Tented Expeditions: Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari

Itinerary Highlights

Prepare your senses for a true expedition where your only barrier with nature is a canvas tent (albeit, a quite well-appointed one).

Our Tented Expeditions itinerary provides you what is arguably the most authentic and immersive safari experience in the Southern Africa bush. This nine-night itinerary combines a diverse circuit of national parks within Zimbabwe and Botswana with emphasis upon expedition-style adventures in the bush. The migration of Botswana camps depending upon season ensures that travelers are perfectly situated to witness the country’s dynamic ecosystems in their prime moments.

All of the included camps boast the finest canvas tents available on the market and each excels in providing both remarkable comfort and simple yet immaculate style. Your unforgettable accommodations will be matched only by the exceptionalism of the camps’ guides and the abundant wilderness they will assist you to explore. Travel between camps is done exclusively via charter flight, allowing for minimal travel time and maximized opportunities for making memories.

Your first stop takes you to Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Situated on a cliff overlooking the mighty Zambezi River, Zambezi Expeditions is an adventure lover’s delight. Experience nature up close and personal as you canoe with hippos and elephants down the Zambezi, fish along the river banks and track Big Five game on walking safari. Next fly to Hwange National Park and get a taste of “armchair safari” at Somalisa Expeditions where plains game and predators alike come quite literally to your front door (or pool). Known for hosting both a prolific elephant population as well as the pride of famed Cecil the Lion, wildlife is abound at Somalisa and your time will be spent experiencing Hwange’s savannas first-hand not only from your tent but also on foot and aboard your 4x4 vehicle.

Botswana is the final destination of your journey. For those traveling during the dry season from May through October, camp is established at Linyanti Expeditions. Botswana’s most reliable water source, Linyanti Wilderness Reserve is a private concession boasting splendid scenery of untouched grasslands, riverine forest and meandering lagoons. The nourishing waters of the region ensure unparalleled animal sightings throughout the drier months. As the summer arrives, camp is re-positioned to the newly minted Migration Expeditions in the heart of Nxai Pan National Park. Operating only from December through March, Migration Expeditions resides in the heart of the world’s longest zebra migration. This migration brings along with it abundant predator populations and even a birthing season for many of the region’s herbivore species. Whichever season you choose, an unforgettable safari experience awaits you.

Lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Zimbabwe! At Harare International Airport (HRE), board a 40-minute charter flight to the Mana Pools Airstrip. Upon arrival you'll be met by your guide who will escort you on the quick drive to your camp at Zambezi Expeditions.

Zambezi Expeditions showcases one of the most magnificent settings in Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools National Park. Comfortable yet classic, the camp offers the kind of intimacy with nature that can only be achieved by immersing yourself in the heart of the wild. Fall asleep to the sound of the flowing river and chuckles of hippo and wake-up with the dawn chorus to a spectacular African sunrise. At Zambezi Expeditions you will connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way.

Set under the shade of winter thorn and ebony trees, each tent has en suite bathroom facilities with hot bucket showers and the main area has charging facilities for your all-important cameras. With unique access to the Zambezi River, your days will be filled with adventurous canoeing safaris, tracking game along the shorelines by foot, and fishing for the iconic tiger fish. An absolute must, however, is a game drive in an open 4 x 4 along the flood plains and into the heart of the Mana Pools UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activities include guided walking safaris, canoeing safaris and game drives all led by our qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you.

Overnight at Zambezi Expeditions (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy your final breakfast along the Zambezi before taking off to the Hwange Aistrip. Upon arrival you’ll be met by your guide and embark on your first game drive through famed Hwange National Park. Somalisa Expeditions is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve known for its thriving population of 40,000 elephants. Hwange home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion and zebra; perhaps the reserve’s most notable residents are the surviving sons of Cecil the Lion and their growing pride. Nestled in a stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain, Somalisa provides guests with breathtaking views of the savanna plains across the famous Kennedy Vlei line.

Somalisa Expeditions exudes adventure and brings you face to face with Africa’s giants. Sit in your armchair and let nature venture to you. Somalisa Expeditions is a place of bonfires, where stories and laughter are shared and where the striking African sky evolves from a bright orange blaze, with silhouetted acacia trees on the horizon, to the twilight of the night sky. Senses are awakened on game drives, bush walks, bird watching excursions and cultural visits. Our professional guides transform an experience from passive viewing of sightings to a passionate demonstration of beauty and wonder. Their wisdom about the African wilderness will fascinate and amaze you. Capturing the ambiance of a mobile camp but with all the trimmings, Somalisa Expeditions offers with authenticity and comfort. Slightly more grounded with common areas on the land giving you a closer connection to the true wilderness experience, without sacrificing any luxury. The honest and genuine design of this camps truly grants you the space to explore Africa as it should be. Where guests make themselves at home in Serengeti-style tents with contemporary finishes.

Set within a private concession in the Hwange National Park, you can expect flexibility in all your activities, including walking safaris and game drives. Here you will be accompanied by our truly knowledgeable guides who possess a true passion for their trade. This thrilling activity engages all your senses. Accompanied by one of our experienced Walking Guides, explore the wild on foot for one to two hours.

Overnight at Somalisa Expeditions (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today you’ll depart Zimbabwe, heading west toward Botswana.

For those traveling during the winter months of May through October, you’ll find yourself in Linyanti Expeditions. Experience a life-changing Linyanti safari is in store at our seasonal camp located on the southern banks of the Linyanti River in northern Botswana. The true art of safari is waking up with the crisp dawn air to the sound of birds rejoicing. Enjoying a warm cup of coffee, anticipating what the day has to offer. It’s heading out into the wild, open plains on foot in search of new ground and thrilling interactions. In the fast-paced, man-made world we live in, there is a pull towards authentic and honest travel and experiences. We’re going back to our original ‘Bush Camps’ roots and introducing our newest expedition-style camp to Botswana, with Linyanti Expeditions.

Linyanti Wilderness Reserve is a private concession boasting splendid scenery of untouched grasslands, riverine forest and meandering lagoons. The sumptuous style belies the simplicity of the camp. Organic layers with a comfortable lived-in feel are imbued with elegant touches of copper and cut-glass add a dash of old-world charm. Underscored by African Bush Camps’ ethos of eco-sensitivity, this Linyanti safari camp touches the earth lightly. With just six tents, the camp has an intimate atmosphere, ensuring a personalized service for each guest. The main area has two canvas-covered hubs; a dining area with an exposed kitchen and an open lounge with the campfire is at its center, drawing guests to enjoy the authentic experience of the African bush outside. The tents are firmly rooted on the ground, giving that extra level of connection to nature. Each room has en-suite bathrooms with chemical eco-friendly toilets and al fresco bucket showers. The wow factor in the rooms is the ‘star suite’. Each tent has a gazebo extension, where beds can be moved at night to give the experience of sleeping beneath a blanket of glimmering stars, immersing yourself in the wonders of the wilderness while still staying in the security of a mesh-enclosed area. The location of our Linyanti safari lodge in the northern region of Botswana enjoys an abundance of wildlife. The area is frequented by vast herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra that attract iconic predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs. The peaceful African night is often punctuated by the lion’s gruff, baritone contact call, wild dogs yipping or hyenas whooping in celebration of meal or morsel. Activities to enjoy on your Linyanti safari include walking safaris, river activities such as mokoro trips, day and night game drives. Linyanti Expeditions offers awe-inspiring birding with Carmine bee-eaters nest on the banks of the Linyanti River.

For those taking advantage of the unique opportunities of green season in Botswana from December through March, your final destination is Migration Expeditions. In a life of deadlines and busy cities, the new source of luxury is having wide-open space, having your undivided attention on exploring and relaxing. At Migration Expeditions in Nxai Pan National Park, we offer just that – the unbelievable calm that comes from gazing at the horizon and having space to yourself. Activities on your Nxai pan safari include morning and afternoon game drives inside the national park and visits to Baine’s Baobabs. The intimate camp has just six canvas tents set on low decks with bucket showers and two main area tents consisting of the lounge and dining areas.

Nxai Pan National Park is one of the best places to experience the longest zebra migration that spans from Namibia to the Nxai Pan area covering over 1,000 kilometers. The migration occurs in the protected land of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. Migrations are essential for the ecosystems to avoid over-grazing and they ensure food sources are optimally used. Predators also benefit, as they follow the zebras and other herbivores and prey on the weak and younger herd members. Baines Baobabs is another fascinating attraction here, a cluster of baobabs that have been around for millennia was painted by artist and explorer Thomas Baines on his trek with James Chapman in 1862 across Botswana in search of Victoria Falls. The baobabs were the subject of the iconic painting, which captured the lure and fascination of these unusual trees as well as the beauty and authenticity of this Botswana paradise.

Migration Expeditions’ eco-sensitive design facilitates a seamless flow between its pristine desert environment and our stylish bush camp. The main area has two canvas-covered hubs; one side housing a dining area with an open kitchen and opposite, a cozy lounge area. Solar-powered charging points are available for those all-important cameras. The fire circle is at the heart of our bush camp offering and is an extension of the shared lounge area. Its magnetic quality beckons, inviting guests to share an authentic, warm African safari experience with us.

Overnight at Linyanti Expeditions OR Migration Expeditions (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

• Nine nights accommodation in double/twin sharing occupancy

• All internal flights and ground transfers between lodges (flights into Zimbabwe and out of Botswana are not included)

• All meals, drinks and liquors (excluding premium brands)

• Twice daily game drives with English speaking naturalist guide (where applicable)

• Laundry service

• All national park and entrance fees as described

• *Not included: gratuities, visas to Zimbabwe or Botswana, international flights or internal flights not listed, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

Please note that Migration Expeditions is only open from December to March, which happens to be when Somalisa Expeditions and Zambezi Expeditions are closed (Somalisa is open from December 20 - January 5 for the holiday season). For those interested in visiting Migration Expeditions -something we HIGHLY recommend- please contact us so we can advise the best camps in the region to best complement your experience. In general we would recommend combining Migration Expeditions with certain sectors of the Okavango Delta and a drier region with more opportunity for walking safari, perhaps either in South Africa or Namibia.

For adventurous types this itinerary and the camps included are hard to beat. For those looking for a bit more luxury, there are alternative lodging options in each of the destinations included and substitutions can easily be made. It is also possible to shorten your stay at any of the camps to two nights, though we feel in most cases three nights is the sweet spot.

A great addition to this itinerary is Victoria Falls as it makes for a perfect stop as you transition from Zimbabwe into Botswana. Two to three nights on either the Zimbabwean side in a property like Victoria Falls Hotel or Old Drift Lodge provides a wonderful respite, though for truly exceptional accommodations we recommend Thorntree River Lodge on the Zambian side. The property is also owned by African Bush Camps and, with breathtaking riverfront suites and incredible excursions beyond the Falls, on a dollar-for-dollar basis is very difficult to beat.

For safari enthusiasts another destination to consider would be Botswana’s Okavango Delta, with superb wildlife throughout the year and some of the region’s greatest safari camps and lodges.

You can also get a similar experience on the Zambian side of the Lower Zambezi and then extend afterward to South Luangwa National Park, the home of walking safari. For those interested in culture, action or wine, a few days in the Cape Town and Winelands region would be ideal. And for those looking to end their adventure with some relaxing beach time (honeymooners perhaps?) we’d suggest some time in magical Mozambique.