Itinerary Expand all Depart London. Depart London Day 1 Start Victoria Falls; to Chobe N.P. The group flights normally arrive at Victoria Falls Airport and land only passengers can either be picked up here or at the Rainbow Hotel in Victoria Falls town. If the group flights land in Livingstone (Zambia), land only passengers can still be picked up at the Rainbow Hotel in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). We then transfer 120kms to Kasane in Botswana. The drive from Victoria Falls takes a little over two hours but there can be delays crossing the border. Once we are settled into our chalets we will gather for a full tour briefing.Kwalape Lodge or similar Meals included: Dinner Start Victoria Falls; to Chobe N.P. The group flights normally arrive at Victoria Falls Airport and land only passengers can either be picked up here or at the Rainbow Hotel in Victoria Falls town. If the group flights land in Livingstone (Zambia), land only passengers can still be picked up at the Rainbow Hotel in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). We then transfer 120kms to Kasane in Botswana. The drive from Victoria Falls takes a little over two hours but there can be delays crossing the border. Once we are settled into our chalets we will gather for a full tour briefing.Kwalape Lodge or similar Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Game drive and river safari in Chobe N.P. known for its elephants. Chobe National Park is best known for its huge populations of elephant and buffalo. With an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 elephants, this is, undoubtedly the best place to see these pachyderms. The park is also home to Wild dogs, lions, leopards and various other African wildlife. We start the day by going on a game drive in one of the lodge’s open game-drive vehicles. It will be an early start as we aim to get to the park gates as they open. We spend about three hours on safari before returning to the lodge in time for some brunch. There is time to relax at the lodge during the hottest part of the day or exploring the town of Kasane before heading out again, this time to go on a boat-safari on the Chobe River. After a short transfer to the jetty we board the boat for a three-hour safari. This is a great opportunity to view the vast herds of elephant and other wildlife from the perspective of the water.Kwalape Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Transfer to Maun. Today is a long drive as we transfer the 600kms between Kasane and Maun, the town on the edge of the Okavango Delta. We’ll make a stop en route for lunch at the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan before arriving in Maun mid-afternoon. We spend a bit of time in town getting supplies for the delta (this is a chance for you to get any extra drinks or snacks you may want whilst in the delta). From here it’s only a short drive out of town to our lodge.Crocodile Camp or similar Meals included: Breakfast Days 4-5 Full day exploring the Okavango Delta by foot and dug-out canoe. After travelling 1,600kms from the highlands of Angola, the Okavango River reaches the Kalahari and spreads into a large swamp area where the water eventually transpires into the plant-life and evaporates, never reaching the sea. This makes the Okavango Delta, as this swamp is known, one of the largest inland deltas on Earth and a true natural wonder. Year-round the delta’s islands are home to a vast array of wildlife including all the usual suspects though numbers reach their peak during the dryer winter months when animals, including many of the larger ones, migrate into the delta. We head into the delta in Mokoro dugout canoes poled by local villagers who have grown up here. When we arrive in the delta we will find our camp already set up, waiting for us. The camp is made up of tents fitted with camp beds topped by mattresses along with two communal bush-showers, two communal bush-toilets and a gazebo/mess tent. Here we will get to experience African wilderness at its fullest, not least at night when the milky-way can be seen spreading across the sky with a billion twinkling stars. We spend the next two days exploring the waterways and islands by Mokoro canoe and on foot looking for wildlife and enjoying this amazing part of Africa.Wild Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Morning walking safari; return to Maun. This morning we have our last Mokoro ride as we return to the edge of the delta before returning to Maun. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool or take an optional flight over the delta.Rivernest Cottages or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 To Nata; visit the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans at sunset. After a brief stop in Maun to resupply we transfer 300kms to Nata arriving mid-afternoon. In the late afternoon we head to the Nata Sanctuary to watch the sunset on the Makgadikgadi Pan. The Makgadikgadi Pan covers over 16,000 square kilometres and forms the bed of an ancient lake, now dried up, which once spread as far as the Okavango Delta. Sunsets on the pan are some of the best on the continent.Nata Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Enter Zimbabwe; to Matobo N.P. Today we continue our journey back towards Zimbabwe. We go via Francistown and Bulawayo on our way to Matobo National Park. The journey is about 380kms and driving time shouldn’t be much more than about 5hrs, however the border crossing can be busy and may take between two and three hours. We stay in chalets just outside the park and enjoy sundowners from the granite ridge overlooking the park.Hermits Peak Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 9 Game drive and walking safari in Matobo N.P. known for its rhinos. Matobo National Park (also known as Matopos National Park) is an area known for its kopjes, giant boulders which seem to be precariously balanced on top of one-another, and wildlife. The park is one of the best places to see both Black and White rhinos and has a very dense population of leopards (though these predators are still elusive). It also counts amongst its inhabitants a third of all species of eagle. These hills were, once, home to San Bushmen who have left their mark with rock-paintings depicting giraffes, elands and kudu. It was also the colonialist Cecil Rhodes’ favourite place and where he asked to be buried. We enter Matobo National Park early in the morning and go on a game drive followed by a game walk where we can hope to see rhino on foot. We visit World’s End, where Cecil Rhodes is buried and see some of the granite formations and rock-paintings. We spend most of the day inside the park returning to the lodge in the afternoon.Hermits Peak Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Drive to Hwange N.P. After a leisurely breakfast we make a quick stop in Bulawayo this morning to resupply before driving north 335kms to Hwange National Park. Zimbabwe’s largest National Park, Hwange covers 14,600 square kilometres of mopane and teak woodlands and grasslands. The park is home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species including all of Zimbabwe’s specially protected animals. Its most famous inhabitants are the elephants and Wild dogs, and it is the only place where gemsbok and Brown hyena can be found in reasonable numbers in Zimbabwe. We stay in a property situated within a game-management area which abuts the park.Miobo Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 11 Full day safari in Hwange N.P. known for its Wild dogs. We spend all day on a 4WD open-game drive in search of Hwange wildlife.Miobo Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 12 Visit Victoria Falls. After a relaxed start we take a short, final drive back to Victoria Falls, arriving at Victoria Falls town around lunch time. In the afternoon we head out towards the mighty falls themselves. Measuring 1,700 meters wide and 100 meters high, Victoria Falls are the largest waterfall in the World and one of the most famous highlights of Africa. The volume of water changes with the seasons but when full the spray rises into the sky – a phenomenon which has given the falls their local name Mosi o Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders. They are a site to behold and one which impressed Dr. David Livingstone so much that he commented that ‘’ scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.’’The Rainbow Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 Full day at Victoria Falls for optional activities. Today is a free day to enjoy the many activities on offer in the area such as white-water rafting, taking a flight over the falls, going on a sunset cruise or crossing into neighbouring Zambia to see the falls from that side.The Rainbow Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 14 End Victoria Falls. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport in time for their flight. Those who do not have a transfer included, the trip ends after breakfast. Meals included: Breakfast Arrive London. Arrive London
Botswana Vaccination against Yellow Fever is necessary if you are coming from a country with Yellow Fever, and you must bring a valid certificate of vaccination. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Malaria prophylaxis is essential and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take.
Zimbabwe There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Malaria prophylaxis is essential and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take.
Chalets, Hotel, Wild Camping 9 nights chalets, 2 nights hotel and 2 nights comfortable wild camping The accommodation we stay in is generally 2- or 3-star lodges with en suite bathrooms, most with a pool. On 3-4 nights the lodges are permanent tented camps, these are comfortable rooms with en suite bathroom though they are in part made out of canvas. This is not camping, however, they are full rooms with comfortable beds, and bathrooms with hot water and are a quintessential African safari experience. Whilst the lodges are not luxury properties they are comfortable and in great locations. Please note that in Hwange NP, the lodge we normally use, Miombo Lodge, has rooms of varying standards and the lodge will alocate these randomly. In the Okavango Delta we spend two nights full service wild camping. Our camp is set up for us and all equipment is provided.. The tents are large (2.4 x 2.4 x 1.8meters) and we sleep on camp-beds topped with a mattress (about 5cms thick). There is a bush-shower and toilet. When visiting the Delta we will leave most of our luggage in Maun, taking only what we need for 2 days (bags, sleeping bags and pillows are provided). Wifi is available about half the time but is not always very reliable.
March 2, 2021 Ngumu, the story continues: The Mountain Lioness Scholarship Kitaba Wadia Kapanya, one of our newly qualified lionesses explains, “I hope we will be
February 15, 2021 Our Top 8 Adventure Holidays to Get Away from it All Exotic lands of deserts, majestic lakes, and breathtakingly beautiful islands where Komodo dragons dwell are on the h
December 17, 2020 The 7 Best Peaks and Summits to Hike in 2021 No doubt after 2020 you’re desperate to alleviate those itchy feet with a hike of a lifetime.
April 2, 2020 Top Adventure Holidays to do in the USA this Summer A summer spent in the USA promises new adventures and days spent having fun in the sunshine.
Reviewed November 2019 Rosie H Trip: Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari Brilliant Safari Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari is a brilliant holiday. Exodus have put together a great itinerary. The game walks and drives in Okavango Delta, Chobe, Matopo & Hwange National Parks are well organised and we saw loads of animals including 4 of the big 5. The variety of lodges and the delta camping were all comfortable. We had an excellent holiday and would definitely recommend it. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The early morning game walks in Okavango. What did you think of your group leader? Rowan is efficient and Sifiso is a good driver. Both were great at spotting wildlife for us. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get some small notes if you can. We took US dollars & changed into BWP in Botswana. We spent approx. $700 (USD) pp total, of which approx. 1300 pula pp cash in Botswana. (includes delta flight & Zambezi cruise but not Vic Falls flight). We put the Maun flights & Zimbabwe supermarket shopping on plastic. Plug sockets were mostly South Africa round pin. It was very hot in October, but dry so mosquitoes were less of a problem.
Reviewed August 2019 Caroline Fielden Trip: Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari Eletastic -more elephants than you can count. If you love seeing wildlife up close and personal then this trip is for you. It visits some of the best national parks in two amazing countries with a bit of added comfort. Each park has its own special characteristics - being in Botswana is like being on a permanent safari, animals can be seen on the side of the road as you travel from A to B; there is nothing more bizarre than having to slow down for a family of elephants or a herd of zebra - beats a flock of sheep! Any preconceived ideas you may have about Zimbabwe will prove to be wrong. It is one of the most beautiful countries I have travelled in - the parks are spectacular, from the rugged beauty of the Motopos to the sweeping plains of Hwange and the people amazing. It completely exceeded my expectations and I would love to return one day. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The whole trip was amazing, but a few stand out. Being a few metres from a group of five white rhino on foot. They were totally chilled and accepting of people in their environment. Sneaking into a tent 2 meters from a bull elephant who decided to visit the water hole outside. He made for an interesting night as he enjoyed himself breaking trees just the other side of a piece the canvas. The most memorable moment was the visit to the Painted Dog Sanctuary. The staff there were so passionate about what they do and as a bonus there was a pack of wild painted dogs who regularly visit one of their family who was too injured to be released back into the wild. What did you think of your group leader? Rowan was passionate about the wildlife around us and very knowledgeable. If he didn't know the answer he has his library of books. He arranged a cake and bubbly to celebrate my birthday with the stunning sunset of the salt pans as the back drop. Our driver Sifiso was amazing and so much more than a driver. He joined us on all the early morning game drives and was as excited about the animals as we were, plus an awesome pair of game spotting eyes. He also had a wicked sense of humour and enjoyed spending time in the our company. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? A few hints: 1. Currency in both countries is almost impossible to get hold of so arrange a credit card which can be used with out fees when abroad if you don' already have one. 2 Take torches and power packs for the frequent power cuts and a South African round pin adaptor as you will only find UK plugs in Victoria Falls. 3. Immigration at Vic Falls in a nightmare. You need to buy a multi-entry visa at $70 (not the Univisa Exodus suggests). 4. Finally, take the plane flight over the Delta and helicopter over the Falls. Both are stunning. We booked our helicopter flights before leaving with Bonisair - as we wanted a longer flight - however this is the company that the tour guide suggests if you book in situ. Is there anything else you would like to add? Just go, you won't be disappointed. This is the stuff holidays of a lifetime are made from.
Reviewed August 2019 Louise Sampson Trip: Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari It is an awesome trip with lots of memories As mentioned in previous reviews it is a full on but very worthwhile trip. From start to finish there are so many experiences. It is a trip for you if you want to see wildlife but have a bit of comfort. The camping trip was fabulous - not roughing it too much - everything is done for you - you just have to sit back and enjoy - Rowan even bakes a cake. I was a bit apprehensive about the bush toilet - but its was no problem and the bush shower quite fun. We didn't manage to see any lions - but that is the luck of a safari - you are venturing into their habitat so nothing can be guaranteed. There is not much down time - except during the long travel between places but that is undertaken in a very comfortable mini bus. Plus there is always something to look at - or playing who wants to be a millionaire! We didn't win a lot! The group of people we were with were great company and thus also helped to make it a great trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It is hard to decide as it was a fabulous trip with lots of experiences - Seeing the leopard in Chobe NP, watching hundreds of elephants get together in the water hole in Hwange NP, coming up close to Rhinos in Matobo NP or the fabulous camping trip in Okavango Delta or seeing Victoria Falls for the first time. What did you think of your group leader? Rowan our guide and Sifiso our driver certainly lived up to the good reviews others have previously placed. Nothing was too much trouble, Both shared there experiences and information Sifiso was a great driver - so we felt safe all the time. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Remember your torches and head torch for the camping plus if there is powercuts - which occurred in Zimbabwe. Remember to take a travel plug adaptor for Botswana/South Africa you will need it to charge up anything. Also take an additional battery pack for charging your phones ( if used as a camera) whilst camping. It does get cold on the morning game drives - take layers - hats, gloves, windproofs etc you will need them! Also the evenings can get cold. We took lots of photos - but also you need to take time to experience the wildlife not through a lens. If you are thinking of doing this trip - just do it - you will not regret it. It is fabulous. Is there anything else you would like to add? We took items to give to schools - ideas from pack for purpose - which we left at the village school where the villagers came from who poled our Mokoro canoes and looked after us whilst camping. They need more colouring pencils, exercise books, counting cubes and other items for teaching maths, plus games fro small children to play. We also paid extra for the flight over the Okavango delta which was awesome - seeing the animals from above and gave us an appreciation of how little water there was at the time we had our trip. They were still waiting for the water to come down from Angola. We also all did a night safari where you are not guaranteed to see anything but we saw elephants, zebra, etc The helicopter ride over Victoria falls is also a must.
Reviewed May 2019 David Byers Trip: Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari Full on every fay A full on safari/trip through Botswana and Zimbabwe - not for you if you need 10 hours sleep every night. The highlight without doubt is the trip via Mokorro canoe and camping trip into the Otovango delta. Some long days travelling in the mini bus but all very worthwhile. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Otovango delta What did you think of your group leader? Absolutely one of the best Do you have any advice for potential travellers? See above Is there anything else you would like to add? No
Reviewed May 2019 Alison Kett Trip: Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari Unforgettable Trip First time to Africa, didn’t know what to expect, but loved every minute, honestly cannot recommend enough. These are two very beautiful countries with such contrasting scenery. It was great to explore whilst still having the comfort of staying in beautiful lodges. Each one bought its own quirks, character and wildlife and I really liked being able to relax by the pool or at the bar in-between activities and in the evenings. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were just too many incredible moments to single out one. Two stand-out moments for me include being within a few metres of five white Rhino and coming across a male and female lion by the side of the road. The absolute highlight of the trip though was our time in the Delta. I was apprehensive before going (camping/toilets/showers) but was blown away by the whole experience and wish we had stayed longer. Being able to hear lions roaring in the distance, having around 15 elephants wading through the water within metres of our camp both during the day and at night, coming across painted dogs running around and playing on one of our walks, learning to pole a mokoro and meeting the lovely people from a local village who looked after us so well. I especially loved visiting their village afterwards and they were so grateful for the stationary and toys that we took for the children. What did you think of your group leader? The whole trip was flawlessly executed and that was down to Rowan (our leader) and Sifiso (our driver). Rowan was very well organised and always helped us to get the most out of our experience . He kept us well entertained on the long drives with quiz games and spotting wildlife, had excellent knowledge of all the birds and animals we came across and if there was anything he didn’t know he had many reference books to look up information. He also cooked up some delicious food when we camped in the Delta (my favorites being the “Delta” cake). Sifiso drove superbly the entire trip over what were sometimes very rough roads. We all really enjoyed Rowan and Sifisos company and can’t thank them enough for making such an unforgettable trip. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take more money for tipping. There are so many lovely people who can’t do enough for you and we got slightly caught out by not having enough cash and it wasn’t easy to get hold of more. If you decide to do the night safari in Hwange, invest in a really good torch. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was an unforgettable experience. Writing this review three weeks on, and I’m still suffering from “holiday blues”.
Reviewed May 2019 Shelley Napper Trip: Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari Amazing Adventure It’s hard to put into words how amazing the Exodus’ Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari experience is. I knew this would be a trip with a difference, but this African adventure went beyond my wildest dreams. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The two nights wild camping was, for me, the most daunting part of the trip and ended up being my absolute highlight – elephants water-crossing near camp, wild dogs playing and of course the smooth relaxing, mokoro trips. However, wild camping in the Okavango Delta is only one of a multitude of highlights that this trip has to offer -every day offers something amazing! What did you think of your group leader? While I’m sure any trip in Africa could be amazing, it was the Exodus team members that made our extraordinary trip what it was – unforgettable! Rowan (our leader) and Sifiso (our driver) went above and beyond to ensure that this once in a lifetime experience was beyond all expectations. Their wealth of experience was demonstrated through their expansive local knowledge, smooth organisation and the ease with which everything was accomplished. Rowan’s energy, generosity and wide array of interests meant that many experiences had a personal touch – just one of many examples being the drone footage he generously took and gave to our group, recorded memories of something so special I cannot thank him enough. Sifiso’s calm, friendly nature and superior driving skills made comfortable and safe driving days and provided the relaxed atmosphere a trip like this deserves. Rowan and Sifiso, I cannot thank either of you enough! Is there anything else you would like to add? I look forward to future Exodus adventures.
Reviewed April 2019 Bob Entwistle Trip: Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari Great Holiday A most interesting and enjoyable trip with good company and plenty of wildlife to see. The safaris enabled us to see lions on 3 separate occasions, a leopard up a tree and a 'crash' of 5 white rhinoceros asleep under a tree as well as elephants on land and swimming. We stayed under canvas but with en-suite facilities except at the Okavango Delta. The visit to Victoria Falls at the end of the trip was impressive the scale of them is huge. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Two nights camping at the Okavango Delta which we reached by mokoro (dug out canoes) being poled by local villagers. This was experiencing real Africa. What did you think of your group leader? Rowan was knowledgeable and helpful as well as an excellent cook during the camping. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take your camera protected by waterproof bags to Victoria Falls you will get some amazing pictures.
Reviewed April 2019 Bob Entwistle Trip: Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari Great Holiday A most interesting and enjoyable trip with good company and plenty of wildlife to see. The safaris enabled us to see lions on 3 separate occasions, a leopard up a tree and a 'crash' of 5 white rhinoceros asleep under a tree as well as elephants on land and swimming. We stayed under canvas but with en-suite facilities except at the Okavango Delta. The visit to Victoria Falls at the end of the trip was impressive the scale of them is huge. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Two nights camping at the Okavango Delta which we reached by mokoro (dug out canoes) being poled by local villagers. This was experiencing real Africa. What did you think of your group leader? Rowan was knowledgeable and helpful as well as an excellent cook during the camping. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take your camera protected by waterproof bags to Victoria Falls you will get some amazing pictures.
Reviewed April 2019 Michael Freestone Trip: Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari Swimming in the cool pools of the Okavango Delta It was hot and sticky. But swimming in the Okavango Delta, cruising on the Chobe River, seeing a multitude of birds and hearing hippos in the distance made up for the mild discomfort. We travel to get under a country's skin, experience the culture and local hospitality. Our trip to Matabeleland and visiting Cecil Rhodes' memorial was captivating; there in the wild, silent, rocky countryside, with lizards scurrying around and baboons barking in the distance was inspiring. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were two wonderful experiences. Firstly getting soaked to the skin walking through the mist and spray by the Victoria Falls. And secondly, seeing at least five rhinos snoozing under the shade of a mopane tree with gentle puffs of dust arising as they snorted and slept in the heat of the afternoon. What did you think of your group leader? Rowan Moon was just what I expected. A very sociable young chap with an Afrikaan accent who looked after our small group very well. He makes exceptional cakes by a camp fire and an excellent vegetarian stew which he seemed to conjure up from nowhere. He even flew his drone and shared some fascinating aerial shots of us canoeing in mokoros in the Delta. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be ready for long road trips and try to go to Vic Falls twice. Once to get thoroughly soaked and second to take your cameras avoiding the wettest spots to record the atmosphere and thunder! Is there anything else you would like to add? We would have preferred to travel from Kasane to Maun on roads which went through African villages as opposed to going in a direct line from A to B. Having travelled to various African countries the experience of stopping in villages enhances memories ie the wood smoke, the people and buying local snacks from produce stalls along the way. Lastly, when visiting Hwange NP the tour was split in two which was enjoyable but the pm tour took us on the same route as in the am.
Reviewed September 2018 Russell Conway Trip: Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari Beautiful Africa. Safari means journey. This really was an intense journey through Botswana & Zimbabwe. But a journey with the added bonus of sightings along the way, magical birds at the side of the road and on one occasion slowing down the bus to see a bull elephant only to be gobsmacked by a pack of 10 wild-dog just a couple of trees away! Journeys don`t have to be boring; long bus rides are often part of the adventure. On this holiday we had the added bonus of River safari`s and, in the Okavango Delta, Mokoro rides with only the gentle sound of water lapping by your side, damsel flies and giant hawker dragon-flies buzzing around your ears and in the evening a gigantic frog chorus like something from a Fairy-Tale. Of course Safari is all about the animals but on this holiday I became more aware of the rich variety of people that helped us along the way. Kaiser the leader of the Polers in the Delta, Rowan our Tour Guide, his trusty driver Siwasu and the dozens of others who did their bloody best to give us the holiday of a lifetime. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were a great many. But the moment that will live with me was on a walking safari in the Delta. Somebody yelled "Kudu", I looked through my binoculars and shimmering in the early morning sunlight I could just see a pair of twisted horns emerging from the long grass. The horns morphed into a beautifully marked male Kudu who, having emerged from the grass like a Gladiator in a Ridley Scott movie just stood there staring at us. He was joined by a couple of others. His long piercing stare said it all. He was a king in his own realm. We were just there to watch. What did you think of your group leader? Rowan is quite a character. Good with people. Excellent at animals and he had the ability to keep everyone happy at the same time - no mean feat. I particularly appreciated his pointing out a small scopes owl one night; he knew I was interested in birds and on another occasion he showed me a fearsome video from his phone of hundreds of may-flies perishing on the lawns at Victoria Falls oddly enough something I found curiously fascinating. I think his inspired use of the Millionaire Game on the longer journeys is something other tour guides should think about doing. The number of long journeys I have been on where the leader simply goes to sleep is legion. I did not meet anyone on the trip who had a bad word to say about Rowan. I think he is a real star and somebody who actively contributed towards the success of this brilliant trip. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? 1. Take warm clothes as it gets cold in the mornings; 2. Take a spare torch; 3. Don`t just take photo`s - feel and hear the animals and birds. Don`t just get caught up in the technicalities of photography - appreciate your experience. 4. Take something for the locals. I took some pens and was so very touched by the warmth of the thanks of the locals. These are people who really appreciate your kindness. 5. Don`t drink too much late at night - wandering to the "bushy-Bushy" in the middle of the night is an adventure but best avoided!! Is there anything else you would like to add? I had such a good time. I would like to go back. The group were a blast. One or two in particular will stay with me for some time. I now know what a shee-wee and a Travel Jane are. I feel very privileged to have travelled with such a great bunch of people. The dynamics of small groups means that it can be quite difficult but right up to our really rather wonderful last night meal on the Zambezi we all stuck together and, I hope, will remain friends. Safari, as I said at the beginning is a Journey. This was a Journey where I learnt quite a bit about myself but I also learnt a great deal about the others in the group. It was a Journey I will never forget.
Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana 62 reviews A Safari through Botswana's best wildlife reserves and Victoria Falls. Wildlife Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 14 Days from $3,749 USD Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Namibia & Botswana: Dunes & Delta New Discover Namibia and Botswana’s fantastic wildlife and contrasting landscapes. Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 15 Days from $3,999 USD Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
The Zambezi Valley 43 reviews A superb canoe and walking safari in the Zambezi Valley in Zambia. Wildlife Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 8 Days from $2,299 USD Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details