The Wild Waterways of Zambia & Botswana

Located on the Zambian side of the water, there are a variety of luxury hotels either in Livingstone itself of alongside the Zambezi upstream. Either way, you’ll have a great base from which to fully explore this magnificent spectacle. There is plenty to do here, like tours of the falls, spotting hippos on river-based safaris, soaring over the spray on scenic helicopter flights, white water rafting in Batoka Gorge or visiting the famous Livingstone Island. The city is becoming increasingly popular with adventure sports enthusiasts as it is with nature-lovers looking for memorable safari experiences. And the city itself offers wonderful examples of colonial architecture lining the main streets, as well as more modern African buildings. There are many of the country’s over 750 species of birds to look out for around the town and the falls.

Safaris in the Linyanti unfold in a wild, unfenced landscape, famed for its elephant herds and predators. Morning and afternoon game drives traverse mopane forests, open floodplains, and riverine corridors where lions, wild dogs, and leopards are often seen. As a private concession, the Linyanti also allows for night drives, offering the chance to spot lesser-seen nocturnal species. Guided walks bring a more intimate perspective, while seasonal boating and catch-and-release fishing add variety to your safari.

The Vumbura concession offers one of the most varied safari experiences in the Okavango Delta. Twice-daily game drives take you deep into this mosaic of habitats, where predators and prey are found in abundance. Because it is a private concession, you can stay out after dark, with night drives revealing the nocturnal side of the Delta. For those wanting a different perspective, guided nature walks allow you to slow down and connect with the smaller details of the bush, from animal tracks to the Delta birdlife. Seasonal water levels open up another world of exploration including mokoro rides, boat trips, or trying your hand at catch-and-release fishing.

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.