We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to Zimbabwe and Botswana is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Holiday Title: Victoria Falls and Chobe Premium Getaway Package
Holiday Destination: Holiday to Zimbabwe and Botswana for 4 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Section 6 of our booking conditions.
Holiday Title: Victoria Falls and Chobe Premium Getaway Package
Passengers: 2 Adults
Arrive into Victoria Falls Airport. After you have gone through Immigration, collected your luggage and cleared Customs, you need to make your way into the Arrivals Hall where your driver will meet you. You will then be transferred to the Victoria Falls Hotel.
For more than 110 years The Victoria Falls Hotel has been a luxury icon in Africa. This 5* classic hotel commands a prime location with dramatic views of the gorges of the Falls themselves. A private path leads to the Falls, an idyllic 10 minute walk away.
Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe
Today enjoy a morning tour of the Falls from the Zimbabwe side. A knowledgeable guide will take you on an unforgettable experience through the Victoria Falls rainforest, a journey that not only affords a view of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World but provides a great deal of interesting facts about the geology, wildlife and history of Africa's most famous landmark.
This afternoon you will be collected for your afternoon sundowner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. Relax as you gaze out onto the banks of the river, and have your camera ready to capture one of the most amazing sunsets in Africa.
This morning, you will be transferred to the border post between Zimbabwe and Botswana, where you will complete the border formalities and cross into Botswana. You may be required to change vehicles at the border, and if so, please be prepared to carry your bags a short distance between vehicles. You will then be transferred onto Chobe Game Lodge.
The only permanent game lodge situated within the famous Chobe National Park, Chobe Game Lodge is Botswana's premier venue for guests looking for a perfect base from which to explore the National Park and the Chobe River. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are conducted by expert guides in open-sided 4x4 vehicles to view the Park's spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Meanwhile, riverside game viewing from small boats gives you the opportunity to see the wildlife from a completely different perspective. The location inside the Park gives guests the advantage of a head start on vehicle traffic entering the Riverfront from Kasane for activities, and therefore offers a more exclusive Chobe safari experience.
Chobe National Park
After breakfast, you will check out of your room and you will be collected for the transfer back to Victoria Falls Airport, where you will check in for your flight home.
The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as 'the grand old lady of the Falls', is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park, a world heritage site.
The Edwardian-style 5* hotel, built in 1904, combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new. Set in lush tropical gardens with lily ponds, palm trees and semi-tropical shrubs, it provides the tranquillity and seclusion that many guests seek.
The famous Victoria Falls are just a 10 minute walk away using the hotel's private pathway, and 'the smoke that thunders' or 'Mosi-O-Tunya' in the local dialect, is clearly audible and visible from this luxurious landmark. Seeing the sun rise beneath the mist of one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and the lunar rainbow at night, all the while soaking up the history and ambience of a bygone era, is more than unforgettable - it is unique.
The service here is world-class, and food and beverage choice and preparation second to none. Choose the opulent Livingstone Room for fine dining and dancing, or the Jungle Junction for its famous breakfast and dinner buffets and ethnic entertainment in the evenings. Stanley's Terrace, with its clear view of the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia, is renowned for its cocktails and afternoon teas, and has been a rendezvous for adventurers in Africa for over a century.
All the rooms and suites are decorated in the gracious Edwardian style of Zimbabwe's colonial era. There are 161 in total, offering a range of accommodation from standard rooms to the Royal Suite. The latter, as the name suggests, has seen reigning monarchs, presidents and, more recently, many famous Hollywood stars among its privileged occupants.
A large swimming pool, 2 tennis courts, a library, and reading rooms are part of the complex. Golfers can enjoy 18 holes on the championship course of the nearby sister hotel, Elephant Hills Resort.
A sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, just upstream from the magnificent Falls, is another must for the visitor. Crocodiles, abundant hippo and new friends are the staple of these legendary exhilarating cruises.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
As the only lodge located inside the world-renowned Chobe National Park, and set on the banks of the Chobe River, Chobe Game Lodge is the ideal place from which to explore the very best of one of Botswana’s most iconic regions.
Chobe Game Lodge has several electric and solar-powered safari boats and land vehicles - a clean and quiet way to enjoy a safari and a real boost for eco-tourism in Africa.
Early morning game drives set off as soon as the Park opens, giving you the best chance of tracking predators while they are still active. The afternoon drives depart the lodge in the late afternoon (the exact time is dependent on the season), only returning at Park closure time after sunset, thus maximising the time you spend out to enjoy those special sightings. Elephant encounters are common and huge herds of buffalo abound.
Mid morning and late afternoon boat safaris offer unsurpassed game viewing opportunities. Elephant line the water's edge, hippo congregate in lagoons, hundreds of antelope and giraffe make their way to the water, and sightings of predators along the river banks are common.
Every one of the 44 elegantly designed guest rooms is air-conditioned, with en-suite bathrooms and a large terrace facing the Chobe River. Those who wish to experience Chobe in ultimate luxury can stay in one of the 4 suites, each with its own private terrace and infinity plunge pool.
The expansive main guest area incorporates several comfortable and tastefully appointed seating areas from which to enjoy the tranquillity of the lodge surroundings. Following the banks of the river, the 250 metres of elevated boardwalk and viewing deck offers seemingly endless panoramic views over the Chobe River. Find your favourite spot along the platform and settle down to watch the ever-changing wildlife parade across the river, on the islands and the surrounding floodplains.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | All meals; local spirits and wines (excluding premium brands); scheduled activities; National Park fees; a laundry service; and airport transfers to/from scheduled/charter flights arriving/departing Kasane Airport are included. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zimbabwe
Normally, holders of the following passports require a visa to enter Zimbabwe when travelling as a tourist:
United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Ireland; France; Germany; Spain; Portugal; Italy; Switzerland; Australia; New Zealand.
If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local Zimbabwe High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements or check this website: https://www.evisa.gov.zw/.
The following visas are available (all costs are per person and subject to change):
Single Entry: USD 30 (apart from British and Irish nationals who are charged USD 55; and Canadian nationals who are charged USD 75)
Double Entry: USD 45 (apart from British and Irish nationals who are charged USD 75)
Visas will be issued on arrival at an entry point upon payment of the correct visa fee - please make sure you have the correct amount of cash (US dollars) with you as change may not be available.
You can also obtain your visa prior to arrival, and this can be done as an E-Visa via https://www.evisa.gov.zw/home.
For visitors wanting to travel across to Zambia, the KAZA UniVisa is also an option (although unfortunately this is not always available). This visa allows tourists of certain nationalities to travel freely between Zimbabwe and Zambia, within a 30 day period from the date of their first entry.
This same visa will also allow those who cross into Botswana for a day trip to come back into Zimbabwe (or Zambia) without paying any extra visa fees - please note however it is not valid if staying in Botswana overnight.
The UniVisa can ONLY be obtained at SELECTED border posts (currently Victoria Falls Airport, Victoria Falls Land Border, Kazungula Land Border (border with Botswana) and Harare Airport) - the current price is USD 50 per person (subject to change) and payable in cash.
To check whether you are eligible for this visa, please check the KAZA UniVisa sections of the Zambian or Zimbabwean government websites.
For anyone entering Zimbabwe, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry and have 3 blank pages left in it to enable you to enter Zimbabwe and exit via one of the neighbouring countries, if leaving at short notice becomes necessary.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Zimbabwe.
To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled. To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Zimbabwe, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is Zimbabwe. However, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Zimbabwe requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Zimbabwe - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
Tsetse flies are found throughout the northern Zambezi River drainage area, including the Lake Kariba area. There have been some cases of sleeping sickness occurring after a tsetse fly bite, although these are mainly amongst farmers and other locals who have repeated exposure to bites. However, the fly can still deliver a painful bite, so it is advisable to take necessary precautions - don't wear dark colours, especially black and blue (including denim), wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and don't walk through bushes during the hottest part of the day.
English is the official language of Zimbabwe and is widely spoken with all guides and general staff in camps and lodges having a good command. In the broader population however, not everyone will speak English fluently as many have grown up speaking different tribal languages. Other indigenous languages spoken include Shona and Ndebele.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times. Leave your original passport somewhere safe.
It is against the law for civilians to wear any form of clothing made from camouflage material.
Photographing government offices, airports, military establishments, official residences, embassies and other sensitive places is illegal. Taking photographs of members of police and armed forces personnel and of demonstrations and protests is also not permitted. The area around State House in Harare (the President’s official residence) is patrolled by armed members of the Presidential Guard and photography here is strictly prohibited.
Some acts of homosexuality is illegal in Zimbabwe. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.
If you’re working as a journalist (for example, as a reporter or news photographer), you must get accreditation before you travel. If you do not have proper accreditation, you are at risk of arrest, detention in difficult conditions, a fine and deportation. The Zimbabwe government uses a broad definition of journalism. This may include any form of interview, filming or photography. Consider carefully the risks associated with engaging in social media activities such as posting comments, blogging or sharing photographs, which can be seen as journalism.
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana
Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter Botswana when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days:
United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; New Zealand; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Norway; Spain; South Africa.
If you are a passport holder from another country, you can check to see if you require a visa and apply for an eVisa here: https://evisa.gov.bw/#/home.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Botswana and have sufficient blank pages for the Botswana entry/exit stamps (at least 2).
TRAVELLING TO/FROM BOTSWANA WITH CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 18 YEARS OF AGE AT DATE OF TRAVEL: The following requirements apply regardless of nationality.
Parents travelling with children must produce an unabridged birth certificate for the child, showing full details of the child's parents. If the birth certificate is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a sworn translation issued by a competent authority in the country concerned.
If the child is adopted, the adoption certificate must be produced.
If only one parent is travelling, said parent must also show consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent named on the birth certificate authorising the child to travel (the affidavit must be no more than 6 months old from the date of travel), or a court order granting full parental responsibilities to the travelling parent, or (where applicable) a death certificate for the deceased parent. Legally separated parents should also provide a court order when the other parent does not give consent.
Where a person is travelling with a child who is not their biological child, he/she must produce an unabridged birth certificate for the child supplemented by affidavits from the child's parents/legal guardian giving consent for the child to travel and copies of the identity documents or passport of the parents/legal guardian PLUS their contact details.
There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors - available on request.
PLEASE NOTE: All documents must be original - PHOTOCOPIES ARE NOT ACCEPTED. In the case of foreign countries that do not issue unabridged birth certificates, a letter to this effect issued by the competent authority of the foreign country should be produced.
For more information, please contact your local Botswana High Commission.
IMPORTANT: Plastic bags are banned in Botswana. This ban is primarily aimed to reduce plastic in commercial use (as opposed to tourists bringing in plastic bags to carry personal property), however, we would strongly recommend guests avoid bringing plastic bags into the country if possible.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Botswana.
To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
There is a risk of malaria in the northern half of Botswana, including Chobe and the Okavango Delta, particularly during the months of November to June - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Botswana, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is Botswana. However, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Botswana requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
English is the official language of Botswana and widely spoken with all guides and general staff in camps and lodges having a good command. In the broader population, however, not everyone will speak English fluently as many have grown up speaking different tribal languages.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Although homosexuality is no longer prohibited by law in Botswana, public attitudes are less tolerant and public displays of affection may attract negative attention. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.
You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph. Taking photographs of military and government buildings is prohibited.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.