Highlights of Botswana and Zambia - Exclusive

Maun International Airport to Khwai Community Concession

After an exciting light aircraft transfer you will be met by camp staff for a short drive to your home for the next three nights. Khwai Leadwood, on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, overlooks the lagoons and lilies of the Khwai River. This river is all that separates the iconic Moremi Game Reserve and the concession, with hippos, elephants and even lions crossing over from time to time.  An ideal spot to begin your adventures, spend the days exploring the open grasslands and great stands of leadwood and mopane woodlands, while night brings nocturnal drives and stargazing.

Watching these animals manoeuvre through the water is an exceptional experience for even the most travelled safari veterans.

The elegantly designed camp hosts six standard tents and one family unit, keeping in line with the intimate and exclusive wilderness experience. The new camp effortlessly bridges the gap between luxury accommodation and feeling like you’re in the great African outdoors. Woven baskets and beaded décor, along with modern elements, create an authentic contemporary African style.

Khwai’s biggest drawcard is undoubtedly the plentiful and extraordinary wildlife – you’ll never be bored here! Adventure and relaxation are on offer as guests live out their ultimate safari experience – from setting off on a morning walking safari to enjoying a gin and tonic overlooking the Khwai River.

During the day, guests can enjoy game drives, walking safaris and mokoro safaris (water levels permitting) on the search for Africa’s big attractions including lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe. An additional virtue of this area is that guests can head off on night drives and get an up-close and personal experience with some of Africa’s nocturnal and more elusive animals. Animal behaviour is different during the evening. Lions awake from their daytime slumber and usually head off on a hunt and the elusive aardwolves, aardvarks, servals and caracals all come out to play so keep your eyes peeled.

Another highlight of your stay will be a trip on the water. The mokoro is the ‘African gondola’ and used to be the main form of transport for the community members of the Okavango Delta. Historically, they were made out the trunks of sausage trees, but now are mostly eco-conscious fibreglass. It is a truly relaxing and mind-bending experience as you try to distinguish where the skies end and where the waters begin while floating on the mirror-smooth Khwai River.

Walking is a truly thrilling way to experience the African bush. You’re able to delve deeper into the detail of the big and small creatures and investigate the environment they live in, how they think and how they act. You engage all the senses and it’s a great way to get active between the Amarula coffees and sundowners. For a full day walking safari, you’ll need to book a private walking guide with us ahead of time.  This seasonal activity is based on the thickness of the bush and only available to guests 16 years and older.

Khwai Community Concession to Linyanti Wilderness Area

A thrilling light aircraft flight brings you from Khwai to Linyanti and your next destination.

Linyanti Bush Camp is a traditional safari camp, with a soulful, eclectic scattering of interesting African artefacts. The elevated communal area offers a cosy lounge, bar and dining area with a well-stocked bookshelf where you may enjoy some quiet respite after a full day of exploring. Relaxing at the sparkling pool is a wonderful place to drink in the beautiful views of the unique Linyanti landscape. Battery charging points are provided in the main lodge area for your convenience.  

Spend your time exploring the raw African wilderness on thrilling game drives, learn about the fascinating fauna and flora on walking safaris or float serenely along the waterways in a mokoro (canoe). A life-changing wilderness experience awaits you at Linyanti Bush Camp. With just six luxury tents, Linyanti Bush Camp offers an intimate Chobe safari experience in a private concession on the border of Botswana’s iconic Chobe National Park. The Chobe Enclave teems with wildlife and is best known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo. Our Chobe safari lodge sits on the banks of the Linyanti Wetlands – a significant area that is one of the primary sources of water during the drier months. Look forward to exceptional and diverse wildlife encounters year-round.

Spend your time exploring the raw African wilderness on thrilling game drives, learn about the fascinating fauna and flora on walking safaris or float serenely along the waterways in a mokoro (canoe). A life-changing wilderness experience awaits you at Linyanti Bush Camp. The freedom of being located on a private reserve means our knowledgeable guides operate exclusive night game drives for a glimpse into Botswana’s mesmeric nocturnal world. All activities are complimentary and are led by our knowledgeable guides who possess a genuine passion for their trade.

A half-hour scenic helicopter flight is even included when you stay - experience the pristine wilderness from a bird’s-eye vantage before you land for a picnic in the middle of the marshes.

At Linyanti Bush Camp, in the Chobe Enclave, open floodplains, dense forests and papyrus-lined lagoons protect and provide shelter for the vitality and lifeblood of the area. The Linyanti marshes are one of the most sought-after destinations in Northern Botswana, boasting a great diversity of game and a peaceful atmosphere. 

Whether you enjoy wildlife viewing from the comfort of the camp, from a safari vehicle, on foot or by scenic helicopter trip, your experiences from our Chobe safari lodge of the marshes, woodlands and savanna plains below you will sharpen the senses and offer an in-depth look at Linyanti’s diverse ecosystem.

Linyanti Wilderness Area to Kasane International Airport

Kasane International Airport to Thorntree River Lodge

After a light aircraft trip from Linyanti to Kasane airport and a road transfer, complete your safari at Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia. The beautifully designed property graces the banks of Zambia’s glorious Zambezi River in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Find perfect respite after a day of activities by relaxing in the infinity pool that seamlessly blends into the river horizon. Thorntree River Lodge celebrates the spirit of community. After a refreshing sundowner drink while watching an exquisite African sunset, spend your evening sharing stories of your safari around the fire from within the comfort of the sunken boma before enjoying our African inspired fine-dining experience.

Just twenty minutes upstream from Victoria Falls, Thorntree River Lodge is the perfectly positioned lodge from which to enjoy the cascading spectacle of the Victoria Falls nearby.  Children of all ages are most welcome and our celebrated kids’ club, the Ngwana Club will ensure hours of fun for your kids of all ages.

Among the Zambia safari lodges, Thorntree River Lodge blends a tranquil riverside setting with an eco-conscious approach. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of local African culture accented by contemporary influences, your experience at our lodge in Livingstone Zambia is elevated by African Bush Camps’ mindful ethos.

Thorntree River Lodge offers a tranquil base from which to explore a plethora of awe-inspiring activities, all within easy access of our lodge in Livingstone Zambia.  Showcasing incredible river panoramas from its unique vantage, the shared areas are fluid hubs of relaxation; the lounge flows seamlessly into the dining area, and the library hosts WIFI connectivity. The communal deck is set on the edge of the stunning riverside and is home to a sunken boma area and an infinity pool. There is also a gym and spa which promote a sense of holistic wellbeing at Thorntree River Lodge.

From our lodge in Livingstone Zambia, we offer daily excursions to the Zambian side (and Zimbabwean side – in the dry season) side of The Victoria Falls, private river cruises, cultural visits, fishing expeditions, canoeing, rhino tracking and game drives, all included in your stay. Additionally, we can book external activities such as guided rainforest walks, bungee jumping and helicopter flips over ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ on your behalf.

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and encounter rhinos on foot. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to the endangered white rhino. The animals are under 24-hour protection by the rangers. Still, you will be able to get up and close to them on a rhino tracking safari that is operated sustainably, with the utmost respect for one of Africa’s most iconic species.

The magnitude of this Natural Wonder of the World cannot be underestimated. First discovered by Dr David Livingstone in November 1855, this legendary explorer said of Victoria Falls, ‘Mosi-Oa-Tunya’, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” There are many ways to encounter the world’s largest waterfall. Take a gentle walk along the rainforest boardwalk to enjoy up-close views of this impressive cataract.

Plunge headlong into an adrenaline-surged encounter by ziplining, gorge-swinging or bungee jumping the cataract ravine. Enjoy a thrilling scenic helicopter flight offering unrivalled picture opportunities of the Zambezi River, Livingstone Island and the curtain of water that is The Falls.

Whichever way you choose, ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ is an experience not to be missed.

Sadly all good things must come to an end and after a hearty breakfast it's time to say your goodbyes and make the journey from the camp to Livingstone airport for your flight home.