Wilderness Toka Leya | Livingstone
On the banks of the Zambezi River, Wilderness Toka Leya is far enough from Livingstone to ensure a tranquil, authentic bush experience, yet close enough for guests to enjoy all the many activities in the greater Victoria Falls area. Wilderness Toka Leya can be all about adrenaline, or an opportunity to relax and unwind before or after a safari.
Wilderness Toka Leya has twelve luxurious tents (of which three are family tents). Each has a sumptuous outdoor bath, while the wellness centre with yoga and meditation options complements the serene surroundings. Boating and catch-and-release fishing excursions bring the Zambezi experience to life.
INSIDER'S TIP: Reconnect with nature by enjoying a massage treatment on the banks of the Zambezi River!
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Nine spacious, en-suite safari-style tents all have expansive decks for wildlife spotting. Elevated wooden walkways weave between the guest tents and further limit our footprint in this pristine area.
This peaceful sanctuary showcases quintessentially Zambian style and charm, as well as makes the most of the beautiful, natural spaces around the camp. The views overlooking the Zambezi are mesmerising.
Fitted with canvas walls in muted tones, the tents offer a spacious interior, with the beds adorned with flowing, drawback mosquito nets. Locally designed light fittings enhance the ambience, while block-out curtains guarantee peaceful rest.
Contemporary furnishings add a modern touch, interspersed with nostalgic printed fabric artworks of Victoria Falls. The artworks – originally painted by artist Thomas Baines, who accompanied David Livingstone to the Zambezi in 1858 – bring the drama of the majestic Falls indoors. A pod swing floats above each private deck, allowing guests time out to immerse themselves in the surrounding wilderness.
There are three en-suite family rooms which accommodate four people in each.
Property Facilities
Bar, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Massages, Night Drives, Rhino Tracking, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Canoeing, Cultural Tours, General Sightseeing, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Historical Tours, Quad Biking
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.
This excursion at Wilderness Toka Leya is an exhilarating way of getting up close and personal with these endangered animals. Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) scouts monitor these rhino 24 hours a day and therefore the animals’ whereabouts are always known. Travel to the location by vehicle, and then continue on foot, accompanied by the scout. The experience combines conservation, adventure, and education, providing fascinating insights into rhino behaviour and the vital efforts being made to protect one of Africa's most iconic species .
* 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.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 13
Special Interests: Birding, Flora, Hiking, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Alternative Accommodation
Wilderness King's Pool | Linyanti Concession
Wilderness King's Pool consistently delivers the best dry season game viewing in far northern Botswana. Situated on the border with Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, Wilderness King's Pool is in an area vital to the seasonal movements of elephant herds, and to the survival of rare roan and sable antelope. Looking down over the Linyanti River, and up from the safety of sunken hides gives guests unexpected angles from which to witness great wildlife moments.
Seven well-appointed twins and one family unit, all of canvas, wood and thatch, soak up the views of the lagoon. The main area, deck and bar offer uninterrupted views, with closer proximity to the water, while parts of the roof extend down to ensure privacy.
INSIDER'S TIP: Special highlights include sundowners on the Queen Silvia barge and time out at the unique underground hide!
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Set in the heart of the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, the camp celebrates the romance of its history, retaining the traits of a traditional safari camp with renewed authentic, yet modern, Batswana flair.
Each guest tent has a large bedroom and lounge area leading to a private deck that embraces the glorious views of the lagoon.
Special care has been taken to balance privacy, safety and comfort whilst inviting the outside in, to create a signature immersive Wilderness experience. In keeping with our commitment to driving sustainable tourism and operating with a light eco-footprint, the camp was refurbished in 2019, reusing or retaining much of the existing material from the previous camp – the superstructure, thatch roof, carved front doors and salvaged timber doors.
The ancient Batswana craft of weaving is expressed in a number of architectural details. This theme is evident throughout the interiors, with abstract embroidery images and hand-painted basket murals. Earthy, rough textures are punctuated by warm copper – in handles and other details – adding richness and depth to the architectural mood. Accents of teal are used throughout to enhance the neutral bronze and copper colour palette.
The family unit at King’s Pool has two separate rooms (sleeping four guests in total), each with its own en-suite facilities, and sharing a private plunge pool and outdoor sunken lounge – perfect for families, a group of four adults travelling together, or a couple preferring more space and luxury.
Please note that one of the bedrooms is slightly smaller and has no outdoor shower. It is a standard guest tent and not suitable for children.
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Sala, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Massages, Night Drives, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Viewing wildlife on a game drive is a thrilling experience. The varied woodland habitats and ancient floodplains along the Linyanti fault line make the Linyanti an essential part of any Botswana itinerary. Some of our guests have described it as utterly breathtaking. A safari to Africa is worthy of being on every travellers' must see destination.
Catch sight of nocturnal creatures on a night drive along the channel. An intriguing opportunity for you to see animals that you may never have heard of and are more unique, such as genets, civets, and bush babies. The other exciting element of night drives is the chance of seeing cats at their most active.
On request, nature walks with skilled, armed guides are wonderful ways of getting close to nature and observing the smaller things you miss when travelling by vehicle.
There are two hides in the vicinity of Kings Pool from which to view and photograph animals and birds. One is located at the western end of camp and the other is an original underground hide, with the water at eye level making for a unique camera-friendly perspective
End the day with sundowners, relaxing on the elegant, colonial-style Queen Silvia barge floating down the Linyanti River. While the camp and its lagoon take their name from King Gustaf of Sweden who honeymooned here in the mid 1900s, the name of the barge romantically commemorates his wife. The newlyweds fell in love with the beauty of Botswana – a feeling that was mutual as the country fell in love with them too, and Botswana fondly named Queen Silvia the Dancing Queen!
* Water levels permitting.
Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment is on offer on a catch and release basis.
* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.
Birding is outstanding at Wilderness King's Pool, with the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve an internationally recognised Important Bird Area (IBA), particularly for birds of prey like Dickinson's kestrel and water birds, from fish eagles to herons, and African skimmers. In the summer months, southern carmine bee-eaters nest near camp. Keep your binoculars close at hand!
Massages are available for you to enjoy in the privacy of your tent. A range of beauty treatments created to restore your body’s natural balance and soothe away your stresses.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Alternative Accommodation
Jacana Camp | Okavango Delta
Jacana Camp offers a classic, water-focused Okavango Delta safari in the heart of the Jao Reserve. Set on a remote island in the expansive Jao Flats, the camp is surrounded by seasonally flooded plains, papyrus swamps and crystal-clear channels, where the annual inundation shapes both the landscape and wildlife movements.
With just five spacious en-suite tents, each featuring an outdoor shower and elevated wooden deck, Jacana provides an intimate and authentic Delta experience. The camp is particularly renowned for exceptional birdlife, including Pel’s fishing owl, African and lesser jacana, slaty egret and African pygmy goose, alongside red lechwe, hippo and elephant that thrive in this water-rich ecosystem.
While predominantly water-based, offering boating, mokoro excursions and seasonal fishing. Jacana also provides year-round game drives via dedicated access to nearby larger islands, ensuring a well-rounded safari experience in all seasons.
INSIDER’S TIP: Early morning mokoro excursions offer the most magical Delta perspective, drift quietly through lily-lined channels while scanning the trees for Pel’s fishing owl.
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Standard Twin/Double Tents
Jacana’s five elevated tented suites are set on raised wooden decks overlooking the surrounding floodplains and papyrus-lined channels of the Jao Flats. Designed to blend seamlessly into the watery landscape, the spacious canvas tents combine classic safari charm with understated comfort.
Each en-suite tent features an outdoor shower and a private viewing deck, allowing guests to remain closely connected to the rhythms of the Delta. During flood season, water often surrounds the camp, creating an immersive island experience with wildlife and birdlife visible from the comfort of the deck.
Raised wooden walkways link the tents to the main dining, lounge and pool areas, which sit beneath towering sycamore fig trees and offer expansive views across the seasonal floodplains. The elevated design enhances privacy while maximising the camp’s tranquil, water-dominated setting.
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, En Suite Bathroom, External Shower, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Shower, Solid Base Camp Beds
Property Facilities
Bar, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Tea / Coffee
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Mokoro Excursion, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights
Explore the varied habitats surrounding Jacana Camp on guided morning and afternoon game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Seasonal floodplains, waterways, woodland and dry islands create a diverse landscape that supports an abundance of wildlife and birdlife.
Led by an experienced guide, each drive is shaped by the conditions and wildlife movements of the day, offering opportunities to observe the reserve’s resident animals in their natural environment.
Game drives are subject to weather, road conditions and operational considerations. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
When conditions allow, continue your afternoon game drive beyond sunset and experience a different side of the Okavango Delta as nocturnal wildlife becomes active. Using a spotlight, your guide may search for elusive species such as porcupine, aardwolf, serval, spotted genet and lesser bushbaby, while predators may also become more active after dark.
During the flood season, Jacana Camp is situated on an island and road access is not available, so night drives cannot be conducted.
Night drives are seasonal and subject to water levels, weather, road conditions and operational considerations. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Experience the Jao Reserve on foot and discover the wilderness from a more intimate perspective. Guided nature walks offer the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the smaller details of the Delta, from animal tracks and plants to insects, birds and other signs of wildlife activity.
Led by an experienced walking guide, each excursion is shaped by the prevailing conditions and tailored to the interests and abilities of the guests.
Guided nature walks are seasonal and subject to weather, terrain, wildlife activity and the availability of a suitably qualified walking guide. Advance booking is essential. Participation is subject to the guide’s discretion and applicable age restrictions.
Glide quietly through the waterways surrounding Jacana Camp in a traditional mokoro, poled by an experienced guide. Travelling at water level offers an intimate perspective on the Okavango Delta and reveals its smaller details, from colourful reed frogs and aquatic plants to an abundance of waterbirds.
The channels may also offer opportunities to observe larger aquatic wildlife, including hippo and crocodile, from a safe and respectful distance.
Available subject to water levels, weather conditions and operational feasibility. Participation is subject to the guide’s discretion and applicable age restrictions. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Explore the waterways surrounding Jacana Camp by boat and experience the Okavango Delta from a different perspective. Cruising through open channels and alongside reed-lined banks offers excellent opportunities to observe aquatic birdlife and water-associated wildlife, including hippo and crocodile.
Depending on the season and conditions, guests may also be fortunate enough to glimpse the elusive sitatunga among the papyrus and floodplain vegetation.
Available subject to water levels, weather conditions and operational feasibility. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Try your hand at seasonal catch-and-release fishing in the waterways surrounding Jacana Camp. The Delta supports several freshwater species, and the experience offers a relaxed way to enjoy the channels and floodplains from the water.
A limited selection of basic fishing equipment is available at camp for guests’ use.
Fishing is seasonal and subject to water levels, weather conditions and operational feasibility. In accordance with Botswana’s annual fishing closure, fishing is not permitted during January and February to protect breeding fish populations.
The Jao Reserve offers exceptional birding across a rich mosaic of floodplains, waterways, reedbeds, woodland and dry islands. With both land- and water-based activities available, guests have excellent opportunities to add a wide variety of species to their lists.
Notable specials may include wattled crane, slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, Pel’s fishing owl and African skimmer, alongside more regularly encountered species such as coppery-tailed coucal and African pygmy goose.
Birding opportunities vary according to season, habitat conditions and water levels. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Stars
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 5
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Wildlife
