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 experience 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.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 13
Special Interests: Birding, Flora, Hiking, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
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
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Wilderness Vumbura Plains | Okavango Delta
A modern-style safari camp that wouldn’t look out of place in an architecture magazine, Wilderness Vumbura Plains is designed and operated in total empathy with its diverse surroundings. Partnerships with local communities in this region of the Okavango Delta have created empowerment opportunities while allowing guests access to its many treasures.
Fourteen light, airy guest suites feature designer fittings and touches of unabashed luxury, including private plunge pools and salas, as well as indoor and outdoor showers. Safari activities focus on day and night game drives through a variety of game-rich terrains. Seasonal water activities can be very rewarding.
INSIDER'S TIP: Enjoy the use of the spotting scope for exceptional viewing of birds and wildlife. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the resident otter family!
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The formation of the Okavango Delta, and the life it supports, is brought to life in the camp’s thoughtful artwork, screens, maps, woven basket patterning and dyes. The rich colour palette of turquoise, purples and natural tones pays homage to the Delta wilderness.
The wardrobe doors and shower screens are clad in large, striking underwater photographs, while charcoal-coloured mosquito nets and black sanitaryware add to the contemporary feel.
Each suite is designed to maximise the magical views of the Delta and bring nature inside, while the artwork and bespoke design pieces tell the stories of the land, the people and the place they call home.
Families have complete privacy in Vumbura Plains’ spacious family units.
Vumbura Plains North offers six suites, and two family units (Vumbura Plains South consists of six suites, but has no family accommodation).
The two family units each accommodate four guests in two spacious en-suite bedrooms.
The main bedroom has a large sunken indoor lounge, with spacious indoor and outdoor showers, while the second bedroom is smaller and has an indoor shower.
Both bedrooms have separate entrances and share an outdoor deck and private plunge pool with seating area.
We recommended families with younger children choose the family unit with the interleading, shaded lounge area, as it is semi-outdoor and features canvas blinds which may be rolled up and down to provide cover for all weather conditions.
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, 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, Mokoro Excursion, Night Drives, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights
Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 vehicles. Bringing you closer to many thrilling interactions being played out in the wild, our knowledgeable guides are the vital link between guests and the intricacies of the natural world.
Wilderness Vumbura Plains’ unique community concession agreement means that many of the professional guides here grew up in this area, adding an extra layer of authenticity and cultural relevance to their expert tracking and identification skills. Swap your game drive for a nature walk, and marvel at the smaller things you may miss when travelling by vehicle.
* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.
After dark game viewing with filtered spotlights allow you to find intriguing nocturnal animals.
Wilderness Vumbura Plains truly an Okavango experience, and there is no better way of viewing game and exploring the channels than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). The wondrous wetland habitats result in a multitude of aquatic life, and these excursions reveal the fascinating smaller creatures of the Delta including colourful frogs and lively waterbirds.
* Water levels permitting.
Excursions by boat are another idyllic form of water wildlife exploration in the amazing paradise of the Okavango Delta.
* Water levels permitting.
Fishing is on a catch and release basis, and the Vumbura Private Wilderness Area, is considered one of our best fishing areas as there is permanent water all year round. A limited supply of basic equipment is available at camp, whereas all fly fishing equipment is to be supplied by guests if required.
* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.
The birding at Wilderness Vumbura Plains is as varied as it is exceptional all year round. Search for some of the the hundreds of bird species, from lilac-breasted rollers, to carmine bee-eaters, and secretary birds. Or even the Pel's fishing owl! In the summer months many migrant species are present, while other specials which are regularly seen include wattled crane, slaty egret, chirping cisticola, fan-tailed widowbird, pink-backed pelican and possibly rosy-throated longclaw for the dedicated birders.
Children in the Wilderness (CITW) is a non-profit organisation supported by ecotourism company Wilderness Safaris, which aims to facilitate sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of children in Africa.
Insight, care and commitment are required to conserve Africa’s pristine wilderness and wildlife areas. If we are to ensure that these places continue to exist – in this generation and those to come – we need the rural children of Africa to understand the importance of conservation and its relevance in their lives. Hence, our Children in the Wilderness programme: an environmental and life skills educational programme for children, focusing on the next generation of decision-makers; inspiring them to care for their natural heritage and to become the custodians of these areas in the future.
This is achieved in a variety of ways – from hosting Eco-Club programmes at local schools, to running camps at Wilderness Safaris and partner camps, for the children within the rural communities that live on the edges of the wild areas of Africa.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 14
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Wildlife
Singita Elela | Okavango Delta
Opening in 2026, Elela, meaning 'to flow' in Setswana, a concept encapsulated by more than just its name. Inspired by the seasonality of the Okavango Delta, each of its eight camps is circular in design and set on stilts, meaning you can see the landscape from every angle, and the floods shifting around you.
This seamless continuation of natural motion is constant, and always within reach, allowing you to watch wildlife roam, weather patterns shift, and the sun move across the Delta from wherever you are in the lodge. The Elela experience is guided by what’s happening around the lodge, creating a sense of complete freedom and possibility. Elela is situated on NG26, an expansive concession in the southwest of the Delta made up of ancient meandering waterways and species-rich islands, lagoons, grasslands, and swamps. Its diversity and complexity are matched only by its beauty.
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Elela’s two-bedroom camps are connected to the
heart of the lodge, its central hub, via walkways, but
separate enough for the space to feel entirely your
own; a feeling that’s mirrored in their design. The
balance of private and communal, and indoor and
outdoor spaces means you can find quiet moments
or opportunities for connection, as the weather and
your needs shift.
Each bedroom is the same size and features
a closable screen for privacy, but there’s no
separation from the landscape – or each other. The
camp is enclosed and circular, with no clear front or
back, meaning you can walk between rooms easily,
and are surrounded by expansive views of the Delta
wherever you are.
A private kitchenette, dining area, and lounge,
along with a pool (heated in winter), fireplace, and
various seating pods, contribute to the sense of
comfort and personalisation. There is ample room
for wellness treatments and equipment, so you
can work out or wind down in the comfort of your
camp. Each camp comes with a private vehicle and
a host, who is there to help shape your stay.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Fan, Fireplace, Hairdryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Safe, Shower, Twin Bed
Each camp at Elela comes with everything you
need to settle in: a kitchenette, dining area, and
lounge, spacious enough to accommodate wellness
treatments and workouts; a pool to cool down in
(heated in winter), a fire to warm up around, and
seating on the various outdoor decks and spaces,
so the landscape is always within reach.
The camps’ circular design means there’s no clear
front or back, and the expansiveness of the Delta is
seen and felt at every point. They balance personal
spaces with communal ones and are connected to
the lodge’s heart – a central hub – via walkways.
Each bedroom features a daybed, which is ideal
for small children or simply lounging about, and
a closable screen that creates a cocoon at night,
adding a layer of privacy and comfort.
Each camp comes with a private vehicle and a host,
who is there to help shape your experience.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Lounge, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Safe, Sala, Shower
Four-Bedroom Camp
Situated a short drive from the heart of the lodge,
Elela’s four-bedroom camp offers a sense that the
Delta, in all its vastness, is entirely yours. With no
designated front or back, but rather a circular design,
it puts your surroundings – and they hold – in full and
constant view.
A kitchenette, dining room, deli, and lounge space
help you make the space your own, while a pool
(heated in winter), fireplace, wine cellar, and various
indoor and outdoor seating pods facilitate ongoing
and deeper connection, regardless of preferences
and weather conditions. There’s ample room in the
camp for wellness treatments and workouts, and
the equipment needed for these is provided. Each
bedroom is the same size and features a closable
screen for privacy. Two of the rooms are enclosed
and connected on one side of the camp, and two
on the other. Movement between connected rooms
is easy, but moving across to other rooms requires
stepping outside.
The camp comes with two private vehicles and a
designated host, who is always available to help
shape your experience.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Camp Beds, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Lounge, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Safe, Sala
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Air conditioner, Baby Sitting, Bar, Children Friendly, Disabled Friendly , Eco Friendly, Gym / Fitness Centre, Gym on property, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service, Pool, Spa, Wellness Centre, Wine Tasting
Room Facilities
Kitchenette, Lounge Area
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 8
