In a land where each sunrise heralds new adventures, and every sunset whispers a world of possibilities, Brian and Maggie set out on a journey through four African countries. This expedition, expertly curated by their Rhino Africa travel consultant, Janine Gous, was a series of carefully selected experiences, each one building on the last, culminating in an unforgettable climax.
1. South Africa – Soweto Strolls and Time Travel
Their African saga began in Johannesburg, South Africa, where culture and history collided on a tour through the streets of Soweto Township and within the walls of the Apartheid Museum.
The intrigue of the past paved the way for the wonders ahead – provoking the question: “What other secrets did Africa have in store?” With every need seamlessly catered for, their anticipation for the unexpected grew.
2. Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls Batonka Bliss
As dawn broke, Brian and Maggie jetted off to Zimbabwe to get but a taste of the wild and wonderful world of natural splendours of Africa. Here, they would stay at Batonka Guest Lodge, a tranquil haven away from the bustle of town but just a stone’s throw away from the main attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mighty Victoria Falls.
The couple’s eyes sparkled with excitement as they soared above the breathtaking expanse of Victoria Falls. Their helicopter ride offered a remarkable perspective, unveiling the falls’ grandeur from the skies. But this thrilling aerial view was just the beginning…
“We started our stay in Vic Falls with a quick heli flight over the falls. What an incredible sight, a must for any trip to the falls.” – Brian.
A Feast for the Eyes
The following morning, they embarked on a journey by foot, venturing into the heart of a lush rainforest. Here, they drew closer to the falls, feeling its mist gently kiss their faces. The path wound through vibrant greenery, each step bringing them nearer to the thundering cascade.
Lunchtime found them at the bustling Lookout Café, an eatery perched to overlook panoramic views. As they indulged in a sumptuous meal, their gaze was drawn to the brave souls leaping into the gorge, their figures silhouetted against the vast chasm as they took on bungee and canyon swings.
Gin, Tonics, and Twilight
Their day of wonders was far from over. As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, they boarded a small, intimate boat for a sunset cruise. This vessel, reminiscent of the original river boats, offered a cosy and personal experience.
“Our sunset cruise on a smaller boat allowed us to get in closer to the hippos instead of the larger tour boats – a great way to see the Zambezi River!” – Maggie.
While Brian and Maggie sipped on refreshing gin and tonics, their guide navigated the waters of the Zambezi River, drawing closer to the basking hippos than the larger tour boats could ever venture. This cruise along the river’s gentle currents was a serene counterpoint to the day’s earlier exhilarations. Could anything surpass the grandeur of Victoria Falls?
3. Namibia – A Wild Welcome
The next chapter of their journey unfolded in Namibia’s Chobe Savanna Lodge. Departing Zimbabwe, their path wound through Botswana by road and river, leading them to an unexpected waterborne safari. The Chobe River was a corridor of wildlife where they marvelled at impalas, monkeys, hippos, and crocodiles.
“During our transfer from Botswana into Namibia, we were looked after all the way through the border crossings by our guides.” – Brian.
But the most magical moment was the welcoming committee of elephants before even reaching the lodge, a dream come true for Maggie. Their adventure had already been brimming with enchanting experiences, leaving them to wonder what marvels the lodge itself would hold.
Parade of Pachyderms and More
Settled on the northern banks of the Chobe River, deep in the Caprivi Strip, Chobe Savanna Lodge peered out over the floodplains of the Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats. Here, at sunrise and sunset, a bevy of beasts comes to drink just a short boat ride from the lodge.
The river offered Brian and Maggie an exceptional safari opportunity, allowing them to indulge in their fascination with elephants from a uniquely intimate vantage point. Their experience was enriched by sightings of herds of giraffes, zebras, and, as ever, the omnipresent pods of hippos and crocodile floats.
“We wanted to see the elephants, and using the river for the safari allowed us to get closer than we had ever hoped for.” – Maggie.
4. Botswana – Delta Dreams
Their journey took a thrilling turn as Brian and Maggie boarded the light aircraft destined for Camp Xakanaxa’s private airstrip, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their wilderness adventure. The allure of the Okavango Delta – a labyrinth of lagoons, channels, and islands – could not be resisted.
Nestled on the edge of the Xakanaxa Lagoon and the Khwai River, within the embrace of Moremi Game Reserve, Camp Xakanaxa (pronounced “ka-kan-a-ka”), stood as a gateway to a world where land and water met, offering a unique safari experience combining aquatic journeys and land explorations.
“We thought our thatched chalets in Chobe were good (and they were!), but the canvas tents at Xakanaxa were next level.” – Maggie.
A Boat, Birdsong, and Hippo’s Greeting
Their first evening unfolded gracefully with a sunset boat ride along the serene delta waterways. As the sun dipped below the horizon, they were enchanted by the mirror-like reflections on the water and the symphony of birdlife.
An unexpected introduction with Oscar, the camp’s resident hippo, added a touch of whimsy to their stroll back to the tent, escorted safely by their guide through the twilight.
Roars at Dawn
The next morning, their game drive was a heart-racing encounter with the rawness of nature. A mere five metres away, a pride of lions feasted on a giraffe, their roars vibrating through the air, calling to their kin.
This remarkable sight, coupled with the imposing presence of a 200-strong herd of Cape buffalo, captivated Brian and Maggie. The lions, satiated and uninterested in a buffalo breakfast, offered a rare moment of peaceful coexistence in the wild.
A Thrilling Turn
Their return to camp was interrupted by an exciting detour. Harry, their seasoned guide, had received word of a leopard sighting nearby. As they navigated the gravel roads, an elephant, guardian of its berry tree, mock-charged their vehicle in a display of wild defiance. It was a heart-pounding reminder of their place in this untamed world.
The Lion’s Goodbye
Their departure was as dramatic as their stay. En route to the airstrip, three young male lions asserted their dominance, reminding them that in the African wilderness, animals reign supreme. With two lions passing within metres of their vehicle, Brian and Maggie’s safari in Botswana concluded with an everlasting memory.
Cape Town – From Peak to Port
Their journey came full circle with a return flight to South Africa, ready to explore the colourful metropolis of Cape Town. Villa Zest Boutique Hotel would be their stylish home for the following three days.
From the awe-inspiring Table Mountain and bustling V&A Waterfront to the serene Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens were among the daily discoveries. But how would this urban exploration compare to the final leg of their journey?
“Lunch and a walk around V&A waterfront is a must, and the African Trading Port with wooden sculptures shouldn’t be missed!” – Brian.
The Greater Kruger – Land of the Big 5
In the vast expanses of the Kruger National Park, the captivating Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge stood as the high point of their African expedition. The densely vegetated Sabi Sand Game Reserve was markedly different from their previous experiences.
“It just kept getting better, Chitwa Chitwa was the next level, absolutely fantastic!” – Brian.
Their first safari drive in this new setting was a spectacle of wildlife, with the sighting of rhinos and leopards completing their Big 5 checklist. The reserve buzzed with diverse wildlife like elephants, lions, kudus, zebras, the ubiquitous impalas, and hyenas, including a playful baby hyena.
Leopard Spotting
The thick brush of this terrain presented a challenging task for tracking, but the expertise of their guide, Daniel, and tracker, Beth, shone through, revealing the hidden wonders of this wild land. This area, particularly favourable for leopards, offered them repeated sightings of these majestic big cats.
“This was the place for leopards – again and again, we saw them on multiple drives.” – Maggie.
Moonlit Mischief
As the evening unfolded, the walks back to their lodging transformed into thrilling encounters, not with hippos as before, but with prowling hyenas active around the lodge. The wild was at their doorstep, yet the reassuring presence of their guides ensured safe passage in the dark.
Clash of the Canids
Their guide, Daniel, inquiring about their specific interests, heard their eagerness to see African wild dogs, known for their scarcity. Setting expectations, he mentioned their rare sightings. However, the next morning, in a stroke of luck amidst the early mist, they encountered a pack of wild dogs, an experience that left them astounded.
Their tracker, Beth, with his deep knowledge of the land, led a thrilling chase through the bush. The journey was no longer a gentle drive but an exhilarating pursuit, culminating in a dramatic scene.
A pack of hyenas, cunning and opportunistic, had trailed the wild dogs, hoping to usurp their kill. Suddenly, they found themselves amidst a fierce clash between the wild dogs and hyenas. The wild dogs, with their remarkable agility and speed, soon sent the hyenas fleeing.
Precision Meets Passion
Reflecting on their journey, the meticulous planning of their Travel Expert, Janine, became evident. Each destination had elegantly built upon the last, leading to a series of climactic experiences. Their African journey, packed with suspense, beauty, and unexpected delights, was a narrative they would cherish for years.
“When we look back at our adventure, it seems that Janine chose accommodation and experiences in a very specific way… and built up to the best for last! It was the perfect order. We were so impressed with everything.” – Brian.
“The excitement and joy that we both felt throughout this whole trip is undeniable! We can’t thank you enough for this once-in-a-lifetime dream come true! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!” – Maggie.
Your Invitation to Adventure
Are you excited to delve into the wonders of Africa, to embark on a journey filled with discovery and awe?
Allow us at Rhino Africa, alongside our Travel Experts like Janine, to craft your own journey into the thrilling unknown, where every turn is a captivating new chapter in your African adventure.
Featured Image: Brian Jones
