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Explore Zambia and Botswana

Day 1
Victoria Falls Sussi and Chuma Luxury Safari Zambia
Arrival at Livingstone

Upon arrival at Livingstone, you will be met by a member of our team and transferred to Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, which is just a stone’s throw away from the world-famous Victoria Falls.

The lodge is an exclusive haven in the heart of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park which, in addition to the mighty roar of the Victoria Falls, the region also boasts a wide variety of game as well as countless opportunities for adventure. Built on two levels on a dramatic bend in the Zambezi, the main lodge is perched amongst giant ebony trees. Guests can relax in the swimming pool or enjoy a drink in the elevated bar. The twelve air-conditioned tree houses are connected by wooden walkways, and all enjoy superb views over the river.

OVERNIGHT STAY
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
Day 2
Aerial View Sussi and Chuma Safari Zambia

Livingstone and Victoria Falls

The morning is at leisure to enjoy some of the many activities on offer. These include a Tour of the Falls on the Zambia side, a cruise on the Zambezi, canoeing, walking safaris, game drives in the National Park, and fishing. The Flight of Angels offers an amazing opportunity to experience a flight in a helicopter and an unrivalled and superior view of the Victoria Falls (at an extra cost).

This afternoon, join our guides on a game drive to explore the local region and track zebras, giraffes, and elephants across the National Park. Hop on the opportunity of a lifetime to walk with rhinos. Join the rangers that protect the few white rhinos that have been reintroduced to this area. After a safety briefing, you will wander through Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park where you will get surprisingly close to these magnificent creatures. Learn about the conservation efforts made to protect them as well as the ecosystem they affect.
Alternatively, opt to visit the local village of Nakatindi, about 5 kilometres from the camp. There, you will get to see various projects, sponsored by Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy, aimed at improving education, conservation, health, and enterprise in the village. Such projects include the Chipego Bike Shop, our first women’s social enterprise project aimed at creating employment opportunities and empowering women. As well as the Sishemo Studio where after two years of intensive training, women at the workshop make glass beads using traditional African techniques and now craft beautiful handmade jewellery.

Return to camp, relax, and freshen up before dinner. Guests staying at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma can indulge in a range of spa treatments - including massages, facials, and manicures - while enjoying spectacular views over the Zambezi River (at an extra cost).

OVERNIGHT STAY
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
Day 3
Deck Zambezi River Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma Luxury Safari Zambia

Zambezi River

After a sumptuous breakfast prepared by our team, head out on the water to experience the incredible white-water rafting on the Zambezi River (at an extra cost). The rapids on the river are officially defined as “Grade 5”, no wonder Livingstone is also called the ‘adventure capital of the world. You will be met at the lodge and transferred to the Zambezi Waterfront. Check-in, sign an indemnity and be given a briefing before departing on a half day white water rafting experience. Upon ending on rapid #10, the truck will be waiting with cold drinks and beers for you to enjoy before heading back to the waterfront for lunch.

In the afternoon, explore the Victoria Falls, but this time from the Zimbabwean side (at an extra cost). The guide will escort guests around the Falls sharing some facts and history along the way. Sanctuary Retreats will supply raincoats during high water months when guests are likely to get wet from the spray of the Falls. The walk is approximately 1½ hours in duration (3km), through the rainforest, stopping at the various viewing points for you to soak in the magnificence of the landscape.

Finally, end your day with a sundowner cruise. A guide will take you through a series of grade 2 rapids before finding a spot to beach for a break and a sunset cocktail. The combination of Zambezi spray on your face and a delicious drink on the tongue makes for a memorable sunset cruise. Sipping on a cocktail while watching the sunset over the majestic Zambezi River is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

OVERNIGHT STAY
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
Day 4
Chobe Chilwero Lodge River Safari Botswana

Transfer to Chobe

Head out in the early hours of the day on a walking safari to enjoy Zambia’s bush one last time. Accompanied by a world-class guide, and National Park Rangers, make your way through the grasslands in search of African wildlife and learn about the local flora and fauna. While you are out there, enjoy tea or coffee with some snacks. After a couple of hours, return to camp for check out and be transferred to your onward journey to Botswana.

Deep in the heart of the Botswana wilderness lies Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero. This luxurious retreat in the heart of the bush is located on the edge of Chobe National Park, the second largest national park in Botswana, where some 80,000 elephants roam. From the lodge’s hilltop position, guests can enjoy far reaching panoramic views over the Chobe River and floodplains below. The main public area includes a lounge, library, and dining room, which are linked to outdoor viewing patios. Guests are able to relax in the split-level swimming pool or unwind with a pampering session in the full-service spa complete with a treetop treatment room. Relax in luxurious thatched cottages, with modern freestanding baths, indoor and outdoor showers, terrace, and private garden overlooking the magnificent Chobe River.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer which include game drives, motorised boat safaris and sundowner and photographic cruises on the Chobe River. However, we recommend a river excursion to witness elephants wading through the water, buffalo quenching their thirst and crocodiles gliding across the surface.

OVERNIGHT STAY
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
Day 5
Chobe Chilwero Lodge Bedroom Safari Botswana

Chobe National Park

Today is at leisure to explore the area. Our morning drives include coffee, tea and freshly baked confectioneries. This thrilling experience aboard a custom 4X4 vehicle brings you to the heart of Africa’s largest concentration of elephants, as well as hippos, buffalo, antelopes, lions and other creatures that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. Alternatively, guests can take part in additional activities (at an extra cost), such as fishing excursions on the Chobe River. The best time for fishing is in winter: May, June, July and August. Guests can expect to catch Bream and Tiger Fish, during one of the most sought-after game fishing experiences. The use of the boat during this activity is for a maximum of three hours and includes basic fishing equipment. A maximum of three people are allowed per boat and the activity is subject to availability. We suggest booking this activity while at the lodge.

At midday, return to camp for lunch and relax, or head out to spot wildlife from the water, joining one of the acclaimed guides on a water safari on specially adapted motorboats.

The best way to end a day of safari here is sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the still waters of the Chobe River from the comfort of one of our specially-designed riverboats. Sundowner cruises are also a great way of seeing buffalo up close as they come out of the shade to graze in the cooler evenings and elephants as they wade in the river.

OVERNIGHT STAY
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
Day 6
Baines Camp Pool

Transfer to Baines'

Enjoy breakfast and then a morning game viewing activity, after which a camp representative will transfer you to your next leg of the journey. Upon arrival at Sanctuary Baines’ Camp our team will welcome you before taking you through the camp. Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is a luxury camp set in a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Amidst a grove of trees, and surrounded by papyrus beds, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is built on raised platforms high above the Boro River. We encouraged the local community in Maun to collect cans, with a fee paid for every can, which were recycled to form the backbone of the camp’s structures. This is our smallest camp with only six luxurious suites. With star baths and sky beds on your private deck, this is a romantic oasis.

The afternoon is at leisure. Activities available include game drives, and seasonal motorised boat and mokoro excursions (subject to water levels). In the evening, enjoy a relaxing sundowner in the bush with a fiery sunset as a backdrop. After that, accompany one of our guides on the unique experience that a night game drive has to offer. Witness the plains that surround the camp become even livelier once the sun has set (night drives are seasonal, depending on water levels).

OVERNIGHT STAY
Sanctuary Baines' Camp
Day 7
Baines Camp Okavango Delta Water Safari

Okavango Delta

Kick-start your day early with a hearty breakfast and make the most of your last full day at Sanctuary Baines’ Camp. Whether by air (at an extra cost), land or water (season permitting) choose how you wish to explore the delta. Helicopters are a perfect way to explore deep into the Delta exposing permanent waterways, palm islands, and lagoons, with sweeping views of floodplains and incredible game sightings. Doors are removed for unrestricted views which offers great photographic opportunities.

In open 4 x 4 vehicles, you have the opportunity to see animals up close with your expert guide on morning and evening game drives. The concession also boasts a diversity of landscapes with desert, dry savannah, lagoon, and swamps all in close proximity. During higher water levels game drives will be combined with motorised boating excursions. Mokoros are locally made dugout canoes and a great way to venture through the delta. Each June the whole area around the camp floods and turns the Okavango Delta into a labyrinth of lily-filled lagoons and streams where hippos fight for bathing rights and crocodiles wait for unwary antelope to linger too long over a drink. Poling through the byways created by the floodwaters is a magical experience that allows guests to get very close to the biggest of game and to see the world from a totally different angle. Come back to a private dinner on the pool deck and enjoy lavishing meals prepared by our chefs to the sounds of the African bush surrounding you.

In the evening, after a long day exploring the delta, soak in your star bath to the sound of Botswana’s wildlife ever more vibrant at dusk and take it even further by rolling out your bed to sleep under Africa’s clear and starry night sky.

OVERNIGHT STAY
Sanctuary Baines' Camp
Day 8
Baines Camp Canoe 2

Departure

The morning is at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer. Afterwards, please meet the camp representative in the reception area of the camp for your transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Maun where you will connect for your outbound flight. Your transfer times will be advised to you by the camp managers.