Start with thundering Victoria Falls then wild dive into Botswana's Okavango Delta and private reserves.
Begin at Matetsi Victoria Falls, on the banks of the Zambezi for private game viewing near the thunder of Victoria Falls. Then fly by light aircraft into the Okavango Delta for three nights at one of the most stylish little camps in Africa, Duke's Camp among Delta channels and islands. End with three more nights at Tuludi in the game-rich Khwai Private Reserve, where the Delta meets the Kalahari for excellent predator viewing. Honeymoon rates available.
3 nights
The Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls — the classic base for one of the natural wonders of the world, the mile-wide Zambezi curtain the locals call Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'the smoke that thunders.' The town puts the falls, the river and the adventure on your doorstep: guided visits to the falls' viewpoints, sunset cruises on the Zambezi, helicopter flights over the gorge, and craft markets for carvings and curios. An easy, dramatic bookend to a safari.
3 nights
The water-rich northwest corner of the Okavango Delta — a private concession (NG12, the Mapula–Sekwana area) on Kgao Island, adjoining Moremi Game Reserve. Crystal-clear permanent channels, lily lagoons and leadwood islands make for both water-based safari (mokoro and boat) and classic game drives, in a concession known for some of the Delta's highest lion densities, alongside elephant, leopard and African wild dog.
3 nights
Natural Selection's 200,000-hectare Khwai Private Reserve (NG18) in the eastern Okavango, bordering Moremi Game Reserve to the south and Chobe National Park to the east. Emerald seasonal floodplains and lily-covered lagoons fed by the fast-flowing Khwai River give way to leadwood forests — strong predator country for lion, leopard, cheetah and endangered wild dog, with large elephant and buffalo herds, zebra and giraffe. Predominantly land-based game viewing, with seasonal water activity depending on the flood.
Visa — required; get it in advance. US passport holders need a visa. It’s available on arrival, but applying ahead through Zimbabwe’s official eVisa site is quick and speeds you through immigration. If your trip crosses into Zambia — for instance, the Devil’s Pool experience at Victoria Falls — ask for the KAZA UniVisa instead: one visa covering both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Passport. Valid at entry, with 2 blank pages — or at least 6 blank pages if you’re arriving via South Africa.
Vaccinations. A yellow-fever certificate is required if you’re arriving from or transiting a country where yellow fever is a risk.
Currency. No limit on what you bring in; up to US$2,000 may be taken out (more if you declared and documented it on arrival). Bring enough cash for the whole trip — small bills ($1s and $5s) are the most useful — and declare what you’re carrying at entry (Form 47).
Good to know. Immigration may ask to see a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
U.S. Embassy, Harare: zw.usembassy.gov
Visa — not required. US passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Passport. Valid for at least 6 months beyond both your arrival and departure dates, with 3 blank pages (neighboring countries you transit or connect through will want a similar number).
Vaccinations. A yellow-fever certificate is required if you’re arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk.
Currency. No limit on what you bring in or out, but amounts over 10,000 pula (about US$1,000) must be declared.
Good to know. Much of Botswana’s magic is in remote areas — which means limited medical care, medical evacuation that can be delayed (especially at night), and patchy internet. We strongly recommend travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Traffic drives on the left.
U.S. Embassy, Gaborone: bw.usembassy.gov
Guidance for US passport holders — if you travel on another passport, please confirm the requirements for your nationality.
Every departure runs a similar route with all-in pricing. Prices vary by season.
Inclusions: Safari lodge and camp rates are inclusive of all meals, drinks, and most activities — including game drives — but exclude top-shelf drinks and premium activities like helicopter excursions. City and beach stays follow each property's own board basis, shown on the lodge.
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