Overview
Join us for a superb safari across the remote gamelands linking northern Botswana’s renowned Chobe District and the famed elephant stronghold of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Some 200,000 elephants roam this wild trans-frontier corridor, and we’ve timed our safari for the height of this epic migration. Our phenomenally knowledgeable safari guides will take us into rich gamelands unknown to most travelers. We’ll encounter massive herds of elephants and plenty of other wildlife including lion, rare sable antelope, African painted dog, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, and more. Our guides are the pioneers of Zimbabwe’s innovative community-based conservation program, which engages local communities in protecting the wildlife on their own lands by ensuring that they benefit economically from safaris. Our activities on this great journey are as unique as our lodgings, as we explore on foot, by 4WD vehicle, by canoe, from an underground “look up” hide, and even by mountain bike. From our first safari camp, Camp Kuzuma in Botswana’s northern Chobe region, we don’t even need to go out looking for wildlife—it will come to us at the camp’s fantastic waterhole, a magnet for elephant, buffalo, antelope, sable, giraffe, lion, and elusive leopard. At Nehimba Lodge, a mecca for thirsty pachyderms in the exceptionally diverse landscape of Hwange National Park, we might see as many as 500 elephants a day right at our lodge’s waterhole. At Jozibanini (“Jozi” for short), we’ll savor Zimbabwe’s most remote safari camp. Here we can even sleep under the stars, nestled on the viewing decks of our raised tents. We finish this amazing safari in style with a spectacular charter flight to Victoria Falls, where we have a 5-star stay at Zambezi Sands River Camp. We invite you on one of the most intimate, engaging, and unforgettable experiences possible in wild Africa. Come with us!
Each of the camps and lodges was spectacular in its own way. From the elegance and spectacular cooking of Kazuma and Zambezi Sands to the rustic, but tremendously exciting Jozibanini, we liked each place tremendously. We also enjoyed the opportunity to discuss animal conservation and community with our guides, who went above and beyond at every opportunity. A tremendous experience.
— Jeannee S., Milwaukee, WI
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Kasane, Botswana / Camp Kuzuma / Chobe District
Heading right to our lodge in Kazuma Forest Reserve, with its mosaic of habitats, we are in the world’s busiest elephant corridor, but we’ll also be on the lookout for leopard, lion, spotted hyena, jackal, giraffe, Cape buffalo, roan antelope, and sable. Night drives with spotlights give us a chance to see nocturnal wildlife.
Days 3-5
Nehimba Lodge, Zimbabwe / Northern Hwange National Park
All of Hwange’s famous wildlife is within easy reach from Nehimba, set in the northern reaches of the park. We explore by 4WD vehicle, on thrilling game walks that are a Zimbabwe specialty, and visit the Nehimba Seeps, a favorite gathering area for elephants.
Days 6-8
Jozibanini Camp / Southern Hwange National Park
At Jozibanini, game walks let us track the special species of southern Hwange, including the African painted dog. At our camp’s unique viewing blind, set below ground level, we’ll see elephants up close and at a unique angle—be sure to keep your camera handy. We can also explore by mountain bike (optional, but lots of fun!).
Days 9-11
Zambezi Sands River Camp / Zambezi National Park
Flying to Victoria Falls, we stay at Zambezi Sands River Camp, set on the Zambezi River, for a canoe safari and a fantastic morning hike to view the Falls. Options include a heli-flight (at additional cost). Depart on Day 11.