Safari Dreams Classic
Summary
1) Day 1 – 4: Machaba Camp, Okavango Delta
2) Day 4 – 6: Ngoma Safari Lodge, Chobe 3
) Day 6 – 7: Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Shared light aircraft transfer from Maun Airport to Khwai Airstrip
Flight time approx. 24 min
Day 1 – 4
Overnight Machaba Camp
3 Nights
Day 4
Shared light aircraft transfer from Khwai Airstrip to Kasane Airport
Flight time approx. 51 min
Shared road transfer from Kasane Airport to Ngoma Safari Lodge
1 hour drive
Day 4 – 6
Overnight Ngoma Safari Lodge
2 Nights
Day 6
Shared road transfer from Ngoma Safari Lodge to Kasane Airport
1 hour drive
Private road transfer from Kasane Airport to Victoria Falls Town
Day 6 – 7
Overnight Ilala Lodge Hotel
1 Night
Day 7
Private road transfer from Ilala Lodge to Victoria Falls Airport
Day 1 - 4 | Okavango Delta
Area Overview
The Okavango Delta is the largest intact inland delta in the world, and is exceptionally rich in wildlife. Situated deep within the Kalahari Basin, the Delta is characterized by meandering deep water channels lined with papyrus reeds that open up into larger lagoons and islands; these in turn give way to seasonal floodplains and eventually large tracts of dry land where animals congregate. Fed by the Okavango River and rains from the highlands of Angola, the Delta can vary in size from 15,000 sq km (5,800 sq mi) during drier periods to a staggering 22,000 sq kms (8,500 sq mi) during wetter periods.
The game viewing depends on season, floodwaters and food availability but it is one of the most sought after wilderness destinations in the world. In addition to big game viewing, visitors come to experience the supreme tranquility and serenity of an untouched delta, and scenes of extraordinary natural beauty. It consistently produces very good predator action with considerable herds of ungulates and elephants, as well as a reintroduced (predominantly white) rhino population.
Day 1 - 4 | Machaba Camp
Property Overview
Machaba Camp is a traditional style camp nestling in the game-rich Khwai area. The Khwai Concession is a 35 000 hectare reserve located in the northeastern section of the world-famous Okavango Delta and it shares its westerly border with the Moremi Game Reserve.
Nestled in a riverine tree line, the camp offers privacy, spectacular river views and excellent food – enveloped in a layer of warm hospitality. Should you wander away from the comfort of camp you can spot a wealth of land and water-based wildlife.
Experience & Activities
From bird watching to taking an untamed walking safari under the care of a highly trained guide, there is always something to see and do. Activities and experiences at Machaba Camp include thrilling game drives, exploring the waterways by mokoro, and guided safari walks.
As the camp is based in a concession, guests can experience wildlife closer with guided walking safaris, relaxed mokoro trips and night safari drives discovering the nocturnal side of the Okavango, ensuring your safari adventure is unique
Accommodations
Luxury Tent
The camp is built in the classic 1950’s style, with luxury safari tents, en-suite bathrooms and living areas, as well as romantic outdoor showers. All the tents are situated on ground level and the pathways to the tents meander between the large riverine trees.
Fast Facts
Activities
- Morning and evening game drives
- Walking (guide dependent)
- Mokoros (water dependent)
- Game viewing from the comfort of your own tent
- After dinner night drive
Quick facts
- Ten luxury tents including two family tents
- Children of all ages welcome
- Only a 30 minute charter flight from Maun, or 60 minute flight from Kasane
- Swimming pool, with loungers
- Tented main area Library
- Picturesque views over the Moremi and Khwai River
- Spa therapist – treatments include massages and facials done in guests rooms
- Curio shop
- Machaba Camp has 220V plug points in all the tents which can be used to charge batteries and sleep apnoea machines, however, are not suitable for hairdryers and electric shavers
- There is no WiFi in the tents or main areas Limited WiFi can be accessed near the office
Day 4 - 6 | Chobe National Park
Area Overview
Chobe National Park is located in northern Botswana in easy driving distance to Kasane and Victoria Falls. Chobe is Botswana’s first designated national park and, at over 11,700 km2 (4,500 mi2), is one of the largest. The greater Chobe area consists of the Chobe River, Savute, and Linyanti, which combined is home to Africa’s largest elephant population.
There is a rich variety of landscapes in addition to the famed riverfront including vast floodplains, woodlands, grasslands, and clay pans which can be enjoyed by boating safaris and game drives.
Day 4 - 6 | Ngoma Safari Lodge
Property Overview
Ngoma Safari Lodge is a boutique lodge offering unrivalled panoramic views over the game-rich floodplain and Chobe River. It is on the doorstep of Chobe National Park, also known as the “Land of the Giants,” home to the largest population of elephants on Earth.
Ngoma Safari Lodge is sensitively designed to celebrate its pristine location and views while blending into its natural surroundings. The thatch-roofed lodge is finished in volcanic rock that naturally occurs in the Chobe Forest Reserves and its suites nestle in bush willow thickets and Zambezi teak trees.
Lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant are very often seen, while hippo, crocodile, giraffe, sable, and roan antelope also call the Chobe Forest Reserve home. The flood plain also attracts large migratory herds of zebra that follow a 300 miles round trip between the Angola basin and Chobe, making it the longest terrestrial migration route in Africa.
Experience & Activities
Expect a vast and diverse array of wildlife as knowledgeable guides take you on safaris through the Chobe National Park, lazy afternoons by the pool, and stunning dinners under African stars.
The expansive Chobe River can be explored in the comfort of a river cruise boat. This full-day safari is a wonderful way in which to absorb and appreciate the scale and splendour of this all-important water system and the many magnificent life forms it supports.
Accommodations
Suite
All eight thatched river-facing suites have spacious internal and external living areas, a large luxury bath, an inside and outside shower, air conditioning, overhead fans, mini bar, and tea/coffee facilities including a Nespresso machine. In addition, each suite has a private “refresh and relax” pool conveniently located in the external living area. All rooms are equipped with three-quarter beds that can be converted to a king size bed.
Fast Facts
Activities
- Enjoy the scenery and wildlife from the privacy of your balcony.
- Take a breakfast and lunch cruise from the jetty at Ihaha, located in western Chobe. (seasonal rain dependent)
- Embark on a full day safari incorporating a cruise on the Chobe River and a game drive in the Chobe National Park (which has over 75 species of mammals) with a picnic lunch.
- Explore via night game drives, available in the Chobe Forest Reserve
- Visit a local school, clinic and village
- Enjoy bird viewing – there are over 450 species to be spotted in the region!
Quick facts
- Five-star bush lodge with eight individual spacious suites
- Panoramic views overlooking the Chobe River and floodplain
- Private ‘refresh and relax’ pools located in the external living area of each suite
- WiFi throughout the lodge
- Swimming pool, sundeck and viewing platform
- 220-volt mains plus backup generator
Day 6 - 7 | Victoria Falls
Area Overview
The town of Victoria Falls lies on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western edge of the falls that it is named after. After David Livingstone set his eyes on the “smoke that thunders” in 1855, the settlement was later developed in 1901 when the possibility of using the waterfall for hydro-electric power was explored, and expanded when the railway from Bulawayo reached the town shortly before the Victoria Falls Bridge was opened in April 1905, connecting Southern Rhodesia (later Rhodesia; now Zimbabwe) to Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia). Vic Falls, as it is affectionately abbreviated to, is known as the adventure capital of Africa, with any number of outdoor and adventure activities to choose from. As well as world-class white water rafting, there is one of the world’s highest bungee jumps, skydiving, swing slides, helicopter rides and more. Although the town is small, it has a vibrant feel to it with lots of craft shops, pop up craft breweries and cafes, and relies heavily on tourism.
Day 6 - 7 | Ilala Lodge Hotel
Property Overview
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort only 936 steps and a mere eight minute walk from Victoria Falls. Nestled in lush gardens, the well-appointed hotel is within many of the attractions of the vibrant town of Victoria Falls Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. The friendly and attentive staff of this welcoming hotel makes sure that guests’ visits are perfect in every way.
The popular Cassia Restaurant is known for its delicious cuisine and attracts guests worldwide. Diners can see the spray and hear the sounds of Victoria Falls, locally known as the “Smoke That Thunders,” while they enjoy the alfresco dining under the starry African skies that the Cassia Restaurant offers. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime.
Experience & Activities
Located on the Zimbabwean side of the mighty Zambezi River, Ilala Lodge Hotel is geographically the closest hotel to the magnificent Victoria Falls and is easily accessible to the town centre. Explore the lush wilderness surrounding the town on a game drive, surf the rapids on a Zambezi River white-water rafting expedition, bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge, or view the Falls from the exhilarating angle of Devil’s Pools on the edge of the plunging water.
Guests can also enjoy a legendary Zimbabwean sunset from the comfort of the elegant Ra-Ikane river cruisers, part of the Ilala Lodge Hotel group.
Accommodations
Deluxe Room
Situated in the West Wing, the Deluxe Rooms feature old-world charm and sophistication. The Deluxe Rooms feature either twin or double configurations. The Twin Deluxe Rooms have two three-quarter beds and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The bathrooms have his and her basins. The Double Deluxe Rooms have one king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and his & hers basins. All Deluxe rooms have a private patio off the bedrooms.
Fast Facts
Highlights
Amazing location – only 8 minute walk to Victoria Falls
Great access to many different activities
Quick facts
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73 rooms, with many room/suite types
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Complimentary wifi
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Cruises available from the hotel