Botswana & Zambia: Iconic Safaris & Hidden Wilderness

On arrival in Maun, Botswana, you'll be met by a representative who will assist you with your connection onto a scenic light aircraft flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta. As the landscape below transforms into a maze of channels, lagoons, islands and floodplains, you'll gain your first appreciation of one of Africa's most remarkable wilderness areas.

Your home for the next three nights is Shinde Camp, situated on a lush island within one of the Delta's most wildlife-rich private concessions. Renowned for its diversity of habitats and broad range of activities, Shinde offers an exceptional introduction to Botswana's premier safari destination.

Days are spent exploring the surrounding wilderness by vehicle, boat, mokoro or on foot depending on seasonal water levels and local conditions. The area's varied habitats support impressive concentrations of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and an abundance of plains game, while birdlife is exceptional throughout the year.

One of Shinde's greatest strengths is its ability to offer both land and water-based experiences, providing guests with a comprehensive understanding of the Okavango Delta and the remarkable ecosystem that supports such a rich variety of wildlife.

Between activities, relax beside the floodplains, enjoy excellent hospitality and absorb the tranquillity of one of Botswana's most beautiful safari regions.

Today you leave Botswana behind and continue to Zambia, where the mighty Zambezi River awaits.

For the next two nights, you'll stay at Mukwa River Lodge, a stylish boutique retreat positioned on a peaceful stretch of the Zambezi River just upstream from Victoria Falls. Spending two nights here allows time to properly enjoy both the river and the surrounding attractions rather than simply passing through.

The atmosphere at Mukwa is relaxed and unhurried. Guests can enjoy river cruises, birdwatching, spa treatments, guided activities or visits to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The permanent waters of the Zambezi create a beautiful backdrop throughout the year and support abundant birdlife and riverside scenery.

This section of the journey offers a welcome change of pace from the safari activities of Botswana while providing the opportunity to experience one of Africa's great rivers and most famous landmarks.

Following breakfast, you'll be transferred to Livingstone Airport for your scheduled flight to western Zambia and one of Africa's most extraordinary wilderness destinations.

Liuwa Plain National Park is a place of immense horizons, dramatic skies and remarkable wildlife. Far removed from the traditional safari circuit, it offers a genuine sense of exploration and wilderness that has become increasingly rare.

Over the next three nights, you'll stay at King Lewanika Lodge, the only permanent luxury lodge within the park. Small, intimate and beautifully positioned overlooking the plains, it provides exclusive access to one of Africa's most untouched ecosystems.

Days are spent exploring the vast grasslands in search of lion, cheetah, hyena, wildebeest, zebra and prolific birdlife. Exceptional guiding and remarkably low visitor numbers ensure an immersive safari experience where wildlife encounters feel personal and authentic.

For those travelling during migration season, Liuwa hosts Africa's second-largest wildebeest migration as thousands of animals move across the plains accompanied by predators and scavengers. Yet irrespective of the season, Liuwa's greatest attraction remains its extraordinary sense of space, solitude and wilderness.

On Day 9, you'll be transferred to Kalabo Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Lusaka, where you'll connect with your onward international travel arrangements.

As with all of our safaris, this itinerary can easily be tailored to suit your interests, preferred pace of travel and available time. Additional nights can be added at any of the featured camps, while extensions to destinations such as Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa, Rwanda, Namibia or Cape Town can be incorporated to create an even more comprehensive African safari experience.