An Incredible African Safari to Kruger, Lower Zambezi and Moremi.
Natasha booked Karen and John along with their friend Jen on an Incredible African Safari where they had a trip of a lifetime! Starting in Cape Town they visited the Cape Winelands and Cape Point. From Cape Town they flew to the Greater Kruger Park and the Timbavati lodge of Simbavati River Lodge. From the Kruger they flew to Lusaka in Zambia for a night before heading to the Lower Zambezi National Park and the Mwambashi River Lodge . Canoeing and game drives combined perfectly with stunning scenery in this stunning part of Zambia.
After this they flew to Livingstone and the Victoria Falls where they stayed at Ilala Lodge while exploring the Falls. After Victoria Falls they were driven into Botswana before boarding a small aircraft for a flight to the Moremi Game Reserve and Machaba Camp!
Here is their feedback:
Hi Natasha,
Sorry for my delayed email. I am having a problem uploading pics from John’s camera to my computer (prob bc I run windows xp…Lol).
Again, the trip was absolutely incredible!!! Natasha, you arranged everything perfectly.
John & Karen at Victoria Falls
South Africa
Cape Town
Ilios travel was excellent beginning with the driver picking us up at the Cape Town airport. Jen actually got bumped from the Joburg to Cape Town flight and was put on the very next flight. John & I did manage to get the original flight but it was slightly delayed. The Ilios driver (forget his name) was extremely nice and flexible as he allowed us to wait for Jen’s flight to arrive. Bonus: caught a glimpse of Russell Brand while waiting for Jen.
Camps Bay Terrace Penthouse
Absolutely beautiful. As soon as you walk in the views take your breath away. A complimentary bottle of wine was waiting for us :). Perfect location to restaurants. Jen and John loved Codfathers.
Winelands/Cape Point Tours
Both days we had Philip Petrov from Ilios. He was excellent!! Extremely friendly and extremely knowledgeable (we were impressed). We had the best time with him. Both tours were wonderful. He always got us the best tables at restaurants for lunch. (Saw whales while dining at the Two Oceans Restaurants). The landscapes on both tours were stunning. We really saw a lot during those two days of touring.
We also had Philip drop us one night at the V&A Waterfront. It was nice there but we were glad we stayed in Camps Bay.
Our only regret with Cape Town was not staying longer. 🙂
Simbavati River Lodge
We felt a little rushed when we arrived…quick lunch..20 minutes to unpack in tent before game drive. They were extremely nice though…..we just needed to get use to the schedule. It was not a problem. The food (waiter Jeffrey? was excellent) was wonderful and the staff was very nice. The tents were also nice (had air conditioning..yea). We saw the Big 5 in the first day and a half. Mike (guide) and Hemet (tracker) were entertaining. Funny story: The waiter asked us what we wanted for the sundowner on our first game drive…not knowing how long it lasts we decided we would be safe with two bottles of wine…Mike thought this was funny.
The newly updated tent at Simbavati River Lodge
Zambia
Lusaka
We could not get the Kaza Visa Card there. When our flight arrived there was only one person in the immigration/passport booth Zambian resident side and she indicated we should come over. Jen told her what we needed and she stated she did not have the book. When I got to the window and inquired I was told that it would take a long time and a different one would cost $80. I told her just to give me a regular one then.
We went back a little early before our Jeki flight. I had the person at check in take me to immigration so I could see about the Kaza Card. They looked at me like I had three heads so I gave up. We decided to try again at the Zimbabwe border.
The Taj Pamodzi was perfect for an over night stay.
Heading off on a canoe safari
Mwambashi River Lodge
Absolutely beautiful. Perfect location. The food and rooms were excellent. John & I actually got the Zambezi suite (boma/hut w/private pool). We saw everything but Giraffe (dont come there) & Rhinos (poached). The quantity of animals was unbelievable. Everywhere you looked impala, kudo, elephants, hippos, etc. During the day we fished and then did evening game drives. They are very flexible at this camp for activities and the times. We opted for a lot of fishing bc of the heat. It was extremely hot there (no air conditioning). Fishing was excellent..we caught Tiger Fish, Brim, Chessna. I caught a 9.5lb Tiger and a 20lb Vundo. They did a beautiful birthday dinner for John. They decorated and sang to him. Unfortunately a hour before dinner I became ill (vomiting). Completely wiped me out that evening but I managed to get myself together to fly to Livingstone the next day. One of the staff, Becca, filmed the party for me. Truly a wonderful, relaxing camp. So many stories to tell. Roddy and his staff (Pam, Becca, Dale, Simba, Arthur, Albert, etc) were excellent. This was our favorite camp due to the quantity of animals, activities, food, and very flexible time schedules.
A visit at Mwambashi River Lodge
Livingstone
We explained to the Wilderness Safari Driver that we were unable to get the Kaza in Lusaka and would need to get in Zimbabwe. He called ahead to the driver waiting on the other side to let him know.
Victoria Falls when the water is high
Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Wilderness Safari Driver made sure we got the Kaza….it was no problem.
Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge
Beautiful, perfect location. Welcomed the air conditioning!!!
Devils Pool Excursion
A little scary but wonderful. Lunch was excellent. The staff were great….they took lots of pics of us while in the pool. The meeting point was The Royal Livingstone Hotel….beautiful. Our Zimbabwe driver on the way back was kind enough to stop at two pharmacies for nausea medication (I was still on the mend).
Victoria Falls Hotel
Had dinner there….it was wonderful. Would love to stay there when we come back :). On way back to hotel we ran into an American Honeymooner couple that we met on the Devils Pool excursion. We all went to The Kingdom for a night cap. Yucky wine for Jen.
Botswana
Jen in the hot seat!
Karen and John practising their guiding skills!
Machaba Camp
Absolutely wonderful. The accommodations, food, and staff were again excellent. They did special bush lunch and dinners. They didn’t have the quantity of animals like the Mwambashi but we saw different ones………Jackyl barking at Leopard, Wild African Dogs, etc. We really had fun with the other guests too (Swiss, Finnish, & Italian couples). On our 3rd day we were pleasantly surprised to meet up with the American couple that we shared the VF to Botswana transfer with. We really loved, Elka (host) and our guide Rock. Rock was an excellent guide and very fun to be with.
The only thing about the trip I would change is that we should have stayed longer. 🙂
