Magical Mix - Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe
Magical Mix - Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe - 10 days
Days 1-4 Botswana
Set within the Okavango Delta’s community-run Khwai Concession, this beautiful camp is tucked under the trees on the edge of the Khwai River. This river is all that separates the iconic Moremi Game Reserve and the concession, with hippos, elephants and even lions crossing over from time to time. Watching these animals manoeuvre through the water is an exceptional experience for even the most travelled safari veterans.
Kwai Leadwood is an elegantly designed camp hosting six standard tents and one family unit, keeping in line with the intimate and exclusive wilderness experience. The new camp effortlessly bridges the gap between luxury accommodation and feeling like you’re in the great African outdoors. Woven baskets and beaded décor, along with modern elements, create an authentic contemporary African style.
During the day, guests can enjoy game drives, walking safaris and mokoro safaris (water levels permitting) on the search for Africa’s big attractions including lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe. An additional virtue of this area is that guests can head off on night drives and get an up-close and personal experience with some of Africa’s nocturnal and more elusive animals.
Khwai’s biggest drawcard is undoubtedly the plentiful and extraordinary wildlife – you’ll never be bored here! Adventure and relaxation are on offer as guests live out their ultimate safari experience – from setting off on a morning walking safari to enjoying a gin and tonic overlooking the Khwai River.
Days 4-7 Zambia
Beautifully designed Thorntree River Lodge graces the banks of Zambia’s glorious Zambezi River in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Find perfect respite after a day of activities by relaxing in the infinity pool that seamlessly blends into the river horizon. Thorntree River Lodge celebrates the spirit of community. After a refreshing sundowner drink while watching an exquisite African sunset, spend your evening sharing stories of your safari around the fire from within the comfort of the sunken boma before enjoying our African inspired fine-dining experience.
Just twenty minutes upstream from Victoria Falls and accessed via the international airports of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia Thorntree River Lodge is the perfectly positioned lodge from which to enjoy the cascading spectacle, of the Victoria Falls nearby. Children of all ages are most welcome and our celebrated kids’ club, the Ngwana Club will ensure hours of fun for your kids of all ages. Among the Zambia safari lodges, Thorntree River Lodge blends a tranquil riverside setting with an eco-conscious approach.
Days 8-10 Zimbabwe
Somalisa provides guests with breathtaking views of the golden savannah plains of Hwange. A place where, one moment you are sipping on your gin and tonic listening to the distant baritone roar of a lion coalition on the hunt and the next, you are gazing over at a congregation of elephants mere meters away, peacefully sharing a sundowner with you. Hwange National Park is a land of contrasts from dense teak and acacia forest to vast open savannah, offering guests an exhibition of raw and diverse Africa. Somalisa Camp enjoys pride of place as our first-ever Hwange safari lodge. It was built by our owner, Beks Ndlovu and is home to the quintessential African Bush Camps experience. Tucked away under the dappled shade of an Acacia grove, along the edge of an ancient seasonal floodplain.
This intimate bush camp is perfect for a relaxing Hwange safari with friends and loved ones. The elegant style is infused by natural wood and organic features of the bush. Kudhinda, the Zimbabwean national material, is thoughtfully paired with modern decor influences creating an authentic contemporary African style. A full solar power farm and water purity system allow the camp to recycle 80% water used, Somalisa Camp leads the way in eco-friendly safari accommodation. It has been awarded the first GOLD Green Tourism Certification in Zimbabwe. Our seven tastefully furnished sailcloth tents are set on a private concession in the heart of Hwange National Park. This is where you will find nature and luxury seamlessly entwined. Your guest tent is replete with modern appointments such as a fan, a battery charging station, wood-burning fireplace and private viewing deck. Your bathroom, worthy of a special mention, is inspired by the romance of yesteryear, boasts an indoor and outdoor bathroom and features a copper slipper-style bathtub and endless views across the vast plains beyond.
* Please inquire for customized itinerary, availability and pricing. (ABC)