Option 1 Natural Selections - FIRST CLASS 2020

Take game drives and night drives in custom built 4x4s to spot the unique desert wildlife that inhabit the pans, like the elusive brown hyena or Kalahari lion. Your experienced safari guide will help you discover a desert landscape, pulsating with life. Complete with bush picnics, morning coffees and chilled drinks.

Get up close and personal with our families of meerkats. Leaving camp as the sun begins to rise you will accompany these inquisitive members of the mongoose family as they set off in search of their breakfast. Walk amongst them (you're not allowed to touch or feed them) and if you take a seat you might be lucky enough to be mistaken for a termite mound, where you'll be used as a look out point for predators.

Discover the secrets of the pans with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen on a fascinating bush walk. See this ancient desert landscape through their eyes. These skilled hunter gatherers will show you how to survive, using their extraordinary tracking skills to uncover a smorgasbord of culinary delights... from bulbs, to scorpions, to berries. Spending time with them is a very rare privilege.

Saddle up to explore this wild, unspoilt area in the same way many of the earliest explorers, hunters

and missionaries did – on horseback! You’ll embark on an adventurous outride (for all level riders). This is an exhilarating way to spot wildlife, cantering along the crusty salt flats and following the animal

highways that bring life to the Makgadikgadi Pans.

This is pure desert adventure! Take an exhilarating quad bike across the salt-crusted pans (all pan activity is weather permitting and dependent on the dryness of the pans). You’ll feel total freedom as you trek across this vast and ancient landscape, discovering so much about the remnants of this once super lake.

Seasonal: April - October

A visit to the Fallen Baobab - one of the three largest and oldest trees in Africa and reputedly the campsite of Livingstone and Selous.

Witness the second largest migration in Africa. A stonking spectacle of black and white stripes

as approximately 30,000 zebra and wildebeest migrate across the Makgadikgadi Pans, followed closely by stalking predators, waiting for the rich pickings of tired hooves. This is a wildlife explosion and an experience not to be missed!

This really is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a helicopter flight over the Makgadikgadi Pans, doors off (or on), to take in the vastness of this desert landscape. You’ll go in search of the zebra and flamingo migrations (if timed correctly), get dropped on an island of baobabs for lunch, do a bit of sunset sky surfing as you follow the palm tree linings and tell all your friends about it all when you get home.

Grab a fat bike and peddle around the Makgadikgadi Pans. This is a really fun activity for the whole family, and an ideal way to get some exercise. These bikes can easily cruise over the desert terrain, taking you along 4x4 tracks and around the crusty salt flats. Keep a look out for sightings of wildlife, while breathing in the beautiful scenery, alongside the desert silence.

If you are in need of some serious time out, then one of our spa treatments is your perfect escape. Our professional therapist will put you in seventh heaven. Book a back massage overlooking the Makgadikgadi Pans or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment from the privacy of your tent. Whichever you decide, you’ll walk away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are one of the most important breeding sites in southern Africa for

the lesser and greater flamingos. These flying flame birds, arrive in their millions during seasons of good rain, when millions of small shrimp and other crustaceans crack through the salty pan crust to spawn. The result, a pink extravaganza in the heat of the desert. You can also heli to Sua Pan to view the flamingos in Mar - Apr (scenic helicopter flight must be booked).

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.

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.

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.

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.

High Tea is served at 16:00 in our open-plan dining area, offering stunning views of the Savuti and the bustling activity around the waterhole below. Here, you'll meet your personal guide and fellow travelers while indulging in a selection of our home-baked cakes and treats. Your guide will take note of your preferred refreshments for the afternoon Sundowner drive, which departs around 16:30. This drive will traverse our private network of roads, with a maximum of six guests per vehicle to ensure a comfortable viewing experience.

During the drive, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy your chosen drinks at either our private hide overlooking the waterhole or at our special Baobab site, renowned for its magnificent sunset views. This unique landscape offers a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

In this area, you may encounter herds of elephants, buffalo, impala, kudu, giraffe, zebra, roan antelope, as well as spotted and brown hyenas. The Ghoha pride of lions and leopards are also among the possible sightings. Not to mention the numerous bird species and the spectacular Baobab trees that adorn the landscape.

You'll return to camp around 18:30 to freshen up before dinner. Your guide will meet you at a pre-arranged time at your room and accompany you to the main area for a pre-dinner drink around the bonfire in the Boma, where you can share stories with other guests. Dinner is served in the dining area starting at 19:30.

This highlight game experience is tailored to seasonal activities and guest preferences, ensuring a unique adventure each day. The day begins early with a 5:00 AM wake-up call. Your guide will pick you up from your room at 5:30 AM for a delightful continental breakfast and coffee, followed by departure around 6:00 AM for your day excursion.

The journey includes several stops, such as tea, coffee, and rusk breaks at various stretching points en route to the Savuti Marsh. Your professional guide will lead you through magnificent ancient landscapes and wildlife areas, including Harvey’s Pan, where numerous animals roam daily, Kudu Hills, Quarry Hill with Bushmen Rock Paintings, the Theatre of Twelve Baobabs, Pimple Hills, and Twin Hills.

As the drive continues, you'll experience the wonders of the Savuti Marsh, home to majestic herds of buffalo and elephant, the renowned Savuti Pride of Lions, and an array of other game species and birdlife.

You have a choice of sleeping late, having a hot breakfast and then departing to the airstrip depending on time of flight, a short game circuit en-route can be done to revisit sights and pans closer to the airstrip.

OR

Getting up early for a drive to the hide for Coffee & rusks and then returning for a hot breakfast and then departing to the airstrip – depending on flight time

You can pre-book a scenic helicopter flight (quote available on request).

Early morning/ or afternoon departure from Ghoha Hills to just outside the Ghoha gate where your helicopter adventure awaits you.

Our scenic/ photography flights are a not to miss opportunity. We take the doors off for an even better photographic experience while flying.

Moments after departing you will enjoy the breath-taking views seen only from a helicopter - flying in the direction of the Linyanti Swamps.

This is a 30 minute flight where you will then land and enjoy delights from a special picnic basket packed for you – 30 minutes later you will then return back to the Ghoha gate – total excursion time 90 minutes.

Our professionally trained therapists will ensure you walk away from your soothing spa
treatments feeling pampered and relaxed. Our therapists understand that this is YOUR
experience and will do their utmost to ensure a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Our treatments are done in a room with sweeping views of the wilderness below. While our therapists use their natural rhythm and specific techniques to ensure a calm mind and de-stressed body, the wilderness beyond will take care of the harmony between you and nature.

Feeling a bit stiif after spending a lot of time travelling and on safari - spend some time in the gym with a view.

Boat cruising on the Chobe River

A full day Safari includes cruising on the Chobe River, driving within the Chobe National Park and a delicious picnic lunch and drinks

Game Drives - (there are over 75 species of mammals). Day drives are into Chobe National Park and night drives are on the concession.

Bird Viewing - there are over 450 species to be spotted in the region.

Join your Guide and head out in a game-viewer to explore the 150,000 acres that make up the Zambezi National Park.

Whether the opting to be the first to catch the ‘bush telegraphs’ early broadcast of the previous night’s events - or preferring to take a leisurely break, from an afternoon of game spotting, to enjoy the phenomenal sunset with sun-downers – a Victoria Falls River Lodge's safari experience promises to be memorable.

(Included in accommodation rate)

Kindly refer to the "Little Livingstone's Children's Activities" (Appendix C) for more information on activities specially developed for younger guests

A relaxing voyage on one of the Victoria Falls River Lodge luxury river cruisers is arguably one of the best ways on earth to soak in the magnificence of the iconic Zambezi River and its surrounds.

Watch as the world awakes and the sun’s first rays skip and dance across the shimmering surface of the mighty Zambezi - a truly revitalising way to start any day!

Or, for the not-so-early-birds, sit back and let the gentle ebb and flow of the Zambezi lull and relax you.
Join in on Mother Nature’s Happiest Hour and sip on a sun-downer whilst viewing her creatures, big and small, coming to the water’s edge to lap at its liquid life.

(Included in accommodation rate)

Kindly refer to the "Little Livingstone's Children's Activities" (Appendix C) for more information on activities specially developed for younger guests

There is not much that can compare to the heady fragrance of drenched earth and sun-kissed Rainforest foliage, the intense power of the wall of water – its deafening rumble coursing through your veins – or letting the cooling and constant spray of “the Smoke that Thunders” saturate the senses…

Join your passionate and knowledgeable Victoria Falls River Lodge Guide on a truly unforgettable tour of Victoria Falls and experience this Natural Wonder of the Word first hand.

With intimate knowledge of the local fauna and flora and other points of historical interest, coupled with advice on the best viewing spots (and an extra pair of hands to help get that ‘full’ family photo!), our Guides will happily assist wherever possible to help ensure that the memories created at this World Heritage Site will last a lifetime.

(Included in accommodation rate)

Kindly refer to the "Little Livingstone's Children's Activities" (Appendix C) for more information on activities specially developed for younger guests

Victoria Falls River Lodge and the Zambezi National Park are a bird watcher’s paradise.

In a comparatively small area around Victoria Falls, birding enthusiasts will be able to view a great diversity of birds within rain forest, riverine, gorge and savannah habitats.

Local species include Rock Pratincole, Schalow’s Turaco, African Finfoot, Half Collared Kingfisher, Thick Billed Weaver, African Skimmer, Pels Fishing Owl, Collared Palm Thrush and Western Banded Snake Eagle (to name but a few).

Guests at Victoria Falls River Lodge seldom have to travel too far from their private decks however as the lush foliage around the lodge offers ample opportunity to enjoy many of the spectacular array of bird life that Zimbabwe has to offer.

(Included in accommodation rate)

Kindly refer to the "Little Livingstone's Children's Activities" (Appendix C) for more information on activities specially developed for younger guests

Adventure options - for the younger generation

Sharing children’s rate is inclusive of:

oTransfers (shared) to and from the Victoria Falls Airport / Livingstone International Airport
oAll meals
oLocal beverages (soft drinks)
oOptional daily transfers from camp (typically departing at 10h00 and returning at 15h00) to Victoria Falls town
oTour of the Falls (part of the daily transfer to town) – entry fee to Rainforest for guest’s own account
oTransfers to/from National Park Gate / Jetty for 3rd party activities
oAfternoon Tea
oBird watching
oA choice of 2 x Game Activities (i.e. morning/afternoon game drive and sunrise/sunset river cruise) per person per day – subject to availability and the below conditions:

Game Drive (incl. snacks and soft beverages)
Children aged 0-3 years are not permitted on game drives

•Junior Discoverers Drive (incl. snacks and soft beverages)
oAimed at children aged 4-7 years accompanied by at least 1 parent - subject to vehicle capacity
oOutside of standard Game Drive times – timing is seasonal and in consultation with Management
oFamilies wishing to take children aged 4 - 7 years on game drive during standard early morning / late afternoon game drive times (i.e. not Junior Discoverers Drive) will require a sole use game viewer – per details above.

‘Standard’ game drives for children aged 8 years and older are included in the rate
Management reserves the right to remove any unruly/disruptive children from the vehicle and return them to Camp before resuming the game drive.

Boat Cruise (incl. snacks and soft beverages)
Children aged 0-3 years are not permitted on river cruises
Children aged 4 years and older are permitted on the river cruises
Management reserves the right to remove any unruly/disruptive children from the vessel and return them to Camp before resuming the cruise.

"LITTLE LIVINGSTONE'S CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES"

•Junior Discoverer’s Drive (mentioned above)

oEmbrace the outdoors like a true African Explorer
oJoin your Guide in his trusty 4x4 and bravely head into the ‘great unknown’ - learning all about the fascinating fauna and flora of its wild surrounds
oAimed at children aged 4-7 years accompanied by at least 1 parent - subject to vehicle capacity
oOutside of standard Game Drive times – timing is seasonal and in consultation with Management

•Young Bush Wackers

oTake a walk on the “wild side” and discover innumerable natural wonders right at your doorstep!
oConducted by qualified Guide within camp surrounds and river banks immediately in front of the Lodge.
oGeared for children ages 4-11 years (although older siblings and parents are welcome too!)
oTiming is seasonal and in consultation with Management

•Various books & games - for indoor entertainment

NOTE: All activities/excursions are subject to the aforementioned conditions (and those below) and with parental supervision only.

(The above Children’s Activities are included in the accommodation rate but are available at the Victoria Falls River Lodge - Luxury Tented Suites only)

Experience the wonder of the African bush on foot and, when accompanied by an expert Guide, enjoy the thrilling opportunity to an up close and personal introduction to some of the Zambezi National Park's resident wildlife.

(Optional activity - available at an additional charge. Kindly refer to Appendix A for further details)

The Upper Zambezi is home to a wide variety of fish species and Victoria Falls River Lodge offers half-day guided fishing trips leaving directly from the Lodge. Tiger fishing is a highlight and a unique experience on this iconic river.

Fishing from the jetty is also an option.

(Optional activity - available at an additional charge. Kindly refer to Appendix A for further details)