The Capturing Couple’s Luxury Southern African Safari

Game drives in Hwange National Park showcase the rich diversity of Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, from open savannahs and mopane woodlands to seasonal pans and riverine corridors. Morning and afternoon drives in open 4x4 vehicles allow the opportunity to encounter elephant herds, lion prides, leopard, wild dog, and an array of antelope species, while the park’s prolific birdlife adds further fascination. Wildlife congregates around waterholes, particularly during the dry season and our experienced guides and small guest numbers ensure encounters are unhurried, intimate experiences where sightings can be fully appreciated.

The hide at Wilderness Linkwasha is located in a well-disguised, slightly raised area next to the waterhole. This sunken hide, right in front of camp, is the perfect spot to spend downtime. Fitted with a mini bar, coffee-making facilities, fans to keep you cool, and even two daybeds, it’s also a good place for an afternoon siesta. Spending time here, perhaps within a metre of an elephant bull, level with his feet, getting eye-level photos of black-winged stilts, red-billed teals and emerald-spotted wood doves, or watching the constant procession of general game including zebra, kudu, waterbuck and even the majestic sable antelope, may end up being the highlight of your safari.

Embark on a privately guided journey to Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of nature's greatest marvels. Set out into lush rainforests alive with vibrant birdlife and unravel the geological wonders of the falls with our expert guides. Discover the captivating history of Victoria Falls, named by David Livingstone in honor of Queen Victoria, while locals affectionately call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, translating to "The Smoke that Thunders." Experience the roar and mist of the Zambezi River as it plunges over the 1700-meter-wide and 100-meter-deep chasm. Follow winding pathways spanning 1.7 kilometers, pausing at scenic viewpoints to behold the breathtaking panorama of the falls. From March to July, witness the falls in full glory, with an astounding 500 million liters of water cascading over the precipice every minute.

In the Chitabe concession morning and afternoon game drives traverse a mosaic of grasslands, acacia woodland, and seasonal floodplains, with the area particularly renowned for its high predator densities. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs are frequently encountered here, alongside large herds of elephant, buffalo, and plains game. As daylight fades, night drives bring the chance to spot more secretive species. You may also choose to swap your game drive for a guided walk which adds a slower rhythm to your safari, uncovering details often overlooked from a vehicle, while private bush lunches on the Gomoti floodplains offer a unique experience or a chance to celebrate a special occassion. For keen photographers, specialist guiding ensures you have the time, positioning, and knowledge to capture the perfect shot. And for a perspective few ever experience, optional-extra scenic helicopter flights reveal the scale and beauty of the Delta from above.

At Wilderness camps in the Okavango Delta, twice-daily game drives form the heart of the safari experience. Early mornings see you heading out in open 4x4 vehicles, when the light is golden and predators are often still on the move. Guides and trackers use their expertise to follow the clues of the bush including fresh tracks in the sand and distant alarm calls to lead you to wildlife sightings. After a stop for coffee and snacks in a scenic spot, you return to camp for a relaxed breakfast or brunch. Later, as the heat eases, afternoon drives bring the chance to see more but beyond the vehicle, there are also various other ways to discover the Delta. Depending on water levels, you might glide silently along reed-lined channels by mokoro, head out by boat in search of hippo and waterbirds, or even cast a line for catch-and-release fishing. Guided walks reveal the smaller wonders of the wilderness while optional extra scenic helicopter flights offer a bird’s-eye view of the landscape. Together, these experiences ensure your time in the Okavango is as diverse as the landscape itself.

Gliding silently through the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, a modern take on a traditional dugout canoe, offers an intimate way to experience this UNESCO wetland. Typically lasting two to three hours, these excursions are guided by skilled polers who expertly navigate the channels, allowing you to drift past tiny reed frogs, herds of red lechwe, and an abundance of birdlife while observing the delicate ecosystem. The slow, quiet pace offers the opportunity to spot smaller creatures and hidden details often missed on a game drive. Mokoro trips are generally suitable for all ages and activity levels.

Exploring Africa’s waterways by boat is a unique replacement for your afternoon game drive, offering the chance to see the life that thrives at the water’s edge. Hippos grunt, crocodiles bask, and elephants wade, while countless bird species can also be seen. With a G&T in hand or grazing from your own snack platter, boating reveals the quieter rhythms of life on safari. Depending on the season and water levels, it’s an unforgettable way to experience Africa from an entirely different angle.