From the great parks of Kafue and Chobe to Victoria Falls
A journey in Zambia and Botswana takes you through some of the most authentic territories in Southern Africa: from the waters of the Kafue River, populated by crocodiles and hippos, to the power of Victoria Falls, and along the banks of the Chobe, which boasts one of the highest concentrations of elephants on the continent. An itinerary that alternates the vastness of the great national parks with moments of pure wonder, in two countries that share a commitment to preserving their wildlife heritage.
12 days of travel in Zambia and Botswana
The journey begins in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia: a modern and rapidly growing hub where you can visit the National Museum and discover the country’s history, or delve into its commitment to environmental protection by visiting the Munda Wanga Environmental Park.
From Lusaka, we will reach Kafue National Park, the largest in Zambia and the second largest in Africa. The landscape alternates between riverine scrubs, miombo woodlands, open savannahs, and granite outcrops, a variety of habitats that are home to over 55 species of mammals and 461 species of birds. In the Busanga plains, rich with antelopes and waterbuck, you will have the opportunity to encounter lions and elephants, while boat safaris and night drives will provide the perfect occasion to spot hippos, crocodiles, and leopards, some of the most active predators during the evening hours.
The journey will then continue to Livingstone, a border town on the banks of the Zambezi River, the ideal base for visiting Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders,” the falls extend nearly two kilometers and plunge 108 meters into a narrow gorge: they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the most famous natural attractions in the world. Here, you can enjoy the spectacle of the falls from the Zambian side and, if you wish, from the Zimbabwean side as well. You can choose between adrenaline-pumping activities like rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping, the thrill of a scenic flight, or more relaxed moments like a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River and a visit to Livingstone’s market.
Next, we will cross one of the most incredible borders on the African continent, where Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana meet at a single point, to reach Chobe National Park. You will explore one of the areas with the highest concentration of wildlife in Southern Africa: the waters are home to elephants and hippos, while large herds of buffalo attract lions. We will alternate between game drives in 4×4 vehicles and boat safaris to observe the park’s wildlife up close and the hundreds of bird species nesting along the banks, including the distinctive rollers.
Before returning to Lusaka for your flight home, we’ll make one last stop in Livingstone: you can take your time to enjoy the town or treat yourself to another cruise on the Zambezi.
During the trip you will stay in lodges and camps chosen for their integration with the local environment: from the banks of the Kafue River to those of the Zambezi, and the tented camp on the Chobe, for a more authentic, nature‑immersed experience.
Travel details
Best time to travel
The itinerary runs year-round. To see the falls at their fullest flow we recommend the period from March to May/June, although this depends heavily on the rains, which can vary year to year. The period from June to November, the dry season, makes wildlife viewing easier. Between October and December the falls are at their lowest flow.
Duration
12 full days, excluding international flights.
Price
From €3,950 per person, based on 4 participants. he participation fee is subject to change depending on the season and the number of trip participants. A reduced rate applies for children.
Attractions
Maun | Lusaka | Livingstone | Victoria Falls | Kafue National Park | Chobe National Park
Tailor your Africa journey
You can add extra stops to one of our itineraries or ask us to create a completely tailor-made journey. We will be delighted to help you plan your ideal trip.
Travel Area
Included activities
Boat trips
Discover more: Boat trips
Safari game drives in 4×4
Discover more: Safari game drives in 4×4
Night safari
Discover more: Night safari
Optional activities
Bungee jumping
Discover more: Bungee jumping
Rafting
Discover more: Rafting
Walking safari
Discover more: Walking safari
Spa experience
Discover more: Spa experience
Yoga classes
Discover more: Yoga classes
City tours
Discover more: City tours
Village tours
Discover more: Village tours
Market tours
Discover more: Market tours
Community Projects
Discover more: Community Projects
Cultural tour
Discover more: Cultural tour
Local shopping
Discover more: Local shopping
Canoe excursions
Discover more: Canoe excursions
Helicopter Flight
Discover more: Helicopter Flight
Additional information
Things to know
Entry requirements
For Zambia, based on your nationality, you may need a visa before departure. If you visit Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side as well and plan to cross the border, there is the Kaza Univisa which allows travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days, costing USD 50 per person. For Botswana, depending on your nationality, a visa may be required for tourist stays. There is an entry fee of USD 30 per person, preferably paid in cash, which goes towards land and wildlife conservation.
In both cases the passport must have at least 6 months’ validity remaining and several blank pages. To check the most up-to-date entry requirements and how to apply, we recommend consulting official travel advice before departure.
Food and drinks
Local cuisine
In more remote areas meals are usually simpler, based on cereals and porridge, while lodges and camps offer high-quality international cuisine.
Zambian cuisine features a variety of dishes, including nshima (maize porridge), which is often served with meat, vegetables, or fish. Other popular dishes include ifisashi (vegetables cooked in a peanut sauce) and biltong (dried cured meat).
Hygiene and safety
The accommodation and restaurants we select maintain high standards of hygiene. For additional peace of mind, we recommend:
- Drinking water and beverages only from sealed containers or those supplied by your lodge.
- Using bottled or lodge-supplied water when brushing your teeth.
- Avoiding ice in drinks.
- Avoiding uncooked vegetables and seafood
Currency and payments
Currency in Zambia: Zambian Kwacha
Currency in Botswana: Pula
At the accommodations you’ll stay in, Visa, Mastercard and other major credit cards are commonly accepted. In markets and villages, however, electronic payments are often limited and ATMs may be scarce. For more details, please consult our travel preparation guide.
Health information
Vaccination requirements vary according to nationality and country of origin. For up-to-date health information and malaria prevention advice, we recommend consulting official travel health resources before departure.
What to bring
Luggage
We recommend travelling light and limiting luggage to maximum 16 -18 kg. Soft bags are strongly preferred over hard-shell or semi-rigid suitcases.
Clothing
Comfortable, breathable clothing is recommended, with lightweight garments for daytime temperatures and layers for cooler evenings or higher elevations. Comfortable walking shoes, ideally hiking shoes, are recommended, together with sandals for relaxing at your accommodation.
Essential equipment
We recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle and binoculars. Remember to carry all travel documents required for entry into Zambia and Botswana, as well as a photocopy of your passport.
Medication
Pharmacies are generally only available in larger towns, so we recommend bringing a small supply of any medication you may require.
A detailed packing list, including clothing, equipment and medical recommendations, is available in our travel preparation guide.
Price information
Price includes
- All transfers as specified in the itinerary, including airport transfers and road taxes
- All safaris and excursions included in the programme: 4 safaris in Kafue National Park, Victoria Falls visit, 4×4 game drive in the park, 3 game drive in Chobe national park, including boat safari)
- All accommodation as specified, based on double occupancy
- Meals where indicated on a full-board basis
- 1% Community Levy
- Applicable taxes
Price excludes
- International flights and any domestic flights
- Zambia and Botswana visas (where applicable)
- Travel insurance (cancellation, luggage, medical mandatory)
- National park entry fees
- Optional and recommended activities
- Drinks
- Meals with à la carte menu to allow greater mobility and independence (approximate cost €15-20 per meal)
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Any item not expressly listed under “Price Includes”
Pricing information
Park fees and local levies may be subject to change without notice.
Please note that this itinerary is intended as a starting point and can be fully tailored to your preferences.
The final price will therefore be recalculated at the time of booking, taking into account any modifications to the itinerary, alternative accommodation choices and any supplier price updates.
Interested in this itinerary?
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