Wild Kingdoms of Southern Africa
Botswana Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls
10 days
This wildlife odyssey showcases some of the best destinations in Southern Africa. Witness the parade of wildlife in Hwange, the out-of-this-world spectacle of Victoria Falls and round out your adventure with the legendary Chobe National Park.
How Your Trip Matters
Explore Chobe National Park with an all female guiding team and take green steps in Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park.
Highlights
Explore the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls and learn about the green steps your lodge is taking to help the falls and conserve wildlife.
Discover wildlife galore on early morning walking safaris, night game drives in search of the nocturnal species and on boating excursions on the river.
Experience a silent safari as you board your electric boat and quietly float along the Chobe River.
Enjoy authentic bush camps which blend African charm and elegance with knowledgeable guiding for an excellent game viewing experience.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences chosen with great care based on the positive social or environmental impact they have both on their communities, and on those who experience them: our guests. You can identify these experiences across our trips by locating the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience seal.
Accommodations
1. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
South Africa, Johannesburg
The Fairlawns is a unique and exclusive sanctuary conveniently situated in the Sandton area. The individually decorated suites, have an open plan lounge area, with contemporary bathroom layouts and fittings, including free standing baths, rain showers and double basins. Each air-conditioned suite has satellite television, iPod docking station, telephone, personal refreshment bar and complimentary Wi-Fi. Whether it’s sundowners on the terrace, afternoon tea, high tea or a light lunch, Fairlawns is the perfect place, far from the maddening crowd, yet a stone’s throw from everything. A fine dining international dinner menu is prepared fresh every day from local produce. There is a well-stocked library, a large pool with gazebos where you can relax and enjoy the grounds. The world-class gym with complimentary steam and sauna facilities, not to mention the exquisite Balinese Spa Garden, are well worth a visit.
2. Somalisa Camp
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Nature and luxury are in harmony at Somalisa Camp. With natural wood and copper finishes, the organic features of the bush fuse perfectly with the deluxe style. Kudhinda, the Zimbabwean national material, is paired with modern decor creating an authentic contemporary African fusion. At the edge of the expansive deck in the main area, sits an elephant pool which is frequented by elephant families, which is a true highlight at this beautiful camp.
3. Victoria Falls River Lodge
Zimbabwe, Zambezi National Park
Victoria Falls River Lodge is a luxury tented lodge situated on the peaceful banks of the mighty Zambezi River, within the national park. The well-spaced tents boast uninterrupted views of the river and surrounding bush. Constructed of canvas, glass and wood, each tent extends out onto a private deck with its own plunge pool. The air-conditioned tents are tastefully decorated, and include a comfortable seating area, open plan bathroom with freestanding bath, indoor shower, as well as an outdoor shower. Positioned just back from the river’s edge, the main lodge offers a cool sanctuary from the African sun. After a day filled with activities, guests can relax and recharge in the river-side lounge, unwind alongside the pool, or indulge in a spa treatment (additional) at the Toa Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available but may be intermittent due to the lodge’s location.
4. Chobe Game Lodge
Botswana, Chobe National Park
Chobe Game Lodge is situated on the Chobe River, within the famous Chobe National Park. Find your favorite spot along the elevated platform and settle down to watch the ever-changing wildlife across the river and flood plains, as far away as Namibia. The en-suite bedrooms are river facing with large terraces, sun loungers and complimentary mini-bars, international multi-plug adapters, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, safety deposit box, laundry service, veranda with deck chairs, solar heated water, ceiling fans and air conditioning. Lodge facilities include a swimming pool, comfortably furnished viewing decks, a riverside boma, two bars, six different lounges, four dining locations, a spa and gym. Wi-Fi is complimentary in all guest rooms, public areas and the boardwalk. The lodge is wheelchair accessible.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa
Welcome to the “City of Gold.” You’ll be greeted at the airport and assisted with your transfer to your well-appointed hotel.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa
Day 2. Johannesburg / Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Arrive in the “land of the giants,” Hwange National Park, known for its herds of elephants. Settle in to your tented camp with groundbreaking views of the golden savannah plains. You won’t have to look far to spot the wildlife. (BLD)
Somalisa Camp
Day 3. Hwange National Park
Rise early to join your ranger for a game drive. Catch the soft morning light for wonderful photographs of the grazing buffalo, and the more uncommon gemsbok and roan antelope. Join a night game drive, spotlighting the nocturnal animals in action. (BLD)
Somalisa Camp
Day 4. Hwange National Park
Begin the day with a walking safari to explore the bush, a haven for large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant. After lunch join a game drive or tuck into a viewing hide to look out for kudu, sable antelope, wildebeest and bird life. (BLD)
Somalisa Camp
Day 5. Hwange National Park / Victoria Falls
After breakfast, gather your gear for a short flight to the spectacular Victoria Falls. Later this afternoon board your boat for a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River. Sit back, relax and have your camera ready to capture the evening's golden moments. Look out for the lurking crocodiles on the riverbanks, the noisy hippos and the flocks of birds skimming the waterline. (B)
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Day 6. Victoria Falls
Look out for rainbows as you walk the misty rain forest trail of the falls. Marvel at the spray and thunderous noise of the water tumbling over Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Rainbow Falls. Back at the lodge, relax next to your own plunge pool with uninterrupted views of the river and enjoy the small footprint the lodge has on the beautiful environment. (BLD)
From the soap to the solar panels – exceptional care and thought are put into the various ways of leaving a zero footprint on the beautiful natural surroundings where the lodge is situated. An equal amount of care is put into the local children, including free schooling to all preschoolers in the national park's staff village.
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Day 7. Victoria Falls / Chobe National Park, Botswana
Bid farewell to the astonishing waterfalls as you travel to your lodge on the edge of Chobe National Park in northern Botswana. Settle into your safari accommodations and enjoy an afternoon activity in the park. (BLD)
Chobe Game Lodge
Day 8. Chobe National Park
Enjoy the tranquility while listening for the low growls of the lioness and her cubs. Take in the vistas of vast herds of Cape buffalo (BLD).
Chobe Game Lodge is a pioneer in sustainable tourism with the first electric-powered safari in Botswana and an all-female team of professionally qualified guides – a successful initiative aimed at increasing the number of qualified female guides within the Botswana guiding fraternity.
Chobe Game Lodge
Day 9. Chobe National Park
Take to the Chobe River for a silent safari and gain another perspective on the area’s impressive wildlife. Chobe has the largest concentration of elephant in Botswana. Float quietly past numerous pods of hippo feeding along the banks and spy some truly massive crocodiles soaking up the sun. (BLD)
Take to the Chobe River for a silent safari boat cruise and gain another perspective on the area’s impressive wildlife.
Chobe Game Lodge
Day 10. Chobe National Park / Depart
Enjoy your last morning in the bush. You’ll soon be on your way to the airport for a flight to Johannesburg and your onward destination. (B)
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
**Surcharges Apply .
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
Johannesburg - Victoria Falls, Kasane - Johannesburg
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Add-Ons
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Retreat to an island of great beauty with beaches of powder white sand that extend for miles. Azure seas crisscrossed by local dhows, bewitching coral reefs and rare tropical fish make this the ultimate destination for the ocean-lover.
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Visit this volcanic Indian Ocean island, surrounded by turquoise water, deepening to indigo, with palm-fringed beaches of white sand. Whether a romantic escape, a family holiday or a respite after the rigors of a long safari, Mauritius is a tropical haven.
