Bordering the Luangwa River, the northern and southern Luangwa National Parks contain some of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness in Africa. As a result of this and the parks’ successful anti-poaching campaigns, the area has developed into a world-renowned wildlife haven. The South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safari, which allows visitors to view elephant, hippo and even lion close-up under the supervision of professional and knowledgeable armed guides.
Situated on the Zambia–Zimbabwe border along the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is experienced from the Zambian side within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where walkways trace the cliff edge above a vast basalt gorge. Knife Edge Bridge pushes visitors into the spray line for a close view of the Main Falls, a continuous curtain of water, and the Eastern Cataract, where the flow breaks into narrower channels across the far side. Rainbow Falls, the highest section of the cascade, often reveals shifting arcs of colour in fine mist when light breaks through the spray. The Boiling Pot viewpoint looks directly into a deep whirlpool where the river is forced into the Batoka Gorge. Upstream, boat access reaches Livingstone Island, a rocky outcrop on the lip of the falls, and the seasonal Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool at the edge of Victoria Falls that becomes safely accessible during low water when river levels drop and currents weaken. Activities extend beyond the rim, including white-water rafting through gorge rapids, kayaking, ziplining across the chasm, bungee jumping from the bridge, bridge swings, sunset cruises, game viewing along the riverbanks, and visits to the local market.
The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park which is renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. This section of the park is best known for its dense concentration of wildlife, including elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them - a visit to the Chobe River Front guarantees close encounters with an array of African wildlife. Visitors can look forward to a range of exciting activities such as 4WD along the banks; motorboat cruises; and rare birdlife spotting. For a unique, luxury safari experience, hire a houseboat.
Situated in the east of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve ranks as one of the most beautiful reserves in Africa. It covers more than 4871 square kilometres of pristine wilderness, and this varied terrain includes savannah, winding waterways, and dense forest. The diverse ecosystem supports an incredibly wide spectrum of wildlife, ranging from large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, to the rare sitatunga and lechwe antelope, lion, cheetah and packs of wild dog in the open grasslands. The birdlife is prolific and includes most of the 550 bird species recorded on Botswana’s national bird list. A range of luxury lodges in the reserve offers visitors the perfect base to experience this corner of paradise.
