8 Day Chobe NP, Elephant Sands, Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls

Traveling to Africa often feels like stepping into a storybook—vast landscapes, incredible wildlife, and iconic landmarks like Victoria Falls. This 8-day tour from Cuckoo Safaris promises a mix of all that, guided by local experts who know precisely how to unlock the continent’s secrets. We haven’t personally experienced this journey, but based on comprehensive reviews and detailed itineraries, it’s clear that this trip offers a well-rounded taste of Southern Africa’s wilderness and natural wonders.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides like Tatenda, Shelton, and Simon, are praised repeatedly for their passion and expertise. Second, the stunning scenery and wildlife encounters—from elephants at Elephant Sands to lions in Moremi—are genuinely immersive. Third, the tour’s value for money is notable given the extensive itinerary and included activities. The only possible consideration? The busy schedule and early mornings might not suit travelers craving a more relaxed pace.

This experience seems perfect for adventurous souls eager to see iconic sights, wildlife enthusiasts, and those wanting a full, authentic safari adventure in a manageable timeframe. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, guided overview of some of Africa’s top spots, this could be your ideal trip.

Key Points

• Expert local guides enhance every aspect of the journey, making each stop richer and more meaningful.
• Diverse activities including game drives, boat cruises, and scenic flights provide multiple ways to experience wildlife and landscapes.
• Well-planned itinerary balances iconic landmarks with lesser-known spots like Elephant Sands for unique animal encounters.
• Value for money shines, considering the included park fees, accommodations, and activities across multiple countries.
• Comfortable transportation via air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles ensures a smooth ride through sometimes rugged terrain.
• Authentic experiences supported by positive reviews highlight a blend of adventure, scenery, and expert guidance.

Exploring Victoria Falls — The Gateway to Africa’s Natural Wonder

Your journey begins at Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation, and later that afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. This cruise is a highlight for many travelers, offering a relaxed yet breathtaking view of the river’s wildlife and the mighty falls in the distance. Reviewers like “Southern Africa at its best” rave about the perfect organization and friendly guides, ensuring you settle in without stress.

The next day features a full-day tour of Victoria Falls, taking in both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides. This double-sided approach is a smart way to get a full perspective—up close on the Zimbabwean side and panoramic views from Zambia. Expect to stand near the falls and feel the roar and spray, with guides helping you navigate the best viewpoints. Many reviews mention how “getting as close as possible to Victoria Falls” makes the experience truly memorable, with some noting the powerful rush from the falls’ spray.

This part of the trip is excellent for those who want a balance of natural spectacle and cultural insight. It’s not just about seeing the falls but understanding their significance and feeling the thunderous energy firsthand.

Chobe National Park — A Wildlife Wonderland

Moving into Botswana, your adventure hits its wildlife stride. Early morning, you’ll cruise the Chobe River, renowned for its dense concentration of elephants and other big game. The reviews highlight the expert guides like Shelton and Simon, who are praised for their wildlife knowledge and ability to spot animals, even in difficult terrain.

The game drive in Chobe is particularly valuable because it takes place after a river cruise, offering two angles of wildlife observation. Expect to see elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and possibly predators like lions or cheetahs, especially during the early game drive at Elephant Sands. The experience is often described as “incredible wildlife viewing,” with some reviewers mentioning that they appreciated the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat just as the day begins.

Lunch is served at a riverbank hotel, offering a relaxing break before an afternoon game drive. This mix ensures that you’re not just sitting in a vehicle all day but also enjoying some rest and local cuisine. The flexibility of the guides, who adapt the schedule based on animal activity, adds to the feeling of being truly in the wild.

Elephant Sands — Elephants in Their Element

The next morning, a dawn game drive at Elephant Sands offers a chance to see elephants and other wildlife, including antelopes and buffalos, while the animals freely roam in their natural environment. This lodge, famous for elephants, offers a unique, almost intimate wildlife experience that travelers rave about. Some mention that early morning game drives increase the likelihood of sightings, especially of hunting cats.

Afterward, you’ll drive to Elephant Sands Lodge, where wildlife often visits the waterhole right at the lodge—an extraordinary sight. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness elephants bathing or drinking just outside your room, which reviewers describe as “incredible up-close encounters.” The lodge’s location within the park means you’re immersed in animal activity, not just observing from a distance.

The optional afternoon game drive in the private concession or park (guided by the team’s recommendation) continues the thrill of spotting wildlife in a more exclusive setting.

The Okavango Delta — Aerial Views and Dugout Canoeing

The journey takes a slight detour from land safaris to the breathtaking Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll head to Maun, a gateway city, after a scenic drive. Many travelers highlight the scenic flight over the delta, lasting about 45 minutes, as a “must-do” experience. From the sky, you’ll see the vast, lush water channels and islands—an entirely different perspective that’s often described as stunning.

In the afternoon, a full-day Mokoro dug-out canoe adventure offers a quiet, intimate way to explore the waterways. This activity is supported by local communities, adding an ethical dimension to the experience. Reviewers mention how this close-up encounter with birdlife and smaller animals along the water gives a sense of the delta’s true essence, away from the bigger game.

The delta’s diverse scenery and water-based excursions make it a highlight, allowing you to witness the ecosystem’s richness firsthand. The guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge turn this into a deeply engaging experience.

Moremi Game Reserve — The Big Cats and Iconic African Wildlife

Your last major safari stop is the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. Here, a full-day game drive offers opportunities to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and kudus. Reviewers describe the wildlife encounters here as “incredible,” especially noting the chance to see predators hunting or resting in the shade.

A packed lunch keeps you in the wild, with the afternoon drive wrapping up around 4 pm. The reserve’s varied landscape, including mopane forests and floodplains, creates varied habitats for wildlife, making each game drive unpredictable and exciting.

This part of the trip is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts keen on seeing Africa’s big cats and experiencing the classic safari landscape.

The Wrap-up and Return Home

On the final day, after breakfast, you’ll check out from your hotel in Maun and be transferred to the airport. This smooth end to your adventure leaves you with memories and photos of a wide range of iconic African landscapes and animals. Reviewers note that the organization of transfers and timings makes for a hassle-free experience.

Why Choose This Tour?

This 8-day journey offers excellent value by covering many of Africa’s top highlights within a manageable itinerary. The inclusion of park fees, hotel pickups, and guided activities makes it straightforward for travelers who want a comprehensive safari adventure without the stress of planning each detail.

The guides, praised for their expertise and friendliness, significantly elevate the experience. The diverse activities—game drives, boat cruises, scenic flights, and mokoro canoeing—ensure you get multiple perspectives of Africa’s wildlife and scenery. The accommodations, often described as comfortable, range from luxurious lodges to authentic safari tents, striking a balance between comfort and immersion.

While the schedule is brisk, it’s ideal for those eager to see a lot and learn from experienced guides. The early mornings and active days maximize wildlife sightings, but they might not suit those preferring a more leisurely pace.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a traveler looking for an action-packed, authentic safari experience that hits all the major highlights of Zimbabwe and Botswana in one trip, this is a great fit. Wildlife lovers will appreciate the varied game drives and boat safaris, while those craving iconic scenery like Victoria Falls and the delta will find plenty to love.

It’s also suited for adventurous groups or couples eager to explore different terrains and ecosystems, from waterfalls to water lilies, to elephants and big cats. Budget-conscious travelers who want good value without sacrificing quality will find this tour a smart choice.

FAQs

Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is included, using air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles for game drives and transfers, ensuring a comfortable journey through sometimes rugged terrain.

Are park fees included in the price?
Absolutely, all park fees are included, so there are no hidden costs for entering the reserves and national parks visited.

What activities are included?
You’ll enjoy guided game drives, boat cruises, scenic flights over the delta, and mokoro canoeing, providing a well-rounded safari experience.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
With a maximum of 9 travelers, the group size is small, making it friendly for solo travelers who enjoy shared adventures.

What is the accommodation like?
While specific lodges aren’t detailed here, reviews describe the accommodations as first-class and friendly, with some unique experiences like elephant sightings outside the lodges.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, reviews mention flexibility, such as adding or removing destinations, and personalized services, making it adaptable for different interests.

Final Thoughts

This 8-day safari from Cuckoo Safaris offers a comprehensive look at some of Africa’s most iconic sights and wildlife. From the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls to the gentle hum of mokoros gliding through the delta, it balances adventure with comfort. Guided by experienced local experts, you’ll gain insights and encounters that stay with you long after you leave.

Perfect for those who want a well-organized, value-packed trip that covers everything from the big five to waterfalls, this tour delivers authentic African experiences in a manageable timeframe. Whether you’re a wildlife fanatic, a scenery lover, or a curious traveler, this journey is likely to leave you with stories to tell and a deep appreciation for Africa’s wild beauty.

Plan ahead to embrace the early mornings and packed days, and you’ll come away with memories of a lifetime—and perhaps a new favorite destination.