Wild Mababe, Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls Discovery
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
-
Fly over the epic Victoria Falls on a scenic helicopter tour
- Explore the massive Mababe wetlands on safari
- Spend hours in a sunken hide watching massive elephant herds at Wilderness Mokete
- Glide over the tranquil waters of the Okavango Delta in a tradtional Mokoro
- Take a guided safari to track lions, leopards, elephants and more on the plains of the Delta
What's included
-
Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
-
Expert guides in each destination
-
Luxury accommodation throughout
-
Meet and greet airport service
At a glance
During your in depth discovery of some Botswana‘s most remote safari locations you’ll witness huge densities and fascinating variations of wildlife. Spot some of Africa‘s rarest birds, majestic big cats and herds of buffalos, zebras, elephants and much more. From the UNESCO world heritage site of the Okavango Delta, to the wild Mababe marshes there will be a host of safari activities to take part in including game drives, walking safaris and boat trips.
Begin your adventure in style at Livingstone and Victoria Falls with scenic sunset cruises, tranquil riverside lodges and plenty of activities from safaris to white water rafting. Marvel at the huge cascading falls as you hover overhead in your private helicopter, capturing the privileged birds-eye view.
Next, it’s time to delve into the remote corners of Botswana for an unforgettable foray into some of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. First stop is the epic Mababe wilderness area, a massive 50,000 hectares and home to just one camp, promising a type of exclusivity that’s hard to match. Here, thousands of zebras migrate, smothering the grasslands with a sea of black and white under the watchful eyes of many lions, unafraid to hunt in plain sight throughout the day. The wildlife experiences don’t stop there with buffalos, elephants, hippos and many more species calling this wilderness their home.
Finally, it’s over to the Okavango Delta to experience sustainable luxury and private concessions at their very best and where epic wildlife sightings are the norm. Take part in an array of safari activities to explore the Delta by setting out on bush walks, boat trips and cultural excursions and uncover the highlights of this mesmerising region.
Example trip itinerary
Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Transfer
Private transfer from Livingstone airport to your hotel or lodge
Accommodation in Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Highlights
- 12 tented suites (including 3 family units)
- Infinity pool
- Spa
- Day and evening game drives in Mosi-oa Tunya National Park
- Fishing and river cruises
- Excursions to Victoria Falls
Overview
In the eastern sector of the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and about 12 kilometres from Victoria Falls, Wilderness Toka Leya gets immediate and fantastic views over the Zambezi River, and taking advantage of these are its twelve tented rooms.
Each comes with a large decking area at the front leading out from large glass sliding doors, behind which is your large stylish open plan lounge area and bedroom.
The camp’s main area is situated on a large decking area, and underneath a canopy of trees right beside the main channel of the Zambezi River. Perfect for atmospheric campfires on the bank and spotting the resident wildlife.
Here there is also a very spacious open-plan lounge and dining room, set beneath an enormous canvas roof and with open sides to maximise the views. The wall at the back of the living area is a really great feature; it’s made of “log tiles”, which gives the room a very natural feel.
Each tent has its very own solar panel, water geyser and batteries in keeping with the camp’s aim to lessen its environmental footprint.
→ Find out more
The impact of your stay:
- The Zambezi River, spanning over 2,500km, serves as a vital lifeline for Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. Nestled on its banks, Wilderness Toka Leya is a temporary structure constructed on raised wooden decks to minimise disruption to the surrounding nature. Committed to conservation, the lodge actively works on rehabilitating riverine woodland and implements energy-saving, recycling, and upcycling processes to reduce environmental impact.
- Toka Leya is part of the Wilderness portfolio, Jacada’s parent company and a purpose-driven enterprise focused on conservation projects across Africa. Your stay contributes to preserving and protecting over 2.3 million hectares of wilderness, with plans to expand to over 5 million hectares by 2030 in alignment with UN climate goals. In the Zambezi region alone, they currently conserve over 10,3230 hectares.
- Through their non-profit, Children in the Wilderness, they’ve conducted environmental education and literacy programs in the Zambezi area. This includes offering scholarships, providing school equipment, supporting nutrition programs, and conducting teacher training and community development projects for young people.
Victoria Falls
Highlights
- Two camps of nine suites
- Private plunge pools
- Wine cellar
- Fitness centre
Overview
Set within the pristine Matetsi Private Game Reserve along an exclusive 15km (9 mile) stretch of the Zambezi River a little upstream from Mosi-oa-Tunya, Matetsi River Lodge perfectly combines fine safari with easy access to the thrills and adventure of Victoria Falls. The River Lodge comprises of two intimate camps of just nine suites each, including two family suites. All the suites are modern yet of the vernacular, with clean lines softened by local craft pieces and repurposed materials. En suite bathrooms boast indoor and outdoor showers as well as a deep bath which looks out over the Zambezi. A private veranda offers a refreshing plunge pool and a peaceful sitting area that overlooks the river. At the heart of each camp is a communal area with a variety of dining spaces, an interactive kitchen, convivial bar area and an al fresco area that encircles a blazing fire bowl, all with unifying theme of a wood and copper, the ‘red gold’ of the country’s historical mining industry.
There’s also a large central pool, massage sala, fitness centre and wine cellar. For the utmost privacy, Matetsi River House is an exclusive use villa with four bedrooms, its own kitchen, dining areas, pool and a complement of staff, including a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef and butler, ensuring a tailor-made safari unlike any other. The 50,000ha (124,000 acre) private reserve is home to large herds of elephant and buffalo as well as an assortment of plains game and predators including kudu, sable and roan antelope, hippo, lion, leopard, African wild dog, spotted hyena, and 366 bird species.
Explore the concession on expertly guided game drives, horseback safaris and bush walks, or head out onto the water on canoeing excursions, fishing trips and sunset river cruises. You can also discover Victoria Falls and the famous adventure activities that surround it such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, scenic flights and zip lining.
→ Find out more
The impact of your stay:
- Matetsi is the sole lodge on a 55,000-hectare private concession. Before Matetsi, the area suffered from poaching and illegal hunting. With the introduction of an anti-poaching team, a systematic ecological restoration approach, and 16 solar-powered boreholes, wildlife has made a comeback.
- The lodge’s revenue empowers Matetsi for vital wildlife conservation projects. They’ve partnered with national parks to monitor biodiversity, facilitating the return of wildlife to the area. In 2022, 14 waterbuck were relocated from Hwange National Park to Matetsi Private Game Reserve, with daily sightings shared with national parks to monitor wildlife movements and behaviour.
- Matetsi collaborates with Greenline Africa Trust, supporting projects like the ‘Gogo Project,’ which aids grandmothers, known as “gogos,” caring for orphaned and vulnerable children in the villages.
Flight of the Angels: 18 - 22 minutes helicopter ride
On this thrilling 18 - 22 minute helicopter flight you'll get a bird's-eye view of the spectacular Victoria Falls and watch as the Zambezi River cascades down into the gorge, throwing up a cloud of spray that sometimes reaches 300 metres high. The excursion also gives you a better understanding of the zigzag gorge system and how it developed. It ideally complements a ground tour of the Falls and its surrounding rainforest. Note that helicopter flights are weather-permitting.
Transfer
Flight to Santawani airstrip via Kasane and helicopter transfer to Wilderness Mokete
Mababe Concession
Accommodation in the Mababe Concession
Mababe Concession
Set between three of Botswana’s most renowned safari destinations; the Okavango Delta, Linyanti and Chobe National Park, Wilderness Mokete is surrounded by the abundant wildlife of the Mababe wetlands. Built to leave the smallest environmental impact, Wilderness Mokete strives to conserve one of our planet’s last remaining pristine wildlife areas.
The first and only one of its kind, Wilderness Mokete will be a limited edition camp which is only available to book for two years, beginning in September 2023, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a select few. The camp is stylish, minimalist and pioneering in its design with specialist slide-away roofs that reveal the neverending sea of stars at night. The tented rooms and social areas are open to the natural world with no walls but instead cleverly designed panels that stretch away from the tent, creating shaded areas and a distinctive aesthetic. There are just nine tents, accommodating 18 guests, and as the only camp in 50,000 hectares of grasslands, marsh and forest, the experience is utterly exclusive. Despite the remote location, Wilderness Mokete offers impressive facilities; guests can enjoy the bar and restaurant and also the refreshing outdoor swimming pool. All rooms have en suite bathrooms (that come with privacy screens), a verandah, electrical outlets and internet access.
The activities at camp encourage guests to try new experiences; take full-day game drives, go on night drives, enjoy a bush lunch with zebras and elephants for company, spend time in the sunken hide, go on birdwatching bushwalks to spot some of Africa’s rarest birds and then sip your sundowner over the uninterrupted views of greatest expanse of grasslands in Botswana.
Highlights
- 9 tents
- Bar
- Swimming pool
- Solar powered and sustainably designed
- Lounge area
- Game drives
- Nature walks
- Sunken hide
Overview
Set between three of Botswana’s most renowned safari destinations; the Okavango Delta, Linyanti and Chobe National Park, Wilderness Mokete is surrounded by the abundant wildlife of the Mababe wetlands. Built to leave the smallest environmental impact, Wilderness Mokete strives to conserve one of our planet’s last remaining pristine wildlife areas.
The first and only one of its kind, Wilderness Mokete will be a limited edition camp which is only available to book for two years, beginning in September 2023, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a select few. The camp is stylish, minimalist and pioneering in its design with specialist slide-away roofs that reveal the neverending sea of stars at night. The tented rooms and social areas are open to the natural world with no walls but instead cleverly designed panels that stretch away from the tent, creating shaded areas and a distinctive aesthetic. There are just nine tents, accommodating 18 guests, and as the only camp in 50,000 hectares of grasslands, marsh and forest, the experience is utterly exclusive. Despite the remote location, Wilderness Mokete offers impressive facilities; guests can enjoy the bar and restaurant and also the refreshing outdoor swimming pool. All rooms have en suite bathrooms (that come with privacy screens), a verandah, electrical outlets and internet access.
The activities at camp encourage guests to try new experiences; take full-day game drives, go on night drives, enjoy a bush lunch with zebras and elephants for company, spend time in the sunken hide, go on birdwatching bushwalks to spot some of Africa’s rarest birds and then sip your sundowner over the uninterrupted views of greatest expanse of grasslands in Botswana.
→ Find out more
Days at Wilderness Mokete
Wilderness Mokete is situated within one of Botswana’s most fascinating and productive ecosystems. Rich and diverse landscapes of grasslands, wetlands and mopane woodland form a haven for a massive range of wildlife and birdlife. These landscapes are fed constantly by a fresh supply of water from the Mababe river and from the famous Okavango Delta which drains into the wetlands - meaning it remains a nutrient rich and a precious source of life for its many residents. To explore this epic wildlife area and the diversity of the landscapes, Wilderness Mokete arranges a host of activities. Game drives take place twice a day, or if guests prefer, can last all day, and are one of the best ways to observe the incredible array of wildlife from super herds of zebra and buffalo and prides of lions that sometimes hunt here in broad daylight. As this area is part of a private concession guests are able to leave the jeep behind and traverse the bush on foot on guided nature walks, noticing the small and minute details and connecting to nature in a way that’s not possible in a vehicle. The camp itself has its own sunken hide where guests can secretly observe wildlife that comes to visit the water sources nearby.
Transfer
Helicopter transfer to Santawani and flight to Wilderness Vumbura Plains
Okavango Delta
Accommodation in the Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta
Highlights
- 14 spacious rooms (including two family rooms) split into two seperate camps of seven each.
- Private plunge pools
- Lounge and dining area
- Morning, afternoon and night game drives
- Bush walks
- Mokoro trips
- Boat trips
- Seasonal fishing on catch and release
- Birding
- Cultural visits
Overview
Botswana’s mesmerizing Okavango Delta is now brighter than ever with the newly transformed (as of 2022) Vumbura Plains. Nestled in a large private concession of 60,000 hectares in the far north of the Delta, the camp is enveloped in some of the most incredible landscapes, home to some of the best wildlife encounters in the area.
Inside, the camp celebrates its sense of place and culture, with design elements that pay homage to its wonderful setting with patterns, textures and colours bringing nature inside. Rooms at the lodge are amongst the biggest in the delta, all open plan, with a sunken seating area, private shaded deck and swimming pool outside as well as indoor and outdoor showers. There is an amazing sense of space here, in keeping with the wide-open plains that the rooms face onto. The rooms are open on three sides (with netting) giving a feeling of being closer to the nature and wildlife whilst still remaining is absolute comfort.
The local connections continue throughout the camp experience.The menu celebrates seasonal produce sourced directly from local farmers, suppliers and artisans.
Activities here are a mixture of game drives and water activities which will vary according to the level of the water and the time of the year. You will find day and night drives, walks and mekoro (dugout canoes) activities, with hot-air ballooning – from April to September each year – as well as scenic helicopter flights, making Vumbura an exclusive destination for the discerning adventure-seeker.
→ Find out more
The impact of your stay:
- Wilderness, through its lease of land from the Okavango Community Trust, contributes annual fees that directly benefit the local community. By relying on tourism funding, they have successfully conserved over 2.3 million hectares of land across the continent. Their commitment extends beyond conservation, as they actively engage in education and community upliftment programs, ensuring a sustainable future for Africa’s wilderness.
- In collaboration with CLAWS near the Vumbura Concession in the Okavango Delta, Wilderness plays a crucial role in supporting the Communal Herding and Wildlife Friendly Beef initiative. This innovative project not only safeguards cows from wild animals but also empowers local cattle farmers economically. Simultaneously, it ensures effective management of cattle to protect rangelands, showcasing the dual impact of community empowerment and environmental conservation.
Okavango Delta
Overview
Xaranna has a uniquely contemporary style, uncommon in the delta with the use of clean whites and colourful textiles and fittings in its decoration. Set on an island in a private concession of 25,000 hectares There are 9 very spacious tents, each with their own private plunge pool.
This is a water-based camp but there is a full range of activities on offer, from the traditional Mokoro rides, to boat safaris, game drives and guided bush walks. The standard of service and guiding here is exceptional.
Xaranna is very much a place to come and look for the detail, the smaller animals and birds that live in the delta as well as the beauty of the habitat itself. This means it’s best combined with another lodge that has more big game activity to provide a balanced stay whilst in Botswana.
→ Find out moreOkavango Delta
Overview
Nature meets comfort at Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp to create a unique safari experience of both land and water game activities.
Set on the edge of the beautifully remote Okavango Delta, this rustic camp boasts just nine tents with a maximum of only eighteen guests staying here at one time. Each tent provides a large en-suite with shower and w/c facilities, while a private deck offers stunning floodplain views. The rest of the camp includes a dining room, sitting room, pool and safari shop.
With a wildlife wealthy location, watch out for the impressive animals that reside in this area including buffalo, elephants and hippos plus the big cats such as lions, leopards and cheetahs. The varying range of land and water based excursions on offer consist of bush walks, exciting mokoro and power boat trips plus day and night safaris in 4×4 vehicles.
→ Find out more
Days on safari in the Okavango Delta
Experience the beauty of the Okavango Delta and the magnificent wildlife that lives here. This is a unique opportunity for both water-based safaris by mokoro and boat and land-based big game drives taking place in the mornings and evenings. Your expert guide will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the environment and wildlife as you are privately driven across the Delta. Depending on which lodge you choose to stay at there will be a number of different activities that you can choose from to immerse yourself in this incredibly diverse, natural environment.
Transfer
Light aircraft flight to Maun
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
Other trips you may be interested in
Get in touch
Wild Mababe, Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls Discovery
How we work
During your in depth discovery of some Botswana‘s most remote safari locations you’ll witness huge densities and fascinating variations of wildlife. Spot some of Africa‘s rarest birds, majestic big cats and herds of buffalos, zebras, elephants and much more. From the UNESCO world heritage site of the Okavango Delta, to the wild Mababe marshes there will be a host of safari activities to take part in including game drives, walking safaris and boat trips. Begin your adventure in style at Livingstone and Victoria Falls with scenic sunset cruises, tranquil riverside lodges and plenty of activities from safaris to white water rafting. Marvel at the huge cascading falls as you hover overhead in your private helicopter, capturing the privileged birds-eye view. Next, it’s time to delve into the remote corners of Botswana for an unforgettable foray into some of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. First stop is the epic Mababe wilderness area, a massive 50,000 hectares and home to just one camp, promising a type of exclusivity that’s hard to match. Here, thousands of zebras migrate, smothering the grasslands with a sea of black and white under the watchful eyes of many lions, unafraid to hunt in plain sight throughout the day. The wildlife experiences don’t stop there with buffalos, elephants, hippos and many more species calling this wilderness their home. Finally, it’s over to the Okavango Delta to experience sustainable luxury and private concessions at their very best and where epic wildlife sightings are the norm. Take part in an array of safari activities to explore the Delta by setting out on bush walks, boat trips and cultural excursions and uncover the highlights of this mesmerising region. | Whats included?
|
Days 1 - 2 |
Livingstone and Victoria Falls |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Livingstone airport to your hotel or lodge |
|
|
Accommodation in Livingstone and Victoria Falls
•
Wilderness Toka Leya Camp - $$$$$
In the eastern sector of the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and about 12 kilometres from Victoria...
•
Matetsi Victoria Falls - $$$$$
Set within the pristine Matetsi Private Game Reserve along an exclusive 15km (9 mile) stretch...
|
|
| Flight of the Angels: 18 - 22 minutes helicopter ride On this thrilling 18 - 22 minute helicopter flight you'll get a bird's-eye view of the spectacular Victoria Falls and watch as the Zambezi River cascades down into the gorge, throwing up a cloud of spray that sometimes reaches 300 metres high. The excursion also gives you a better understanding of the zigzag gorge system and how it developed. It ideally complements a ground tour of the Falls and its surrounding rainforest. Note that helicopter flights are weather-permitting. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Flight to Santawani airstrip via Kasane and helicopter transfer to Wilderness Mokete |
|
Days 3 - 5 |
Mababe Concession |
|
Accommodation in the Mababe Concession
•
Wilderness Mokete - $$$$$
Set between three of Botswana’s most renowned safari...
|
|
| Days at Wilderness Mokete Wilderness Mokete is situated within one of Botswana’s most fascinating and productive ecosystems. Rich and diverse landscapes of grasslands, wetlands and mopane woodland form a haven for a massive range of wildlife and birdlife. These landscapes are fed constantly by a fresh supply of water from the Mababe river and from the famous Okavango Delta which drains into the wetlands - meaning it remains a nutrient rich and a precious source of life for its many residents. To explore this epic wildlife area and the diversity of the landscapes, Wilderness Mokete arranges a host of activities. Game drives take place twice a day, or if guests prefer, can last all day, and are one of the best ways to observe the incredible array of wildlife from super herds of zebra and buffalo and prides of lions that sometimes hunt here in broad daylight. As this area is part of a private concession guests are able to leave the jeep behind and traverse the bush on foot on guided nature walks, noticing the small and minute details and connecting to nature in a way that’s not possible in a vehicle. The camp itself has its own sunken hide where guests can secretly observe wildlife that comes to visit the water sources nearby. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Helicopter transfer to Santawani and flight to Wilderness Vumbura Plains |
|
Days 6 - 8 |
Okavango Delta |
|
Accommodation in the Okavango Delta
•
Wilderness Vumbura Plains - $$$$$
Botswana’s mesmerizing Okavango Delta is now brighter than ever with the newly...
•
Xaranna Delta Camp - $$$$$
Xaranna has a uniquely contemporary style, uncommon in the delta with the use of clean whites...
•
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp - $$$$$
Nature meets comfort at Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp to create a unique safari experience of...
|
|
| Days on safari in the Okavango Delta Experience the beauty of the Okavango Delta and the magnificent wildlife that lives here. This is a unique opportunity for both water-based safaris by mokoro and boat and land-based big game drives taking place in the mornings and evenings. Your expert guide will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the environment and wildlife as you are privately driven across the Delta. Depending on which lodge you choose to stay at there will be a number of different activities that you can choose from to immerse yourself in this incredibly diverse, natural environment. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Light aircraft flight to Maun |
