Ultra-luxe Zimbabwe and Botswana
The finest safari and utmost luxury in Zimbabwe and Botswana
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Take scenic helicopter flights over Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta
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Explore the Mana Pools waterways in a canoe
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Spot wild dogs and hyena in Matetsi Private Game Reserve
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Enjoy a private tour of the impressive Victoria Falls
What's included
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Top level safari accommodation throughout
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All meals, game drives and selected drinks whilst on safari
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Chartered light aircraft flights
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Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
A two-week safari through Zimbabwe and Botswana in the utmost style, staying in a handpicked collection of the region’s flagship lodges.
Begin in Zimbabwe in private concession on the edge of the vast UNESCO protected Mana Pools National Park at Ruckomechi Camp. On the edge of the Zambezi River, looking out into Zambia, this camp is a favourite of passing elephants who you can watch feast on albida tree seedpods from your roll top bath after a day of walking safari, canoeing and game drives.
Next follow the meandering Zambezi upstream for an unforgettable helicopter flight over the thundering Victoria Falls and on to the opulent Matetsi River Lodge. Explore the game-rich private reserve on expertly guided game drives, horseback safaris, bush walks, sunset river cruises and canoe trips, and discover Victoria Falls on a private tour.
Then cross the border into northern Botswana for three nights within the Linyanti Reserve, a place shared among a select crowd of luxury lodges, filled with huge buffalo herds and one of the best places in Africa to spot predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.
End in Mombo in the Okavango Delta, one of the most famous and exclusive concessions in Africa, at one of an equally choice selection of camps. Rightfully known as the ‘place of plenty’, it’s incredible abundance of wildlife makes this a fitting finale to your trip.
Example trip itinerary
Mana Pools National Game Park
Transfer
Meet and greet at Johannesburg Airport
Flight
Charter flight from Johannesburg to Mana Pools via Bulawayo
Accommodation in Mana Pools National Game Park
- Ten en-suite tents
- Dining area, lounge, library & lounge
- Infinity pool & deck
Set by the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp is located by the elephants’ much-loved albida trees, favoured for their pods, which makes the camp ideal for being able to view these massive mammals without even having to leave the lodge.
From the camp’s position on the banks of the river, you can see the Great Rift Valley on the opposite side of the Zambezi, a view which you can take in from the comfortable star-gazing deck. Each of the ten tented rooms have indoor and outdoor showers, and there’s a dining and lounge area, plus an infinity pool for cooling off after a safari.
When it comes to exploring the land, there are a variety of options. You can discover the area on foot on a walking safari, or take to the water for a cruise in a nine-seat pontoon, six-seat speed boat or even a canoe. Naturally, game drives leave every morning and afternoon, too.
Birds are prevalent, with species including the western banded snake-eagle, three-banded courser, Arnot’s chat, African golden oriole, and Meve’s starling. Other types of wildlife you can see on safari from Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp (aside from the resident elephants) include leopard, hippo, Burchell’s zebra, lion and buffalo.
Four days on safari in Mana Pools National Game Park
Spend your days in this remote and pristine national game park on canoe and walking safaris. Get a close look at the amazing resident animals as you track lions and head out on thrilling game drives.
Flight
Charter flight from Mana Pools to Victoria Falls airport
Victoria Falls
Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls en route to Matetsi River Lodge
Accommodation in Victoria Falls
- Two camps of nine suites each
- 4-bedroomed sole-use villa
- Private plunge pools
- Interactive kitchen and bar
- Wine cellar
- Fitness centre
Set within the pristine Matetsi Private Game Reserve along an exclusive 15km (9 mile) stretch of the Zambezi River a little upstream from Mosi-oa-Tunya, Matetsi Victoria Falls perfectly combines fine safari with easy access to the thrills and adventure of Victoria Falls. Making this property extra special is its commitment to having a positive impact on the wildlife and environment. Water is served in reusable glass bottles, and Matetsi has greatly contributed to the fight against poaching by installing clear-road networks.
The lodge comprises of two intimate camps of just nine suites each, including two family suites. All the suites are modern yet of the vernacular, with clean lines softened by local craft pieces and repurposed materials.
En-suite bathrooms boast indoor and outdoor showers as well as a deep bath which looks out over the Zambezi. A private veranda offers a refreshing plunge pool and a peaceful sitting area that overlooks the river.
At the heart of each camp is a communal area with a variety of dining spaces, an interactive kitchen, convivial bar area and an al fresco area that encircles a blazing fire bowl, all with unifying theme of a wood and copper, the ‘red gold’ of the country’s historical mining industry. There’s also a large central pool, massage sala, fitness centre and wine cellar.
For the utmost privacy, Matetsi River House is an exclusive use villa with four bedrooms, its own kitchen, dining areas, pool and a complement of staff, including a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef and butler, ensuring a tailor-made safari unlike any other.
The 50,000ha (124,000 acre) private reserve is home to large herds of elephant and buffalo as well as an assortment of plains game and predators including kudu, sable and roan antelope, hippo, lion, leopard, African wild dog, spotted hyena, and 366 bird species. Explore the concession on expertly guided game drives, horseback safaris and bush walks, or head out onto the water on canoeing excursions, fishing trips and sunset river cruises. You can also discover Victoria Falls and the famous adventure activities that surround it such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, scenic flights and zip lining.
Two days on safari at Matetsi Private Game Reserve
Located on one of the largest wildlife concessions in the area and boasting extensive Zambezi river frontage, Matetsi covers a diverse range of habitats that are home to an extensive number of species. Zebra, giraffe and buffalo, as well as the enormous herds of elephant that Matetsi is justly renowned for, can be found on the reserve. African Wild dogs and hyena are spotted on a regular basis and large prides of lion have made the reserve their home. Cheetah, and leopard, as well as the elegant sable and roan antelope are also among the species seen at Matetsi. Explore the concession on expertly guided game drives, horseback safaris and bush walks, or head out onto the water on canoeing excursions, fishing trips and sunset river cruises. You can also discover Victoria Falls, just 40km (24 miles) away and the famous adventure activities that surround it
Private tour of Victoria Falls
No visit to Victoria Falls would be complete without a tour of the mighty falls themselves, otherwise known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the smoke that thunders. 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.
Private transfer to Victoria Falls airport
You will be met by your guide at your hotel and privately transferred to Victoria Falls airport in time for your onward flight.
Flight
Charter flight from Victoria Falls airport to Zarafa via Kasane airport
Linyanti
Accommodation in Linyanti
- Two luxury tented bedrooms
- Lounge and indoor dining room
- Huge deck with pool
- Open-air gym
- Professional Canon camera equipment and Swarovski binoculars for complimentary use
Perched above the Zibadianja Lagoon, Zarafa Dhow Suites is an understatedly opulent retreat, exclusive for your family or group of friends. Oozing old-world elegance, this award-winning private tented villa echoes the 1920’s style of Zarafa’s main camp – but on a more personal scale.
A lavish lounge and dining room, filled with deep leather sofas and beautiful campaign furniture, sits at the centre of the property and is bookended by two sumptuous suites. Inspired by the unique flavour of Eastern Africa, the rooms are dressed with ancient Zanzibari doors, fireplaces and grand cropper baths overlooking the lagoon and untouched wilderness.
Drink in these elevated bushland views, spotting the resident wild dogs, big cats and elephants, with your suite’s professional Canon camera and Swarovski binoculars. Then, get up close to the incredible wildlife on game drives and bush walks with your expert guide, bush picnics, afternoon tea and canapés. Dining here is first-class, at Relais & Chateaux standard, and most magical when enjoyed under the vast expanse of African stars.
- Four luxury tents
- Indoor and outdoor dining areas
- Gym
- Views overlooking the floodplain of the stunning Zibadianja Lagoon
- Private deck
- Plunge pool
- Indoor and outdoor showers
- Separate lounge area
- Bush boutique
- In-room massages
- From camp you can spot hippos and elephants
- The Selinda Reserve is a refuge for uncommon species
Zarafa Camp is set inside the 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve, created to conserve and protect the wildlife of the area alongside connecting Botswana’s Okavango Delta to the Linyanti waterways. This reserve is home to a diverse and rich abundance of species similar to those found in the Savuti and Chobe National Parks, but with the exclusivity of a private reserve.
Simply one of the most beautiful tented camps in Africa, Zarafa is a triumph of conservation and attention to detail. There are just 4 immense tented suites set on raised wooden platforms overlooking the floodplain of the Zibadianja Lagoon. The tents are decorated in a style befitting of the explorations of the early 20th Century, matched with modern comforts and technological surprises. Outdoor decking wraps around each guest suite and offers guests a private plunge pool, private outdoor shower, and outdoor seating.
Within the suite your lounge flows into a well-decorated bedroom and an open layout indoor bathroom that is adorned with a polished copper bath tub and fireplace. The main camp, made up of a generously-sized main lounge, library, dining area and bush boutique, is nestled under a canopy of trees a slight distance from the suites. An outdoor gym and in-room massages are also available.
Environmentally, Zarafa has a number of initiatives in place to ensure they have as light an impact on their surrounding as possible, from solar power and water filtration systems, to vehicles that run mostly on vegetable oil. The camp also supports the notion that conservation can only be successful if communities living alongside wildlife and protected areas are given opportunities to learn, interact, and benefit from these conserved areas.
As part of Great Plains Conservation, Zarafa is involved with the Great Plains Foundation’s launch of the Great Plains Academy, which provides enrichment opportunities for a community in the upper reaches of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The academy will supply vocational training, supplemental education, and scholarships with a conservation and tourism focus. All programmes seek to invest in the skill and capacity of the individual whilst displaying respect for natural heritage and a solid conservation ethic.
- 10 luxury tents
- Luxury deck
- Swimming pool
- Animal hides
- 4x4 day and night game drives
- Boat safaris
- Guided walking safaris
- Fishing
With uninterrupted views over Osprey Lagoon, and a fantastic vantage point from which to watch the areas mega-herds of elephants, Wilderness DumaTau and nearby Wilderness Little DumaTau are perfectly located for making the most of your stay in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.
Each spacious tented guest suite has been positioned to offer great views whether you’re relaxing on your deck, or cooling off in your plunge pool. You’ll also find the tents include spot-cooling, meaning you can find respite from the hot afternoons indoors. Spend time investigating the ‘curiosity boxes’ you’ll find mounted on the walls in your room and the drawers filled with fascinating artefacts and information. They’re a great way to learn more about the area’s wildlife and rich history. Look out for unique elephant and wild dog art in the rooms and library made from reclaimed snare wire.
Wilderness Safaris have constructed both camps to give maximum comfort and offer guests a large array of facilities. In addition to the in-tent cooling systems, you’ll discover that the central Osprey Retreat which sits between the two camps boasts a pool, drink and snack counter and a Safari Boutique area, offering you more space to mingle with your fellow guests if you choose to do so. Large decks, plunge pools and awnings are attached to each of Wilderness Duma Tau’s eight tented suites as well as at the four at Wilderness Little DumaTau.
The Wilderness DumaTau team continues to focus on the sustainability of wildlife corridors, as they have done since 1997. They believe that it is more vital than ever to protect large wildlife corridors of wilderness, like those within the vast Linyanti Wildlife Reserve – especially for the African elephant and wild dog that cover extensive ground.
Staying at Wilderness DumaTau offers you easy access to the Linyanti floodplain as well as the Savuti Channel, in fact, it’s the only concession from which you can access both. The region has all the habitat diversity to make it a haven for wildlife, and is well-known for its elephant concentrations as they congregate along the waterways and lagoons during the dry winter months. General wildlife viewing is excellent year round including impala, wildebeest, red lechwe, Burchell’s zebra, giraffe, Cape buffalo, chacma baboon, vervet monkey, and warthog. Predator sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena are good. As well as day and night game drives, you can explore on nature walks or take to the water on motorboats or the river barge (depending on water levels).
- 9 spacious canvas and thatch 'tents' with private plunge pools
- Two wildlife hides
- Communal pool
- Dining and Lounge Area
- Twice daily game drives
- Barge excursions on the river dependant on the river level
- Bush walks
This is one of the most luxurious camps in Botswana, with nine huge canvas ‘tents’ with thatched roofs set on raised wooden platforms. Each comes equipped with a private plunge pool, four poster bed, indoor and outdoor showers.
The camp sits overlooking the Linyanti River and the oxbow lake of Wilderness King’s Pool from which it derives its name. Communal areas include a lounge dining area, bar and a shared pool. These all sit on raised decking allowing for excellent armchair game viewing of the river and lake. This part of the Linyanti borders the Chobe National Park, meaning that great numbers of elephant frequent the area during the dry months as they visit the lagoon and river. Other game is abundant too during these months including giraffe, lechwe, zebra and impala, all helping to draw the large predators; lion, leopard, cheetah and wild-dog.
As well as game drives the camp offers seasonal barge cruises along the river (dependent on the river level) , basic fishing and walking safaris (on request in advance). The camp also has two wildlife hides, excellent for close up observation of game.
- Eight luxury tents
- En-suite bathrooms
- Plunge pool
- Wine cellar
- Raised decking
Open, relaxed and resting on the banks of the eastern Selinda Spillway in the heart of the 320 000 acre Selinda Reserve, this safari camp has a prime location within a territory rich with wildlife.
Having been recently rebuilt, the camp provides a blend of old colonial elegance, updated with contemporary amenities. This is an old-world luxury experience for the modern-day traveler.
Tucked away under its sweeping thatched roof, the camp remains cool in the midday heat, and commands excellent views out over the floodplains and savanna of the Selinda Reserve. The extensive raised decks surrounding both the main lodge and guest tents facilitate wildlife viewing directly from the camp, meaning you can sit back and enjoy a delicious meal and never keep your eye off the local animals.
When you want to get more up close and personal, the camp offers both day and night game drives, on which you will be highly likely to see antelope, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, elephant and buffalo. Whether you choose to travel by foot, boat or 4×4, you’ll have a unique experience of the African wilderness.
Three days on safari in Linyanti
Sitting north of the Okavango, the Linyanti is home to some of Botswana's most exclusive lodges and camp. Due to the fact that the reserve is private, there are no limitations to the activities on offer as in the National Park, so it is possible to do game drives at day and at night, as well as walking safaris, boating, fishing and sleepouts in the reserve’s various hides.
Flight
Light aircraft flight to Mombo
Mombo Concession
Accommodation in Mombo Concession
- Three luxury tents
- Plunge pool
- Gym
- Spa
- Restaurant and lounge
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Hide for wildlife viewing
- Birdwatching
- Keepsake store
Wilderness Little Mombo is the smaller more intimate sister to Wilderness Mombo Camp, with just three elegant safari suites. Each are nestled under a shady canopy, each with their own en-suite bathrooms, outdoor shower and large deck to enjoy the views over floodplains that host some of the best big game viewing in Africa. The suites are linked together on the raised platform which allows wildlife to pass by underneath.
Wilderness Little Mombo has its own dining room, boma, kitchen, lounge and pool, making it an ideal base for a family or group of friends seeking extra exclusivity. A raised walkway leads back to the main camp’s communal lounge, gym and thatched decking area.
Dedicated to conservation, a solar farm powers much of the camp and wastewater is treated above ground. Your rate also contributes to various conservation projects including lion research and elephant monitoring.
While you are offered daily morning and afternoon game drives, many choose to stay behind and take in the prolific wildlife surrounding camp. Herbivore densities – especially of red lechwe, plains zebra, giraffe and impala – are extremely high and this supports one of Africa’s highest density lion populations. Spotted hyena and leopard are other frequently seen carnivores, the latter often in camp. Birding is excellent with a great mix of water birds (wattled crane, long-toed plover) and also those species associated with Kalahari thornveld (crimson-breasted shrike, pied babbler).
- Nine spacious tents
- Library
- Plunge pool
- Dining area
- Bar
- Morning and afternoon game drives
One of the most famous camps in all of Africa, Wilderness Mombo rightly deserves its reputation due to its remarkable game viewing experiences coupled with the service and luxury of the camp.
Rebuilt in 2018, the camp is made up of nine spacious and elegantly appointed tents, each built on a raised platform giving fantastic views across the plains. To reduce the environmental impact, most of the original material was used in the rebuild. Set in a thicket of giant mangosteen and fig trees, the eight suites boast sweeping views out over the floodplain which attracts a large number of animals. Each suite has a sitting room, bedroom, bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower, plunge pool and wrap-around veranda. Enjoy watching the passing wildlife and panoramic sunsets from your ‘sala’.
Head to the main communal area where you’ll find a small library and a plunge pool to relax in during the afternoons. Enjoy delicious meals in the dining area that overlooks the plains.
The camp is committed to conservation, with much of the power provided by a solar farm and donations made to preservation projects for each guest.
Four days on safari in the Mombo Concession
Enjoy your time in what is dubbed the 'predator capital' of Africa, full of abundant game and set right in the heart of the Okavango.
Scenic helicopter flight over the Delta
Enjoy an incredible aerial safari over the Okavango Delta, an exception photographic opportunity from a new perspective.
Flight
Charter flight from Mombo to Maun airport
Flight
Flight from Maun to Johannesburg
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.
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Ultra-luxe Zimbabwe and Botswana
How we work
A two-week safari through Zimbabwe and Botswana in the utmost style, staying in a handpicked collection of the region’s flagship lodges. Begin in Zimbabwe in private concession on the edge of the vast UNESCO protected Mana Pools National Park at Ruckomechi Camp. On the edge of the Zambezi River, looking out into Zambia, this camp is a favourite of passing elephants who you can watch feast on albida tree seedpods from your roll top bath after a day of walking safari, canoeing and game drives. Next follow the meandering Zambezi upstream for an unforgettable helicopter flight over the thundering Victoria Falls and on to the opulent Matetsi River Lodge. Explore the game-rich private reserve on expertly guided game drives, horseback safaris, bush walks, sunset river cruises and canoe trips, and discover Victoria Falls on a private tour. Then cross the border into northern Botswana for three nights within the Linyanti Reserve, a place shared among a select crowd of luxury lodges, filled with huge buffalo herds and one of the best places in Africa to spot predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. End in Mombo in the Okavango Delta, one of the most famous and exclusive concessions in Africa, at one of an equally choice selection of camps. Rightfully known as the ‘place of plenty’, it’s incredible abundance of wildlife makes this a fitting finale to your trip. | Whats included?
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Days 1-5 |
Mana Pools National Game Park |
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Flights & transfers
Meet and greet at Johannesburg Airport |
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| Charter flight from Johannesburg to Mana Pools via Bulawayo | |
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Accommodation in Mana Pools National Game Park
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Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp - $$$$$
Set by the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp is located by...
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| Four days on safari in Mana Pools National Game Park Spend your days in this remote and pristine national game park on canoe and walking safaris. Get a close look at the amazing resident animals as you track lions and head out on thrilling game drives. |
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Flights & transfers
Charter flight from Mana Pools to Victoria Falls airport |
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Days 5-7 |
Victoria Falls |
| Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls en route to Matetsi River Lodge | |
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Accommodation in Victoria Falls
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Matetsi Victoria Falls - $$$$$
Set within the pristine Matetsi Private Game Reserve along an exclusive 15km (9 mile) stretch...
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| Two days on safari at Matetsi Private Game Reserve Located on one of the largest wildlife concessions in the area and boasting extensive Zambezi river frontage, Matetsi covers a diverse range of habitats that are home to an extensive number of species. Zebra, giraffe and buffalo, as well as the enormous herds of elephant that Matetsi is justly renowned for, can be found on the reserve. African Wild dogs and hyena are spotted on a regular basis and large prides of lion have made the reserve their home. Cheetah, and leopard, as well as the elegant sable and roan antelope are also among the species seen at Matetsi. Explore the concession on expertly guided game drives, horseback safaris and bush walks, or head out onto the water on canoeing excursions, fishing trips and sunset river cruises. You can also discover Victoria Falls, just 40km (24 miles) away and the famous adventure activities that surround it |
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| Private tour of Victoria Falls No visit to Victoria Falls would be complete without a tour of the mighty falls themselves, otherwise known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the smoke that thunders. 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. |
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| Private transfer to Victoria Falls airport You will be met by your guide at your hotel and privately transferred to Victoria Falls airport in time for your onward flight. |
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Flights & transfers
Charter flight from Victoria Falls airport to Zarafa via Kasane airport |
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Days 7-10 |
Linyanti |
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Accommodation in Linyanti
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Zarafa Dhow Suites - $$$$$
Perched above the Zibadianja Lagoon, Zarafa Dhow Suites is an understatedly opulent retreat,...
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Zarafa - $$$$$
Zarafa Camp is set inside the 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve, created to conserve and protect...
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Wilderness DumaTau - $$$$$
With uninterrupted views over Osprey Lagoon, and a fantastic vantage point from which to watch...
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Wilderness King’s Pool Camp - $$$$$
This is one of the most luxurious camps in Botswana, with nine huge canvas ‘tents’ with...
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Selinda Camp - $$$$$
Open, relaxed and resting on the banks of the eastern Selinda Spillway in the heart of the 320...
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| Three days on safari in Linyanti Sitting north of the Okavango, the Linyanti is home to some of Botswana's most exclusive lodges and camp. Due to the fact that the reserve is private, there are no limitations to the activities on offer as in the National Park, so it is possible to do game drives at day and at night, as well as walking safaris, boating, fishing and sleepouts in the reserve’s various hides. |
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Flights & transfers
Light aircraft flight to Mombo |
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Days 10-14 |
Mombo Concession |
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Accommodation in Mombo Concession
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Wilderness Little Mombo - $$$$$
Wilderness Little Mombo is the smaller more intimate sister to Wilderness Mombo Camp, with...
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Wilderness Mombo Camp - $$$$$
One of the most famous camps in all of Africa, Wilderness Mombo Camp rightly deserves its...
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| Four days on safari in the Mombo Concession Enjoy your time in what is dubbed the 'predator capital' of Africa, full of abundant game and set right in the heart of the Okavango. |
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| Scenic helicopter flight over the Delta Enjoy an incredible aerial safari over the Okavango Delta, an exception photographic opportunity from a new perspective. |
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Flights & transfers
Charter flight from Mombo to Maun airport |
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| Flight from Maun to Johannesburg |
