A Botswana Safari Vacation

Moremi | Okavango Delta

Days 4 to 6 - Sandibe Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta Today your safari vacation will move onwards to the next location and you will be transferred to the airstrip where you board a twenty minute light aircraft flight taking you to Sandibe Safari Lodge where you stay for three nights. Botswana has some fabulous lodges such as Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge which is set in a private concession of 8 000 hectares (19 800 acres) on the south-eastern border of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, in one of the most unique regions in the world, the Okavango Delta. Renowned for its lush waterways and abundant wildlife, the Okavango is home to a number of aquatic and land species. Predators from the adjacent Moremi, renowned for its wildlife sightings, often cross into the Sandibe concession. Botswana safaris don’t get much better than this, the clear waters of the Okavango Delta glimmer through a maze of brilliant green papyrus in front of Sandibe and the game-rich grassy floodplains stretch into the horizon beyond. A private concession, Sandibe has exclusive traversing over 27 000 hectares (66 700 acres) of wilderness adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve. Gentle breezes drift through window screens and the outdoor shower makes for great stargazing. Take in the sun on raised private decks with great views over the Delta and then cool off in the swimming pool. Camouflaged under a tumbling canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig leaves, eight thatched cottages emerge in leafy clearings on the edge of the Delta’s waterways. The sounds of Africa lull and soothe guests, as elephants splash in the water, baboons chatter and a myriad birds call and twitter in the trees. Lazy hammocks slung in the dappled shade beckon and the wooden deck by the sunny poolside offers refreshment. Layered guest areas with comfortable couches invite you to while the afternoon away among cosy cushions. Open sides in sitting and dining areas draw your eyes outward to dazzling plains and reeded river banks. Relax over scrumptious meals in the dining room, while animals wander only metres away or enjoy the cosy shelter of the fire-lit boma as thousands of stars light up the African sky. Renowned for its abundant wildlife, the Okavango Delta and the areas surrounding Sandibe are home to a large number of species, including many predators, Lion, cheetah, leopard and wild dog are often encountered along with antelope, zebra, elephant, buffalo and giraffe. A range of game viewing activities include twice daily game drives, guided walks and “mokoro” canoeing with a guide on the Okavango Delta.

Victoria Falls

Days 10 to 12 - The Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls Today you will be transferred approximately one hour by road to the Victoria Falls Hotel where you stay for three nights. The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as “the grand old lady of the Falls”, is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park, a world heritage site, and is a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group. The Edwardian-style five-star hotel, built in 1904, was recently redecorated and refurbished and now combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new. Set in lush tropical gardens with lily ponds, palm trees and semi-tropical shrubs, it provides the tranquillity and seclusion that many guests seek. The famous Victoria Falls are just a ten-minute walk away using the hotel’s private pathway, and “the smoke that thunders” or “Mosi-O-Tunya” in the local dialect, is clearly audible and visible from the hotel. All rooms are air conditioned with every modern amenity including digital satellite television and a personal safe. The old fashioned bath tubs of the stable wing turn the bathroom into a haven of relaxation. The standard room services include same day laundry and 24 hour room service. A large swimming pool, two tennis courts, a library, reading rooms and chapel are part of the luxury hotel complex. Golfers can enjoy 18 holes on the championship course of the nearby sister hotel, Elephant Hills Resort. The Victoria Falls Hotel offers some of the finest cuisine in the country, with renowned veteran chefs youare guaranteed an exquisitely prepared meal at every sitting. Both the Livingstone Room and Jungle Junctions restaurants offer meticulously prepared menus that are impressive and varied. The hotel is distinguished for its five star service that is intentionally aimed to leave every guest feeling like royalty. A fine selection of wines and liqueurs are available to accompany each dining experience. For guests who wish to take in some game viewing, a five kilometre drive (or walk) brings them to the national park and, guided by professional rangers, they will seek out Zimbabwe’s “big five” – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo - and be able to capture their encounters forever, on camera! After what we are sure has been a superb luxury safari in Africa you would then say farewell to your hosts turn in for your last night on safari.