Southern Africa Odyssey

One of the many things we are most proud to share with our guests are the wide open spaces and amazing viewing encounters with wild animals in their natural habitat. Explore the varying habitats within our private concession, as well as the National Park, accessing a diversity of habitats, and therefore a wide range of wildlife which resides in each one.

Mana Pools National Park is a remote, astonishing place that is best experienced on foot. Learn to listen for alarm calls as you venture through the wilderness led by a professional guide. This fantastic way of exploring the surrounding bush, looking out for the spoor and tracks of animals, often heralds many exciting sightings.

For the more adventurous, there is the thrilling experience of canoeing along this famous river, allowing for a different perspective of the area.

* Water levels permitting.

Enjoy a magical sunset while cruising this amazing stretch of the Zambezi River in search of hippo, crocodile, elephants and colourful birdlife.

* Water levels permitting.

Bream (tilapia), barbel (catfish) and tigerfish are some of the more common fish found at Mana Pools. Catch and release is practised at all Wilderness camps and keen fishermen are always encouraged to bring their own equipment as we only carry basic fishing tackle.

There is no better way of falling asleep than being serenaded by the sounds of nature while you gaze up at the starry skies of Africa.

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

The multiplicity of fantastic birdlife in the area includes three-banded courser, western banded snake-eagle, Arnot's chat, green-capped eremomela, African golden oriole, Lilian’s lovebird, Böhm's spinetail and Meve's starling.

Walking to explore the Luangwa Valley

Game viewing experience in Luangwa

Game drive

Seasonal Boating

Walking Safari

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.

Game drives take place in open 4x4 vehicles, and are led by our highly experienced guides through our private Wilderness concessions which are situated in the most productive areas of Hwange National Park. The varied habitats and vegetation types, as well as countless waterholes, mean that drives are exciting with diverse species to be seen.

The Hwange 'night act' includes nocturnal 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 densest concentrations of game in Africa. There is no better way to experience this park than on foot with an experienced, qualified walking safari guide.

Meet and interact with the Zimbabwe Parks, Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) and Scorpion Anti-Poaching Unit who work in partnership with Wilderness, to protect the south-eastern region of Hwange. Thereby, reducing poaching within the park through funding, assisting in patrols and removing snares.

* Subject to availability.

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

* Visit to be arranged in camp only, and subject to vehicle availability to be advised in camp.

Morning and afternoon game drives on Hunda Island reveal the spectacular wildlife here where leopard and other big game often feature.

A one-of-a-kind safari experience awaits after dark where we go in search of the extraordinary creatures of the night. Porcupine, aardwolf, serval, large spotted genet and lesser bushbaby are just some of these.

A walking safari offers you the exciting opportunity of observing the smaller things you miss when travelling by vehicle. Step out in the wilderness with our skilled guides, and feel the thrill of being at one with nature.

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

There is no better way of enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the Delta and its wildlife than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), which reveal the smaller fascinating critters and striking waterbirds of the region. There is no better way to experience the Okavango Delta waterways at eye-level.

* Water levels permitting.

Water-level dependent, excursions in our boat allow for good game viewing in the channels further away from camp, often yielding fabulous sightings of hippo and crocodile and maybe even the elusive sitatunga.

* Water levels permitting.

Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment is on offer seasonally 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.

The Jao Reserve is a must for bird enthusiasts, with large concentrations of wattled crane, as well as slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw and African skimmer. In contrast, the dryer Hunda Island sports crimson-breasted shrike and Meyer’s parrot.

In the evenings an elevated deck is beautifully transformed into a wonderful star bed that offers a unique wilderness experience under the star studded African sky.

Morning and afternoon game drives reveal the rich wildlife of the area. Both plains game and predators thrive, and exploring the length of the Savuti Channel, and its associated woodlands is thus a highlight here. With its enormous seasonal concentrations of elephant, Wilderness Savuti provides essential support to research projects and conservation initiatives relating to this species, as well as others.

A whole new safari experience begins after dark. Look out for nocturnal animals including lesser bushbabies, spring hares, aardwolf, servals, large spotted genets, and if you are extremely lucky, perhaps even pangolin!

Explore on foot, and observe the many signs of the wild from tracks on the ground, to the sounds of the wilderness around you.

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

In times when the water has receded, the camp's log-pile hide is a perfect place to spend your afternoon siesta hours. Elephant are often the star attraction here: either big elephant feet will obstruct your view, or watch out for sprays of water propelled from their trunks!

The Savuti Star Bed, overlooking the Savuti Channel and facing the Zibadianja Lagoon, to the west, is the perfect place from which to view and photograph animals, and birds. An authentic and unique way to sleep-out under a crystal-clear African sky, experiencing a thrilling perspective of the African bush at night, surrounded by nature from this elevated platform.

Exploring the waters by boat can be undertaken in the morning, during midday, or as an afternoon activity. Boating is a wonderful way of seeing large numbers of waterbirds, and wildlife, attracted to the river and seasonal pans.

* Water levels permitting.

With the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve being an internationally recognised Important Bird Area (IBA), birding is understandably outstanding at Wilderness Savuti, from slaty egret in the water to kori bustard in the dry areas.

The 37 000-hectare (91 429-acre) private Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers visitors exclusive wildlife-viewing opportunities which include the likes of gemsbok (oryx), bat-eared fox, brown hyaena and birdlife. Enjoy a coffee or sundowner stop in scenic parts of the reserve as a highlight.

World-famous Sossusvlei is both the name for the area in general as well as an enormous clay pan, flanked by immense sand dunes. Nearby, at the foot of some of these dunes the skeletons of trees dominate the landscape, where once water flowed. This is known as Dead Vlei.

This fascinating geographical formation is well worth a visit. The result of millions of years where water carved its way into the earth, Sesriem Canyon is today three kilometres long. Views from the top are breathtaking while walks through the canyon reveal distinct geographical layers which were laid down over aeons.

Walking trails focus on becoming immersed in this remote area, as well as its scenic beauty and the fascinating, and surprisingly, diverse array of insects, reptiles and rodents which make this dry and harsh region their home. The Tsauchab River Trail takes a stroll along the dry riverbed close by the camp.

Set out in the late afternoon for a nature drive and complete your excursion in a remote and dramatic spot on the reserve, sipping a gin and tonic while watching the sun set over the distant mountains or sweeping dunes.

Ideal for introducing your family to the natural wonders of Namibia, take in the sweeping scenery riding electric powered fat-wheeled bikes. A fun way to explore the spectacular open plains with your guide.

Private rooftop area for sleep-outs accessed by wooden stairs behind the tent. Sleep-out under the twinkling skies of the Namib and be lulled to sweet slumber by the magical night sounds of Africa.

The balloon safari on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, with a champagne breakfast being served at your landing site.

* This activity is at additional cost and is closed from 15 January to 15 February.

Nature drives showcase the magnitude of the landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing desert-adapted wildlife including the iconic black rhino, elephant, giraffe, antelope, Hartmann's mountain zebra – and possibly even the area’s predators such as lion and leopard.

Discover the details of the desert and learn more about the lesser-known flora and fauna that survive in this incredibly harsh environment. Adaptation is a necessity for desert wildlife and walking through this arid environment offers unique insights on this phenomenon. Marvel at the miracles that withstand this seemingly inhospitable landscape.

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

Offering an exclusive desert sanctuary, the camp provides guests with unique opportunities to track rhinos. This immersive experience enables nature-lovers to actively support the conservation of Namibia's black rhinos while experiencing the region's diverse biodiversity.

Typically set out in the morning by vehicle, following behind the Save the Rhino (SRT) monitors as they track one of their charges – the remarkable desert-adapted black rhino. Due to the vast terrain, long distances can be covered, with other wildlife to be seen along the way. Once a rhino has been located, tracking by foot can take place depending on the position and/or location of the rhino. It is impossible to feel anything other than amazingly fortunate when in the company of such incredible Perissodactyla.

* Note: Rhino tracking remains the key focus and purpose at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp, a standard activity included on a FI rate basis and available to all guests.

Travel amongst rolling, rocky hills with scattered euphorbia, ancient welwitschia plants, scrubby vegetation, and isolated clumps of trees through the 450 000-hectare (1 111 974-acre) Palmwag Concession and search out the fascinating desert-adapted wildlife of the region. During this full day spent exploring vast tracts of this famed conservation area, a scenic spot will be set up to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Birding enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the diverse avifauna found in the Palmwag Concession. Key species to look out for include Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark and possibly even Herero chat with some focused searching. Verreauxs' eagle are often sighted above the rocky hillsides.

Full- or half-day guided morning game drives in the Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area, allow you to see the massive salt-pan and perennial springs that provide the water required by the Park’s high-density big game population. Full day activity on request and comes with packed lunch.

Offered seasonally and subject to an available walking guide, the guided nature walks through the reserve will proudly showcase the abundant array of life, from the unusual plants to the arid-adapted animals with a chance of potentially approaching white rhino.

Andersson’s hide allows for unobtrusive game viewing of the camp’s waterhole. Often frequented by plains game including warthog, zebra, giraffe and an array of antelope, the waterhole also attracts larger game such as rhino and sometimes even lions.

Guided afternoon/evening game drives take place on the private Ongava Game Reserve. The reserve is famed for its population of rhino and lion, as well as other game such as the endemic black-faced impala.

Guests can interface with science and research across Anderssons and part of this experience is an immersion into the world of natural history and science at the new Ongava Visitor Centre. With dozens of in-depth displays that feature information on the geology, animals, plants and ecological functioning of this fascinating region, guests are encouraged to meander through the self-guided exhibition area.

Cries of the Atlantic seagulls, roar of seals and the rhythmic clink of yacht masts with the air imbued with a welcoming sea breeze. Embark on the sensory voyage that is Cape Grace’s afternoon tea overlooking the picturesque V&A Waterfront yacht marina and with the majestic Table Mountain as your backdrop, Cape Grace’s afternoon tea, curated by our renowned pastry team, promises an experience of unparalleled sophistication and charm.

Afternoon Tea Hours:
Thursday to Sunday
Bookings at either 14h30, 15h00 or 15h30

R550 per person.
R650 per person including a glass of Cap Classique.

Nourished by nature. Enabling genuine connection to self, others and nature through the essence of the Cape.

Uniquely situated in the heart of the city, our serene and exclusive Fairmont spa and gym spaces exude an intimate atmosphere akin to a private retreat.

Embrace the natural beauty of South Africa’s coastal treasures, majestic mountain ranges and grand floral kingdom at our spa, where the soothing whispers of the sea and the enchanting aroma of fynbos create an unforgettable sanctuary of tranquility.