Botswana Safari + Victoria Falls

(Morning and afternoon) – There is a vast area to explore with opportunities abounding for wildlife sightings. The renowned Mababe Depression is a firm favourite. Approx. 3-4 hours (depending on animal sightings and guest preferences).

The bush holds many secrets if you know how and where to look! Your guide will point out tracks and signs of animals, insects, birds, trees and many other fascinating aspects of this unique environment with the potential of big game sightings in the company of an experienced guide. Approx. 2-3 hours. (Children 16 years and older).

Birding opportunities are excellent and included in all Nokanyana’s experiences.

Nature Hosts share their passion for nature in search of the area’s smaller natural miracles. Approx 2 hours. (Suitable for the whole family).

If you want to travel further afield and spend the whole day out in the bush, we can arrange a full day game drive. Explore further into the Moremi Game Reserve, Savute or Khwai. Each trip offers the possibility of an abundance of wildlife viewings, getting you up-close to the wondrous nature Botswana offers. Lunch will be set and drinks provided so you can leave early in the morning and return just before dark.

Game drives to Moremi and Savute are an optional extra

The tour will be led by a local guide who will explain fascinating aspects of village life such as architecture, religious beliefs, and fishing. You’ll also be able to talk to local craftspeople. Approx. 2 hours.

Elephant Havens is a non-profit organization working on the ground in Botswana to protect and preserve the African elephant. The orphanage rescues and hand-rears orphaned and abandoned baby elephants, with the goal of eventually releasing them back into the wild alongside other elephants. The organisation over and above works with communities to reduce conflict between villagers and elephants. Through education Elephant Havens hopes to instill an understanding of the importance of conservation and habitat protection in future generations

A visit to Elephant Havens with Helicopter Horizons includes return helicopter transfers, interaction with orphaned elephants, guided by informed and knowledgeable handlers, and a donation to the organisation.

Optional extra

Elephant Havens is a non-profit organization working on the ground in Botswana to protect and preserve the African elephant. The orphanage rescues and hand-rears orphaned and abandoned baby elephants, with the goal of eventually releasing them back into the wild alongside other elephants. The organisation over and above works with communities to reduce conflict between villagers and elephants. Through education Elephant Havens hopes to instill an understanding of the importance of conservation and habitat protection in future generations

A visit to Elephant Havens offers a chance to not only support the organisation, but up close interaction with orphaned elephants, guided by informed and knowledgeable handlers, and a donation to the organisation.

Optional extra

Scenic flights over the Delta can be combined with a visit to Elephant Havens or a morning Mokoro trail. Scenic flight options start at 30 min.

Game viewing on the Chobe River is most exceptional from March to November, when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile in search of food and water. Winter offers particularly dramatic sightings, while the spring and autumn shoulder seasons provide excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. During the summer rains, the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of life, creating unique wildlife and birdwatching experiences.

Each day, guests venture out by tender boat to observe large herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, crocodiles, zebras, and more, all drawn to the river. The guides maintain a respectful distance, monitoring animal behaviour and adjusting the boat as needed to ensure minimal disruption. Guests will also encounter an impressive array of birdlife and plant species along the way.

No trip to the Chobe is complete without experiencing the thrill of fishing. On the Chobe River, it's not just about the catch – it’s about the adventure. Hooking a Tiger fish, one of Africa’s most sought-after species, is an experience anglers dream of. Known for their strength and speed, Tiger fish offer an exciting challenge that leaves guests with unforgettable memories.

Fishing safaris are conducted on a catch-and-release basis, ensuring the sustainability of the fish populations. The knowledgeable guides are dedicated to safely returning the fish to the water, allowing them to thrive for years to come.

Rates include all conventional fishing gear, such as rods, lures, lines, and reels. For those interested in fly fishing, it’s recommended to bring personal gear, as preferences can vary. This ensures each guest enjoys a fishing experience tailored to their needs.

With over 450 species, diverse terrains, and a stunning African backdrop, the Chobe River provides the ideal setting for a highly rewarding bird-watching safari. Birding season begins in September, with the arrival of migratory birds boosting the population by up to 20% compared to the winter months.

The prime time for birdwatching is early morning before breakfast, as various species leave their roosts and venture into the National Park. Guests aboard any of the three Chobe Princesses enjoy access to knowledgeable guides and tender boats, ensuring a truly rewarding birding experience.

Uninterrupted access to wild animals, absolute silence, and golden light make the Chobe River an unforgettable photographic safari destination, and one of Africa's top spots for wildlife photographers. To help capture that perfect moment, a custom-designed photographic safari boat is available on request, accommodating up to four clients in individual photographic seats.

The boat features custom-designed swivel chairs, offering greater stability and 360-degree views for a wider range of subject matter. Each seat is equipped with a mount for resting SLR cameras, and an experienced safari guide will assist in finding the perfect shot.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own photographic equipment, as it is not provided onboard. The recommended lens is an 80-400mm zoom for optimal results.

Travel by tender boat to a local Namibian village on the floodplains of the East Caprivi and meet the elders and locals of the Subiya tribe. Gain a deeper understanding of life in this 100-year-old village as you learn about their daily challenges, farming practices, and traditions.

The tour concludes with a vibrant display of traditional dancing and singing, where guests are welcome to join in the fun.

As a memento of your visit, consider purchasing a woven basket, beaded jewellery, or a carved wooden animal. The sale of these crafts helps empower the village by providing a valuable source of income. If you wish to bring gifts for the village children, items such as school stationery, books, or clothing are always highly appreciated.

Experience gourmet dining in Victoria Falls at the top-rated Cassia Restaurant. Centrally located only minutes from the Victoria Falls at Ilala Lodge Hotel, the newly-renamed restaurant offers a delicious breakfast buffet, lunch and al fresco evening dining under the starry African sky.

The Cassia Restaurant delivers an unmatched menu, paired with an extensive wine list comprised of carefully selected wines from South Africa’s top vineyards. The calming and tranquil ambience is further complemented by the gentle rumble of Victoria Falls in the background. A truly unforgettable dining experience not to be missed.

You know what they say about the early bird? If you are a passionate birdwatcher, don’t miss out on this river cruise! Keen bird lovers will delight in marking off their sightings in the birding booklet provided on board while enjoying a delicious continental breakfast including fruit platters, fresh pastries and a variety of cheeses and biscuits. Rare birds such as the African Pitta and the Narina Trogon have been sighted here, as well as hundreds of other bird species. The knowledgeable and experienced guides conduct these early morning river cruises.

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a continental breakfast as you cruise up the Zambezi River towards Kandahar Island while enjoying the sounds of the diverse birdlife and the African bush come to life in the early morning. Breakfast includes freshly baked pieces of bread and pastries, fresh fruit platters, jams, yoghurts and cheeses as well as an assortment of teas and coffee.

Sit back and relax while sipping a cold drink and enjoying a few quiet hours along the banks of the Zambezi River. Our lunch buffet includes cold meats, fresh salads and a wide selection of biscuits and cheeses, all catered by the award-winning Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel. The fully stocked bar is available throughout the cruise and the attentive crew is at your service.

There simply is not a better way to enjoy the dazzling African sunset than from the comfort of a Ra-Ikane boat on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Our ever-popular sunset cruise offers a unique way to explore the channels of the river and to get an up-close view of the pristine wilderness and African game along its banks. Enjoy an array of canapés, a full bar and a charming crew who can impart a bit of interesting Victoria Falls history with you on board the Ra-Ikane.