Botswana Honeymoon Safari

Arrive in Victoria Falls where you are met and transferred about an hour to Zambezi Sands River Camp for three nights. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s greatest geographical features. At 1700 meters wide and over 100 meters in height visitors cannot fail to be inspired and amazed by the sheer size, power and beauty of the thundering curtain of water which can be gazed upon from 16 view points along a network of trails through the surrounding rainforest. Reaching their zenith in April/May, the Falls are at their most powerful and impressive between the months of February and July. At high water the dense plume of spray can rise up to 500 meters into the air and is visible from as much as 20 kilometers away, justifying why the falls are still commonly referred to by their local name of Mosi-oa-Tunya – “the smoke that thunders”. Even during the low water months of October and November when the Falls become dry for much of their length the view from the Zimbabwe side won’t disappoint.

Included in your stay is a guided tour of the magnificent Victoria Falls rain forest (park entry fees not included) as well as a visit to the Victoria Falls curio market; at least one sunset cruise on the Zambezi River amongst the islands near the lodge – enjoy the river, its wildlife and a Zambezi sunset with drinks and snacks; Village Visit and School Tour for an in depth look at life in a typical Zimbabwean village, including a tour of the Sidobe school and a moving performance of traditional songs by the local school children; Game Drives in traditional open safari vehicles driven by licensed experienced guides; Game Walks – conducted by a fully licensed and highly experienced professional guide, usually undertaken in the mornings, ideal for photography of big game on foot; Guided Canoe trips along the mighty Zambezi River in the network of islands close to the camp; and guided fishing in the Zambezi River – home to the fierce and powerful Tigerfish and many other species.

This morning you will be transferred by motor boat back to the mainland and then by road (about 2 hours) to the Kasane Airstrip in Botswana. From here you will transferred by light aircraft to Baine’s Camp in the Okavango Delta. The camp is located on the Boro River, set amongst the shady trees and water of the Okavango Delta, on a 260 000 acre private concession neighboring the renowned African wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve. The camp offers informative walking safaris with an armed professional guide, wonderful game drives in open-sided 4X4 safari vehicles as well as motor boating & mokoro excursions, subject to water levels. The unique and educational elephant interaction is available where guests have the opportunity of interacting with a herd of 3 semi-habituated elephants in their natural environment. The afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities offered.

At Baine’s camp your safari includes the remarkable opportunity to walk with a small herd of elephants in the wild. Jabu, Thembi and Morula are elephants that were orphaned nearby and adopted by Doug and Sandi Groves. The elephants ‘take’ guests on long walks, foraging in the area in absolute safety. They show travelers how they look for food, strip leaves from branches with their long trunks and take showers in the lagoons of the delta. What better guide to the African bush than a fully-grown African elephant? Even Botswana’s famously brilliant guides bow to these elephants’ innate knowledge and bush-sense. This activity includes a leisurely paced walk with a trio of semi-habituated elephants, observing and interacting with them, and a picnic lunch in their company.

Today you will be transferred by light aircraft to San Camp located deep in the Kalahari Desert on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the largest saltpans in the world. After the rains (December to April), there can be enormous herds of wildebeest, zebra and springbok, along with the accompanying predators, on the open grasslands. The African summer rains also leave a warm shallow layer of water that entices waterfowl and flamingos. Activities are conducted in open 4×4 safari vehicles custom designed for this terrain and accompanied by knowledgeable guides. In the dry winter months, all-purpose ATV vehicles (a four wheeler motorcycle/Quad bikes) available, allowing guests to travel across the salt pans. Walking safaris with a Bushman tracker and a visit to Chapman’s Baobab, the historical baobab tree used by Livingstone, Selous and other early African explorers are also available.

Day 10 is sadly time to depart. Enjoy one last breakfast in the African wilderness today and perhaps one more safari activity before being transferred back to the airstrip for the flight Maun and your onward connections in Southern Africa or on home. Breakfast.