The Okavango Delta, a World Heritage Site, is rightly considered one of the most incredible wilderness sanctuaries in Africa. It is one of the largest inland delta systems in the world, an area of 16, 000 square kilometres (6, 000 square miles) filled with water channels, lagoons and islands. What makes this area truly remarkable is that it is a wetland paradise located deep within the arid Kalahari Desert.
Each year, waters flow from their catchment areas in the moist central African highlands over 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) away, into the Delta to create the miracle that is the Okavango. This unique area sustains a huge diversity of fauna and flora, so that game viewing is excellent right through the year.
Situated in Northern Botswana bordering the Chobe National Park, the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve stretches across the Kwando-Linyanti river system. They are known for their exotic animal species and luxury safari options. An abundance of wildlife roams freely between the woodland habitats, ancient floodplains and forests that make up these lush, unfenced reserves. The big game in this area increases dramatically during the dry season when the area hosts large herds of impala, blue wildebeest, giraffe and buffalo as well as the world’s highest density of elephant. Several packs of wild dog are found in the area and lion, leopard and cheetah are frequently sighted. Night drives allow for the discovery of nocturnal creatures such as civets, genets, honey badgers and spring hares. This vast, untamed wilderness is the perfect location for those seeking a unique African adventure in an exclusive and remote big game habitat.
Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. Home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, the park is a wonderland for animal lovers. Several protected animals inhabit the awe-inspiring open landscapes, including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable - along with lion, cheetah, and around 500 bird species. Adventurers can look forward to guided bush hikes, game drives, and horse riding safaris, all of which offer excellent photographic opportunities. Hwange boasts several unique natural features, most notably the natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki animals dig for water.
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can easily be visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1 708 metres in width and carrying 500 million litres of water in times of full flow. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: scenic flights, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.
Kafue is Zambia’s largest national park, comprising two distinct sections, of which the northern section is the biggest and shelters the highest concentrations of game. Resident species include elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and antelope, while hippos and waterbirds thrive in the wetlands of the Busanga Plains. This marshy wilderness extends across approximately 750 square kilometres which, during the rainy season, becomes a veritable deluge. Once the rains cease and the waters subside, a blanket of lush, grassy vegetation if left behind, attracting vast numbers of antelope and other grazers. Several camps are situated in Northern Kafue, offering a variety of accommodation, ranging from budget to luxury.
