Lucie & Manfred - My Dream Itinerary

Game viewing in the Okavango Delta is remote and secluded, with very few vehicles sharing the private concession. Sensitive off-road driving practices allow our guests to get up close to the area’s exceptional wildlife. Afternoon drives continue after night, allowing for an opportunity to see the many animals that are more active at night, including leopard and serval. Lion frequently hunt at night and there is always a chance of coming upon them feeding on a kill. &Beyond’s professionally trained guides will ask you about your favourite wildlife and will do their best to ensure that your preferences are met, whether it is tracking a particular species or spending more time enjoying each sighting, getting to know the habits of the animals. They will also tell you about the vegetation of the region and will explain the behaviour of the animals that you come across. In some cases, the guides will be able to identify individual animals and let you know about their history and habits.

Thrill to an aerial view of the Okavango Delta as you soar above a vast maze of both permanent and fleeting waterways and floodplains that occupy an otherwise sandy corner of Botswana in a helicopter. Fly over rivers and pools dotted with lily pads, as well as a variety of wild animals that inhabit this unique habitat.

Additional costs apply

The Okavango Delta is well known for its Mokoro rides. These are boating trips through the maze like channels and shallow lagoons of the Delta. As mokoros are not motorized, they allow you to glide silently through the channels. You will see many animals that feed on the grass and reeds on the palm islands such as lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, hippo and crocodile.

(seasonal - dependent on water levels)

Game viewing is also offered in motorized boats. These trips allow you to cover more ground and to see more of the landscape. Boating is offered seasonally depending on the water levels in the Okavango Delta.

(seasonal - dependent on water levels)

Try your hand at catching the fierce tiger fish, or Tilapia in the Okavango Delta. Not all water based camps in the Okavango allow fishing, but some camps do allow fishing on a catch and release basis. Most of the fishing however takes place in the Panhandle region where the Okavango River enters the Delta.

Seasonal activity

With a dedicated game ranger and tracker, as well as a private game drive vehicle, guests have the luxury of tailor-making their own safari experience; choosing their own game drive times and spending as much time as they want at sightings.

You are required to create a personal affirmation to reclaim an
unconditional acceptance and love for yourself and reconnect with your soul to
release all negative energy from deep within. A unique blend of
aromatherapy and plant oils chosen specifically by you, combining deep
tissue massage techniques to bring relaxation to tired, aching muscles
allowing the body and soul to return to perfect equilibrium. Choose from a
blend of aromatherapy oils to either destress, hydrate, relax or detox.

Full body: 90 min
Back and Neck only: 45 min and 30 min

African Shea Butter has been long hailed for its powerful healing and
nourishing effects. Relaxing nourishing and energizing this full body
massage targets specific areas or tension and muscular discomfort
employing deep tissue techniques where pain is dramatically alleviated.

Full Body and Scalp 75min
Back, Neck and Scalp 45min

Re-awaken your Soul with a combination of powerful African aromatherapy
oils and botanical body balms combining traditional African Calabash and
Bamboo tools with human touch and rhythmic movement in this indulgent
ritual, the ultimate source of relaxation to bring balance to your mind,
body and soul in the heart of Africa, the cradle of mankind, through touch
and vibrational sound therapy using ancient sound tools and techniques.

Choose African Potato for its Ancient Healing powers, Marula Neroli for a
Sensory Indulgence, Kalahari Melon for its Hydrating Properties,
Mongongo Nut to Detox or Cinnamon and Orange to Firm and Tone

Full body and Scalp: 90min
Back and Scalp: 60min

Re-awaken your senses through gentle exfoliation and envelope your body with inspirational blends of natural African essential oils and botanicals. We start the treatment with a dry polish followed by a full body polish to alleviate tension and renew skin. We then do the wrap and an indulgent full body massage using our powerful collection of indigenous African oils and balms.

Choose African Potato for its Ancient Healing powers, Marula Neroli for a Sensory Indulgence, Kalahari Melon for its Hydrating Properties, Mongongo Nut to Detox or Cinnamon and Orange to Firm and Tone

120min

Melt away stress and rejuvenate your tired legs with this foot treatment which will leave your feet feeling hydrated, softened and silky smooth, ready to conquer the African bush. Your feet is soaked in an African Joy energizing salt soak, scrubbed with rejuvenating peppermint and eucalyptus scrub and embalmed in African Shea Butter. Relax as you receive a shoulder and scalp massage and finish the treatment with a cooling foot gel to put the final spring in your step.

30min

The ultimate hand ritual. Your hands are polished with a pure Peppermint and Aloe Vera polish and cuticles restored with indigenous healing oils. Your hands are then embalmed with African Shea Butter. Relax as you receive a shoulder and scalp massage and finish the treatment with a nourishing Pinotage hand oil massage, leaving your hands feeling soft and rejuvenated.

30min

Soak those tired little feet in Healing Earth’s Lavender and Jasmine bubble bath, followed by a Mango Orange scrub, toe nail grooming and mini foot tickle and rub. To recharge your energy a 15min back, neck and shoulder massage with pure Aloe Vera Gel will guarantee to send our budding rangers off on their next adventure in the African Bush. Finish your treatment with an African Tribal Face Paint and if you choose to, leave with your own Beauties and Buddies Pamper Kit to remember your adventure in the wild and remind you of how important it is to Care for the Land, Wildlife and People of this world.

Beauties and Buddies 30min Treatment and Pamper Kit

andBeyond’s WILDchild programme, designed especially for children visiting our safari lodges and camps in Africa, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family but forges strong bonds between our young guests, our planet and its people.

Tread in the tracks of the Delta wildlife, breathe in the scent of crushed wild grasses, and feel your senses come alive.

Discover the complexities of tracking, how every bent blade of grass and imprint in the soil has a meaning; observe how your guide interprets the signs and sounds of the bush; smell and taste wild herbs, as your guide explains their traditional uses; explore the small miracles of the bush, from the magnificent tapestry of a spider’s web to the microscopic world of the dung beetle.

Listen for the alarm call of the grey go-away bird; watch for the iridescent flight-sparkle of the lilac breasted roller, or use your Swarovski Optik binoculars to zoom in on the dark shape of a brown snake eagle perched regally on the high branches of a dead tree. Look out for the bright red bill of a grey-headed kingfisher, as it perches silently on a branch watching the ground for insects or small lizards.

This is a dynamic experience guaranteed to captivate and engage all your senses.

Twice-daily game drives in open safari vehicles

With a dedicated game ranger and tracker, as well as a private game drive vehicle, guests have the luxury of tailor-making their own safari experience; choosing their own game drive times and spending as much time as they want at sightings.

andBeyond’s WILDchild programme, designed especially for children visiting our safari lodges and camps in Africa, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family but forges strong bonds between our young guests, our planet and its people.

You are required to create a personal affirmation to reclaim an unconditional acceptance and love for yourself and reconnect with your soul to release all negative energy from deep within. A unique blend of
aromatherapy and plant oils chosen specifically by you, combining deep tissue massage techniques to bring relaxation to tired, aching muscles allowing the body and soul to return to perfect equilibrium. Choose from a blend of aromatherapy oils to either destress, hydrate, relax or detox.

Full body: 90 min
Back and Neck only: 45 min and 30 min

African Shea Butter has been long hailed for its powerful healing and nourishing effects. Relaxing nourishing and energizing this full body massage targets specific areas or tension and muscular discomfort employing deep tissue techniques where pain is dramatically alleviated.

Full Body and Scalp 75min
Back, Neck and Scalp 45min

Re-awaken your Soul with a combination of powerful African aromatherapy oils and botanical body balms combining traditional African Calabash and Bamboo tools with human touch and rhythmic movement in this indulgent ritual, the ultimate source of relaxation to bring balance to your mind,
body and soul in the heart of Africa, the cradle of mankind, through touch and vibrational sound therapy using ancient sound tools and techniques.

Choose African Potato for its Ancient Healing powers, Marula Neroli for a
Sensory Indulgence, Kalahari Melon for its Hydrating Properties,
Mongongo Nut to Detox or Cinnamon and Orange to Firm and Tone

Full body and Scalp: 90min
Back and Scalp: 60mi

Re-awaken your senses through gentle exfoliation and envelope your body with inspirational blends of natural African essential oils and botanicals. We start the treatment with a dry polish followed by a full body polish to alleviate tension and renew skin. We then do the wrap and an indulgent full body massage using our powerful collection of indigenous African oils and balms.

Choose African Potato for its Ancient Healing powers, Marula Neroli for a Sensory Indulgence, Kalahari Melon for its Hydrating Properties, Mongongo Nut to Detox or Cinnamon and Orange to Firm and Tone

120min

Melt away stress and rejuvenate your tired legs with this foot treatment which will leave your feet feeling hydrated, softened and silky smooth, ready to conquer the African bush. Your feet is soaked in an African Joy energizing salt soak, scrubbed with rejuvenating peppermint and eucalyptus scrub and embalmed in African Shea Butter. Relax as you receive a shoulder and scalp massage and finish the treatment with a cooling foot gel to put the final spring in your step.

30min

The ultimate hand ritual. Your hands are polished with a pure Peppermint and Aloe Vera polish and cuticles restored with indigenous healing oils. Your hands are then embalmed with African Shea Butter. Relax as you receive a shoulder and scalp massage and finish the treatment with a nourishing Pinotage hand oil massage, leaving your hands feeling soft and rejuvenated.

30min

Soak those tired little feet in Healing Earth’s Lavender and Jasmine bubble bath, followed by a Mango Orange scrub, toe nail grooming and mini foot tickle and rub. To recharge your energy a 15min back, neck and shoulder massage with pure Aloe Vera Gel will guarantee to send our budding rangers off on their next adventure in the African Bush. Finish your treatment with an African Tribal Face Paint and if you choose to, leave with your own Beauties and Buddies Pamper Kit to remember your adventure in the wild and remind you of how important it is to Care for the Land, Wildlife and People of this world.

Beauties and Buddies 30min Treatment and Pamper Kit

Tread in the tracks of the Delta wildlife, breathe in the scent of crushed wild grasses, and feel your senses come alive.

Discover the complexities of tracking, how every bent blade of grass and imprint in the soil has a meaning; observe how your guide interprets the signs and sounds of the bush; smell and taste wild herbs, as your guide explains their traditional uses; explore the small miracles of the bush, from the magnificent tapestry of a spider’s web to the microscopic world of the dung beetle.

Listen for the alarm call of the grey go-away bird; watch for the iridescent flight-sparkle of the lilac breasted roller, or use your Swarovski Optik binoculars to zoom in on the dark shape of a brown snake eagle perched regally on the high branches of a dead tree. Look out for the bright red bill of a grey-headed kingfisher, as it perches silently on a branch watching the ground for insects or small lizards.

This is a dynamic experience guaranteed to captivate and engage all your senses.

No Chobe safari is complete without experiencing the beauty of the Chobe River and its incredible wildlife by boat.

The riverboats are specifically designed to ensure each passenger can take in the magnificent Chobe views in complete comfort from anywhere on the boat. Owing to the flexibility in seating arrangements and the flat deck, the boats are ideal for keen wildlife photographers, with ample space for equipment and the freedom to photograph from any angle.

Unlike any other water-based activity in Botswana, the game viewing while on a river safari in Chobe is unsurpassed anywhere in Botswana. Elephants line the water’s edge, hippo congregate in lagoons, hundreds of antelope and giraffe make their way to the water and sightings of predators along the river banks are common.

All of the boats at Chobe Game Lodge are solar-electric powered boats – a clean and quiet way to enjoy a boat safari and another first for tourism in Africa.

Owing to the location of Chobe Game Lodge inside the Chobe National Park, early-morning game drives set off as soon as the park opens, giving you the best chance of tracking predators while they are still active. The afternoon drives depart the lodge in the late afternoon (the exact time is dependent on the season), only returning at park closure time after sunset, thus maximising the time you spend out in the park to enjoy those special sightings.

The drives follow the course of the Chobe River as your experienced guide interprets the bush signs and tracks in search of the resident wildlife. Elephant encounters are common and huge herds of buffalo abound. The ever-present impala and the majestic giraffe are both common residents, while sightings of the puku antelope are also on offer. Predators are plentiful in the northern region of the Chobe National Park, and excellent sightings of lion, wild dog and leopard are to be had.

The Chobe Game Lodge vehicles are open 4WD game viewers redesigned to make your trip comfortable and your viewing experience astonishing. Included in the fleet are several silent, CO2 emission-free electric vehicles designed to further enhance your Chobe safari.

Birding is spectacular with Schalows turaco, barred owlet and white-browed coucal resident in the gardens as well as rosythroated longclaw, western-banded snake-eagle and hooded vulture among a few of the 450 species of the Chobe region.

A guided tour of “the Victoria Falls”, situated merely 7km from Old Drift Lodge, is included in the nightly rate, but excludes park fees, which are payable direct. This excursion can be booked in conjunction with a lunch at the Lookout Café.

Africa has an air of romance that sets her apart from anywhere else in the world. However, it is upon stepping into the Victoria Falls rainforest that guests are truly swept off their feet. There is no finer ambience than the gentle roar of the waterfall. The trees grow so closely together that their branches entwine, and their soft, wet drip across the stone path that weaves through this natural wonder. Submerge yourself in the fragrance of the fauna and the playful fauna in this enchanting and awe-inspiring space. A guided tour is included in the nightly rate, excluding park fees. Satisfy your wanderlust by visiting the more beautiful of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Morning and afternoon game drives in 4 x 4 game viewing vehicles will take you along the Zambezi River through the Zambezi National Park. Game that can be seen include elephants, buffalo, kudu, giraffe, zebra, eland, impala, warthogs, lion, wild dog and on occasions, cheetah. Tea baskets and snacks will be taken on the morning drives and Sundowners and snacks on the afternoon game drives.

Old Drift has two luxury 10 seater pontoon boats which will be used for morning and afternoon river safaris. Drinks and snacks will be provided on both safaris.

Morning and afternoon walking safaris will take place along the river but also in the spring lines of Zambezi National Park. Guests will be accompanied by a Professional Guide. Please note that children U 16 years are not permitted on walking safaris.

Guests have the option to enjoy a lunch at the Lookout Café, inclusive of drinks.

This can be booked in conjunction with the Tour of the Falls or for the adrenalin lovers, after they have taken part in any of the high wire activities that take place at the “Lookout”.

Morning and afternoon guided walks are offered at The Hide Safari Camp.

The Hide Safari Camp is fortunate to have the best of both worlds. While located within the Hwange National Park, it is also surrounded by a private concession which allows us to offer activities not otherwise permitted. Hwange is a vast playground worth exploring so you don’t have to worry about being bored. Early morning walks are there for the thrill of encountering wildlife on its own terms and exploring the little surprises of the bush.

Morning and afternoon game drives as well as night drives with a spotlight are offered at The Hide Safari Camp.

Days can be spent further afield on game drives in search of predators and prey alike. We like to do things properly so sundowners are an important part of the experience. Enjoy the natural beauty with a cold drink in hand. The guides at The Hide are very much part of the family and have been with us for many years. They have undergone some of the most rigorous training in Africa and their passion for and knowledge of the bush is often what makes a safaris so special.

You’re sitting on the deck at The Hide ‘A’ frame. The sun has just set, its residual warmth a soft tinge of pink in the sky. Just then, a family of elephants strolls into the scene and up to the waterhole. You watch, fascinated by their interactions. Now, here’s where you jump into action. Without the need for a guide or host, you can go directly from the deck into the underground hide and observe the elephant family from up-close. Just step off the deck and slip down the steps into a whole new world. Along a tunnel, you’ll walk for about 10 metres under the surface of the earth – and then emerge into a “window on the waterhole”, where you can sit quietly, the unobserved observing. It’s a special addition and makes the experience of “game viewing” more intense and personal.

Along the same tunnel, guests are delighted to find, hidden away in the wall, a real wine cellar. Perfectly cooled at a steady 17 degrees Celsius, ambient-lit and stocked with a small selection of fine wines from around the world, this is a welcome addition to an already all-sensory experience at The Hide.

Credit: CRISP & KHAKI

Credit: The Hide

Credit: The Hide

Credit: The Hide

Credit: The Hide

Our little secret, the Dove’s Nest, is just about the best way to get away from it all. There are few things more exciting than spending a night out in a tree house.

Overlooking the open tree-lined vlei and pan, this rustic gem is a perfect vantage point from which to view wildlife safely, quietly. Just the two of you. Kept simple, as a tree house should be, the bedroom of the Dove’s Nest is reached by a wooden stairway and with a closeable door. You won’t have to forego your hot shower and warm bed and the location is second to none.

Going on safari is an exciting prospect and, for many, when the dust has been wiped off your boots and the hat hung up till next time, there is no greater pleasure than poring over the special moments you’ve captured on camera.

A native Zimbabwean, Neil Fairlie is a professional wildlife documentary filmmaker with a profound knowledge and deep respect for Africa and its wildlife. His formal experience spans more than a decade, including the recent Netflix series Our Planet, but he is also qualified as a learner guide, and his intimate knowledge of the bush, natural instincts and skill in capturing unique moments of animal behaviour on film make him a brilliant photographic safari guide. Please enquire about Neil's availability!

This is a rare opportunity for groups or individuals to benefit from Neil’s skills, both behind the lens and in the bush…

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie