15 Days Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari

A maze of meandering water channels, papyrus-fringed banks and floating islands teeming with wildlife: known as the river that never finds the sea, Botswana’s Okavango Delta is the jewel of the Kalahari. In the heart of the Delta, on the edge of a waterway, you’ll find Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge. Situated on a diverse, wildlife-rich, private concession, Sandibe has exclusive traversing rights over a vast 22,500 hectares (55,600 acres) of wildlife land bordering the Moremi Game Reserve.

The inspired organic design of the lodge melts into the surrounding forest canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig trees. Trees will shade you as you approach the lodge; an intriguing curl and sweep of shingled wood comes into view, resembling a giant scaled pangolin at rest. Stairs open onto the high ceilings of the copper-toned and glassless guest area overlooking the Delta. From this central dining area, the wooden deck stretches beyond the roof, while the upstairs bar and lounge extend along an elevated walkway to a viewing platform.

A series of decks descend to the forest floor culminating in a log boma, with a small gym and private massage sala close by. Interior finishes throughout showcase the craftsmanship of Botswana’s artisans, and feature intricate basketware, sculpted wooden tables and unique feature pieces. While the main guest area is set within the forest, the twelve guest suites peep out from beneath its canopy. Raised above the papyrus-lined banks like golden weaver nests, each is a cocoon of privacy, with breathtaking views, a private plunge pool and cosy fireplace.

Overlooking the oxbow-shaped Kings Pool Lagoon in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve and bordering the Chobe National Park is Kings Pool Camp, one of Africa’s best spots for observing elephants. During the dry winter months, the elephant population in the area reaches critical mass, providing truly unique viewing and photography opportunities.

While the elephant population is certainly impressive, Linyanti is also home to an abundance of wildlife species including lion, impala, leopard, kudu, zebra, giraffe, buffalo and many more. Morning and afternoon game drives are the best ways to catch these majestic animals in the act, although night drives and guided nature walks are available for those that prefer a more hands-on experience of the wild. There are also two bird blinds nearby, ideal for spying of birds and land animals alike.

Accommodation at Kings Pool Camp consists of nine Luxury Tents, which includes one Family Tent. Each comes equipped with an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower and a personal plunge pool. The camp’s main area is made up of a lounge, dining room and bar. For the romantics, open-air dining under the night sky can also be arranged.

Thorntree River Lodge is one of Zambia’s most contemporary lodges on the legendary Zambezi River, just upstream from the even more legendary Victoria Falls. Built from local timber, stone and reclaimed railway sleeper wood, Thorntree River Lodge has an eco-conscious design that blurs the line between nature and 21st-century modernity. Its superb location gives you easy access to all the fun of the Falls – like sunset cruises, kayaking, nature walks, tracking white rhinos and, of course, awe-inspiring vistas of Africa’s most indomitable waterfall – while allowing you peace and tranquillity on the river’s edge.

When you are not out enjoying the greater Zambezi area, relax at the sparkling infinity pool that is set in the wooden deck that has an uninterrupted visual connection to the water (or even better, at your own private pool). Enjoy nightcaps at the fire pit in the sunken boma or on the floating deck and work off the stresses of your ‘real life’ back home with a massage. Children can join the Ngwana Club to learn more about nature during their time at Thorntree River Lodge. Sundowners on the river is the classic way to end the day and little will compare to sitting back on Thorntree’s private boat, an iced drink in hand, and listening to the cry of an African fish eagle and the comical chortling of nearby hippos as they wallow in the water…

Visit Maunga Village to see the wonderful improvements made by Go2Africa and the African Bushcamps Foundation and don’t forget to include a learning pack for a child in your check out basket at the local curio store. For every guest that stays at Thorntree River Lodge, Go2Africa will make a special donation to this village to further the impact we want to make.

Just a 45-minute flight from the mighty Victoria Falls, Somalisa Camp is a standout Signature Experience. As one of Southern Africa’s most biodiverse regions, Hwange National Park is teeming with wildlife and is home to healthy populations of elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, and African wild dog. Discover luxury in the wild at Somalisa Camp as you experience close-up encounters with its most renowned inhabitants.

Nestled under the dappled shade of an Acacia Grove, Somalisa Camp blends elegant design with the organic elements of the bush. Kudhinda, a local Zimbabwean fabric, is paired with modern decor influences to create an authentic yet contemporary African style. Enjoy luxurious amenities such as the inviting bar, the swimming pool with views of the Elephant Pool, the cozy firepit, and the serene, shared lounge area. Embracing sustainability, the Camp (which is run entirely on solar power and features a water purification system that recycles 80% of its water) proudly holds the first GOLD Green Tourism Certification to be awarded in Zimbabwe.

Somalisa Camp comprises seven beautifully furnished luxury tented suites that perfectly combine nature and sophistication. Each suite features a wood-burning fireplace, a copper slipper style bath, a lavish king-size bed, as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. Take in magnificent landscapes and search for majestic wildlife from the comfort of your own private viewing deck, ensuring a safari experience like no other.

Set on a range of remote hills in one of Zimbabwe’s finest wilderness locations, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is utterly captivating. With the Zambezi escarpment as its backdrop, this haven of serenity overlooks the eternal shimmering waters of Lake Kariba below. Not only is Kariba’s shoreline wildlife-rich, but the lodge’s proximity to Matusadona allows for the wildlife to freely move between the national park and Bumi Hill’s private concession, creating endless game-viewing opportunities, led by passionate team of guides.

With its elevated position above Lake Kariba and a rim flow swimming pool that looks to be flowing into the eternal blue waters, guests would be forgiven for mistaking Bumi Hills Safari Lodge for a beach resort. Nestled in the remote hills, this luxurious lodge offers sensational views of both Africa’s largest man-made lake and the Zambezi River Escarpment.

Having Kariba right on your doorstep means spending days exploring the lake on private boat cruises and trying your hand at tiger fishing. There’s also the option of going on scenic walking safaris around the lake, or venturing further into the surrounding forests to discover fossilised dinosaur footprints. Alternatively, interact with the local community and learn about their history and traditions. While Kariba’s shoreline has a rich diversity of bird species, its floodplain provides for even more game-viewing opportunities. The area is part of an unfenced private concession that is home to a range of wildlife.