Day notes
On arrival at Maun International Airport you will be met and assisted by a member of the company with your onwards flight connection to Khwai.
It's a 30 minute flight from Maun International Airport landing at Khwai Airstrip with a 30 minute game drive transfer to camp.
A scattering of palm-dotted islands, flood plains and woodland make up the concession and typifies the region’s unique landscape.
The Khwai concession is known for its abundant wildlife, especially predators including lions, leopards and the rare African wild dog.
OVERNIGHT: Khwai Leadwood (FI)
Scheduled Charter Flight from Maun International Airport [MUB] to Khwai Airstrip
Mack Air
Scheduled Charter Flight
Maun International Airport [MUB]
Khwai Airstrip
Economy
Fully Guided Trip from Khwai Airstrip to African Bush Camps Khwai Leadwood
African Bush Camps
Fully Guided Trip
Safari Vehicle
Khwai Airstrip
African Bush Camps Khwai Leadwood (Khwai Leadwood )
Check-in to African Bush Camps Khwai Leadwood
Expert tips:
Set within the Okavango Delta’s community-run Khwai Concession, this beautiful camp is tucked under the trees on the edge 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. 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.
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.
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.
Day notes
Explore the area in search of its prolific wildlife with the numerous activities on offer from the lodge.
OVERNIGHT: Khwai Leadwood (FI)
Expert tips:
On the outskirts of the beautifully preserved Moremi Game Reserve, is a wildlife-prolific and varied ecosystem which provides a patchwork of lagoons, shallow flooded pans, open grass plains and woodland forests. The Khwai area is without a doubt one of the most scenic areas in Botswana. Combine your stay at Khwai Leadwood with a taste of culture in the traditional village of Khwai.
The Khwai community, adjacent to the northern region of Moremi Game Reserve, has a population of just 400 people who are predominately of either BaBukakhwe or River Bushmen decent. They are an inspirational example of a local community who live in peaceful harmony with wildlife.
The Khwai Concession is a 1800km area which is situated in the northeastern Okavango next to the Moremi Game Reserve. It was formed by the local Khwai villagers and is managed by the Khwai Development Trust. The area used to be a hunting concession but is now actively managed as a conservation area. The villagers took over the area when they moved out of the Moremi region when the Moremi Game Reserve was formed. The local community now runs ecotourism initiatives, actively conserve the environment and manage the wildlife in the concession.
Khwai is a predator-rich area. There are high concentrations of predators and a healthy population of wild dog. Wildlife is much the same as the Moremi Game Reserve. The magnificent Khwai river is the hub for some of the most outstanding wildlife viewing both on the Moremi and in the Khwai area. Species to be viewed include elephant, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, eland, sable, hippo, hyena and various other nocturnal species.
January is traditionally the rainy season in the Khwai and Moremi area. At this time of the year the vegetation is beautiful and green and the air crisp and clear making it one of the best times for photography. The large herds of animals usually found in the dry season have dissipated, but the resident animals like lion, leopard, wild dog and the older buffalo and elephant bulls remain. There are a lot of young plains game around which can make for some exciting predator/ prey interaction. January is one of the best months for birding as the migrants are in full breeding plumage. The days are fairly hot and humid with the occasional afternoon thunderstorm which usually passes to reveal bright blue skies. When it does rain the temperatures can drop making it fairly cool. Daily temperatures can range from low 20°C to low 30°C. A light fleece or rain jacket is advisable for when the temperatures do drop. Activities at Khwai include day and night game drives, walking safaris and mokoro excursions.
Day notes
After a leisure mornin depart he lodge for your road transfer / game drive to the airstrip and local flight to Kasane. It's a 30 min transfer to the airstrip and 1 hour flight to Kasane International Airport.
A member of Safari Logistics will meet you at the airport and assist you with your road transfer to Thorntree River Lodge. The road transfer can take up to one and half hours and include a border crossing.
Paradise awaits at Thorntree River Lodge.
Choose to spend your days relaxing on the floating deck and traversing the Zambezi River by boat, or go exploring get swept away by the numerous activities the area has to offer.
Stand in wonder in front of break-taking Victoria Falls or experience them from a different angle by helicopter or bungee jump. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.
OVERNIGHT: Thorntree River Lodge (FI)
Check-out from African Bush Camps Khwai Leadwood
Fully Guided Trip from African Bush Camps Khwai Leadwood to Khwai Airstrip
African Bush Camps
Fully Guided Trip
Safari Vehicle
African Bush Camps Khwai Leadwood (Khwai Leadwood)
Khwai Airstrip
Scheduled Charter Flight from Khwai Airstrip to Kasane Airport [BBK]
Mack Air
Scheduled Charter Flight
Khwai Airstrip
Kasane Airport [BBK]
Economy
Transfer from Kasane Airport [BBK] to African Bush Camps Thorntree River Lodge
Safari Logistics
Transfer
Minibus / Safari Vehicle
Kasane Airport [BBK] (Kasane Airport)
African Bush Camps Thorntree River Lodge (Thorntree River Lodge)
Check-in to African Bush Camps Thorntree River Lodge
Expert tips:
Thorntree River lodge is set in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, just 20 minutes from the famousVictoria Falls.The lodge has drawn inspiration from local customs and cultures to create a modern and contemporary design with tented roof structures to maintain the feel of Authentic Africa.
There are eight standard tented suites and two family suites that are situated along the edge of the mighty Zambezi River. Each unit has its own indoor and outdoor bathroom as well as a luxurious private plunge pool, deck and direct river view.
The main lodge consists of a lounge with an open dining area, where the fine dining experience of African cuisine will come to life. The communal deck is set on the edge of the stunning riverside and is home to a sunken boma area and infinity pool. Wooden decking floats on the edge of the river and moves with the water levels to create an illusion of sailing a boat.
Take advantage of a combination of wildlife, culture and adrenalin activities on offer in the area. From our lodge in, 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 thatThunders’ on your behalf.
Day notes
There are a lot of activities to chose from here.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is perfectly situated along the mighty Zambezi River, just a stone’s throw away from the breath-taking Victoria Falls. It is a place of unique and adventurous experiences, be it heart pumping or soul-soothing there is something for everyone here. Fancy yourself a bit of an adrenaline junkie? Have a go at bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge or conquering the Zambezi River on an inflatable raft. It’ll be an enthralling break from your time on safari.
As soon as you’re ready to get back to the wildlife, you can easily explore the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park which is home to a variety of animals including elephants, giraffe and zebra. Meanwhile, the romantics can enjoy exceptional sunsets cruising along the famous Zambezi River. For those looking for something different to break up their trip, Livingstone might just tick all of the boxes for you.
The park provides a home for numerous antelope species, zebra, giraffe, warthog, white rhino and a variety of birds and smaller animals. Elephants frequently cross the Zambezi and freely walk through the Park and the surrounding area.
January is summertime, with warm daytime temperatures creeping up to around 30°C. The summer rains bring a freshness to the season and the landscapes in Mosi oa Tunya National Park, with plants, waterholes and rivers replenished by the waters. The summertime climate can seen dramatic thunderstorms, the perfect entertainment to witness Mother Nature in all her powerful glory. At the Falls, the summer rains are yet to all filter down, so the water level is medium to high, depending on how much rain has fallen over the previous months.
OVERNIGHT: Thorntree River Lodge (FI)
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Expert tips:
Victoria Falls is a famed must-see on any visit to Southern Africa. A waterfall of truly epic proportions, also known as “the smoke that thunders” – to this day Victoria Falls remains one of the most spectacular natural seven wonders of the world.
Whatever time of year you see the Falls, there’s no doubt you will be awe-struck, but visit between February and June in particular and you’ll witness first-hand how the Zambezi River fills from the rains in Northern Zambia and Angola, causing an enormous and powerful volume of water to flow over the Falls.
Victoria Falls Town is an amazing place base yourself while you explore the area, offering travellers an incredible experience. From the breath-taking falls to the historical buildings and local food it is a truly immersive and rememberable experience. Victoria Falls is an adventure lovers dream, during the dryer months take a dip in Devil’s Pool right on the edge of the falls – not for the faint-hearted – or enjoy the year-round opportunities for bungee jumping, helicopter flights and white-water rafting.
Day notes
After a leisure morning check out of the lodge for your road transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport and local flight to Hwange National Park. The road transfer may take up to one and a half hours and includes a border crossing.
It's a 45 minute flight from Victoria Falls International Airport landing at Manga Airstrip with a 30 minute game drive transfer to camp
Finish your African adventure at Somalisa Camp which is set in its own private concession in the heart of Hwange National Park, known as ‘the land of the giants’.
Somalisa is renowned for attracting large elephant herds to its elephant pool in front of camp.
Somalisa was also awarded the first GOLD Green Tourism Certification in Zimbabwe and is credited as being the leading eco-friendly safari destination in Zimbabwe.
OVERNIGHT: Somalisa Camp (FI)
Check-out from African Bush Camps Thorntree River Lodge
Transfer from African Bush Camps Thorntree River Lodge to Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA]
Safari Logistics
Transfer
Minibus / Safari Vehicle
African Bush Camps Thorntree River Lodge (Thorntree River Lodge)
Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA] (Victoria Falls International Airport)
Scheduled Charter Flight from Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA] to Manga Airstrip
Safari Logistics
Scheduled Charter Flight
Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA]
Manga Airstrip
Economy
Fully Guided Trip from Manga Airstrip to African Bush Camps Somalisa Camp
African Bush Camps
Fully Guided Trip
Safari Vehicle
Manga Airstrip
African Bush Camps Somalisa Camp (Somalisa Camp)
Check-in to African Bush Camps Somalisa Camp
Expert tips:
Hwange is known as ‘the land of the giants’ for its big elephant herds and Somalisa, set on a private concession in the heart of Hwange National Park is famous for its up close encounters with elephants that love to drink from the pool in front of camp. Tucked away under the dappled shade of an acacia grove, along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain, Somalisa provides guests with breathtaking views of the golden savannah plains of Hwange.
Somalisa has seven elegant sail tents and is a place of simple luxury where the focus is on out guest experience to ensure a safari adventure that exceeds your dreams. This intimate bush camp is perfect for relaxing with friends and loved ones. Your tent is replete with modern appointments such as a fan, a battery charging station, wood-burning fireplace and private viewing deck. Your bathroom, worthy of a special mention, is inspired by the romance of yesteryear, boasts an indoor and outdoor bathroom and features a copper slipper-style bathtub and endless views across the vast plains beyond.
With a full solar power farm and water purity system which allows the camp to recycle 80% water used. Somalisa Camp is leading the way in eco-friendly safari accommodation and has been awarded the first GOLD GreenTourism Certification in Zimbabwe.
Day notes
Explore the regions wildlife with the various activities on offer from the lodge.
OVERNIGHT: Somalisa Camp (FI)
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Expert tips:
Hwange National Park is the largest in Zimbabwe, covering an impressive 14,650 sq km, with the main entrance located a two-hour drive or 30-minute flight south of Victoria Falls. The park is named after a local Nhanzwa chief, and was once the royal hunting ground for the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi, before being classified as a protected National Park in 1929.
As you’d expect from a park of this size, the breadth of wildlife species is astounding. Over 100 species of mammals reside here, whilst almost 400 species of birds decorate the skies. Perhaps most exciting is the 40,000-strong population of tusker elephants, whose presence is world-renowned and a joy to watch day after day.
The dry season (from July to October) is the best time to visit Hwange, as large concentrations of wildlife– particularly the wonderful elephant herds – descend upon the area to drink from the waterholes in order to survive in this hot and unforgiving environment. Yet, whilst the rains from December to March will see the wildlife dispersing across the park, thus making them harder to spot, the summer showers also bring forth stunning vegetation. This ensures mesmeric bird-watching opportunities as the local population finds itself bolstered by the migrants coming down from the Northern Hemisphere. Hwange National Park truly is a year-round wonderland.
Teeming with wildlife, Hwange is home to the worlds largest population of elephant, along with buffalo, sable, roan antelope, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, gemsbok, hyena, wild dog and over 400 bird species including the racket-tailed roller, carmine bee-eater, and southern ground hornbill to name a few.
January in Hwange is a very green affair. As the rains hit the desert sands, the vegetation comes to life turning the landscape into a photographers dream. Generally, the rainy season consists of dramatic afternoon thunderstorms with large billowing clouds. The rains can continue into the night, cooling things down from the usual hot temperatures during the day. January is a great time of the year for birders as the migrants are in full breeding plumage to attract mates for the season. There are lots of baby impala and other animals around that are a month or two old. Larger family herds of elephant and the younger bulls have moved off into the deeper Mopane woodlands. Older bulls and some family herds remain and will still frequent the waterhole. With less competition at the waterholes, now that the larger herds of elephants have moved off, it gives the smaller animals a chance to come out and be seen. Animals like African wild cats, bat eared foxes, steenbok other shyer animals are seen more often at this time of the year. Lion, leopard, and cheetah are resident and so remain in the area, but may still be tricky to see as they patrol their territories which can extend past the concession boundaries. Wild dogs are seen occasionally as they move large distances each day in search of prey. January is a great time for photographers with green vegetation and often very dramatic cloud formations and clear air. Walking safaris may not always be possible as the vegetation can be too thick, which can be dangerous. Birders will also love this time of the year with the extra numbers of species due to the migrants in the area. With the mixed habitats of Hwange, the bird numbers are quite high. Daytime temperatures can go into the high 30°C but with the rains, this can drop down making it quite cool and so a light jacket or fleece is advisable.
Day notes
After a leisure morning and breakfast depart the lodge for your transfer to the airstrip and local flight to Victoria Falls and onwards travel arrangements.
End of services.
Check-out from African Bush Camps Somalisa Camp
Fully Guided Trip from African Bush Camps Somalisa Camp to Manga Airstrip
African Bush Camps
Fully Guided Trip
Safari Vehicle
African Bush Camps Somalisa Camp (Somalisa Camp)
Manga Airstrip
Scheduled Charter Flight from Manga Airstrip to Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA]
Safari Logistics
Scheduled Charter Flight
Manga Airstrip
Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA]
Economy