Top 10 Things to Do in Botswana and Zimbabwe

Top 10 Things to Do in Botswana and Zimbabwe

Top 10 Things to Do in Botswana and Zimbabwe are Victoria Falls tour, Okavango Delta mokoro rides, game drives, walking safaris.

1. Victoria Falls Tour in Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls stands as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, making it an essential part of any list of things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe. The thundering cascades create a mist that can be seen from 20 kilometers away, earning it the local name "Mosi-oa-Tunya" or "The Smoke That Thunders." When exploring things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, visitors can view the falls from multiple vantage points, take scenic helicopter flights, or enjoy sunset cruises on the Zambezi River. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe around Victoria Falls also include the famous Victoria Falls Bridge, where adrenaline junkies can experience bungee jumping and zip-lining adventures.

2. Navigate the Okavango Delta by Mokoro in Botswana

Gliding through the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro canoe ranks among the most peaceful things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms seasonally, creating a labyrinth of channels, lagoons, and islands that support incredible biodiversity. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe in the Delta include spotting elephants, hippos, and countless bird species while your experienced poler navigates through papyrus-lined channels. Among all the things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, mokoro trips offer an intimate connection with nature that few other experiences can match, allowing you to hear the subtle sounds of the wilderness.

3. Game Drives in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest game reserve, offers some of the most rewarding things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe for wildlife enthusiasts. The park hosts over 40,000 elephants and features diverse ecosystems from grasslands to teak forests, making game drives here exceptionally productive. When considering things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, Hwange's artificial waterholes provide year-round wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around these vital water sources. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe in Hwange include both self-drive and guided game drives, with the latter offering expert insights into animal behavior and ecological relationships.

4. Take Walking Safaris in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

Mana Pools National Park offers some of the most thrilling things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe through its renowned walking safaris. This UNESCO World Heritage Site allows visitors to track wildlife on foot, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience as you encounter elephants, lions, and buffalo at ground level. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe at Mana Pools also include canoeing along the Zambezi River, where hippos and crocodiles bask along the banks. Among all the things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, walking safaris at Mana Pools offer the most authentic African bush experience, where expert guides share their knowledge of tracking, survival skills, and wildlife behavior.

5. Visit the Chobe River in Botswana

The Chobe River system provides some of the most spectacular things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, particularly for those seeking diverse wildlife encounters. Chobe National Park boasts the highest concentration of elephants in Africa, with herds of hundreds gathering along the riverbanks during the dry season. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe along the Chobe River include boat safaris that offer unique photographic opportunities as animals come to drink and bathe. When planning things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, a sunset cruise on the Chobe River should be non-negotiable, as the golden light creates perfect conditions for wildlife photography while enjoying sundowner drinks.

6. Great Zimbabwe Ruins Safari

The ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe represents one of the most culturally significant things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe. This archaeological marvel, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, showcases the sophisticated engineering skills of the Shona civilization. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe at this UNESCO World Heritage Site include exploring the Great Enclosure, climbing to the Hill Complex, and learning about the gold trade that made this civilization prosperous. Among the historical things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, Great Zimbabwe offers insights into pre-colonial African societies and their architectural achievements, making it essential for understanding the region's rich cultural heritage.

7. Night Drives in Botswana's Private Concessions

Night drives in Botswana's private concessions offer some of the most exciting things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe for wildlife enthusiasts seeking nocturnal encounters. These exclusive experiences allow visitors to spot leopards, hyenas, aardvarks, and other elusive creatures that become active after dark. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe during night drives include using spotlights to locate animals while listening to the symphony of African night sounds. When considering adventurous things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, night drives provide thrilling opportunities to witness predator-prey interactions and observe animal behaviors that remain hidden during daylight hours.

8. White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi River

The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls offers some of the most exhilarating things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe for adventure seekers. The river features Grade 5 rapids with names like "The Washing Machine" and "Oblivion," providing world-class white-water rafting experiences. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe on the Zambezi include both full-day and half-day rafting trips, suitable for different experience levels and physical capabilities. Among the adrenaline-pumping things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, Zambezi rafting combines spectacular scenery with heart-racing rapids, making it a must-do activity for thrill-seekers visiting the Victoria Falls area.

9. Self-Drive Safaris in Botswana's National Parks

Self-drive safaris represent some of the most liberating things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, offering complete freedom to explore at your own pace. Botswana's well-maintained road network and excellent campsites make self-driving accessible for adventurous travelers seeking independence. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe through self-drive adventures include camping under star-filled skies, discovering remote waterholes, and experiencing the thrill of navigating African wilderness. When planning flexible things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, self-drive safaris allow you to spend extra time at productive wildlife areas and create personalized itineraries based on your interests and wildlife sightings.

10. Bungee Jumping at Victoria Falls Bridge

Bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge stands among the most heart-stopping things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe for adrenaline junkies. The 111-meter plunge towards the Zambezi River provides an unparalleled rush while offering spectacular views of Victoria Falls. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe at this iconic bridge also include bridge walking, zip-lining, and flying fox experiences for those seeking alternative thrills. Among the extreme things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge offers bragging rights and an unforgettable experience that few other destinations can match, making it a bucket-list activity for adventure travelers.

Best Time to Go to Botswana and Zimbabwe

The optimal time for experiencing the best things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe is during the dry season from May to October, when wildlife congregates around water sources. During these months, the things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe become more productive as animals are easier to spot and roads remain accessible. The shoulder seasons of April and November still offer excellent opportunities for most things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe, with fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe during the wet season (November to March) include birding and witnessing the dramatic transformation of landscapes, though some remote areas may become inaccessible.

How to Get There to Botswana and Zimbabwe

International travelers can access the best things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe through several gateway airports including Harare and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Maun and Kasane in Botswana. Major airlines like South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air Botswana provide connections to these destinations, making things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe accessible from major international hubs. Regional flights and road transfers connect these countries, allowing visitors to combine multiple things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe in a single trip. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe often require internal flights or extended road transfers, so planning your routing carefully maximizes your time for activities and wildlife viewing.

What to Pack for Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari?

Proper packing ensures you're prepared for all the exciting things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe throughout your safari adventure. Essential items include neutral-colored clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes for the various things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Photography equipment like binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, and extra batteries are crucial for capturing memories of things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe often involve early morning and evening activities, so pack layers for temperature variations and don't forget a reliable headlamp for navigating campsites after dark.

Where to Sleep, Eat and Drink During Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari

Accommodation options near the best things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe range from luxury safari lodges to budget-friendly camping facilities. High-end lodges like Chief's Camp in Botswana and Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe provide world-class service and prime locations for accessing things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Mid-range options include tented camps and guesthouses that offer comfort without compromising your budget for experiencing things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe often include stays at remote locations where all meals are provided, featuring both international cuisine and local specialties like sadza, morogo, and traditional game meats prepared by expert chefs.

Booking a Botswana and Zimbabwe Tour with Dav Safaris

Dav Safaris specializes in creating customized itineraries featuring the most spectacular things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Our expert knowledge ensures you experience the best things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe while handling all logistics, permits, and accommodation bookings. Working with experienced operators like Dav Safaris guarantees access to exclusive locations and activities, maximizing your opportunities for the most rewarding things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe. The things to do in Botswana and Zimbabwe require careful planning and local expertise, making professional tour operators essential for creating seamless, memorable adventures that showcase the best of both countries.


Contact Dav Safaris today to start planning your ultimate Botswana and Zimbabwe adventure!

Our Popular Tours