us call home.

Day 10 &11: Victoria Falls

Crossing the Southern reaches of Zambia we make our way to the adventure town of Victoria Falls, this afternoon we get our first look at the mighty Victoria Falls. Crossing the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe we get a view of “Musi oa Tunya”, the Smoke that Thunders as the falls are known in the local language.

Next morning we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, which also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon, for the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops. Tonight we enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available.

Day 14: Maun

Leaving the Delta behind us this morning we make our way to our overnight stop in the bustling town of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Reunited with our truck we enjoy an evening together at the campfire reflecting on our Delta experiences.

Day 15: Maun to Ghanzi

In the morning presents there will be opportunity for a Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta before we travel to Ghanzi in the central Kalahari. The Kalahari is home to the San people and our stay here will present us with the opportunity to learn more about these fascinating people. An optional walk with San guides this afternoon gives us the opportunity to learn about the strategies that allow the San to survive in this harsh environment. This evening we will get a first-hand experience of the San culture, well known for its rich traditions of song, dance and story-telling.

Day 16 -17: Etosha National Park

Today we are heading North for two exciting days of game viewing in the Etosha National Park. On our way today we will make a short stop at the craft markets in Okahandja before continuing to our rest camp in Etosha. While tomorrow will see us make an early start, those who would like to chance their luck can spend some time at the floodlit waterhole at the camp tonight.

Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. Today we have a full-day to explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park. Our truck offers us an elevated platform and we will spend some time at the many waterholes dotted throughout the park. Those who wish to partake in an optional night drive may do so tonight (subject to availability).

Day 18: Khorixas

This morning we travel north towards Kamanjab where we will visit a project that introduces us to the Himba people of northern Namibia.

After our visit to the Himba we turn south and travel to the small town of Khorixas, we will finish our day with a visit to the Petrified Forest on the outskirts of the town. These fossilised forests remain as a natural monument to a time long ago when Namibia formed part of the Gondwana super-continent.

Day 19 – 20: Swakopmund

This morning we travel onwards to Spitzkoppe, here a local guide will join us for a walk around the base of this famed landmark. We will have the opportunity to view some San rock paintings before we continue to the seaside town of Swakopmund. Swakopmund is well known for its many adventure activities, coffee shops and rich German influence.

Today is a free day to enjoy adventure, explore Swakopmund or simply enjoy a great bake at a local coffee shop. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a little city and there is something to keep everyone busy.

Day 21: Namib Naukluft

Leaving behind the charms of Swakopmund we continue our journey to Southern Namibia and the Namib Desert. We make a short stop in Walvis Bay this morning before turning east towards the heart of the desert. Our afternoon will be spent with a local guide who will introduce us to the wonders of the desert environment. An early night is advisable as we tomorrow will see us up as the dawn breaks.

Day 22: Sesriem and Sossusvlei

Rising with the first light we travel to Sesriem, the gateway to the Sossusvlei dune fields. We enter the park early and make a stop to climb the famous Dune 45. Having stretched our legs we continue deeper into the Dune fields and take a 4×4 transfer to the marvels of Sossusvlei. We take time to visit both Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, before bidding the dune field farewell. Our final stop before continuing to our camp is the interesting Sesriem Canyon, a remnant of much wetter times in this dry region.

Day 23: Fish River Canyon

Today we venture south to the Southern Naimibia on route to Ais-Ais. Well known for its hot springs, the resort and its hot pools are the perfect tonic to ease away the dust of the Namib, an evening swim under the Desert stars is not to be missed. Tomorrow will again be an early start as we aim to catch the morning light as it filters into the Fish River Canyon.

Day 24: Fish River Canyon – Orange River

Today we head towards Hobas and the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world. The early hours of the morning offer great photographic opportunities as the morning light filters into the canyon. We will spend time exploring the rim of the canyon, before making for the Orange River and our final stop in Namibia. Our last night in Namibia is spent on the banks of the Orange River and the best way to experience the Orange River is by canoe. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to partake in an optional canoe trip on the river.

Day 25: Orange River – Cedarberg

A final border crossing sees us enter South Africa this morning as we travel through the desert landscapes of Namaqualand on our way to the Cedarberg region. The Cedarberg is the home of Rooibos tea, which has become a popular beverage throughout the world. Tonight we enjoy a traditional South African meal and celebrate the many memories we have made.

Day 26: Cape Town

The final leg of our journey sees us travel through the wheat fields of the Swartland to the city of Cape Town. No visit to the fairest Cape would be complete without sampling some of the wines that have made this region famous. We enjoy a wine tasting and make a short stop in Table View for some great pictures of Table Mountain. On clear days we can also catch our first glimpse of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent so many years. The tour ends on arrival in Cape Town.

What Does Include?

We take care of the details while you focus on experiencing the magic of Kilimanjaro.

Included
  • 2 way airport transfer
  • 2 nights at Hotel in Arusha
  • Full board accommodated safari
  • Transfers as indicated on itinerary
  • Private safari vehicle throughout the safari driven by an experienced English speaking Private tour guide
  • Park entrance fees
  • Government taxes and levies
  • All drinks at Lodge/Camp.
  • Laundry services
  • Mineral water and soft drinks during game drives
  • All walking fees
Excluded
  • International air fare
  • Tips
  • Drinks at the Lodges
  • Cost of Entry Visa and passport
  • International and local airport departure taxes
  • All expenses of a personal nature such as, telephone calls, tips & gratuities, etc
  • All optional activities which have not been shown above
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Any extras not mentioned above.