Wildlife & Vinho

Situated in the northwestern corner of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is a World Heritage Site as it is the largest inland delta in the world. The magnificent Okavango River sprawls out over the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert forming this flourishing waterlogged oasis featuring countless meandering waterways and crystal clear lagoons studded with water lilies, as well as fertile floodplains and reeded islands inhabited with abundant wildlife. The Okavango Delta stretches over an impressive15000 square kilometres. Visitors can enjoy a number of wonderful activities such as game viewing, fishing, bird watching or taking an authentic guided Mokoro excursion through this wetland paradise in a traditional dugout canoe. Commonly spotted animals include: lion, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippos, elephants, crocodiles and countless species of bird.

Situated on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta in north-western Botswana, Moremi Game Reserve is one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife reserves, protecting an extraordinary mosaic of floodplains, lagoons, forests and open grasslands. As the first reserve in Africa established by a local community, it is recognised for both its conservation significance and its exceptional biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy game drives and seasonal mokoro or motorboat excursions, with opportunities to spot elephants, lions, leopards, African wild dogs and abundant birdlife in remarkably varied habitats. The ever-changing landscapes, where winding waterways meet acacia woodlands and sweeping plains, create a memorable safari experience that combines outstanding wildlife viewing with the untamed beauty of the Okavango Delta.

Savuti, also known as Savute, lies in the heart of Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park and is one of the country’s most fascinating wildlife destinations. This dynamic wilderness features vast open savannahs, ancient rocky outcrops, and the remnants of a historic marsh fed by the enigmatic Savuti Channel. Famous for its unpredictable wet and dry cycles, the landscape is constantly changing, creating unique habitats for a remarkable variety of wildlife. Wild dogs hunt along the dry riverbed where crocodiles once swam, highlighting the area’s ever-shifting nature. Visitors can encounter large herds of elephants, Cape buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest, as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, black-backed jackals, and bat-eared foxes. Savuti is also home to abundant birdlife, antelope species, tsessebe, kudu, and many other iconic African animals.

In northern Botswana, where the Chobe River winds through broad floodplains and woodland, Chobe National Park protects one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife regions. Renowned for its vast elephant population, the park offers exceptional game viewing, particularly along the riverbanks where herds gather to drink, bathe and cross the water. Boat safaris provide a distinctive perspective, bringing visitors close to hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife, while traditional game drives reveal lion, leopard, buffalo and a variety of antelope. The atmosphere is wild and immersive, with the sounds of trumpeting elephants, calling fish eagles and water lapping against riverbanks carrying across the landscape. Chobe combines remarkable wildlife density with beautiful river scenery, creating a safari experience that is both dramatic and accessible.

In northwestern Zimbabwe, Matetsi Private Game Reserve beckons with an exceptional safari experience within a pristine wilderness with easy access to the majestic Victoria Falls. Divided into East and West sections, Matetsi boasts distinct charm. Travellers can enjoy exhilarating game drives, guided walks, and Zambezi River cruises, providing a chance to encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and various bird species. Night drives give the opportunity to see a wide array of nocturnal species, including hyena, civet, serval and genets.

Set at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans and backed by the iconic Table Mountain, the bustling city of Cape Town presents an alluring combination of drawcards. Incredible powdery white beaches, highly acclaimed wine routes, and astonishingly beautiful mountain trails surround a cosmopolitan hub. This diverse metropolis is filled with superb shops and restaurants, extraordinary heritage monuments, a multitude of entertainment venues, and a spectacular, chic waterfront harbour. Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art; Table Mountain's jaw-dropping views; Boulders Beach, where penguins might swim right up to you in the warm Indian ocean waters; the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can walk along a treetop canopy among incredible native flora or watch an open-air concert at the base of the mountain; Robben Island, where visitors can see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; and many more.

Nestled in a fertile valley surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is an elegant heritage village located approximately 75 kilometres east of Cape Town. Known as South Africa’s food and wine capital, it combines a rich French Huguenot heritage with a relaxed countryside atmosphere. Visitors can explore acclaimed estates producing Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and exceptional Cap Classique sparkling wines, often travelling between vineyards aboard the popular wine tram. Tree-lined streets, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and boutique galleries add to the village’s charm. Summer brings opportunities for hiking and cycling through lush farmland, while winter invites cosy cellar tastings and the acclaimed annual literary festival. The scent of vineyards carried on the breeze, paired with sweeping views of green valleys and dramatic mountain backdrops, creates a refined yet welcoming year-round destination for food, wine, and culture enthusiasts.