5-Day Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari - Standard - NETT

Batonka Guest Lodge is a hybrid of a boutique hotel and owner-run guesthouse on the outskirts of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side. In a quiet spot with immaculate gardens, you're close enough to explore the falls.

The Batonka has 27 rooms arranged around a swimming pool and an immaculate garden; a large living area houses the reception, curio shop, dining room, lounge, bar and huge shaded verandah.

Decor is simple and stylish with a nod to the elegance of colonial times and a full-on yodel to the sophistication of modern times. Mozzy-netted four-poster beds dominate the large rooms and the en suite bathrooms are enormous - all have extra-big shower units, some also have bathtubs. Tiled floors, ceiling fans and air conditioning take care of the temperatures and the water is solar-heated. A large flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi tick the downtime box as does the small balcony overlooking the garden.

Claire and Rowan and their delightful team make the difference between a well-priced, well-appointed guesthouse and the highlight accommodation of your holiday. Batonka quickly made its mark, which is hardly surprising given their pedigree. We have every confidence these high standards will be maintained.

So in Batonka Guest Lodge you’ve got a well-priced, comfortable and friendly place to stay. What more could you want? How about one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World a pleasant half hour walk away?

Victoria Falls is one of those experiences that never gets old. Through a dense rainforest of its own making you hear the roar long before arriving at the sheer cliff opposite the thundering cascade. The power and scale of the world’s largest waterfalls are at once exhilarating and just that little bit terrifying. And of course, in addition to spending a day exploring the waterfalls from all angles, there is a silly amount of additional activities to choose from. Your hosts will book all your activities for you and even lay on a shuttle for the purpose, the only difficulty will be in choosing what to do.

Chobe Bakwena Lodge sits right on the edge of the Chobe River just before it joins the Zambezi en route to Victoria Falls; where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet; where mighty game reserves surround you; where untouched African bush disappears into yet another sensational sunset.

With just 15 chalets, 10 of which have river views the remainder raised on stilts surrounded by the thick riverine woodland, Bakwena offers an intimate and personal safari lodge experience and excellent value.

The large chalets, built of local sand, wood and thatching, are slightly elevated with private balconies secluded by the trees. The huge en suite bathrooms have solar-fired geysers and an extra outdoor shower. The tree houses are built entirely of wood and canvas with thatched roofs and shrouded by the tree canopy for an exciting bush experience.

The main lodge features a large elevated deck at the water’s edge where drinks, meals and lazy days all blend into one. For hotter times, the pool and cool interior of the high thatched roof will be most welcome.

Chobe Bakwena Lodge has an enviable location and we’re not just talking about the magnificent river frontage. Victoria Falls is about an hour’s drive and an easy day-trip away; Chobe National Park is about 20 minutes and the lodge offers guided safaris daily. A river safari on Chobe is equal parts scenic, relaxing, game viewing and bird watching bonanza. And for something different you can take a cycle or walk to the village nearby or try your hand at landing a tiger fish.