15 Day Botswana and Zimbabwe Wildlife Breakaway

Guma Lagoon Camp is situated along the banks of the Guma Lagoon on the north western side of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Guma offers both self-catering and full board accommodation, which are provided in spacious canvas chalets, all en suite and located on the edge of the lagoon, each with its own private view.

The self-catering option provides a fully equipped kitchen with all utensils, crockery and fridge/ freezer.

For the full board option a set menu offers an array of various dishes which are served on the deck overlooking the lagoon.

When wakening in the morning with the sunrise over the lagoon streaming into your chalet, wander down to the main area and enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee served on the deck.

Alternatively there are 7 campsites under shady trees with private ablutions.   Campers have access to the self-catering kitchen, and are also most welcome to dine in the main restaurant.

Dinner needs to be pre-ordered each morning as all meals are freshly prepared.  Vegetarians and children are catered for.

Guma Lagoon Camp is truly a fishermans paradise and bird watchers haven.   With the abundance of fish species in the Okavango Panhandle, the camp is the perfect area for spin or fly-fishing, and actively supports a catch-and-release policy for all fish species.

For those who want to fish the mighty Okavango River, experienced local guides will accompany you on a 40-minute boat ride from camp that passes through a narrow meandering network of channels.  

The Guma area comprises many small lagoons, countless little palm fringed islands, narrow winding waterways amongst dense papyrus and reeds and the large Guma Lagoon itself.

Adventurous safari experiences not to be missed are Guma Lagoon Camp’s choice of day trips or overnight camping mokoro trails that take you into the heart of the Okavango.

You will be poled through the tranquil channels that link the extensive flood plain system to the main river.   Water lily beds, palm islands and papyrus stands abound making for the most scenic of experiences.   

There is always a chance of seeing large herds of red lechwe bounding through the water and passing elephants feeding amongst the lush wetland vegetation.

Nata Lodge is an oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.  It is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas.

The lodge offers 22 luxury air conditioned thatched chalets built on stilts and set in rustic African style, with en suite bathrooms including indoor baths and outdoor showers.

10 luxury safari tents are built on raised wooden platforms which are nestled under the lodges many marula trees.  These tents feature en suite bathrooms and include all the amenities offered in any of the lodge’s chalets.

The camping site provides full ablution facilities with hot and cold showers as well as central electrical power banks.

Guest areas include a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop and a bar/lounge area.

The shady tree canopy surrounding the lodge is a hive of activity, with a bird feeding area and active water feature providing the bird watcher with the opportunity of viewing a variety of species from the comfort of the pool deck, open bar or restaurant.

The Nata River delta feeds the Sua Pan in the Nata sanctuary and forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands, transforming the shore line into a pink haze blending into the western sky.   

For keen bird watchers and naturalists, Nata Lodge offers open vehicle excursions into the Nata Sanctuary.   Mammal species in the sanctuary include antelope such as springbok, as well as springhares, jackals and foxes.

However the main attraction is the abundance of bird life.  Around 165 bird species, including king-fishers, eagles, ostriches, pelicans, spoonbills and both greater and lesser flamingos, have been recorded.

Zimbabwe - Making its way back into the tourist market, Zimbabwe is able to offer some incredible wilderness and exciting wildlife, along with the wonder that is Victoria Falls.

Zimbabwe's political climate and issues have been well documented through the world's media, and it is no secret that tourist numbers to the country have dropped substantially. 

However, everything which made Zimbabwe one of the most popular safari destinations is still available, with operators moving back into the world famous areas of Hwange, Mana Pools, the Lower Zambezi and Lake Kariba.

Victoria Falls thunders mightily on the Zambezi River, and the canoeing and rafting experiences are as exciting as ever.

The people of  Zimbabwe have always been one of the major highlights, and it is particularly pleasing that tourists are filtering through the borders again, rewarding the patience of the fantastic guides and conservation workers who have remained dedicated to Zimbabwe's wildlife areas.

Situated within remote Zimbabwe, Hwange National park is the country’s largest park, covering an area of 14 600km2 (more than 5,600 square miles). This large size leads to varying game and landscapes. From the desert scrubs on the edge of the Kalahari, to granite hills, woodlands filled with mopane and teak, as well as wide grass plains fringed by palm trees and acacias. This landscape diversity allows for a flourishing wide range of wildlife. With over 100 species of mammals and almost 400 species of birds, Hwange National Park also contains one of the largest Elephant populations in the world. Other rare animals regularly spotted include the Roan and Sable Antelope. With an abundance of food, massive herds of buffalo can also be spotted traversing Hwange’s grass plains.

Having secured and designated areas, Hwange National Park is suitable for camping should you wish to add a more genuine and “one with nature” experience to your safari.

Being easily accessible with only a 2 hour drive from Victoria Falls, the Iconic Hwange National Park is a must see for those seeking a unique location for a safari you will never forget.

AFFORDABLE VICTORIA FALLS ACCOMMODATION

The 96 roomed Shearwater Explorers Village is a superb 3 star Lodge situated only 400 m from the Victoria Falls.

The property boasts 54 deluxe rooms, 42 standard rooms and also offers some serviced camping facilities.

It is so close to the Falls that it occasionally receives an early morning shower from the Falls spray. The property overlooks virgin African bush and a waterhole frequently visited by elephant and buffalo and yet it is very near the craft markets and entertainment district.

So location is certainly a primary benefit, along with amazing gardens supporting fantastic birdlife, great ambience & cuisine and true value for money.