See It All in Botswana and Zambia: A Romantic Safari

On this 11-night luxury safari vacation look forward to marvelling at the natural wonders of Botswana and Zambia, staying in some of our favorite tried and tested lodges where even sleeping and bathing is encouraged to be outside. You’ll start this intrepid safari on the banks of the Okavango Delta at the intimate Baines’ Camp where you’ll explore the waterways by Moroko canoes and interact up-close with the local elephant population. We’ll then send you to one of the most luxurious private concessions, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve home to majestic ‘Big Five’, and some of the best game viewing in Africa, where you’ll take to the skies in a helicopter. For an incredible finale you’ll cross the border into Zambia to view the thundering Victoria Falls, staying on your own private island on the Zambezi River.

Make the most of the Okavango Delta

You’ll land in Maun and after a good night’s sleep fly to the Banoka airstrip. From here it’s a 15-minute drive to your first luxury lodge. Spend your days relaxing by the pool and soaking up the sights at this romantic oasis on the delta. In the evenings enjoy sundown cocktails on the deck before setting off on night drives with a private guide. This is a thrilling opportunity to observe some of the more nocturnal animals that you might not get to see otherwise like leopards and African wild cats. Immerse yourself in nature like never before by transforming your bed into a Sky Bed on your private deck, allowing you to sleep under a blanket of stars, or for little surprise look forward to finding a sunken bathtub surrounded by candles out on your deck for a spot of stargazing in the bath.

Sleep under the stars

On day four you’ll embark on the next leg of your journey to &Beyond Nxabega Okavango where cold towels and refreshments await to invigorate you. Here you will embark on game drives in an open 4×4 where you may see majestic lions roaming the plains hunting for native zebra and antelope. The drives will end with sundowners and canapés at a special local spot before heading back to the camp to enjoy dinners on the deck. Wake bright and early and take to the skies for a scenic helicopter ride for some truly awe-inspiring views. Make sure to have your camera at the ready as you soar over the areas that are inaccessible by boat or car.

Carry on to Makgadikgadi Pans

Next up you’re off to San Camp which sits heart of the Kalahari Desert. Fly to Tsigaro airstrip and transfer to San Camp, your home for the next two days, is just 25 minutes away. Settle into this boutique tented residence – separated from reality. One of the best locations for spotting meerkat. Spend some time on a horse back safari or game drive and end with dinner on the Boma and star gazing. Here you’ll have the perfect chance to brush up on your photography skills, as the light in this region is renowned for capturing epic landscape shots. This area of the Makgadikgadi Pans is unique for wildlife, as it’s home to the brown hyena, one of the continent’s most rare and elusive mammals.

Cross the border into Zambia

Your final days on safari will be spent in dreamy idylls in Zambia. First up is Tongabezi Lodge which is sat on the banks of the Zambezi River. Here you can embark on canoe trips to spot the water dwelling wildlife or simply relax on the lodge’s sumptuous jetty and watch the world go by. A day trip to Victoria Falls and Livingstone Island which are just 15km downstream will complete your African adventure. Spend your final night at one with nature on the exclusive Sindabezi Private Island, just a short boat trip away from the lodge. Take in the views across to Victoria Falls National Park and enjoy a romantic Sanpan Dinner on the river to end your trip in style. The next day you’ll be whisked off on a flight back to Maun to start your journey home.