Zambia vs Zimbabwe vs Botswana Which is Best for Safari
Safaris in Southern Africa have long been a popular tourist attraction. The countries in southern Africa offer a wide variety of scenery, wildlife, and other attractions that can make your vacation one you’ll never forget. But where should you go? Here we analyze and contrast three southern African countries—Botswana vs Zambia vs Zimbabwe—to see which one is best for an African safari.
Botswana vs Zambia vs Zimbabwe – which safari destination is best:
We have a lot of clients who are trying to decide between these three amazing safari locations. Therefore, we felt it would be helpful to provide a three-way comparison for your safari: Botswana vs Zambia vs Zimbabwe. This is part of a series in which we compare and contrast different safari regions or countries from time to time. (With regard to vying for your consideration and, by extension, your tourism budget.) Tourists can enjoy many shared experiences between these nations. Therefore, it can be difficult for individuals to determine which one piques their curiosity the most.
As a result, the most powerful brand, which is typically Botswana, frequently ends up with the majority of the pie.
Zambia vs Zimbabwe vs Botswana Which is Best for Safari
Ready to Plan Your Safari in Zambia vs Zimbabwe vs Botswana
Similarities: Zambia vs Zimbabwe vs Botswana
- Pretty much the same weather: subtropical, with rain in the summer.
- From July through October, you’ll experience the height of safari season, which is really the dry and warm “winter” season.
- Just as scorching in October
- Everything is priced in USD.
- Both provide top-notch viewing of games.
- More options for safari activities (such as game drives, bush walks, boating, fishing, canoeing, mokoros, and horseback riding) than in South Africa or East Africa
- You may easily start or conclude your safari at any of these locations because of their proximity to Victoria Falls.
- Every night is spent on safari, so you can expect a “fully inclusive” experience that includes all meals, safari activities, and a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
- Because of the foregoing, it is difficult to distinguish between different Linyanti, Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa, Savute, etc.
With in-depth knowledge of each of these locations, our African Safari Experts have become the authority on Southern Africa safaris. Get in touch with one of them to discuss creating a personalized safari itinerary:
Victoria Falls Zimbabwe and Zambia, plus Chobe National Park in Botswana
Zambia vs Zimbabwe vs Botswana
1. Location and Landscape
Zambia
- Consists of neighboring countries: Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- The South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, North Luangwa, Kafue, and Liuwa conservation areas are the most important ones.
- The Luangwa and the Zambezi are two robust river systems that provide water to the tropical woods, wetlands, and savannahs that make up Zambia’s attractive landscape. North of Kafue lies broad plains, whereas the Lower Zambezi is characterized by gently undulating hills.
Zimbabwe
- Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Mozambique are its bordering countries.
- Matusadona, Mana Pools, Hwange, Matobo, Victoria Falls, and Gonarezhou are the main conservation areas.
- The majority of Zimbabwe is typical of the dry savannah, with its flat plains and golden grass, with the exception of a tiny area immediately surrounding Victoria Falls, which is quite densely wooded due to the spray. The southern towns of Gonarezhou and Matobo are renowned for their enormous boulders, cliffs, and rock formations, whereas Mana Pools and Matusadona are located on the Zambezi River, which is shared with Zambia.
Botswana
- Its neighbors are South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
- The Central Kalahari, Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan, Okavango Delta (which includes Savute and Linyanti), Moremi, and Chobe are the main conservation areas.
- The majority of Botswana is semi-desert, but the country is also unique in that it contains the Okavango Delta, the biggest inland delta in the world, which flows into the Chobe River savannah region.
2. Budgeting
In general, the more money you have to spend on a safari, the more secluded and exclusive it will be. Instead of going to a public park, you can use a private game-drive vehicle or visit a concession or reserve.
Safaris are for everyone, regardless of wealth. You can arrange a reasonably priced safari in any of these locations with some forethought, some research before you go, and the assistance of your very own Safari Expert adviser.
The approximate prices for each are presented here. The “low season” begins around November and ends around May, whereas the “high season” begins around June and does not end until October. The prices are per person sharing and cover most meals, drinks, and activities (such as game drives), but not transportation (such as flights or transfers) or extras (such as white-water rafting or helicopter flips).
Zambia
| 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | |||
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $900 | $1,000 | $950 | $1,250 | $1,450 | $2,000 |
Zimbabwe
| 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | |||
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $700 | $1,100 | $950 | $1,450 | $2,650 | $2,950 |
The Victoria Falls are “shared” by Zambia and Zimbabwe; from Livingstone in Zambia, visitors can easily pass into Zimbabwe to view the Falls in all their glory. Vic Falls’ low and high seasons are distinct from safari seasons. From February through May, the spray is at its peak, but by October, when the hot, dry weather has stripped the Zambian side of its granite face, it is at its least striking.
Try to schedule your safari for May, June, or July if you want to witness the Falls in all their glory and have a fulfilling experience.
Victoria Falls
| 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | |||
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $550 | $600 | $600 | $700 – $900 | $1,100 | $1,200 – $1,900 |
Botswana
| 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | |||
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $700 | $900 | $1,250 | $1,450 | $2,000 | $3,500 |
3. Best Accommodation: Zambia vs Zimbabwe vs Botswana
Zambia
Its numerous “bush camps” are what make Zambia so appealing. Authentically rustic and quaint, bush camps are reminiscent of bygone safaris; they are reconstructed seasonally from the ground up using thatch and wood by the local villagers. Forget about modern conveniences; in the midst of some of Africa’s most breathtaking wilderness locations, you may experience a genuine digital detox.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to splurge, Zambia has some luxurious camps with tents that are as big as small houses, complete with outdoor bathrooms and private plunge pools. You can’t go wrong with a mix of the two: a rustic camp for a complete “switch off” and a refined resort for a relaxing finish.
Zimbabwe
Accommodations in Zimbabwe are as diverse as the country itself. Tented camps with lights and bucket showers are available, as are ultra-luxurious ones with breathtaking vistas and every convenience imaginable, such as spas, tennis courts, Jacuzzis, and wine cellars.
Houseboats on Lake Kariba are even an option up near Mana Pools. Think about renting out the entire boat to yourself and your loved ones so you can relax and enjoy your holiday to the fullest, without worrying about anybody else.
Botswana
With accommodations ranging from yoga tents in the Kalahari Desert adjacent to tented pools to private decks with battered copper bathtubs, Botswana is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and opulent hotels in Africa. Even though the government forbids the construction of any long-term structures in the Okavango Delta, the lodges there are fashioned from naturally occurring materials such as thatch and timber, which can be easily dismantled in an emergency. One such lodge even takes the form of a pangolin, a symbol of extreme extinction on a global scale.
Tented camps in Botswana are more on the rustic side, taking you away from modern conveniences like air conditioning and Wi-Fi to put you in touch with nature. Starting in Maun and ending in Kasane, a mobile-camping journey through the Delta, Moremi, Savute, Linyanti, and Chobe is a fantastic way to explore much of Botswana. To give you the best taste of Botswana, your campsite will be relocated every two days.
Most luxurious safari lodge in Zambia: Time + Tide Chinzombo
Luxury Safari Lodge-Mana Pools: African Bush Camps Kanga Camp, Zimbabwe. Armchair Safari, Sundowners
Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps in Botswana: Okavango Delta, Chobe Park, Linyanti, Kalahari
4. Big 5 Sightings and Other Wildlife
Seeing the Big Five—rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo—is a bucket list item for many people, but particularly for those visiting Africa for the first time. In Botswana, Zimbabwe, or Zambia, seeing all five of the Big Five in one day is quite rare, in contrast to locations like South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve or Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater. The ‘hunt,’ anticipation, and fulfillment of discovering the last one is highly rewarding, even though you’re more likely to see them on separate days.
Zambia:
The black-cotton soil becomes impassable during the heavy rains, forcing many camps and lodges in Zambia to close for as long as half a year. This is particularly noteworthy because most roads in national parks are still dirt. Because of this, for as long as six months, the game doesn’t interact with many people or cars, which makes them seem “wilder” and less accustomed to these environments than animals that encounter them on a daily basis. Spectacular interactions are the end result: ellies that pretend to charge, lions that are apprehensive, cubs who are intrigued, puku that are afraid of humans, and monkeys that are eager to see everything. Giraffe and wildebeest have been unable to settle in Lower Zambezi due to the escarpment, but the Busanga Plains in Kafue are home to enormous herds and significant predator activity, with very few tourists in the area.
Zimbabwe:
Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is a great place to witness large herds of elephants and buffalo because of the park’s expansive plains. While rhinos are notoriously exclusive in Africa, a hardworking guide just might strike it rich. If you’re looking for leopards, klipspringers, or rock hyraxes—species that prefer to hang among boulders—you should go to the rockier locations. In Mana Pools, you might see ambitious ellies balancing on their hind legs to reach delicate new fruits or tender young foliage.
Botswana:
Seeing all five of the Big Five in as little time as possible is likely to be your best bet at Moremi Game Reserve. However, you should keep an eye out for a variety of animals in the Delta, including tssesebe (a type of antelope), red lechwe, sitatunga (an aqautic antelope), Pel’s fishing owl, and many more. Chobe is recognized all around the globe for its elephant population, which swells as the dry winter months drag on, seeking water in this area. Remember the Kalahari? It’s a desert that comes alive after summer rains, providing ample grassland for the zebra migration. Approximately 30,000 zebbies scurry about the Boteti River region in search of water, creating breathtaking photo opportunities as they stir up dust.
5. When to go: Best time – Zambia vs Zimbabwe vs Botswana
From around July to October, the region has its peak safari season, as previously stated.
Zambia:
The best time to visit Zambia – Particularly in extremely isolated locations where roads become unusable, certain sites, such as bush camps, close from the November rains until the end of the April rains. The best time to visit Vic Falls is between the months of February and May.
Zimbabwe:
As a general rule, Zimbabwe’s camps are open all year, and the same is true for visiting Vic Falls as it is on the Zambian side.
Botswana:
If you’re interested in motorboat excursions or mokoro rides, the best time to visit the Delta is between April and September, when the water levels are highest.
Best months to visit the Victoria Falls
6. Other Activities Besides Safari
There are a lot of exciting things to look forward to, even though wildlife drives in customized safari vehicles will be the main attraction.
Zambia:
Things to do in Zambia: Walking safaris, in which visitors forego the use of vehicles in favor of hiking boots in pursuit of up-close encounters with large and small animals, originated in Zambia. The excitement of coming around a bend in the road and seeing a herd of peacefully grazing puku or peering up into a tree teeming with vibrantly colored lovebirds from Lillian is unparalleled.
Zimbabwe:
Things to do in Zimbabwe: Zim is jam-packed with ancient sites and the adventure capital of Africa, Victoria Falls Town. In addition, the city offers a plethora of other attractions, such as rafting, bridge swinging, elephant encounters, and vibrant market shopping.
Botswana:
Things to do in Botswana: Because of their unwavering commitment to safari, the people of Botswana have devised innumerable means of exploring their natural surroundings. In addition to mobile safaris and camping, there are other options such as fly-camping (where you spend the night in remote areas with only a guide and a bonfire for companionship) or sleeping under the stars (on an elevated platform that is entirely exposed to the night sky).
7. Best Suited to Which Travellers
Zambia:
If you’re the kind that enjoys canoeing, hiking, and camping in your own country, then Zambia could be just up your alley. The rugged bush camps are perfect for adventurers and nature lovers. And if you’re an ornithologist, then Zambia is home to some of the world’s best birding—with over 500 species recorded—so you’ll never be bored.
Zimbabwe:
Hwange and Victoria Falls are so near together that first-time tourists to Africa can experience a Big Five safari and see one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World in the same trip.
Botswana:
Botswana is a paradise for culture vultures, and seeing the Okavango is an absolute must. Nxai and the Makgadikgadi Pans are two off-the-beaten-path destinations in Africa that you should consider visiting after your second or third trip.
Botswana Wildlife Safari | Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia!
8. Health (Vaccinations & Malaria)
Getting in the best shape of your life is essential before any international trip; this is particularly true if you’re planning on engaging in strenuous activities like mobile camping or walking safaris in Africa. Consult your doctor or local travel clinic for advice. Be careful to let your doctor know if you want to go scuba diving after taking anti-malarial medicine, as some of these treatments can interfere with the activity.
You won’t need any special gear (masks and gloves aren’t required!) but a little bottle of hand sanitizer is a good idea. More information can always be obtained from your Safari Expert consultant.
Zambia:
You might have to get a yellow fever shot if you’re from a certain country. In addition to the itchy bites caused by tsetse flies, there is a chance of malaria while spending time near water in the summer. Keep away from bright colors, black, and blue; there’s a good reason all guides wear khaki, green, or grey!
Zimbabwe:
There is a slight possibility of malaria and the need to be vaccinated against yellow fever, much as in Zambia. Also, if you’re going somewhere near a tsetse fly zone, it’s probably a good idea to not wear blue jeans and black sweaters.
Botswana:
Malaria is uncommon in Botswana, despite the abundance of water (unless you visit a village, of course). The tsetse fly, which causes African sleeping sickness, is no longer a threat because it has been exterminated.
9. What to Combine with Each
Since Victoria Falls is located right in the middle of the intersection of these three countries, it is an obvious choice for a combined vacation. The Falls are most easily accessible from Zambia and Zimbabwe, but many Botswana safaris terminate at Kasane, which is around two hours’ driving away from the Falls. Soak in some sun and wildlife on a Zambezi River cruise after a morning in Botswana. Witness elephants foraging for food, hippos vying for dominance, and crocodiles that have been motionless for hours suddenly swoop in.
Private & Luxury Zambia Safaris:
Zambia is the most northern of the three, so it blends in well with its closest neighbor, Malawi, a tropical paradise with stunning, unspoilt beaches on the shores of picturesque Lake Malawi. It goes well with the Masai Mara and the Serengeti in Tanzania and Kenya, two of the most iconic East African safari locations.
Private & Luxury Zimbabwe Safaris:
One of our most popular combinations, particularly with first-time tourists to Africa, is connecting Cape Town, the Kruger National Park, and Victoria Falls. This is because it shares a border with South Africa. Inspiring and practical, this 11-day plan allows you to see the best of each African destination while still fitting your entire trip into only two weeks (with the addition of round-way international flights).
Private & Luxury Botswana Safaris:
Botswana and South Africa share a border, and the logistics are similarly easy: a direct flight could take you from Cape Town to the Delta by afternoon, just as they are for Zimbabwe. While this honeymoon package includes stops in Cape Town, Kruger, Chobe, and Vic Falls, you may simply extend your stay in Botswana by visiting the Delta instead of the Falls.