Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari — Expert-Led

Arrival in Victoria Falls

Arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA). The town itself, a hub for regional adventure, is a short drive from the airport. After settling into your lodge, the remainder of the day is open for acclimatizing or taking a short walk to get a sense of the place before the journey into the bush begins.

Conservation and Safari in Hwange

The morning offers a final opportunity to visit Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before the overland journey south begins. The route leads to the headquarters of Painted Dog Conservation, a non-profit working to protect one of the region's most endangered predators. A conservationist here can explain the threats posed by poaching snares and the project's work in rehabilitation, community outreach, and education.

From the conservation center, the road continues to a private concession bordering Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest wildlife reserve. The park is a critical habitat for nearly half of the country's elephant population. An initial late-afternoon safari offers a first look at the area's ecology and resident wildlife before sunset.

Tracking Wildlife in Hwange

A full day is dedicated to exploring the ecosystems of Hwange National Park and the adjacent Dete Vlei grasslands. Morning and late afternoon safaris are timed to coincide with peak animal activity, tracking resident elephant and buffalo herds, as well as giraffe, lion, and zebra. The park is also a key stronghold for the rare African wild dog (*Lycaon pictus*), and sightings are a primary objective.

Between drives, the day allows for observation from the lodge. Many camps in this region are built overlooking a permanent water source, attracting a steady flow of wildlife. Some feature subterranean hides, offering a ground-level photographic perspective on animals drinking at the water's edge.