Maloney

Game drives into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offer sightings of general game species namely elephant, buffalo, giraffe and white rhino. Rich birdlife, including sought-after species such as half-collared kingfisher and Schalow’s turaco may be spotted as well.

Exploring the area on foot is a remarkable way to enjoy the small wonders within close proximity to the camp – the experience enables an understanding about the medicinal properties of plants and trees, the ecology, birds and insects; as well as interpreting the signs of the wild including animal tracks.

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

Whether a relaxing sunset cruise or a game viewing cruise, there are stunning scenic views and exciting wildlife to be enjoyed from the comfort of a spacious boat. There is always an abundance of hippo and crocodile; with the mighty Zambezi revealing other surprising sightings along the way.

Tracking rhino at Wilderness Toka Leya is an exhilarating way of getting up close and personal with these endangered animals. Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) scouts monitor these rhino 24 hours a day and therefore the animals’ whereabouts are always known. Travel to the location by vehicle, and then track the rhino on foot, accompanied by the scout.

* Please note that a nominal park fee is applicable.

The Zambezi River hosts several varieties of bream (Tilapia) which are a good catch. Tiger fishing is an unforgettable challenge for keen fishermen, particularly during the warmer months (October through to December).

* Fishing is on a catch and release basis, with a nominal park fee applicable.

An opportunity for guests to gain an understanding of the camp’s eco-friendly initiatives. Energy saving is explained, including how waste water is reused in the camp nursery which was established to rehabilitate the area. The camp’s worm farm not only assists in the degradation of organic waste, it is the perfect fertiliser for the indigenous trees in the nursery – which are then planted in areas where they once grew. Guests have the chance to participate in our rehabilitation efforts as well by planting their very own tree.

The camp's uniquely situated riverside spa allows guests to relax and be pampered with its variety of wellness treatments.

A World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is the most expansive curtain of water in the world. Behold the "Smoke that Thunders", Victoria Falls, is known to locals as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" for valid reasons. View its dramatic roaring waters and a mini rainforest that clings to the Falls’ edge, with a variety of mammals and birds. Plummeting some hundred metres into a basalt gorge, the spectacular spray, seen from kilometres away, is beguiling.

* A guided tour on the Zambian side is included in your stay; while the view from the Zimbabwean side is at extra cost.

Cultural visits to one of the nearby villages are respectful and insightful ways of learning about and interacting with the people and culture in this part of Zambia. The visit includes seeing one of the schools, and a homestead. Guest donations have assisted with projects that focus on schooling and income-generating activities, ensuring that the community benefits from tourism in the area.

Visit the local museum, and neighbourhood markets, to catch a glimpse of historic and modern Livingstone town.

Wilderness Toka Leya is a tranquil safari base from which to easily access and explore the Victoria Falls and the adrenaline-filled adventure hub of Livingstone.

The mighty Zambezi’s many experiences include thrilling activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, jet boating, and helicopter rides to name a few.

* These activities are at extra cost.

We are incredibly proud of the innovations that went in to our Photo Boat! Designed by Aliboats of Maun and ourselves, we believe that we have struck the perfect balance between functionality, usability, space and comfort. Each of our eight seats rotate a full 360 degrees and the mounting, designed and built by our very own Guts, is based on a lightweight machine gun mounting used by the South African army. The mounting design is so simple and effective that guests will master its movement in no time at all. Clients travelling with their own lenses simply attach one of our base plates to their lens collar and they are ready to go. Simple and photography friendly! Please note that you will have to have your own cameras and lens (with a collar) to make the most of the photo boat as we don’t supply cameras onboard the houseboat.

The seats are arranged down the centre of the boat allowing maximum storage space on either side for extra lenses and gear. More importantly, a configuration like this limits any potential obstruction by the adjacent photographer. If, for example, we arranged the seat further towards the edge of the boat, clients would have their field of view dramatically restricted when the subject is one side of the boat. With a configuration like that, only half of the guests would have a clear line of sight half of the time which would be frustrating to say the least.

When designing the boat we agonized whether to have a roof. When we operated in the prime viewing months and the height of the dry season, we are glad that we had one fitted! The African sun can be punishing and there is no greater distraction to a photographer than being baked and sweating profusely while trying to compose an image. The roof is positioned as high as possible and is over 2m at its lowest point inside. This height does not affect our ability to capture birds in flight and as there are only supports at either end it means that there is no obstruction on either side for any client.

Dotted along the Namibian bank of the Chobe you will see several small villages which welcome visitors – especially from far away. Most of the crew from the houseboat were born and raised in these villages and if you would like to pay a visit and learn more about the lives of the local subsistence fishing communities please arrange this with the captain when you arrive onboard. There is no charge for this but there are normally a few curios for sale in the village which contributes to the economy directly.

The Pangolin Voyager boasts a sun-soaked deck area, perfect for the days that you would like to kick back with a good book, or perhaps try a new angle to get that perfect shot.

The Pangolin Voyager relocates to a different mooring each day along the river and the sundeck is a great place to enjoy the cruise.

The fishing in The Chobe is best when there isn’t an “R” in the name of the month (May to August) but even then it can be a little hit and miss due to overfishing further up the Zambezi River, which joins the Chobe. The main fish species are Tiger Fish, Bream and Barbel and fishing is on a strict catch and release policy. Fishing can be arranged at an extra charge and needs to be booked in advance. Please talk to your safari planner to organise this for you.

The Makalolo Private Wilderness Reserve is situated in the most prolific wildlife area of Hwange National Park. The varied habitats and vegetation types, as well as countless waterholes, mean that game drives are exciting with always something new to be seen in an exclusive setting.

Evening game drives offer the best opportunity to see the shy nocturnal animals that are rarely seen in the daylight hours. The Hwange 'night act' includes species such as lesser bushbaby, spotted hyaena, leopard, lion, Selous mongoose, pangolin, caracal, porcupine, scrub hare, springhare and even honey badger.

Hwange was proclaimed some 80 years ago and has served as a haven for one of the highest concentrations of game on the African continent. There is no better way to experience this park than on foot, discovering the ecological-diversity of Hwange on a nature walk with a highly experienced safari guide.

This log-pile hide is beautifully placed at the waterhole in front of camp, and is the perfect place to spend afternoon siesta hours. The productive waterhole offers thrilling game viewing to literally a Noah's Ark parade of elephant and buffalo. Elephants are often the star attraction at the hide; just watch out for the sprays of water propelled from their nearby trunks.

* Note that during rare times of heavy rains, the log-pile hide becomes very muddy and inoperative.

Situated on a raised platform overlooking Madison Pan, the Star Bed is just a 20-minute drive away from camp and offers a truly secluded, remote wilderness experience. Spend a romantic night surrounded only by nature, and beneath the canopy of millions of stars.

* Weather permitting and operated subject to the discretion of the Camp Manager.

While the area is best explored on game drives, a visit to the Scorpion Anti-Poaching Unit provides unique insights into our conservation support of Hwange. Depending on the movements of the unit, learn more about the teams and their daily anti-poaching efforts.

* Subject to availability.

An authentic village experience takes place in a manner that is respectful to all parties. Usually around four hours and led by one of the local villagers or a Wilderness guide, it often includes a tour of the school, meeting the headman or headwoman and enjoying cultural interaction with the community.

* The school is closed over the weekend and during school holidays.

With access to two of the best private concessions in Hwange, game drives in open 4x4 vehicles at Wilderness Linkwasha are particularly exciting – taking in herds of plains game, as well as the carnivores that call the area home.

Evening drives can yield many less-frequently-seen species, such as lesser bushbaby, spotted hyaena, pangolin, caracal, porcupine, springhare, scrub hare, Selous mongoose and even honey badger.

Hwange was proclaimed some 80 years ago and has served as a haven for one of the densest concentrations of game in Africa. There is no better way to experience this park than on foot with one of our highly experienced safari guides. There is something remarkable about being so very close to nature … and one couldn’t get much closer than this!

Hide Out In The Wild – There is something incredibly thrilling about being hidden out of sight while animals like elephant go about their day, splashing in the waters and drinking, completely oblivious to your presence. The sunken hide in front of camp, is the ideal place to set up for an afternoon, a secret spot to watch the comings and goings of wildlife. Have your bird books, camera and binoculars ready …

Sleep out on a romantically-lit platform under the crystal clear African skies – an evening of enchantment as you lie safely tucked up in your raised sleep out, covered in a blanket of a billion of stars, dreaming in the ‘middle-of-nowhere’ ...

* Weather permitting and operated subject to the discretion of the Camp Manager.

An authentic village experience takes place in a manner that is respectful to all parties. It is led by one of the local villagers or a Wilderness guide, and often includes a guided tour of the school, meeting the headman or headwoman, as well sharing cultural exchanges with the community.

* The school is closed over the weekend and during school holidays.