Kingdoms of the Wild: A 15-Day Safari through Botswana & Zimbabwe

Located just outside Maun and nestled along the tranquil banks of the Thamalakane River, Thamalakane River Lodge offers a peaceful gateway into the heart of Botswana’s safari country. This charming lodge blends comfort with natural beauty, featuring stone-and-thatch chalets with river views and spacious interiors. Guests can relax by the pool, enjoy delicious meals at the riverside restaurant, or simply unwind on their private veranda while watching local birdlife. Its proximity to the Okavango Delta and Maun Airport makes it the ideal stop before venturing deeper into the wild.

Perched on the edge of the Okavango River’s lesser-known Guma Lagoon, this rustic yet inviting camp is a true haven for nature lovers. Guma Lagoon Camp offers spacious canvas chalets on raised decks, shaded by ancient trees and overlooking serene waters. The camp is famed for its mokoro excursions—traditional canoe safaris that allow you to explore the Delta’s winding channels up close. With a focus on tranquillity, birdwatching, and water-based activities, Guma is a refreshing retreat from the bustling world and a perfect introduction to Botswana’s watery wilderness.

Tucked within a private concession in the Greater Moremi region, Mankwe Adventure Camp offers a front-row seat to some of Botswana’s most exciting wildlife territory. The camp features comfortable en-suite tents that balance bush authenticity with essential comforts. Guests enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, night safaris, and full-day explorations into areas teeming with elephant herds, big cats, and rich birdlife. With its intimate atmosphere, fire-lit boma, and incredible stargazing, Mankwe is an adventurer’s paradise in the African wild.

Situated on the edge of the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Nata Lodge is an oasis of comfort in one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. The lodge offers thatched chalets built on stilts and spacious safari tents nestled among the mopane palms. With its close proximity to the Nata Bird Sanctuary, it’s a haven for birders, especially during flamingo season. After a day exploring the vast pans, guests can enjoy a drink by the pool or dine under the stars, soaking in the serenity of this unique environment.

Set on the banks of the Chobe River and just minutes from Chobe National Park, Chobe Safari Lodge is a well-established and stylish base for wildlife lovers. The lodge offers riverfront rooms, luxury chalets, and thatched rondavels, all designed with comfort in mind. With a range of experiences including game drives, river cruises, and cultural excursions, this is the perfect spot to witness Chobe’s famous elephant herds and dramatic sunsets. The lodge’s riverside restaurant and bar offer sweeping views—often accompanied by visits from local hippos and warthogs!

Located in the remote northern sector of Hwange National Park, Robins Camp is a historic and revitalised safari lodge offering classic charm and modern comfort. Surrounded by vast open plains and waterholes that attract abundant wildlife, this camp is a wildlife photographer’s dream. Spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a central swimming pool, and a cosy dining area with campfire seating make Robins a welcoming base for safaris. The camp’s location allows for uncrowded game viewing and a real sense of connection to the untamed bush.

Just a short stroll from the iconic Victoria Falls, Shearwater Explorers Village offers the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. The lodge features a mix of deluxe rooms and safari tents, beautifully arranged in a lush garden setting. Whether you're ziplining over the gorge or cruising down the Zambezi, this is your ideal launchpad for exploring one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. With its lively atmosphere, swimming pool, and on-site restaurant and bar, the village is a vibrant hub where explorers come together to share stories and soak in the magic of the falls.