Photo Info Sanctuary RetreatsPhotograph Africa's Majestic Cats
Photo Info Sanctuary RetreatsExplore Botswana's Silent Waterways
Photo Info Sanctuary RetreatsRelax in Unmatched Luxury
Photo Info Sanctuary RetreatsWitness the Wonders of the Wild
Photo Info Sanctuary RetreatsVisit the Awe-Inspiring Victoria Falls
- Summary
- Itinerary
- Pricing
- Options & Add-ons
Ultimate Botswana & Zambia
Trip Highlights
Victoria Falls | Chobe National Park | Okavango Delta
Explore
Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a wildlife paradise situated on a floodplain
Victoria Falls, the smoke that thunders, on a walking tour
Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park on safari in search of elephant, giraffe, birds and more
Experience
Mokoro rides on Botswana’s silent waterways
Walking safaris led by expert rangers and trackers
A romantic sundowner cruise on the Chobe river
Enjoy
Unmatched luxury in 5-star lodges and tents
Bicycle tour of Nakatindi Village near Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma (starting in 2020)
A relaxing, 30-minute Soul of Africa conditioning massage at Chobe Chilwero
PCR Testing – we can’t take the test for you, but we’ve got the where and how covered!
Most countries and airlines require proof of a negative Covid PCR test. As your safari experts, we know their requirements and will take care of scheduling tests during your travels in Botswana and Zambia, so that it’s conveniently planned into your itinerary and taking into consideration that results take between 24-72 hours. Tests cost between $100 and $330 per person, per test including transport to the testing facility. Your Africa Specialist will give you more information as it relates to your itinerary.
Day 1 - Livingstone (Victoria Falls)
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma. Built on a dramatic bend of the Zambezi River in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, the lodge is a short drive, seven miles upstream, from the world-famous Victoria Falls. This 5-star luxury lodge is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the Zambezi providing unrivalled views and exclusivity.
Stay in a luxury treehouse at Sussi & Chuma
The main lodge is built on two levels, with an elevated bar, superb wine cellar, lounge and open air dining area, curio shop and swimming pool. The elegant shaded deck offers fantastic bird's eye views across the river.
At Sussi and Chuma the highly trained safari guides take you on game drives in custom-built 4x4 safari vehicles to experience the land as it was when Livingstone first made his way across the ridge and witnessed ‘the smoke that thunders’. The park has elephant, impala, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, zebra in large numbers and an exciting array of birds. You may also be lucky enough to see a rare sighting of the wild dog that on occasion pass through the park.
Sunset on the Zambezi
During your stay at Sussi and Chuma you will enjoy a Bicycle tour of Nakatindi Village.
Please Note: Luggage restrictions on the Botswana light aircraft transfer flights is 20kg/44lbs in soft bags – including hand luggage and camera equipment – each seat on the flight also has a weight restriction of approximately 100kg/220lbs – please ask your Africa Specialist if you would like more information on this.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma – Tree House (L, D)
Day 2 - Livingstone (Victoria Falls)
The day is at leisure to enjoy some of the many activities on offer. Depending on water levels, the Falls make a constant roar and are accompanied by a cloud of spray where the mile wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi.
Enjoy a tour of Victoria Falls
The lodge also offers you the opportunity to enjoy a two hour canoeing excursion on the Zambezi River. The canoeing trip can either be done in the morning or afternoon; the activity will start from the lodge and can be combined with either a game drive or a boat cruise.
Rainbow over Victoria Falls
There can be few more thrilling ways to experience and understand African wildlife, the bush and ecosystem as a whole than by being on foot on a walking safari.
Offering a completely different perspective to the conventional view one gets from a safari vehicle. On this activity you are accompanied by their highly trained professional walking guides, Luckson and Elijah, who have a combined walking safari experience of more than 20 years.
Expect to see Elephants in Botswana
A Zambezi River cruise is a great way to spend a few hours before drifting back to the lodge, a warm shower and delicious dinner. Sanctuary's boats are specially designed, and the guide will take the boat through a series of grade 2 rapids before finding a spot to beach for a break and a sunset cocktail. The combination of Zambezi spray on your face and sipping on a cocktail while watching the sunset over the majestic Zambezi River is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma – Tree House (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Livingstone/Chobe National Park
The morning is at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer and afterwards you will be transferred by road to Chobe Chilwero.
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a 5-star luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush on the edge of Chobe National Park, home to the world's largest remaining population of elephants. Sitting above the Chobe River, the lodge offers unparalleled panoramic views across the islands and floodplains as far across as Namibia.
On a game drive at Chobe Chilwero
This is an incredibly luxurious lodge with just 15 guest cottages, as well as the only full spa on the Botswana safari circuit. Relax in the split-level swimming pool, unwind with a pampering session in the spa or enjoy the gourmet food that the lodge has become known for.
Each of the cottages has two showers, one inside and one outside. The en-suite bathroom also has a large free-standing bath. After a day of game viewing, what better way to relax than in your own private garden with a cocktail? Or you can have your gourmet dinner served under the African sky.
Fish Eagles - sometimes called Africa's version of the Bald Eagle, photo by Kay Christianson
During your stay at Chobe Chilwero you will enjoy a 30 minute Soul of Africa Conditioning Massage at Chobe Chilwero Spa, go on a game drive in the Chobe National Park, and enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Chobe River.
Accommodation: Chobe Chilwero – Suite (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Chobe National Park
Spot wildlife by land or water in Chobe
The best way to end a day of safari, is sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the still waters of the Chobe River from the comfort of a riverboat.
Sundowner cruises are also a great way of seeing buffalo up close as they come out of the shade to graze in the cooler evenings. Elephants are normally seen in abundance during sunset too, as they wade in the river. Chobe is renowned for its abundance of dramatic sable and roan antelopes with their impressive horns.
Accommodation: Chobe Chilwero – Suite (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Chobe/Kasane/Okavango Delta
Look forward to your next safari experience as you are transferred to Kasane. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred by light charter aircraft to the airstrip at your camp. On arrival at Sanctuary Stanley’s private Airstrip you will be met and transferred to the camp.
Glide along in a mokoro in the Okavango
Please Note: Luggage restriction on the Botswana light aircraft transfer flights is 20kg/44lbs in soft bags – including hand luggage.
Set in an amphitheater of ebony and sausage trees on the southern tip of Chief’s Island in the world renowned Okavango Delta, Stanley’s Camp sits amidst 260,000 acres/105,218 hectares of untamed African bush. A small luxury camp of only eight ensuite classic style safari tents overlooking the Okavango Delta floodplains, the tents exude classic Africa; hand crafted beds dressed with the finest linen, individually selected antique furniture and oriental carpets that give a delightful glimpse of colonial Africa.
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A thirsty Giraffe in Botswana, photo by Jim Benson
The main building is raised on decking and offers expansive views over the surrounding floodplains.
During your stay at Stanley’s Camp you will enjoy a private dinner.
Accommodation: Stanley’s Camp – Tented Suite (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Okavango Delta
Bordering the southern section of the famous Moremi Game Reserve this private concession is home to a wide variety of big game including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.
Activities offered by the lodge include game drives, walks, mokoro excursions (the traditional dug-out canoe). There is also a swimming pool for taking refreshing dips between game activities.
Early morning and later afternoon game-drives are conducted in open vehicles, which offer unencumbered views for photography.
Wild Dogs at Sanctuary Retreats in Botswana, a special and rare sighting!
Game viewing in the area is extremely good with excellent numbers of predators and plains-game. The area has one of the largest Buffalo populations in the Okavango Delta, which, in the dry season, can be in excess of 2000 head.
Accommodation: Stanley’s Camp – Tented Suite (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Okavango Delta
Today you will take a light aircraft transfer from Stanley’s Camp to Chief’s Camp. Personal service, an extraordinary setting, exceptional viewing and enthusiastic expert guides are the hallmarks at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp to ensure the ultimate luxury safari experience.
Let the wildlife come to you at Chief's Camp
Spacious and breezy, the 10 stylish bush pavilions are some of the region’s largest places to spend the night.
The bathrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and folding glass doors leading to outdoor showers and generous tubs are perfect for long, indulgent soaks. In the mood to dine alone together? Relax on your covered deck and look out for elephants, giraffes, buffalo and other wildlife as you enjoy the Camp’s excellent cuisine and wines.
Another day to experience up close encounters with the Okavango Delta’s abundant wildlife. One of the best ways to see the wildlife is in one of the locally made dugout canoes, known as a mokoro. Float around the waterways and lagoons that make up the delta, looking out for hippos and crocodiles in the water, but also getting a remarkable view of the plains game from a new and exciting angle.
Sunset game drive in Botswana
End the day sitting around the fire discussing your day’s wildlife sightings.
Accommodation: Chief's Camp – Bush Pavilion (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Okavango Delta
Wake up early in the morning as your tent attendant brings fresh coffee, tea or hot chocolate to your room. Before departing for your morning game viewing activity enjoy a scrumptious full English and continental breakfast.
Upon your return to camp an early buffet lunch is served under the trees out on the deck of the main area. Then it’s time to relax at the pool. Keep a look out for roaming wildlife as you enjoy the stunning view.
Lions seen at Chief's Camp
Afternoon tea is definitely a highlight for most, the selection of cakes, warm scones and quiche to name a few is something most find hard to resist. Indulge and enjoy with a delicious cup of coffee or a refreshing ice tea before setting off for your afternoon game viewing activity.
The expert guides are always on hand to share their wealth of wildlife knowledge as you explore the Delta in modified open 4 x 4 vehicles on morning and afternoon game drives. The game viewing opportunities at Sanctuary Chief's Camp are awe-inspiring. On the plains one may find the roaming lions that prey on the thousands of antelope, zebra and buffalo who live here all year round. There are also healthy populations of wild dog. These extremely rare predators have been hunted to the point of extinction in most areas of Africa and this is one of their last strongholds. There are several local lion prides and leopards, genet cats and hyena are in abundance.
Accommodation: Chief’s Camp – Bush Pavilion (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Okavango Delta/Maun
A hippo seen near Chief's Camp in Botswana
Make the most of your last morning as you take in all the sights and sounds on your final game activity of this trip. Later you will be transferred to the camp’s airstrip for your flight to Maun. (B)
Add-Ons
Cape Town
Enhance your African experience with a 3 or 4 night stay in Cape Town to allow sufficient time to discover all the city has to offer and to experience the diversity that is Africa.
Cape Town is the most popular tourist destination in South Africa due to its good climate, culture and scenic beauty. The city has several well-known natural features that attract tourists, most notably Table Mountain, for panoramic views of the city and Cape Point the dramatic headland at the end of the Cape Peninsula. Many tourists also drive along Chapman's Peak Drive, a scenic mountainous drive with views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby mountains. A visit to Boulders Beach to see the adorable penguin colony is a favorite amongst visitors. The Cape Winelands offers wine estate tours and wine tastings, and scenic towns with their architectural heritage of Cape Dutch style buildings. The city has several notable cultural and heritage attractions. Robben Island is a poignant experience as visitors see where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were imprisoned. Township tours of the Cape Flats and Khayelitsha provide insight into life in these vibrant communities. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of the city's most popular shopping venues, with several hundred shops and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Cape Town Day Tours
Cape Town, the Mother City, is a historically, culturally and breathtakingly vibrant city that was recently named the best city in Africa and the second best city in the world by Condé Nast Traveller. From its beautiful natural landmarks to its colourful culture; from decadent wine farms to captivating history and architecture - it’s a tourist heaven. There’s no finer way to savor Cape Town's pleasures than a guided day tour with Thompsons Africa – from wonderful winelands and wine tastings, to riding the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, we’ll take you there in style.
Please note the scheduled tour prices below have additional drop off and pick up points and will have other guests on board. The private tour pricing offers a vehicle and driver just for your use and allows more flexibility – please note that the venues visited will have other guests, it is just the vehicle and driver that is on a private basis. Pricing for both is per person based on a minimum of two people.
Click here for day tour prices.
Cape Town City Tour - Half Day
Departs: Daily between 7:35 and 8:30am. Returns: Approx. 12:30pm.
Colorful Bo-Kaap, photo by South Africa Tourism
This tour is designed to orientate and give you a full-color insight into the extraordinary magic of Cape Town. First enjoy a cable car ride to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain (weather permitting) for panoramic views, including the City and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa (tickets are for your own account). Next up is a visit of the country’s oldest colonial building, The Cape Castle and the Company Gardens. Then you’ll be driven past Parliament Buildings, City Hall which is where Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after his release from prison and the Slave Lodge. Next, it’s up the cobblestoned hills to the beautifully colorful homes of the Bo-Kaap in the Malay Quarter. The tour ends on a sparkling note, with a visit to a diamond works where you’ll watch a professional diamond cutter as he creates every girl’s dream stone. Perhaps you’ll be taking one home.
Cape Point Tour - Half Day
Departs: Daily between 7:40 and 8:45am. Returns: Approx. 12:30pm.
Cape Point overlook, photo by Mike and Jenn O'Connor
The Cape Peninsula and Cape Point is wild, rugged, and undoubtedly one of the most memorable coastlines you’ll have encountered. The trip begins with a drive along Millionaires Paradise, eyeing the glamorous homes of Clifton Beach and Camps Bay which leave you in no doubt as to how it earned its title. From there, it’s on towards the charming coastal town and working harbor of Hout Bay - translated from Dutch it literally means Wood Bay. Then, driving over the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive with its breathtaking views you’ll arrive at the Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park and its rugged, intriguing landscape. Next up is a visit to the delightful African penguin colony at Boulders beach (for your own account, approximately USD $5 per person), before moving on to the historical naval port of Simon’s Town. It’s a wonderful half-day spent on the wilder side of this exquisite Cape coastline.
Stellenbosch Winelands Tour - Half Day
Departs: Mon-Sat between 12:45 and 1:45pm. Returns: Approx. 5:30pm.
The old prison at Robben Island, photo by Stellenbosch Tourism
Stellenbosch, with its Cape Dutch architecture, is the warm and wonderful heart of the Cape Winelands and is surrounded by stunning wine estates. It’s truly the prettiest town, home to one of the country’s prestigious universities, and you’ll love exploring the fine art galleries, the architecture, the history, and the curious and quaint shops. You’ll be taken on a leisurely drive to become acquainted with the area, before being introduced to the wine-making process in a fascinating cellar tour. Of course you‘ll have a chance to taste the wine for which this area is renowned, and no doubt, you’ll leave with a favorite bottle or two under your arm. Stellenbosch is arguably one of the Province’s most beautiful towns.
Robben Island - Half Day
The old prison at Robben Island, photo by South Africa Tourism
Board the Robben Island Ferry at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and take part in a half day Robben Island tour.
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment for political "troublemakers" and social outcasts. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Nelson Mandela was one of them.
Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison 'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolize, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. You will be escorted around the island by an ex-political prisoner, and given insight into the past and how the human spirit triumphs.
Cape Malay Cooking Experience with Cass Abrahams
Departs: subject to chef's availability.
Today you will be picked up at 08h30 for your Cape Malay Cooking with Cass Abrahams Tour. Cass is the foremost authority on the cuisine in the Cape and is a local celebrity. The tour starts with a chat and a coffee with your guide so that you have some background on the people of the Cape, the history of their cuisine and on Cass. Cass realized that for a variety of reasons the cuisine was dying out in the Cape and made it her mission to rescue the recipes. She interviewed the grandmothers in the community and dug in the archives and then wrote a cookbook that became highly sort after by many South Africans. Today you have the opportunity to enjoy a hands-on class with her in her home in the Southern Suburbs. You will cook three to four dishes and then relax over lunch. Please note that no alcohol is served in respect for Cass's Muslim faith.
Sea Kayaking - Half Day
Departs: daily, subject to weather. Please note the tour excludes transport to and from Simon's Town — prices available upon request.
Visit one of the most unique places in the world - a penguin colony in suburban Cape Town. And the best way to see it is from the water. Leave from Simon's Town Waterfront and paddle past the civilian and Naval Harbor and out to Boulder's Beach. After visiting the penguins, stop on a lovely semi-private beach for refreshments, swimming and snorkeling (snorkels and bottled drinking water are provided). Your double kayak is very stable and perfect even if you have no paddling experience.
We can also arrange for you to go cycling, skydiving, sandboarding and abseiling among other activities — please let us know if you would like more information on these activities.
Cape Winelands Tour - Full Day
Departs: Mon-Sat between 8:00 and 9:00am. Returns: Approx. 5:30pm
Exploring the Cape Winelands, photo by South Africa Tourism
This is a superb day exploring the exceptional Winelands region with its heavenly scenery. The area is rich with history, and you can’t help but feel it as you visit this region. Experience a wine cellar tour, where you’ll learn all about the process of winemaking, and have the chance to savor the wines. Visit the charming little town of Franschhoek, pass by the impressive Huguenot Monument, and enjoy lunch (your own account) – the town is known as the gourmet capital of South Africa. After lunch, the tour takes you over the Helshoogte Mountain Pass to the pretty university town of Stellenbosch. You will have time to stroll through this little town, absorbing the quaintness, and enjoying the shops! A trip to the Winelands isn’t complete without a wine tasting, so you'll visit two different wine estates. During your visit, you’ll be able to purchase your favourite wine to take back home!
Sunset Beach & Dinner - Evening Tour
Departs between 5:30 and 6:00pm. Returns: Approx. 10:00pm.
Only operates Sep - May
Join your host and head out of the city before sunset. Savor a chilled glass of sparkling wine while overlooking one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches and taking in the sunset. You’ll be shown how to find the Southern Cross in the night sky (if the moon isn’t too bright!), before enjoying dinner at a sensational restaurant offering seafood and South African specialties. If you’re celebrating a special occasion let us know and we can arrange a separate table. As you return to the hotel, you'll enjoy the city lights by night.
Sunset Champagne Cruise - Evening Tour
Departs: daily subject to weather conditions — times vary according to sunset.
Board a sail boat that will follow the wind for this cruise and allow you to experience sunset and the views of Cape Town at dusk from a different perspective! Typically in a SE Wind direction, you will head out of the Harbour and sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton lighthouse, then return to the protection of Granger Bay in the lee of Table Mountain to watch the sun set, and then motor back to the Waterfront.
Waterfront sunset in Cape Town, photo by Karen Stone
Custom Day Tours
We can also tailor make tours to match your interests or simply arrange for you to have a vehicle and driver available with no plan in mind to take you wherever you feel like going. Cape Town has been chosen as the Design Capital for 2014, we can include Architecture, Art, local clothing designers. In addition to the beautiful Winelands, Cape Point and City tours, consider a family day out, to see seals, penguins, monkeys and butterflies; splash out on a hot shopping extravaganza; or indulge in a grand gourmet food and wine tour of golf or bicycle tours.
Half Day Private Tours
Half day private trips depart daily on request and run from either 8:30 am to 12:30pm or 1:30pm to 5:30pm and cover up to 150km’s.
Full Day Private Tours
The full day private vehicle and driver hire departs daily on request with a pick up time of 9:00am, dropping off at 5:30pm and covers up to 250km's.
Both half and full day options exclude all entrances, parking fees, toll fees and any other costs which you would need to settle directly at the venues visited and in the case of parking, with the driver. Touring is done in an air-conditioned 7-seater vehicle with a tour guide.
Prices are per person in US Dollars, for land arrangements only, based on double occupancy accommodations. Based on a minimum of 2 passengers to operate. Single supplement pricing available on request.
| Jan 6 - 31 | Feb - Mar | Apr - May | Jun | Jul - Aug | Sep - Oct | Nov - Dec 16 | |
| Selling Price | $5699 | $5699 | $7800 | $12399 | $13999 | $12399 | $6299 |
| Jan 6 - Mar | Apr - May | Jun | Jul - Aug | Sep - Oct | Nov - Dec 16 | |
| Selling Price | $6299 | $7999 | $12999 | $14799 | $12999 | $6299 |
Inclusions:
- Air charter flights within Botswana as indicated in itinerary
- All services as specified
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- All beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic with the exception of champagne and premium brands)
- Game drives and activities as specified in itinerary
- Accommodation as specified
- Laundry services
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Lion World Travel representative Meet and Greet upon arrival
Special Inclusions for Lion World Travel:
- Bicycle tour of Nakatindi Village at Sussi & Chuma
- Private Dinner at Sussi & Chuma
- Spa Treatment at Chobe Chilwero
- Private Dinner at Stanley's Camp
Exclusions:
- Round trip international airfare
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls and drinks etc. unless otherwise stated
- All other services not mentioned
- Gratuities/tips for game rangers, tour guides, and drivers
- Costs of obtaining passports and/or visas
- Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption and Medical Insurance are required for the entire duration of yoru travels – please note that insurance for this trip is a mandatory requirement from suppliers in Africa – proof of insurance must be provided before bookings are confirmed. It is your personal responsibility to ensure you have sufficient insurance coverage.
Baggage
Click here for airline baggage restrictions.
Luggage restriction on the Botswana light aircraft transfer flights is strictly limited to 20kg/44lbs in soft bags – including hand luggage.
Speak to an Expert
1-800-387-2706
TRAVELER TESTIMONIAL
The trip was amazing!! Everything at all of the Sanctuary properties were above expectations and we were so well looked after.
The excursions were great...we saw tons of wildlife...and the staff was exceptional. Each property has its own special thing about it that made it stand out from the others.
Raven M
