17 Days Okavango Delta – Zambezi Expedition

Itinerary

Day 1-3

KANGA CAMP, Zimbabwe
Fly from Harare International Airport to Mana Pools National Park

Activities on your Mana Pools safari include guided walking safaris and thrilling game drives led by our qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you.  Keeping in step with African Bush Camps’ family-friendly nature, children over the age of 7 are welcome at Kanga. Due to the adventurous nature of this Kanga safari lodge, however, walking safaris are restricted to children over the age of 16 which incidentally, as of 2020, will be the minimum age requirement here. Kanga Camp is only open in the shoulder and dry seasons from April through to the end of November.

Day 3-5

ZAMBEZI EXPEDITIONS, Zimbabwe
Road Transfer from Kanga Camp to Zambezi Expeditions

Zambezi Expeditions showcases one of the most magnificent settings in Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools National Park. Comfortable yet classic, the camp offers the kind of intimacy with nature that can only be achieved by immersing yourself in the heart of the wild. Fall asleep to the sound of the flowing river and chuckles of hippo and wake-up with the dawn chorus to a spectacular African sunrise. At Zambezi Expeditions you will connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way.

Set under the shade of winter thorn and ebony trees, each tent has en suite bathroom facilities with hot bucket showers and the main area has charging facilities for your all-important cameras. With unique access to the Zambezi River, your days will be filled with adventurous canoeing safaris, tracking game along the shorelines by foot, and fishing for the iconic tiger fish. An absolute must, however, is a game drive in an open 4 x 4 along the flood plains and into the heart of the Mana Pools UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5-7

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Zimbabwe
Fly from Mana Pools National Paek to Bumi Hills, Lake Kariba

The stresses of modern life melt away at our blissful spa where our sparkling infinity pool offers cool respite and endless views of shimmering Lake Kariba below. For the active guest, our well-equipped gym is an invigorating prospect. Not only is Kariba’s shoreline rich in wildlife but the lodge’s proximity to Matusadona allows for the animals to roam freely between the national park and Bumi Hills’ private concession. Our alluring Lake Kariba lodge offers the lake as your playground. Spend your days cruising on the water or meandering the surroundings on a walking safari; discover the ancient secrets within the fossilized dinosaur footprints unique to this area. Activities include guided walking safaris, stargazing, boating, birding, catch-and-release fishing, day and night game drives searching for lions in particular, as well as engaging cultural visits to our nearby local community.

Day 7-10

SOMALISA CAMP, Zimbabwe
Fly from Bumi Hills, Lake Kariba to Hwange National Park

This is where you will find nature and luxury seamlessly entwined. Your guest tent is replete with modern appointments such as a fan, a battery charging station, a wood-burning fireplace, and a private viewing deck. Your bathroom, worthy of a special mention, is inspired by the romance of yesteryear, boasts an indoor and outdoor bathroom, and features a copper slipper-style bathtub and endless views across the vast plains beyond.

Explore legendary Hwange National Park through a variety of pursuits while staying at Somalisa Camp. Activities include walking safaris, game drives, birding, and cultural visits. All are included in your stay and led by our qualified and passionate guides. These natural storytellers enlighten our guests by sharing their wonder and wisdom of the African bush with them.

Day 10-12

THORNTREE RIVER LODGE, Zambia
Fly from Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls International Airport
Road Transfer from Victoria Falls International Airport to Thorntree River Lodge

Beautifully designed Thorntree River Lodge graces the banks of Zambia’s glorious Zambezi River in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Find the perfect respite after a day of activities by relaxing in the infinity pool that seamlessly blends into the river horizon. Thorntree River Lodge celebrates the spirit of community. After a refreshing sundowner drink while watching an exquisite African sunset, spend your evening sharing stories of your safari around the fire from within the comfort of the sunken boma before enjoying our African inspired fine-dining experience.

Just twenty minutes upstream from Victoria Falls and accessed via the international airports of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia Thorntree River Lodge is the perfectly positioned lodge from which to enjoy the cascading spectacle, of the Victoria Falls nearby.  Children of all ages are most welcome and our celebrated kids’ club, the Ngwana Club will ensure hours of fun for your kids of all ages.

Among the Zambia safari lodges, Thorntree River Lodge blends a tranquil riverside setting with an eco-conscious approach. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of local African culture accented by contemporary influences.

Day 12-15

LINYANTI BUSH CAMP, Botswana
Road Transfer from Thorntree Lodge to Kasane International Airport
Fly from Kasane International Airport to Linyanti Wilderness Concession

Spend your time exploring the raw African wilderness on thrilling game drives, learn about the fascinating fauna and flora on walking safaris or float serenely along the waterways in a mokoro (canoe). A life-changing wilderness experience awaits you at Linyanti Bush Camp. With just six luxury tents, Linyanti Bush Camp offers an intimate Chobe safari experience in a private concession on the border of Botswana’s iconic Chobe National Park. The Chobe Enclave teems with wildlife and is best known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo. Our Chobe safari lodge sits on the banks of the Linyanti Wetlands – a significant area that is one of the primary sources of water during the drier months. Look forward to exceptional and diverse wildlife encounters year-round.

Day 15-17

KHWAI LEADWOOD, Botswana
Fly from Linyanti Wilderness Concession to Khwai Community Area

Set within the Okavango Delta’s community-run Khwai Concession, this beautiful camp is tucked under the trees on the edge of the Khwai River. This river is all that separates the iconic Moremi Game Reserve and the concession, with hippos, elephants and even lions crossing over from time to time. Watching these animals manoeuvre through the water is an exceptional experience for even the most travelled safari veterans.

During the day, guests can enjoy game drives, walking safaris and mokoro safaris (water levels permitting) on the search for Africa’s big attractions including lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe. An additional virtue of this area is that guests can head off on night drives and get an up-close and personal experience with some of Africa’s nocturnal and more elusive animals.

Khwai’s biggest drawcard is undoubtedly the plentiful and extraordinary wildlife – you’ll never be bored here! Adventure and relaxation are on offer as guests live out their ultimate safari experience – from setting off on a morning walking safari to enjoying a gin and tonic overlooking the Khwai River.

Day 15-18

Fly from Khwai Community Area to Maun International Airport