DAY 1 – 2: THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE VICTORIA FALLS ZAMBIA HOTEL by Anantara, LIVINGSTONE (VICTORIA FALLS)
Livingstone (Victoria Falls)
One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine a game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.
Overnight: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
Welcome to the magnificent Royal Livingstone, part of Sun International’s Sunlux Collection. Our golden triangle links Cape Town’s landmark The Table Bay, Sun City’s The Palace and Zambia’s gracious Royal Livingstone. The 173 luxurious rooms are tastefully decorated in soft earthy tones with spreading views of the river. Guests may pass lazy days on one of the magnificent sundecks overlooking the great Zambezi River or savor the culinary delights in the restaurant with its magnificent fireplace. Guests can enjoy massages in open-air gazebos overlooking the Zambezi River, visit the Royal Spa, exercise in the well-equipped gym, view Africa’s ‘Big 5’ or ride and dine on The Royal Livingstone Express Train. The Royal Livingstone offers the ultimate African encounter to those who seek excellence and quality in their leisure experience.
Basis
Bed & Breakfast
Included
Shared road transfer from Livingstone airport to Royal Livingstone Hotel. 2 x night accommodation
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast. Park entrance and falls fees are included
Excluded
Additional meals
Drinks
Activities
DAY 3 – 4: MUCHENJE SAFARI LODGE, CHOBE RIVER FRONT
Chobe River Front
The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its reliable and diverse game viewing. Safaris are conducted both by boat and on land. This section of the park is best known for its elephant and hippo populations but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them.
Activities
- Full Day Excursion with Boat trip on Chobe and game drive.
- Game Drives
- Guided Walks
- Night Drive
- Muchenje Village Visit
- Full Day Excursion with Boat trip on Chobe and game drive
After breakfast the drive will leave from Muchenje and drive to the Jetty on the Eastern side of the park. Our small private boat will depart at approximately 1130hrs and spend 2,5hours exploring the river. The guides know where the elephants prefer to congregate, drink and cross to Sedudu island, so they are making their way to those areas, but on the way they will explore the banks, trees and pools to show the guests the other wonderful wildlife that frequent the Chobe River. Once the boat finds a suitable crossing or drinking area, the boat rests and the guests enjoy a delicious picnic whilst witnessing the elephants gathering on the banks.
Watching these magnificent animals drinking as the boat gently drifts in the currents is something awe inspiring.
The activity returns to the vehicles later and enjoys a slow drive through the park along the river back to the quieter western banks.
Although the full day out is long and dusty, the guests have an amazing opportunity to break the usual safari cycle and get to enjoy a more holistic experience within this amazing region.
Game Drives
Muchenje is a 5 minutes drive from the Ngoma Gate of the Chobe National Park. Game Drives use this gate to enter and explore the Western side of the Chobe River. The drives explore the river road and woodland areas that are adjacent to the river, which host a myriad of species. The Chobe flood plains provide an important food source for thousands of animals during the winter (June – November) and witnessing this prolific wildlife is a safari goers dream!
Along with the immense diversity of species of plains game, is an impressive number of predators that also rely on this prolific game activity. Game Drives along the Chobe are rarely uneventful, and during our winter months is a wildlife extravaganza!
Guided Walks
Even if you have witnessed a thousand elephants, there is nothing like seeing them on foot. Morning walks within the Forest Reserve is wonderfully rewarding. In the early mornings, before the African heat arrives, the guides explore the river frontage and open pans within easy reach of the lodge. An opportunity to be totally aware of what is around you and the great African outdoors.
Night Drive
As we have to leave the Chobe National Park at sunset, we therefore offer fascinating drives after dinner each night. Leaving the lodge at about 2100hrs the drives venture onto the river road in front of the lodge. Without fences between the park and forest reserve, there is the full array of species to find. But for the hour or so that the night drive is out, the smaller nocturnal animals are often enjoyed – such as porcupine, genet, civet etc.
Muchenje Village Visit
On a 3 night stay we are able to invite our guests to visit the local village of Muchenje. Here they are introduced to Esther a local granny, who looks after her grandchildren at her homestead. A wonderful opportunity to be introduced to the real heart of Botswana, the rural community that support this peaceful and beautiful country. Esther like many women looks after the children, whilst her children work away from home. Her humble home is an authentically Motswana, where you are welcome to see what duties are being seen to on the day you visit. Maybe the clay bricks for the new room are drying in the sun, or the older girls are doing the laundry.
The drive then stops off at the local Mabele Primary School (at break time) to visit the inaugural Pack for a Purpose project. Supporting 160 children is a big job, but Muchenje has been proud of its association and important role that it has been dedicated to for the decades that we have been operational.
Overnight: Muchenje Safari Lodge
Muchenje Safari Lodge is situated on the quieter, western side of Botswana’s Chobe National Park, and only 45 minutes drive from Kasane. The lodge overlooks the Chobe River, and its impressive flood plains. Explore the area on game drives and venture onto the Chobe by boat to witness herds of elephants and the great diversity of game that the area is well known for. Guided bush walks and a visit to the local village are also available.
Basis
Fully Inclusive
Drinks (Local Brands) Included
Included
- Private road transfer from Royal Livingstone to Kasane airport – border crossing.
- Shared complimentary road transfer from Kasane airport to Muchenje Safari Lodge
- 2 x night accommodation – fully inclusive of all meals, local drinks, park fees and scheduled activities
- Private vehicle for activities x 2 days
Excluded
Premium brand drinks
DAY 5 – 7: SHINDE, OKAVANGO DELTA
Okavango Delta
Lying in the middle of the largest expanse of sand on earth the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most amazing, sensitive and complex environments supporting a spectacle of wilderness and wildlife. Unique as one of the world’s few inland deltas, the placid waters and lush indigenous forests offer a safe haven for innumerable bird and wildlife species. The Okavango Delta offers a number of activities for the visitor; game viewing, birding and fishing are all on offer. One can experience this magical world of islands and waterways from land, air and water. Highlights include the elusive Sitatunga antelope which has found refuge in this pristine wetland ecosystem, while birds such as the African fish eagle, Pel’s fishing owl and many others provide a spectacular display.
Activities
Game Drives, Boat Excursions, Mokoro, Walking Safari, Night drives and
Game Drives
Game drives are conducted with a professional guide in specially-designed vehicles this allows unhindered game viewing and photography.
Boat Excursions
Explore the Okavango Deltaʼs crystal clear waterways by motorboat, and enjoy the magnificent variety of bird, plant and reptile species found in the area.
Mokoro
Mokoro activities provide the chance to experience the incredible aquatic wildlife of the Okavango Delta, such as sitatunga, fish eagles, painted reed frogs and malachite kingfishers. Climb aboard a Mokoro with your ʻpolerʼ and enjoy exploring the Okavango Deltaʼs tranquil waterways.
Walking Safari
Take a guided bush walk to gain a detailed understanding of this diverse environment, which features gems such as red lechwe bounding through marshy areas, a kaleidoscope of birdlife, plus predators and big game.
Night drives
Game drives often continuing into the evening offering the opportunity of seeing nocturnal inhabitants of the area.
Overnight: Shinde
Nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Shinde is an intimate, classic camp located on the edge of Shinde Lagoon, which simply teems with animal and birdlife. The camps unique main area comprises a multi-tiered dining room and lounge which is set under canvas under the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees.
Shinde was refurbished in 2015. The elegance and historical charm of the iconic Shinde camp has been enhanced by enlarging the 8 classic safari guest tents to incorporate a spacious bathroom with a large walk in shower and luxurious fittings. The larger bedroom with new linen and furniture in tasteful colours provide the perfect retreat. Wide sliding doors leading onto the extended front decks afford breathtaking views over the open floodplains or the mysterious waterways of the Delta.
Basis
Fully Inclusive
Drinks (Local Brands) Included
Included
- Shared complimentary road transfer from Muchenje Safari Lodge to Kasane airport
- Shared light aircraft transfer from Kasane to Shinde Camp
- 3 x night accommodation – fully inclusive of all meals, local drinks, park fees and scheduled activities
- Private vehicle for activities x 3 days
Excluded
Premium brand drinks
DAY 8: END OF ITINERARY
Basis
Breakfast
Included
Shared light aircraft transfer from Shinde Camp to Maun airport.
END OF SAFARI
