5 Day Private Tour from Lusaka - Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana

Discovering the Hidden Gems of Southern Africa in 5 Days

This 5-day private tour from Lusaka offers a well-rounded glimpse into some of Africa’s most iconic sights—Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, and the Zambezi River. While it’s a packed itinerary, it combines a mix of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural moments that appeal to travelers craving a richer, more authentic experience.

What stands out most? The opportunity to explore three countries in one trip—Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana—without the hassle of complicated planning. The private transportation, expert guides, and thoughtfully chosen accommodations make it a slick, hassle-free way to maximize your time. However, a key consideration is the additional USD 320 government fee that isn’t included in the initial price, so budget accordingly.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and wildlife viewing, with the comfort of knowing everything is arranged in advance. If you love iconic sights, wildlife safaris, and river cruises — this package could be just what you’ve been looking for.

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Key Points

All-in-One Experience: Combines Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana highlights in five days
Comfort & Convenience: Private transport and hotel stays included
Wildlife & Nature: Game drives and boat safaris in renowned national parks
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local guides enhance every aspect of the trip
Iconic Sights & Unique Experiences: Victoria Falls, Devils Pool, Chobe River cruise
Additional Costs: Non-refundable government fees of USD 320 per person payable separately

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Private Tour

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Day 1: From Lusaka to Livingstone — A Smooth Start

The adventure begins with hotel or airport pickup in Lusaka, followed by a comfortable drive to Livingstone, often called the cultural capital of Zambia. The transfer is private, which means your guide can tailor the journey with insights about the land and history along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into a mid-range hotel, included in the package, giving you time to relax after the journey. This initial day is primarily about easing into the experience and setting expectations for the days ahead.

Day 2: Wildlife Encounters & Sunset on the Zambezi

Early mornings are crucial for safari enthusiasts, and this trip doesn’t hold back. Your guide will pick you up around 6 AM to maximize game viewing at Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Expect an early start—game drives generally commence at dawn, when animals are most active. The guides are praised for their knowledge and attentiveness, often sharing interesting facts about Zambia’s flora and fauna.

After a few hours of wildlife spotting, you’ll stop for a scenic breakfast—a highlight for many. The breakfast spot offers stunning views, blending comfort with natural beauty. Post-breakfast, the game drive continues until around 11 AM, giving you ample chance to spot elephants, lions, and hippos.

In the afternoon, you’ll cruise the Zambezi River on a sunset boat cruise. This is a relaxing highlight, with drinks and snacks served onboard while you watch the sun dip behind the riverbanks. Many reviewers mention the stunning vistas and abundant wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, visible from the boat. The guide’s commentary and the serene setting make it a memorable moment.

Day 3: Victoria Falls & the Devil’s Pool Tea

After breakfast, your tour crosses into Zimbabwe to visit the magnificent Victoria Falls. The guided tour of the falls is included, offering insider insights into the geology and history of this world wonder. Expect to get a little wet — the spray is famous for soaking visitors, but that just adds to the fun.

Afternoon tea at Devil’s Pool is a standout experience. This is the only tour that includes this daring high tea, where you can enjoy a drink at the edge of the waterfall’s natural rock pool. Reviewers describe it as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience,” with some noting the guides’ detailed safety briefings and the thrill of standing just feet from the plunge.

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Day 4: Botswana’s Chobe & Game Drive

The highlight of Day 4 is a group tour to Chobe National Park in Botswana. The day begins early with a pickup from Victoria Falls, crossing the border at Kazungula. The guides coordinate the border crossing smoothly, so expect some paperwork but manageable timing.

Once in Botswana, you’ll enjoy an open safari vehicle game drive, with the chance to see elephants, crocodiles, and other iconic wildlife**. The guides are often praised for their expertise, with some fans noting the “knowledgeable guides” who make every animal sighting educational and fun.

Afterward, a lunch stop at a lodge allows a relaxing break before the afternoon boat cruise along the Chobe River. This cruise is a favorite among travelers for the up-close wildlife viewing — many report seeing large herds of elephants gathering along the riverbanks, which is a truly impressive sight. The cruise lasts until late afternoon, providing ample photo opportunities.

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Day 5: Return to Lusaka and Farewell

The final day involves a comfortable drive back to Lusaka after breakfast. While the journey is straightforward, it marks the end of an intensive, adventure-filled five days. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel or airport in Lusaka.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The package offers great value considering the comprehensive itinerary and comfortable accommodations. You get private transfers, guided tours of Victoria Falls, game drives, boat cruises, and hotel stays. The group tours in Botswana and Zambia add a sense of shared adventure, while the private transfer ensures your journey is smooth.

However, it’s important to note the USD 320 government fee isn’t included—this covers park and government entry fees, which you’ll pay separately via PayPal. Also, meals outside breakfast, drinks, and visas are not covered, so budget accordingly.

Accommodation & Comfort

Stays are in mid-range hotels that reviewers find comfortable and well-located. Being based in Livingstone and Victoria Falls means easy access to key attractions without long transfers. The included breakfasts are praised for being simple but sufficient, and the high tea at Devil’s Pool adds a special touch to your trip.

Transportation & Guides

The private transport throughout ensures efficiency and comfort, while the guides are often described as knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Many guests appreciated the flexibility and insights guides provided, making the experience more enriching.

Timing & Pacing

The schedule is ambitious but balanced, with early starts for game drives and enough downtime for rest. The day in Botswana is a full but well-organized experience, capturing some of the most iconic safari moments.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

Given the total price of $2,698 per person, this tour delivers a lot of diverse experiences — wildlife, waterfalls, river cruises, and cross-border adventures — all with accommodations and transport handled. The inclusion of guided tours, boat cruises, and game drives means you’re not paying extra for these memorable moments.

The expert guides and the well-structured itinerary also help travelers maximize their time and avoid logistical headaches, especially when crossing borders or navigating parks. Reviewers have repeatedly emphasized the knowledgeable guides who not only spot animals but also share fascinating facts, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Potential Drawbacks

The main downside is the additional government fee of USD 320 per person, which is non-refundable and needs to be paid separately. Travelers should be prepared for this extra cost. Also, the tour is quite full on days with multiple activities, so those seeking more leisure or flexibility might find it a bit rushed.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventure travelers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to see some of Africa’s most famous natural wonders in a short period. It’s suited for those comfortable with early mornings and busy schedules, as well as travelers who enjoy guided experiences with knowledgeable hosts.

Couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a hassle-free way to explore multiple countries in Southern Africa will find this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments. It’s especially appealing for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a group or private tour?
The tour combines private transportation and guides in Zambia and Zimbabwe, but includes a group tour in Botswana for the Chobe safari. This mix provides a balance of personalized attention and shared adventure.

How much extra should I budget for government fees?
You should set aside USD 320 per person for park and government fees, payable separately via PayPal after booking.

Are accommodations comfortable?
Yes, the hotel stays are in mid-range hotels that travelers find comfortable and conveniently located near the main attractions.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and possibly lions or other big game during game drives. Many guests mention the great animal sightings often experienced in Chobe and Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park.

Is there enough time to enjoy Victoria Falls?
Absolutely. The included guided tour of the falls, combined with the Devil’s Pool high tea, offers a thorough and memorable experience of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

What’s the best way to pay for the government fee?
After booking, you will receive a PayPal invoice for the USD 320 fee. The process is straightforward, but ensure you have access to PayPal or similar methods to complete the payment.

Can I customize this tour?
Since the tour is structured with pre-arranged activities, customizations are limited. However, you can discuss special interests or needs with the tour provider beforehand.

This 5-day private adventure from Lusaka offers a balanced blend of wildlife, natural wonders, and cultural experiences—perfect for travelers eager to see the best of Southern Africa without the fuss. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a well-organized schedule, it’s a strong choice for those wanting an authentic, memorable journey through Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.