15 Day Botswana and Zimbabwe "Ivory Route"

    15 Day Botswana and Zimbabwe "Ivory Route"
    All Tours & Safaris

    15 Day Botswana and Zimbabwe "Ivory Route"

    15 days· 14 nights· Based on 2 travellers
    Countries
    Destinations
    Duration15 days · 14 nights
    Based on2 travellers
    From≈ US$6,218per person
    Jump to:

    This classic journey covers Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe & the core of the international Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area. This initiative is a multi-country effort to create a vast network of interlinking reserves and provide corridors for wildlife movement along natural migration routes, particularly for elephants. The lodges are beautiful, comfortable & make for a great adventure safari. 

    Day by Day

    The majestic sight of the mighty Zambezi River plunging over the Victoria Falls, welcomes you to your Zimbabwe and Botswana adventure. We check into our lodge before we explore the falls and tropical rain forest surrounds on foot in the afternoon before heading out to a local restaurant for dinner (own expense).  
    Zimbabwe

    Welcome to

    Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe - a treasure trove of breathtaking wilderness, vibrant wildlife, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. From the iconic Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into dramatic gorges, to the serene waters of Lake Kariba and the untamed beauty of Hwange and Mana Pools, Zimbabwe is a safari destination like no other. Explore the vast savannahs of Hwange National Park, home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, or paddle along the tranquil channels of the Lower Zambezi, where hippos and crocodiles linger at every turn.

    About

    Victoria Falls

    "Mosi Oa Tunya", or "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind. As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall. The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.

    Victoria Falls

    Your stay

    Phezulu Guest Lodge

    1 night· Victoria Falls

    Phezulu Guest Lodge is a tranquil 21-room oasis located in a quiet suburb of Victoria Falls, just 3.5km from the majestic Victoria Falls. Guests can enjoy comfortable, home-style accommodation with modern amenities and a serene atmosphere, often hearing the distant rumble of the Falls on a quiet night. As a sister lodge to the popular Bayete Guest Lodge, Phezulu offers similar high standards of service and friendly staff, ensuring a memorable and relaxing stay. The lodge prides itself on its commitment to green tourism and community support, actively engaging in local projects and encouraging guest participation in their donation initiatives. Guests can unwind by the pool, savor delicious meals at the on-site restaurant, and benefit from complimentary Wi-fi throughout the property. The lodge also assists with booking various Victoria Falls activities and transfers, making it an ideal base from which to explore the wonders of the region.

    Hwange National Park is a wildlife jewel, famous for its big game and large herds of elephant. Hwange is home to a wide variety of habitats, from its western regions on the edge of the Kalahari through large grass plains to the forested woodland in east Hwange. Our comfortable lodge for two nights is situated on the private concession on the eastern boundary of the park, our time is spent on a full day game drive, in open 4WD vehicles, in the park in search of big game. 

    About

    Hwange National Park

    Situated only 3 hours' drive south of Victoria Falls, and bordering Botswana to the west, Hwange National Park has become famous for its wildlife density and enormous elephant population. Due to the arid region, the park is an incredible dry season safari destination, with animals converging on the many man-made water holes, and game viewing being especially rewarding. With over 100 species of mammals, and 400 species of birds, Hwange National Park is sure to provide you with some excellent photo's and is a great inclusion on a Zimbabwe safari itinerary.

    Hwange National Park
    Gwango Heritage Resort — image coming soon

    Your stay

    Gwango Heritage Resort

    2 nights· Hwange National Park
    The rounded granite boulders and undulating valleys of the Matobos National Park are home to some of the last of the rhino in Zimbabwe. We spend our day on an excursion into the park that includes a game walk to see the rhino, discovering the ancient Bushmen paintings that adorn the rocks, and admiring the landscapes from Worlds View, the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. 

    About

    Matobo National Park

    About 30 kilometres south of Bulawayo, Matobo National Park is visited for its other-worldly rocky landscapes, historical and cultural significance, wildlife sightings, bushman paintings and walking excursions. Combining well with Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls in the north, and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins to the east, Matobo National Park offers something a bit different from the usual safari and wildlife areas. Historically, Matobo plays a big part in Zimbabwe, with the name Matobo meaning 'bald heads' being chosen for the area by the great Ndebele King, Mzilikazi.

    Matobo National Park

    Your stay

    Big Cave Camp

    2 nights· Matobo National Park

    Welcome to Big Cave Camp, "the safari lodge on the rocks." This intimate retreat reposes atop an enormous granite whaleback, offering inspirational views across the famous Matobo National Park. Sophisticated African architecture seamlessly incorporates colossal boulders into a luxuriously appointed thatched lodge, positioned amidst ancient Khoisan rock art. It is an ideal haven for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. Retire at day's end to the natural rock-pool and sundeck, the Leopard's Lair lounge and bar, a cave-style boma for pre-dinner drinks, or the popular lodge library. The eight thatched A-frame cottages, each with an en-suite bathroom and private balcony, resonate with African creative flair. Find solitude within this intimate retreat, as secluded as the original Kalanga grain bins that nestle amongst the rocks. Escape to a hidden gem bordering Matobo National Park, where tranquility meets the untamed beauty of Matobo Hills Wilderness. Experience exquisite 360-degree views of Matopos National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and start your day with incredible sunrises atop Big Cave Ridge. Explore ancient rock art cave paintings and embark on rhino trekking on foot amidst balancing rock formations, where wildlife, landscapes, and cultures merge. Big Cave Camp is a place where tranquility blends with adventure, offering a truly unforgettable safari experience.

    This morning we leave Matobos and head west towards the Botswana border, we cross at Plumtree and we make our way to the Nata area for our overnight stop. In the late afternoon we will head out onto the Makgadikgadi Pans, vast saltpans that seem to stretch on to infinity. We will explore the area and have some fun taking photographs before the sunsets golden over the horizon.  
    Botswana

    Welcome to

    Botswana

    Well known as one of the great safari destinations in Africa, Botswana offers some of the most beautiful, luxurious, and active safari experiences in Africa. The unique geography of the country has created some of the world's most special wilderness areas, and exploring the Chobe River, Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans rewards you with memories for a lifetime. Easily accessible from Johannesburg, and simply combined with Victoria Falls, Botswana needs to be on your safari list if you are planning a visit to Southern Africa.

    About

    Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park

    The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in the centre of Botswana are the remnants of the largest lake in Africa, which dried up thousands of years ago. The shimmering white, deadly landscape adds to Botswana's adventurous reputation, with only the bravest of early explorers having the courage to try and cross the seemingly endless wasteland. We are fortunate nowadays to explore these pans from the comfort of a 4x4, and the luxury of lodges with swimming pools and shaded tents. However, even with these amenities, the Makgadikgadi Pans evoke a sense of adventure in travellers.

    Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park

    Your stay

    Nata Lodge

    1 night· Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park

    Nata Lodge is a beloved oasis nestled beside Botswana's mesmerising Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, offering a convenient and refreshing break for travelers on the way to anywhere in Botswana. For over 30 years, it has been a favorite for campers, glampers, and self-drive adventurers seeking great food, ice-cold beer, and a variety of affordable and well-maintained accommodations. The lodge provides easy access to the best salt pan sunsets and a true escape into nature, surrounded by palm trees and rich with birdlife. It’s an ideal place to recharge and relax amidst the unique beauty of the Kalahari.Guests can choose from a range of accommodation options, from luxury air-conditioned wooden chalets with private outdoor showers and family-friendly suites, to safari-style glamping tents with ensuite ablutions and a legendary campsite with shaded pitches and private braai areas. The lodge prides itself on simple, homely, and generous meals, including fantastic burgers, breakfasts, and renowned oxtail, all served in a welcoming atmosphere.With a newly installed fibre line, guests can stay connected to Wi-Fi while enjoying the swimming pool, outdoor restaurant, conference venue, or the family-friendly sports bar. Nata Lodge is strategically located within a few hours' drive of Maun, Nxai Pan, Francistown, and Chobe, making it an accessible and essential stop on any Botswanan adventure. The consistently friendly and attentive staff ensure a memorable stay, complemented by delicious food and opportunities for excursions to the Nata Bird Sanctuary or sunset game drives.

    Day 7· Maun, BotswanaBB
    Maun’s name is derived from a San word meaning “place of the short reeds” is nestled at the southern end of the Okavango Delta where our lodge overlooks the beautiful Thamalakane River. Here we prepare for our trip into Moremi Game Reserve and our afternoon is free to bird watch along the river, relax around the pool or take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (own expense). 

    About

    Maun

    Botswana's tourism capital lies on the southern fringes of the Okavango Delta, and still, despite recent modernisations, carries the feeling of a dusty, frontier town. For many tourists, Maun is the point of entry into the Delta, and often into Botswana, with direct flights from both Johannesburg and Gaborone.

    Maun

    Your stay

    Sedia Riverside Hotel

    2 nights· Maun

    The Sedia Hotel in Maun, Botswana, offers a welcoming and affordable retreat nestled in lush gardens along the Thamalakane River. It's an ideal base for safari adventures, providing comfortable accommodation, delicious food, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy a serene atmosphere, a delightful terrace restaurant, and a popular pool area loved by both locals and visitors. Conveniently located just ten minutes from Maun International Airport, the hotel combines tranquility with easy access to local dining and safari excursions. With a friendly and relaxed vibe, the Sedia Hotel promises a warm and charming experience for all.

    Day 8 & 9· Okavango Delta, BotswanaFB
    Startling and unexpected contrasts are created as the waters of the Okavango flood into the drier Kalahari creating the magnificently rich wilderness area with amazing wildlife of the Moremi Game Reserve. Rivers, lagoons, savannah, woodland, Moremi offers some excellent game viewing. With over 400 species of birds, Moremi is also a great place to sight leopard, lion, wild dog, elephant, giraffe and a variety of antelope. We spend our time on game drives in Moremi GR and the surrounding concession along the Mababe River where the lagoons attract the thirsty animals to drink in the late afternoon.  Our tented bush camp is on a private concession east of Moremi, where we enjoy our meals while watching the animals drinking and enjoy the wilderness far from civilization. 

    About

    Okavango Delta

    The very word "Okavango" evokes a sense of adventure and exploration, and this is exactly what the Okavango Delta is about. Often called the Okavango Swamps, this intricate maze of waterways and sandy islands is an explorer's dream, and the destination should be on the wishlist of anyone looking for a unique travel experience. The geology of the Delta is fascinating, with its creation being attributed to tectonic plate action from thousands of years ago causing the Kavango River to flow from Angola into the Kalahari Desert as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean.

    Okavango Delta

    Your stay

    Private Sunway Safaris Tented Bush Camp

    2 nights· Okavango Delta

    Sunways Private Tented Bush Camp is an exclusive camp in a private concession area, bordering Moremi Game Reserve. Twin-share permanent tented camp with en-suite facilities. The camp has a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. Wifi available in main area only.

    Day 10· Maun, BotswanaBB
    Today we have a game drive on the concession before heading back to our hotel in Maun. 
    Day 11 & 12· Okavango Delta, BotswanaFB
    We drive around the Okavango Delta, and north to our lodge on the banks of the Okavango Pan handle. From the lodge we’ll explore the Okavango by mokoro and motor boat. Tranquil reed lined rivers, crystal clear water and abundant bird life. Time to rest, relax and enjoy the views of the Okavango Delta. 

    Your stay

    Guma Lagoon Camp

    2 nights· Okavango Delta

    Guma Lagoon Camp offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Nestled on the banks of the Guma Lagoon, this camp provides ideal access to the diverse wildlife and vibrant vegetation of the Northwestern Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a destination that truly allows you to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature. The camp caters to a range of preferences, offering both self-catering and full-board options, with activities and schedules customizable to ensure a memorable holiday. Experience the magic of the Okavango, from the thrill of tiger fishing to serene mokoro excursions. The friendly and hardworking staff create a welcoming atmosphere, making you feel at home the moment you arrive. Whether you choose a comfortable riverfront canvas chalet or a private campsite, Guma Lagoon Camp promises an authentic and down-to-earth safari experience, a true hidden gem for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

    Crossing out of Botswana into Namibia and the Mahango Game Reserve. We game drive through the reserve to our lodge on the Kwando River. We spend our afternoon exploring on a river cruise. 
    Namibia

    Welcome to

    Namibia

    Out-of-this-world landscapes and panoramas make Namibia a photographer's dream destination. While not as much of a wildlife destination as other countries, Namibia makes up for this with phenomenal scenery, cultures and activities. Namibia is a desolate and largely uninhabitable country, well-known mainly for its deserts and coastline. However, there is far more to the destination. Namibia is home to some fascinating people, and in the right season, can provide you with some of the best game viewing on the continent.

    About

    Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)

    In the north east of Namibia, bordering Angola, Botswana and Zambia, the Caprivi region is a mosaic of woodlands, rivertine forests, swamps and rivers and home to an abundance of game and birds. Community campsites and joint venture lodges are set in amazing places. The wildlife is protected by several reserves: Mamili, Bwabwata, Lizauli and Mudumu. There are no fences, therefore the animals roam freely across the borders of Namibia's neighbouring countries, Botswana and Zambia.

    Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)

    Your stay

    Camp Kwando

    1 night· Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)

    Camp Kwando, nestled on the banks of the Kwando River in Namibia's Zambezi Region, offers an unforgettable eco-friendly escape. Disconnected from Wi-Fi, guests can immerse themselves in the wild beauty of Africa, enjoying comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and thrilling activities. The lodge prides itself on 20 years of existence, serving 10,000 annual clients with 95% solar energy autonomy and 100% local sustainable practices. Accommodation options include River Chalets, built on poles with thatched roofs and private decks overlooking the river, and Treehouses offering stunning views over Botswana’s flood plains. Each accommodation type provides an en-suite bathroom, mosquito nets, and for the Treehouses, 100% solar-powered electricity. Guests can explore the hidden treasures of this untamed land through various activities such as relaxing boat drives to spot birds, hippos, and elephants, exciting game drives in Mudumu Game Park, and specialized birding cruises to witness the 450 species inhabiting the Kwando River banks. The lodge also features a swimming pool and an overhead deck perfect for sundowners while listening to the call of the African fish eagle.

    The Caprivi Strip, Zambezi Region, is a thin wedge of Namibia, which separates Botswana in the south and Angola in the north. We cross the Caprivi, back into Botswana at Ngoma and head to our lodge in the town of Kasane. The Chobe River attracts large herds of elephant as it flows lazily along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park. Our final afternoon is spent on arguably the best wildlife activity in Southern Africa, the game-viewing cruise. See herds of elephants, large crocodiles, pods of hippo and other wildlife as they quench their thirst at the end of the day. The magnificent river sunset is a photographer’s dream. 

    About

    Chobe National Park

    Accessed easily via a 1.5 hour flight from Johannesburg, or a 1 hour drive from Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park is the most visited park on a Boswana safari itinerary. With an enormous elephant population, as well as magnificent birdlife and a huge array of herbivores and aquatic animals, it is often hard to believe that Chobe National Park is for real. The game viewing starts from the moment you land at Kasane Airport, or drive across the border from Zambia or Zimbabwe, with warthogs foraging in the streets, buffalo being habitual visitors to the town, and hippos lazing around in the river.

    Chobe National Park
    Jackalberry Chobe — image coming soon

    Your stay

    Jackalberry Chobe

    1 night· Chobe National Park
    Day 15· Day of Departure
    Enjoy an optional early morning game drive (own expense) before our last breakfast together. We bid a sad farewell before we embark on a road shuttle transfer to either Kasane airport in Botswana, or Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe, in time for midday flight departures. Our tour ends at 10:00am.  

    Group Tour Departures

    These dates are the set departure dates. We can't guarantee every departure is confirmed or available — please contact us to check current availability.

    DatesFrom per person sharing (USD)Actual tour currencyBook
    6 – 20 Sept 2026≈ US$6,094single supplement ≈ US$1,294A$8,475
    11 – 25 Oct 2026≈ US$6,094single supplement ≈ US$1,294A$8,475
    1 – 15 Nov 2026≈ US$6,094single supplement ≈ US$1,294A$8,475
    8 – 22 Nov 2026≈ US$6,094single supplement ≈ US$1,294A$8,475

    Converted to USD using FX rates of 28 Aug 2026 — indicative only.

    Single supplement is an additional charge for solo travellers occupying their own room.

    Indicative Pricing

    Per person, twin share — based on 2 travellers. Please note prices on the website are an indication only, and accurate prices will be provided based on your exact travel dates and preferences.

    September – December 2026

    From ≈ US$6,218per person

    single supplement ≈ US$1,294

    Single supplement is an additional per-person charge for solo travellers occupying their own room.

    Converted to USD using FX rates of 28 Aug 2026 — indicative only.

    Make this journey yours

    Every safari we craft is tailored to you. Use this as a starting point and we'll shape it around your dates, group and preferences.