The Big 5 Puzzle: How to Experience the Big 5 in Victoria Falls
Premise: You cannot find all Big 5 in one park here. But with a smart 2-day itinerary, you can check all five…
Read articleClassic Botswana safari through three premier wildlife areas
You see the full price upfront, talk to a real person before paying, and reschedule free if your plans shift. The team running this trip lives in Victoria Falls.
This one is for travellers who want a real guide, real flexibility on the dates, and a real person to call if anything changes.
Focus Travel is rated 4.7/5 from 44+ TripAdvisor and GetYourGuide reviews
Use direct contact if you need pickup timing, room setup, route advice, or a custom bundle before booking.
Experience overview
Classic Botswana safari through three premier wildlife areas
Quick facts
Route confidence
We check pickup timing, border movement, accommodation fit, activity order, and backup contact before confirming the final plan.
Trip breakdown
Flow
Arrival at Airport
Land at the airport (Victoria Falls / Livingstone / Kasane / Maun)
Clear immigration and collect your bags
Exit to the arrivals hall
Airport Pickup
Representative meets you at arrivals
Holds a sign with your name
Welcomes you to the destination
Assists with your luggage
Transfer to Hotel
Walk to the vehicle
Air-conditioned car or minibus
Drive to your hotel or lodge
Transfer time:
Victoria Falls: 20 minutes
Livingstone: 15 minutes
Kasane: 15 minutes
Maun: 10 minutes
Pass by local areas on the way
Hotel Check-In
Arrive at the hotel or lodge
Welcome drink offered
Staff assists with check-in
Fill in registration forms
Receive room keys
Get a brief hotel orientation
Listen to meal times and facility hours
Settle In
Walk to your room
Unpack your luggage
Freshen up – shower or wash up
Get comfortable in your room
Enjoy the view from your balcony or window
Overview
3-hour boat cruise on the Chobe River
Includes a full buffet meal on board
Combines wildlife viewing with dining
Available as lunch cruise or sunset dinner cruise
Pickup & Transfer
Pickup from your Kasane lodge or hotel
Drive to the river jetty – 10 to 15 minutes
Arrive at the boarding point
Boarding
Welcome drink offered
Board the boat
Find your seat – upper deck or lower deck
Safety briefing from the crew
Cruise Experience
Cruise along the Chobe River
Slow pace for wildlife viewing
Spot animals along the riverbanks:
Elephants drinking and swimming
Buffalo and zebra on the floodplains
Hippos in the water
Crocodiles sunbathing
Antelope and birds
Captain positions the boat for best views
Plenty of photo opportunities
Buffet Meal
Buffet is served on board
Menu includes:
Grilled meats (chicken, beef, or fish)
Salads and vegetables
Rice or pasta
Fresh fruit for dessert
Vegetarian options available on request
Drinks included:
Soft drinks and water
Local beer and wine
Tea and coffee
Casual dining style – serve yourself
Sunset Views (Evening Cruise)
Watch the sunset over the river
Sky turns orange, red, and purple
Perfect for photos
Drinks continue as the sun goes down
Return to the jetty in the dark
Spot nocturnal wildlife on the way back
Disembark at the jetty
Transfer back to your lodge
Arrive around 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Early Morning – Departure
6:00 AM – wake up and have a quick breakfast
Pack your bags
Complete check-out at your Kasane lodge
Load luggage into the safari vehicle
Depart by 7:00 AM
Road Transfer to Savuti
Drive from Kasane to Savuti
Transfer time: 5 to 6 hours
Route: through Chobe National Park
Enjoy a game drive along the way – wildlife sightings possible
Pass through varied landscapes:
Woodlands
Floodplains
Grasslands
Stop for a restroom and refreshment break
Continue the journey deeper into the park
Arrive in the Savuti area around 1:00 PM
Arrival & Check-In
Arrive at your Savuti camp or lodge
Welcome drink offered
Quick check-in
Walk to your tent or room
Unpack and settle in
Freshen up after the long drive
Lunch & Relax
Lunch served at the main dining area
Relax during the hot afternoon
Nap in your room
Read a book or enjoy the bush views
Swim in the pool (if available)
Just unwind and recharge
Late Afternoon – Sunset Cruise
4:00 PM – afternoon tea and light snacks
Head out for your sunset activity
Note: In Savuti, this is usually a sunset game drive, not a boat cruise (the Savuti Channel is often dry)
Board the open 4x4 safari vehicle
Explore the Savuti Marsh and surrounding areas
Spot wildlife coming to drink at waterholes
Look for:
Elephants and buffalo
Lions, leopards, and hyenas
Giraffes, zebras, and antelope
Stop for sundowner drinks
Watch the spectacular Savuti sunset
Return to camp after dark – around 7:00 PM
Evening
Hot shower to freshen up
Dinner served under the stars or in the dining tent
Relax by the campfire
Listen to the sounds of the Savuti bush
Walk back to your room with a guide
Overnight rest
End of Day 3. Welcome to Savuti.
What to Bring
Camera with zoom lens
Binoculars
Sunscreen and hat
Light jacket for the evening
Water bottle
Tips
The drive is long – bring snacks and extra water
Keep your camera ready for wildlife en route
Winter mornings are cold – wear layers
Summer is very hot – stay hydrated
Late Afternoon / Early Evening – Guided Safari Walk
4:00 PM – meet your guide at the camp
Safety briefing before the walk
Walk in a single file – guide leads, armed scout follows
Walk through the bush around the camp area
Focus on tracking and spotting wildlife on foot
Look for animal tracks, dung, and signs
Learn about:
Different animal footprints
Plants and their uses
Insects and smaller creatures
Bird calls and identification
Spot wildlife from a distance – elephants, giraffes, antelope
Feel the thrill of being on foot in the wild
Walk lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours
Return to camp as the sun starts to set
Enjoy sundowner drinks at the camp
Evening – Dinner Break
Hot shower to freshen up
Dinner served at the camp
Relax and prepare for the night adventure
Night Game Drive
8:00 PM – meet your guide at the main area
Board the open 4x4 safari vehicle
Head out into the bush after dark
Use a spotlight to scan for nocturnal animals
Spot wildlife active at night:
Lions and leopards – hunting
Hyenas – roaming and calling
Civets, genets, and bushbabies
Nightjars and owls
Porcupines and aardvarks (if lucky)
Experience the bush in complete darkness
Feel the excitement of nighttime sounds
Stop for a nightcap drink under the stars
Drive lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours
Return to camp around 10:00 PM to 10:30 PM
End of Activities.
What's Included
Professional guide and armed scout
Guided walking safari
Night game drive with spotlight
Sundowner drinks
Snacks or refreshments
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt
Jacket for the evening chill
Camera (low-light settings)
Binoculars
Flashlight or headlamp
Insect repellent
Safety Rules
Stay behind the guide at all times
No loud talking or shouting
Listen carefully to the guide's instructions
Keep a safe distance from all animals
Do not run – stay calm if animals appear
Tips
Best for older children and adults (not recommended for young kids)
Winter evenings are cold – layer up
The walk is slow-paced – not strenuous
Night drives are cooler and more comfortable
Book in advance – limited spots available
Transfer from Savuti to Khwai
Morning – Departure
6:30 AM – wake up and have breakfast
Pack your bags
Complete check-out at your Savuti camp
Load luggage into the safari vehicle
Depart by 7:30 AM
Road Transfer to Khwai
Drive from Savuti to Khwai
Transfer time: 4 to 5 hours
Route: through the northern part of Chobe National Park
Enjoy a game drive along the way
Spot wildlife en route – elephants, buffalo, antelope
Cross into the Moremi / Khwai area
Pass through mopane woodlands and floodplains
Stop for a bush break and refreshments
Arrive in the Khwai area around 12:30 PM
Arrive at your Khwai camp or lodge
Welcome drink offered
Quick check-in
Walk to your tent or room
Unpack and settle in
Freshen up after the journey
6:00 AM – early wake-up call (if time allows)
Quick coffee or tea
Short morning activity before departure
Option: game drive or mokoro ride
Return to camp for breakfast
Before you go
Packages usually include: Accommodation, airport transfers, some meals, guided tours of the falls, and selected activities. Prices range from $500-$3000+ per person for 3-7 nights. Some include safaris to nearby parks like Chobe or Hwange.
Helicopter tours include: Safety briefing, headsets for pilot commentary, 15-25 minute flight depending on package, views of the entire falls, Zambezi River, surrounding rainforest, and sometimes wildlife sightings. Photos can be taken through the windows.
The gorge was formed over millions of years as the Zambezi River eroded through basalt rock. The falls have moved upstream approximately 8 km through a series of seven gorges, each representing a previous waterfall position. This process continues today.
January-March: Hot and rainy (25-30°C). April-June: Cooler and dry (15-25°C). July-September: Warm days, cool nights (10-25°C). October-December: Hot and dry, becoming rainy (25-35°C).
Yes, popular combinations include: Victoria Falls + Chobe National Park (Botswana), Victoria Falls + Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe), or Victoria Falls + Kruger Park (South Africa). Package tours typically last 5-10 days.
Yes, Victoria Falls is a popular wedding destination. Several hotels offer wedding packages. You'll need to arrange marriage licenses through local authorities. Costs range from simple ceremonies to luxury packages.
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