Zambia And Botswana Safari

On the banks of the Zambezi River, the Royal Livingstone Hotel is named after the legendary explorer who named Zambia’s iconic waterfall in honor of his queen. Paying tribute to this glorious era, the hotel evokes Victorian elegance and colonial traditions in impeccable style, while offering unforgettable adventures.

The Royal Livingstone is a 5-star hotel situated on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. It stretches along the banks of the Zambezi River and is just a short walk to Victoria Falls. The Royal Livingstone is made up of 17 colonial-style buildings and a main building with a restaurant and lounge. Each room accommodates two people.

LODGING

Each of the Royal Livingstone’s 173 luxury rooms and 4 suites feature a private veranda with mighty Zambezi River views. The sights and sounds of river life can be soaked up as you laze in a hammock, enjoy a massage in a waterfront gazebo, or cool off in the pool. Sip refreshments in a lounge that displays the paintings of Sir David Livingstone. Partake in charming high tea rituals, and later sundowners on a deck overlooking Victoria Falls. Savor African and European fine dining, followed by nightcaps under the stars with undeniably the finest Livingstone hotel in the region.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE

Marvel at the majesty of Victoria Falls, explore traditional Zambian villages for a true slice of local life or head out on a tour to experience the vast array of wildlife. Once you arrive at the resort, the AVANI in-house Activity Desk, staffed by highly experienced activity consultants, can help you schedule additional activities.

Victoria Falls

If you feel like exploring, experience the power and the majesty of one of nature’s most impressive creations, Victoria Falls. Designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, Victoria Falls Feel the full force of one million liters of water cascading down the sheer face of Victoria Falls every second. Enjoy the view as much as you like too as all guests of The Royal Livingstone are afforded unlimited access to this force of nature for the length of their stay. For an additional cost, you can also go on a scenic adventure on one of the helicopter tours and witness the incredible power of the Falls from the air.

Sunset Cruise down the Zambezi River

You will experience the majesty of the Zambezi River along with the gracious hospitality of an authentic river-boat cruise. Views of hippos and other wildlife against the backdrop of the setting sun on the Zambezi River makes this experience a photographer’s dream. Feel like royalty as you embark on the same journey undertaken by King George and Queen Elizabeth in 1947. Drinks and hor d'oeuvres are served throughout the cruise. The timing of this cruise is typically set for your arrival day or first full day while in Victoria Falls.

Chobe day Trip, Botswana

While you are staying at the Royal Livingstone, you will go on a day safari in the Chobe National Park in Botswana.

Just 90-minute drive from Victoria Falls, Chobe Game Lodge in the Chobe National Park, was the first lodge of its kind in Botswana and has evolved over the years into the award-winning, fully Ecotourism-Certified luxury property in one of the most sought-after locations in the country. The only lodge inside the Chobe National Park situated on the game-rich riverfront, Chobe Game Lodge is perfectly placed for safaris on game-viewing boats or 4X4 game-drive vehicles, or from the comfort of the so-called ‘Far Deck’. The Chobe National Park riverfront is quite simply one of the most impressive safari experiences in Africa. It boasts four distinctly different ecosystems: the spectacular Chobe floodplains and riverfront to the northeast, the Savute Marsh in the west, the Linyanti Swamps in the northwest and Nogatsaa, the hot, dry hinterland in between.

Driving or boating amongst huge herds of elephant is something everyone should experience and Chobe Game Lodge is fortunate enough to have the prime location on the Chobe Riverfront.

The Chobe Riverfront has the largest concentration of elephants in Africa – more than 40 000 of them – making this one of the best game viewing locations in Africa. Giraffe punctuate the skyline and hundreds of antelopes dot the landscape. The Chobe region is home to more than 450 species of birds and is a must for keen birders. Apart from the regional specials such as rosy-throated longclaw and African skimmer there is the spectacle of huge flocks of African openbills, pratincoles and colorful bee-eaters to enjoy. Along with huge numbers of elephant; healthy herds of buffalo sometimes 200 strong, lion, leopard and even the endangered wild dog are all frequently seen.

Your day safari at the Chobe Game Lodge has been secured and is typically scheduled on your last full day in Zambia as it tends to be one of the highlights of your entire experience. On your scheduled day, you are picked up at around 7:15 am from your hotel and transferred to the Zambia--Botswana border crossing. Your driver will assist you in the process as you cross into Botswana. On the Botswana side of the border, your guide from Chobe Game Lodge will be waiting to pick you and transfer you to the Lodge. All participants traveling with children younger than 18 years of age should pay special attention to the requirements of Botswana Immigration listed in this packet regarding birth certificates and affidavits from any parent not traveling.  You will spend half the day on a boat and the other half of the day on land in a safari vehicle. A lovely buffet lunch is served at the lodge. You should return to your hotel around 6 pm that evening.

ADDITIONAL VICTORIA FALLS ACTIVITES

In addition to the scheduled activities, we can schedule additional activities at Victoria Falls for you in advance.

The next step in your side trip planning process is to select these activities

Lunch or High Tea at the top of Victoria Falls

This activity provides a completely different and unique perspective of the Falls, from the very top. Guests meet their guides by the deck at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. They take a 5-minute boat ride to Livingstone Island, where the guides lead the group west of the island overlooking the main falls. From this angle, you can see the main torrent of water gushing over the basalt precipice.

For those wanting a chance to look over the Falls, you can swim in the Devils Pool. The Devils Pool is a deep natural pool that was created by thousands of years of erosion. It even has a rock ledge on the lip of the Falls that creates a

natural barrier that allows you to swim in the pool without being swept over the falls. Swimming in the Devils Pool is an adrenaline rush most people love, but guests do not have to get in the water if they are not comfortable. It does not require strong swimming skills and offers a safety rope as a precaution. If you are unsure about swimming in the Devils Pool, pack your swimsuit just in case, your wear it under your clothes. The guides will take your picture and video you in the pool with your camera if you would like. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

After the Devils Pool, you will have lunch or high tea. The entire trip lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Elephant Back Safaris

An elephant back safari is an unforgettable experience enabling you to interact with the elephants, as well as enjoy a unique ride through the wilderness and beautiful riverine scenery. Along the river, hippo and crocodile are common and there is a wide variety of bird species; however, sightings are not guaranteed. This is an elephant “experience” and the guides are highly trained experts in the behavior of the elephants and the wildlife around them.

The trails begin at Thorntree Lodge in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. On arrival, a short introductory talk and safety-briefing is given. Before mounting the great animals and heading off through the riverine bush, guests are introduced to the elephants and their handlers. The ride ends at the Elephant Boma where guests dismount and interact with the elephants on the ground, giving guides the opportunity to give an interesting and information explanation about the African Elephant and its relationship with man.

Cheetah Walk

Mukuni Big 5 is a small reserve that breeds lions and cheetahs for release into protected areas. The reserve also educates people on these animals. At this activity, you can get up close and personal with the world’s fastest land mammal, the cheetah. Guides at Mukuni Big 5 will exercise the cheetahs, by getting them to chase a lure, so you can with the speed of these cats. You will also be able to pet a cheetah and even walk one on a leash. Contact us for age and height restrictions.

Flights of the Angels-Helicopter Flights over the Falls

To put the Victoria Falls into true perspective, they must really be seen from the air. The sheer size and grandeur of the spectacle becomes clearer from above. The huge Zambezi River flowing slowly south with hippos and crocodiles clearly visible in the shallow waters, elephant quietly browsing on bright green islands as the water spreads across the full width of a great rent in the earth before crashing over the lip in a burst of spray and then squeezing into a narrow, foaming, blast of water rushing down the zigzag funnel of the gorges.

HELPFUL TIPS

What to Pack for Your Side Trip

Both men and women dress smart casual in the evenings in the hotel dining and lounge areas. While there are no regulations for dress code, it is customary for women to cover their legs for the sake of modesty. However, with that said, it is acceptable for women wear shorts around the hotel grounds and on activity outings. It is advisable if going into the town of Livingstone for women to wear capris, pants, or longer skirts. When the sun sets, the temperature drops quickly and a warm jacket is advisable.

Both men and women dress smart casual in the evenings in the hotel dining and lounge areas. While there are no regulations for dress code, it is customary for women to cover their legs for the sake of modesty. However, with that said, it is acceptable for women wear shorts around the hotel grounds and on activity outings. It is advisable if going into the town of Livingstone for women to wear capris, pants, or longer skirts. When the sun sets, the temperature drops quickly and a warm jacket is advisable.

Though not required, it is suggested when on safari to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing in khaki, brown, green and beige bush-toned colors. Pale or bright colors are not advisable for safaris as the animals can easily see these shades.

Below are some packing suggestions: