9N Safari Essence Superior

Nothing beats drifting down the Zambezi at sunset. Listen to the sound of the river settling in for the night. Baboons and monkeys climbing to safe-haven perches high in the trees, flocks of birds heading to their night-time roost. Herds of elephant and buffalo coming down for an evening drink, hippos grunting and splashing around, jostling for the best position in the water. This is what you'll do on your first night at Waterberry - sundowner in one hand, camera in the other. Bliss.

At dawn the Zambezi wakes - completely still with mist rising from the waters, this is a magical time to set out in a small boat with hot water bottle and blankets and hot coffee to see the sun rise as the birds setting out for their daytime feeding grounds.

Our village guide lives in the community and will show guests how rural Zambians lead their lives in this completely noncommercial setting. Followed by curious children guests will see our school and education areas, the village library and the community farm that are part funded by the village walks.

Waterberry's owners have built a school, library and adult education centre, and given land for a community farm opened during the pandemic to help provide food for the village. From a mud and stick classroom in 2009 to recognition of the school as a regional exam centre, the community projects programme is at the heart of Waterberry.

Victoria Falls never ceases to amaze. Flowing over 1.6km of sheer cliff between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the huge body of water changes with every season. High water in the early part of the year floods with absolutely astonishing force, shaking buildings miles away, releasing massive spray and vast double rainbows. In the dry season, from late October until early January, the huge 100m deep canyon is exposed with boiling rapids and views to the fast running cataract on the west side.

Walking the paths around the Falls is an unmatched, awe-inspiring experience. We think everyone should see the Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, because they are very different experiences.

Waterberry's expert bird guides take guests around the 1km Waterberry riverbank and through the wooded areas to see our amazing collection of birds. Keen birders can also visit Mosi O Tunya Park. A dawn cruise on the Zambezi reveals flocks of birds leaving their night time roost and heading for their daytime feeding grounds.

Livingstone was the capital of Zambia at the beginning of the 20th century, and some fascinating architecture remains. In the Museum guests can actually pull out and read David Livingstone's handwritten letters. At Maramba Market local Zambians shop for food, beautiful fabrics and literally everything!

An unforgettably safari experience into the Chobe National Park. Using our custom based 4x4 safari vehicles a 3-5 hour game drive along the Chobe river from viewing its African fauna and flora and abundant herds of elephant.

The highlight of any ones trip, only a few parks in the world offer a safari experience by boat. Cruise the Chobe National Park riverfront and see the park from a different perspective. A unique African safari activity enchanted by Africa's wildlife.

Take a packed lunch, enjoy the Chobe the full day, venture deep into the park, Enjoy the elephant experience.

Nogatsaa Pans Lodge is built with sweeping views of the Kwikamba Pans. Careful thought has been given to the layout and design of this Lodge to promote Safari experience of yester year. Enjoy unsurpassed experience of sitting quietly watching as the animals of Africa come down to a waterhole to drink, so no better place to be to enjoy the proverbial safari straight from your armchair.

Kwikamba Pans is one of the few reliable water sources in this harsh area, making it a hot-spot for large herds of elephants. It is the perfect spot for a relaxed armchair safari: you don’t need to leave camp, with all animals making their way to Kwikamba Pan in front of the Lodge.

With this in mind our Game Activity is flexible to give you the best experience.

Guests normally arrive at Nogatsaa Pans around midday or during the afternoon.

Upon arrival a warm welcome awaits you from the awesome Nogatsaa Team. You will be given a short welcome briefing in the main lounge while enjoying the sweeping views of the Kwikamba Pans, after which you will be shown to your room for relaxation and freshening up.

High Tea is served at 16h00 in the open-plan dining area, where you can enjoy spotting all the game coming down to drink at the Pan. Various delicious cakes and savouries will be available for your enjoyment with cold or hot beverages. Your guide will come to meet you during High Tea to get your orders for refreshments during your afternoon Sundowner drive or you can choose to enjoy your sundowner right there on the deck. The afternoon sunset game drive departs around 16h30 utilising our private network of roads, sundowner drinks to be enjoyed either at the Kabungwa or Nogatsaa Hides.

Depending on the season our resident pride of lion, Herds of elephants, buffalo, impala, kudu, giraffe, zebra and roan antelope are some of the possible sightings around camp. Not to mention the numerous different bird species, including the Ground Hornbill which is on the vulnerable list. Enjoying the quiet of the bush and the surrounding environment while out on a drive is an absolute bonus.

You will return to camp around 18h30 giving you time to freshen up before dinner. Your guide will meet you at a pre-arranged time at your room to accompany you the Main area for a pre-dinner drink around the bonfire in the Boma and catch up with the other guests and their stories. Dinner is in the Dining Area anytime from 19h30 onwards

You can choose to get up early or sleep a little later – enjoy the activity around the Pan while having your breakfast on the outside deck of the restaurant. You have a choice of continental buffet or ordering hot breakfast. A mid-morning departure to visit the Poha Hide overlooking a waterhole where you will enjoy a midmorning break and some outstanding photographic opportunities.

An alternative route would be to Mapororo Hide which showcases endless views over the marsh.

You will return to Nogatsaa Pans for lunch which is served between 13h00 – 14h00.

OR

You can spend the day in camp enjoying the relaxed “Armchair” Safari

After lunch you can relax in the lodge area, have a swim or book a spa treatment to be had in the privacy of your room. Use our complimentary Wi-Fi to you connect to loved ones or just catch up on the news or just enjoy your armchair safari on the deck in front of your room or in the main area.

High Tea and Sundowners starts again at 16h00 that afternoon.

This is one activity that screams safari. Hop on our comfortable game viewing vehicles for a morning and afternoon/evening game drive. Your safari guide has all the expertise and knowledge to find you some of the best kept secrets and most loved wildlife in the Okavango Delta.

This is one of the most iconic Okavango Delta experiences. Wind your way around the crystalclear

waterways on mokoro. Your experienced guide, will pole you amongst the lily pads and weaving sandbanks, to show you the ebbs and flows of this incredible eco-system.

Grab your comfiest walking shoes, and experience a guided walk through the bush with your trusted safari guide. You’ll come across so many magical sightings, from the smallest critters, to beautiful trees and birds. Learn how to track spoor and identify the different grasses and other interesting fauna and flora that make up this beautiful eco-system.

Jump on board our delta boats to cruise the Okavango waterways. Your experienced driver and guide will show you some of the best river sightings and sunsets. Keep a look out for birds, crocodiles, hippo and exciting game coming to quench their thirst, while you moor up along the river bank sipping a sundowner. This is what safari boat cruising is all about.

Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta. This is an incredible opportunity to appreciate the vastness of the Delta when seeing it from above. From your seat, door off (or on), you’ll be able to spot game, take exceptional photos and follow the waterways and animal pathways that shape this ancient wilderness.

A fabulous activity for families with kids. We’re all about catch and release so ask your safari guide to hook you up with a couple of rods. Your experienced guide will pole you amongst the lily pads and weaving sandbanks, showing you the ebb and flow of this incredible eco-system.

Head out with the Khwai Private Reserve Rangers at dawn to see the last nocturnal animals going to bed, before the diurnal’s wake-up for the day. Being the first vehicle out you’ll be the first to find fresh tracks, helping the rangers with the predator identification (all sightings are logged and recorded). You’ll spend your morning tracking, patrolling and visiting conservation projects. Enjoy a packed breakfast out in the bush with the rangers, they will get you back to camp just before lunchtime.

Go on a cultural visit to Khwai Village, located next to Khwai Private Reserve. You’ll learn about the Kgotla (meeting place in the village) its history and traditions. Visit Khwai Pre-Primary School to enjoy interactions with the teachers & children. Meet the ladies doing traditional basket weaving, as well as visit the Kachokachoka, a traditional healer who’ll teach you about traditional medicine & local beliefs. Tour can only be booked once guests are in camp (no pre-bookings). There are strict dress guidelines when entering the Kgotla to show respect. Book a consultation with the traditional healer (additional cost).

Calling all bird lovers! Bring your binos, your bird book and your Natural Selection birding checklist to enjoy a birding safari in the Okavango Delta. Your safari guide will show you spectacular birds, and is at the ready to answer all your birding questions.

If you are needing a little me time, then this is the perfect activity. Book a back massage or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment while in between game drives and wildlife adventures. This is safari self-indulgence without any guilt allowed.