Dear Traveller,
This itinerary was designed with the more adventurous traveler in mind. While Zimbabwe is perfectly safe, a self-drive journey adds another dimension: it allows you to truly explore the country at your own pace, with greater freedom and at a lower cost than the more expensive fly-in safaris or private transfers often used elsewhere in Africa.
The journey is divided into two sections — with Zimbabwe as the main focus and Botswana as an optional extension module.
In Zimbabwe, the trip is possible year-round (not bound by seasonality) and begins in the capital, Harare. From here, the route leads through:
The Eastern Highlands, with their breathtaking landscapes and waterfalls.
The Save River Valley, for a first safari in a unique private conservancy.
Great Zimbabwe, the iconic archaeological site and lasting reminder of the once-powerful kingdom that shaped the region.
The dramatic Matobo Hills, where you’ll find inspiring landscapes, opportunities for hiking, incredible rock art, the chance to track rhinos on foot, and the famous World’s View at the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
A second safari in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve and a wildlife haven.
Victoria Falls, to witness the world’s greatest waterfall from every angle.
A final water-based safari along the Zambezi River, where game viewing comes alive in open 4x4 vehicles, on foot, by canoe, and by boat.
The optional Botswana extension adds five nights and brings a new perspective. After a simple and nearby border crossing, a bush taxi flight takes you deep into the legendary Okavango Delta. Here, the safari experience shifts between land and water, with unforgettable encounters in one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.
Altogether, this is a rich, diverse, and affordable safari — one that combines the cultural and scenic highlights of Zimbabwe with the extraordinary wildlife encounters of Botswana.
Bruno VAN DEN BOSSCHE
Mobile & WhatsApp +32 499 334683
Email brunov@inspirationafrica.travel
|
day 0 |
Brontë The Garden Hotel | Harare |
1 night |
D,B&B |
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| Highlands House |
alternate |
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|
day 1 |
Aberfoyle Lodge | Nyanga National Park |
2 nights |
FB |
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|
day 3 |
Sango Ingwe Lodge | Savé Valley Conservancy |
2 nights |
FI |
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| Sango Dadiso Camp |
alternate |
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|
day 5 |
Romelda Lakeside Retreat | Great Zimbabwe Ruins |
1 night |
D,B&B |
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|
day 6 |
Farmhouse Lodge, Matopos | Matobo National Park |
3 nights |
FB |
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| Amalinda Lodge |
alternate |
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|
day 9 |
Ivory Lodge | Eastern Hwange National Park |
3 nights |
FI |
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| Hwange Bush Camp |
alternate |
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|
day 12 |
Insika Lodge | Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) |
1 night |
B&B |
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|
day 13 |
Sian Simba River Lodge | Zambezi National Park |
2 nights |
FI |
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| Chundu Island |
alternate |
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|
day 15 |
Camp Khwai | Khwai |
2 nights |
FI |
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| Sable Alley |
alternate |
|||||
|
day 17 |
Setari Camp | Okavango Delta |
3 nights |
FI |
|
D,B&B: Dinner, Bed and Breakfast |
FB: Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch |
|
FI: Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities |
B&B: Bed and Breakfast |
21 Days / 20 Nights
Group Size: Possible from 2 to maximum 16 guests. Ideally not more than 12 though.
Reference Number: IOA_ZWBW_21D_LG_SDFLY_HRE_MUB_EN
Pricing & Budget Notes
The overall cost of travel will depend on several factors, including:
Duration of travel (longer journeys dilute transfers over more nights, making the average rate per night more efficient)
Season of travel (March and April are ideal in terms of climate and also offer considerably lower pricing compared to peak season)
Group size (sharing transport and guides reduces per-person costs)
Lodge category (entry-level vs. luxury lodges).
Zimbabwe (self-drive module):
Entry-level budgets start from approximately €350 per person per night on average, with higher pricing when selecting more luxurious lodges.Botswana (optional fly-in extension):
Includes approximately €650 per person for the two required bush taxi flights. Lodge pricing starts from about €550 per person per night, reflecting the premium of remote fly-in safari operations.
Includes:
Price Inclusions
Being a sample itinerary, the exact inclusions will be fine-tuned once the program is finalized. As presented, the price includes:
Meet & Greet on arrival at Harare Airport.
4x4 Vehicle Rental on a full-cover basis, typically a Toyota Hilux Double Cab, Toyota Fortuner, or similar, including:
Unlimited kilometers
Comprehensive insurance
Two spare wheels
One coolbox
GPS navigation
Pickup in Harare and drop-off in Victoria Falls
Botswana Extension (if booked): All transfers provided by small bush taxi aircraft, including:
Kasane Airport to the first camp
Between safari camps
Final transfer to Maun Airport
Accommodation as specified in the itinerary, with the indicated meal plan and drinks.
Meals where specifically mentioned as included.
Drinks (generally a selection of readily available local beverages; premium brands excluded) when specified as included.
Activities:
All activities provided at lodges offering a fully inclusive hospitality formula
Activities explicitly listed in the program, including related entrance fees
24/7 Local Assistance & Support throughout the journey.
Excludes:
Price Exclusions
Unless specifically mentioned under “Inclusions,” the price excludes:
International air tickets to/from Africa.
Visa fees (currently USD 30 per person per entry for Zimbabwe, payable on arrival).
Travel insurance – all travelers are required to hold comprehensive travel assistance and medical insurance.
Activities not listed as included in the program.
Meals not specified as included.
Drinks not specified as included (premium brands are always excluded unless otherwise stated).
Tips & gratuities to drivers, guides, porters, and lodge staff.
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.).
Vehicle costs during the self-drive:
Fuel (vehicle supplied full, to be returned full)
Parking fees
Tolls
Park entrance fees and historical site fees unless explicitly specified as included in the program.
