Ultimate Southern Africa

Get a bird's eye view of the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River on a 15 minute or 30 minute flight. This memorable experience will ‘wow’ you long after you’ve landed.

Safari Par Excellence offers half and full day Zambezi Rafting and River boarding excursions during low and high water seasons. Acclaimed as the best one-day white water run in the world, the river is also recognised as one of the top ten paddling rivers in the world. SafPar are one of the original commercial rafting operations on the Zambezi River and have some of the best qualified guides

who will ensure that you have both an enjoyable and safe day on the river.The days adventure is captured on video and film and the trip includes either a riverside lunch and dinner at a lodge or

lunch at a lodge (depending on which trip is booked).

An awesome way to see the Falls is from the bottom of the gorge. Swimming in the rock pools below the Falls, surrounded by the massive black basaltic rock towering up above you and the water cascading down, seemingly out of the sky, is certainly one of the most breathtaking experiences you will ever have. This activity is a perfect combination with white water rafting.

Enjoy the most spectacular view of the Falls from the island where Dr Livingstone first viewed the Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders). At low water the island has its very own bathing pool,

(Devil’s Pool) which forms each year amongst the rocks along the edge.

See the raw, powerful beauty of the Victoria Falls from the best possible angle – above. United Air Charter offers 3 different flight options from their base at Baobab Ridge. The short flight circuits the Falls and offers superb views over the gorges below and the Zambezi above. The longer flight skims over the Zambezi rapids, ascends over the Falls and finishes with game viewing over the

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The adventure flight in a Huey helicopter, flown with doors open at a lower lever, skims over the African bush, deep down into the Batoka gorge and over the falls. A gourmet champagne picnic is the perfect helicopter package, providing a romantic flight over the Falls and into the gorge to an exclusive setting on the banks of the Zambezi River as it rushes down the narrow gorge below the Falls. All flights include transfers to and from our helipad. Airport transfers and charter flights are available.

This unique activity begins with a spectacular scenic helicopter flight over the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. The helicopter then swoops into the Gorge and lands at rapid 21, where a beautiful riverside spot with stunning views of the river and gorge await you. A beautifully prepared picnic lunch on the white beach at the edge of the Zambezi is a wonderful setting for a relaxing lunch. The ascent out of the gorge by helicopter is the perfect finale to a stunning midday excursion.

The African Queen and the African Princess are berthed just upstream of The Victoria Falls. Fully inclusive morning, lunch and sunset cruises are offered daily, treating passengers to sophisticated

views of the Zambezi River and the surrounding game reserves. We take great pride in our cuisine and friendly service, making The African Queen experience unforgettable.

The Zambezi - river of dreams and romance, evoking images of the great era of adventure and exploration. Wild and captivating, the Zambezi beats to a rhythm and a time that is fast disappearing.

The clear waters of the river and the game reserves that surround it, attract herds of elephant, buffalo, several species of antelope, giraffe, zebra, lion and leopard. Join us on full or half day canoe

trips. You will negotiate small but exciting rapids, canoe through narrow channels and drift down open stretches. No previous canoeing experience necessary.

The Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the very best rafting river in the world. A deep channelled, high volume river, the Zambezi has class 3-5 rapids interspersed with tranquil pools. This enables you to marvel at the magnificent beauty of the Batoka Gorge between some of the most exciting and challenging rapids rafted anywhere on the planet. Highly professional guides ensure your safety and enjoyment of this amazing adventure. .

The ultimate safari experience is a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, which boasts the world’s largest elephant population. The game cruise on the Chobe River brings you close to brilliant bird life, pods of watering hippos, primeval crocodiles and elephants, breathtaking in their sheer number. The afternoon’s land-based safari heads deeper into the Park to spot the elusive big cats that make Chobe their home.

On the Victoria Falls tour, led by our experienced guides, you will explore this most awe-inspiring

phenomenon - one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. At times of high water the mist from this torrent can be seen as far away as 40 kilometres. If you are lucky enough to be here for

a full moon, the magnificent lunar rainbow will take your breath away.

Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 vehicles. Bringing you closer to many thrilling interactions being played out in the wild, our knowledgeable guides are the vital link between guests and the intricacies of the natural world.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains’ unique community concession agreement means that many of the professional guides here grew up in this area, adding an extra layer of authenticity and cultural relevance to their expert tracking and identification skills. Swap your game drive for a nature walk, and marvel at the smaller things you may miss when travelling by vehicle.

* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

After dark game viewing with filtered spotlights allow you to find intriguing nocturnal animals.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains truly an Okavango experience, and there is no better way of viewing game and exploring the channels than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). The wondrous wetland habitats result in a multitude of aquatic life, and these excursions reveal the fascinating smaller creatures of the Delta including colourful frogs and lively waterbirds.

* Water levels permitting.

Excursions by boat are another idyllic form of water wildlife exploration in the amazing paradise of the Okavango Delta.

* Water levels permitting.

Fishing is on a catch and release basis, and the Vumbura Private Wilderness Area, is considered one of our best fishing areas as there is permanent water all year round. A limited supply of basic equipment is available at camp, whereas all fly fishing equipment is to be supplied by guests if required.

* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

The birding at Wilderness Vumbura Plains is as varied as it is exceptional all year round. Search for some of the the hundreds of bird species, from lilac-breasted rollers, to carmine bee-eaters, and secretary birds. Or even the Pel's fishing owl! In the summer months many migrant species are present, while other specials which are regularly seen include wattled crane, slaty egret, chirping cisticola, fan-tailed widowbird, pink-backed pelican and possibly rosy-throated longclaw for the dedicated birders.

As part of this unique collaboration, lightweight and compact OM-D photography equipment has been provided for guests to try out a number of the impressive features offered by Olympus. The picturesque vistas at Wilderness Vumbura Plains will amaze even the most seasoned safari explorers, and we hope that you will enjoy learning more about wildlife photography with our passionate guides.

* Olympus Photo Hub experience dependent on camera availability.

Children in the Wilderness (CITW) is a non-profit organisation supported by ecotourism company Wilderness Safaris, which aims to facilitate sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of children in Africa.

Insight, care and commitment are required to conserve Africa’s pristine wilderness and wildlife areas. If we are to ensure that these places continue to exist – in this generation and those to come – we need the rural children of Africa to understand the importance of conservation and its relevance in their lives. Hence, our Children in the Wilderness programme: an environmental and life skills educational programme for children, focusing on the next generation of decision-makers; inspiring them to care for their natural heritage and to become the custodians of these areas in the future.

This is achieved in a variety of ways – from hosting Eco-Club programmes at local schools, to running camps at Wilderness Safaris and partner camps, for the children within the rural communities that live on the edges of the wild areas of Africa.

Game drives are the signature activity on any African safari. On game drive, guests head out on a 10 seater specialised safari Land Rover with an expert ranger and tracker. The vehicles are optimised for game viewing and at Royal Malewane we take a maximum of 6 on each vehicle for optimal comfort. To view game is to lose yourself in a powerful and startling drama. During a game viewing excursion, your senses sharpen, excitement grows, you draw close to the most remarkable animals as they hunt, play and sleep. Game drives at Royal Malewane are tailored to suit your interests, so you can track your favourite animal or see the birds, flowers or trees that you love most.

On a typical day on safari, guests will be woken by their ranger before sunrise. Sunrise and sunset are times when many animals are at their most active before and after the heat of the day arrives and chases much of the wildlife into repose. After a quick cup of coffee and a light snack, the morning game drive begins. Game drives usually last between 3 and 4 hours. After morning game drive, guests will be served a hearty breakfast following which guests can relax or enjoy other activities. Afternoon game drives set off at around 4pm and often go on after dark so that guests can see some of Africa's nocturnal creatures. Guests will return to camp for a sumptuous dinner under the stars if the weather permits.

For those that want to get even closer to nature, our highly qualified rangers and trackers will lead guests on foot through the wild African bush. Stroll among the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos) and glean rare insights into our natural world, focusing not only on animals, but on the biodiversity of habitats and plant life. Bush walks generally leave after breakfast and your early morning game drive.

The award winning Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa located at Malewane Lodge is a magical and tranquil space in complete harmony with the natural surroundings. Enjoy a relaxing massage or a pampering beauty treatment. For a more romantic experience, couples can enjoy the Moroccan sunken baths.

A visit to the local community is inspiring, humbling and educational. The Royal Portfolio believes passionately in community involvement and upliftment. At Royal Malewane we therefore decided to focus on children and education. Our mission was to create a meaningful change in the lives of the children of the Sigagule Crèche, by creating an environment where they could learn and have fun in a safe and healthy environment. Transfers for all guests to Sigagule are free of charge.

The Sigagule Crèche had 86 pupils who were housed in a class room only big enough for 30 children and who only receive a grant from the Government sufficient to feed 38 children. They had no running water on the property and two very primitive toilet facilities.

Royal Malewane with the help of very generous donations from our guests have been able to complete a number of critical improvements at the school.

Discover a spa in the heart of the African bush, surrounded by water and located at Royal Malewane's third luxury lodge, Waterside. Experience tranquillity and rejuvenate your senses with specialised spa treatments focusing on balance between body and mind. If you’ve come to Africa to feel nature’s pulse, this is an ideal way of tuning your body to the right frequency. Reflections Spa has three treatment rooms (one of the rooms is a double) and a Hammam – a hot steam bath followed by a massage. There is also a yoga room and gym at Waterside.

This is our most popular external activity - a spectacular flight over some of the most scenic areas in the country like the Blyde River Canyon, Gods Window and the Pinnacle. En route we fly over some of the breathtaking waterfalls renowned in the area (which are even better in the summer months after the rains) like the Mac Mac, the Lisbon and Berlyn Falls. We stop at a private picnic spot where guests can experience the ambiance and are close to nature while enjoying their meal. Departs from the Royal Malewane Airstrip (15 minutes from Malewane Lodge).

Royal Malewane is situated in the wild and beautiful Greater Kruger National Park. The exclusive Leopard Creek Country Club, with its innovative course designed by Gary Player, is located on the southern border of the Kruger Park. Every hole is as picturesque and exciting as the other with the Crocodile River acting as an unusual water hazard on Leopard Creek's signature hole, the par-5 13th. A scenic helicopter flight to the golf course, personalised fitting of golfing equipment and the chance of sighting animals on the course makes for a truly memorable round.

The horse trails are conducted on the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. The reserve is home to a vast variety of birds and animals such as giraffe, kudu, wildebeest, warthog, impala and many other plains game. Beginners, intermediate and advanced riders are welcome. The excursion is around one and a half hours and you will be transferred by road to the Wildlife Estate which is 45 minutes from Malewane Lodge. The ride follows game paths, through riverbeds.

Take a stunning cruise on the Blyde Dam situated in the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon. The cruise includes a light lunch or picnic on board and an opportunity to learn about the geology, wildlife and biology of this unique area. The cruise lasts about an hour and a half and departs after morning game drive and breakfast.

Situated in the shadow of the majestic “Mariepskop” this unique conservancy is home to many wild animals. A visit to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation centre is an unforgettable experience. A wide variety of birds and animals can be seen here, where Brian Jones and his team nurture the injured and orphaned, rehabilitating them for release back to the wild wherever possible. Those that are not so fortunate, due to the nature and extent of their injuries, are cared for in captivity to educate the many people who visit Moholoholo each year.

Guided tours through the Centre bring visitors in close contact with both common and rare species such as the Crowned and Martial eagles, Owls & Vultures as well as Serval, Wild Dogs, Lions, Leopard and many other animals and birds.

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Moholoholo contributes to the conservation of endangered species and the rehabilitation of injured and poisoned wildlife. Moholoholo also facilitates a number of successful breeding programs.