Avani Victoria Falls Resort

Victoria Falls - Zambia: 2 Nights

Only a short 2 hour flight from Jo'burg, a trip to Victoria Falls is certainly memorable. One of the 7 Wonders of the World, the sheer noise of the Falls as they cascade over the edge into the deep gorge is deafening, and the misty clouds of spray, occasionally broken by rainbows, are visible from over 40 km away - giving rise to the local name that translates as 'the Smoke that Thunders'.

Ever since the 19th century English explorer David Livingston became the first Westerner to see the Falls, they have held a magical draw for visitors to Africa, and they remain an iconic travel destination that many dream of but few get the chance to visit.

The Falls can be viewed from either the Zambian or the Zimbabwean side, and both offer superb views of the Falls from many viewing points.

A truly spectacular way to view and appreciate the full extent of the Falls is by taking a 'Flight of Angels' helicopter ride over the Falls. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River are also very popular.

Adrenelin seekers can enjoy bungee jumping, white water rafting and body boarding.

Avani Victoria Falls Resort (formerly the Zambezi Sun) is situated on the fringes of the Zambezi River in the 46 hectare Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Wildlife Park, overlooking the magnificent Victoria Falls. The resort’s biggest draw is its impressive location, just a 5 minute stroll from the Falls, with all guests enjoying free unlimited access to this famous attraction – ranked as one of the Seven Natural Wonders and the world’s largest waterfall.

The hotel stands apart for its natural beauty and vibrant local style. The 46 hectare grounds attract zebras, giraffes, impalas and monkeys. Guests can stroll around the gardens for a wild nature walk, go bird watching, investigate the herb and vegetable garden, or see the worm farm and compost project in action. Familes are most welcome and there are activities especially designed to keep children entertained, including the Happy Hippo Club.

The 212 room hotel features adobe-style architecture, bright mosaics and is characterised by ethnic wall stencils, timber and plaster ceilings. It is constructed in a series of 8 buildings, consisting of the guest rooms, a central pavilion of restaurants and a fabulous convention centre.

The huge free-form swimming pool meanders round a pavilion restaurant and an outdoor bandstand and dance floor. The pool deck is also the scene of more formal occasions such as cocktail receptions and alfresco dining. The restaurant atmosphere is relaxed and casual and provides an extremely enjoyable buffet experience.

Chongwe River Camp

Lower Zambezi National Park: 2 Nights

Chongwe Camp is a tented camp, which is situated on the river bank where the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers meet. Across the Chongwe River is the Lower Zambezi National Park, which offers a pristine wilderness with a wide variety of terrain,and is one of Southern Africa's premier destinations for game viewing.

The Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4,092 square kilometers, and the floodplains, grasslands and tall forests support fantastic game densities. Enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river's edge, and pods of hippo rest in the water. 'Island hopping' buffalo and waterbuck are common. Impala are everywhere and kudu, eland, zebra and wildebeest are frequently seen.

The sandy river banks are home to iridescent carmine bee-eater colonies while kingfishers and African skimmers flit above the waters. Predators include leopard, large prides of lion and packs of wild dog.

Chongwe’s impressive variety of safari activities provides the ultimate exploration of this magnificent African paradise. By land, enjoy game drives and walking safaris, or take to the rivers and explore with boat cruises, canoeing safaris and tiger-fishing. Back in camp, the wildlife hide is great for photography, especially rare nocturnal creatures.

Chongwe River Camp has 9 tented rooms, each with en-suite facilities and a private verandah overlooking the river. Sit outside your tent in comfortable lounge chairs and watch the abundant wildlife visiting the banks to drink and graze on the lush grasses.

There is also the Aldiba Suite, which is made up of 2 deluxe en-suite rooms with a lounge/dining area and pool shared between the 2 rooms, making this ideal for families or small groups who want more privacy. In addition, the Cassia Suite is a private luxury tented suite consisting of a canopied lounge and dining area with private plunge pool and fire pit and huge octagonal bedroom - perfect for honeymooners or romantic couples.

The main camp has a rustic bar and meals are served outside either on the banks of the Chongwe River, or in the bush overlooking the Zambezi River.

Flatdogs Camp

South Luangwa National Park: 2 Nights

Flatdogs Camp is situated in the South Luangwa National Park, one of the last great wildlife wonders of the world. The Park is just over 9,000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness, and has been visited by wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world since its creation as a National Park in 1972.

Game drives are taken with a fully-qualified guide in 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers. Most of the vehicles can carry 9 guests but the camp prefers to limit numbers to 6 per vehicle unless larger groups or families prefer to go out together. Between 1st June and 31st October each year (and for a few weeks either side, depending on rainfall) the camp is also able to offer walking safaris. Walks usually last for 3 to 4 hours and are commonly taken in the morning when it's cooler.

Flatdogs is also heavily involved with the local life of Mfuwe village, and guests can take an informal trip into the village to get a taste of local life and to see some of the community projects that the camp work on.

The 6 regular chalet rooms are situated in 3 separate buildings. Each chalet building has a downstairs double room with en-suite bathroom and an upstairs twin/triple room with their own bathroom, just downstairs from the bedroom. The 2 rooms in each building are completely separate with their own facilities, but can be joined through the small kitchen area if a family or groups of friends want to book both rooms.

On the banks of the Luangwa, with the best views in camp, are the 7 luxury en-suite safari tents, and there are an additional 3 standard en-suite safari tents nearby (one overlooking the lagoon and 2 looking out onto the river). 

The 2 bedroomed Jackalberry Treehouse is completely separate and private, and built around 3 live African ebony trees with unspoilt views out across a waterhole which is regularly visited by elephant and giraffe. The treehouse is available only during the dry season, from 5th April to 15th November each year. If 4 people stay in the Treehouse, a private vehicle and guide is also included.

The tented 2 bedroom Croc Nest has been set on a deck looking onto the banks of the Luangwa River. Guests staying here will also have a private guide and their own safari vehicle so they can plan their activities depending on their particular interests.

Blue Zebra Island Lodge

Lake Malawi: 4 Nights

Less than 2 hours from Lilongwe you will find yourself on an unspoilt island paradise, surrounded by nature and luxury.

Tucked away on Nankoma Island, a part of the Marelli Island archipelago, is the Blue Zebra Island Lodge.  Under the protection of the Lake Malawi National Park, the Marelli Island archipelago offers a unique opportunity to see rare species of Malawi's colourful cichlid fish that have earned this site its UNESCO World Heritage Site accreditation. The area is also renowned for a dazzling array of birdlife - Malawi boasts over 650 different species of birds, 10% of which are native species non-existent anywhere else on the globe.

Various activities include kayaking - a great way to get out and explore the coves and coastal wildlife up close; boat trips to explore the stunning, natural archipelago, enjoy a spot of fishing, or simply experience the pleasure of cruising across the calm and clear waters of Lake Malawi; sunset boat trips - enabling you to experience an awe inspiring Lake Malawi sunset and witness an unforgettable event as the sun gently dips below the low lying Nkhotakota hills in the distance; snorkelling - literally just a few meters off the shore, you will experience Malawi’s renowned cichlids in all their natural splendour; and scuba diving - from experienced divers to beginners there is a dive that is suitable, or for the complete novice, why not spend some time with the dive instructor in the pool to familiarise yourself with the equipment and procedures before you head out into the deep blue.

The lodge offers a range of accommodation options.

There are Lake Safari Tents, Executive Tented Chalets (with private lake-facing balconies), Executive Family Tented Chalets (each with 2 bedrooms, a lounge, a bathroom and a private lake-facing balcony) and a Superior Family Cottage (the only non-tented structure, this is a large open plan cottage with a lounge, dining area, a lake facing balcony and two en-suite bedrooms).