Zimbabwe Botswana Safari IG5FExperience the famous Chobe region in a relaxed and fun-filled atmosphere aboard a luxury houseboat, then cross over to exciting Victoria Falls to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World3 Nights Chobe River, Namibia
Safari OverviewThis outstanding short safari combines the game rich Chobe River with the magnificent Victoria Falls. Revel in this safari experience at Chobe, probably the most prolific wildlife park in Southern Africa, famous for its vast herds of elephant, lion and leopard sightings. The real attraction and uniqueness of this safari is the accommodation aboard the Chobe Princess luxury houseboat, which is an absolutely perfect platform from where you can relax and savour this incredible wildlife spectacle as it unfolds in front of you. Accommodation in Victoria Falls is at the well renowned Ilala Lodge - an upmarket and personal, boutique hotel offering great service and a very comfortable stay, only a 5-minute walk from the Falls themselves. You get to see and experience this magnificent waterfall and all the activities that are available from sunset cruises to bungee jumping and everything in between.
Inspired Journey Overview
 Notes: Day 1, 2 & 3DAY 1 Once aboard the Princess, she gently cruises upriver to her first night spot and you can relax in the comfort and privacy of your room, or enjoy tea or coffee with snacks, or sundowner drinks on the entertainment deck while taking in the gorgeous view. After sipping on a traditional African safari sundowner, sit down to a three-course evening meal as you're serenaded to the sounds of hyenas, elephant and perhaps even lion nearby. After dinner, enjoy a coffee and a nightcap before heading to your cabin to round off the day. DAY 2 & 3 Chobe National ParkThe Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its reliable and diverse game viewing. Safaris are conducted both by boat and on land. This section of the park is best known for its elephant and hippo populations but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them. Overnight: Chobe Princess HouseboatThe Chobe Princesses is a luxury safari houseboat that cruises the Chobe River. It is the perfect platform to experience all that the Chobe has to offer with the added benefits of being on the Namibian side of the river. Quieter, more secluded and personalized, it is ideal for families, couples or groups who wish to enjoy the very best of an African river safari. Whilst on the Chobe Princesses you can cruise around 50kms of the river and overnight in some of the most scenic areas on the Chobe. The Chobe Princesses have 3x exclusive docking sites within the Chobe National Park. The Chobe Princess 1 has 5x double/twin air-conditioned, en-suite cabins and the Chobe Princesses 2 & 3 have 4x double/twin air-conditioned, en-suite cabins each (tastefully fitted with a modern shower, toilet and hand basin) with large sliding windows with mosquito screens opening onto the water. The elevated entertainment deck provides the guest with an open dining/lounge area where guests can enjoy elevated views of the surrounds. This deck has a refreshing plunge pool as well as a fully stocked kitchen and bar. The Chobe Princesses each have a full time captain on board as well as 4 staff to ensure the guest is well looked after. The on board chef will also provide outstanding meals (catering to specific dietary requirements) for guests. Activities Include game viewing by tender boat into the Chobe National Park and Caprivi Wetland areas allowing guests to get up close and personal to the outstanding wildlife. Birding is a year round pleasure with over 400 recorded species. Photographic Safaris on our customized photographic safari boat especially designed to provide keen photographers with the perfect platform to get the perfect picture. Fishing in over 100kms of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers for Tiger Fish, Bream and several other fresh water species. High quality equipment (conventional and fly-fishing), knowledgeable guides and excellent tender boats are all available for guests use. Guided Walks are a must on Impalila Island as they will give you an insight into the life of local inhabitants, introduce you to the stark beauty of the area and amaze you with the enormity of the Baobab trees. You can even climb an ancient Baobab tree from where you can see all four countries (Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe) - a truly one-of-a-kind event!
Activities with Chobe PrincessWater-based game viewing Game viewing on the Chobe River is at its most exceptional from March to November when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile as they search for food and water. Summer and spring also offer unique opportunities though, as you watch the landscape burst into life after the first rains of the season. Catch sight of huge herds of elephant as they swim across the water, as well as buffalo, lion, crocodile, lechwe, puku, giraffe, zebra, sable, kudu and the occasional leopard as they gather to quench their thirst at watering holes. Besides animal life, you'll also see a huge variety of birdlife and plant life as you listen to the sounds of a hippo grunting and breathe in the sweet smell of African grass. The Chobe is known as a photographer's paradise and for good reason. The soft early morning light and the sunsets at dusk, combined with striking animal behaviour, make for dramatic and unusual photo opportunities. Before your game viewing excursion, remember to apply sunscreen and wear a hat, as temperatures can reach over 40 degrees centigrade. You should also bring along a jacket for the chillier temperatures in the early mornings and evenings. Enjoy the ultimate in game viewing safari decadence as you sip on a drink and cruise along the river in one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.
Fishing Chobe Princess offer both conventional equipment as well as fly-fishing equipment for the fishing safaris, because the area is renowned worldwide for its fly-fishing. Rods, flies, lures, lines, leaders and reels and all equipment is included in the rate. Because of our unique location, we offer excellent fishing safaris all year round – from the annual floods starting in March to the feeding frenzies in the winter months. Our highly knowledgeable guides, the tackle and bait we supply as well as well stocked cooler boxes make fishing in Africa an experience to remember. Land an eight pounder or more and earn bragging rights for years to come, as you enjoy a fishing trip that's second to none.
Birding Experienced birders and even eager amateurs will delight in spotting distinct birds such as African skimmers, rock pratincoles and the African fin-foot, either through their binoculars or with the naked eye. Having access to your own knowledgeable guide and tender boat lets you spend many hours on your birding safari also viewing cattle egrets, fish eagles, open-billed storks, lesser-striped swallows, pied kingfishers and the striking carmine bee-eater. The slow drift of the tender boat means that you won't disturb the peaceful silence and can also get up close to the birds and observe their fascinating behaviour. Sit patiently and absorb the beauty around you and soon you'll be rewarded with a unique sighting that you'll want to photograph. Because you'll have access to the Chobe National Park and the Caprivi wetlands, you'll get exposure to a wide variety of species you may have never seen before. The distinct sounds of the call of an African fish eagle mingling with the grunt of hippos will stay with you long after your Chobe River bird-watching safari is over.
Photo Safaris Bring your own photographic equipment - the optimal lens to bring is an 80 - 400mm zoom. Because this is a water-based safari, you'll be able to take unique shots in a safe environment, being able to view the animals in the Chobe National Park surrounded by that magical golden light Africa is renowned for. Tea and coffee will be offered in the morning during the winter months and soft drinks, local beers and wines will be served in the afternoon. Light snacks are also served during your excursion, providing you with a photographic experience that's also about pure comfort. Departure times are early morning and late afternoon and the safari takes three hours. Capture your stay with breath-taking photos of the unique African landscape and the wild animals that surround you.
Cultural Tours Wear a large sun hat and apply sun lotion, bring a bottle of water with you and wear comfortable shoes. You'll start by taking a slow, non-strenuous but sandy stroll through the village as you snap a few photographs and meet the Headman of the village as well as his children. The men of the village either fish to provide meals for their families, while the women and younger children perform the chores and produce handmade crafts. Pick up a woven basket, beaded jewellery or a carved wooden animal as a memento from your trip – sales of these crafts empower village inhabitants by helping them earn a living. If you want to give the children of the village gifts, bring along school stationery, books or clothing – all will be highly appreciated. Finally, enjoy a display of traditional dancing and singing at the end and join in the fun! Guests can also go on a walking tour to a 2000-year-old baobab tree where you'll learn more about the medicinal and spiritual value of Impalila Island's flora. For our more adventurous guests, if you have the inclination to climb the tree, you'll be rewarded with a bird's-eye view of the meeting place of two rivers and four countries.
 Notes: Day 4, 5 & 6DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 Victoria FallsOne of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders', this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine a game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world. Overnight: Ilala LodgeThe warmest of welcomes awaits you at Ilala Lodge Hotel. A gracefully distinguished ambiance. Attentive yet discrete service that always comes with a smile. The sublime surroundings of this boutique hotel will reawaken your senses while the power of the majestic Victoria Falls renews your spirit. Relax in luxurious style. Listen to the meditative rhythm of the great Zambezi as you drift off to sleep. As morning comes, gently awake and lift your head to see the spray of the Victoria Falls across the unspoiled horizon – and let your soul sigh. Feel at ease in the elegant and spacious rooms with African Teak furniture, soft, crisp linen – all en-suite facilities, bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV, hair dryer, tea & coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi and a safe. The view from your room looks across the lawns to the Victoria Falls National Park where elephant, warthog, impala or the occasional buffalo might be passing by or simply grazing on the lawn or in the tree line. Experience new tastes, indulge in unusual flavours and enjoy delectable dishes at our award winning restaurant "The Palm” - dine in view of the spray of the Victoria Falls! Lodge also has a spa, where you can spoil yourself after that long safari!
Price
Total Price 5 Nights (2024): US$ 1890 (low season) | US$ 2509 (high season) Included in this safariCHOBE PRINCESS HOUSEBOAT ILALA LODGE
TRANSFERS ExcludedCHOBE PRINCESSES ILALA LODGE  More Travel Information• Victoria Falls Travel Information
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