S-005 Namibia+Victoria Falls+Botswana (19 Nights) - English

The Okonjima Nature Reserve sprawls over 200 square kilometres of undulating plains, mountainous outcrops, and riverine thickets, and it is here that leopard (Panthera pardus), the most adaptable of all the wild cats, thrive. Read more about our Leopard Research.

These intelligent, solitary predators occur in high density in the expanse of Okonjima Nature Reserve’s multi-faceted topography. The Reserve’s predator research programme has spanned three decades, and its findings have provided great insight to leopard behavioral patterns as well as offered an upbeat prognosis for a sustainable future for the species in today’s Africa.

A two-day Okonjima stay offers the best chance to view wild leopard in Namibia, as well as those collared for research purposes, in their natural habitats.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve, a huge protected area set amongst the rugged commercial farmlands of central Namibia, comprises a diversified ecosystem representative of both the larger and small mammals of Namibia, as well as most of the country’s endemic birds.

Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s wildlife and, especially, its most protected species.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to, and runs extensive research projects on rare and endangered species, big and small.

LEOPARD TRACKING

The Leopard ‘experience’ will take you out into the Okonjima Nature Reserve and will allow you to spend more time with our experienced guides and participate in the research data collection for our long-standing leopard project and newly introduced brown hyaena programme. Some of our adult leopards are radio collared which enables the guides to track them with a specialised telemetry device contributing to frequent viewing, giving visitors an opportunity to observe these magnificent predators in their natural habitat and experience the fascinating behaviour and interactions between these two species while they compete for food. Although this significantly increases the chance of an excellent sighting, it cannot ever be guaranteed as they are wild free-roaming predators.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

THE AfriCat FOUNDATION CARNIVORE CARE & INFORMATION CENTRE (ACCC)

During the visit to AfriCat, visitors will have the opportunity to spend some time at the Carnivore Care & Information Centre, which provides valuable insights into the Foundation's work.
The visit will include a short guided drive to the AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre, where visitors can meet some of the ambassador cheetahs. Our knowledgeable guides will answer questions, explain the Foundation's work with carnivores in Namibia, and help position the vehicle for that perfect photo opportunity.

Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

ENDANGERED SPECIES NATURE DRIVE

This game-drive allows more time to enjoy and understand the Okonjima Nature Reserve as a natural island bound ecosystem. As the private Nature Reserve was established primarily to conserve some of our more threatened mammal species, it provides an increased chance to encounter these relatively rare animals. This is once again assisted by the AfriCat Foundation’s research projects on the shy brown hyaena, bat-eared fox and rhino. There are more than 40 mammal species within the Okonjima Nature Reserve, both large and small as well as a good representation of the typical flora. At the discretion of your guide, there may be the chance to view some of these animals, large or small.

Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

GAME DRIVE:

Experienced guides will entertain you with their knowledge, sharing interesting and enlightening information about the history of the Okonjima Nature Reserve and the research gathered over the past 30 years of conservation on Okonjima. On this trail, no telemetry device is used to track any of the carnivores researched by the AfriCat Foundation. Wildlife is the focus of the drive. Visitors are offered insight as our guides attempt to foster a general appreciation of the natural habitat of the Nature Reserve.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

The Dream Cruiser is Onguma's newest and most unique under the stars sleep-out experience.

Arriving in time to enjoy sundowners and take a tour of your overnight accommodation, this sleep out in the wilderness of the reserve is on our custom built Land Cruiser, featuring a full bathroom on the lower deck and a bedroom with lounge area on the upper deck.

A night on the Dream Cruiser calls for al fresco picnic-style dining is delivered by our chef for you to enjoy as the evening turns to night and the stars dance in all their glory.
A ranger is on call via a two-way radio, so make the most of this time and relax in the safety and complete comfort of this unique space.

After a good night's rest, you can enjoy morning tea/coffee with homemade rusks before being collected for breakfast at the lodge.

​Johan, our resident therapist, is a professional massage therapist with over 15 years experience, having lived and worked at renowned Wellness Centres in Asia and Africa. His passion for and dedication to massage therapy originated in the East, where he was trained and educated from the best teachers in their respective fields. Having the opportunity to spend considerable time with monks in Thailand, has also led him to incorporate focused awareness into his massage therapies.

Onguma's fabulous new water-level hide affords guests a great opportunity to calmly sit and enjoy nature unobserved. Amateur and professional photographers alike love the angles and light from this equipped hide.

There is a small ablution facility nearby, benches from which to view the surroundings and lots of windows and vantage points for creative camera angles.

Onguma Nature Reserve consists of 34 000 hectares of Namibian wilderness & is home to numerous plains game, more than 300 bird species ​and even 4 of the Big 5. ​The Reserve boasts over thirty different animal species. Plains game roam freely on the Reserve and predators although not always easy to spot, are nevertheless common residents of the area. Lions and Cheetahs are frequently seen and often heard. There is a healthy black rhino and leopard population and hyenas are also often seen and heard.

Etosha is a 22 750km² wildlife sanctuary in Namibia – one of Africa’s most stable and accessible countries. Etosha, meaning ‘place of dry water’, and refers to a flat calcrete depression (or pan) of about 5 000km². The ‘Pan’ (overlooked by the Onguma Reserve) provides a great, parched, silver-white backdrop of shimmering mirages to an area of semi-arid savannah grassland and thorn scrub. The pan itself contains water only after very good rains and sometimes for only a few days each year, but is enough to stimulate the growth of a blue-green algae which lures thousands of flamingos.

Onguma Nature Reserve consists of 34 000 hectares of Namibian wilderness & is home to numerous plains game, more than 300 bird species ​and even 4 of the Big 5. ​The Reserve boasts over thirty different animal species. Plains game roam freely on the Reserve and predators although not always easy to spot, are nevertheless common residents of the area. Lions and Cheetahs are frequently seen and often heard. There is a healthy black rhino and leopard population and hyenas are also often seen and heard.

Experience the waterworld of the Kavango on a romantic boat trip as the sun goes down; incl. ½ bottle of champagne per person

Experience catching one of the strongest fighting fresh water fish in the world. 2 persons per boat. Lost lures to be replaced at Lodge, drinks not included. The fishing licence is not included in the rate. Please bring your own fishing licence as licences cannot be obtained at the lodge until further notice.

We will gladly submit a detailed offer for a tailor-made excursion for the enthusiastic fishermen. Available on request.

Morning or Afternoon Boat Cruises take you drifting down the unspoilt Kwando River. You may opt for morning or afternoon boat cruises.

You may wish to enjoy your breakfast on the boat while meandering down the Kwando.

The early morning suns rays reflect off the waters edge, the soothing sound of the water as it is gently broken by the bow of the boat cutting through the waters surface. Our guides steer the boats past varied landscapes of papyrus islands and reed floodplains and get within respectful distances of hippos, crocodiles, other mammals and the varied bird species this area is known for. An informative, yet soulful experience on waterways similar to that of the Okavango Delta.

Morning or afternoon Game Drives within the Bwabwata National Park.

As dawn breaks or the afternoon shadows lengthen our game drives depart to discover the unknown behind every bend within the Bwabwata National Park, uniquely located within the largest Conservation area in the World.
Our guides find the perfect stop to disembark and setup the morning coffee or sundowner refreshment in true legendary African style.

Duration: 3 hours

"As the midday sun retreats and the afternoon shadows lengthen we depart on a journey, an adventure to discover the unknown behind every bend. Observing every branch for a rare endemic bird, to be rewarded instead by an elusive leopard. The silence broken by the deep low rumble vibrating through the bush, which could only belong to a large herd of elephants. Out of nowhere they appear with a focused determination towards the life-giving water up ahead. Knuckles white, as I grip the seat of the game viewer, relishing the moment as a highlight of my journey through Africa."

Walking Safaris are an incredible way to experience the bush in a more personal and energetic way.

Our local guides take great delight in sharing their ancestral repertoire of medicinal uses of the flora along the way and their tales of the wild and their upbringing in this area. It is an experience, which connects and grounds any participant to our Earth.

As we are in a truly natural environment with lion, buffalo, elephants, leopard and other wildlife roaming these plains freely, we discourage guests under the age of 12.

An exclusive evening drive to view the nocturnal wildlife after your sundowner stop back to the Lodge.

A Boat cruise from the Lodge to Sijwa Island, where the Sijwa host will meet our guests and guide them through the project which was established by African Monarch Lodges as part of its endeavor to be sustainable and give back to the community and conservation by protecting the natural resources and developing the local community through a biodiverse economy. It is here where guests will be entertained and be enriched with local culture as they partake in a visit to the cultural village. A walk through the permaculture plants, recycling workshops where waste such as plastic, glass and cans are turned into beautiful artefacts for sale. Guests can buy and plant trees from our indigenous tree nursery to offset their carbon emissions at the project.

The Sijwa Project has a broad vision of empowering the local community by creating jobs, preserving traditional knowledge, teaching skills and conserving the surrounding environment through a variety of proposed activities. With the highest rate of unemployment in Namibia found in the Zambezi Region, the owners of African Monarch Lodges, carefully structured a project that will address some of these problems through a holistic approach. This bold project is multi-faceted and in the end self-sufficient. The Sijwa Project is the re-purposing and re-inventing of all recyclable waste from the African Monarch Lodges and from the local community, into exquisite saleable craft and art. It’s an organic permaculture nursery to supply food for local people and lodge guests (mitigating the air and road miles lodge food usually travels). It’s also a cultural village, artisanal skills training center, a beehive project, a free-range egg scheme and a junior ranger-training venue. Plus, it’s an indigenous tree nursery for visitors to buy and plant a tree to offset their carbon footprint, looked after by a local ‘tree guardian’.

We set a magical bush brunch on a private island under majestic trees which creates an authentic African Experience. Our Chef prepares eggs and bacon on the fire and an elaborate continental buffet is served.

Our management and staff take great pleasure in setting up these special experiences in the bush for our guests who are on honeymoon or celebrating a Birthday or Anniversary as well as for private parties or families travelling together.

For those specials occasions or celebrations we create the perfect experience at sunset at a prime location inside the park.

The famous Horseshoe Lagoon, with its vast herds of elephants is the most sought after spot for a sundowner and fresh homemade healthy snacks after an afternoon’s game drive. The evening’s warm starter is served whilst sitting barefoot in the sand soaking up the breathtaking sunsets together with hippos and large herds of elephants silhouetted over the water. An exclusive night drive, while viewing the nocturnal wildlife, takes you back home where a delicious meal awaits your guest.

Nothing tops a secluded personalized picnic under the canopy of majestic trees in the wild. A bottle of sparkling wine and a freshly prepared organic spread from our kitchen will set the scene for a truly spectacular vintage picnic safari.

Whether you are curious to explore ways to live a more mindful life, whether you would like to compliment your travels with time to rest and rejuvenate or you are a well-practised Yogi seeking to further your own practice - take part in one of our yoga retreats in the heart of the world's largest conservation area, exclusively hosted at Nambwa Tented Lodge. Please contact us to receive a complete itinerary of yoga retreats on offer.

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)

Elephants feature largely on any activity at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, as the largest population left in Africa occupies this northern corner between Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Game drives in open-sided 4 x 4 vehicles bring these grey giants into easy reach as they drink and frolic at the water's edge in their boisterous herds. Thrilling game drives lead by our qualified professional guides bring you close to hippos, buffalos, puku and other animals that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. The puku, a small rusty-brown antelope, alongside impala, kudu and red lechwe, are only a few of the common antelope found here. Naturally, lion and leopard are also found in the area.

The best way to end a day of safari here is sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the still waters of the Chobe River from the comfort of one of our specially designed riverboats. Sundowner cruises are also a great way of seeing buffalo up close as they come out of the shade to graze in the cooler evenings and elephants as they wade in the river. Chobe is renowned for its abundance of dramatic sable and roan antelopes with their impressive horns. Sitatungas - antelope with splayed feet to help them run in swamps - are often seen here, as are the wild dog and lion that prey upon them.

Our new safari boat available from Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero can seat up to 18 guests and has a lower and upper deck, both featuring 360 degree swivel seats. The upper deck offers a great vantage point of the Chobe River and wildlife while the lower deck boasts a bar area and the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a scrumptious river breakfast or lunch. The boat offers a great exclusive and intimate alternative to enjoying the Chobe area especially for photographic enthusiasts.

Guests will meet up with their guide at reception and drive through to the jetty for their fishing activity. The best time for fishing in the Chobe area is in winter, May, June, July and August. Type of fish guests can expect to catch is Bream and Tiger Fish. All fishing is done on a catch and release basis. Rates include: Use of the boat for maximum of 3 hours and fishing equipment. Maximum 3 people per boat and subject to availability.

Only an hour and a half's drive from the spectacular Victoria Falls, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a great base from which to explore this great wonder of the world. The transfer time is approximately 1 ½ hours depending on border formalities. From here, the guide will escort guests around the Falls sharing some facts & history along the way. Sanctuary Retreats will supply raincoats during high water months when guests are likely to get wet from the spray of the Falls. The walk is approximately 1½ hours in duration (3km), through the rainforest, stopping at the various viewing points. Guests will also have the opportunity to do some curio shopping in the adjacent open-air markets before returning to Chobe Chilwero. This activity is at an additional cost. Please enquire for rates.

Game drives are conducted by a personal guide in comfortable, specially designed game drive vehicles. When out on game drives our window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount..

Courtesy of its location Shinde can offer water activities all year-round. Explore the Okavango Delta's crystal clear waterways by motorboat, and enjoy the magnificent variety of bird, plant and reptile species found in the area.

Mokoro provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta; such as sitatunga, fish eagles, painted reed frogs and malachite kingfishers. Climb aboard a Mokoro with your ?poler' and enjoy exploring the Okavango Delta's tranquil waterways.

For the more adventurous, take a guided bush walk to gain a detailed understanding of this diverse environment, which features gems such as red lechwe bounding through marshy areas, a kaleidoscope of birdlife, plus predators and big game.

Fishing is available throughout the year (with exception of January and February), with excellent bream fishing from May to September and superb chances of landing tigerfish during September to mid-November. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy motorboat trips to some of the Okavango Delta's best fishing spots, for a chance to experience the beautiful surroundings before landing a variety of species such as tilapia and tiger fish, African pike and sharp tooth catfish.

Night game drives are available after dinner offering the opportunity of seeing nocturnal inhabitants of the area.

Immerse yourself in a walking focused safari experience with our specialist guide.

Families can enjoy their guided walks accompanied by a young explorers Specialist Family guide.