Roam wild and free as you explore the Mpumalanga region, backed by the expertise of Imbali Lodge. Admire how Kruger National Park’s spectacular granite kopjes (hills) pepper the south, the Lebombo Mountains rise from the savannah in the east, and tropical forests cover the north of the staggeringly huge park.
Spend days in paradise engaging with Imbali Lodge’s incredible safari program. Kruger National Park offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world, including Africa’s iconic safari species, including Africa’s coveted ‘Big Five’ – elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo. It’s also the perfect chance to catch glimpses of giraffes, zebras and menacingly cute hippopotamuses, as well as an extraordinary amount of native birdlife, including southern yellow-billed hornbills, crested barbets and glossy starlings.
If you’re feeling brave, ask your guide about ‘Qugunyan’s Fortune,’ an almost mythical abandoned fortune of diamonds, gold and coins found originally found just after the Anglo-Boer war.
Enjoy evenings with good company, great food and hours spent under the star-swept skies above.
After breakfast, depart for Nelspruit Airport (NLP) and your international flight, approximately two-hours to Livingstone International Airport (LVI), Zambia, and the gateway to one of the world’s most magnificent natural cascades. After touching down, you’ll be met and transferred across the border to your Zimbabwe accommodation – Pioneers Victoria Falls.
Set among lush gardens, this boutique, heritage-inspired hotel offers elegant lodging just minutes from the thunderous beauty of Victoria Falls. Spend pleasant evenings in the serene central area, dining in Pioneers Falls’ nostalgic dining room or sipping local craft beer in the stylish lobby bar.
After an afternoon of leisure, savour the experience of a lifetime – a sunset cruise along the mighty Zambezi river. Board the Ra-Ikane – named after historic explorer David Livingstone’s local guide and handcrafted to resemble a turn-of-the-century riverboat – and sip on your favourite sundowner as you relax and enjoy the riverine vegetation and exciting wildlife, including unique birds, hippos and the occasional crocodile. It’s the perfect way to experience Victorian splendour in the heart of Africa as you enjoy a welcome cocktail, tea and cakes while being given the history of the river. In the drier months, wildlife such as elephants and many antelope species can be seen grazing on the riverbanks or swimming across to the smaller islands.
Today learn about Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, on a guided tour on the Zimbabwean side of the falls. Learn why the falls are known as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ – by locals, and witness what happens when the waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the 1700-metre-wide and 100-metre-deep chasm, creating a shower of spray and deafening noise.
As you amble along scenic pathways – stopping at each spectacular vantage point along the way – learn about the geological formation of Victoria Falls, the fascinating ‘discovery’ by David Livingstone and the abundance of birdlife.
Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure – relax on the beautiful hotel grounds or head out to keep exploring.
After a hearty breakfast, journey by vehicle roughly 90-minutes to your accommodation – Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa, a luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush, on the edge of Chobe National Park — home to Africa’s largest elephant population, buffalo herds, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles and a vast number of beautiful birds. Enjoy unparalleled panoramic views across the Namibia floodplains, the very best African hospitality and uniquely luxe lodge accommodation – the entirety of the hotel is under thatched roofing.
With countless gorgeous riverbank pathways and a wealth of amenities – including a bar, resident lounge, dining patio, golf course and safari boutique – Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa is your gateway to splendour and safari in Chobe National Park.
Enjoy a wide range of included safari activities, all the while being accompanied by the Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa’s impeccable service and expertise.
The options are almost limitless – spend your days exploring the stunning natural beauty of Chobe National Park. During morning and afternoon safari drives, learn of the rich ecosystems of the park, which lend themselves to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, as well as an array of stunning landscapes and spectacular wild animals.
During your included drives, watch for elephants feeding and washing, spot stampeding herds of buffalo, keep an eye out for hyenas hiding from majestic lions and encounter up to 16 types of antelope, including the rare, semi-aquatic puku, red lechwe and sitatunga. Depending on the season, you may also catch the second-largest migration of zebra in Africa.
Say goodbye to Africa’s untamed paradise as you depart for Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) and your onward journey.