Duration
15-Day
Matobo National Park, Botswana
15-Day Journey into the Heart of Zimbabwe and Botswana
Overview
Discover the rooted heartlands of Africa as you journey from Zimbabwe's cultural treasures--Harare, Great Zimbabwe, Matobo, and Victoria Falls--to Botswana's wild wonders of Chobe, Elephant Sands, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and the Okavango Delta. A seamless blend of heritage, wilderness, and unforgettable adventure.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Harare to Maun (Maun)
Via Great Zimbabwe (Ruins), Matobo NP, Hwange NP
Country & park
Botswana / Matobo 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
Bronte Garden Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Harare (City, Zimbabwe) – Meals at Own Expense
Meals
Meals at Own Expense; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
n/a* USD
$4,950 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
n/a* USD
$5,060 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
This tour is not available to single travelers.
This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
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.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Zimbabwe
Start
Harare (Day 1)
Day 2
Great Zimbabwe (Ruins)
Day 3-4
Matobo NP
Day 5-6
Hwange NP
Day 7-8
Victoria Falls
country
Botswana
Day 9
Chobe NP
Day 10
Elephant Sands
Day 11
Makgadikgadi Pans NP
Day 12
Maun (City)
Day 13
Okavango Delta
Day 14
Moremi GR (Okavango Delta)
End
Maun (Maun) (Day 15)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 9 people per vehicle.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Not for single travelers
Single travelers cannot join this group tour and it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
3
Minimum age of 3 years
The minimum age for this tour is 3 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, canoe/mokoro safaris & boat trip
Game drives: open-sided 4x4 vehicle & minivan
Getting around: open-sided 4x4 vehicle, minivan, bus & boat
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Bronte Garden Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Harare (City, Zimbabwe) – Meals at Own Expense
Meals at Own Expense
Day 2
Lodge at the Ancient City
Mid-range lodge near Great Zimbabwe (Ruins, Zimbabwe) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3-4
Matobo Hills Lodge
Mid-range lodge just outside Matobo NP (Zimbabwe)
Day 3: Breakfast Included; Day 4: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 5-6
Hwange Safari Lodge
Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP (Zimbabwe) without fences
Day 5: Breakfast Included; Day 6: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 7-8
Shongwe Lookout Guest Lodge
Mid-range lodge at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9
Chobe Bush Lodge
Mid-range lodge just outside Chobe NP (Botswana) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 10
Elephant Sands Lodge Mid-range tented camp at Elephant Sands (Botswana) – Breakfast Included +3 Photos
Mid-range tented camp at Elephant Sands (Botswana) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 11
Planet Baobab
Mid-range bungalow just outside Makgadikgadi Pans NP (Botswana) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 12
Sedia Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Maun (City, Botswana) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 13
Sedia Hotel
Mid-range hotel 1-2hr drive from Okavango Delta (Botswana) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 14
Cresta Maun
Mid-range hotel 1-2hr drive from Moremi GR (Okavango Delta, Botswana) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 15
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Airport Pickup and Introductory Sightseeing Tour
Upon arrival at Robert Mugabe International Airport, your guide will transfer you to Bronte Garden Lodge for a 1-night stay. Depending on your arrival time, you will be treated to a complimentary introductory sightseeing tour to give you an appreciation of the local lifestyle. Mid-range hotel in Harare (City, Zimbabwe) Meals at own expense Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Harare (City, Zimbabwe) Stay: Bronte Garden Hotel Mid-range hotel in Harare (City, Zimbabwe) Meals: Meals at own expense Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Hotel Pickup to Great Zimbabwe and Tour of the Great Zimbabwe Monuments
You will depart for the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa—the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, this impressive stone city covers nearly 1,800 acres. Its remarkable architecture includes winding staircases, interlocking walls, massive granite boulders, and structures built entirely without mortar. Within the site, you will also find a small museum displaying traditional houses, artifacts, building techniques, and the history of this ancient kingdom. The modern nation of Zimbabwe takes its name from this monumental site. Later in the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided tour of the ruins, bringing to life the history, culture, and legends of this once-thriving city. Mid-range lodgenear Great Zimbabwe (Ruins, Zimbabwe) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Great Zimbabwe (Ruins, Zimbabwe) Stay: Lodge at the Ancient City Mid-range lodgenear Great Zimbabwe (Ruins, Zimbabwe) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Hotel Pickup to Matobo National Park
In the morning, you will be transferred to Matobo National Park for a two-night stay at Matobo Hills Lodge. The lodge is located within a private wildlife reserve that borders the national park (approximately 323 km away). Set atop a granite outcrop, the accommodation offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding hills, making it an exceptional base from which to experience the area’s natural beauty. For the afternoon, you may select from a range of optional activities. Please note that these experiences are at an additional cost. Mid-range lodge located just outside Matobo NP (Zimbabwe) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Matobo National Park (Zimbabwe) Stay: Matobo Hills Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Matobo NP (Zimbabwe) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Game Viewing in Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park, spanning 423 km², is renowned for its striking granite landscapes and cultural treasures. The park is home to around 3,000 San (Bushman) rock paintings, some dating back over 15,000 years. Your morning begins with a hike to view these fascinating artworks, offering a rare glimpse into the spiritual world and traditions of the region’s earliest inhabitants. In the afternoon, your adventure continues with a game drive combined with a guided walking safari. Here, you will search for the park’s resident black and white rhinos, accompanied by a knowledgeable professional guide who will share insights into the diverse wildlife and unique scenery that make Matobo a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mid-range lodge located just outside Matobo NP (Zimbabwe) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Matobo National Park (Zimbabwe) Stay: Matobo Hills Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Matobo NP (Zimbabwe) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Hotel Pickup to Hwange National Park
You will be picked up from Matobo Hills Lodge and transferred to Hwange National Park. On arrival, our guides will assist you with check-in at Hwange Safari Lodge. Hwange is famous for its great tuskers—majestic old bulls with impressive tusks—and it is also the gathering place of the renowned Presidential Herd. These elephants roam the dense feeding grounds of the Sikumi Vlei, often finding refuge from the midday heat at the Hwange Safari Lodge waterhole. Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP (Zimbabwe) without fences Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) Stay: Hwange Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP (Zimbabwe) without fences Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Game Viewing Safari in Hwange National Park
You will embark on a full-day game drive to explore the superb wildlife of Hwange National Park. Setting out in the early morning and again in the late afternoon maximizes your chances of spotting animals, as these cooler hours are when wildlife is most active. A packed lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic picnic site in the bush. Hwange is ranked among Africa’s premier national parks, renowned for its size, diversity, and sheer abundance of game. It is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—along with some of the largest elephant herds on the continent. With your expert guide, you’ll traverse acacia-fringed vleis and shady teak forests in search of predators, plains game, and hidden gems of the bush. Game drives in Hwange almost always reward visitors with unexpected sightings, making each safari a unique and memorable adventure. Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP (Zimbabwe) without fences Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) Stay: Hwange Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP (Zimbabwe) without fences Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Morning Game Drive, Hotel Pickup to Victoria Falls and Sunset Cruise
Soon after the morning game drive, you will say goodbye to Hwange National Park and transfer by air-conditioned van to Victoria Falls for your 2-night stay at Ilala Lodge Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. In the late afternoon, your driver-guide will collect you at 3:00 p.m. for a sunset dinner cruise along the mighty Zambezi River. As you drift along the waters, you will experience the beauty and excitement of one of Africa’s most stunning destinations. The cruise offers an up-close perspective of the iconic Victoria Falls, paired with Zambezi-style cuisine and warm hospitality. Dinner will be enjoyed onboard as the sun sets over the river. Mid-range lodge located at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Stay: Shongwe Lookout Guest Lodge Mid-range lodge located at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Guided Tour of the Victoria Falls from Zambia and Zimbabwe
You will enjoy the full experience of Victoria Falls from both sides of the border on this deluxe tour. A guided tour will take you to discover the Zimbabwean side and the Zambian side in a single day, giving you the ultimate perspective of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Starting at 8:30 a.m., you will be picked up from your hotel for the guided tour of the falls. The experience begins from either the Zimbabwean side or the Zambian side, depending on where you are staying. Accompanied by professional guides, you will get as close as possible to the thundering cascade, feeling the powerful rush of water while taking in panoramic views from multiple vantage points. This unforgettable excursion allows you to see both sides of the falls—Zimbabwe and Zambia—in one seamless tour, ensuring you don’t miss a single angle of this iconic landmark. Mid-range lodge located at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Stay: Shongwe Lookout Guest Lodge Mid-range lodge located at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Transfer from Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park Game Drive and Safari Boat Cruise
At 7:30 a.m., you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Chobe National Park, Botswana. After crossing the Kazungula border, your guide will take you on a morning boat cruise along the Chobe River, with tea, coffee, and biscuits served on board. After a riverside lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and abundant wildlife. Later, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Note: Activity order may vary depending on wildlife sightings. Mid-range lodge located just outside Chobe NP (Botswana) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Chobe National Park (Botswana) Stay: Chobe Bush Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Chobe NP (Botswana) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Morning Chobe Game Drive and Transfer to Elephant Sands Private Game Reserve
You will begin the day with a morning game drive at 5:30 a.m. The early departure increases your chances of spotting cats while they are still hunting. This 3-hour safari offers excellent opportunities to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, antelopes, buffalos, impalas, and more. Tea will be served during the drive, and after the activity you will return to the lodge for breakfast. From there, you will drive approximately 260 km from Kasane to Elephant Sands Lodge. The lodge is located in an area well-known for its elephants, which often gather around the lodge’s waterhole. After check-in, you will enjoy a late afternoon game drive either in the private concession or the park, depending on your guide’s recommendation. Mid-range tented camp located at Elephant Sands (Botswana) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Elephant Sands (Botswana) Stay: Elephant Sands Lodge Mid-range tented camp located at Elephant Sands (Botswana) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Transfers To Planet Baobab and Optional activity
You will enjoy a seamless transfer from Elephant Sands to the enchanting Planet Baobab, located just a short 1 hour 30-minute drive away. Upon arrival, you can immerse yourself in the natural surroundings with an optional bush walk (available at an additional cost), allowing you to discover the beauty of the wilderness and create unforgettable memories. Mid-range bungalow located just outside Makgadikgadi Pans NP (Botswana) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park (Botswana) Stay: Planet Baobab Mid-range bungalow located just outside Makgadikgadi Pans NP (Botswana) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 12
Transfer to Maun, Meerkats tour and explore Ntwetwe salt pans and Okavango Aerial flight
Get up close and personal with a resident gang of habituated meerkats and observe how these social, highly-adapted animals interact with each other and their environment. You’ll even have the chance to see the desert through a meerkat’s eyes—a perspective that, while only a foot off the ground, offers a surprisingly spectacular vantage point. This is truly one of the most special and memorable wildlife experiences you can enjoy in Botswana. After your meerkat encounter, explore the vast nothingness of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where endless expanses of sparkling salt stretch as far as the eye can see. During the green season, you might be lucky enough to witness zebras and wildebeests traversing Africa’s second-largest migration. Later, you will be transferred to Cresta Maun Lodge, or alternatively Sedia Hotel, where you can embark on a 45-minute helicopter scenic flight over the Okavango Delta, experiencing its breathtaking waterways and wildlife from above. Mid-range hotel in Maun (City, Botswana) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Maun (City, Botswana) Stay: Sedia Hotel Mid-range hotel in Maun (City, Botswana) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 13
Mukoro Dug-Out Canoeing Experience at the Okavango Delta
Experience the magic of the Okavango Delta on an unforgettable Mokoro dugout canoe journey! Glide silently through tranquil waters, taking in the extraordinary aquatic life and stunning natural scenery that make this delta a true wonder. Afterward, venture into the heart of the African wilderness on an invigorating 5 km bush walk, where every step brings you closer to the sights and sounds of nature in its purest form. Mid-range hotel located 1-2hr drive from Okavango Delta (Botswana) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Okavango Delta (Botswana) Stay: Sedia Hotel Mid-range hotel located 1-2hr drive from Okavango Delta (Botswana) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 14
Moremi Game Reserve Game Drive Safari
Embark on a thrilling full-day game drive in the renowned Moremi National Park, one of Botswana’s most diverse wildlife sanctuaries. This adventure offers excellent opportunities to spot the Big Cats—lions, cheetahs, and leopards—alongside a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, zebras, kudus, and numerous antelope species. A packed lunch will be served during the game drive, allowing you to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings before continuing your wildlife adventure. The day concludes at 4:00 pm, when you will be transferred back to your hotel. Mid-range hotel1-2hr drive from Moremi GR (Okavango Delta, Botswana) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta, Botswana) Stay: Cresta Maun Mid-range hotel1-2hr drive from Moremi GR (Okavango Delta, Botswana) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 15
Maun International Airport
After breakfast at 8:30 am, guests will prepare to check out from the hotel by 10:00 am. A transfer to the airport will be arranged, ensuring timely arrival for flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Kasane. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Maun Airport (Maun, Botswana) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
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)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
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)
Getting There
This tour starts in Harare, Zimbabwe and ends in Maun, Botswana
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to Harare Airport (HRE - Check price)
Fly back from Maun Airport (MUB - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Cuckoo Safaris
5.0 operator rating
245 reviews
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
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5A great tour operator, very reliable.
I 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
Amazing
Everything was fantastic. Delphister and Shelov are excellent!
Tzo · Greece
Tuba is a fantastic guide, he deserves a pay rise :-)
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
Thuba was a wonderful tour guide!
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
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older. Children under 12 receive a discount and children under 5 are free.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Bronte Garden Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Harare (City, Zimbabwe) – Meals at Own Expense. Meals: Meals at Own Expense
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
How does the quote request work?
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
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
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.
This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
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.
Keep comparing
Similar Tours
Matobo National Park
Zimbabwe · 9-Day
Safaris & Nature
5.0
9-Day Highlights of Zimbabwe Safari Tour
Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe · 9-Day · Africa Zim Travel & Tours
Duration9-Day
From$3,445 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$3,445 pp (USD)
Matobo National Park
Zimbabwe · 11-Day
Safaris & Nature
5.0
11-Day Harare to Victoria Falls Safari Tour in Zimbabwe
Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe · 11-Day · Africa Zim Travel & Tours
Duration11-Day
From$4,279 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$4,279 pp (USD)
Chobe National Park
Botswana · 5-Day
Safaris & Nature
5.0
5-Day Victoria Falls & Chobe NP Safari Package
Chobe National Park, Botswana · 5-Day · Cuckoo Safaris
Duration5-Day
From$1,320 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$1,320 pp (USD)