What is the 5 River Safaris

Western Zambia…

Click to enlarge

The Zambezi River, the biggest in Southern Africa, forms a drainage system that controls the future and fate of the other four rivers and their ecosystems. When the upper Zambezi thunders over the awe inspiring wall of basalt into the chasm below, then you will understand why you and the millions before you have journeyed to this place in Africa.

Livingstone, known as the Adventure Capital of Africa will allow you access to the incredible array of adventures Victoria Falls has to offer beyond the majesty of the Falls themselves; river rafting, bungi jumping, jet boating, canoeing, river boarding, golf, sedate river cruising, fishing, flight of Angels over the Falls and so much more. Chobe region – Namibia …

Proceeding upstream through Livingstone, a town frozen in the 1950’s, and through the red Kalahari dunes that are sheltered in teak forests to the Kazungula ferry at the junction of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Once across into Botswana, a short commute will see you into the village of Kasane on the banks of the famous Chobe River. Renowned for being where Richard Burton was inspired to propose to Elizabeth Taylor for the second time and for offering the best boat based game experience in Africa.

The Chobe River is in fact mostly a secret offshoot of the Zambezi river absorbing the Zambezi flood waters to drink vast herds of game on it’s extensive banks. The river is famous for delivering the best elephant and game viewing from a boat - in the world. Your cruise across to the secluded Impalila Island Lodge will take you through the waterways into the main Zambezi River where this private island lodge will cater to your personal needs while offering you the famous Chobe experience.

Boat Based Game Watching - Impalila Island Lodge

Caprivi strip – Namibia…

Your light aircraft lifts off the island runway at Impalila Island Lodge for a scenic transfer over the Zambezi flood plains and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia to offer a complete view of this flat land before landing near Susuwe Island Lodge, situated on the Kwando River. Feel pampered in your room with a view which includes a personal plunge pool, world-class hospitality in remote Africa and exciting game viewing in the Bambwata Game Reserve.

A scenic drive takes you to Lianshulu Lodge, situated on the eastern banks of the Kwando River in the Madumo National Park. Lianshulu Lodge is famed for its’ unique brand of hospitality, excellent cuisine and exquisite table settings.

Kwando/ Linyanti river system- Botswana…

Here you have the choice of Lagoon or Lebala luxury tented camps where the emphasis is on “intimate camps in private areas with personal service – vintage Africa”. Both these camps concentrate on the game experience with our guide and trackers taking you out on safari both off road and at night. This area is famous of its high concentrations of elephant, buffalo and predators.

Okavango Delta – Botswana…

Okavango Delta

The light aircraft pops out of the sky, on time as always, for the 30-minute transfer to Kwara camp in the heart of the permanent water of the Okavango Delta – the most distinctive inland Delta in the world fed by the Okavango River. Kwara’s 8 luxury tents set under a canopy of large shady trees offer the ideal starting point for mekoro trips into the Delta as well as power boat rides right into the heart of Moremi Game Reserve’s Godikwe Lagoon system – famous for the breeding colonies of water birds. Kwara also offers game drives with guides and trackers both off road and at night.

The boat will slice through the clandestine and tortuous channels of the Delta and deliver you to a wonderful peninsula in the Xaxanaka Lagoon where the renowned Xaxanaka Camp is sited. Right in the heart of the world famous Moremi Game Reserve the camp offers the full range of water based activities as well as excellent guided game drives famous for its predators and general game. The special brand of hospitality and personal touches for which the camp is celebrated will ensure that you leave feeling that longer would have been better.

Kalahari Desert – Botswana…

A short hop by charter from the Northern Delta is the Kalahari Desert. Classified a desert as it has no surface water, the Kalahari is transformed after the summer rains, into shades of green complimented by flowers and the magnificent birds in the area. Here you will find and be enchanted by the experience at Deception Valley Lodge. A remote, 10 bedded luxury lodge where guests are pampered and where bushman enthrall you with their ancient bush survival skills that have been passed down over the centuries. Excellent cuisine, luxurious accommodation and a fantastic game experience rounds off one of the most incredible safaris available in Africa, the 5 Rivers Safari.

You may wonder where the fifth river is – it is as deceiving as the valley itself. It is the long dried up Deception Valley River. The Deception Valley was formed by rivers when they flowed south to the Atlantic instead of the modern route to the Indian Ocean.

That this deals with the perfect Southern African itinerary as the 5 rivers safari offers the following potential:

• The Victoria Falls from Zambia

• The world renowned Chobe elephant experience from a boat

• The Caprivi Strip

• The Kwando Linyanti system

• The Okavango Delta

• The Kalahari Desert in summer.

The Camps:

Deception Valley Lodge

Private Conservancy - bordering Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Deception Valley Lodge is situated in a private concession bordering the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, approximately 120 kilometres south of Maun. This luxury lodge provides a rare type of bush experience in one of Africa's most remote semi-desert areas. Accommodation consists of five thatched chalets, each with bedroom, lounge and Victorian style bathroom with claw footbath and outside shower. The bedrooms have twin beds and are equipped with overhead fan and mosquito net. From the deck of your chalet the vastness of the Kalahari stretches for miles in front to you

The main lodge, which houses a separate lounge, dining room and bar, has an ethnic African theme and blends into the surrounding bush. A pool and sun deck provide for relaxation and cooling down during midday hours and hot evenings. A unique and unusual experience awaits the guest at Deception Valley Lodge. Take to the bush on foot with San (Bushmen) guides and awaken your sense by closely observing, smelling and tasting the African bush. Learn more about the hunting, survival skills and crafts of one of Africa's oldest cultures

On afternoon and night drives guests may expect to see a variety of wildlife including lion, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, kudu and on occasion the evasive brown hyena. Night drives in particular will reveal a fascinating world of nocturnal species. Bird life is prolific as this region alone has hundreds of species ranging from small finches to large vultures. Guests staying three nights at Deception Valley Lodge may opt to go on a full day Central Kalahari Game Reserve excursion (at additional cost)

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 Safaris

KWARA CAMP - Kwara Concession - Permanent Okavango Delta

Kwara Camp is located in the heart of a large concession of 1750 sq km on the northern boundary of the world famous Moremi Game Reserve On a large island hidden under massive trees are eight specially designed safari tents on teak decks. Each tent with its en suite facilities has a view over the floodplains of the Delta. The guest areas consist of lounge, bar, dining area, small gift shop and plunge pool.

The attraction of Kwara is its range of activities in an area of intricate channels, rivers, lagoons, dramatic palm-fringed islands, reed beds, floating grasses and papyrus that form a natural wilderness like no other Year round powerboat trips due to the presence of permanent water. Mekoro excursions for which the Okavango Delta is famous are also a year round activity. Water experiences combined with the ability to drive both off-road and at night add to the uniqueness of Kwara. Experience the peace and tranquillity of gliding silently through the Delta waters in the early morning and feel the pulse and excitement of a lion hunt at night. Whilst on an island walk with an armed guide you will learn about their deep beliefs and knowledge of the intricacies of nature. The birds of the Delta are both colourful and melodious and the guides will reveal them to you from close range. Godikwe Lagoon is one of the largest bird breeding colonies in Botswana. From September to December thousands of birds and their young may be viewed in their nesting grounds from Kwara' s double decker pontoon boat. Fishing for bream, catfish and pike is excellent.

The staff at Kwara Camp subscribe to Kwando Safaris' core values of delivering a personal service in an intimate camp within a stunning private concession area offering a host of activities.

KWANDO LEBALA CAMP - big game Kwando Concession

Lebala - in the Setswana language means wide-open spaces. Situated in the southern part the 232,00 hectare private Kwando concession Lebala Camp is sited on a peninsula of land jutting into the Linyanti marshes that surround the camp. The Kwando River disperses into the marshes which is a permanent patchwork of reed beds, wetlands, palm covered islands and open plains

Eight spacious tents are built on raised teak decks designed to offer expansive views over the surrounding plains while affording guests privacy. The tents have an entrance area with closets, a separate bedroom and a spacious bathroom with his and hers basin, classic Victoria ball and claw bathtub and a reed enclosed outdoor shower for those who enjoy the night stars

The thatched guest areas consist of a north facing lounge with large roof overhang, dining area, bar and plunge pool. Game viewing from the comfort of the camp itself has often proved a rewarding experience as the elephant herds move past the camp to their feeding and drinking places. The combination of the Linyanti marshes, seasonal flood plains, savannah and wooded Mopane scrub makes an ideal assortment of eco-systems for excellent game viewing. Species such as Lechwe, impala, kudu, zebra, blue wildebeest, hippo, giraffe, tsessebe, roan, sable, buffalo and elephant are regularly sighted. These species in turn attract ever-attendant predators including the endangered wild dog

Game drives are in open vehicles that drive off road. Nighttime sightings of mammal behaviour are a highlight at Lebala with its high visibility plains. The nocturnal birds witness many of the dramas played out under cover of darkness in scenes straight from the script of a wildlife video. This is the reason that many wildlife filmmakers and photographers have spent time at Kwando. For those guests searching for a true wilderness experience the intimate design of the camp, combined with the private concession, personal service and a flexible approach Lebala is a must

 LAGOON CAMP - big game Kwando Concession

Located in the 232,000-hectare private Kwando concession that is fronted by more than 80 km of the Kwando River, which divides northwestern Botswana from the Caprivi Strip. Lagoon Camp lies on the shady banks of a permanent lagoon formed by the meandering Kwando River among tall and ancient Africa Ebony and Marula trees

With only six safari tents Lagoon Camp has the charm that only a small camp can possess. Each purpose designed tent comprises an entrance area, large bedroom with extra long three quarter beds, en suite reed enclosed facilities with his and hers basins, flush loo and outside shower. The tents overlook the water of the Lagoon

Lagoon Camp is designed to have it' s own unique character and charm and is not part of a formula approach. The lounge, bar and dining area is under thatch and nearby there is a small plunge pool
Activities concentrate on open vehicle game drives and boat cruises on the river. Walks are on offer but at the guide' s discretion due to the concentrations of elephant. Lagoon Camp offers off road and night drives so essential for the real African experience. The purpose built camp boat floats noiselessly in the current of the Kwando River while you can spot game from the upper deck. Stop for a spot of fishing in the river or its numerous lagoons and catch the fighting tiger fish, bream, catfish and pike. The Kwando concession offers exclusive access to one of the most remote and unexplored wildlife strongholds left in Botswana.

The area incorporates part of the Linyanti wetlands, huge tracts of Mopane forest and vast open plains. This variety of natural habitat makes Kwando unique, drawing wildlife and bird life in abundance as herds of elephant and buffalo roam the plains adjoining the Kwando River, whilst lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and sable are frequently sighted. For the sixth consecutive year wild dogs have denned near Lagoon camp thus providing guests with excellent sightings

SONGWE VILLAGE - The best of Victoria Falls from Zambia

The Victoria Falls region has recently been described as the adventure capital of the world, affording our guests the opportunity to enjoy all this and more from the tranquil and exclusive domain of beautiful Songwe Village in Zambia. Of course you can slow the pace and enjoy a plethora of more genteel activities if riding the wild river doesn't appeal!

This stunning property is perched 120 metres or nearly 400 feet above the Zambezi Gorge, just a short drive from the Falls. Here you’ll stay in spacious, comfortable thatched huts, built in the traditional style. Each one of the eight huts has a flushing toilet and amenities with commanding views of the gorge below.

The Songwe experience can be anything you want it to be. You might simply choose to take a walk along the gorge and take in the incredible scenes, or pack a picnic lunch and watch the world go idly by from the banks of the Upper Zambezi. As well as offering the big adventure experiences, from white water rafting to bungee jumping or even a microlight flight over the Falls, Songwe is about people and culture, set in an intimate and beautiful location.

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Lianshulu Lodge

Madumo National Park

Lianshulu Lodge nestles beneath a canopy of shady Jackalberry and Mangosteen trees overlooking a pristine reed fringed lagoon of the Kwando River. The lodge is situated in a private concession within the Mudumu National Park in the East Caprivi. The surrounding area is one of swamps, lush flood plains, riverine forest, marsh, open woodland, meandering rivers and quiet lagoons.

The East Caprivi is noticeably more tropical than any of Namibia' s other regions as it enjoys a higher rainfall and warmer winter than the rest of the country, providing a home to plants, birds and animals that are unable to survive in more arid biomes. Wildlife concentrations are at their highest during the winter months, whilst nature shows it’s most lush and vibrant side during summer, with bird watching being at its phenomenal best

On the banks of the lagoon, hidden amongst ancient trees, which are home to a large variety of birds, are 11 reed, brick and thatch chalets. Generous spacing between the chalets and a secluded outside deck ensures complete privacy. Each of the luxurious chalets is individually styled and tastefully furnished. They do tend to vary slightly in size as four chalets have a bath, indoor and outdoor showers whereas seven have only an indoor shower

The thatched dining, lounge and bar areas open onto spacious, wooden decks, affording uninterrupted views over the lagoon and its floodplains. Wildlife can often be observed from these vantage points. A fireplace, library, curio shop and secluded swimming pool complete the lodge facilities

Lianshulu has a superb kitchen that creates delicious meals at tables that have been thoughtfully and imaginatively decorated. At night the dining area is lit by dozens of candles creating a soft, romantic ambience. After dinner, liqueurs are served around a flickering fire. Activities at Lianshulu include nature drives in the Mudumu National Park in open 4x4 vehicles, guided morning walks in the park, bird watching, boat excursions and sunset cruises on the Kwando River, which is home to large pods of hippo. The lodge is involved in number community development projects, such as the Lizauli Traditional Village outside of the park, which provides visitors the opportunity of experiencing unique local customs and traditions (at additional cost)

Striking features at Lianshulu are its beautiful trees and the many sounds of the bush. At night, frogs and hippo will serenade you and in the morning you will waken to a cacophony of birdsong which will continue throughout the day. At this really lovely owner run lodge one can enjoy a true water wilderness experience or just chill out in stunning surroundings that offer peace and tranquility.

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Islands in Africa

IMPALILA ISLAND LODGE

Impalila Island Lodge is a 16-bedded luxury lodge with much to offer discerning clients. Our island is situated at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers at the place where 4 countries meet - from the air an amazing mosaic of waterways, floodplains and bushveld - on the ground exceptional birdlife, game viewing and assorted vegetation - and in the waters outstanding fishing opportunities. Impalila is also the most secluded and remote of the Chobe destinations but close enough to offer guests the very best of the Chobe river – that is game viewing by boat.

At Impalila Island Lodge we believe that guests should be able to choose how they spend their leisure time. Apart from our luxurious accommodation and culinary delights we offer them a wide variety of activities.............a sunset game cruise on the Chobe river, fly-fishing the Mambova rapids for the rapacious Tigerfish or bream, guided walks on the island including visits to cultural villages and a 2000 year-old baobab from where the meeting of all 4 countries and 2 rivers can be witnessed, mokoro (dugout canoe) trips in the quiet backwaters, or just pampered relaxation while lazing by the pool.

SUSUWE ISLAND LODGE

Susuwe Island Lodge offers visitors the opportunity to experience closely a wild and untouched island of Africa. Situated in north-eastern Namibia, our island is in the remote Kwando River - a permanent water source which nourishes delicate ecosystems and sustains varied game and birdlife.

Relaxation, privacy and comfort are paramount here. Susuwe Island Lodge is built to incorporate the riverine forest - the main complex has lofty canopy viewing decks overlooking endless savannahs, glistening lily-studded wetlands and ancient Kalahari woodlands, as well as a firepit, spacious lounge and dining areas, curio shop and small reference library.

Six spacious brick and thatch suites equipped with double bathroom, bedroom, lounge and wooden viewing deck each with private plunge pool offer our visitors the opportunity to merge unhurriedly with Africa's timeless evolution of hazy days and star-studded nights. Mosquito nets, overhead fans and hairdryers as well as generated electricity are provided.

At Susuwe game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles in the Bwabwata National Park.
Game sightings in this cradle of rivers could include vast herds of roaming elephant and buffalo, lion, hippo, leopard, sable, roan, lechwe and puku for example. Night drives at Susuwe offer an even closer insight into the intrigue of the African bush.

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Xaxanaka Camp

XAKANAXA CAMP - Moremi Game Reserve - Permanent Okavango Delta

Big lagoons and big game, a land and water experience in the Okavango Delta. Set in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve, which is rated as being one of the finest game viewing areas in Africa, Xakanaxa Camp has one of the best locations in Botswana.

Accommodation is in twelve tents. Each tent is tastefully furnished with twin or double beds and en-suite facilities with shower, hand basin and w.c. The tents are situated on the edge of the lagoon and from their private viewing deck, with comfortable loungers, one looks onto the reeded fringes at the waters edge.

The camp, with its eclectic mix of furnishings from all over Africa, has a dining room, lounge/bar area, fire deck and plunge pool all slightly raised on wooden platforms with spectacular views over the lagoon. The reception area boasts a curio shop. At night the camp looks stunning as it is lit by dozens of paraffin lamps and candles.

The game drives in this sector of Moremi take one down winding tracks, through Mopane forests and across lush grasslands. The waterways are either forded by vehicles or crossed on rustic log bridges.

The camp faces out over the Xakanaxa Lagoon on the Khwai River, where boat and mokoro (dug-out canoe) trips explore the sinuous channels and floodplains of the Delta, one of Africa' s greatest natural wonders. Birding in the area is excellent, especially in the spring and summer months when the migrants are breeding. To the north are the world famous heronries, which attract large numbers of breeding storks and herons

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Camps summary table

Scheduled Airlines:

Air Botswana

Air Botswana has a daily direct service between Johannesburg and Maun except in the Secret Season, where the flights generally go via the capital city of Gaborone. These services are mostly in an ATR42 turboprop aircraft with 44 seats although the 4 engines BAE 147 jet can be used on demand - up to 66 seats. These flights depart Johannesburg International Airport around 10h00 daily and leave Maun at 16h00 arriving Johannesburg International Airport around 18h00.

Air Botswana also flies twice a week from Johannesburg to Kasane with a stop over in the Tuli block. This service uses an ATR 42 aircraft and departs Johannesburg International Airport on a Thursday and a Sunday only.

Air Botswana also flies twice per week between Maun and Windhoek on Tuesday and Saturdays. Again the ATR 42 aircraft is used on this service giving it a 44 seat capacity to compliment the Air Namibia service.

Air Namibia

Air Namibia flies 5 times a week between Windhoek and Maun using a Kingair 1800 turboprop aircraft with 18 seats. These schedules are

Air Namibia also flies 5 times per week to Katima Kulilo, Windhoek 06:30 - 07:00 arriving at Katima Kulilo at 09:30

SAA and it’s partner airlines also fly into Windhoek 3 times per day enabling clients from Cape Town to connect to the 5 rivers safaris from Cape Town via Windhoek as an alternate to Johannesburg.

Nationwide Air

Nationwide flies Boeing jets, a daily return service, into Livingstone on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. A $20 cash departure tax applies for all flights from Livingstone International Airport. This service also connects with Nationwide services to Cape Town and other centres in South Africa.

Victoria Falls airport

SAA, British Airways and Air Zimbabwe fly daily flights into Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. However bear in mind that visa fees and other fees apply to these flights in order to link in with the 5 Rivers Safari circuit.

Self Drive

Good tar roads suited for any type of vehicle offer access to the main towns - as follows:

Using your own or hired vehicles you can now have access to many of the camps in the circuit and you can leave vehicles at Maun, Kasane, Xaxanaka Camp and Lianshulu Lodge to access deeper into the interior of Botswana. Fuel is freely available in most small towns on these routes some of the larger towns are Rumdu, Katima Kulilo, Kasane, Livingstone, Nata, Maun.

Air Charter

All these camps are close to airports or airstrips suited to most types of small charter planes.

 Contact us for rates.