Exploring the Extraordinary: Murielle’s Botswana and Victoria Falls Safari

If you’re dreaming of a Botswana and Victoria Falls safari, you likely picture the colossal roar of the “Smoke that Thunders” and the vast, winding waterways of the Okavango Delta. The best journeys are found in the details – the quiet moments between the landmarks.

Recently, Murielle Vegezzi returned from a trip through Zimbabwe and Botswana, uncovering hidden gems that provide a different perspective on these iconic safari giants.

She discovered the quiet side to Victoria Falls while also experiencing the heart-pumping adrenaline of Devil’s Pool. From there, she journeyed to the iconic wetlands of the Okavango Delta, then to the arid, dusty plains of the Kalahari for a unique cultural exchange with the San community.

Read on to find out how her journey became an unforgettable story – and how yours can, too.

Mbano Manor and Victoria Falls

Most visitors choose to stay in the heart of town for their Victoria Falls journey; Murielle’s trip revealed a quieter side to it. Her stay at Mbano Manor offered a forest-like, secluded atmosphere, away from the bustling helicopter paths of the Falls, redefining the typical Victoria Falls experience.

“It’s not like a hotel; it’s more like a luxury guest house. And that’s what I liked about it. It’s personalised attention,” she says.

The manor itself offers a tranquil forest vibe, perfectly balancing safari-style intimacy with modern comforts. “The rooms are really big. They’ve got aircon, and they’ve got all the luxury things that people would be wanting, like a mini bar and a big bathroom with a shower and bathtub… And then they’ve just opened a spa as well.”

Murielle was also impressed with the fine dining, describing the food as being on par with a five-star restaurant. In addition to the excellent dining options, the High Tea is a must-do for a relaxed afternoon.

Mbano Manor provided an exquisite and tranquil base for the upcoming adrenaline rush.

Adrenaline at the Edge: Devil’s Pool

No trip to Victoria Falls is complete without experiencing the sheer magnitude of the Falls themselves. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke that Thunders”, it’s the world’s largest waterfall, with a width of 1,708 m (5,604 ft) and a toe-curling drop of 108 m (354 ft). And for the brave, Devil’s Pool offers a heart-pumping perspective.

The pool itself is a natural rock pool at the edge of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. Visitors are able to wade right up to the edge of the massive waterfall and gaze over the steep precipice for an up-close-and-personal view of the sheer drop of the Falls, making it the world’s most thrilling infinity pool.

The experience is managed by expert guides at Tongabezi Lodge, who lead you on a short boat ride to Livingstone Island before you make your way through a small section of the Zambezi River to reach the pool. Once there, you’ll be right up to the edge of the 108 m drop, safely held back by a natural rock lip that prevents you from being swept over the precipice.

Murielle found the experience highly professional and secure. “Once you’re in the water, you do feel safe,” she notes, mentioning that visiting in October meant lower water levels and a less intense current.

“The pool was big enough, but you felt secure. You didn’t have such a rush of water that you were pulled into the cliff. And the other thing that I found is the professionalism of how it’s run; it makes you feel safe.”

If you’re planning to take the plunge into Devil’s Pool, it’s worth noting that the activity is seasonal and typically available from mid-August to mid-January when water levels are lower.

Into the Wild: Feline Fields Vintage Camp

From the adrenaline-pumping smoke of Victoria Falls, Murielle then travelled to Feline Fields Vintage Camp in the Khwai area of the northeastern Okavango Delta. The camp is a standout for its nostalgic bell tents that invoke the golden era of 1920s safaris.

A stay at Feline Fields Vintage Camp is a trip back in time to safari days of old. It’s a truly unplugged experience, with no running water or electricity, offering an off-the-grid getaway for the avid adventurer who longs to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature.

“For Feline Vintage, it’s definitely for anybody that’s open for an adventure and doing something different. Whether it is your first time on safari or not, it doesn’t really matter,” says Murielle.

Depending on the water level, there is a very good chance that you arrive at the camp by mokoro. This sets the tone for an amazing stay.

The Desert Soul: Feline Fields Lodge

Stepping away from the wildlife-rich plains of the Khwai Concession, Murielle then ventured to the sprawling deserts of the Kalahari for a stay at Feline Fields Lodge. The lodge’s true standout feature is its deep cultural immersion with the San community.

Unlike a standard two-hour walk, this extended San experience is specifically designed to allow for genuine connection and cross-cultural exchange.

The encounters are profoundly interactive. For Murielle, this excursion stood out from any other cultural experience she’s encountered.

“You introduce yourself and they introduce their clan, and you can ask questions. It’s really interactive, and that doesn’t happen everywhere.”

This experience includes a bushwalk where you learn survival skills like finding water and starting fires, culminating in a powerful evening around the fire to learn about their connection with their ancestors.

“I think this is really immersive and it’s more than just an excursion. I love that,” Murielle notes.

Feline Fields Lodge is a place to wind down and connect. “You go there to relax after a safari or to bond with your friends or family because there are a lot of activities.”

Zimbabwe & Botswana: Why You Should Combine These Two Iconic Destinations

Combining these two countries offers a balance of water, deserts, and adrenaline – should you be so brave.

Botswana and Zimbabwe may be physically close, but they are worlds away in character. You can witness the lush rainforests and misty sprays of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe before transitioning to the game-rich waterways of the Okavango Delta. Finally, you can end off in the bone-dry, desolate plains of the Kalahari Desert to experience one of the world’s oldest cultures.

Combining these regions necessitates careful planning to ensure a seamless transition between waterways and desert, adventure and relaxation. Our advice? Don’t rush. We’d recommend at least a three-night stay in Victoria Falls to experience all the local activities. It works either as a break in between two safari destinations or even at the end of your itinerary.

Travel Advice for Botswana and Victoria Falls Tours

Pack Light

Most lodges offer laundry services, so there is no need to overpack. However, remember that even in the summer, evenings can be cool. If you’re travelling in a small aircraft, luggage should typically be between 15 kg (33 lbs) and 20 kg (44 lbs), depending on the airline. The most critical rule is that your bag should be soft-sided and squashable, with no hard shells.

When to Go

If you struggle with extreme heat, avoid travelling in October and November, when temperatures can be uncomfortably hot.

This period is the hottest time of year in Botswana, with average highs of 33°C to 40°C (91°F to 104°F), though midday peaks can sometimes climb into the mid-40s°C (110°F+). Even as the wet season begins in November, daytime temperatures remain extremely hot, often sitting around 40°C (104°F) before any cooling rains arrive.

The heatwave season in Victoria Falls peaks during these same months. October and November highs average around 34°C to 37°C (93°F to 99°F), with temperatures frequently hitting the 40°C (104°F) mark.

Getting Around

To truly appreciate the scale of the landscape, consider a helicopter transfer or a scenic flight over Botswana.

Ready to Explore the Extraordinary?

Murielle’s journey is a testament to the incredible diversity and hidden depth waiting to be discovered on a Botswana and Victoria Falls safari. It’s more than just ticking off the world wonders; it’s about finding the quiet luxury, feeling the rush, unplugging completely, and making genuine cross-cultural connections.

Your adventure isn’t just a trip; it’s a story.

Discover Africa’s safari experts will curate a bespoke journey that blends the adrenaline, the wild, and the profound, ensuring your Botswana and Zimbabwe safari is truly an unforgettable story!