Best of Botswana & Zimbabwe

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), surcharges may apply

• 9 nights of hotel and lodge accommodation

• 22 meals including daily breakfast
• 4 nights of all-inclusive dining with select beverages at Hwange National Park and Matopos National Park

• English-speaking tour leader
• Qualified safari field rangers and trackers for all game drives
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
• 4x4 vehicles for safari game drives

• Return airport transfers

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 60 days before your tour starts (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 60 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)

Please note: Extra charges may apply, see the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details

Today you'll depart for Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Please note:
• Some customers may depart on Day 0 and arrive on Day 0 or Day 1.
• Some customers may land in Johannesburg on Day 1 and fly to Victoria Falls on Day 2. If an additional night is required due to flight scheduling, TripADeal will provide the accommodation.
• Some customers will transit through Johannesburg airport. Please do not leave the airport as you will need to collect your baggage and re-check in for the next flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls.
• Flight scheduling will be outlined in your travel packs 4-6 weeks prior to departure.
• Some customers may have up to a 7-hour layover in Perth during the daytime.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls, you'll be met and transferred to the lodge. If it is too early for check-in, luggage can be stored at the hotel.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore this magnificent destination and its beautiful surroundings.

Please note: Upon arrival, the tour leader will collect the Local Park Fee & Activity Payment at $250 USD per person, this will need to be a cash payment and will be a mandatory charge, payable on tour.

Overnight: Pioneers Lodge or similar, Victoria Falls

Meals included: Dinner

This morning you'll be collected from the lodge and transferred to Victoria Falls. The falls is truly an awe-inspiring experience from the sight to the sound and the smell. No photograph can begin to depict reality and nothing prepares you for your first sight. You'll find yourself with a humbling feeling as you witness one of nature's supreme masterpieces.

You will be accompanied through the rainforest by a guide who will give a brief history of the falls while detailing the flora, fauna, birds, wildlife and other points of interest. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure and an opportunity to embark on optional activities in the area (additional charges may apply).

In the late afternoon, you will be picked up and transferred to the jetty for an exciting Zambezi sundowner cruise with dinner. This is a superb way to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River while keeping your eyes peeled for the variety of game animals. This includes hippos, crocodiles, elephants and many different bird species.

Please note: The amount of water at Victoria Falls is season-dependent. In the dry season, the water levels can be very low.

Overnight: Pioneers Lodge or similar, Victoria Falls

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, you'll travel approximately 180 kilometres through Zimbabwe to Ivory Lodge in Hwange National Park. Ivory Lodge provides an exclusive retreat for nature enthusiasts and wildlife aficionados within the 15,000-acre private concession. Expert guides are dedicated to curating safari experiences that cater to both seasoned travellers and first-time visitors, promising an unparalleled opportunity to witness the untamed beauty of Zimbabwe.

Enjoy an afternoon safari game drive in the magnificent Hwange National Park, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and home to over 100 mammal species. This includes Africa's Big Five of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. The park is famous for its large elephant population, with an estimated 40,000 individuals which makes it one of the largest elephant sanctuaries in the world. It's also a paradise for bird watchers with over 400 bird species recorded in the park. Species range from large raptors like the Martial Eagle to colourful bee-eaters and rollers so get your camera ready!

Afterwards, enjoy an evening at leisure with dinner and all-inclusive select beverages at the lodge.

Overnight: Ivory Lodge or similar, Hwange National Park

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Begin the day with an early morning game drive through the reserve in a comfortable 4X4 vehicle. You'll be accompanied by professional English-speaking field rangers and trackers, ensuring an informative and detailed safari experience. Get your cameras ready for some incredible photo opportunities before returning to the lodge mid-morning for breakfast.

You'll then head out again in the afternoon to search for more wildlife on an afternoon safari.

Overnight: Ivory Lodge or similar, Hwange National Park

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Continuing through Zimbabwe, you'll travel approximately 310 kilometres to Amalinda Lodge which is located on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Matopos National Park.

The park is Zimbabwe’s oldest and is home to rock formations called “kopjes” which date back over 2 million years. Meaning “bald head” in the local Ndebele language, Matobo provides endless landscapes and an opportunity to search for one of Africa’s most iconic endangered species, the rhino. Here you will visit the renowned caves and Bushman paintings while tracking both black and white rhinos on foot.

Overnight: Amalinda Lodge or similar, Matopos National Park

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Matopos National Park is renowned for stunning landscapes, unique geological formations, rich cultural history and diverse wildlife. The park is home to black and white rhino as well as leopards, cheetahs and African wild dogs. Enjoy another day tracking Rhino on a bushwalk with an informative guide.

Overnight: Amalinda Lodge or similar, Matopos National Park

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, check out of the camp and travel approximately 310 kilometres to the Makgadikgadi area.

The Makgadikgadi Pan is a salt pan situated in the middle of the dry savanna of north-eastern Botswana and is also one of the largest in the world. The pan is all that remains of the formerly enormous Lake Makgadikadi. Here you will visit the magnificent Makgadikgadi Pans with a guide either late in the afternoon or the following morning.

Overnight: Nata Lodge or similar, Makgadikgadi Pans

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today you'll head north to Kasane and arrive at the Chobe Safari Lodge on the banks of the Chobe River after travelling approximately 320 kilometres.

Chobe is renowned for its stunning scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundant wildlife and birdlife. Here you will enjoy a late afternoon 4x4 game drive in Chobe National Park, one of Botswana's most famous and ecologically diverse national parks. The area is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa with tens of thousands of these majestic animals frequenting the park.

Afterwards, return to the lodge and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar, Kasane

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Enjoy a morning safari game drive in search for more magnificent wildlife.

You'll then take a captivating sunset game-viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River. This is a fantastic way to experience one of Botswana’s most stunning wildlife regions. The river provides a picturesque backdrop with lush vegetation contrasting against the arid landscape. The Chobe River area is famous for its large elephant herds which you can often see along the riverbanks, especially during the dry season. You might also spot buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and various bird species.

Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar, Kasane

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today, enjoy breakfast before being transferred back to Victoria Falls in time for your international flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some customers may arrive +1 day.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

Cancellation and Refund Policy
By placing a booking with us, you acknowledge the following important information:
• we act as your booking agent: TripADeal is a booking services provider, and curates the Travel Offers available on our website. We act as your booking agent, and we receive payment for the Booking Services as part of the booking price, however, we do not provide any of the Travel Services (flights, accommodation, tours or other products or services) included in your booking – the Travel Services are provided by a number of third party Travel Suppliers.
• each booking is unique: our Travel Offers are made up of a variety of different components and are, during the booking process, uniquely tailored to suit your requirements, for example, departure dates and ports, flight and room upgrades, tour inclusions, etc.
• changes/modifications to your booking may not be possible: once your booking has been made, changes or modifications may not be possible, and where possible, may incur a fee. It is important to ensure that the information you provide during the booking process is accurate and up to date, and that you read the Travel Offer carefully before placing your order.
• Travel Offers are a package: our Travel Offers have been curated into package offerings and must be used as a package – individual components cannot be used independently of the full package offering.
• our Travel Offers are generally non-refundable: in order to provide great value Travel Offers, we work with a variety of Travel Suppliers to find the best deals – this often means the Travel Suppliers’ offerings are non-refundable to ensure the best price. We recommend that you obtain travel insurance as soon as you make a booking with us.
To read more about our Cancellation and Refund Policy, please click here.

General Terms and Conditions
By placing your booking with us, you acknowledge and agree to our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy and Cancellation Policy.

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 4th of November 2025.

Minimum group size 2, maximum group size 16 per vehicle.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share. 

Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $1,650 applies. 

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 12 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Departure Dates        
2025
April: *15
May: 13
June: 10
July: *22
August: *05
September: *09
October: *14
November: *04

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Surcharges
Please note: 
• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $300 per person.

Departure Cities         
Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth, *Auckland

Departure City Surcharges
• Brisbane & Adelaide: $100 per person
• Auckland: $300 per person
• Perth: $400 per person

International Full-Service Flight(s)
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Preferred Airline Surcharge
Not available

Arrive Early and Stay Behind Options
Arrive Early
Johannesburg, South Africa - From $300 per person, subject to availability.

Stay Behind
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - From $300 per person, subject to availability.

Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• Flight booking changes or cancellations after air tickets have been issued are not guaranteed and may incur additional fees and fare difference, subject to the airline cancellation and change policies.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high-season Arrive Early or Stay Behind can be purchased for an additional charge, subject to availability. For pricing, please refer to the cart.
• An Arrive Early or Stay Behind can only be booked up to 60 days prior to your package’s start date, or after your package's end date. Should you wish to arrive earlier or stay behind for more than 60 days, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
• 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025
• 28 March 2025 - 27 April 2025
• 16 June 2025 - 20 July 2025
• 15 September 2025 - 12 October 2025
• 1 December 2025 - 31 January 2026
• 3 April 2026 - 20 April 2026
• 26 June 2026 - 17 July 2026
• 18 September 2026 - 9 October 2026
• 12 December 2026 - 26 January 2027

Stopover Packages 
Not available 
 
Flight Class Upgrades
Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed.

Missed Flights 
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements. 

Accommodation Used
3 & 4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)
• Johannesburg: Protea hotel
• Victoria Falls: Pioneers Lodge
• Hwange National Park: Ivory Lodge
• Matopos National Park: Amalinda Lodge
• Kasane: Chobe Safari Lodge

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available. 
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 

Maximum Room Capacity
2 people

Triple Share
Not available

Bedding Configuration
Twin or double (subject to availability)

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Optional gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Any costs associated with an interruption to your tour as a result of an airline schedule change or cancellation
• Mandatory city tax
• Local Park Fee & Activity Payment at $250 USD per person - payable on tour

Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is 5-8 USD per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group.

Tour Leader
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

FEES
Local Park Fee & Activity Payment
Please note, upon arrival, customers will need to pay $250 USD per person to the tour leader in cash on day 2 of the itinerary. This charge is for the local park fee & activity payment which is a mandatory fee to be paid on tour.

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
In the area of Victoria Falls, the climate is subtropical, with a mild and dry winter from mid-May to mid-August (during which, however, nights are cold), and a hot, muggy and rainy summer from mid-November to mid-March. The rains occur in the form of downpours or thunderstorms. Between September and November, before the rainy season, there is a hot period, which is in fact the hottest of the year, with temperatures easily reaching 35°C, and sometimes up to 40°C, even though the humidity is not as high as in summer. October is the hottest month of the year. On the contrary, in winter, when during the day the weather is nice, the temperature at night may approach freezing (0°C).

Botswana
The country typically experiences warm to hot temperatures, with average monthly maximums ranging from 29.5ºC to 35ºC in summer and 19.8ºC to 28.9ºC in winter. Average monthly minimums vary from 14.6ºC to 20.8ºC in summer and 2.9ºC to 11.6ºC in winter.

FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

COACH TOUR
Meals
For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. 

Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER
Mobility
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required
A moderate level of fitness will be required. Moderate is described as more physical activity, including biking, longer day hikes or extended walking and standing, low-altitude treks, and water-based activities such as canoeing or low-grade kayaking. Guests using any walking aid other than a walking stick would be advised to reconsider as surfaces may be uneven.

Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Yellow Fever
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate upon arrival. You must check with your doctor well before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.

Sightseeing
Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

Zimbabwe
Passengers travelling on an Australian or New Zealand passport entering Zimbabwe for tourism purposes are required to pay for a double entry, 30-day KAZA visa on point of entry into Victoria Falls or Livingstone and costs approximately $50 USD (approximately $75 AUD and subject to change). This visa will cover Zimbabwe and can be paid on arrival. Please bring the exact amount in USD cash. Visas can also be purchased prior to travel, if you do pre-purchase your visa please ensure you have a hard copy of the visa ready for immigration.

Botswana
A tourist visa for Botswana is not required for stays up to 90 days if travelling on an Australian or New Zealand Passport.

Important: 
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules are subject to change. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination/s you are visiting once you receive your travel documentation to ensure you have the most up to date information.
• It is your responsibility to be travel-ready and ensure that you are aware and comply with any destination or travel requirements, including the validity of all required travel documents.
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.