7 Days Zimbabwe Camping Safari

On day two we venture into Hwange National Park in open safari vehicles for an adventure-filled day of game viewing in Zimbabwe's flagship national park. During the heat of the day, we make our way back to camp for lunch and a rest, before returning to the bush to explore further. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for game viewing, because many of the large animals are most active at these times, with grazers and predators generally stirring around dusk and dawn.

Hwange is known for its cheetah sightings, and also protects an abundance of buffalo, giraffe and zebra. This is the only protected area in Zimbabwe that is inhabited by sizeable populations of brown hyena and gemsbok. Hwange National Park is home to all of the specially protected wild animals of Zimbabwe, including one of Africa’s largest groups of endangered African Wild Dogs. While at Hwange we visit the Painted Dog Conservation Project to find out more about these threatened canines and the efforts to save them.

After our afternoon wildlife exploration in Hwange Park, we head back to the camp at dusk and settle in for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hwange Main Camp or similar - Camping twin-share dome tents with shared facilities

Travel: Morning and afternoon game drives

Leaving Hwange Park, we drive further south-east to our leafy camp near Bulawayo - Zimbabwe’s second largest city.

Bulawayo's wide tree-lined avenues and attractions make for a pleasant visit. Go to the bustling curio market at the Old Town Hall to browse the wide array of locally made handicrafts and artworks created by skilled Zimbabwean craft-makers, even trying your hand at bargaining. Revisit Zimbabwe’s past, journeying back in time to colonial and tribal times at the National History Museum.

This afternoon we visit a significant archaeological site near Bulawayo - the Khami Ruins. The ruins are of notable cultural value to the people of this region and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The former capital of the Kingdom of Butua under the Torwa Dynasty, Khami dates back to 1450 AD when it replaced Great Zimbabwe as capital.

Accommodation: Backpackers Lodge or similar - camping twin share dome tents with shared facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel: about 300km / 4 Hours

Today we take a short drive to Matobo National Park accompanied by knowledgeable local guides. On our half-day trip to the scenic Matobo Park, we experience the tranquil beauty of this diverse park, visiting the sacred Matopos Hills. One of the largest concentrations of endangered black and white rhino in Africa is found in this reserve and we take a thrilling guided bush walk (conditions allowing) in search of these pre-historic looking creatures. The park is also known for the dense population of leopards, so we keep an eye for these and other wildlife found in Matobo National Park. This geologically unique game park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including various antelope species, giraffe and zebra. Matobo also hosts an exceptionally high number of black eagles, as well as an abundance of other bird species.

It is said that the boulder-strewn landscape of Matobo, which means “Bald Heads” in Ndebele, was formed by river erosion over 2000 million years ago. The spirits of deceased Ndebele chiefs are thought to dwell among these wind-sculpted granite hills making Matobo an important place in indigenous folklore. Hundreds of San (Bushman) rock paintings are also found in Matobo Hills adding to the cultural significance of the area. Imperialist and mining magnate, Cecil John Rhodes, is also buried at Matobo, at his request.

You have the option of upgrading to a full day tour which includes a village visit and historical highlights of Matobo Park. After exploring Matobo, we return to Bulawayo to experience the city's nightlife after encountering the creatures and cultural gems of Matobo Park.

Accommodation: Backpackers Lodge or similar - camping twin share dome tents with shared facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel: about 100km / 2 Hours

Activities: Matobo day tour

On day five we travel from Zimbabwe into Botswana, making our way to our overnight lodge near Nata, in the north-eastern part of central Botswana. We arrive at our next stop, Elephant Sands, in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax, rest and swim in the pool, watching out for wildlife at the watering hole in front of the lodge.

The lodge is unfenced allowing wildlife to roam into the area and visit the waterhole, often resulting in unforgettably close wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Elephant Sands Lodge - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel: about 420km / 8 Hours

This morning we drive north to Kasane, the closest travel hub to Chobe National Park. This scenic game park is reputed to host one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.

Later this afternoon we take a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River, an excellent way to get up close to the wildlife and birds of Botswana's leading national park. As we cruise along the river large mammals, various reptiles and an array of birds are frequently sighted. The easier sightings being hippos, elephants and crocodiles, as well as buffalos and baboons. Also watch for lions, bushbuck, kudu, sable and giraffe, possibly even puku antelopes found nowhere else in Botswana.

The Chobe River Cruise offers exceptional bird watching opportunities, from fish eagles, plovers and spoonbills to ibis, storks and other waterfowl. Simply watching the scenery go by as the sun sets over the bush is a beautiful sight.

Accommodation: Riverside Lodge - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel: about 270kms / 5 Hours

On our final morning, we embark on an open vehicle game drive in Chobe National Park - one last chance to spot the wildlife of Botswana. After our last foray into the African wilderness, we leave Chobe and Kasane behind, crossing back into Zimbabwe.

A short drive later we reach Victoria Falls where this fabulous journey ends. We highly recommend that you book an extra day or two at Victoria Falls to enjoy adventure activities and explore further.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel: Morning game drive & about 80km / 1.5 Hours

Accommodated Tour Option: This Zimbabwe & Botswana Budget Camping Safari is also available as an accommodated tour. Please contact us for more details.