Day 1 & 2: Victoria Falls
Upon arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and transferred by road to your choice of lodge for a two night stay. Standard Option: Ilala Lodge. Superior Option: Victoria Falls Safari Club.
*NB Private road transfer for Superior option. Transfer may be shared for Standard Option.
The Victoria Falls are one of the natural Seven Wonders of the World and is the largest sheet of falling water on earth – a spellbinding and mesmerising spectacle. The sheer mass of water cascading down the 100m drop across nearly 2km makes a thunderous roar and creates a magnificent spray of water that can be seen for miles – hence the local name ‘mosi oa tunya’ meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’.
Ilala Lodge is situated close to Victoria Falls as well as to the town centre. Wild animals are often seen grazing the hotel lawns as the National Park borders the front of the property. The Lodge offers 32 en-suite rooms each with access to the lawns or a balcony with good views of the Victoria Falls. There is an à la carte restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a comprehensive wine list and cocktails.
Established in 1904, the Victoria Falls Hotel is set in the Victoria Falls National Park with a private path to the Victoria Falls. Overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge and gorge, it is one of the most famous hotels in Africa and is renowned for its elegance and charm. The en suite rooms and suites are well appointed and are furnished in traditional Edwardian style with every modern amenity.
Day 3 & 4: Chobe / Linyanti
After breakfast, you will be transferred to your next destination in Chobe:
Standard Option: shared road transfer to Chobe Elephant Camp for 2 nights.
Superior Option: private road transfer to Chobe Game Lodge for 2 nights.
The Chobe River Front is a remarkable wildlife area due to the permanent water source of the Chobe River. The spectacle of all the animals coming to drink and frolic at the water’s edge is one to behold, particularly in the dry season (May – Oct) where water is scarce away from the river. It is an area famous for its abundance of elephants, a variety of predators and, in addition, you are likely to see herds of buffalo and possibly even roan and sable antelope.
Located high on the edge of a rocky ridge overlooking the famous Chobe River is Chobe Elephant Camp. This uniquely designed lodge has been built to take advantage of the incredible views overlooking the sweeping floodplains. The lodge has just ten rooms and offers a variety of activities that include viewing the region’s spectacular wildlife from open safari vehicles, by boat on the Chobe River or experiencing life in the local village.
Chobe Game Lodge is the only permanent lodge situated within the boundaries of Chobe National Park. It is built along the riverbank with spectacular views of the Chobe River and floodplains. The 48 en suite rooms are river facing and have private terraces. Facilities at the lodge include a large swimming pool with terrace, a riverside boma area, beauty salon, stylish bar with terrace. Activities include 4×4 game drives and boat cruises.
DAY 5 & 6: Khwai Community Area
Following the morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, you will be transferred to your next choice of accommodation:
Standard Option: lodge transfer to Kasane Airport for charter flight to Sango Safari Camp Or Khwai Bush Lodge for 2 nights.
Superior Option: lodge transfer to Kasane Airport for charter flight to Sable Alley for 2 nights.
Lying on the eastern fringes of the Okavango Delta with a rich wildlife population and no borders drawn around it on the map, Khwai is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, though in the winter months it can hold its own for the quality of big game viewing. During your time here, you’ll spend most days exploring the narrow Khwai River, which forms the natural boundary to the Moremi Game Reserve on the south. The Khwai River is a beacon for wildlife and plays host to leopards stalking lechwe in the long grass, lions swimming from the banks to save their cubs’ during territorial disputes and crocodiles competing with wild dogs for a midday meal of impala. As Khwai lies outside the parks, it offers the freedom and flexibility normally only possible with the heavier price tag of a private concession. Go off-road for a closer look at sightings, night drive in search of nocturnal species, and, with a little advance planning, head out on game walks to track wildlife on foot.
Sango Safari Camp is nestled in the shade of the trees overlooking the Khwai River. Situated on the outskirts of the traditional village of Khwai and on the border of Moremi Game Reserve, the camp offers guests the perfect base from which to explore the wildlife and culture of this unique habitat. This intimate safari camp is named for the Sango Family, some of the original inhabitants of the Khwai area. Guests will have the chance to learn first hand about the unique lifestyle and experiences that come from living and growing up in one of the most wildlife-rich areas of Botswana.
Khwai Bush Lodge is situated in the Tsaro Concession, within the greater Khwai Community Area on the banks of the Khwai River. Tucked away under a canopy of sycamore and leadwood trees, the camp overlooks the river and adjacent Moremi Game Reserve. Khwai Bush Camp is comprised of four standard chalets and two family chalets, all with en-suite bathrooms, complete with indoor showers and flush toilets. All rooms enjoy views of the surrounding wilderness and permanent waterways. The intimate main camp area boasts a romantic feel of times past and features a dining area, bar and lounge, with a verandah offering scenic vistas over the Moremi Game Reserve.
Sable Alley lies along the Khwai River, in the north of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where a multiplicity of habitats – from forest to riverine – is home to a plethora of wildlife. The Khwai Channel offers fantastic game viewing opportunities and is home to hippo, crocodile, red lechwe, roan and sable antelope species as well as zebra, kudu and blue wildebeest. Predators include lion, leopard, wild dog and spotted hyena. Accommodation consists of twelve tented units with en-suite bathrooms as well as outdoor showers. The main camp area boasts a lounge as well as a dining area and plunge pool, offering beautiful views.
DAY 7: SAFARI ENDS IN MAUN
After a morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, you will be transferred by light aircraft to Maun Airport to connect to your onward travel arrangements.