5 Day Incredible Safari in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia

Itinerary

Day 1: Airport pickup and sunset cruise

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Please provide your flight details in advance so Cuckoo Safaris can coordinate your pick-up time. At 3:30 p.m., your driver-guide will collect you for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Sail along the mighty river as the golden Zimbabwean sun dips below the horizon, offering spectacular views of the surrounding wildlife. Watch birds flock to the water and local animals arriving for their evening drink—all while enjoying delicious finger foods and a full open bar, making for a relaxing and memorable start to your adventure.

• Accommodation: Shongwe Lookout Lodge or Victoria Falls Pioneers Lodge
• Meals: Snacks, beverages, and wine provided during the cruise
• Transfer duration (airport to hotel): 20 minutes
• Sunset cruise duration: 3 hours

Day 2: Zambia and Zimbabwe guided tour of the falls, both sides, and night game drive and bush dinner

Experience the full wonder of Victoria Falls from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides on this deluxe guided tour. Begin your day with a hotel pick-up at 8:30 a.m. for a six-hour guided tour of the falls, where you will get as close as possible to the cascading waters and enjoy breathtaking views of one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders. After a day of awe-inspiring sights, your driver-guide will pick you up at 4:00 p.m. for a four-hour Zambezi River dinner cruise. Drift along the iconic river as you take in the beauty of the falls from a unique perspective. Savor Zambezi-style cuisine prepared by an executive chef while enjoying world-class service in an unforgettable setting.

• Accommodation: Shongwe Lookout Lodge or Victoria Falls Pioneers Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 3: Transfer from Victoria Falls, Chobe game drive, and safari boat cruise

Your adventure begins at 7:30 a.m. with a hotel pickup and transfer to Chobe National Park in Botswana. At the Kazungula border, you will meet your Botswana guide, who will accompany you directly to the Chobe River for a morning game-viewing cruise. Enjoy sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife along the river while sipping tea or coffee with biscuits. Meanwhile, all luggage will be transported in a backup vehicle, and your driver-guide will assist with the check-in process after the day’s activities.

The morning cruise concludes around 12:30 p.m., after which you will be taken to a hotel on the riverbank for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive through Chobe National Park, offering excellent opportunities to spot lions, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. After the game drive, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Please note: The sequence of activities may vary depending on wildlife sightings from the previous night. You may start with a game drive and finish with the river cruise.

• Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or Cresta Mowana Safari Resort
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch
• Duration: Approximately 9 hours

Day 4: Early morning game drive and Namibia Impalila Island three-hour visit

You will start the day with an early morning game drive at 5:30 a.m., a time carefully chosen to maximize the chances of spotting predators while they are still hunting. The game drive lasts approximately three hours, offering ample opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, buffalos, impalas, and many more. Tea is served during the drive for a refreshing pause in the bush. After the game drive, guests will return to the lodge for breakfast.

At 10:30 a.m., you will be picked up from Chobe Safari Lodge for a visit to Impalila Island. This uniquely positioned island lies at the intersection where four countries meet, providing a fascinating cultural and geographical experience. During the visit, you will explore a local village, gaining insight into the community’s way of life.

• Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or Cresta Mowana Safari Resort
• Meals: Breakfast
• Duration: Morning game drive (3 hours) | Impalila visit (3 hours)

Day 5: Airport drop-off

You will be transferred to Kasane Airport for your onward flight, or to Victoria Falls Airport, depending on your travel plans.

• Meals: Breakfast

About the safari

Begin your journey along the thriving banks of the Zambezi River in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Livingstone, Zambia, where you will witness one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls up close. From the awe-inspiring cascade of the falls, venture into the golden landscapes and abundant wildlife of Chobe National Park, Botswana, where elephants, buffalo, and other iconic African species roam freely. Your adventure culminates in Namibia, on Impalila Island, where you can explore the rich local culture and stunning natural beauty through scenic hikes and immersive experiences.

Victoria Falls tour (Zimbabwe and Zambia sides)

• Guided walks along both sides of the falls
• Opportunities for photos at iconic viewpoints

Chobe National Park safari (Botswana)

• Morning and/or afternoon game drives
• Wildlife viewing including elephants, lions, buffalo, and antelopes
• Optional river cruise along Chobe River for birdwatching and wildlife photography

Cultural experience on Impalila Island (Namibia)

• Village visit and interaction with local communities
• Insights into traditional Namibian culture and daily life