Wild Botswana and the Victoria Falls: (8 Days)

Introduction: Best suited to the winter months of May to September, the Botswana safari and Victoria Falls holiday combination is probably the ultimate African wilderness itinerary. Relax by the Zambezi and enjoy the activities on offer at the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, before flying into one of Africa's last true wilderness areas for some game viewing in the reserves of northern Botswana, home to the largest free ranging elephant population in the world. End your holiday in the heart of the Okavango Delta, a natural phenomenon that is fast becoming one of Africa's most celebrated attractions.

Best time to visit: May to September

Day 1 – 3: Livingstone

As you arrive into Livingstone (Zambia) you will be met and transferred to your accommodation upstream from the spectacular Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders). The Victoria Falls announce themselves as a distant roar of thunder, muffled under fantastic plumes of mist and spray that soar 500 meters into the African sky. For visitors approaching the cascade for the first time the spectacle is truly astonishing. As the thunder grows to a furious roar, the falls come into view, revealing the widest sheet of falling water in the world.

Only 35 kilometers upstream from the Victoria Falls lie two of the most beguiling of all Africa’s river islands. A place of spectacular beauty and a haven for an astonishing variety of plant and birdlife, The Islands of Siankaba are home to a luxurious tented lodge and provide a sumptuous, exclusive retreat where your closest neighbours are tall mahogany trees and the ultramarine waters of the great river. Refined and gracious in an unobtrusive and truly African way, with an informal atmosphere and personalised service the lodge offers complete seclusion, a range of daily water-based activities and is an ideal location to unwind and explore the Victoria Falls.

Over the next three days you can take part in some of the many activities offered in the area including: excursions to the falls, boating on the Zambezi, light aircraft flights over the falls, fishing, game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (white rhino and other game) and trips to the Livingstone and Railway museums or a nearby traditional African village. For the more adventurous there is also white water rafting, river surfing, bungi jumping, abseiling, parachuting and helicopter flips over the falls or alternatively you can simply sit back and relax in the resplendent setting of the lodge.

Day 4 & 5: Kwando | Okavango

After breakfast you will be picked up at your accommodation for your transfer across the border to Kasane, ( Botswana) where you board a light aircraft for your transfer to the Kwando concession, an enormous unfenced private concession, fully integrated into the surrounding wilderness.

This massive 2,300 square kilometre concession is located in Africa’s best and most remote wilderness and is one of the biggest concessions on the continent. Blessed with 80 km of permanent river frontage the Kwando area is home to vast herds of game and during dry season the area is home to more elephant than the entire of South Africa.

Hidden in the southern portion of the extensive Kwando wilderness are two small and intimate tented camps: Lebala and Lagoon Camp. The tents are simply but elegantly furnished and offer views of the surrounding plains as well as all the basic comforts - including en-suite bathrooms with flush loos, Victorian ball and claw baths or showers and permanent hot water. While in camp the staff will spoil you with their personal and unobtrusive service, however it is the wilderness experience and the game viewing opportunities that are the true highlights of any visit to Kwando.

Over the next two days you can enjoy thrilling guided game drives as well as night drives in open 4x4 vehicles amongst Africa’s largest concentration of elephants as well as numerous other animal species and during the heat of the day simply relax on the private decks of your tent, enjoying the expansive views over the surrounding plains.

Day 6 & 7: Kwara | Okavango Delta Holiday

After a final morning game drive and brunch you will be transferred by light aircraft from Kwando to the Kwara concession, located in the Okavango Delta, adjoining the world renowned Moremi Game Reserve. The Okavango Delta is a 1.6 million ha wilderness of water, reed, trees and flood plains in the middle of the Kalahari sands, the largest block of sand on earth, and is world renowned for its biodiversity and contrasts – a must see on any African safari.

Set in a large treed island, Kwara Camp is a tented camp situated on the edge of the permanent waters of the delta. Due to its special location, Kwara is able to offer power boating, mekoro (dug out canoe) trips, walks and game drives all year round and, as Kwara is in a large private concession, the game drives operate both off road and at night. Complete this vintage African experience back at camp relaxing with the personal attention of the friendly staff.

Day 8: Fly Home

This morning you will have a last opportunity to join an early morning game drive or boat trip followed by a sumptuous brunch before being transferred by light aircraft to Maun airport for your outbound flight.

* Please note that the above price is an estimate and should be used as a guide to the cost of your holiday.  Final price will depend on availability, season, exchange rate fluctuations etc.

Includes: Meet & Greet on arrival, lodge accommodation on a full board and activities basis, road transfer from Livingstone airport to Siankaba, road transfer from Siankaba to Kasane, air transfer from Kasane to Kwando, air transfer from Kwando to Kwara, air transfer from Kwara to Maun.

Excludes: Meals and drinks not indicated above, entrance fees, activities (unless otherwise specified), all airfares and airport taxes (other than those specified), travel insurance, expenses of a personal nature, porterage, tips and gratuities.