Discover Botswana and Zambia with Safari Expert Vihann Van Wyk

Discover Africa safari expert Vihann Van Wyk recently returned from an adventure that saw him experience the beauty and natural diversity of Botswana and Zambia. In this article, he shares some of the highlights of his journey through these iconic destinations.

As a seasoned safari-goer, I’d heard plenty about Botswana and Zambia, so I’d been itching to visit them for some time. Still, the stories can’t fully express the raw, wild beauty I encountered during my trip.

Safari Snapshot

I began my journey at Maun International Airport and flew out to the Khwai River Airport before being transferred to Khwai Leadwood Lodge in Botswana, where I stayed for two nights. After that, I took a helicopter transfer to Linyanti Bush Camp, where I spent another two nights before taking to the skies once again at Kasane Airport to my trip’s conclusion at Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia.

During this adventure, I had the privilege of visiting the Khwai, Linyanti, and Moremi game reserves. Here’s what I experienced…

Beautiful Botswana

Nothing could have prepared me for the paradise that is Botswana. On arrival at the lodge, the staff came out to greet us with a song, and I quickly fell in love with the place and its people.

My Botswana Safari Experience

With its abundant wildlife and diversity of biomes, there’s always somewhere new to explore. While I’ve done plenty of game drives in the past, a standout experience that I had here was the water-based safari. This gave me the opportunity to learn about the smaller creatures that call this place home, like birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and also discover the fascinating flora that envelops the area.

Knowledgeable, kind, passionate, and with 30 years of experience guiding people through the wilderness, our guide Dutch was everything I could have asked for. He brought me to truly incredible sights, such as on my last day at Linyanti.

We came across the carcass of an elephant that had been killed by lions two days before. While the lions had long since left, hundreds of vultures had gathered around the kill and had perched in the nearby trees. Quite a sight to behold. We also spotted a leopard devouring his prey under a small tree – this big cat is elusive, so it was a rare and thrilling sighting.

At Linyanti, I was lucky enough to witness huge herds of buffalo and elephants, no doubt drawn to the area’s flat plains, which are packed with rich grasslands. Beyond the stunning natural environment and game, I saw some truly spectacular sunsets here.

Where I Stayed in Botswana

As far as accommodations go, Khwai Leadwood is a child-friendly lodge situated on the banks of a waterway in the Khwai Concession in the north-eastern Okavango Delta. Each room or suite has its own view of the marsh, a popular daily destination for roaming elephant herds. Suites feature both indoor and outdoor showers, a minibar, and a fan. The addition of slippers and a robe was a nice touch that added to the comfort of the room.

Linyanti Bush Camp is more of an entry-level affair. Although the rooms come without a minibar and only feature an indoor shower, they all boast gorgeous views of the river. You’re so close to the water that you can easily hear the birds and other animals at dawn.

Dining was sumptuous at both destinations; I especially enjoyed the salads and fresh fish on offer. At both Linyanti and Khwai, bread was toasted on an open fire before the morning game drive, and there was a selection of cheeses, cold meats, and hot coffee – the perfect start to a day of adventuring.

Exhilarating Zambia

Home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, Zambia is known for its vast tracts of remote, untouched wilderness and the famous Victoria Falls, which is fed by the mighty Zambezi River. From safaris to extreme sports, this country offers travellers a variety of experiences.

Zambia Experiences

The country is widely regarded as the birthplace of the walking safari, allowing visitors to explore the wonders of the African bush on foot led by expert guides.

Zambia’s diverse habitats support an astonishing array of birdlife. With over 700 species recorded, it’s a prime destination for birdwatchers. Avian enthusiasts can look forward to spotting rare and endemic species here all year round.

Although I didn’t get to experience it on this trip, Victoria Falls is a capital for adrenaline junkies. Travellers can look forward to an array of adventurous activities, including bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, scenic microlight and helicopter flights, and kayaking through Zambia’s scenic waterways.

Where to Stay in Zambia

I stayed in the lap of luxury at the idyllic Thorntree River Lodge, located in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, near Livingstone. Featuring spacious suites with private decks, plunge pools, and spectacular views of the Zambezi and the mists of the thundering falls, the amenities at Thorntree are world-class.

Indoor and outdoor showers, a massive bath, and a walk-in closet put the finishing touches on my lush stay in the wild. Dining is also excellent, and guests have a choice of enjoying meals on their deck or indulging in a private dining experience under the stars.

Overall, I can highly recommend travelling to Botswana or Zambia for an authentic African safari experience. Speak to a safari expert at Discover Africa today about planning your luxury, tailor-made adventure to these thrilling destinations.