Zimbabwe & Botswana AfricaJuly 2027ZIMBABWE and BOTSWANA
[ OVERVIEW ]Reclaim Your Wild Edges: The Boutique Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari
There is a place in Africa where the land refuses to be tamed, and it begins at the edge of a waterfall so immense it has its own weather. Victoria Falls is not a sight you observe from a distance; it is something you walk into, stand inside, feel in your chest before you can even form a thought about it. From there, our path leads into Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's greatest wildlife sanctuary and home to one of the largest elephant populations on Earth, where a luxury lodge gives you the rare privilege of stillness inside the wild. Then we cross a border and drop into Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta, where the mobile safari camp moves with the season, and the wild meets you on its own terms. Two countries. Two national parks. Twelve days. This is Africa at its most generous: not a performance of the wilderness, but the actual wilderness, immense and patient and utterly indifferent to your schedule. This journey is for the woman who is ready to stop managing her days and simply start living inside them.
Experience Details
Trip Duration
12 days 11 nights
14 May- 25 May 2027
Next Dates
Deposit: $2,943
Private: $17,700
Shared pP: $16,690
Pricing (CAD)
The Daily Rhythm
A day-by-day look at our Wild Africa itinerary
■
Our path opens at Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi launches itself over the edge of the Earth with a sound you feel before you hear it. We spend two nights here, breathing in the scale of it, practicing yoga as the sun rises over the river, and learning the rhythms of this town from the inside: the market stalls, the basket weavers, the women who have been making art from the land for generations. Then comes a morning that will change the way you understand the word proximity: yoga at dawn alongside the elephants, before we transfer to Hwange National Park and the luxury lodge that awaits us in the heart of Zimbabwe's greatest wild.
Three full days at Hwange put you inside one of the most wildlife-rich environments on the continent. Morning game drives. Afternoon game drives—sundowners with the kind of sky that makes you understand why people never stop coming back to Africa. On day seven we fly into Botswana, crossing a border and a landscape in a single morning, arriving over the floodwaters of the Okavango Delta and dropping into Moremi Game Reserve, where the mobile safari camp is already waiting, and the real immersion begins. Four days of living entirely inside the bush, moving at the pace of the animals, reading the land the way our guides have read it for a lifetime.
I have been coming to this corner of Africa for over fifteen years. I know this land the way you know a place that has changed you. I built this route because I wanted you to have the full story: the thundering beginning at the falls, the deep stillness of Hwange, and the wild, flooded heart of the Okavango. Come and find out what it does to you.
-
Arrive in Victoria Falls and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Africa. In the afternoon, we take a guided walk through the ancient rainforest that hugs the falls. Along these mist-soaked paths, you will witness the raw power of the water as it crashes into the gorge, a sensory experience that invites your first true exhale of the journey.
-
We begin with sunrise yoga aboard a private boat, moving and breathing as the sun spills its golden light across the Zambezi River. This is a morning of pure peace, shared with colourful birds in flight and elephants gathering at the water's edge. It is an opportunity to simply be, grounded by the gentle flow of the river.
-
A morning yoga session alongside the elephants: one of the most extraordinary ways to begin a day that we know of. Then we fly south into Hwange National Park and check into our luxury lodge, where the bush begins in earnest, and the rest of the world becomes a distant memory.
-
Morning and afternoon game drives through Hwange, where elephants come to the waterholes in numbers that will stop your breath. This is one of the densest elephant populations on Earth, and they share the landscape with lion, leopard, wild dog, giraffe and more. Your guide reads this land like a first language. You are beginning to pick up a few words of it yourself.
-
A full day inside Hwange. The waterholes. The tracks. The patient hours of watching that teach you how to see. There is a particular skill to sitting still in the African bush and letting the wild come to you rather than chasing it. By today, you are developing it.
-
A final morning in Hwange. The light in this park has something specific about it: golden, thick, slow. You will attempt to photograph it and fail happily, and the elephants will come in regardless and be completely perfect about the whole thing.
-
We fly from Hwange into Botswana, crossing into a different country and a different landscape in a single morning. The small plane delivers you over the floodwaters of the Okavango Delta: the biggest inland river delta on Earth, fanning out across the ancient Kalahari sands below you. We land in Moremi Game Reserve and make camp. The mobile safari begins.
-
Morning and afternoon game drives through Moremi. The Okavango is unlike anywhere else on Earth: a desert river that fans out into an inland paradise, flooding the Kalahari and drawing wildlife from every direction. Lions. Leopards. Wild dogs, if we are lucky. Elephants crossing water. Birds in numbers that require a different vocabulary entirely.
-
We explore the legendary biodiversity of the Moremi region, a place I once called home while documenting the local lion prides. Here, the connection to the essence of our planet becomes tangible. We spend our days tracking predators and our nights sharing stories and silence around the campfire.
-
Your last full day on safari. The guides say the delta gives you what you need, not always what you expect. By now you know exactly what they mean. You also know that what you needed was this.
-
Transfer to Maun. Your final evening in Botswana. A chance to gather what you are taking home, which is considerably more than what fits in a bag.
-
Before we depart, you have the option to visit a baby elephant rehabilitation centre to meet and support orphaned calves. It is an emotional, heart-opening conclusion to your pilgrimage. You leave Botswana not just with memories, but with a deep and steady sense that your DNA has been forever changed.
-
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or The Smoke That Thunders, these falls are where our sense of awe begins. Spanning nearly two kilometres, the falls create a permanent mist that feeds a lush rainforest and paints rainbows against the sky. It is a place so alive with raw power that it recalibrates something in you immediately, and we meet it on our very first afternoon. There is no better way to arrive in Africa than this.
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Hwange is Zimbabwe's largest national park and one of the greatest wildlife destinations on the continent, and it belongs, above all else, to the elephants. Home to one of the largest elephant populations in the world, the waterholes here draw herds of extraordinary size, along with lion, leopard, wild dog, sable antelope, and more species than most people see in a lifetime of travel. Our luxury lodge places you inside this wild without any compromise: the bush is right there, the animals are right there, and the only thing between you and the African night is canvas and stars. I have wanted to bring guests here for years. This is the year.
Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta, Botswana
This is the heart of the journey and a place I hold very close to my soul. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Okavango Delta is a shimmering mosaic of lagoons, floodplains, and hidden islands, a desert river that fans out into a paradise and draws wildlife from every direction. Moremi is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and is where we truly step into the wild. Because there are no fences and no modernity here, it remains one of the most pristine and sacred sanctuaries left on our planet. The mobile camp moves with the season and the animals, and you move with it. This is Africa exactly as it was meant to be experienced.
-
Because our journey begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and ends in Maun, Botswana, your flights will look a little different than a typical return trip, and I want to make sure you feel completely confident about how to book them. Here is what you need to know.
I always recommend arriving a day early to Victoria Falls on May 13th to give yourself time to settle in after a long international journey. You will thank yourself for it. And if you would like help arranging that extra hotel night, just reach out, and I will sort it.
Ethiopian Airlines is my top recommendation for this routing and a genuinely excellent airline. They fly directly into Victoria Falls and out of Maun, which makes the whole thing beautifully straightforward.
Your suggested flight dates:
Arrive Victoria Falls: May 13th, 2027 Depart Maun: May 25th, 2027
Ethiopian Airlines is my top recommendation for this routing. They serve both Victoria Falls and Maun with excellent connections, and many guests have loved the option of stopping in Paris for a couple of nights on the way home. Africa to Paris is not a bad way to ease yourself back into the world, and I say that from personal experience.
If you would like help navigating the booking, I have a wonderful travel agent I work with regularly, and I am happy to connect you.
-
4 Domestic Charter Flights
All Meals/drinks non-alcoholic whilst on safari.
Safari Activities
Accommodations - Luxury boutique hotel in Zimbabwe, luxury safari camp in Hwange, glamping tents whilst on the mobile safari portion of the trip.
Yoga most days
All Airport Transfers
A life-changing experience, and by that we mean your DNA will be changed from this experience.
Yoga with elephants
Sunrise Yoga on the Zambezi
Vic Falls Tour
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure
-
International Flights
Travel Insurance (mandatory)
Alcoholic beverages
Tips
Personal items
-
"I came for the wildlife, but I left with a deeper sense of who I am. From sunrise yoga overlooking the Okavango Delta to connecting with incredible women from around the world, every moment felt intentional. I was nervous to join solo, but by day two, I had a tribe. Penny creates magic. If you're hesitating, don’t. This is the trip that changes everything."
– Norma, Ontario, Canada
—————————————————
This is not your average retreat. Penny blends adventure with mindfulness in a way that feels seamless. One day I was watching elephants by boat, the next I was meditating overlooking the African Savanna - It’s real, raw, and transformative. You won't find this anywhere else.
– Gayle Ann, Ontario, Canada
—————————————————
The itinerary flows like a story from the majesty of Victoria Falls to the quiet mystery of the Okavango Delta. But what sets it apart is Penny’s thoughtful care. Every lodge, every practice, every pause had purpose. You’ll feel it. You’ll remember it forever.
– Michelle, United States
—————————————————
Penny is the real deal. Her love for Botswana, her presence as a teacher, and the intention behind every detail made this trip unforgettable. I came hoping to disconnect, and instead, I reconnected with everything that matters. It’s not just a trip, it’s an awakening
– Elizabeth, Ontario, Canada
—————————————————
What surprised me most wasn’t the wildlife (which was breathtaking), but the deep connection I felt with the women on this journey and with myself. Penny creates space for truth, for healing and a TON of laughter. The best YES I have made.
– Arlene, Ontario, Canada
—————————————————
We came for the safari and scenery, but left feeling completely changed. This trip somehow blends introspection and play. Imagine waking to lions calling in the distance, then flowing through yoga as the sun rises. Every detail was intentional. Worth every cent.
– Marie, United States
—————————————————
What makes this different is Penny. She holds space like no one I’ve met. Whether we were journaling or laughing around the fire, she invited all of us to be fully present. I left grounded, wild, completely supported and fully alive. Book it, you’ll thank yourself later.
– Alice, United States
—————————————————
I was nervous to join as a solo traveller, but I felt so supported through the whole process with Penny. This group of women became family. I never felt alone, only inspired, and free to be exactly who I was. I am now leaving with a new group of sisters. If you’re on the fence, let this be your sign: do it.
—————————————————
–Natasha, Australia
This wasn’t just beautiful, it was awakening. I cried, I laughed, I found stillness I didn’t know I needed. Botswana worked its magic through Penny’s leadership and the sacred spaces she created. I wish I’d done this years ago. Now I want every woman I know to go.
– Kimberley, Ontario, Canada
[ FAQ ]Common Questions
-
4 Domestic Charter Flights
All Meals/drinks non-alcoholic whilst on safari.
Safari Activities
Accommodations - Luxury boutique hotel in Zimbabwe, luxury safari camp in Hwange, glamping tents whilst on the mobile safari portion of the trip.
Yoga most days
All Airport Transfers
A life-changing experience, and by that we mean your DNA will be changed from this experience.
Yoga with elephants
Sunrise Yoga on the Zambezi
Vic Falls Tour
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure
-
Absolutely not. You never have to do yoga. You can stretch, nap, breathe, or just exist on your mat. Zero gold stars for pushing, full credit for listening to your body.
-
Safety is the foundation of our exploration. Our safaris are led by highly trained, professional guides who are masters at interpreting animal behaviour.
Expert Supervision: You will always be in a secure, open air vehicle designed for optimal safety and viewing.
Strict Protocols: Our team follows rigorous safety standards, from the way we navigate wildlife encounters to the secure setup of our mobile camps.
Guided Presence: Whether we are in a vehicle or enjoying a sundowner, you are always under the watchful eye of experts who prioritize your well-being and the respect of the animals whose home we are visiting.
-
We understand that life can bring unexpected transitions. Because our journeys are intimate and involves significant advance planning, our deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel before the final balance is due (90 days before the start of the trip), we offer a fifty percent refund of any additional payments made, minus the initial deposit and a small processing fee. Within ninety days of departure, we are unable to offer any refunds. However, we do allow you to transfer your place to another traveler for a small administrative fee if you are unable to join us.
-
Our mobile safari is a deeply boutique experience designed to bring you into closer conversation with nature without sacrificing your comfort. During this portion of the journey, we stay in spacious dome tents that allow you to feel the pulse of the wild while remaining fully supported by our expert camp crew.
Your Sleeping Sanctuary: Each guest has their own tent equipped with a comfortable safari cot. These are topped with a light mattress, crisp sheets, and warm blankets, and hot water bottles to ensure a restful night under the African stars.
The Boutique "Bush Bathroom": Each tent features a private, en suite bathroom area. This includes a clean, eco friendly bush toilet and a traditional bucket shower.
The Ritual of the Bucket Shower: There is a unique grace in the safari bucket shower. Your camp crew will provide warm water upon your request, usually after a dusty afternoon game drive, allowing you to wash away the day while listening to the wind in the acacia trees.
Falling asleep to the distant whoop of a hyena or the deep huff of a lion, with only a layer of canvas between you and the wilderness, is perhaps the most poetic way to experience the soul of Botswana.
-
Our compass is set firmly on the ground. While we have the TICO credentials to navigate the world of air travel, we choose to focus my energy on what I do best: crafting the visceral, land-based experiences that make your journey unforgettable. Think of us as your architect for everything that happens once you touch down. You are responsible for your own passage through the clouds, but once you land, you can simply breathe and let us take the lead. We are always happy to provide guidance on arrival times and preferred airports to ensure your transition into our sanctuary is seamless. We can also recommend a trusted travel agent to help you book your flights.
-
Yes. To ensure you are fully protected against the unpredictable, comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for every guest. This serves as your safety net for any medical needs, travel delays, or last-minute cancellations. We will ask for proof of your insurance prior to departure to ensure you are covered for the entirety of our time together.
-
Both Botswana and Zimbabwe are welcoming destinations for women travellers. Our boutique approach ensures you are never truly alone, as every transition is managed by our professional team and founder. Botswana is one of the most stable and peaceful countries in Africa, while our time in Zimbabwe is focused on the magnificent Victoria Falls under the care of expert local partners.
-
We recommend that you consult with a travel clinic at least eight weeks before departure. Botswana and Zimbabwe generally require being up to date on routine vaccinations. We suggest bringing a personal supply of any prescription medications in your carry-on luggage. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are travelling through or stopping in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
-
The currency landscape varies between the two countries, but navigating it is part of the "grit" we handle with "grace."
At hotels and lodges, credit cards (primarily Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted for incidental charges, boutique shop purchases, and premium spa treatments.
In Zimbabwe, the primary currency for travellers is the US Dollar. Please ensure you bring crisp, new bills (printed after 2021) in smaller denominations, as older or damaged notes are often not accepted.
In Botswana, the official currency is the Pula, though US Dollars are widely accepted in all tourism settings and lodges.
For Markets and Small Purchases: You will need cash for the vibrant local markets and small village stops. We recommend having a mix of small USD bills and a small amount of Pula for these meaningful cultural exchanges.
-
English is the official language in both countries and is the primary language used for business, education, and tourism. You will find that all of our local guides, pilots, and lodge staff speak excellent English.
While you can navigate your journey comfortably in English, leaning into the local languages is a beautiful way to practice presence and respect.
In Botswana, the national language is Setswana. It is the heart of the country's identity.
In Zimbabwe, while there are sixteen official languages, you will most commonly hear Shona and Ndebele.
Learning a few simple greetings will often open doors to deeper, more authentic connections.
Helpful Phrases for Your Journey
In Botswana, a warm greeting is essential. To say hello to a woman, you say Dumela mma, and to a man, Dumela rra. To say thank you, you say Ke a leboga.
In Zimbabwe, you might use the Shona word for hello, Mhoro, or the Ndebele greeting, Sawubona. To offer your thanks in Shona, you say Tatenda, or in Ndebele, Ngiyabonga.
-
United States and Canadian citizens typically do not require a visa for stays in Botswana for up to ninety days. For Zimbabwe, you will need a KAZA Univenisa, which allows you to move between Zimbabwe and Botswana easily. This is usually obtained upon arrival at the airport or border crossing for a fee of approximately thirty to fifty dollars in crisp, new US currency.
-
In the local markets of Victoria Falls, haggling is a common and lighthearted part of the culture. It is an opportunity for connection rather than a battle of price. We encourage a spirit of fairness and generosity, remembering that a small difference in price often means a great deal to the local artisans. In boutique shops and hotels, prices are fixed.
-
May is spring/winter in Southern Africa. While the days are sunny and beautiful, the early morning game drives and evenings in the Delta can be very cold. But we do provide blankets and hot water bottles on the morning safari/ game drives.
Layering is essential. Pack a high-quality fleece or down jacket, a warm hat, and gloves for the mornings.
Neutral tones. Please pack clothing in earth tones such as khaki, olive, or beige to blend into the landscape.
Avoid Camouflage. It is important to note that camouflage patterns are reserved for the military in these regions and should not be worn.
We will provide a detailed packing list closer to departure.
-
The food in Southern Africa is a hearty and grounded celebration of the earth. While our boutique lodges and camps provide exceptional international fare, we encourage you to sample the traditional flavours that define the soul of these two nations.
The Staples: In both countries, the cornerstone of every meal is a thick, comforting maize or sorghum porridge. In Zimbabwe, it is known as Sadza, and in Botswana, it is called Pap or Bogobe. It is more than just a starch; it is a symbol of community and is traditionally enjoyed with your hands, using a small piece to scoop up various relishes and stews.
Botswana’s National Dish: You must try Seswaa, a deeply flavorful dish of beef or goat that is slow-cooked in a three-legged iron pot until it is tender enough to be shredded and pounded. It is typically served with Morogo, a variety of wild leafy greens similar to spinach.
The Richness of Peanuts: Zimbabwean cuisine is famous for its use of groundnuts or peanut butter. Dovi is a rich, creamy peanut stew often made with chicken or vegetables, while Muriwo Unedovi features leafy greens simmered in a savoury peanut sauce.
Game Meats: For the adventurous, many boutique lodges offer the chance to sample sustainably sourced game meats such as kudu, impala, or ostrich. These are exceptionally lean and flavorful, often prepared as steaks or in traditional stews.
Boutique Beverages: To toast your journey, try a St Louis Lager in Botswana or a Zambezi Lager in Zimbabwe. For a non alcoholic local favourite, Gemere is a refreshing, homemade ginger beer that is both fizzy and slightly spicy.
Dietary Requirements
Because your comfort is our priority, we are highly experienced in catering to diverse dietary needs. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, the "Grit & Grace" team ensures that your meals are prepared with the same level of care and boutique quality as the rest of your journey. Many traditional dishes, such as Dikgobe (a mix of beans and samp) and various Morogo preparations, are naturally plant-based and nourishing.
-
While Morocco is a Muslim country, it is also very cosmopolitan. Alcohol is available in many modern restaurants, liquor shops, and within the sanctuary of our selected riads and hotels. While we respect the local traditions of sobriety in public spaces, you will certainly have the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail as we toast to our adventures in the evenings.
-
Tipping is a meaningful way to show gratitude for the exceptional service provided by our trackers, guides, and camp staff. We will provide you with a detailed tipping guide before departure to take the guesswork out of this process, ensuring you feel confident in your gestures of thanks.
Further Invitations to Wander: Explore More Adventures
May 16th - 27th | 2026
March 2027 6
Nov 6th - 17th | 2026
