After breakfast, you’ll be met by a Luxury Escapes representative at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), who will greet you before your transfer by domestic flight to Hoedspruit (‘Hat Creek’ in Afrikaans), the vibrant gateway to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Upon arriving in town, you’ll be met by a tour representative and transferred to your luxurious accommodation, Imbali Safari Lodge or Kambaku River Sands.
Set within or on the outskirts of the extraordinary Kruger National Park, you’ll stay in a perfect base to explore a region steeped in history, brimming with spectacular landscapes and an abundance of incredible wildlife. Set among spectacular wilderness, your stay offers exquisite views and everything you need for a truly magical African experience. Spend your first evening admiring the majestic South African sunset and savouring time spent in the midst of the true savannah.
Travel time: Flight – approx. one hour / Driving – approx. one or two hours (depending on accommodation)
Roam wild and free as you explore this spectacular region, backed by the expertise of your accommodation’s experienced guides. Admire how Kruger National Park’s spectacular granite 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 today in paradise engaging with your accommodation’s incredible safari program. The park offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world, including Africa’s iconic safari species and the 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.
Roam wild and free as you explore this spectacular region, backed by the expertise of your accommodation’s experienced guides. Admire how Kruger National Park’s spectacular granite 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 today in paradise engaging with your accommodation’s incredible safari program. The park offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world, including Africa’s iconic safari species and the 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.
After breakfast, depart for Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) and your international flight of approximately two hours to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), Zimbabwe – the gateway to one of the world’s most magnificent natural cascades. After touching down, you’ll be met and transferred to your accommodation. Set among lush gardens, the boutique, heritage-inspired Pioneers Victoria Falls and Batonka Guest Lodge both offer elegant lodging just minutes from the thunderous beauty of Victoria Falls. Spend pleasant evenings in the lounge areas, dining on delicious cuisine, taking a dip in the pool or sipping local craft beer into the night.
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.
Please note: Your sunset cruise may be moved to another day, depending on weather and transfers.
Travel time: Flight – approx. two hours / Driving – approx. 2.5 hours
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 of the surrounding rainforest – 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.
After a hearty breakfast, journey by vehicle to your accommodation – Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa, a luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of Botswana’s 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 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. Enjoy a wide range of included safari activities, all the while being accompanied by the resort’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.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 1.5 hours
Today promises an array of thrilling activities set against a stunning natural backdrop. Start your morning with an adventurous 4WD excursion along the riverbanks, perfect for capturing breathtaking landscapes and spotting wildlife up close. As the day unfolds, relax on a motorboat cruise that glides past serene waters and offers ample opportunities for observing rare birdlife in their natural habitat.
For those seeking a truly unique safari experience, consider hiring a houseboat. This elegant mode of travel combines the excitement of the outdoors with upscale amenities, allowing you to explore the region in comfort and style. Enjoy fine dining and panoramic views right from your floating retreat, making today one to remember.
This morning, it’s time to say farewell to Botswana as you meet your lodge representative in the foyer and transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport for your flight to Windhoek, Namibia.
On arrival in Windhoek, you’ll be greeted by your transfer service and whisked away to the wild heart of Namibia for a three night all-inclusive desert safari at the spectacular Our Habitas Namibia.
Tucked away on a private reserve just 45 minutes from Windhoek, this award-winning retreat redefines luxury safari living. Your Savanna Room comes with sweeping desert views, a private outdoor terrace, earthy luxury interiors, and thoughtful touches including a welcome gift and fresh fruit platter to begin your stay.
Spend your days exploring the wilderness on twice-daily game drives, connecting with nature through yoga or bush walks, and savouring chef-curated meals paired with free-flow local wine, beer and soft drinks during meal times. As the sun dips below the horizon, gather for a starlit dinner and toast to your incredble arrival in the Kalahari Desert.
Travel time: Flying – approx. 1.5 hours / Driving – approx. 2.5 hours
Our Habitas Namibia stay
Wake to the soft golden light of the Kalahari filtering through your tented Savanna Room, with giraffes or zebras possibly grazing just beyond your terrace. Begin your day with a guided sunrise game drive, where expert trackers lead you across the 51,000-hectare private reserve in search of rhinos, wildebeest and other native wildlife.
Return to the lodge for a nourishing, locally sourced breakfast before joining a rotating schedule of wellness experiences – perhaps a bush meditation session, yoga under wide desert skies, or simply a relaxing moment by the sun-drenched infinity pool. After a delicious lunch, spend the afternoon at leisure or join a guided nature walk. As the sun sets, gather around the fire pit for storytelling and stargazing, then dine on seasonal Namibian cuisine in the warm glow of lantern light – another extraordinary day in the heart of the savannah.
Our Habitas Namibia stay
Wake to the soft golden light of the Kalahari filtering through your tented Savanna Room, with giraffes or zebras possibly grazing just beyond your terrace. Begin your day with a guided sunrise game drive, where expert trackers lead you across the 51,000-hectare private reserve in search of rhinos, wildebeest and other native wildlife.
Return to the lodge for a nourishing, locally sourced breakfast before joining a rotating schedule of wellness experiences – perhaps a bush meditation session, yoga under wide desert skies, or simply a relaxing moment by the sun-drenched infinity pool. After a delicious lunch, spend the afternoon at leisure or join a guided nature walk. As the sun sets, gather around the fire pit for storytelling and stargazing, then dine on seasonal Namibian cuisine in the warm glow of lantern light – another extraordinary day in the heart of the savannah.
Our Habitas Namibia stay
Say goodbye to Africa’s untamed paradise as you depart for Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) and your onward journey.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 45 minutes