African River Cruise & Thundering Victoria Falls
Giltedge Africa specialises in tailor-made holidays and safaris to Southern Africa, East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. As the 6-time winner of “South Africa’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator” we pride ourselves on our exceptional levels of service and expert travel advice.
To start planning your African safari call Giltedge Africa toll free on 0800 680 0423 or drop us an email at [email protected].
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Accommodation
2 Nights Xakanaxa Camp, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta
3 Nights Zambezi Queen, Chobe River
2 Nights Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
FULL ITINERARY
Xakanaxa camp
Days 1 – 2:
Game drives & motor boat safaris in the Okavango Delta
On arrival at Maun Airport in Botswana, you’ll be met by a representative who’ll assist you to your light aircraft for your flight to Xakanaxa Camp.
Xakanaxa Camp
Camp Xakanaxa is a luxury tented camp set on the bank of the Khwai River in Moremi Game Reserve. Protecting a third of the Okavango Delta, Moremi is rated one of Africa’s most beautiful reserves and its forests, floodplains and rivers are home to a rich abundance of wildlife and birds.
After a light continental breakfast, set out on a guided game drive in an open 4×4. Along with elephant, buffalo, giraffe and wildebeest, keep an eye out for lion camouflaged in the long grass or a leopard stretched in the shade of a tree branch. Another exciting activity is the motor boat safaris through the Okavango’s reed-lined waterways.
As for the tents, they’re extremely comfortable and each has wooden floors, an en-suite bathroom and a private deck where you can sip a chilled drink gazing out at the delta floodplains. Tents are furnished with a king-size (or twin) bed yet the canvas walls still give that feeling of being connected to the wild so as you drift off to sleep you may hear the sound of shorting hippo or the distant bark of hyena.
Typical Day:
- 05h30/06h30 – Wake up call. Light continental breakfast
- 06h30/07h30 – Depart on morning activity (game drive or boat safari)
- 10h30/11h00 – Brunch is served back at camp
- 11h30 … – Time at leisure
- 15h00/15h30 – Afternoon tea: a selection of sweet and savoury eats
- 15h30/16h00 – Depart on afternoon game viewing activity – drinks and snacks are served for sundowners during the course of the activity
- Sunset – Return to camp
- 19h00/19h30 – Pre-dinner drinks served at the bar
- 19h30/20h00 – Three-course dinner
- 21h30/21h00 – Coffee and liqueurs served at the campfire
Days 3 – 5:
3-night luxury cruise on the Chobe River
This morning after breakfast and your morning game activity, you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft transfer to Kasane Airport. On arrival at Kasane you’ll be driven to the Zambezi Queen (this includes border formalities as you cross into Namibia).
Zambezi Queen:
Cruise the Chobe River in style aboard the Zambezi Queen. This 42-metre long vessel feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a houseboat, giving you the thrill of an adventurous river safari while still being surrounded by 5-star comfort.
During Botswana’s dry season the mighty Chobe River attracts Africa’s largest herds of elephant with huge numbers seen crowding at the water’s edge. Set out on river safaris in small, manoeuvrable boats which drift up close to these long-tusked elephants as well as buffalo, giraffe, antelope and crocodiles basking on sunny riverbanks. You may even see elephant swimming across the river, their trunks held high like snorkels!
Another popular activity is fishing for toothy tiger fish – one of the greatest fighting fish in the world. Your fishing guide has all the tackle and bait you’ll need, along with a well-stocked cooler box to keep you cool in the warm African sunshine. In the late afternoon, return to the great hospitality and luxurious environment aboard the Zambezi Queen.
Typical day:
- 06h00 – Coffee & Tea available in the dining / lounge area on the upper deck
- 07h30 – Breakfast, followed by your choice of a boat safari, fishing or a local village tour
- Return for lunch on board Zambezi Queen
- Rest and relaxation – enjoy the pool deck or comfortable loung
- In the afternoon you have the option of a river safari or fishing
- 19h30 – Traditional African dinner on board including African singing and dancing
Days 6 – 7
Victoria Falls
After breakfast aboard the Zambezi Queen you’ll be driven to the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls (be prepared for a border crossing or three).
Victoria Falls Hotel:
‘The Grand Old Lady of the Falls’, this Edwardian-era hotel is famous for its excellent service and old world charm. Victoria Falls Hotel belongs to the prestigious “Leading Hotels of The World” group, and lies around a 10-minute walk (along a private footpath) from the Zimbabwe entrance to the falls.
Victoria Falls is the greatest sheet of falling water on the planet. Around two thirds of the falls lie in Zimbabwe (the rest in Zambia). Neatly laid out paths lead through mist-soaked rainforest and open up to spectacular viewpoints. When the Zambezi River is in full flood you’ll quickly discover why the locals named the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya “The Smoke That Thunders” as you hear the falls before you see them and should prepare to get soaked by their spray.
There’s so much to do in and around Victoria Falls town. Take to the skies on a scenic helicopter or microlight flight, trundle through the bush on the back on an African elephant, have sunset drinks on a luxury steam train as you chug across the famous Victoria Falls Bridge, and shop for souvenirs in the craft markets and galleries.
Day 8
This morning after breakfast and check out procedures, you’ll be met by a representative and driven to Victoria Falls Airport.
Cost: From £ 3,322 per person sharing
Does not included
- Regional flights: Johannesburg – Maun and Victoria Falls – Johannesburg
- Visa for travel to Zimbabwe (approx. cost USD 50 per person)
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