HEART OF BOTSWANA & ZIMBABWE

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, we are welcomed and transferred to our lodge, where your journey through Southern Africa begins. You will have time to relax and settle in, enjoying the peaceful surroundings before the first exploration of this extraordinary destination.

In the afternoon, we set out to discover the breathtaking Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges dramatically into the gorge, creating a powerful and unforgettable natural spectacle. As we walk through the lush rainforest nourished by the constant mist, we take in panoramic viewpoints while learning about the geological formation and cultural significance of this iconic site.

As evening approaches, you may choose to dine at a local restaurant, enjoying regional cuisine at your own pace.

At the end of the day, we return to the hotel to rest, we settle in and unwind, preparing for the experiences ahead.

Greca Tip: For a truly memorable experience, consider an optional sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, where wildlife sightings and vibrant African skies create a magical atmosphere.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we depart from Victoria Falls in the mid-morning, beginning our journey toward the renowned Hwange National Park. Along the way, we visit the Painted Dog Conservation, where we learn about the protection efforts dedicated to one of Africa’s most endangered species, followed by a stop to rest and enjoy lunch (at own expense).

Crossing ever-changing landscapes—from semi-arid Kalahari terrain to vast grasslands—we arrive at our lodge, located within a private concession on the park’s eastern boundary. This privileged setting offers an authentic introduction to the African wilderness.

As the afternoon unfolds, you may take time to relax and absorb the natural surroundings before enjoying a dinner at the lodge, marking the beginning of our safari experience.

Greca Tip: The transition between ecosystems on this route offers a glimpse into Zimbabwe’s ecological diversity—keep an eye out even during the drive.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we dedicate the day to exploring the extraordinary landscapes of Hwange National Park. Setting out early, we embark on a thrilling full-day game drive in an open 4WD vehicle, allowing us to venture deep into the park in search of its abundant wildlife.

Hwange is particularly famous for its large elephant populations, as well as lions, buffalo, giraffes, and a wide variety of birdlife. As we traverse open plains and forested areas, each moment presents a new opportunity to witness animals in their natural habitat. Midday, we pause to enjoy a packed lunch, surrounded by the raw beauty of the African bush.

In the late afternoon, we gradually make our way back to the lodge, reflecting on the unforgettable encounters of the day. Upon arrival, we relax and enjoy a well-deserved dinner, immersed in the sounds of the wilderness.

Greca Tip: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife viewing—light, temperature, and animal activity all align for incredible sightings.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we depart from Hwange National Park, traveling south through ever-changing landscapes toward the remarkable Matobo National Park. Passing near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, we continue our scenic journey across rolling terrain until the iconic granite formations of Matobo begin to emerge on the horizon.

Upon arrival, we immerse ourselves in this unique setting, characterized by rounded balancing boulders and tranquil valleys. In the afternoon, we begin exploring the park, gaining our first insights into its rich wildlife and cultural heritage.

As evening approaches, we enjoy a dinner at the lodge, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of this extraordinary landscape.

Greca Tip: Keep an eye on the distinctive rock formations—many are naturally balanced and have inspired local legends passed down through generations.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we dedicate the day to discovering the natural and cultural treasures of Matobo National Park. We set out on an immersive excursion that includes a memorable guided game walk, offering a rare opportunity to track rhinos on foot alongside expert guides.

Throughout the day, we also explore ancient San rock art sites, where centuries-old paintings tell stories of early inhabitants and their deep connection to the land. We continue to the iconic World's View, where sweeping panoramas stretch across the dramatic landscape and where the grave of Cecil John Rhodes rests, adding historical depth to this remarkable location.

At midday, we pause to enjoy an included lunch in this serene setting before continuing our exploration.

At the end of the day, we return to the hotel to rest. Upon arrival, we relax and enjoy a well-deserved dinner, reflecting on the day’s unique experiences.

Greca Tip: Matobo is one of the best places in Africa to see rhinos on foot—walking safaris offer a more intimate and unforgettable wildlife encounter.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we bid farewell to Matobo National Park and begin our journey toward Botswana, heading west across changing landscapes that gradually open into wide, untamed plains. We cross the border at Plumtree Border Post, where the rhythm of the journey slows briefly before continuing deeper into Southern Africa’s vast wilderness.

As we travel onward, the scenery becomes increasingly expansive and remote, offering a sense of isolation that is both striking and peaceful. We make a stop along the way to rest and enjoy lunch (at own expense), before continuing toward the small village of Nata, gateway to one of Botswana’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.

In the late afternoon, we venture into the remarkable Makgadikgadi Pans, a surreal and seemingly endless expanse of salt flats. Within the Nata Bird Sanctuary, we explore this unique ecosystem, where seasonal birdlife contrasts beautifully with the stark, shimmering terrain. As the sun begins its descent, the sky and earth blend into warm golden tones, creating a magical atmosphere ideal for photography and quiet contemplation.

At the end of the day, we return to the hotel to rest. Upon arrival, you may choose to enjoy a dinner at the lodge (not included), embracing the calm and silence of this remote setting.

Greca Tip: The Makgadikgadi Pans were once part of an ancient super-lake—today, their vast emptiness creates one of the most surreal and photogenic landscapes in Africa, especially at sunset.

After enjoying breakfast, we depart from Nata and continue our journey toward Maun, widely known as the gateway to the legendary Okavango Delta. The road unfolds across flat, open terrain, offering a peaceful drive through Botswana’s rural landscapes, where scattered villages and wide horizons define the scenery.

Arriving in Maun by midday, we settle into our lodge, beautifully positioned along the Thamalakane River. The name “Maun” comes from the San language, meaning “place of the short reeds,” a fitting introduction to this lush and water-rich region on the edge of the delta.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may relax by the river, take in the abundant birdlife, unwind by the pool, or choose to experience one of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes from above with an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (not included), revealing its intricate channels and wildlife from a breathtaking perspective.

As evening approaches, you may opt to dine at a local restaurant, enjoying the laid-back charm of this safari town.

Greca Tip: A scenic flight over the Okavango Delta offers a completely different perspective—spotting elephants and hippos from above is an unforgettable highlight.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we depart from Maun and venture deeper into the wilderness toward the extraordinary Moremi Game Reserve. As we enter this remarkable region, the landscapes begin to transform—lush floodplains, winding channels, and pockets of woodland emerge where the waters of the Okavango Delta meet the arid Kalahari, creating one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems.

Upon arrival at our tented bush camp, set within a private concession east of the reserve, we settle into a truly immersive safari experience. In the afternoon, we embark on our first game drive, exploring the surrounding areas along the Mababe River, where lagoons attract wildlife gathering to drink.

As the day fades, we return to camp to enjoy a dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the bush and the distant movements of wildlife. Relax under the African sky, embracing the stillness of this remote setting.

Greca Tip: Staying in a tented camp brings you closer to nature—listen carefully at night, as the sounds of wildlife often echo just beyond your tent.

After a hearty breakfast, we dedicate the day to discovering the extraordinary biodiversity of Moremi Game Reserve. With over 400 species of birds and an abundance of wildlife, this region offers exceptional opportunities to encounter elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, and a wide variety of antelope.

Throughout the day, we embark on game drives across diverse landscapes—from open savannah to forested areas and shimmering lagoons—each offering a different perspective on this rich ecosystem. Between explorations, we pause to enjoy a lunch at camp, surrounded by untouched wilderness.

In the late afternoon, as animals gather near water sources, we head out once more, when the golden light enhances both scenery and wildlife sightings.

At the end of the day, we return to the camp to rest. Upon arrival, we enjoy a dinner and unwind in the heart of the African bush.

Greca Tip: Moremi is one of the best places in Africa to spot predators—patience and silence during game drives often lead to the most rewarding sightings.

After enjoying breakfast, we set out on a final morning game drive within the concession, making the most of our last moments in this extraordinary environment. The early hours offer one last opportunity to witness wildlife activity as the bush awakens.

Following the drive, we begin our journey back toward Maun, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences lived over the past days. Along the way, we pause to enjoy a picnic lunch, immersed in the landscapes that define this region.

Arriving in Maun in the afternoon, you will have time to relax or explore at your own pace before choosing to dine at a local restaurant (dinner not included).

Greca Tip: Early morning drives often reveal the most active wildlife—this is the perfect time to spot predators before the heat of the day sets in.

After breakfast, we depart from Maun and begin a scenic journey skirting the edges of the remarkable Okavango Delta. As we travel north, the landscapes gradually shift, revealing increasingly lush vegetation and waterways that signal our approach to the famed Panhandle region.

Arriving at our lodge set along the banks of the Okavango Panhandle, we are welcomed by tranquil surroundings where reed-lined channels and crystal-clear waters define the scenery. This unique part of the delta offers a slower, more serene perspective of the ecosystem, rich in birdlife and aquatic beauty.

In the afternoon, we begin our exploration with a traditional mokoro excursion, gliding silently through narrow waterways as local guides navigate the delta’s intricate channels. This peaceful experience allows us to fully appreciate the stillness and biodiversity of the region.

At the end of the day, we return to the lodge to rest. Upon arrival, you may choose to enjoy a dinner at the lodge (not included), while taking in the calming views of the water.

Greca Tip: The mokoro is one of the most authentic ways to explore the Delta—its quiet movement allows you to get remarkably close to birds and smaller wildlife.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we continue discovering the waterways of the Okavango Delta, immersing ourselves in its peaceful rhythms. Today, we combine different perspectives of this extraordinary environment, beginning with a motorboat excursion that allows us to cover greater distances and observe the vast network of channels and lagoons.

As we move through open water and narrow passages, we encounter abundant birdlife and may spot hippos or other wildlife along the banks. The contrast between the stillness of the mokoro and the broader reach of the motorboat offers a complete appreciation of the delta’s dynamic ecosystem.

The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the lodge’s surroundings—whether observing the ever-changing light over the water, unwinding by the river, or simply embracing the serenity of this remote setting.

At the end of the day, we return to the lodge to rest. Upon arrival, you may opt to enjoy a dinner at the lodge (not included), closing the day in a peaceful atmosphere.

Greca Tip: The Panhandle is a paradise for birdwatchers—early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chances to spot rare and colorful species.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we depart from the Okavango region and continue our journey north, crossing from Botswana into Namibia’s lush Caprivi Strip, a narrow and fertile corridor shaped by winding rivers and rich biodiversity. This transition introduces a new landscape, where water and vegetation create a striking contrast with the surrounding arid regions.

We enter the beautiful Mahango Game Reserve, known for its dense wildlife populations and scenic riverine environment. Here, we embark on a game drive in our tour vehicle, exploring open floodplains and wooded areas where elephants, antelope, and a variety of bird species thrive.

Continuing onward, we arrive at our lodge set along the banks of the Kwando River. In the afternoon, we take to the water on a relaxing river cruise, offering a different perspective of the landscape as we glide past reed-lined shores and observe wildlife gathering at the water’s edge.

As the day draws to a close, we return to the lodge to enjoy a dinner, surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of the river.

Greca Tip: The Caprivi region is one of Namibia’s best-kept secrets—its waterways attract an incredible diversity of wildlife, especially during the late afternoon.

After enjoying breakfast, we depart from Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, and journey back into Botswana. Crossing the border at Ngoma Border Post, we continue toward the lively town of Kasane, gateway to the renowned Chobe National Park.

As we approach, the landscape becomes increasingly vibrant, with the life-giving waters of the Chobe River drawing large concentrations of wildlife. After a pause along the way to rest and enjoy lunch (not included), we arrive at our lodge and prepare for one of the most memorable experiences of the journey.

In the afternoon, we embark on a spectacular sunset game-viewing cruise along the Chobe River. From the water, we witness herds of elephants gathering along the banks, hippos emerging in pods, and crocodiles basking in the fading light. This unique perspective allows us to observe wildlife at close range as the golden hues of sunset transform the landscape into a photographer’s dream.

At the end of the day, we return to the hotel to rest. Upon arrival, we enjoy a dinner, reflecting on the extraordinary encounters of the day.

Greca Tip: A river safari in Chobe offers unmatched wildlife viewing—bring binoculars and a camera to capture elephants crossing the river at sunset.

After enjoying our last breakfast, we gather for our final moments together, reflecting on the extraordinary journey across Southern Africa. From vast salt pans and winding delta channels to unforgettable wildlife encounters, this adventure comes to a memorable close.

At the scheduled time, we depart from Kasane and head toward the border, making our way to Victoria Falls region.

Depending on your onward travel plans, we provide a comfortable transfer to either Kasane Airport or Victoria Falls Airport, ensuring arrival in time for midday departures. As border formalities can occasionally take time, we plan the journey accordingly for a smooth conclusion to your trip.

The tour officially concludes, marking the end of an amazing journey rich in landscapes, culture, and wildlife.

Greca Tip: If your schedule allows, consider extending your stay in Victoria Falls—there are still many experiences to enjoy, from helicopter flights to sunset cruises along the Zambezi River.