6-Night Hwange, Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari — Elephants, Falls & Zambezi River Cruises
A six-night circuit that pairs Hwange’s broad savannas and big-game drives with a guided visit to Victoria Falls and river safaris on Chobe — ideal for wildlife-focused travelers seeking high-probability sightings and river experiences.
The Experience
Before You Go
Pack neutral colors
Wear earth-tone clothing to avoid startling wildlife and to blend into the landscape during game drives.
Protect your gear from spray
On the Zambezi cruise and at the Falls carry waterproof coverings for cameras and phones; the spray is constant in some seasons.
Early starts are crucial
Game is most active at dawn and dusk — plan to be on the vehicle before sunrise for prime sightings and cooler temperatures.
Carry travel documents
Border crossings and lodge transfers require passports and sometimes visas — keep physical copies readily accessible.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Painted Dog Conservation visits or talks near Hwange — insightful for behavior and conservation context
- •A quieter Batoka Gorge viewpoint for sunset below Victoria Falls (less crowded than main viewpoints)
Wildlife
- •African elephant
- •African wild dog
Conservation Note
Hwange and Chobe face pressures from poaching, water allocation, and development; many lodges and NGOs run anti-poaching and community programs — choose operators who support local conservation efforts.
Victoria Falls was named by David Livingstone in 1855 but has long been known to local Tonga people as Mosi-oa-Tunya ('The Smoke That Thunders'), and the region’s riverine and basalt geology shaped both the falls and surrounding floodplains.
What to Bring
Lightweight binoculars (8x42)Essential
Improves distant wildlife identification on large plains and across river channels.
Waterproof camera cover or dry bagEssential
Protects electronics from spray during Zambezi cruises and at the Falls.
Sunhat and high-SPF sunscreenEssential
Essential protection during exposed mid-day hours on drives and river decks.
Closed-toe walking shoesEssential
Comfortable for lodge grounds, short bush walks, and uneven trails at viewpoints.
Common Questions
Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe or Botswana?
Visas depend on your nationality; many visitors can buy visas on arrival but check requirements before travel and carry printed passport details.
Are game drives open or enclosed?
Most game drives are in open-sided 4x4 vehicles to maximize visibility; some operators provide pop-up roofing and shaded seating.
How close will we get to elephants?
Guides maintain safe distances but sightings can feel intimate — animals approach waterholes unpredictably, so follow guide instructions at all times.
Is the Helicopter flight included?
The standard package offers optional activities (elephant encounter, lion encounter, helicopter flight) — confirm which are included when booking as some are choices or upgrades.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6–7 days
Location
Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; comfortable sitting for multi-hour drives and short guided walks. No technical conditioning required.
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