| One of our Tour Consultants, just recently explored a few of African Bush Camp’s properties, located in Botswana and Zambia! |
Carvalho whizzed off to Botswana and Zambia with African Bush Camps, to explore a few of their stunning camps.
He gained invaluable product knowledge from his travels that we would like to share with you.
The flight from Cape Town to Maun, was a short 2-hours in duration. From Maun, a quick Charter flight and one is immediately blessed with the view of the Delta from the sky. Arriving into pure wilderness perfection, the Okavango Delta’s community-run Khwai Concession is well-known for plentiful and extraordinary wildlife.
Khwai Leadwood Camp, Botswana
On arrival at Khwai Airstrip, which took us 45 minutes from Maun Airport, the safari transfer to the Camp was magical. An experience out of this world, what was suppose to take us 30 minutes took us an 1 hour due to the incredible wildlife sightings en-route!
The first camp on our stay (and my personal favourite) was the elegantly designed Khwai Leadwood Camp. With only 7 elegantly designed tents, you are guaranteed an exclusive wilderness experience right on your doorstep. Perfect for those guests who want to be in the great African outdoors, but yet enjoy sleeping and dining in luxury.
From my room, I could see elephants gazing in the lush green savannah mangroves below.
Top of my “to do list”, was a mokoro trip. For sure it was even better than what I imagined before when just reading about it, we glide silently along the hippo and croc infested canals of the ancient Khwai River in a mokoro (dugout canoe), historically the only form of transport of the River Bushmen back in the day. I was left speechless from the knowledge that the river guide shared with us, telling fascinating stories and interesting facts, while navigating through the tranquil wilderness.
The highlight for me was watching elephants in their natural habitat, right in front of my tent… just pure wildlife perfection.
LINYANTI BUSH CAMP, Botswana
From Khwai, we took a 45-minute Helicopter flight hop into Linyanti, a private reserve in the Chobe Enclave, well known for its large populations of elephant and buffalo, especially during the dry season. Being elevated on the banks of the Linyanti Marsh, this 6-bedroomed tented camp provides intimate accommodation and cosy communal areas, all with beautiful views of the Linyanti landscape. spectacular birding year-round, it is its remoteness that makes it a favoured wild safari destination in Northern Botswana.
Mokoro safaris are available when water levels permit, and game drives are offered during the morning, afternoon and at night. As it’s a private concession, game drives are allowed after the sun has set, which enables you to discover elusive nocturnal wildlife. Walking safaris are a fantastic and exciting way to also experience the area, which is best when the bush is not too thick, usually between May and October.
On to the next lodge… we had a choice of a 1 hour helicopter transfer to or 2-hour bush transfer to Linyanti Airstrip and thereafter we connected with our charter flight to Kasane which I enjoyed!
THORNTREE RIVER LODGE, Zambia
Our last stop on this short but incredible journey, was Thorntree River Lodge. Located in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya (Smoke that Thunders) National Park, just a short distance from the famous Victoria Falls, all 12 rooms has its own indoor and outdoor bathroom and luxurious private plunge pool, with deck overlooking the Zambezi River.
A safari experience away from the busy Victoria Falls centre, but yet close enough to go and discover. Activities at Thorntree include game drives, guided canoeing safaris, sunset river cruises with breath-taking sunsets, fishing, cultural village visits, birding, and a one-of-a-kind Rhino experience. It even has a children’s club called The Ngwana Club, an African Bush Camps’ club created to provide fun and educational environment and activities for children on safari.
My highlight for Zamibia is that even on suite deck you are able to see the sprays of the Falls. I am definitely coming back to do the white river rafting in the mighty Zambezi River and bunjee jumping from the Victoria Falls bridge.
rom Zambia, we departed onboard a 2-hour flight to Cape Town International Airport. An amazing week for me, I really enjoyed African Bush Camp’s well spoken and experienced staff and guides, and learning more about the destinations and what it has to offer.
Big thank you to African Bush Camps for providing this incredible opportunity to Grosvenor Tours.
