Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe: 7-Day Budget Safari

Traveling through Africa’s wild heart doesn’t have to break the bank. This 7-day safari offers a fantastic taste of Zimbabwe’s iconic Victoria Falls, the wildlife-rich Hwange National Park, and Botswana’s legendary Chobe National Park—all wrapped into a budget-friendly package. Designed for those eager to see Africa’s stunning landscapes, massive elephants, and roaring falls without splurging, this tour balances adventure, comfort, and value.

What’s particularly appealing? You’ll get guided tours of Victoria Falls, thrilling game drives, and a relaxing river cruise—plus comfortable lodges with private bathrooms that don’t inflate the cost. The group sizes are manageable, and the professional guides bring genuine insight into the wildlife and local culture. On the flip side, the tour involves some moderate physical activity and requires travelers to manage their luggage within a 15kg soft bag limit. Overall, it’s a solid choice for adventurous travelers who want an authentic African experience without the luxury price tag.

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Key Points

Affordable price point at $1,850 per person for 7 days, including all major activities.
Comprehensive itinerary covering Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Chobe with game drives and boat safaris.
Includes all meals and park fees, which adds great value.
Comfortable budget accommodations with private bathrooms.
Professional English-speaking guides enhance the experience.
Moderate physical activity involved, so prepare for walking and outdoor excursions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This 7-Day Safari Adventure

This tour is an excellent choice for travelers eager to see the highlights of Zimbabwe and Botswana on a budget, without sacrificing the richness of the experience. It’s designed to give you a well-rounded view of the landscape, wildlife, and cultural highlights, with enough flexibility for optional activities.

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Starting with Victoria Falls

The tour kicks off in Victoria Falls, arguably the most famous waterfall in the world. A guided tour of the falls allows you to witness the powerful spray and mist that give the falls their name. One traveler mentioned feeling the “raw force of the water” and loved the clarity of the guide’s explanations. You also get a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River—an ideal moment to soak in the views as the sun dips below the horizon, and animals gather along the riverbanks.

An optional activity many travelers consider is a helicopter ride over the falls, which, while not included, is a popular way to see the falls from above and amplify that sense of awe. Keep in mind, this adds extra cost, but many say it’s worth the splurge for the panoramic perspective.

Exploring Hwange National Park

After Victoria Falls, the journey continues to Hwange National Park—Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve. Here, you’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive, where guides take you through open plains to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and more. One review highlighted how the guides are knowledgeable and attentive, making sure everyone gets good sightings.

A full-day game drive in Hwange makes it possible to see a range of wildlife in their natural environment. The tour promises to be comfortable, with “budget lodges” that have private bathrooms, so you won’t be roughing it. Expect to see large herds of elephants, which are among the park’s main attractions, and perhaps even some predators stalking their prey.

Crossing into Botswana for Chobe

The border crossing into Botswana introduces you to Chobe National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and lush landscapes. The highlight here is the sunset river cruise on the Chobe River—an experience many travelers describe as magical, with close-up sightings of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. One reviewer noted how “the boat safari offered fantastic opportunities for photos and wildlife viewing.”

Following the cruise, you’ll go on a morning game drive in Chobe, which provides a different perspective from the river. This combination of land and water safaris offers a well-rounded wildlife experience without the high costs associated with luxury tours.

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Practical Details & Comfort

All accommodations are included for six nights in guesthouses or budget lodges, which typically feature private bathrooms—a much-appreciated perk at this price point. Meals—breakfasts, lunches, and dinners—are covered, meaning you won’t need to worry about finding food every day, and you’ll get a taste of local flavors.

Transfers between destinations are seamless, and the professional guide, fluent in English, ensures the group stays informed and entertained. The tour operates with a flexible schedule, allowing some free time for optional activities or relaxation.

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What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour’s value is boosted by including park entrance fees, all meals, and bottled water during safaris, which can otherwise add up. However, travelers should budget separately for international flights, visas, drinks, personal expenses, and optional extras like helicopter rides.

Group size tends to be manageable, fostering a friendly atmosphere and better wildlife sightings. The tour’s duration and organization make it ideal for those who prefer a structured, guided experience rather than self-drive adventures.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari suits travelers who want a balanced mix of wildlife, cultural sights, and scenic landscapes at an affordable price. It’s perfect for first-timers or those with limited travel budgets who don’t want to compromise on experience. If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and enjoy guided tours, this option offers a lot of value.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day budget safari provides a solid introduction to Zimbabwe and Botswana’s most iconic sights. From the thunderous power of Victoria Falls to the vast herds of elephants in Chobe, it captures the essence of Africa’s wilderness in a practical, affordable package. The combination of guided tours, game drives, and river safaris means you’ll get plenty of wildlife sightings and photo opportunities, all while staying in comfortable, budget-conscious accommodations.

The tour’s inclusions—meals, park fees, and transfers—make it straightforward and stress-free, allowing you to focus on the scenery and wildlife. It’s well-suited for travelers who want an authentic experience without the luxury price tag and are happy to share the adventure with a small group.

This safari is a fantastic way to explore the highlights of Zimbabwe and Botswana, especially if you’re on a budget but not willing to miss out on the wildlife or the falls. It’s a practical choice with memorable moments waiting around every corner.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 6 years old, mainly because of the physical activity involved and the nature of the safaris.

What is included in the price?
The price covers 6 nights of accommodation, all meals, guided tours of Victoria Falls, game drives in Hwange and Chobe, a Chobe River boat safari, park entrance fees, transfers, and bottled water during activities.

Are airport pick-ups included?
Yes, the tour begins with a pickup from Victoria Falls Airport or hotels in Victoria Falls town.

What should I bring?
Travelers should bring their passport, comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and travel insurance. Luggage should be a soft bag limited to 15kg.

Can I pay later?
Yes, the tour offers a “reserve & pay later” option, giving you flexibility to book now and pay at a later date.

How long are the game drives and safaris?
While the exact durations aren’t specified, expect game drives and river safaris to last around 2-3 hours each, providing ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.

What if I want optional activities?
Optional activities, like a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, are not included but can be arranged at an extra cost.

Is there a limit on group size?
While not explicitly stated, tours like this generally operate with small to medium groups, fostering a more intimate experience.

This tour delivers a well-rounded, budget-friendly African safari experience, perfect for those eager to see some of the continent’s most spectacular sights without splurging. Whether it’s your first safari or a repeat visit, you’ll leave with plenty of stories—and perhaps a new appreciation for elephants and waterfalls alike.