Khwai, Chobe and Victoria Falls

Sable Alley
Opened in early 2017, Sable Alley is a complete rebuild of a favourite old bush camp. It sits within the Khwai Concession, a 200,000 hectare community concession adjoining Moremi, the public game reserve that forms the heart of the Okavango Delta. Centred on the vast floodplains of the Khwai River and the surrounding pockets of mopane woodland, this is a region rich in game. Rhino and wild dog are among the rarities present in this region, alongside a healthy population of big cats and plentiful antelope.

Sable Alley is well-positioned to make the most of this diversity of game and terrain. Occupying the same position as the former Banoka Bush Camp, it enjoys an exclusive window onto the surrounding region, directly overlooking a small lagoon formed by the River Khwai, where elephant, buffalo and antelope can often be sighted in the dry season. The best game-viewing is to be had further afield – in the southern sector of Khwai and in Moremi Game Reserve – and the option for full-day game drives, as well mokoro boat safaris, ensure these regions are accessible to guests at Sable Alley.

Sable Alley is a relaxed but upmarket camp, taking after its predecessor, Banoka. The camp features 12 elevated log-and-canvas tents, a swimming pool, open-air lounge and a viewing deck with open-air lounge and dining area overlooking the lagoon. Game activities include day and night game drives on the Khwai Community Concession, full-day game drives in Moremi, and mokoro boat safaris (seasonal).

Muchenje Safari Lodge
Muchenje Safari Lodge sits atop a high escarpment overlooking the banks of the Chobe River and the flood plains beyond. It is a superb location; Chobe plays host to Botswana’s most impressive big game viewing, and Muchenje is perfectly positioned for seeing the best that Chobe has to offer.

Chobe is famous in particular for its huge herds of elephant and buffalo, which congregate at the Chobe Riverfront area, where Muchenje is situated, during the dry season. Numerous predators, including lion, leopard and wild dog, can also be sighted in the park, along with a great diversity of plains game and bird species.

During your stay at Muchenje, you’ll be able to take part in 4x4 game drives in the Chobe Riverfront area and further afield, boat safaris on the Chobe River, bush walking-safaris, and night eyes (night-time game drives after dinner with stoplights).

Ilala Lodge
Within easy walking distance of Victoria Falls, Ilala Lodge is a small, upmarket hotel offering spacious rooms, excellent facilities and personalised service on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls. Recently expanded from 30 to 56 rooms, Ilala would perhaps be better categorised as a modest-sized hotel rather than a safari lodge, but it has a relaxed, congenial atmosphere, managing to feel both private and intimate thanks to its secluded location and elegant design.

Ilala Lodge's 56 rooms are situated on two levels and split between two wings which extend across the landscaped gardens. The ground floor rooms open onto a small verandah with access onto the hotel lawns, while the upper floor rooms open onto a private balcony and patio area – the upper floor rooms are set back from the lower floor, allowing for a small rooftop patio area with a pleasant view of the gardens.

Ilala Lodge's public areas comprise a relaxed lounge and reception with bar. The Palm Restaurant opens onto the patio and garden, and is set up for indoor and outdoor dining. Typically booked on a B&B basis, Ilala offers a generous morning buffet with cooked English breakfast. Lunch and dinner are a la carte.

This afternoon, embark on a cruise on the Zambezi River before returning to the lodge.

One of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, the Victoria Falls are the stuff of legends, romance and myth! Long before the Scottish missionary and explorer, Dr David Livingstone, discovered the Falls in 1855, the local Batonga people had named them Mosi-o a-Tunya, ‘the smoke that thunders’. Livingstone named them for his queen.

You’ll have ample time to explore the Falls and take photos from different angles.

When ready, return to your hotel for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure.

End of tour.