Hwange, Victoria Falls, Chobe, Okavango & Moremi Safaris | Cuckoo Safaris
Hwange, Victoria Falls, Chobe, Okavango & Moremi Safaris | Cuckoo Safaris
Southern Africa is home to some of the most spectacular safari destinations in the world. From the roaring waters of Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich landscapes of Hwange National Park, the elephant herds of Chobe, and the unique wilderness of the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve, this region promises unforgettable adventures.
If you’re planning your next African safari, here’s a complete guide to seven must-visit destinations.
1. Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe’s Wildlife Haven
Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserves. The park is famous for its massive elephant herds, lions, cheetahs, and over 400 species of birds. Game drives here are an excellent way to experience Africa’s raw wilderness, while waterholes scattered across the park make it perfect for year-round wildlife viewing.
Highlights:
- Largest elephant population in Africa
- Over 100 mammal species
- Excellent game drives and walking safaris
2. Victoria Falls – The Smoke That Thunders
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Straddling the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the falls offer breathtaking views, adventure activities such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting, and serene sunset cruises on the Zambezi River.
Highlights:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Adventure capital of Africa
- Year-round activities
3. Chobe National Park – Land of Giants
Just across the border in Botswana lies Chobe National Park, world-famous for its dense elephant population. The Chobe Riverfront is particularly rewarding, where boat cruises and game drives reveal hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and big cats.
Highlights:
- River safaris on the Chobe River
- Highest concentration of elephants in Africa
- Excellent birdwatching
4. Elephant Sands – Up-Close with Giants
A unique destination in Botswana, Elephant Sands is not your typical safari lodge. Here, elephants gather around natural waterholes just meters from your accommodation. Watching these giants drink, bathe, and interact in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
- Close encounters with wild elephants
- Rustic bush experience
- Perfect stopover between Chobe and Makgadikgadi
5. Makgadikgadi National Park – Endless Salt Pans
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are one of the largest in the world, offering a surreal, moon-like landscape. In the rainy season, the pans transform into a lush haven for flamingos, wildebeest, and zebra migrations. Quad biking across the pans and stargazing in the vast open skies are must-do experiences.
Highlights:
- Zebra and wildebeest migrations
- Birdwatching (especially flamingos)
- Quad biking & cultural tours with the San Bushmen
6. Okavango Delta – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a true natural wonder – a vast inland delta where winding channels, floodplains, and lagoons create a unique ecosystem. Exploring the delta in a traditional mokoro (dug-out canoe) is the best way to see its wildlife and birdlife.
Highlights:
- Mokoro safaris (dugout canoe rides)
- Seasonal floods that attract wildlife
- Luxury camps in pristine wilderness
7. Moremi Game Reserve – The Jewel of the Delta
Covering part of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve offers some of the best safari experiences in Africa. Known as the “Jewel of the Delta,” Moremi combines wetlands, floodplains, and dry savannah, supporting an abundance of predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs.
Highlights:
- Big Five sightings
- Birdwatching paradise
- Game drives & mokoro trips
Why Combine These Destinations?
A safari itinerary that covers Hwange, Victoria Falls, Chobe, Elephant Sands, Makgadikgadi, Okavango, and Moremi allows travelers to experience Africa’s diversity – from thundering waterfalls and desert pans to wildlife-rich rivers and wetlands. This circuit is easily connected by road and short flights, making it ideal for a multi-destination safari adventure.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to the drama of Victoria Falls, the elephants of Chobe and Hwange, the surreal pans of Makgadikgadi, or the pristine waterways of the Okavango and Moremi, this region offers a once-in-a-lifetime safari journey.
👉 Book your African safari with Cuckoo Safaris and let us craft a tailor-made adventure across Zimbabwe and Botswana’s top destinations.

