Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe: 7-Day Budget Safari

Imagine exploring some of Africa’s most iconic sights with a budget that makes sense. That’s what the Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe: 7-Day Budget Safari from Apalis Safaris promises. As someone who’s seen a few safaris, I can say this tour offers a genuine taste of the region’s wildlife, landscape, and culture—without breaking the bank.

What really strikes me about this trip are two things: first, its focus on authentic experiences — you get to see Victoria Falls from the best angles and enjoy a river cruise that brings the falls into full view. Second, it’s a well-rounded package that combines game drives in Hwange and Chobe with leisure time, meaning you’re not just rushing from one sight to another but getting to soak it all in.

A potential consideration is the moderate physical activity involved — walking and game drives — so travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility issues might want to plan accordingly. Still, for those looking for an immersive, active adventure at a budget-friendly price of $1,850, this tour could be a great fit.

Overall, it’s ideal for adventurous travelers eager to experience Africa’s wildlife and natural wonders without the luxury price tag. It suits those who don’t mind basic but comfortable accommodations and are excited about wildlife, scenic views, and cultural insights.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At $1,850, it offers a comprehensive safari experience focusing on value.
• Authentic Encounters: Guided tours of Victoria Falls and game drives in two national parks provide genuine wildlife and landscape insights.
• Variety of Activities: Combines sightseeing, wildlife safaris, river cruises, and cultural exposure.
• Comfortable Budget Accommodations: Includes guesthouses and lodges with private bathrooms for a pleasant stay.
• Expert Guides: Travel with professional English-speaking guides and local experts who enhance the experience.
• Flexible Options: Optional activities like helicopter rides are available, though not included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Victoria Falls: The Heartbeat of the Tour

The experience kicks off with a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls. You’ll love the way your guide explains the history and geology behind these mighty falls, giving context to the roaring spectacle before you. Expect to feel the mist on your face — a reminder of the power of nature — and maybe get a little wet from the spray.

Along With the falls themselves, the tour includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. This is a highlight — sitting on the deck with a cold drink, watching the sun sink behind the gorge, and spotting wildlife that comes to the riverbanks. Travelers often comment on how peaceful and scenic these cruises are, offering a different perspective of the falls’ surroundings. One review states, “The boat cruise was magical — a perfect way to end the day.”

You also have some free time to explore or opt for additional activities like a helicopter ride over the falls, which are not included but can be booked separately. The helicopter offers a bird’s-eye view of the falls and surrounding landscape, a splurge that many find worth the extra cost if your budget allows.

Hwange National Park: Into the Wild

After the excitement at Victoria Falls, the trip moves into Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve. Here, the focus is on game drives in open-sided vehicles, where you can get close to elephants, lions, giraffes, and other iconic African wildlife. The afternoon game drive sets the tone, giving you an initial taste of Hwange’s vast, rugged landscape.

One of the tour’s strengths is the chance to see large herds of elephants — Hwange is renowned for its elephant populations, and many reviews highlight this as a major draw. During a full-day safari, you’ll likely see a variety of animals and landscapes, which helps you appreciate the diversity of Zimbabwe’s wildlife.

The accommodations in Hwange are described as comfortable guesthouses and lodges with private bathrooms, providing a cozy retreat after days full of activity. While these are budget options, they don’t skimp on comfort, and travelers often feel they add to the authentic feel of the trip.

Crossing Borders: Into Botswana’s Chobe National Park

Transitioning into Botswana, the tour offers a sunset river cruise in Chobe National Park. This is a different experience from the land safaris — here, you’ll be on a boat, gliding along the Chobe River, with elephants and hippos often visible just a few feet away. It’s a relaxing yet exhilarating way to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

The morning game drive in Chobe is another highlight, often praised for the abundance of wildlife, especially elephants. According to reviews, “Chobe’s elephant herds are really something — you’ll be amazed at how many they have.” During free time, you can choose to relax at the lodge or explore additional options.

The tour’s value really shows here — you get both land and water safaris, giving you a well-rounded view of the region’s wildlife. The park entrance fees and transfers are included, making planning easier and eliminating surprises.

Practical Aspects: What You Need to Know

The tour includes 6 nights of accommodation at guesthouses and lodges, all with private bathrooms. Meals are covered — 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners — which means you can focus on enjoying the experience without stressing over where to eat. Bottled water during activities is also provided, ensuring you stay hydrated in the warm African sun.

Transportation between destinations is arranged, so you won’t need to worry about logistics. The group size is not specified, but the nature of guided safaris typically means a small to medium group, fostering a more intimate experience.

Since moderate physical activity is involved, expect some walking and sitting in vehicles during game drives. Travelers with mobility issues should consider this, as the tour isn’t rated suitable for those with mobility impairments.

The luggage limit is 15 kg in soft bags, so pack light and practical. Remember to bring essentials like passport, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and travel insurance.

More Great Tours Nearby

How the Tour Comes Together

One of the many appealing aspects is the balance between structured activities and free time. The schedule allows for the awe of Victoria Falls, the thrill of safari game drives, and moments of relaxation along the river or at your accommodations.

A review notes that “you get to see the highlights without feeling rushed,” which is key for travelers who want a quality experience without a luxury price tag. Plus, having a professional English-speaking guide and local experts adds depth to the journey, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This safari is best suited for adventurous travelers who want to experience the highlights of Zimbabwe and Botswana on a budget. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with basic accommodations and moderate physical activity.

It also appeals to those who value authentic wildlife encounters—seeing large herds of elephants, lions, and other wildlife in their natural environment. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, well-organized trip that combines scenic beauty, wildlife, and culture in seven days, this tour offers excellent value.

The Sum Up

The Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe: 7-Day Budget Safari offers a well-rounded, affordable way to experience some of Africa’s most stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Its focus on authentic encounters, combined with comfortable accommodations and expert guides, makes it a compelling choice for travelers eager to explore without a luxury price tag.

It’s suited for those who love adventure, wildlife viewing, and cultural insights, but don’t want to compromise on the core experiences. While it involves some physical activity, it balances sightseeing with leisure, making it a practical and immersive trip. The price point of $1,850 for seven days reflects a good value for a trip that touches on the continent’s most famous sights.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, authentic African safari that hits the highlights without excessive luxury, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers 6 nights’ accommodation in guesthouses and lodges with private bathrooms, all meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), guided Victoria Falls tour, game drives in Hwange and Chobe, a Chobe River boat safari, park entrance fees, transfers between destinations, and bottled water during activities.

Are flights to and from Zimbabwe and Botswana included?
No, international flights are not included. You will need to arrange your own flights to Victoria Falls airport and from your departure point.

Can I book optional activities like helicopter rides?
Yes, optional activities such as helicopter flights over Victoria Falls are available but are not included in the base price. You can book these separately if interested.

What kind of wildlife will I see?
Expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, and a variety of other wildlife typical of Hwange and Chobe National Parks, including large herds of elephants in Chobe.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old, and it involves moderate physical activity, so consider this if traveling with kids.

What should I pack?
Bring a passport, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and travel insurance. Pack light—soft bags only, with a 15kg limit.

What is the group size?
While not explicitly stated, safaris like this generally involve small to medium groups, which helps create a more personal experience.

Are accommodations comfortable?
Yes, the accommodations are described as comfortable guesthouses and lodges with private bathrooms, offering a cozy base after busy days.

How flexible is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some peace of mind if your plans change.

This safari offers a practical blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural sights at a price that’s hard to beat. Whether it’s your first visit to Africa or a return trip craving new memories, this tour hits many of the highlights in a straightforward, authentic package.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby