Africa has a way of capturing your heart, and this incredible journey through Botswana and Zimbabwe with Prestige Safaris was nothing short of unforgettable. From luxurious safari lodges and breathtaking wildlife encounters to meaningful cultural experiences and spectacular landscapes, every day delivered something truly special. Seamlessly coordinated from beginning to end, this itinerary combined adventure, comfort and authentic connection in a way that left a lasting impression on all of us.
Our journey began in Botswana at beautiful Chobe Bakwena Lodge, a peaceful retreat on the banks of the Chobe River surrounded by lush gardens and wandering wildlife. Days were spent exploring Chobe National Park on both land and river safaris, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles, before ending with spectacular African sunsets from the water.
Crossing into Zimbabwe, we stayed at the stunning Samanzi Luxury Cabanas in Victoria Falls, a luxurious hideaway perfect for relaxing between adventures. With beautifully designed cabanas, private pool access, exceptional dining and warm hospitality, it was the ideal base for experiencing the magic of Victoria Falls. Highlights included a breathtaking helicopter flight over the Falls, sunset cruises along the Zambezi River and local dining experiences in Victoria Falls town.
One of the true standouts of the journey was experiencing the remarkable Imvelo Safari Lodges portfolio around Hwange National Park. Each lodge offered something unique, from intimate luxury and unforgettable wildlife encounters to inspiring community and conservation initiatives that make a genuine difference to local people and wildlife.
At Nehimba Lodge, elephants wandered right up to the lodge waterhole and swimming pool, creating magical up-close moments unlike anything we had experienced before. Camelthorn Lodge delivered spectacular game viewing across Hwange’s open plains, including unforgettable lion sightings and the extraordinary opportunity to walk near protected rhinos as part of Imvelo’s Community Rhino Conservation Initiative.
Bomani Tented Camp combined classic safari charm with one of the most exciting wildlife encounters of the trip, while Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge quickly became a favourite thanks to its elevated luxury treehouses overlooking a busy waterhole. Watching elephants wander past from the deck of your room or during an open-air massage was simply surreal. Beyond the safari experience itself, visiting local villages, schools and clinics supported by Imvelo added incredible depth and meaning to the journey and highlighted the positive impact tourism can have in these remote communities.
Our adventure concluded at the beautiful Chamabondo Tented Camp near Victoria Falls, where luxurious tented suites overlooked grassy plains and busy waterholes frequented by huge herds of elephants at sunset. It was the perfect ending to an extraordinary safari experience.
Throughout the journey we were constantly impressed by the warmth of the people, the professionalism of the guides and the seamless coordination provided by Prestige Safaris. Every lodge offered its own unique atmosphere, exceptional hospitality and unforgettable moments in the wild.
This trip reminded us why Africa leaves such a lasting impact on those who visit. The wildlife, landscapes, people and experiences were emotional, exciting and deeply memorable. We returned home already dreaming about our next African adventure — and we cannot wait to share these incredible experiences with future clients.
You can view photos of the beautiful lodges and more of our wildlife encounters on our facebook page: https://tinyurl.com/2rzha5un