Spending time in Africa again has brought back so many wonderful memories. Top among which are the incredible safari adventures that are possible while living and travelling in South and East Africa. I’m already daydreaming of a longer return trip that can include some nature time and of course sunset cruises. The safari options in these regions are spectacular and suit various tastes and budgets – everything from “glamping” to trekking on foot and riding elephant back.
I will post more details on other options soon (including budget-friendly bed and breakfasts favored by locals). This post is about the best overall safari trip I have enjoyed so far.
I was lucky to try several types of safaris while I lived in South Africa. Ironically, the Botswana portion was a last minute add-on our go to tour operator based in South Africa recommended when my co-workers requested a package trip for Victoria Falls over a long four day weekend.
Growing up in a city with a waterfall (Great Falls), I didn’t feel the need to spend an excessive amount of time visiting just Victoria Falls (the largest in the world). Although the magnitude (especially since we were there right after the rainy season), literally blows you away.
Green Rhino Tours caters to the large expat community in Pretoria, South Africa. Janet organized this trip and also pre-planned some trips for friends and family members visiting from the U.S. and Europe. She is great at organizing itineraries for trips throughout Africa and takes care of all of the fine details – which is useful for visitors on short trips looking to maximize their time on the ground. If you have the luxury of time, then its fairly easy to plan your own trip in Southern Africa through hotel chains such as Protea and local bed and breakfasts which offer lovely service and local tips.
We flew from Johannesburg, South Africa to Victoria Falls Airport and stayed at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia. It is close to the Zimbabwe border and the falls are a short walk from the resort. The location also served as a central base to explore the Okavango Delta and Chobe River in northern Botswana and Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.
We had lunch at Victoria Fall Safari Lodge during the day trip to Zimbabwe. The meals at both resorts were fantastic and on Saturday night there was a special outdoor barbecue at the Avani resort with live entertainment. The food in the region is excellent (especially the quality of the grilled meat). For dessert lovers, the ice cream is an odd consistency. However, if you like bread based puddings with creme d’anglais then you will be in luck.
Okavango Delta
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Okavango Delta is an unique wetlands area that owes its existence to the Kavango river in Botswana. There is a point in the delta (observable on the safari) where the unique border between Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia can be observed.
I love encountering signs like this when traveling abroad.
Chobe river safari in Botswana. Local dancers greet and perform prior to the safari.
During the leisurely riverboat trip, you get amazingly close to the wildlife because the animals have pretty regular cycles for seeking out water.
The pace is also a bit slower than on a safari jeep so you get a different perspective. There were many avid bird watchers on the river cruise as the delta is on a popular migratory route.
Depending on the type of animal, it may actually be too close for comfort.
Botswana Elephant Sanctuary
Then came the best part of the trip, elephant back safari at a sanctuary in Botswana that rescues orphan elephants from the wild. This helps preserve the population in the area. Proceeds from the safaris and a few souvenirs such as framed elephant footprints help the organization with its conservation efforts.
There is time to interact with the elephants and feed them. During the safari part, you are perched up high enough to get a birds eye view of game park. The elephants actually move at a glacial pace (stopping every few steps to eat).
Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
There was time for a regular jeep safari trip at Hwange park on the last day of a three day weekend.
Giraffe crossing the road 🙂
Two elephants battle over turf issues.
