Duration
12-Day
Hwange National Park, Botswana
This 12-day safari takes you deep into the wild landscapes of Zimbabwe and Botswana. Experience the elephants of Hwange National Park and the wonder of Victoria Falls before crossing into Botswana to explore Chobe National Park, Elephant Sands, the shimmering Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Moremi Game Reserve, and the world-famous Okavango Delta. With seven national parks and reserves in one journey, it's the safari of a lifetime.
Plan snapshot
Duration
12-Day
Route
Victoria Falls Town to Maun (Maun)
Via Hwange NP, Victoria Falls, Chobe NP
Country & park
Botswana / Hwange National Park
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
3 years
Activities
game drives, canoe/mokoro safaris & boat trip
Accommodation
Hwange Safari Lodge - Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP (Zimbabwe) without fences
Meals
Day 1: Meals at Own Expense; Day 2: Breakfast & Lunch Included; Day 3: Breakfast Included; Day 4: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 9 people per vehicle.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Single travelers cannot join this group tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 3 years.
Day 1-2
Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP (Zimbabwe) without fences
Day 1: Meals at Own Expense; Day 2: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 3-4
Mid-range lodge at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Day 3: Breakfast Included; Day 4: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 5-6
Mid-range lodge just outside Chobe NP (Botswana)
Day 5: Breakfast Included; Day 6: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 7
Mid-range tented camp at Elephant Sands (Botswana) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8
Mid-range bungalow just outside Makgadikgadi Pans NP (Botswana) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9
Mid-range hotel in Maun (City, Botswana) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 10
Mid-range hotel 1-2hr drive from Okavango Delta (Botswana) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 11
Mid-range hotel 1-2hr drive from Moremi GR (Okavango Delta, Botswana) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 12
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Once you arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), our driver will meet you for a transfer to Hwange National Park, where you will check in at Hwange Safari Lodge. To ensure a seamless transfer, please share your flight details with us in advance, as the pick-up time will be arranged according to your arrival. This first day is reserved for relaxation after your journey, allowing you to rest and prepare for the exciting safari adventures that await the following day. Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP (Zimbabwe) without fences Meals at own expense Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
The day begins with a hearty breakfast, followed by an exciting morning game drive in Hwange National Park. Your guide will choose the best routes through the park or concession depending on current wildlife activity. This will be a full-day safari experience, giving you ample time to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and encounter its incredible wildlife. A picnic lunch will be served at a scenic spot inside the park, allowing you to relax and enjoy the surroundings before continuing your adventure. The game drive concludes around 4:30 p.m., leaving you with lasting memories of Hwange’s remarkable wildlife. Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP (Zimbabwe) without fences Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
This marks your final day in Hwange National Park. After an early morning game drive, you will be transferred by road to Victoria Falls. Later in the afternoon, at 16:00, your driver-guide will pick you up for a memorable dinner cruise along the mighty Zambezi River. Experience the magic of one of Africa’s most iconic destinations as you drift along the river at sunset. Enjoy Zambezi-style cuisine prepared by an executive chef, paired with world-class service. As you cruise, take in the breathtaking scenery, savor the flavors of Africa, and appreciate the up-close views of Victoria Falls from this unforgettable vantage point. Mid-range lodge located at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 4
Your day begins with an 8:30 a.m. pick-up from the hotel reception for a guided tour of Victoria Falls. Accompanied by your driver-guide, you’ll walk through sections of the Victoria Falls rainforest and enjoy breathtaking views from the cliffs opposite the massive cascade. In the late afternoon at 4:00 p.m., you’ll be transferred to the Nakavango Private Game Reserve, located about 7 miles (11 km) from town. Here, you’ll set out on a sunset game drive in a comfortable open 4x4 vehicle, traversing landscapes that shift from basalt plains to Kalahari sands and teak forests. As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll pause at a scenic vantage point to enjoy drinks and snacks while sharing stories of the day’s adventures. After dusk, the spotlight reveals the mysteries of the African bush at night. The evening concludes with a 3-course BBQ dinner, complemented by wine, cold beer, and light refreshments. Mid-range lodge located at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 5
At 10:00 a.m., you will be picked up from your hotel in Victoria Falls and transferred to Kasane, Chobe National Park. After border formalities with the assistance of your Botswana guide, you will continue to Chobe Safari Lodge for check-in and relaxation before your three-hour afternoon game drive. Perched on the banks of the Chobe River, Chobe Safari Lodge is northern Botswana’s top heritage stay, established in 1959. Its sister property, Chobe Bush Lodge, lies nearby with a modern design and shared facilities. Both lodges offer a warm atmosphere surrounded by roaming impalas, bushbucks, and playful warthogs. Mid-range lodge located just outside Chobe NP (Botswana) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
You will start your day with an early morning game drive in Chobe National Park, the best time to spot big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Tea and coffee will be served before or during the drive. Afterward, between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m., you will return for a full breakfast. In the late afternoon, you will embark on a sunset cruise along the Chobe River at 3:00 p.m. This unforgettable experience offers close-up encounters with wildlife from the water and breathtaking views of the park as the sun sets. Mid-range lodge located just outside Chobe NP (Botswana) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
You will start the day with a morning game drive at 5:30 a.m. The early departure enhances the chances of spotting cats while they are still hunting. The drive lasts about 3 hours, offering excellent opportunities to see elephants, antelopes, buffalos, impalas, and many other species. Tea will be served during the activity, and afterward, you will return to the lodge for breakfast. Later, we will drive approximately 260 km from Kasane to Elephant Sands Lodge, a unique destination set in a park that is home to large numbers of elephants. After check-in, you will have time to settle in before heading out for an afternoon game drive, either in the private concession or the park itself, depending on the guide’s recommendation. Mid-range tented camp located at Elephant Sands (Botswana) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
You will enjoy a smooth transfer from Elephant Sands to the enchanting Planet Baobab, located approximately 1 hour 30 minutes’ drive away. Upon arrival, you may choose to immerse yourself in nature with an optional guided bush walk (available at an additional cost). This activity offers the chance to discover the hidden wonders of the wilderness while creating unforgettable memories. Mid-range bungalow located just outside Makgadikgadi Pans NP (Botswana) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
You will drive across the grasslands, past towering baobabs, to the edge of the Ntwetwe Saltpan. With your guide, you’ll search for desert specialists such as bat-eared foxes, ground squirrels, and other unique species while learning about their survival in this harsh environment. A special highlight is spending time with a habituated meerkat colony, observing their social behavior and viewing the desert from their perspective. In the green season, you may also witness Africa’s second-largest migration of zebras and wildebeests. After your exploration, you’ll return to Planet Baobab before your 1:00 p.m. transfer to Maun. Mid-range hotel in Maun (City, Botswana) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Today, you will embark on a full-day mokoro adventure. This unique activity offers an up-close opportunity to learn about both the culture and the wildlife that thrive along the delta waters. Your journey will be on a traditional dug-out canoe, guided by skilled polers from the local community. By joining this experience, you directly support the surrounding villages, as they provide this service and share their deep knowledge of the area. The transfer pick-up time is at 7:00 a.m., with your expected return around 5:00 p.m. Mid-range hotel located 1-2hr drive from Okavango Delta (Botswana) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 11
You will embark on a full-day game drive in Moremi Game Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. This experience offers you the chance to encounter an incredible variety of animals, including big cats such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as elephants, zebras, kudus, antelopes, and many more species. A delicious packed lunch will be enjoyed during the safari, allowing you to make the most of your time in the bush without leaving the park. The adventure continues until 4:00 p.m., when your game drive concludes and you will be transferred back to your hotel to relax after a rewarding day of exploration. Mid-range hotel1-2hr drive from Moremi GR (Okavango Delta, Botswana) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 12
After breakfast at 8:30 a.m., you will check out from the hotel at 10:00 a.m. A transfer will be arranged to ensure you arrive at the airport in good time for your onward flight to Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Kasane. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
Cuckoo Safaris, headquartered in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, operates tours across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. The company provides safari experiences encompassing adventure, culture, and heritage, meticulously customizing itineraries and packages to align with guests' preferences. The objective is to offer a holistic African safari experience, balancing wilderness and luxury, tailored to individual needs.
Office In
Zimbabwe
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2019)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5I did Victoria falls tour and I was allocated Thuba as our tour guide. He was amazing, explained everything to us, he was very patient with us. The service was definitely a value for money. I enjoyed the tour! Thuba is a great tour guide! The tour operator is very reliable.
Lizzie Monyombo · South Africa
Everything was fantastic. Delphister and Shelov are excellent!
Tzo · Greece
Had the most incredible time exploring Victoria Falls with Tuba! 🌊✨ He was such a positive, happy, friendly, and knowledgeable wonderful guide — full of fun facts and stories that will make you laugh, that really brought the place to life. You can tell he loves what he does, and his energy made the whole experience unforgettable. The views were absolutely stunning, and Tuba made sure we got the best photo spots while also sharing so much about the history, culture, and nature around the Falls. Everything felt super relaxed, well-organized, and full of good vibes. If you’re visiting Victoria Falls, I can’t recommend Tuba enough. You’ll learn, laugh, and have an experience you’ll never forget! 🌈
Kerrie · United Kingdom
Our walking tour of Victoria Falls with Cuckoo Tours was absolutely incredible! Our guide Thuba made the experience unforgettable. Thuba took the time to explain the history, geology, and local legends behind this natural wonder. It was a wonderful experience!
Jessica · United States
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older. Children under 12 receive a discount and children under 5 are free.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Hwange Safari Lodge - Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP (Zimbabwe) without fences. Meals: Day 1: Meals at Own Expense; Day 2: Breakfast & Lunch Included
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Cuckoo Safaris, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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