Zambia & Botswana: Where the Wild Things Roam

Arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to Chamabondo Tented Camp, our home for the next few nights as we begin our African adventure. 

The drive out to Chamabondo doubles as a game drive, giving you your very first opportunity to spot some of the incredible wildlife that calls this area home.

Once you arrive at camp, you'll be warmly welcomed and shown to your luxe tent so you can settle in after a long travel day. The afternoon is yours to unwind and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, relax on your private deck, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the African bush.

Later in the afternoon, we'll gather as a group for tea and refreshments before setting off on an exciting afternoon game drive safari. As the day begins to cool, wildlife becomes more active, offering excellent opportunities to encounter some of the Big Five. 

As the sun sets over the African wilderness, we'll return to the camp to freshen up before enjoying a delicious dinner.

We'll rise with an early wake-up call before gathering for morning tea, before setting out on our first morning game drive through the beautiful Zambezi National Park. Relish the serenity of sunrise as the bush slowly comes to life.

After the safari, we’ll return to camp for a delicious lunch. We'll leave most afternoons at camp free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Escape the heat with a crisp dip in the pool, or settle in with a good book on your private balcony. 

After dinner, we'll drive to Victoria Falls town and enjoy a spectacular Simunye theater production—an inspiring and unforgettable performance that celebrates Zimbabwe's rich culture, history, and spirit. 

Another exciting day begins with an early wake-up call, followed by tea, coffee, and light refreshments before setting off on a guided morning walking safari. 

Walking through the African bush offers a uniquely immersive experience, guided by an expert who shares fascinating insights into wildlife, flora, and tracks. As the dawn awakens the bush with sounds, we may spot majestic animals like kudu, sable antelope, zebra, giraffe, and more in their natural environment. Along the way, we'll take a peaceful pause for tea, coffee, and biscuits amidst the stunning scenery and serenity of the wilderness.

After our unforgettable walking safari, we'll return to camp for a delicious lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax at your own pace.

Later, we’ll meet for afternoon tea, followed by an afternoon game drive. If we're very lucky, we might spot an elusive leopard and all kinds of birds and other animals. We’ll then return to camp to gather for a casual dinner. 

After one last morning game drive through Zambezi, we'll say farewell to Chamabondo and head into Victoria Falls for some souvenir shopping. We'll stop at the Elephant Walk Shopping & Artist Village to peruse their beautiful collection of local crafts. 

Continuing across the border into Livingstone, we'll each have a packed lunch to savor along the way. After about 30 minutes, we'll arrive at the lush David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, our peaceful riverside retreat that will be home for the next few nights.

As the heat of the day softens, the group will gather and head out onto the Zambezi River for a sunset cruise. At this hour before the sun sets, the river is quietly humming—hippos surfacing in the shallows, birds skimming low across the water, and the distant murmur of the bush settling into evening. With a drink in hand and dinner served on board, it’s an easy, grounding introduction to Zambia’s slower tempo.

Begin the day slowly with breakfast at the lodge, before we set out to explore Victoria Falls, one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Africa. Stretching across the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, the falls offer a constantly shifting perspective, from wide, thundering cascades to more intimate vantage points where we can feel their full force.

For the adventurous, we can walk along the Knife-Edge Bridge, where the energy of the falls is unmistakable. The air is thick with mist, rising in soft plumes that catch the light and form fleeting rainbows as we stand over 300 feet above the Zambezi River.

Later, we'll set out on a game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, one of Zambia's smaller parks but a special one. Here, we'll be accompanied by an expert guide as we move through the bush, tracking endangered white rhinos and other wildlife at a gentle pace. Along the way, we'll pause for a picnic lunch and gain a deeper understanding of the surrounding ecosystem from our guides.

Later this evening, we'll step aboard the elegant Royal Livingstone Express for an unforgettable journey celebrating the golden age of rail travel. As our beautifully restored vintage train winds through the Zambian countryside toward the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, we'll indulge in a five-star gourmet dinner paired with exceptional wines. 

We'll begin the day with an early breakfast before meeting in the lobby for our journey across the border into Botswana and the world-famous Chobe National Park. After completing the border formalities, we'll pause for coffee and a light snack before our adventure begins.

Our morning starts on a boat on the magnificent Chobe River, where Africa's largest elephant herds gather along the water's edge in the cool morning light. As we cruise quietly through these wildlife-rich waters, we'll have exceptional opportunities to spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and an incredible variety of birdlife.

After our river safari, we'll enjoy lunch at Coffee Buzz, where we'll sample regional specialties and hearty cuisine before heading into Chobe National Park for an afternoon game drive.

Renowned for its extraordinary wildlife density, the park offers the chance to encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, numerous antelope species, and much more as we explore its diverse landscapes alongside our expert guide. 

As the day draws to a close, we'll return to our hotel with unforgettable memories of one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, leaving the evening free to relax and reflect on another remarkable day on safari.

The morning starts with a relaxed breakfast before we make our way to the Baobuyu Learning Center. Here, we'll spend time understanding the work being done to provide free education and meaningful support within the local community. It’s a grounded, human experience that offers us a deeper sense of connection to this place and its people. We’ll also be introduced to a women’s needlework initiative, where practical skills are creating pathways to independence and long-term opportunity.

In the afternoon, our focus shifts back to the wild as we arrive at The Elephant Café, set along the banks of the Zambezi River. We'll be welcomed immediately into the presence of a rescued herd of elephants, with the chance to observe them up close and see their intelligence and gentle nature firsthand. The encounter is thoughtfully guided, allowing us to learn about their stories and the conservation efforts behind their care.

As the elephants wander back into the bush, we'll sit down for an unhurried meal overlooking the river. The cuisine is inventive yet rooted in traditional methods and flavors, drawing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and incorporating wild edibles in subtle, creative ways. 

After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we begin the day at WayiWayi Art Studio and Gallery, where we'll spend time with local artists and see the positive impact of their creativity on their community.

If you're ending this beautiful journey here, we'll say our farewells at the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone as you depart for onward travel. 

If you're joining us for the Baines River Camp extension, we'll fly out in the early afternoon, and our local guide will meet us on arrival at Royal Airstrip to transfer us to camp. Onward!

Welcome to Baines River Camp, our base for the next few nights. Set along the banks of the Zambezi River and positioned near Lower Zambezi National Park, the camp embodies the intersection of indulgence and wilderness. 

There’s time to settle in and freshen up before we head out for a sunset game drive, our first introduction to this new ecosystem. As the light softens, we'll watch for movement in the bush, spotting elephant, zebra, and, with luck, the more elusive predators that move through this landscape, such as lions and leopards.

Returning to camp for dinner, we'll gather over a relaxed meal at Baines' Restaurant before retreating for the night. After a full day of travel and transition, it’s a quiet landing into our new setting, with the sounds of the river close by as we rest for what lies ahead.

Enjoy the crisp morning air in the park with a quick breakfast before we start on today’s adventures.

We'll head out on an early birding game drive. Whether you're already a hardcore bird enthusiast or have never thought about birding before, your first safari to the Lower Zambezi will ensure that birds will win over your heart. We'll stop for tea and biscuits along the way. 

After a buffet lunch at the lodge, we'll enjoy some free time around the camp. If the river is low, sit back and relax on the riverbanks with your toes in the sand as the water flows by. 

In the afternoon, we'll glide along the Zambezi River, looking out for wildlife at the water’s edge. Expect to see the Big Four, though rhino populations are rare due to poaching. Lions, hyenas, wild dogs, and leopards are the primary predators in this area. We might also spot leopards among the many large trees where they like to hang out, despite their general elusiveness. 

This evening, we'll toast to our amazing safari experience with drinks at sunset, followed by dinner. 

Wake up and start your day with a light breakfast. Today’s adventure begins with another game drive or river float in the heart of the park. On the fertile banks of the river, elephant herds and other herbivores feast on juicy green leaves. Rich soil, tall green trees, elephants, birds, and diverse wildlife create a breathtakingly beautiful landscape, a genuine utopia for anyone longing to experience pure Africa. 

Along the way, savor tea, coffee, and biscuits while spotting wildlife. 

After the drive, we'll return to our riverside camp, relishing the scenic views, and enjoy a delicious lunch. Spend the afternoon at camp, relaxing before our next late-afternoon safari adventure. Spotting wildlife never gets old! 

This time of day offers an opportunity for another exciting game drive with snacks and drinks as you watch the sunset, followed by a relaxing farewell dinner back at camp.

After breakfast, we'll bid farewell to our new friends, reminiscing about the wonderful moments shared. We'll transfer to the Royal Airstrip for our flight to Lusaka, landing at 11:30 am. 

Feel free to book your onward flights from Lusaka anytime after 2 pm, so you have adequate time to get through the airport.