In the Footsteps of Livingstone

Day 1 - Victoria Falls

Join your tour group at the lodge, overlooking Zambezi National Park. Grab a drink on the deck as dusk draws in, and wait for the wildlife come to you. Voted as one of the ‘Great Bars of the World’, the bar overlooks a natural waterhole, whose nightly patrons include thirsty elephant, buffalo and kudu.

Day 2 - Victoria Falls

We start out on a high with a day at Victoria Falls - one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Discovered by Livingstone in 1855, the pre-colonial name of ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya' (the smoke that thunders) perfectly describes this force of nature. A mile-wide curtain of water freefalls down the rockface for almost a quarter of a mile, causing mists that can be seen from up to 12 miles away. After a guided walk stopping at different viewpoints around the falls, we take to the water for a sundowner cruise along the Zambezi River. The calm before the cascade, the water at the top of the falls is slow and meandering - with hippo, crocodile, elephant and giraffe coming to the water’s edge to drink.

Day 3 - Mpisi Village

Today we visit Mpisi, a local rural village near Victoria Falls where we get an insight into traditional life - learning about indigenous customs, generations-old farming methods, medicine and healing. The afternoon is at leisure back at the lodge.

Day 4 - Kasane

Crossing the border into Botswana, we arrive at Kasane - the gateway for our Chobe National Park tour. Our home for the next seven nights is located on the tranquil banks of the Chobe River. With monkeys, kudu and countless species of bird on our doorstep, it’s the perfect base to relax and watch the wildlife from the riverbanks after a day exploring the park.

Day 5 - Chobe National Park

Chobe was Botswana’s first national park, and the overflowing tributaries, lily-strewn waterways and miles of floodplains are home to Africa’s greatest concentration of wildlife - including the largest elephant population on earth. On our first game drive into this pristine and protected wilderness, keep a lookout for lion, elephant, giraffe, buffalo and antelope.

Day 6 - Chobe National Park

Up with the birdsong, this morning we cruise along the river to spot yawning pods of hippo, basking crocodile and herds of bathing elephant. A paradise for birdwatchers, Chobe is home to more than 450 species - including heron, stork, jacanas and bee-eaters. Look out for small oxpeckers as they hitch a ride and a free meal on the back of thick-skinned hippos.

Day 7 - Chobe National Park

We’ve viewed Chobe’s wildlife from land and water, so today we take to the skies. Following the course of the Chobe River in a light aircraft, we get a unique perspective of Chobe’s waterlogged landscapes. Like ink on litmus paper, the dotted islands and tributaries spread out beneath us - with herds of elephant, giraffe and buffalo visible from up high.

Day 8 - Chobe National Park

Back down to earth, today we get deeper into the national park. A river cruise promises further sightings of elephant, hippo and watchful birds on the riverbanks; while a 4WD safari holds the possibility of more big game - including lion, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, leopard, sable and wildebeest.

Day 9 - Chobe National Park

We’ve been living on the wild side all week, so today is free to take stock, relax and recharge. Spend the day by the pool, watch the world go by from the riverbanks, and reflect on our favourite moments with new friends.

Day 10 - Chobe National Park

Early this morning we take our final game drive - relaxing into the sights and sounds of the savannah now we’ve encountered much of the wildlife we came to see. This afternoon, there’s the option to take a boat trip or fishing trip from the lodge.

Day 11 - Chobe National Park

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.