Tag: Chobe

Five Times the Fun: Tim Sanders’ African Odyssey Continues

Botswana,South Africa,Traveller's tales,Zambia
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By Michelle Welvering on

Setting off on his fifth African odyssey with Rhino Africa, Tim Sanders recently experienced a two-week adventure, braving the wilds of South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. With Allison, one of our exceptional Travel Experts, meticulously attending to every detail, his trip once again exceeded all expectations. Delve into Tim’s extraordinary expedition and discover why his profound admiration for Africa is ever-so evident.

“I spent the most glorious two weeks in Southern Africa under the superb guidance of Rhino Africa, who planned every step with total precision.” – Tim Sanders

Tim at the Blyde River Canyon

“The Blyde River Canyon view was unbelievable” – Tim, Image Credit: Tim Sanders

Tim’s Relentless Return to Kambaku River Sands

Returning to Kambaku River Sands for the fourth time, Tim was once again ecstatic with the lodge’s excellence. With its convenient location in Timbavati Game Reserve, just 30 minutes away from Hoedspruit Airport, Tim has always loved how easily accessible the lodge is. And, as per usual, Kambaku’s friendly staff, delectable cuisine, and cosy lodging left a lasting impression.

empty chair with side table adorned with tea and coffee, on the private outdoor viewing deck

Comfortable thatched suites with private viewing decks for observing animals, Image Credit: Kambaku River Sands

Tim was thrilled to witness the Big 5 and an array of other remarkable wildlife, including African wild dogs and a charismatic chameleon. The communal dining approach at Kambaku enhanced the camaraderie among guests, especially during the memorable Boma night, where staff and guests participated enthusiastically. 

“Kambaku continues to have the friendliest of staff and most superb food (and just the right amount too).” – Tim Sanders

Boma area with bonfire

At Kambaku, you can dine al fresco or alongside the riverbed surrounded by campfires, Image Credit: Kambaku River Sands

A Tranquil Haven and Panoramic Delights

Following his safari experience, Tim reveals the elegance of Oliver’s Lodge, a charming country house situated on the outskirts of White River, a small town near the Greater Kruger National Park. This peaceful retreat provided a welcome respite after days of thrilling safari adventures.

Additionally, while exploring the Panorama Route, Tim was pleasantly surprised by the breathtaking view of the Blyde River Canyon, an experience he describes as nothing short of unbelievable.

“Panorama Route was an unexpected blast as I really did not know what to expect.” – Tim Sanders

Viewing point of the Three Rondavels along the Panorama Route

The Panorama Route is a natural wonder in South Africa and one of the world’s most beautiful driving routes

Botswana is Brimming with Elephants

Returning to Ngoma Safari Lodge in Chobe National Park for the second time, Tim was enthralled by the flood plain in its full splendour. The lodge’s friendly staff and fellow guests created an inviting atmosphere, making Tim, a solo traveller, feel at ease. Tim was delighted by the abundance of wildlife sightings, particularly the numerous elephants and lions that roamed freely.

“The friendliest of staff and fellow guests; as a solo traveller it was a real pleasure to be asked to be with other guests.” – Tim Sanders

Dining deck with view of Chobe River and floodplains

Overlooking the Chobe River, Ngoma Safari Lodge blends with its surroundings, Image Credit: Ngoma Safari Lodge

A boat cruise along the river provided a unique perspective, allowing Tim to witness the captivating sight of elephants playing in the water. The lodge’s well-appointed rooms, complete with private plunge pools and breathtaking views, ensured Tim’s stay was nothing short of superb.

Tim on a river cruise with elephants nearby in the background

Chobe is known for its thriving population of elephants, Image Credit: Tim Sanders

Authentic Africa in Zambia

Tim chose Anabezi Camp in Lower Zambezi National Park for his first visit to Zambia, which perfectly embodied the essence of African life. The vibrant countryside, with locals dressed in colourful attire going about their day-to-day activities, left a lasting impression on Tim. A thrilling flight to the luxury camp in a four-seater aircraft added to the sense of adventure.

“It was my first time to Zambia, and will not be my last! I really felt the life in the countryside epitomised Africa.” – Tim Sanders

Zambian woman in colourful clothing

Locals in a village going about their day

Anabezi Camp’s ultimate luxury and personalised service impressed Tim with the game drives tailored to his preferences. Offering a plethora of safari options, including vehicle, boat, walking, and canoe safaris, the camp ensured every wildlife encounter was up close and unique.

The spacious rooms, waterfront terraces, and private plunge pools provided an idyllic retreat, while the sightings of leopards, lions, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles delighted Tim throughout his stay.

“I experienced brilliantly comfortable lodges, superb game drives, excellent cuisine and timely ground support.” – Tim Sanders

Beautifully furnished main deck area

The camp’s communal areas evoke a classic African style with a modern touch, Image Credit: Anabezi Camp

Further Unforgettable Encounters

Tim’s journey was filled with unforgettable moments that highlighted the true essence of Africa. Remarkable sightings included witnessing multiple generations of leopards, getting up close to a crocodile slipping into the Zambezi, and observing elephants joyfully playing in the Chobe River.

Mother leopard with her young cub and juvenal

A very rare sighting of a multi-generational leopard family, Image Credit: Tim Sanders

But it’s not just the abundance of wildlife that continues to captivate Tim’s heart – it’s the people he meets along the way. From our attentive Travel Experts like Allison, who ensure every detail is taken care of, to the friendly staff at each lodge who make him feel like part of the family, Tim has been embraced by the warmth and hospitality that’s uniquely African.

“This was my fifth time with Rhino Africa, and it definitely will not be my last! Five stars all around!” – Tim Sanders

Two elephants in the river

Elephants frolicking in the river, Image Credit: Tim Sanders

Here’s to Your Next Chapter, Tim!

As the sun sets on Tim’s latest adventure, he eagerly awaits his next, yearning to once again set foot on the hallowed soil of our extraordinary continent. However, he knows that this parting is only temporary, for Africa’s irresistible charm beckons him back to create a collection of even more extraordinary memories.

We extend a heartfelt invitation for you to immerse yourself in the resplendence of Africa, allowing it to seize your imagination. Contact us to help you weave your very own story that will leave you forever captivated by the spirit of Africa.

Chobe National Park: A Safari Guide

Accommodation,Botswana,Safari,Travel Tips
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By Michelle Welvering on

Prepare for a safari that will stampede its way into your heart and leave echoes of trumpeting giants lingering in your soul. Welcome to Chobe National Park, where elephants reign supreme, and the powerful pulse of the great Chobe River breathes life into the land. Today, we unveil the ultimate safari guide to this remarkable destination.

Elephants drinking water

A visit to Chobe National Park promises elephant encounters like no other!

Best Time for a Safari in Chobe National Park

Would you like to know when to plan your trip to Chobe National Park? Well, we highly recommend that you catch all the wildlife action during the dry season, from May to October.

During this time, you’ll enjoy warmer days and cooler nights, with seasonal waterholes drying up and only permanent water sources remaining to quench the thirst of animals.

A bird’s eye view of the Chobe National Park

A bird’s-eye view of Chobe National Park

But hold on, bird lovers and crowd escapists, there’s something for you too! If you want to see a different side of Chobe in Botswana, you’ll love the green season between December and April. During this period, the summer rains transform the savannah into a luscious green paradise, making it the perfect time for birding and peaceful escapes.

Hippopotamus on the banks of the Chobe River

Hippopotamus on the banks of the Chobe River

Wildlife in Chobe National Park

Get ready for some serious pachyderm action, folks, because Chobe National Park is THE place to be for elephants – we’re talking about the largest concentration of African elephants on the entire continent! But that’s not all, oh no, Chobe is also the ultimate wildlife hotspot, with massive herds of roaming plains game and predators lurking around every corner.

Many elephants crossing the Chobe River

Chobe National Park is famed for its thriving population of elephants, Image Credit: Chobe Game Lodge

Exploring this flourishing ecosystem, you’re likely to encounter lions, spotted hyenas, or even an ever-elusive leopard or two. And, if that’s not enough to get your heart racing, you’ll be pleased to know that rare and endangered species like the African wild dog and puku (Kobus vardonii) are thriving in the lush grasslands along the Chobe riverfront.

Lions frolicking in a marsh while a game drive vehicle follows

Chobe National Park’s dynamic landscape is home to a variety of animals including many predators, Image Credit: Camp Savuti

Safari Activities in Chobe National Park

Whether you’re a safari newbie or a seasoned explorer, you won’t want to miss out on the incredible range of activities on offer in Chobe National Park. While the classic game drives hold their allure, we encourage you to embrace a myriad of experiences that provide a dazzling display of alternative perspectives.

Elephants crossing a river being observed by visitors on a cruise

River cruises ensure uninterrupted views of the wildlife

Nature beckons with enticing walks, bountiful fishing expeditions and riverside dining. Although, we must confess that nothing compares to the exhilaration of Chobe’s legendary river cruises and photo safaris. Here, you will intimately encounter elephants gracefully crossing the water, witness hippos luxuriating in their aquatic sanctuary, and observe throngs of animal and birdlife congregating at the water’s edge.

Boat photographic safari on Chobe River

Get the ultimate close-ups on a specialised photo safari, Image Credit: Pangolin Photo Safaris

Birding in Chobe National Park

Feast your eyes on some of Africa’s most charming and sought-after feathered friends in Chobe National Park. With over 400 species of birds recorded, it’s a bird lover’s paradise. Moreover, the Chobe River acts as a glistening oasis in the middle of the scorching sun, attracting a stunning variety of birds.

African Fish Eagle

African Fish Eagle in Chobe National Park, Image Credit: Derek Keats

Be sure to keep your peepers peeled for a captivating array of avian marvels, from giant kingfishers and African fish eagles to the sleek African skimmer and melodious collared palm. And let’s not forget the granddaddy of them all, the southern ground hornbill. Catch a glimpse of these winged wonders and let your heart take flight!

As the largest kingfisher in Africa, the giant kingfisher is a sight to behold, Image Credit: Chobe Game Lodge

Places to Stay in Chobe National Park 

Whether you yearn to be enveloped and embraced by the lush wilderness or desire to reside right amidst the magnificent Chobe River on a houseboat, a host of Chobe National Park accommodation choices await, tailored to satisfy every discerning taste. Without further ado, let us unveil a curated selection of our personal favourites…

Riverbank view of elephants from a houseboat

From tented camps to luxury lodges and upmarket houseboats, there are many accommodation options to choose from, Image Credit: Chobe Princess

Walk in the Footsteps of Giants

Now, armed with the knowledge of the perfect time to venture into this untamed domain, rally your adventurous companions, gear up for an expedition of a lifetime, and brace yourself for the electrifying encounters that await you in Chobe National Park.

Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of giants? Let’s start planning!

Featured Image: Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

Chobe National Park: Welcome to the Land of Gentle Giants

Botswana
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By Tania de Kock on

Chobe National Park’s elephants are celebrities in their own right. People flock from across the globe for breathless face-to-face encounters with these never-ending herds of the largest living land animal on earth.

So how many elephants are there really in this park nicknamed Land of the Gentle Giants and why did they choose to make it their home? We delve into the mystery of these pachyderms and their perplexing ways.

An elephant stands on the Botswana landscape
Look into the eyes of nature’s gentle giants at Chobe National Park.

Where is Chobe National Park?

The elephant capital of the world, Chobe National Park is located in northern Botswana near the Okavango Delta. It is spread across 11,700 square kilometres and centred around the park’s lifeline and namesake, the Chobe River.

Established in the late 1960s, Chobe is not only the country’s first national park and the third largest, but it’s also the most diverse.

chobe game lodge chobe botswana
Bird’s-eye-view of Chobe. Credit: Chobe Game Lodge

Why are there so many elephants in Chobe?

So, what makes Chobe so special that it lures one of our favourite animals in countless numbers? Let’s first address the elephant in the room. Adult elephants don’t have any real predators in the wild, except for us humans.

The Chobe River used to be part of their migration route, but wars waging on the borders of neighbouring countries resulted in mass poaching. This finally deterred the elephants from taking this route, seeking refuge in the safe haven that is the Chobe National Park.

Elephants running through the Chobe River.
Elephants running through the Chobe River.

Although there have been several poaching incidents in Botswana over the years, the military’s no-tolerance approach to poachers has largely preserved the elephant population.

Today there are approximately 120,000 elephants shuffling through the plains. It’s difficult to determine an exact number, however, as they’ve started to cross the Chobe River again during their seasonal migratory route. Using their trunks as ‘snorkels’, it’s quite a sight to behold!

Herd of elephant in Botswana
The elephant herds are a pretty big deal at Chobe.

A tremendous tusk  

Elephants Without Borders, based in the country’s gateway town of Kasane, is also to thank for this thriving population. A non-profit charity, they focus on conserving elephants and natural resources through education, tracking of elephant herds, and research methods.

They also aim to provide solutions to the ever-growing elephant population’s impact on the biodiversity and other species’ livelihood. They do this by using aerial surveys to monitor elephant herd sizes and their distribution. By combining this with digital land maps, they can predict changes and maintain overall balance.

An elephant herd going for a drink in Chobe National Park, Botswana.
An elephant family going for a sip in the Chobe River.

Mythical creatures

Often affectionately referred to as ‘ellies’, there are many stories about the elephant’s existence and why these enormous creatures seem to have the same emotions we as humans have.

These myths whispered around campfires often boil down to one thing: that the elephant used to be human. Although this might seem far-fetched, it can’t be denied that there’s more to them than meets the eye.

It’s said that elephants feel sadness, joy, compassion and distress. For example, whereas many other animals in the wild can be cut-throat when it comes to survival and leaving the young and weak behind to perish, elephants show distress when faced with similar dilemmas.

Living for about 50 to 70 years, they also seemingly grieve when one of their own passes away, carrying out rituals resembling our funerals at the carcasses.

“They say that somewhere in Africa the elephants have a secret grave where they go lie down, unburden their wrinkled gray bodies, and soar away, light spirits at the end.” – Robert McCammon 

An elephant in Chobe National Park
You’ve been spotted.

What other animals can I see at Chobe?

For the avid birders, get those binoculars ready as there are 450 species flitting throughout the park. It’s particularly spectacular during the wet summer months, which is also when migratory birds such as the colourful carmine bee-eater pay their annual visit.

Other birds to look out for are some of the world’s largest flying birds, the kori bustard (weighing up to 18kg!) and the secretary bird.

Largest flying bird in Africa, the Kori Bustard
Largest flying bird in Africa, the kori bustard

If you’re more interested in the larger land animals, you can look forward to seeing the Big 5, as well as almost as many buffalos as there are elephants. You can also see the zebra, giraffe, endangered African Wild Dog, civet, hyena, baboon and puku antelope, to name just a few. The Chobe River teems with crocodile and hippo, making a boat safari ever-so-exciting!

Lion watching a herd of buffalo
A lioness keeping her eye on a herd of buffalo

Chobe weather: when to go  

The best time to go is between May to September which is winter and spring, otherwise known as the dry season.  With less vegetation blocking your view, you can expect prime game viewing and clear skies.

From October to April in the summer and autumn or green season, you will get to see plenty of newborn animals. The accommodation rates are also generally lower during this time.

If you are more interested in birdwatching, plan your trip around December to March.

A bird soars across the Botswana sky
A bird soars across the Botswana sky

How to get to Chobe

Chobe’s location makes it a prime safari destination as it’s easy to hop on over to neighbouring countries. This is thanks to a small gateway town called Kasane, strategically situated as a ‘meeting point’ between the borders of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.

To reach Chobe, the best option is to take one of the daily flights from Johannesburg, Gaborone or Maun to Kasane. From there you can fly straight to the lodges as most of them have airstrips nearby.

If you want to make it a road trip, you will need a rental 4×4 to tackle the dirt road.

Where to stay in Chobe 

Chobe is divided into four areas, namely the Savuti Channel, Linyanti wetlands, Serondella, and Nogatsaa.

Some of these areas have little to no internet and mobile network coverage, offering the perfect ‘digital detox’ opportunity. Here are some of our favourite places to stay.

  • Ngoma Safari Lodge

This secluded lodge overlooks the Chobe River teeming with wildlife. The six suites and two triple suites each have their own private plunge pool.

Ngoma Safari Lodge view from deck in Chobe National Park, Botswana
View from the deck. Credit: Ngoma Safari Lodge

  • Chobe Game Lodge 

Set on the bank of the Chobe River, it’s one of the most established lodges in Botswana. In fact, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton tied the knot here back in 1975.

Chobe Game Lodge's suite pool in Botswana
Welcome to paradise. Credit: Chobe Game Lodge

  • Savute Safari Lodge

Found in the private Linyanti concession, the lodge overlooks the Savuti Channel and has seven spacious walk-in tents, as well as one raised family unit.

Elephants roaming in front of Savute Safari Lodge in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Elephants coming for a sip. Credit: Savute Safari Lodge

  • Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge

The 12 Luxury Tents on raised platforms promise spectacular views. Each tent is equipped with an ensuite bathroom, as well as a private deck complete with a hammock and easy chairs.

Belmond Savute in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Sit back and enjoy the view. Credit: Belmond Savute
Night view at Belmond Savuti in Chobe National Park, Botswana
A night to remember. Credit: Belmond Savute

  • andBeyond Chobe Under Canvas

Looking for something different? Then look no further than these mobile safari tents, complete with ensuite bathrooms.

Chobe Under Canvas Camp with view of elephants roaming in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Clink a drink as you watch the elephants shuffle pass you at Chobe Under Canvas. Credit: andBeyond
andBeyond Under Canvas camping site
Credit: andBeyond Under Canvas

  • Zambezi Queen

Why stay on land when you can float on the calm water of the Chobe River? The Zambezi Queen is a five-star luxury houseboat that offers equal parts adventure and comfort.

Luxury House Boat on the Chobe River in Botswana
Luxury on the Chobe River. Credit: Zambezi Queen

Safari Activities in Chobe

  • Game Drives

Morning and afternoon game drives will take you to see the gentle giants of Chobe up-close, as well as the many other animals calling Chobe home.

Safari game drives in Chobe. Credit: Belmond Savute

  • Boat safaris

A must if you are in Chobe! Get a new perspective of the wildlife on land and get up-close to the crocodiles and hippos lurking in the water.

Boat cruise on Chobe River in Botswana
Credit: Zambezi Queen | Torbjorn Selander

  • Photographic safaris

For the shutterbug guests, there are numerous photo opportunities awaiting you in Chobe! Embark on a photographic safari for all the best angles and advice.

Um kobus leche macho é fotografado no Parque Nacional Chobe, Botsuana
A red lechwe antelope captured on camera.

  • Guided bush walks

Most lodges in Chobe offer the opportunity to explore the area on foot.

Meerkats stand to attention in Chobe National Park
A mob of meerkat forage for food in Botswana’s Chobe Region

Extend your trip

You can easily combine your trip to Chobe with one to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. This impressive waterfall and UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site also known as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ is just a short drive away.

You can also extend your trip with visits to Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Map of Botswana country in Africa
Map of Botswana, Africa.

Let’s make it happen! 

Want to see these ‘ellies’ in real life? Contact our friendly travel experts to make this dream a reality!

“I have a memory like an elephant. I remember every elephant I’ve ever met.” – Herb Caen

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Featured Image Credit: Ifham Raji, APOTY

On a Bushwalk With Elephants in One of Africa’s Last True Wildernesses

Botswana,Destinations
9 comments
By Matthew Sterne on

The elephants are surrounding us. Every step we take, every new direction we choose, seems to take us further into their territory and closer to another elephant. It’s like we’re walking into a Wild West town and the elephants are trying to intimidate us. If it wasn’t for Tau, our experienced guide, it would all be a little frightening.

Taking photos while on a bush walk in Botswana

Tau calmly leads the way through the sparse bush with just a thin reed stick in his hand (the thinking is guns create a dangerous overconfidence) and occasionally stops to explain the flora and fauna around us. Half an hour after sunrise and the light is soft and the air cool. The wildlife seem to all be waking up together. Baboons shriek loudly in the marula trees like unruly children, barking warnings to their rivals. Little bee-eaters flit around us landing on nearby branches as if eavesdropping on Tau’s talk.

Safari guide – bush walk, Botswana

We’re in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, one of the remotest and wildest places in the world, on a small three-km-wide island called Buffalo Island. It’s only the third day of my two-week jaunt through Botswana. As we walk deeper into the wilderness more elephants appear around every corner, quietly chomping on grass and staring at us. They all seem to be moving closer, like nosy neighbours trying to get a better look.

Young elephant drinking water – views along a bush walk in Botswana

Lone elephants walking along the grass – Bush walk in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

“We have to steer clear of them because they are young bulls and can be quite aggressive,” Tau warns with a smile. “Other than elephants, we often see buffalo and lion here. It’s… ” Tau stops talking abruptly as if his sentence has run flat into a wall. His eyes light up at something behind us, he turns and walks on, urging us to follow him. I look back and see two elephants standing at an acacia behind us, recently arrived. The sun is rising just behind them, forming halos above their heads.

Tau leads our group of six to a large termite mound where we stop for a moment and look around carefully. This is not the kind of place to be complacent. If anything were to happen now it would be a long way back to civilisation. The closest lodge, the stunning Camp Okavango, is a 25-minute boat ride through the wetlands of the Delta and roads are non-existent. For a long time, it was completely inaccessible due to the tsetse fly and the sleeping sickness it carried. Even then, the wetlands made it near impassable. Today, the tsetse fly is gone but it‘s still one of Africa’s last true wildernesses, a remote Eden like no other.

Boat trip and reflection of the sky – Okavango Delta, Botswana

A fluke of nature

Botswana’s landscapes are notoriously inaccessible: the Kalahari Desert covers more than 70 percent of the country and the Okavango Delta – one of the world’s biggest wetlands – makes up another big portion of it. In fact, when Botswana gained independence in 1966 the country had just 12 km of tarred road – and it’s bigger than Spain! For those who have never been, it can be almost impossible to grasp just how vast and wild Botswana is.

Botswana’s landscape would have been unrecognisable from what it is today if not for one cataclysmic event: an earthquake 50,000 years ago. This shifted the land between Botswana and Namibia slightly, interrupting the flow of the Okavango River. For two million years, the Okavango River flowed through Botswana and drained into the massive Makgadikgadi Lake. The earthquake diverted the river’s course and sent it spilling out into the desert, forming the greatest natural oasis on earth: the Okavango Delta. This also cut off the water to the Makgadikgadi Lake thus drying it out over centuries to form the Makgadikgadi Pans today – Botswana’s other great wilderness.

“The Okavango Delta is a fluke of nature,” Paul Steyn, a National Geographic contributor writes, “an awkward geological twist of fate. The inundated area of the Okavango Delta fluctuates between 6,000 to 8,000 square kilometres every year, swelling to up to 15,000 during the flood. The swamps and floodplains have kept human development at bay, and the wildlife remains as wild as it was 10,000 years ago. More than 150,000 islands now dot the Delta, varying in size from several metres to larger than a big city.”

“Many of the islands in the Delta began as termite mounds,” Tau says, stabbing a mound with his thin walking stick when the sound of a nearby elephant interrupts him. The sound is alarmingly close. The loud crunching and breaking branches is coming from the other side of a large bush we are standing next to.

Tau pauses for a second and shoots his assistant guide, Stagga, a look urging him to find out about the noise, and continues on. “Birds would perch on the termite mounds and their droppings had seeds in them that would sprout trees. People like to complain about termites because they destroy houses and furniture but the Okavango Delta wouldn’t exist without them.”

Elephant grazing in Botswana

Snap snap snapStagga is back, clicking his fingers loudly and pointing away from us. The urgency and look in his eyes mean one thing. Move!

We scurry off with a nervous giggle and walk away from the noise, retreating towards some bushes. As we breathe a collective sigh of relief, an elephant emerges out of the bushes we’re headed for. Tau sees it and stops. Now it’s his chance to smile nervously. He diverts us yet again.

Baby elephant wandering among the herd – Okavango Delta, Botswana

The elephant capital of the world

Listen to the sound of Botswana’s wilderness

A good illustration of Botswana’s pristine nature and thriving wildlife is that it’s the world’s elephant capital. “Botswana has about a third of Africa’s elephant population,” Tau explains, “And the neighbouring Chobe National Park holds about a third of that.”

The Chobe National Park borders the Okavango Delta to the northeast and leads onto the Chobe River. “In the dry season, Chobe has about sixty to seventy thousand elephants on a 50 km stretch of river,” Tau says. “It’s remarkable, you can see thousands of elephants in one afternoon interacting around your boat, swimming across the river with their trunks acting as snorkels.

Young elephant hiding among the herd at Kings Pool, Botswana

“The reason for the large number of elephants is that Chobe acts as a sanctuary for them as Botswana is surrounded by countries where hunting and poaching have occurred in the past. Elephants are very smart and remember which places are safe. They’re almost like the refugees of the natural world because they’re not moving into areas they should be moving.” The Chobe riverfront was once only a part of a series of ancient elephant migration routes but civil war in Angola and the Namibian War of Independence saw elephants falling victim to poaching. Despite the unrest having eased, Botswana still acts as their haven.

Botswana’s staunch conservation policies have seen their wildlife thrive over the past century. It may have all started 50,00 years ago with a “fluke of nature”, but that shaking of the earth has been followed up by rock solid environmental policies ensuring that this unbelievable wilderness remains pristine and untouched for generations to come.

Beer eater sitting on a branch in the Okavango Delta Region of Botswana

We eventually find a safe route out of the encircling elephants and a respite from the primal pressure. Our heartbeats slow and we are soon breathing normally again. Tau continues his guided walk. We see signs of elephant and buffalo in the bush and watch two female kudus appear nearby and linger for a moment. We marvel at the tell-tale green of a Meyer’s parrot that flashes above us in a tree, and then it’s time for us to leave. We make our retreat, zig-zagging past the elephants, back to the boats, and onto the next adventure in the wild heart of Africa.

Disembarking from a river cruise along the Delta, Botswana

A Birthday on the Zambezi – Royal Chundu

Zambia
1 comment
By Matthew Sterne on

The last time I visited Royal Chundu, on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia, was in September last year. The area was dry and brittle. This time it was February 2013 and the landscape was wholly transformed. From October the rains arrive in Zambia and the area begins to transform, with the river at its highest in February.

We were there to celebrate my brother, Jacques’ birthday and stayed at both Royal Chundu’s luxury River Lodge and Island lodge. There’s no better place to toast to being another year older than in a pool overlooking the mighty Zambezi River. It definitely assuages the woes of growing old.

A happy birthday boy indeed!
A happy birthday boy indeed!

The Royal Chundu Luxury Zambezi Lodges are set on a stretch of private waterway of the Zambezi between Victoria Falls and the Chobe National Park. River Lodge has expansive, truly amazing views across the Zambezi to Zimbabwe but Island lodge is more exclusive with only four suites and a whole staff complement to yourself, to cater to your every need.

We headed out on a canoe trip in an inflatable boat, each with our own private guide to make sure we didn’t topple over or drift awry over the rapids.

The Zambezi River is magnificent, splitting around the islands of green life that pop up here and there. We canoed to Katambora Island and hopped off for a picnic lunch under the trees. A Persian rug was set up with cushions and hammocks in the trees, a full drinks bar, snacks and four people serving us spoilt gentlemen.

Canoeing down the Zambezi River

Canoeing down the Zambezi River

After our siesta on the river banks we continued down in our boats to River Lodge. It’s a really wonderful activity that I recommend to everyone staying at Royal Chundu and it’s a great way to experience the Zambezi and the wildlife in its waters – the hippos and crocs especially. Only in Africa. The hippos tend to stick to deeper channels while the canoe trip stays in the shallower waters, so you get a great view of them without getting munched!

I suggest doing as many of the activities around Victoria Falls as possible on your first day staying at Royal Chundu, so that you can just settle in for the rest of your holiday here – there’s so much to do at the lodge that you don’t need to go anywhere else.

Watch the hippos playing in the River
Hippo Love on the Zambezi
Look out for the monkeys
They may look cute but watch out for these mischievous monkeys

Activities

While staying at Royal Chundu, go on a sunset and sunrise cruise, fishing, canoeing, bird watching, a village tour and an island walk. There are several more that the lodge managers can help you organise, from helicopter rides to white water rafting. There’s also a luxurious spa to enjoy treatments at, but you can also enjoy treatments in the privacy of your own suite, on the deck overlooking the Zambezi River.

Panoramic view of the Zambezi

Royal Chundu was a magnificent place to spend some down time and quality time with my brother on his birthday. And like my brother, Royal Chundu only gets better with age.

It’s a Relais & Châteaux property, the only one in Zambia, and owner Tina Aponte, with her magnetic personality, and the keen managers really go the extra mile to make sure you have the most special of holidays.

Top 5 Highlights

1. Water, water everywhere – breathtaking views and great photography opportunities. And the canoeing!
2. The location! Royal Chundu is equidistant from both Chobe and the Victoria Falls so while being based at Chundu you can easily go on day trips to both of these great destinations.
3. The Zambian people are just beautiful, really friendly and gentle.
4. Royal Chundu tries to source all of their food locally. They buy their vegetables and fresh breem from the local villagers and fisherman. Find out more about their community and conservation projects on their website.
5. The big eggshell bath tub on the deck at Island Lodge is something else! I enjoyed a massive bubble bath, while listening to the birds and taking in the vistas in the late afternoon. The staff organised everything.

The suites really have that feeling of being away from it all
Colonial elegance meets African charm

Chobe

TIP: If you have time, I recommend taking a day trip from here to visit the Chobe National Park the park is not too far away. We did the trip and a had a whale of a time floating by boat down the Chobe River, indulging in foodie treats and beers, watching the elephants playing in the water nearby. Click here for great tour ideas.

  What to expect at Chobe – Elephants, elephants and more elephants!

 About Royal Chundu

The 10 riverfront suites feature double showers, an infinity pool, 15 kilometres of private river, a boma, library, business centre, satellite TV, WIFI & cellphone signal, and more. The island lodges consist of four private and exclusive villas with an open-air bath, glass-walled double showers, infinity pool, boma, two lounges, dining area, private dining decks, WIFI and cellphone signal.

For more information, contact one of our travel experts who know Royal Chundu well and can help you plan the best possible trip to this wonderful part of Africa.

Bathing on the Zambezi's banks

Go Glamping – Mobile Tented Safaris

Great Migration,Safari
3 comments
By Tamlin Wightman on

Ready for a truly wild adventure?

We know you are! The answer, dear Explorer, is mobile tented safaris…

Mobile Camps allow you to experience real Africa. Imagine camping in the bush among wild animals in their natural environment. Instead of staying at permanent lodges, the mobile tented safari allows you to move around to experience the best game viewing at different times of the year. Get up close and personal with the African wilderness!

The mobile tented safari is a great option if the Great Migration is what you’re after. Depending on the seasons, the wildlife on show changes – the Great Wildebeest and Zebra Migration is probably the best example, but there are many more. Africa has a whole selection of the finest mobile camps. Each offers supreme luxury in the heart of the bush – not the kind of camping most people imagine. It’s ‘glamping’ – camping in a glamorous way. Relax in your private tent, wine and dine on gourmet cuisine under the stars and fall asleep to the sounds of the African night.

Here’s how…

Enjoy the view at Singita Explore

What To Do On a Mobile Tented Safari

  • Follow the Great Migration across the Serengeti
  • Savour a walking safari in South Luangwa Park
  • Learn how to track wild animals in the wilderness
  • See plains game and predators in the heart of bush
  • Sleep under the stars in a luxury tented camp

Here is a list of our favourite mobile tented safaris in Africa.

Explore Gorongosa

Location: Explore Gorongosa is an exclusive camp in the Gorongosa National Park, near Beira in central Mozambique. It can be reached by charter flight from Vilanculos or Beira, or by road from Beira.

About: It is the only operator offering private safaris in the untouched wilderness that is Gorongosa. It is essentially a series of migratory camps offering guests either walking or river-based safaris. During Dry Season (1 May – 15 Dec), guests will walk through the bush with an expert guide before setting up camp. In the Wet Season (15 Feb – 30 April), drift down rivers and waterways on canoes, taking in exceptional game and bird viewing. Enjoy game drives in an open Land Cruiser, with significant populations of plains game, predators (especially lion), elephant, hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. This is Africa at its most untouched.

Explore Gorongosa

Accommodation: 4 canvas tents cater for a max of 8 guests. Each tent is the epitome of luxury with twin singles or a double bed, mosquito nets, a clothes rack, suitcase stand, vanity table and stool and side tables – not exactly hard camping. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with open-air hot bucket shower and toilet and there is a private verandah for you to kick back on during the day.

Chobe Under Canvas

Location: The camp is situated on the banks of the Chobe River in the world-famous Chobe National Park in Botswana.

About: Chobe Under Canvas is a migratory camp that occupies different positions on the Chobe River, a haven for wildlife in the Chobe National Park. This camp moves every five or six days, following the animals and bringing you the best game viewing possible! The tents are usually set in an evergreen forest, providing shade and solitude, while wild beasts wander around at will. At the end of a day filled with game drives and bush walks, wine and dine under the stars and enjoy a drink around a roaring log fire.

Chobe under Canvas

Accommodation: There are six en-suite safari tents catering for a max of 12 guests. This may be the bush but the tents are luxurious with king-size beds, down duvets, fresh linen, bedside lamps and all the creature comforts you would expect at a five-star lodge! There are en-suite bathrooms and al fresco hot bucket showers – so you need not worry about the bush toilets. And if you need anything at all, a private butler will be at hand 24 hours a day.

Chobe under Canvas

Serengeti Migration Camp

Location: Serengeti Migration Camp is in the far north of the Serengeti National Park in the far north of Tanzania, bordering on Kenya‘s Masai Mara.

About: Tucked away in the vast plains, the Serengeti Migration Camp is in a veritable pit-stop for the millions of wildebeest and zebra that traipse past in June/July and October/November and is the starting point of the Great Migration. To witness one of the greatest natural spectacles on earth is a privilege. To witness that spectacle in luxury and isolation makes the privileged look positively serf-like. The lodge is in a river valley overlooking the ‘siringet’. Game-viewing is high on the agenda here and the region is rife with lion and leopard and East Africa‘s plains game.

Enjoy sitting around the campfire with sundowners at Serengeti Migration Camp

Accommodation: There are 20 large, elevated canvas pavilions, with hard-wood floors, rain showers and luxurious furnishings. This is a perfect example of old world style, mixed with contemporary luxury. Each room has its own private deck with a 360º view of the Serengeti. Facilities include a split level lounge, cigar bar, a sun deck and swimming pool all perched among the rocky outcrops overlooking the vast and rugged landscapes.

The tented bedrooms of the Serengeti Migration Camp

Experience the wildebeest migration

Singita Explore

Location: Singita Explore is situated inside a massive private game reserve with an unfenced border along the northern boundary of the famous Serengeti National Park. The private reserve offers exclusive game viewing and the Grumeti River is the scene of amazing Great Migration action as thousands of wildebeest and zebra pour across the croc-infested water to face lions on the other side.

Singita Explore

About: Considered Africa’s most exclusive mobile-tented safari experience, it is situated in over 340,000 acres of private use concession in the Serengeti National Park. From here explore remote locations in the Singita Grumeti Reserves. This back-to-basics camp ensures you get up close and personal with the wildlife and untouched landscapes. Visit it alone or include it in an itinerary that visits the other camps in the Singita Grumeti Reserves – such as Sasakwa, Faru Faru and Sabora Tented Camp.

Meal times are interactive with chefs frying eggs right in front of you. Food is prepared in true camp style – over coals. Expect potjies, barbecues, pot breads and full cooked breakfasts; high teas, banana walnut loaves, warm apple crumble with vanilla custard; full dinner feasts of pork chops, lamb mishkaki, potato bake, butternut chakalaka and salad. You’ll get your own private game vehicle and guide and a tailor-made itinerary of activities at the camp, such as mountain biking, archery and walking.

Singita Explore

Accommodation: This mobile camp is designed to keep environmental impact at a minimum, treading lightly on the land and sold on an exclusive use basis only, year round. A maximum of 12 guests can stay at the camp at one time, ensuring the utmost in personal attention and privacy.  It comprises six tents and two mess tents and is placed in remote parts of the reserve and is hosted by a private guide, camp host, chef and camp staff.

Savute Under Canvas

Location: Savute Under Canvas is situated in the wild Savute Reserve, an untouched corner of the teeming Chobe National Park of Botswana.

About: Savute Under Canvas comprises a series of camps that move every 5 or 6 days, ensuring a unique setting and wildlife experience every week. The camps are usually set up beside waterholes, providing great armchair game viewing as animals meet to quench their thirst. There is a main area and open-air boma so you can wine and dine under the stars and gather round a roaring fire in the evening.

&Beyond Savute Under Canvas

Accommodation: There are 6 en-suite safari tents, but this ain’t roll mats and hard pillows. Think king-size beds, down duvets, clean linen and all the creature comforts you could imagine! Each tent has an en-suite bathroom and water will be boiled for your early morning bucket shower. Relax on your shaded verandah and appreciate the sights and sounds of the African bush. If you need anything else, a private butler will be available at any time of day or night.

&Beyond Savute Under Canvas

Other great mobile tented safari camps include:

At Rhino Africa we tailor-make all our tours to meet your needs. So whether you’d like to combine Cape Town with a walking safari in South Luangwa or to follow the Great Migration at Singita Explore, we’ll put together the holiday of your dreams. Contact us now to start planning your mobile tented safari experience!

Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Chobe – Part II

Botswana,Namibia,Safari,South Africa,Zambia,Zimbabwe
0 comments
By Matthew Sterne on

Sam continues her fantastic holiday…

After Imbabala our trio became a sextet and Karen, after leaving the lodge in her staff’s capable hands during a quiet few days, along with her friend Jane and Lucy joined us for our next adventure.

Hwange was our next port of call, but we had a 2.5hour road transfer to get through first, yet it allowed us to get to know each other better and the time just flew, especially as our driver (booked through our fabulous transfer and activity representative in the area Wild Horizons) kept us informed at all points of interest and alerted us to expected driving times as the journey progressed, so the trip was very pleasant. In no time we had made our arrival and began what was to be the next 3 nights at Hwange Safari Lodge.

Hwange Safari Lodge must have been a shining star in its time. Its entrance, which when at its prime, must have been an architectural feat, is imposing and grand, but sadly the lodge has lost its lustre and is seemingly barely ticking on. It was actually heartbreaking to see the hotel looking past its best as the staff are all so keen to work, serve and to be needed and it is glaringly evident that when the hotel was at its busiest the staff were impeccably trained. Even though they needed not to be enforced due to the lack of guests, systems are still in place, which in a busy hotel would have been crucial to sustaining smooth service. This to me shows pride and respect by the staff even though many others in a similar position would have packed up and left.

The lodge needs work, a lot of it and there is little luxury here, but we had a BLAST!|

Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Chobe - Part II

 

Hwange is famed for its “Presidential Herd of Elephants” which are protected under Mugabe’s rule and are habituated towards humans, but are essentially still wild. I had never been as close to a wild Elephant before as we were at Hwange. At one stage Billy who was next to me in the game viewing vehicle, almost landed in my lap when a Matriarch elephant decided to investigate the new visitors to her domain… so funny yet also something I will never forget and probably never experience again in my life.

I need to mention though that the lodge did have the most wonderful pool area, set above the watering hole which is frequented daily by Ellies, young and old, herds of buffalo and troupes of Monkeys and Baboons, where we spent a full day relaxing, reading, laughing, enjoying “Duo Salads” and impressive quantities of Gin and Tonic.. What more does one really require at the end of the day…?

We also saw Leopard, Sable Antelope, Cheetah, hundreds of Buffalo and too many Ellies to mention as well as a melange of general plains game, so even though the accommodations let us down somewhat the game viewing (which is why were we essentially there in the first place) was actually very good.

We also visited the Painted Dog Project, which is the only conservation study of its kind in the world devoted to the preservation of Wild Dog. What a wonderful facility and what makes it even more admirable is that they have created a learning centre to educate the local school children, so that they can learn at an early age all about conservation and environmentalism and hopefully make the right choices when they are adults.

Our 3 nights whisked by and we were headed to Victoria Falls for just one night. No surprises to hear we stayed at the grande olde lady Vic Falls Hotel (of which all 6 of us had all previously had the pleasure of visiting before) so this was more a return to what we already knew we all loved. It is a landmark in itself and is in my mind the best hotel at the Falls. The superb staff… (yes, it had been this way the whole trip already but it is true and you can feel the passion exude from most attendees of Zimbabwean origin), the manicured lawns, views of the Bridge over the Zambezi and the wonderful food served us well and we were so sad that we only had the one night.

Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Chobe - Part II

After settling in to the room Billy and I were very excited to be heading off to view a new property that had just opened up in the area and we made time to go give it a squizz….. No rest for the wicked is too true!

Elephant Camp is a safari lodge inspired luxury (yes real luxury) tented camp located half way between the Victoria Falls Airport and the Vic Falls themselves and it is situated on a stretch of land offering uninterrupted bushveld scenes and views of a number of Zambezi gorges. Oftentimes (we are told) the Elephants are viewed from the decking drinking at the watering hole down below.

WOW, we were blown away! Light beige tented units stood before us which each offered all the mod cons one expects from a luxury establishment. Indoor and Outdoor Shower, bath, loo with a view, air-conditioning, minibar and even your own plunge pool… yes it sounds amazing and it is. I am so happy we found the time and even though they had no guests in-house on that day all the staff was impeccably turned out and ready for business. Happy to hear we were tour operators and were mentioning how keen they were to invite our guests, so we left knowing that any clients we sent here would be happy.

The camp is located on the same property as the Elephant Interaction centre, which offers the Elephant Back Riding etc, so we quickly went via the centre to see a group of guests getting their welcome drink and lecture before embarking on their Elephant Back Ride. How surprised was I to see that I could get a chance to actually touch these previously orphaned Elephants…  Nothing in this world is comparable to the feel of an Elephants skin, with its wrinkled texture and occasional coarse black hairs sprouting out sporadically… Phenomenal!

But we made our way back to the Vic Falls Hotel in time for dinner and we dined in at their “Jungle Junction” restaurant, which is a buffet style meal served in their open-air restaurant. We were treated to a show, consisting of dancers, musicians and the most beautiful costumes all donned by willing participants and performed to show life relating to the differing local cultures. It was a great accompaniment to a delicious meal and is highly recommended.

Billy and the rest of the team opted to go “Gorge-Swinging” on the morning of our departure, but I felt the room was too good to leave any earlier than was logistically required and I treated myself to a leisurely lie in. My decision was aided by the fact that during my previous visit to the hotel I did the White water rafting, which is as extreme as I was going to get, but I did it and I felt no need to push it on this trip to suspend myself on a rope hundreds of metres above the ground… and then jump…. no thanks!

Sadly we parted with the 3 ladies and the original party of me, Billy and Hans, headed off to what was probably the highlight of the trip for our final 2 nights.

How does this sound?  2 nights aboard a 5 star-luxury houseboat which is moored on the Chobe River, with on board fine dining, game drives, sunset cruises, suites with private decks and a plunge pool filled on request…. Sounds good? It was BETTER!!!!

Zambezi Queen

It was 2 nights aboard the Zambezi Queen – our final two nights. It takes a little patience to actually get on to the boat as we had to exit Zimbabwe, enter Botswana, exit Botswana and enter Namibia… all taking a couple of minutes each at the respective immigration offices, as the boat, although based on the Chobe River, is officially a joint Namibian and Botswana property (the River forms the boundary again) so many stamps and even a special red carpet on the Kasane jetty later we were on a tender boat (purpose built for the Zambezi Queen) and we were offered a cold beer within 10 seconds of taking our seats… they seemingly read all three of our minds as we had developed quite a thirst after the logistical intricacies and if this was a sign of things to come, they were onto the perfect start.

Zambezi Queen

Jetting off towards the boat, we were all eager to get our first glimpse of the floating “house”. You can imagine our responses when we had seen a massive heard or Elephant and Buffalo as well as hippo out of the water on an island in the middle of the river and were so busy taking photographs, we almost missed that the ZQ was just out of shot and was actually moored at a spot which was surrounded by these animals. A professional or photo-shopped brochure could not better have advertised the boat at this point!

Zambezi Queen

I acknowledge that I am getting a little long winded, but within 20 minutes of being on board and having met each and every staff member on arrival, they were all calling us by our names when offering snacks, drinks, activities etc or when enquiring how we were doing. This was so unique to the rest of the trip and it made such a lasting impression. The boat is stunning. Fresh and natural decor with a very neutral palette (since everyone just keeps their eyes on what is happening outside to be true) and wonderfully appointed suites. Each suite has its own deck area, with sliding doors and mesh screens, which meant we did not have to close the doors to the outside the entire trip without fear of being bitten by an enterprising mosquito.

Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Chobe - Part II

Our sunset cruises were very special, the game drive into the park was wonderful (some logistics again to get to the park, but all worth the effort), but what stood out was the food. Felix the chef is an accomplished chef and is food was amazing. Each meal is paired with a different house wine and he never failed to provide something special at each meal and makes the fluffiest and lightest pastries I have ever had in my life.

Overall the boat was a wonderful experience that I hope to share with future clients who are ready to spoil themselves for a couple of nights when travelling to the area.

Our day of departure was sad in that the 11 nights had literally flown by and we were headed home, but when a boost is needed we are lucky to have the memories made, laughs shared and photos taken that will easily whisk us back to this fabulous trip… that is until we get a chance to go back! Who’s game???!!!!

Zambezi Queen

Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Chobe – Part I

Botswana,South Africa,Traveller's tales,Zambia,Zimbabwe
0 comments
By Matthew Sterne on

What a trip! Good friends, great memories, innumerable laughs and unforgettable moments!

Last month my colleague Billy and I got to enjoy an 11 night trip of our own. We were to experience 2 nights in Johannesburg, 7 nights in Zimbabwe and 2 nights on the Chobe River.

Not expecting too much from our first 2 nights in JHB, the experience was memorable for so many reasons. Having only travelled through JHB Airport en route to other destinations both locally and abroad, I had expected the “large mall type lifestyle” and busy 4 lane highways, but boy was I pleasantly surprised. I found very friendly people, quaint local culture at sidewalk bistro’s and cafe’s and beautiful tree-lined residential suburbs within the sprawling metropolis.

We began the trip by entering JHB on the newly launched “Gautrain” which is JHB’s answer to London’s underground or New York’s subway. What a pleasure. It was speedy (12 minutes to Sandton), clean and so easy to use with staff around to assist with the purchase of tickets and at the stations to answer any questions. We were collected at the station by our friendly driver who escorted us to the wonderful hotel awaiting our arrival.

Born in Africa

The Marion on Nicol is a boutique hotel which has been recently opened (to a full house during the FIFA World Cup) and we realised that the pictures we had seen and its website did not do it justice. This was even better than we had expected… and trust me, we had very high expectations to begin with……

No expense has been spared, the decor is beautifully plush and inviting, the staff friendly and professional and the rooms so very well appointed.

Imagine my delight at finding ultra-luxe “Bulgari” amenities in the bathroom…… Word has it that diamonds are supposed to be a girl’s best friend….. I disagree!

Larry, the ever-present and so charming GM showed us around the property with pride. We were enthralled. STUNNING! The location is ideal too being just a 10 minute drive (complimentary in their in-house luxury shuttle of course) to Sandton Centre, so you are close to everything but not in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Sandton life. The property is expanding its gardens into the surrounding properties, recently bought by the owners, to extend and offer a “wetland” vista to be enjoyed from your room’s balcony.

That evening we, reluctantly, abandoned our decadent accommodation and headed out into the great unknown that is JHB and experienced all that was on offer… with gusto!

Our first morning in JHB, albeit a little heavy headed after enjoying the JHB nightlife, was spent on a tour of the “Apartheid Museum” and Soweto arranged by our preferred tours and transfer company in JHB, namely RNS. The charming Solly looked after us with aplomb and was incredibly knowledgeable. What a truly fulfilling experience. Billy and I were moved to tears…. all I can say here is that I feel it is vital for everyone staying in JHB to visit our largest township and especially the “Apartheid Museum” during their trip. Here you will find the story of South Africa… who we were, who we are and who we aim to become……

The second night in JHB was to be spent at the stately Westcliff. We arrived, checked in and were ferried off to our suites in a golf cart which winds its way up the curved path towards the top of the hill which houses the entire property that is Westclif. The higher we went the more it felt as if we had somehow been transported to France and were approaching our very own chateau! The views from the rooms are amazing, you can see JHB Zoo in the foreground and Sandton in the distance. The property sincerely is a haven of tranquillity.

Lunch became quite an affair at the Polo lounge where we languished at a table next to the huge infinity pool and relaxed with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc whilst watching the sunset over JHB before returning to our suites that one could cartwheel in and with baths that one could swim laps in. That night was to be a quiet night as the following day involved an early start and some travelling and we are responsible adults after all…..

After what turned out to be very little sleep, we met up with Hans who was to join us for the remainder of the trip. We were now the “3 Muskateers” incarnate. Admittedly there was a little rushing around to make flights and transfers, we landed at the Livingstone Airport (flights into Zimbabwe were full at time of booking) and were collected for our road transfer into Zim. We were headed to a lodge called “Imbabala”. Billy has always had a soft spot for the property since a treasured friend, Karen, now manages the lodge and both he and Hans had visited before… so I was the newby…..!

Imbabala is a safari lodge, located on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe just this side of the Botswana Gazungula border crossing, offering game drives, boat cruises and fishing. Its location is breathtaking as you walk into the main lodge area and all you see is Zambia in the distance across the Zambezi River which forms a natural border between the two countries, you can smell the fresh bread cooking in the kitchen and you can hear the unmistakable call of the African Fish Eagle. This is a comfortable lodge with no airs and graces or bells and whistles but offers all you need to enjoy a truly African safari. What makes this lodge special though is equal doses of wonderful home-style cooking and the most incredible staff and service. Nothing is too much trouble… “Ask and ye shall receive” is surely the mantra that is instilled in all staff and it is very noticeable.

Born in Africa

We spent 3 nights here. Bliss!! Our time was spent on game drives, cruising up the Zambezi River and making good use of the pool loungers “rejuvenating” around the pool with a good book, the warm sun on our faces and a cool gin and tonic in hand. Sitting back and letting others do all the work can be so tiring! Nights were spent around the fireside, sharing stories and laughs with the other in-house guests. On one of the 3 evenings, our after dinner tales were rudely interrupted by a cacophony of loud roaring, squealing, trumpeting and galloping, as a herd of Elephant, a Lion, some Hyena and Buffalo decided to have the most unruly spat just 100m (tracks spotted the following morning verified) down from where we had just minutes before been sitting. No words can aptly describe the intensity and the feeling of adrenalin coursing through our bodies that evening……. Only in the African bush!

Follow Sam’s exciting adventure tomorrow, when we’ll post Part II…

Photos and text by Sam Myburgh

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