Beyond the Falls: Untamed Zimbabwe & Botswana
DATES TBD
A PhotoFly classic is back on the calendar in 2026. Join our travel club on a one-of-a-kind African safari combining the amazing Chobe National Park in Botswana with the must-visit largest waterfall in all of Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe! This adventure continues onto our favorite place in the whole country: Matopos National Park. This special region in southwestern Zimbabwe is renowned for its dramatic granite rock formations, including iconic balancing rocks and giant granite mounds that offer stunning panoramic views, especially at sunrise and sunset. It's a haven for wildlife photography, with opportunities to capture white rhinos, leopards, and a variety of bird species. The highlight for us, though, is the incredible rock cave lodge we call home for exploring the area. Check out all the details below...
Botswana's Chobe National Park (3 Nights)
Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first and most biologically diverse reserve, is famed for its staggering elephant population—tens of thousands strong—best seen during a golden-hour boat cruise along the Chobe River. Safari-goers are treated to a raw, unfiltered wilderness where lion prides stalk buffalo herds, and hippos and crocs patrol the riverbanks beneath fiery African sunsets. Whether you’re gliding silently past bathing elephants or tracking wildlife through remote savannah, Chobe delivers a front-row seat to the wild, untamed heart of Botswana.
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- Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner every day
- 2 Game Drives or Boat Safaris every day
Wildlife Highlights
- The "Big Four": With the exception of Rhinos, Chobe is home to Lions, Leopards, Cape Buffalo, & the largest concentration of elephants in the world!
- An Abundance of Wildlife: Giraffe, Baboon, Impala, Spotted Hyena, Burchell's Zebra, Hippo, Warthog, Bushbuck, Vervet Monkey, Kudu, Waterbuck, Jackal, Marabou Storks, Saddle-billed Stork, & Wattle Cranes...to name just a few!
The Game Activities (Two Every Day)
We experience the park from two points of view, via land & water. Both game drives and boat safaris offer incredible wildlife viewing with totally different perspectives and wildlife photography opportunities. Each day we'll go on a game drive or boat safari in the early morning and late afternoon when the wildlife is most active and easier to see.
Game Drives:
An open vehicle offers all-round views and an elevated aspect which helps considerably when searching afar for game. It also facilitates moving reasonably quickly from one place to another especially if lion sightings, for example, are reported by other rangers. They are purpose-built and equipped with sunshade roofs & warm blankets to ward off the chill in the early mornings. Each day, morning & afternoon game drives offer opportunities to experience and photograph the best Africa has to offer including lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, cape buffalo, zebras, a diverse array of bird species, and so much more.
Boat Safaris:
There’s always something happening on the river and the breeze out there is quite refreshing particularly on a cloudless and relentlessly sunny day. Wildlife knows no such boundaries and there is a rich variety of birds on its banks, reedbeds, backwaters, and sandy shores. You will see the ubiquitous fish eagle or an osprey often taking larger fish from the river and there are myriad kingfishers of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Our guides are always on the lookout for crocs, and the boatman will do their best to get that close-up shot of the big one before it enters the water. The hippos, of course, are always around and our guide will know just how close we can safely go for the perfect photos! All the large mammals come to the river to drink, and the elephants often love to frolic and play in the water. It's not uncommon to see lion, buffalo, kudu, bushbuck, waterbuck, and many other large animals on the river bank though, unlike the elephants, they have a healthy respect for crocs.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (2 Nights)
Mosi-oa-Tunya: The Smoke That Thunders
An awe-inspiring natural wonder where the mighty Zambezi River plunges over a basalt cliff, sending mist rising hundreds of meters into the air—visible from miles away. The thunderous roar and shimmering rainbows earned it the local name Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders,”. Its sheer power is humbling from viewpoints like Knife-Edge Bridge or Devil’s Cataract. Beyond the falls, adrenaline junkies can dive into white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or sunset cruises that reveal a wilder, gentler side of the Zambezi.
- Victoria Falls Guided Tour: A truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is Nature’s Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality (though we will try!)…and nothing prepares you for your first sight. We’ll be accompanied through the rain forest by a qualified guide who will give a brief history of the Falls, the flora, fauna, bird & other wildlife. There are 16 viewpoints to see the falls from for endless photograph opportunities.
- Arrival Night Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi River (Optional): Enjoy a sundowner and snacks as we look out onto the banks of the Zambezi. Great chance to capture one of the most amazing sunsets in Africa while spotting elephants, hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, & river birds as they come to the river’s edge for a drink at the end of the hot day
- Dinner at “The Boma” (optional): An evening filled with entertainment from Amakwezi traditional dancers to a local story and fortune teller. Tuck into a four-course meal of mouth-watering starters: soup from the campfire, a substantial barbeque buffet served on cast iron plates with a selection of salads, followed by a choice of delicious desserts. Everyone’s tastes are catered for, whilst the adventurous are enticed with local delicacies such as Mopani worms and game stews! Enjoy beef, pork, fish, chicken and a variety of vegetarian meals. Don’t rush off after dinner because we can join in the drumming extravaganza, always a highlight of the evening.
- Incredible optional adventures:
- Victoria Falls Scenic Helicopter Ride: Witness & photograph incredible views of the falls not possible at ground level. The fight takes us over the mighty Falls, the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River, and the wildlife-filled Zambezi National Park.
- Bungy Jumping Vic Falls: Delve into the rainbow at the world's greatest jump, the famous original Victoria Falls Bridge Bungee. Feel FOUR seconds of freefall and 365 ft of pure adrenaline.
- Zip Line Vic Falls: An exhilarating and unique way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Zambezi River and the surrounding gorge. Glide along, soaring above the gorge with stunning views of the rugged cliffs and rushing waters below. The zip line provides an unforgettable and immersive way to explore this majestic wonder of the world.
- "Through the eyes of the elephant" Experience: Have you ever wondered how an elephant sees, hears, smells and feels the world? Or what emotions and intellect do we share with these big-brained, social mammals? This is a one-off adventure into the mind, body and soul of an elephant. Begin with an engaging and informative immersive talk. Next, prepare to be awestruck as you have the chance to meet an individual elephant up close. Embark on a unique 20-minute elephant walk accompanied by experienced handlers. Celebrate the experience on our viewing deck with refreshing beverages as you watch the herd at play, socialising, or splashing about in the water.
Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe (3 Nights)
The Spiritual Heart of Zimbabwe
A surreal, otherworldly landscape of ancient granite kopjes and balancing rocks, where the land feels as storied as it is sacred. It’s a place where white rhinos roam on foot safaris, San rock art whispers from cave walls, and the grave of Cecil Rhodes offers sweeping views from the “View of the World.” Equal parts spiritual retreat and wildlife haven, Matobo invites quiet reflection and raw adventure in equal measure.
- In search of rhino: Matopos is one of the best places in the world for a chance to witness the extremely rare black and white rhinos. The setting alone makes for great photographs, but the chance to capture this endangered giant will set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
- Rhodes Grave & “View of the World”: A short hike to the famous and beloved Cecil Rhodes grave. This mining magnate and South African explorer requested his final resting spot here, his favorite place in the world. The views and lookouts atop the memorial have been coined the “View of the World”.
- Bushman rock paintings, 6,000 years old: Walk through the surreal landscape and discover ancient cave paintings by the San Bushman of this region. They're believed to have lived in and around the caves of Matobo National Park as far back as 13,000 years ago, with some of the rock art estimated to be between 6,000 and 10,000 years old!
- Safari in Matobo: Search for Rock Dassie, Klipspringer, Giraffe, Wildebeeste, Sable, the elusive Leopard, Hippo, and a healthy variety of bird species.
Amalinda Lodge: A Wilderness of Granite
Stay in one of the most unique properties in the world! We get so excited every time our members stay here. Located among the caves and UNESCO World Heritage site of Matobo
National Park, Camp Amalinda is tucked away into an ancient bushman’s shelter and rated among the top 3 safari lodges in all of Zimbabwe. The granite domes and castle kopjes of the Matobo Hills echo the essence of tranquility and the majesty of untamed Africa, where mammal and bird species are prolific. Included here are the highest concentrations of Leopard and Black Eagle in the world, as well as a healthy population of the endangered Black and White Rhino. Some of the most breathtaking granite scenery in the world is found in the Matobo Hills. Come enjoy and photograph it with us!
- About the lodge: Individually thatched rooms, literally built into the boulders and granite caves, 
are steeped in African historical artifacts of a bygone era. Luxurious comfort awaits while sleeping among a piece of ancient history, where a 10,000-year-old Bushman lived. Each room has a distinct design structured around the rock formations. Enjoy the spacious outdoor dining area, boma, library, and legendary granite pool with full bar and safari spa.
- Sunset Walk: A guided sunset walk on a massive granite landmass, known as a whaleback dwala, is the perfect spot to take breathtaking photos and enjoy drinks together as the sun lights up the sky in a final farewell for the day!
Check out some fun footage from previous PhotoFly group tours to Botswana & Zimbabwe
Price: $4,249.00
Single Supplement: $995.00 *Limited Single Rooms Available!
E-mail joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
There is a $300 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 145 days (October 30th, 2025) or more prior to trip departure date are fully refundable except for the $300 fee. Cancellations less than 145 days (October 31st, 2025) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and PayPal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Travel insurance strongly encouraged (ask us about policy options).*Hotels subject to change based on availability
Roommate Pairing Policy: Please be advised that PhotoFly endeavors, but does not guarantee, to secure a suitable roommate for travelers electing to share accommodations. In the event a match cannot be arranged no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled departure date, the traveler shall be required to convert to a single occupancy room and shall be responsible for the associated single supplement fee. Should a roommate become available after said date, PhotoFly will facilitate the pairing and issue a refund for the previously paid single supplement.
Optional Activity Cancellation Policy: Travelers wishing to cancel any optional activity(s) have until the day before Day 1 on the official itinerary to receive a refund. Please note that this is subject to approval by the provider and PhotoFly will act in good faith to recoup the money. From Day 1 on, cancellations for personal reasons (changed mind, potential bad weather, etc.) are not entitled to any refunds and PhotoFly will directly ask the provider for money back.
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