Extreme African Safari - Okavango Delta

Put simply, Botswana is home to some of the best safari experiences in the world. The Okavango Delta is overflowing with masses of rainfall as well as wildlife right now, making a canoe safari here better than ever. Follow this up with a land safari in one of the most luxurious tented camps we know, add some adrenalin-fuelled adventure over Victoria falls, et voila, you have your perfect safari.

the smoke that thunders

Start off at the breathtaking Victoria Falls, named after our Queen Vic. This immense waterfall is still referred to by the locals as Mosi-oa-Tuny, its Kololo name, which directly translates to ‘the smoke that thunders’. And thunder it does. With 550 million litres of water cascading over the lip every minute, there’s certainly a crash when its falls 100m to the bottom.

Why not go for a dip Black Tomato style? We can arrange for a bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge where you’ll plummet down 111 meters ending your decent with your head dunking into the refreshing waters (if you like). But, it doesn’t stop there, there’s white water rafting, micro lighting and even helicopter rides each giving you the most memorable experience of the Victoria Falls. And for those who want to take it easy, hop on the African Queen and cruise on the Zambezi River to enjoy a sunset dinner before retreating to your haven at the Tongabezi Lodge.

hit the water

It’s time to get acquainted with some wildlife, and where else better to start than the world famous Okavango Delta. 2009 saw water levels at its highest since 1963, and more water means even more incredible wildlife enabling visitors to take boat rides deep into parts of the Delta and opened up waterways inaccessible for decades. Check it out in 2010.

Flying towards the heart of the Delta you’ll land on Xaxaba Island (pronounced ‘KaKaaba’) and set up base at the Eagle Island luxury tented Camp. Here you’ll have a real sense of remoteness as you’re surrounded by marshland, floodplains and waterways putting you directly in wildlife heaven. Technically, you don’t need to leave your room to see some safari action going on here. But we seriously suggest you do.

Spend three days heading out onto the shallow waterfront on a Mokoro canoe, where you’ll silently part the reeds to see everything from elephant and rhino to egrets, owls and wild dogs. Then, delve deeper into the Delta in a speed boat for an exhilarating ride, swerving in between the reeds to get to your much deserved wildlife. And finally, take to the sky on your complimentary helicopter ride where you’ll hang out (yep they’ve taken the door off) to grab that shot worthy of the National Geographic.

back on land

Next, fly up north to Zarafa Camp. As this is a land-based camp, the majority of your stay here will revolve around game drives and nature walks. And this place has arguably some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa. Spend your days roaming the arid bush in an open-top 4×4 in search for big predators and hapless prey. Night drives are one of the camp’s highlights where you can catch the glistening eyes of one of the big 5; a moment you won’t forget. And what’s better: Zarafa Camp will provide you with an SLR camera, perfect for catching those speedy cheetahs or roaming elephants in the distance. Just perfect.

april - october