- Arusha
- Katavi National Park
- Mahale Mountains
- Zanzibar Island
- Johannesburg
- Victoria Falls
- Livingstone and Victoria Falls
- Lower Zambezi
An epic itinerary to take you to some of the less explored, serenely beautiful areas of Tanzania, Zanzibar, Zambia and South Africa
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
- Private tours in Victoria Falls
- Game drives lead by specialist guides on safari
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Meet and greet airport service
- Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
This is a trip of a lifetime for those that want to simply get away from it all and experience the natural beauty of Africa’s wilder destinations, while staying in unique, luxury accommodation.
It has been expertly designed by our African travel designers to traverse in the footsteps of Dr David Livingstone, the famous explorer who spent much of his life visiting some of the wilder and untouched areas of Africa, which are largely unchanged today.
Your adventure starts with a brief stopover in Arusha, from where you’ll make your way to Katavi National Park where you’ll fill your days with guided hikes and walking safaris – there is even the option to sleep out under the stars like Dr Livingstone himself. You’ll then spend two nights byt th turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika and the wild forests of Mahale Mountain.
It’s then time to relax on the white, powdery beaches in Zanzibar, watching the white sails of the dhow boats gliding across the horizon. You’ll then get to experience the crashing Victoria Falls from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides before heading to the Lower Zambezi National Park for a final few days of epic wildlife viewing.
Example trip itinerary
Arusha
Transfer
Meet and greet at Kilimanjaro airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Arusha
Accommodation in Arusha
Arusha
Highlights
- 18 Plantation rooms
- 12 Plantation suites
- Swimming pools
- Wireless internet access
- Coffee plantation guided walk
- Tours into Arusha
Overview
Ideally situated on the outskirts of Arusha, this lodge is a brilliant spot to stay either before, or after your safari in Tanzania. Hidden on the grounds of one of Tanzania’s largest coffee farms, with wonderful views of the Tanzanian countryside and away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Arusha. The cottages offer you a homely space to either relax after a long international flight, or to flick through your photos before you head home again. In the main lodge you can enjoy the warmth of open log fires while sipping a well-earned gin and tonic or spend time in the gardens breathing in the smells of the coffee bushes around you.
The farm itself can be explored on a two hour guided walk which gives a superb insight into the methods of coffee farming and ends with an excellent brew of the local beans. You have the chance to venture into Arusha if the need takes you, but otherwise you can just make the most of the large grounds. If the midday heat gets a bit much, they also have a refreshing outdoor pool with shaded sun loungers among the manicured gardens and patios.
→ Find out more
Arguably the safari capital of East Africa, Arusha is a bustling city in northern Tanzania and the main hub for those embarking on a safari in this game rich country. It is located right on the cusp of some of Africa’s most famous national parks and in the shadows of two fantastic peaks. Visit the Museum of Natural History which offers insight into the country’s history, geography, flora and fauna and the Cultural Centre with its traditional carvings, gemstones and artefacts.
Flight
Flight to Katavi
Katavi National Park
Transfer
Shared transfer to your lodge in Katavi National Park
Lodges in Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park
Overview
Not for the faint hearted but rather more suited to the truly adventurous who are looking for total absorption into the natural world and a vast African landscape virtually to themselves. This remarkable tented camp is located in an unbelievable game catchment area and offers you some prime game sightings.
The camp has only six spacious and comfortable en-suite tents all elevated on brand new wooden platforms and look out over the wide open Chada Plain. The bathrooms have hot bucket showers to wash away the dust of the day and are delightfully ‘bush-deluxe’. Surrounded by acacia and tamarind trees, the camp feels a bit wild and rugged but the set up is stylish and nothing short of spectacular for its isolated location.
Walking out into this untamed land you might feel a little bit exposed, but rest assured that the guides you will be striding out with know these lands well and can read the wilderness as if it were their own. You will also have an armed scout in company just for your peace of mind and as you wander in between the trees on the lookout for elephants that are so quiet they seem to tip-toe, this might be the most exhilarating experience of your life. And, when you are not out in the vehicles scanning for beasts or bustling through the scrubland you’ll be enjoying delicious meals and wines in the comfort of the camp.
→ Find out moreDuring your stay at Chada Katavi you will be offered a range of activities from bird watching, guided hikes or walking safaris into the wilderness. There is also the option of fly camping, (sleeping out in the wild) just as the intrepid explorer Dr David Livingstone did back in 1866.
Transfer
Shared transfer to Katavi airstrip
Flight
Flight to Mahale
Mahale Mountains
Transfer
Boat transfer to your lodge in the Mahale Mountains
Lodges in the Mahale Mountains
Mahale Mountains
Overview
Shadowed by the stunning Mahale Mountains with views over Lake Tanganyika, Greystoke Mahale is an extremely unique lodge and quite honestly, a bit of a gem. The entire camp is built with wood from reclaimed wrecked or retired dhows and old fisherman’s canoes. The thatched roofs are designed using old palm leaves and paired with a distinctive design, this lodge provides a very different and wholesome experience on the shores of the lake.
With just six wooden chalets at the base of the forest line, you will be able to enjoy a really exclusive service in a rather romantic setting. Each room has an upstairs deck where you can enjoy a beautiful view over the lake and in the evening wonder down the beach to the main boma area to enjoy some special sundowners looking over to the mountains of Congo beyond. Each morning you will be briefed on the movement of the families of chimps in the mountains behind the lodge and either chose to follow them into the forest or simply relax on the stunning white beaches around camp. You could search for the smaller creatures on the forest paths or swim in the stunning waterfalls up in the mountain, or indeed spend some time actually on the lake, enjoying the spattered glare of the sun on these enticing waters.
→ Find out moreDuring your stay at Greystoke Mahale you will be able to choose from a variety of fantastic activities that will allow you to enjoy your time beside the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika and the wild forests of Mahale Mountain. Hiking in search of the Chimpanzees is a highlight of any trip to the Mahale Camp, it's fascinating to see them play, groom and forage in their natural surroundings.
Transfer
Boat transfer to Mahale airstrip
Flight
Flight to Zanzibar
Zanzibar Island
Transfer
Private transfer to your lodge or hotel on Zanzibar Island
Hotels and Lodges on Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar Island
Overview
Mnemba, a small island 4.5 kilometres off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar, is heaven incarnate. Which makes Mnemba Lodge this nirvana’s only resident hotel and a true desert island escape. The lodge is actively involved in various conservation efforts in the region, including monitoring and protecting the small population of very rare Ader’s duikers found here, and carefully taking care of the coastline and ocean.
Ten luxury Zanzabari banda houses are hidden into the island’s Casuarina pine forest whose cooing wild doves and adorable Suni deer make it a very romantic Swiss Robinson world. Each of the bandas are designed to let as much of the outside in with an open plan set out, walls made of coconut matting rolled up to reveal Indian Ocean views, big beds and sofas dressed in plumped-up white linens, handmade furniture, a dressing room, private verandas and an en-suite bathroom. What’s more, apart from the deer and doves the only other people you share the island with are the other guests and staff.
The lodge has enchanted a string of impressive guests from royalty to Silicone Valley tycoons, and it isn’t hard to see why. Dinner is always served on the beach (weather permitting) and both the food and staff are magnificent. Also if you’re afraid you’ll get bored on Mnemba, there’s always the lodge’s good list of activities to sway you: choose from learning how to dive with the lodge’s instructors, to watching turtles nest, fly fishing or kayaking.
→ Find out moreZanzibar Island
Overview
By the Indian Ocean’s clear turquoise waters on the north-west coast of Zanzibar, Kilindi Zanzibar sits amidst acres of lush, tropical gardens on a secluded powder-white sand beachfront.
15 domed pavilions, each with a private plunge pool, are intimate individual retreats mixing Arabic architecture and Scandinavian minimalism (after all, the property was original designed for Benny Andersson of ABBA).
Large glassless windows look out to the ocean and passing dhows, letting in a cool breeze and the sounds of weaver birds flitting through the greenery. They also feature extraordinary rainfall shower rooms and beds look up to the stars through stained-glass skylights.
In the main pavilion a large infinity pool sits next to the bar and an alfresco dining terrace. The beach also makes for an unforgettable setting for dinner. A dedicated personal butler will help arrange meals and organise excursions and activities around the island.
→ Find out moreZanzibar Island
Overview
Tucked away in the north-east part of Zanzibar Island, you’ll find the serene Matemwe Retreat, a sister property of Matemwe Lodge and Matemwe Beach House. Enjoying unspoilt views of the Indian Ocean and Mnemba Island, this exclusive hideaway will give you the privacy and seclusion you need to slip into idyllic island life.
Just four villas, each with a private plunge pool, and a main lodge make up this luxury beach-side retreat. Constructed by local craftsmen using local materials where possible, the villa’s walls are made of local stone, the roof of Makuti thatch, the furniture of locally produced coconut wood and the soft furnishings are the craftsmanship of Zanzibari women.
On the ground floor of your villa, you’ll find a private bar area, a comfortable bedroom and an oversized bathroom complete with an ocean view. Venture out towards the verandah for a comfortable couch and a large hammock from which you can unwind and watch the fishing dhows returning from their day at sea. Ascend to the roof terrace for a dip in your private plunge pool or to sunbath.
The main lodge hosts the retreat’s restaurant and can be accessed from the four villas via wooden walkways. The resort has its own fine sand beach where at high tide you can watch fisherman sail across the lagoon in billowing dhows and at low tide a beautiful reef is revealed for you to explore.
→ Find out moreZanzibar Island
Overview
Conjuring up Zanzibar’s heady fusion of heritage, Baraza is a sumptuous boutique resort and spa on the shores of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Located on the island’s south-eastern coastline are Baraza’s thirty ultra-luxe villas designed as simple Swahili-style cement structures and dressed in all the Arabian elegance of intricately carved furniture, giant pillows and handmade antiques all under the warm romantic glow of hanging brass lanterns. The villas come in three sizes with differing views yet all have their own living rooms, music systems and large private terraces with plunge pools.
Baraza’s list of services are similarly spoiling; there’s a full spa complete with a large menu of treatments and therapies, a kids club for entertaining smaller members of the family and a watersports club for all sorts of nautical adventures from kitesurfing to paddle boarding and scuba diving courses. There are some good local activities to choose from too and the staff and hospitality at the hotel is really superb.
What’s more all this borders Bwejuu beach – voted one of the World’s Top 30 Beaches by Conde Nast Traveller.
→ Find out moreZanzibar Island
Overview
Located in the north eastern part of the island, Matemwe boasts the most idyllic beaches and offers spectacular diving and snorkeling in the Marine Park around the adjacent Mnemba Atoll.
Like its sister properties Matemwe Retreat and Matemwe Beach House, this lovely lodge embodies the quintessential beach experience. You’ll enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, friendly and personable staff, massages, cocktails, swimming pools, lush tropical gardens and sumptuous cuisine – fresh seafood being the specialty. As far as activities are concerned, diving and snorkeling feature prominently, with Spice Tours, historic Stone Town excursions and deep sea fishing trips as options for the active beach goer.
Matemwe has just twelve spacious chalets each featuring large verandas overlooking the Indian Ocean. This stylish lodge is punctuated with quirky corners and guest areas to relax and enjoy the sun as well as the wonderful view. Lush tropical gardens provide plenty of privacy for tastefully decorated rooms which have been used as models for many houses by inspired guests. This gem on Zanzibar’s main island is the perfect destination to simply relax and unwind.
→ Find out moreZanzibar is the place to relax on palm fringed beaches and white sifted sands and switch off from the world. However if you want to have activities organised from historic tours of Stone Town to fishing trips, your travel designer will be more than happy to arrange some for you.
Transfer
Private transfer to Zanzibar airport
Flight
Flight to Dar Es Salaam
Flight
Flight to Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Johannesburg
Accommodation in Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Overview
The Saxon is the most elegant mix of class, quiet gardens, history and luxury service.
Even though this hotel is known for being Nelson Mandela’s home whilst he penned his ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ autobiography after being released from prison, it has been made famous by its attentive staff, excellent Spa, chic African style and for being an intimately smart sanctuary in this busy city.
Located in the upmarket business district of Sandhurst, the Saxon’s 24 suites are contemporary with definitive African influences and impressions throughout. The overall effect is a deluxe boutique one which never fails to remind you of the vibrant character and culture around you.
→ Find out moreJohannesburg
Overview
A neo-classical stately home complete with balustrades, immaculate lawns, gilded moldings and fountains, Fairlawns, which was originally built by the Oppenheimer family and is still lived in by the current owners John and Anna Thatcher, has successfully retained its relaxing park-like ambiance and palatial peacefulness.
Resembling more of a sprawling English countryside estate than a hotel in Johannesburg’s business district of Sandton, Fairlawns is a regal sanctuary in this busy city with a Balinese spa to boot.
There are 40 individually-designed suites range from a monochrome Manhattan bedroom to the Ryokan-themed Kyoto suite, the earthy colours of terracotta-wash and deep browns in ‘Marrakesh’, the flashy Miami suite, to the Louis XVI-style Viennese bedchamber. Further accommodation includes a two-bedroom studio and the private Villa Moji.
The restaurant features an award-winning wine list and high-tea on one of the many terraces is a fitting way to see the afternoon in.
A convenient 20 minutes-drive (or 25 kilometres) from the international airport, Fairlawns makes a stopover to a lengthy stay in Johannesburg feel very enjoyable and exclusive.
→ Find out moreJohannesburg
Overview
This elegant luxury villa offers guests a completely private stay during their time in Johannesburg. Located in the tranquil suburban setting of Athol, directly east of Sandton, you’ll find this home away from home next door to sister property Athol Place Boutique Hotel.
Composed of four en suite bedrooms, this exclusive villa emanates contemporary glamour and understated sophistication. Upstairs can be found three deluxe suites and a children’s bedroom, all with large doors opening onto to a balcony. Downstairs there’s a dining room and living room – both featuring cosy fireplaces, a television room with a large flat screen tv, an office, and a kitchen and terrace, ensuring plenty of room for everyone to enjoy.
Outside, the private walled garden features a heated pool surrounded by decking and comfortable loungers and a fire pit with seating that’s just perfect for making the most out of long, holiday evenings. You’ll also have the exclusive use of your own personal chef and butler, private off-street parking and 24-hour security.
→ Find out moreJohannesburg
Overview
A warm, hospitable welcome awaits you at The Residence, located in the historic suburb of Houghton, which is also home to many famous residents including former President Nelson Mandela. The Residence exudes a charming air of quiet dignity, with an abundance of bougainvillea blossoms cascading down the terraced gardens.
This is a gorgeous spot where you are treated with personalised service and are invited to make yourself at home.
The Residence is an extraordinary boutique hotel that is truly one of a kind, no effort has been spared in creating the most sublime surroundings to surpass your greatest expectations. On arrival at The Residence, you are greeted warmly and graciously before being shown around the guest areas on the ground floor. There is an immediate awareness of the sophisticated splendour of the interior and an all-pervading atmosphere of total tranquillity.
The entrance hall leads through to the sumptuous lounge and sitting room with plush furnishings inviting carefree relaxation for all seasons. A cosy log fire is lit in the fireplace on chilly days, while doors opening onto the long, spacious veranda offer a cool respite from the warm African sun.
Guests are welcome to take a stroll through the manicured gardens and enjoy a game of tennis or swim a few lengths in the large outdoor pools. Enjoy a work out at our gymnasium or play a round of golf on the Houghton Golf Course.
→ Find out moreThis sprawling metropolis and the 'Big Apple' of Africa boasts the same level of exciting and entertaining pursuits as offered by most modern, bustling capitals. A wide spectrum of fine dining experiences, sprawling shopping malls, museums and cultural institutions are there for your picking, so please speak to your travel designer about how you would like to spend your time here.
Flight
Flight to Livingstone
Victoria Falls
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Victoria Falls
Accommodation near Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Overview
A historic landmark and an attraction in itself, the ‘grand old lady of the Falls’ still packs as much colonial flair and character as she always has, and has long been one of the most magnificent places to stay here.
The stately Edwardian style building has been here since 1904 and still commands the atmospheric appeal of the age of adventurer, standing at the rendezvous point where many pioneers have chosen to meet over the last century.
Of course outfitted with the modern comforts and demands, the hotel has kept up with the times and all of its 176 well-equipped rooms are proof of this. Furthermore there are a phenomenal level of facilities here to spoil you right in the middle of untamed Africa, and their wonderfully manicured and tropical gardens are lovely to take a stroll around.
One of the best things about the Victoria Falls hotel is its position, being seated just ten minutes’ walk away from the cascades along one of the hotel’s private pathways. There is nothing quite like taking afternoon tea on the Stanley Terrace, listening to the muted roar of the falls, and a royal view of the rising mist from the ‘smoke that thunders’ and the silhouette of the Victoria Falls bridge that links Zimbabwe with Zambia.
If you choose to stay here, you’ll be following in many a royal family’s footsteps and those of many a famous figure, that aside you can’t fail to the feel the history and enduring elegance of this hotel.
→ Find out moreThe mighty Victoria falls rank as one of the most spectacular sites in all of Africa. As the mighty Zambezi river crashes over sheer cliffs onto the rocks below it sprays a cloud of water high into the air. A knowledgeable guide will take you on an unforgettable experience through the Victoria Falls rainforest, a journey that not only affords a view of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World but provides a great deal of interesting facts about the geology, wildlife and history of Africa’s most famous landmark.
Livingstone
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel or lodge near Livingstone
Lodges in Livingstone
Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Overview
Sindabezi Island is unique – the discerning traveler’s best kept secret. An idyllic, exclusive camp on Tongabezi’s very own private isle on the Zambezi River it is the only luxury bush camp from where Victoria Falls can comfortably be explored.
Experience the large number of activities in the area during the day and return to a tranquil haven, a thousand light years away from the bustle at night. Sindabezi Island is currently one of the top 10 eco lodges in Africa according to Fodor’s.
Sindabezi has only five open-sided thatched cottages, allowing you to soak up the sights and sounds of the African bush in the perfect, pristine setting. Views across the flood plains of the Zambezi and into the nearby National Park complete the experience. Tongabezi Lodge, the sister property, is just a short boat ride away.
→ Find out moreDuring your stay at Sindabezi Island you will be able to enjoy excursions to Victoria Falls and explore the surrounding area. The lodge offers the opportunity to dine under candle light, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, take a guided bush walk, private game drives or fishing excursions.
Transfer
Private transfer to Livingstone airport
Flight
Flight to Lusaka
Flight
Flight to Lower Zambezi's Royal airstrip
Lower Zambezi
Transfer
Transfer from the Royal airstrip to your lodge in the Lower Zambezi National Park
Lodges in the Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi
Overview
This camp sits in a stunning location, on the confluence of the main Zambezi and Chongwe Rivers, offering a rustic but comfortable option for those that want to experience Africa in a similar pioneering style as the courageous explorer Dr David Livingstone, 150 years ago.
We recommend Chongwe Camp for travelers wanting to encounter one of Africa’s remotest areas, and the animals of the relatively undiscovered wilderness that is the Lower Zambezi. Chongwe River Camp is the sister to the Chongwe River House, and offers a more informal and adventurous experience that allows guests to get closer to Zambia’s wild and pristine tranquility.
Each of the eight river facing tents is secluded in the shade of a large grove of old Winterthorn trees, ensuring the tents stay cool in the heat of the midday sun. The camp also gives you uninterrupted views of the river and the wildlife that comes there to drink or cool down. A range of guided activities can be tailored to meet specific interests to ensure your time here is truly memorable.
Also part of the camp are the Chongwe suites which offer sublime luxury and service against a beautifully wild setting. Nestled under ancient winterthorn trees at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers are the Cassia suite (one bedroom) and the Albida suite (two bedrooms). The suites are perfect for honeymooners or families and friends travelling together. Both have butler service, plunge pools overlooking the river and private dining options. Also included are private game viewing activities.
→ Find out moreThe Lower Zambezi National Park borders Zimbabwe in the south eastern corner of Zambia. The park itself covers an area of 4092km², with most of the game concentrated on the valley floor. Huge herds of elephants, sometimes numbering up to a hundred members, are often seen at the river’s edge. Another member of the Big Five, the buffalo, also roams between the banks in vast numbers. All but inaccessible by road, it remains a remote wilderness with just a few guests. During your time at the camp you will be able to choose from a range of activities to make the most of your stay here. You may wish to take a game drive, a fishing trip, canoe or simply take a guided walk to view the splendid scenery.
Transfer
Private transfer to the Royal airstrip
Flight
Flight to Lusaka
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.