Sample Itinerary
14 DAY SOUTHERN AFRICA SAMPLE ITINERARY
Our sample itineraries are designed to give you some suggestions and spark your imagination. The possibilities are endless when you travel with Zimbotsa. Every Zimbotsa safari is customized to meet your wishes. Our Director will work with you to design your perfect vacation, exploring your interests at your own speed, selecting your preferred style of accommodation and making the most of your time and budget!
Safari in Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa
Personally Guided. Small Scale. Low Impact Tourism.
Includes THREE NIGHTS of SEMI-LUX CAMPING IN CHOBE NATIONAL PARK. Camping available Mid-April to mid-June.
We also offer an ALTERNATIVE TO CAMPING. This option includes nightly HOTEL ACCOMODATION in Kasane, Botswana and game drives during the day.
Personally Guided. Small Scale. Low Impact Tourism.
Maximum 6 guests. Larger groups may be accomodated with proper planning.
EXCLUDES ALL AIR FARES
Explore SOUTHERN AFRICA
DAY ONE: ARRIVE SOUTH AFRICA
DAY 1: In Transit
FLY TO Johannesburg, South Africa
Airfares are not included in the cost of this package, it is the responsibility of the client to arrange and pay for airfare separately.
ZIMBOTSA works closely with travel advisors. We are always happy to help with airline tickets, travel insurance and other travel services. At ZIMBOTSA, we are prepared to help you plan all aspects of your dream trip to Southern Africa.
Contact our director for more information: director@zimbotsatravel.com
ZIMBOSTA TRAVEL HIGHLY RECOMMENDS TRAVEL INSURANCE and MEDICAL INSURANCE.
ZIMBOTSA TRAVEL will provide breakfast daily. Many excursions provide meals. We will be eating at local watering holes and favorite restaurants.
ZIMBOSTA TRAVEL DOES NOT PROVIDE ALCOHOL.
Guests are welcome to bring ther own.
ZIMBOTSA Travel clients will be responsible for paying for excursions that are not already included in our planned tours of Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.
DAY TWO: JOHANNESBURG, SA
Two Nights
Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa. Time to get acclimated.
ACCOMMODATIONS at CITY LODGE HOTEL located at O.R. Tambo international Airport.
Traveling from the United States to South Africa involves crossing multiple time zones, which can result in jet lag. Here are some tips to minimize its effects:
Adjust your sleep schedule a few days before your trip to match the time zone of your destination.
Stay hydrated before and during your flight. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
Try to get some rest on the flight. Use earplugs, an eye mask, and a neck pillow to make sleeping more comfortable.
Once you arrive at your destination, try to stay awake until it's bedtime in Africa. This will help your body adjust to the new time zone.
WE HAVE TWO OPTIONS FOR DAY THREE
DAY 3: JO BURG / HISTORY OR WILDLIFE
DAY 3: JO BURG / HISTORY OR WILDLIFE
DAY 3: JO BURG / HISTORY OR WILDLIFE
Johannesburg, South Africa
Breakfast
All Day Guided Tour. Tour of Soweto and Apartheid Museum. Guests will be collected at their hotel by one of our professional local guides. The tour includes a visit to the Hector Peterson Memorial and Museum, Vilakazi Street and the former home of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
ALTERNATIVE EXCURSION. Just outside of Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, lies the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for thousand of animals. The tour takes you on a game drive in an openair vehicle through the reserve where you can spot cheetah, buffalo, zebras, hippo, and rhinos.
National park fees and round-trip transportation is included.
Read more about Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Dinner
DAY 4: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
DAY 3: JO BURG / HISTORY OR WILDLIFE
DAY 3: JO BURG / HISTORY OR WILDLIFE
Six Nights
Breakfast
Afternoon flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Upon landing at Vic Falls, you will be required to purchase a visa to enter Zimbabwe. US passport holders will be required to pay $55.00 USD per person. Payment must be made in cash.
ATM machines are NOT available in Zimbabwe.
Visas must be purchased at the Victoria Falls airport. Once through Customs, our pre-arranged private vehicle will take us to our accommodations.
CURRENCY CONCERNS
In Zimbabwe the US dollar is king. However, there is a shortage of small denominations so getting change can be difficult.
There are no coins. Every transaction is rounded up or down and "change" may be given in penny candies.
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, American Express not much. Only use your card when the item you are buying is priced in US dollars.
Tonight we will meet for Sundowners. Watch for animals at the watering hole, a beautiful African sunset awaits.
Dinner
Day5
Day 6
Day 6
Breakfast
Enjoy unique views from the Falls Bridge on the Zambian side. It offers breathtaking views of the falls, the boiling pot, Batoka Gorge and the Zambezi River. You will see the famous Victoria Falls Hotel, which you will visit later in the week.
The tour of Vic Falls usually takes place in the afternoon.
Guests will take a private guided tour of Victoria Falls and its magical rainforest.
Afternoon tour of Vic Falls. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife that live in and around the town, including a pride of lions, a herd of ostriches, a cackle of hyenas, parade of elephants, a barrel of vervet monkeys, a bloat of hippopotami, a bask of crocodiles, a sounder of warthogs and a conngress of aboons. Keep your camera ready.
Bring a raincoat and non-slip shoes, cover your camera or phone. YOU WILL GET WET. The Falls are the largest sheet of falling water on Earth.
We will visit Victoria Falls' famous baobab, “The Big Tree" is estimated to be between 1200 and 2000 years old and is one of the oldest and biggest living baobabs in Zimbabwe. It is just a short drive from the Victoria Falls rainforest and is a marvel, measuring 23 meters high and over 18 meters at its widest point.
There are many excursions in and around Vic Falls. We are happy to help you select one. If you would like to book an additional excursion, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your desires. Expenses for additional excursions are not included in the cost of the travel package and must be paid for separately.
Dinner
Day 6
Day 6
Day 6
Breakfast at Lion Encounter
Read about the Feast of Beasts
Lion Encounter is highly recommended
Breakfast is included. You are guaranteed magnificent lion sightings and amazing photo opportunities.
Enjoy an incredible rare opportunity to see a pride of lions not commonly seen, and from an eye level perspective an opportunity to "feed the beasts" during this activity.
The experience, affectionately called "The Feast of Beasts" encounter is a truly one-of a-kind lion feeding experience. After the "Feast" you will be taken to an encounter with lions known as "Into the Pride." The encounter includes a scenic drive through a 25-acre enclosure, strategically placed within a teak forest, housing a pride of five lions, one exquisite male and four beautiful females.
From the safety of a secure safari vehicle, enjoy close encounters with the pride as they go about their daily lives.
As amazing as the experience is for you, the funds raised through tourism are critical to lion survival. Zimbotsa is proud of its ongoing community development work and its commitment to fund animal conservation in southern Africa.
Dinner @ The Boma
Dinner & Drum Show, on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, is a legendary dining and entertainment experience that offers an unforgettable fusion of mouthwatering local cuisine, energetic dance performances, interactive drumming and traditional storytelling. It has, over the years, firmly established itself as a Victoria Falls “must-do” experience, providing a unique cultural experience that bombards the senses with the tastes, sights and sounds of Africa.
The four-course meal includes a delicious platter of starters, soup from the campfire, a braai (barbecue) buffet, followed by a selection of desserts.
Day 7
Day 8
Day 8
Victoria Falls
Breakfast
Perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge, the Lookout Cafe is one of the favorites in Victoria Falls. Spectacular views of the gorges and the Zambezi River. Watch out for the resident warthog!
If you enjoy shopping and chatting with local artists, we recommend Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artist Village. Enjoy hours of browsing some of the best specialty shops and studios Zimbabwe has to offer.
Meet local artists and craftsmen at work, creating uniquely Zimbabwean pieces and visit the jewelry studio to see silversmiths practice the art of wax casting or drop in on the taxidermist before wandering through the organic herb garden learning about traditional herbal healing.
Enjoy delicious home-grown Zimbabwean coffee and tasty eats at The Africa Cafe.
If culture and history interest you, a visit to the Jafuta Heritage Center is a must. Here you will find a comprehensive collection of Zimbabwean artifacts, and a curator who is also the local Nyanga and can throw the bones for you if you wish!. Read more about Elephant Walk
Afternoon: Relax by the pool and watch for game along the Zambezi River
Sunset Zambezi River Cruise
The Zambezi Sunset cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River. There are great photo opportunities featuring spectacular African sunsets. Guests may encounter hippo, crocodile, and elephant as well as many different exotic bird species.
The Sunset Cruise is very popular and includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks.
Dinner
Day 8
Day 8
Day 8
Victoria Falls
Sunrise Bridge Run
This first trip of the day takes off at 6:00am from where the tram is stationed. The tram meanders through the national park near the Falls, making a wide sweep through the African bush, and there is a chance to see some of the wildlife that roams through there. You may spot elephant, buffalo, waterbuck or bushbuck, while the guide narrates the area's fascinating history.
Breakfast
Day 8 is a "do your own thing" day. Here are a few of the most popular adrenaline fueled excursions you might enjoy at the Falls:
Helicopter
Get a bird’s eye view of the majestic falls from a helicopter.
Zipline
This is the longest Zip Line ride in the world. Imagine the adrenalin rush traveling a speed of 106 km’s hurtling 425m across the gorge, while suspended 120m above the breath taking beauty of the Zambezi water below!
Whitewater Rafting
Two things are guaranteed when you go whitewater rafting at Victoria Falls; you will get wet and you will remember the experience for the rest of your life.
Bungee Jump
The Victoria Falls Bungee Jump is undoubtedly the most scenic in the world. With Victoria Falls as the backdrop, the mighty Zambezi River flow beneath you.
Dinner
DAY 9: Off-the-Beaten Path
DAY 9 CONTINUED: Eco-Tourism
DAY 9 CONTINUED: Eco-Tourism
Breakfast TBD
Afternoon: Kick back for the day and relax for a few hours, then....
For guests who choose the camping option, at 16:00hrs we will be shopping at the local grocery store to pick up snacks and drinks for your Botswana Safari. We will be CAMPING in the BUSH for 3 nights. There are NO FENCES – only open sky and wildlife.
Dinner at Dusty Road Township Experience A traditional dining experience like no other. The Dusty Road Township Experience is a traditional Zimbabwean restaurant situated in the bustling heart of Chinotimba, the largest and oldest township in Victoria Falls. Dusty Road has been tried, tested and given the stamp of approval by ZIMBOTSA Travel. If you are looking for an authentic Zimbabwean meal whilst you visit Victoria Falls, put this on your must-do list. Read more about Dusty Road
DAY 9 CONTINUED: Eco-Tourism
DAY 9 CONTINUED: Eco-Tourism
DAY 9 CONTINUED: Eco-Tourism
Before heading to the Chobe here are a few suggestions to help you make the most of your game drives:
The first basic rule of spotting African wildlife is that you will rarely find good wildlife sightings after 10:00hrs and before 16:00hrs.
Stick to responsible safari etiquette:
- Stay in your vehicle,
- Don't stress the animals,
- Don't stand up or move suddenly
- Keep conversation to a minimum
- Whisper - no loud voices
- LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS
Experience the beauty of nature with Zimbotsa Travel. Our eco-tourism packages are designed to minimize our impact on the environment while providing you with an unforgettable experience. Get ready to connect with nature.
EXPLORE THE WILD UNSPOILED CHOBE
DAY 10: Off-the-Beaten Path
DAY 10: Off-the-Beaten Path
DAY 10: Off-the-Beaten Path
- Guests are picked up from their respective hotels at 06:30hrs
- 08:30hrs pick up from border post.
- Lunch
- Game drive in Chobe National Park
- Dinner and Overnight stay in camp Explore lesser-known destinations with Zimbotsa Travel.
- Our expert guides will take you to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations that are not on the typical tourist itinerary. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
DAY 11: Small Groups
DAY 10: Off-the-Beaten Path
DAY 10: Off-the-Beaten Path
- 05:30hrs Wakeup call
- 06:00hrs Morning Game drive in Chobe National Park
- Continental breakfast tea and coffee in campsite
- Bush brunch/Lunch
- 15:00hrs Afternoon Game Drive in Chobe National Park
- Return to Camp in Park
- 19:00hrs Dinner in Camp
- Experience the beauty of nature with Zimbotsa Travel. Our eco-tourism packages are designed to minimize our impact on the environment while providing you with an unforgettable experience. Get ready to connect with nature.
DAY 12: Privately Guided
DAY 13: Low Impact -Tourism
DAY 13: Low Impact -Tourism
- 05:30hrs Wakeup call
- Continental breakfast tea and coffee in campsite
- 06:00hrs Morning Game drive in Chobe National Park
- Bush brunch/Lunch
- 15:00hrs Afternoon Game Drive in Chobe National Park
- Return to Camp in Park
- 19:00hrs Dinner in Camp Guests are picked up from their respective hotels at 06:30hrs
l.
DAY 13: Low Impact -Tourism
DAY 13: Low Impact -Tourism
DAY 13: Low Impact -Tourism
- Continental breakfast tea and coffee
- Morning Game drive on our way OUT of Chobe National Park
- Return to Kasane, Botswana.
- We must be out of the Chobe game park by 9.30 am.
- We will arrive at the border post and will be leaving Botswana and entering Zimbabwe.
- We will then transfer to a private vehicle and head back to Vic Falls airport.
HOTEL SAFARI PACKAGE FOR THE CHOBE … instead of Camping.
Day10
Day 11
Day 11
- Arrive from Zimbabwe.
- 08.30 hrs. Meet and Greet at Zimbabwe/Botswana border.
- 08.45hrs transfer to lodge check in.
- 09.30hrs Full day game drive in the Chobe national park..(packed lunch, tea and coffee water) on the Safari.
- 18.30 hrs back to Lodge.
- Dinner lodge/Hotel.
Day 11
Day 11
Day 11
- Breakfast lodge/Hotel.
- 08.30 hrs half day game drive.
- Lunch 1300 hrs.
- 15.30hrs Sunset BoatCruise on the Chobe river.
- Dinner lodge/hotel.
Day 12
Day 13
Day 13
- 6am early game drive 3 hours.
- breakfast at the Lodge/Hotel.
- 12.30hrs lunch.
- RELAX TILL
- 15:00hrs Chill or go on your own excursion .
- Dinner lodge/hotel.
Day 13
Day 13
Day 13
- Breakfast lodge.
- Check out.
- Return to Kasane/Victoria Falls border by 09.30 hrs for your flight back to South Africa and then onto USA.
- ZIMBOTSA TRAVEL at this time will be saying our goodbyes.
"FAMBAI ZVAKANAKA"
SAMPLE ITINERARIES: KRUGAR, MARLOTH PARK, CHOBE & VIC FALLS
MARLOTH PARK / KRUGER / JOBURG
Day 1: Begin flight to Johannesburg, South Africa
Day 2: Arrive Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo International Airport Stay one night at City Lodge Airport (or equivalent accommodation)
Day 3: Internal flight to Nelspruit, South Africa / Pick up our car Stay at Pumbaa Wildlife Park. Glass walls make for great lion viewing.
Day 4: Tour the Pumbaa Wildlife Park. We will be walking or using a TUK TUK.Great opportunity to view wildlife –especially big cats. In the afternoon we will drive to Marloth /Kruger Park. Check in to our guest house. We will go shopping at the local grocery and liquor store. 
Day 5: All Day Safari in Kruger National Park. Our Professional guide will help us spot wildlife in the bush.
Day 6: Relax at our Marloth Park accommodation. You will have the opportunity to feed animals that may stop by the house for a snack. Chill out and go for a swim. Arlene will take you on a personal safari around Marloth Park. We will enjoy sundowners and dinner at Amazing View restaurant and watch the animals playing in the river.
Day 7: Full day professionally guided safari in Kruger National Park. We will tour in an open-air safari vehicle.
Day 8: Professionally guided Walking Safari. Return to Marloth Park, relax, enjoy a swim.
Day 9: Leave Marloth Park early morning. We will drive to Hazeyview and stay at Rock Rapid Lodge (or equivalent) We will be going to Elephant Whisper in the afternoon, where you will have the opportunity to interact with elephants...or ride one.
Day 10: A full day tour of South African landscapes, including the Panaroma sites: God’s View, Wonder View, 3 Rondavels, River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and 2 waterfalls. 
Day 11: Head back to Johannesburg. We will be stopping at several points of interest along the way. Stay at City Lodge (or equivalent.) 
Day 12: Enjoy a tour of Johannesburg. Catch a train into Santon and enjoy world class shopping – or choose a Hop on Hop Off bus for a city-wide excursion.
Day 13: Prepare to leave for the USA. Stay at Or Tambo International Airport. You can enjoy shopping and other activities while waiting for your flight.
DAY 14: Arrive back in the USA
EXPENSES INCLUDED BY ZIMBOTSA TRAVEL:
- Breakfasts
- Hotels
- All Ground transportation
- Water /Sodas
- Entry fees for ONE excursion per day. Typically an excursion lasts 3 to 4 hours, full day is 8 hours
EXPENSES NOT INCLUDED BY ZIMBOTSA TRAVEL:
- Flights
- Dinners
- Alcohol
- Gratuities
CAPE TOWN / MARLOTH / KRUGER
Day 1: Travel to Johannesburg, South Africa
Day 2: Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa Stay one night at City Lodge, O.R. Tambo Airport
Day 3: Fly to Nelspruit, South Africa / Pick up our car Drive to Marloth Park. We will stop at liquor store and grocery store for any special items you may want. At dinner time we will meet for sundowners and amazing views. We will be staying 4 nights in a beautiful rented home.
Day 4: Time to relax and enjoy a safari around Marloth Park. We will return to the house and feed wild animals that may stop by for a snack. Enjoy the sun, swimming pool, sundowners, and dinner.
Day 5: Full day Safari in Kruger National Park. We will have a professional guide and travel in an open-air safari vehicle.
Day 6: Morning: Professionally guided walking bush safari. Evening: Traditional bush dinner.
Day 7: Leave Marloth Park and drive to Elephant Whisper Sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to walk with, or ride, elephants. We will be staying one night at Lion Rock Rapids Lodge in the Hazyview area.
Day 8: We will return the car to Nelspruit airport and fly to Cape Town, South Africa. We will be staying 5 nights at the beautiful Radisson Red on the world-famous V&A Waterfront.
Day 9: Each guest will have the opportunity to pick from many excursions. We are happy to send you a list of some of our favorites! Zimbotsa will pay for one excursion per day. Excursions typically last 3-4 hours, although some excursions last up to 8 hours. There truly is something for everyone.
Day10: Cape Town
Day 11: Cape Town
Day 12: Cape Town
Day 13: Travel from Cape Town to your home destination. It is time to say farewell. Sad day for me, I leave all of you behind at Cape Town Airport.
If you would like to extend your tour for another week, we can certainly accommodate your wishes. Perhaps you would like to fly direct from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Zimbotsa will make it happen!
EXPENSES INCLUDED BY ZIMBOTSA TRAVEL:
- Breakfasts
- Hotels
- All Ground transportation
- Water /Sodas
- Entry fees for ONE excursion per day.
- One excursion per day typically last 3 to 4 hours, full day is 8 hours
EXPENSES NOT INCLUDED BY ZIMBOTSA TRAVEL:
- Flights
- Dinners
- Alcohol
- Gratuities
MARLOTH / VIC FALLS / CHOBE
Day 1: Begin flight to Johannesburg, South Africa
Day 2: Arrive Johannesburg. The airport is “O.R.” Tambo International Airport.
Stay one night at City Lodge, O.R. Tambo (or equivalent.)
Day 3: Internal flight to Nelspruit, South Africa / Pick up our car
Drive to Marloth Park.
We will renting a private residence and staying at Marloth Park for 4 nights. We will be stopping at local grocery store and liquor store for any special provisions you might want. At dinner time we will meet for sundowners and amazing views!
Day 4:
In the afternoon we will undertake a professionally guided walking safari. While at Marloth Park you will have the opportunity to feed curious (wild) animals that may stop by the house for a snack, including wart hogs, kudu, zebra, baboons, and more. Chill out and enjoy a refreshing swim.
Day 5:
We will undertake a full day safari in the famed Kruger National Park. We will be guided by professional bush guides. We will be using an open-air safari vehicle which is best for spotting animals in the bush. Up close and personal. Our bush guide will stop at a local restaurant for our lunch.
Day 6:
Relax and enjoy all that Marloth Park has to offer Arlene will tour you around Marloth Park for a sunset safari. You may see several wild animals – and a beautiful African sunset.
Day 7: Return car to Nelspruit. Internal flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
A mandatory $55.00 USD Visa will be required to enter Zimbabwe. The Visas are available at the Victoria Falls airport. The Visa must be paid in cash. It only takes a few minutes to obtain the Visa.
We will collect our car and drive to the beautiful A'zambezi River Lodge (or equivalent) We will have dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, 3 Monkeys.
Day 8:
We will visit the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. Enjoy the Look Out Cafe for a delicious brunch while viewing the 200-year-old Baobab tree. In the evening you will have the opportunity to tour the Victoria Falls – one of the 7 Wonders of the World. This is the best time to see rainbows! Bring a plastic cover for your camara and phone, wear nonslip shoes and bring a rain poncho. You will get wet.
Day 9:
We will rise early and hop aboard the Sunrise Bamba Tram. We will stop on the bridge for coffee and photos.
In the evening you will be treated to a traditional Boma dinner and dance show.
Day 10:
You will have a “free day” to spend your time as you see fit. This is a beautiful place to shop for handmade curios and native Zimbabwean art. The Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artists Village, in downtown Vic Falls, is a wonderful place to relax and shop and meet some locals.
This evening, we will have a truly authentic Zimbabwean dinner. We will dine at Dusty Road, a restaurant situated in the bustling heart of Chinotimba, the largest and oldest township in Victoria Falls.
Day 11:
We will rise early and drive to the border post of Botswana. We will partake in a full day safari in the Chobe National Park. You will experience incredible vistas in a pristine wilderness, rich in wildlife. When we leave Chobe, we will drive back to our accommodation at Azambezi River Lodge (or equivalent.) We will dine at the hotel.
Day 12:
Unti 4:00pm you will have “free time” to engage as you see fit. There are dozens of activities to choose from. There are many ways to make the most of your time at Victoria Falls.
At 4:00pm we will take a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River. Watch the sunset over the Zambezi River from on board an open sided river cruise. Ideal for getting up close to wildlife. This cruise frequently encounters hippos, crocodiles, and birds—plus the occasional elephant, buffalo, or giraffe. From the security of the mid-river viewing platform, you can capture photos of Africa’s iconic wildlife plus catch the colorful sunset.
Day 13: Return car to Victoria Falls airport. Begin your return flight to the USA, connecting in Johannesburg, South Africa. O.R. Tambo is a great airport for shopping – and we highly recommend the Departure Lounge.
Day 14: Arrive USA
If you would like to extend your tour for another week, we can certainly accommodate your wishes. Perhaps you would like to fly direct from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe? Zimbotsa will make it happen!
EXPENSES INCLUDED BY ZIMBOTSA TRAVEL:
Breakfasts
Hotels
All Ground transportation
Water /Sodas
Entry fees for excursions ONLY
One excursion per day typically last 3 to 4 hours, full day is 8 hours
EXPENSES NOT INCLUDED BY ZIMBOTSA TRAVEL:
Flights
Dinners
Alcohol
Gratuities
