Private Island, Plains & Refined Wild

Location
Zambia & Botswana

Experience the raw beauty of Zambia and the quiet luxury of Botswana. Two countries, three distinct landscapes and one journey into the soul of Southern Africa.

Travelled by
HiGHLIGHTSITINERARYGALLERYWHEN TO GO

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sleep on a private island in the Zambezi River, surrounded by water channels and raw, untouched wilderness.
  • Witness Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, from land, water and optionally by helicopter.
  • Explore the untamed Busanga Plains, where elevated “nests” overlook vast floodplains filled with wildlife.
  • Glide into the Okavango Delta, a lush, wildlife-rich wonderland where luxury meets remoteness in complete harmony.
  • Three unique ecosystems across Zambia and Botswana, one seamless, soul-stirring journey into Africa’s wild heart
INCLuSIONS
  • All transfers between airports, airstrips, lodges and activities (by light aircraft and/or vehicle)
  • Full-board accommodation with three meals daily
  • Local beverages: soft drinks, house wines, spirits, beers, teas & coffees
  • Daily safari activities (including game drives and refreshment stops)
  • Laundry, park fees, levies and service charges
  • Botswana bonus:
    • Swarovski Optik binoculars to share per room
    • Illustrated Guide’s Journal & Star Birds area checklist
EXCLuSIONS
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Premium wines, top-shelf liquors & French champagne
  • Spa treatments and massages
  • International flights, Visa and passport fees
  • Trip cancellation, travel, and health insurance
  • Activities or services not listed in the itinerary
  • Gratuities
SPECIALS

Itinerary

Click to explore each part of the route
Day
1
-
3

Livingstone & the Zambezi – The Soul of the River

Zambezi River, Zambia

Your journey begins in Livingstone, Zambia, where you’ll experience the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya “The Smoke That Thunders”, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a breathtaking curtain of mist and roar, best seen from the lush trails that wind along the gorge’s edge or do a optional helicopter flight.

A short boat transfer takes you upriver to a private island hideaway set in the heart of the Zambezi. With only 5 open-front chalets and sustainable power, this exclusive retreat invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Boat excursions, sundowner cruises and visits to local communities allow you to experience both the raw beauty and cultural richness of the region – all while unwinding in a place that feels worlds away from everything.

Day
3
-
6

Busanga Plains – Wild, Remote, Untamed

Kafue National Park, Zambia

Venture deep into the heart of the Kafue National Park, where the vast Busanga Plains stretch endlessly to the horizon. This remote wilderness is one of Zambia’s best-kept secrets, a mosaic of seasonal floodplains, palm islands and open grasslands teeming with life. Here, wildlife sightings are raw and spontaneous: lions roam freely, red lechwe leap across channels while elephants appear as silhouettes in the morning mist.

Game drives reveal intimate moments in this wild theatre, while your elevated camp places you right at the edge of the action, surrounded by nothing but the sounds and scents of the bush. Evenings under the stars are quiet, immersive and deeply humbling. This is Zambia at its most unfiltered.

Day
6
-
9

Okavango Delta – Africa’s Last Eden

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Arrive in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth. This vast inland delta pulses with life, its mosaic of channels, lagoons and floodplains attracting an astonishing array of wildlife. No matter if you are exploring on foot, or tracking predators on a game drive, every day here offers a new perspective.

Your lodge, one of the most exclusive in Botswana, blends seamlessly into the landscape, combining eco-conscious design with indulgent details. Elephants wander past the deck, leopards slink through the undergrowth and birdsong echoes across the water at dawn. This final chapter celebrates the rhythm, beauty and untamed elegance of Africa, the perfect close to your refined route.

When to go

Each season brings its own rhythm—discover what makes every month unique
Recommended Months for this route
JAN
High/Low
FEB
Low
MAR
Low
APR
Low
MAY
Low
BEST
JUN
High
BEST
JUL
High
BEST
AUG
High
BEST
SEP
High
BEST
OCT
High
BEST
NOV
Low
BEST
DEC
Low

This route is available year-round, with seasonal variations. From May to November, travellers can explore the remote Busanga Plains, a region only accessible during the dry season. Outside of these months, the itinerary shifts slightly, more time is spent in the Okavango Delta, with alternate lodges selected to maintain the three-stop journey. Each season brings its own charm: May to October offers prime game viewing and crisp light, while the green season (November to April) is quieter, dramatic, and rich in birdlife.

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