An angre leopard in Zimbabwe warns me to back off!

For a couple years back in the mid 1990's, I was able to travel to Botswana and Zimbabwe to design two safaris and later to experience the safaris while leading a group.  The below programs are what I was able to put together and implement.  The Okavango region in particular is without a doubt one of the most phenomenal wildernesses anywhere on the planet.

To see more amazing images of Eastern and Southern Africa, click the below links:

Eastern and Southern African Mammals

Eastern and SouthernAfrican Birds

Eastern and Southern African People & Landscapes

Victoria Falls as seen from the Zambia side.

THE MANY FACES OF BOTSWANA

DAY 1: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE: Upon arrival the group is met and transferred to the spectacular Hotel Victoria Falls where we can rest and relax for the remainder of the day.

DAY 2: DELTA CAMP, OKAVANGO DELTA: Today we fly via light aircraft to Maun and then to the Okavango Delta.

DELTA CAMP (3 Nights: Delta Camp is an intimate fourteen bed lodge situated on an island deep in the Okavango Delta. Accommodation is all en-suite in well appointed reed chalets. The accent is on tranquillity, game walks, fine cuisine, and highly personalized guiding. Spectacular scenery and birdlife complement excellent game viewing. All meals, drinks and excursions are included. Excursions take the form of mokoro trails, birth watching, fun finishing and taking nature/game walks on the islands with your guide.

DAY 5: XAKANAXA CAMP: Today we fly via light aircraft into another region of the Delta - Xakanaxa.
XAKANAXA CAMP (2 Nights): Xakanaxa Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve is tented in the old African style. All tents are en-suite, and activities range from guided game drives to motorboat excursions into the Okavango. The area is renowned for its big game, especially leopards. All meals and excursions are included.

DAY 7: JACK'S CAMP: Today we fly via light aircraft from Xakanaxa into the vast Kalahari Desert to Jack's Camp.
JACK'S CAMP (3 Nights): Jack's camp is a luxury tented camp located deep in the Kalahari Desert on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, an oasis of peace and tranquillity.
Accommodation is in twin-bedded safari style tents with individual hot showers and flush toilets. All meals, drinks and excursions are included. Excursions take the form of game drives and safari by all-terrain vehicles allowing you to penetrate the vast landscape.

DAY 10: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK: Today we leave Jack's Camp via light aircraft to Kasane, where we ground transfer to Chobe Chilwero.
CHOBE CHILWERO (3 Nights):Chobe Chilwero is situated in the northern section of the Chobe National Park on a hill overlooking the Chobe River, just outside the Park boundary. Accommodation is in twin-bedded bungalows with en-suite facilities. All meals and excursions are included. Excursions take the form of game drives in the Chobe National Park, boating and optional fishing on the Chobe River.

DAY 13: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE: Today we return to the Victorian luxury of Victoria Falls for a restful conclusion to our Okavango expedition! Overnight at the Victoria Falls Hotel

DAY 14: END OF TOUR

Enjoying a Kalahari Makadikadi sunset with the open bar set out by Jack's Camp

THE WILDS OF ZIMBABWE

DAY 1: HARARE: After arrival at the Harare international airport you will be met, and welcomed by our representative who will assist in transferring you to the hotel. Afternoon is free. Overnight at Sheraton hotel.

DAY 2: BULAWAYO: We will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for our scheduled -flight to Bulawayo. At the Bulawayo airport, you are met by our representative who will assist in transferring you to the hote1.

HALF-DAY - MATOBO HILLS TOUR: The group will be met at the Nesbitt Castle Hotel and driven south out of the city to the Matobo Hills National Park which is the legendary place of-the "benevolent spirit which lies in-wait at World's View". It is also the final resting-place of Cecil John Rhodes. We continue to Malema Dam and Nswatugi Cave to see some of the finest rock-paintings in Southern Africa. Matobo Hills also boasts some of the last populations of black rhinos in Africa. We then return through this scenic park with its wonderful rock formations to the city and the hotel.

KHAMI RUINS TOUR: We drive some 20 kilometers out of the city to the ancient Iron Age complex of the Khami Ruins. Authorities agree that Khami was the capital of the Torwa State which emerged as a power when Great Zimbabwe was in decline. Its dry-stone walling is of similar style to Great Zimbabwe and dates from the 15th to the 17th centuries. Artifacts found in the area date back to the early Stone Age, up to 100,000 years ago, as the fascinating site museum will reveal. Overnight is at the Nesbitt Castle Hotel

DAY 3: GREAT ZIMBABWE RUINS - MASVINGO: Depart Bulawayo as early as 6:30AM via Chauffeur drive to Masvingo. Here we can admire the African way of living, as you pass through their small townships, villages and communal farms. You will arrive Manvingo around 10:30 AM and go straight for a tour.

Chapman's Baobab in the Makadikadi

DAY 4: HWANGE NATIONAL PARK: After breakfast we are transferred to Blue Arrow Station where we are met for transfer to Hwange National Park. The national park is over 650 square kilometers and is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. Forests dominated by Zimbabwe teak and mopane, acacia thornbelt and vast grasslands each contain their own unique fauna. With the skills of our experienced guides, we will unlock the secrets of this fascinating wilderness. We overnight at the Detema Safari Lodge

DAY 5: HWANGE NATIONAL PARK: We spend the whole day at the lodge on a fully inclusive basis. Game activities include game drives, walking safaris and village tours. Set atop a Kopje we view the wilds of Africa and her many wild creatures as they drink at the waterhole, Detema has established a reputation for excellence - excellence of services, of accommodation and facilities, and of excellent cuisine. Overnight is at the Detema Safari Lodge.

DAY 6: VICTORIA FALLS: Pick up is from Detema Safari Lodge by our representative for a scheduled transfer to Victoria Falls. On arrival in Victoria Falls we will go straight to the Victoria Falls Hotel before we have the chance to see one of the wonders of the world - the mighty Victoria Falls.

A spectacular Sundowner Cruise sunset along the Zambezi.

SUNDOWNER CRUISE TOUR: The splendors of the African sunset are renowned and this is an unrivalled way to savor the beauty of the moment. We are then transferred to the jetty where you will board one of our launches. We will enjoy a relaxing cruise as the sun sets over the sparkling water of the Zambezi River. As with the falls we can capture the beauty of the sun setting over Kandahar Island with our own eyes or through the camera's lens. As we glide home in the darkness of the African night, there is time to talk and absorb the serenity of one of the most beautiful places on earth.

DAY 7: VICTORIA FALLS: We proceed to the falls, one of the wonders of the world to gaze at the curtain of falling water while the swirling spray billows up from the depths of the chasm below. After the tour we are transferred back to the airport for our scheduled flight to Kariba. On arrival at the Kariba airport we will be transferred to Kipling's Lodge where we will spend two- nights in Matusadona National Park. Overnight at Kipling's Lodge.

DAY 8: MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK: Matusadona is one of the wildest regions left in Africa boasting large numbers of African megafauna including black rhinos! Birdwatchers will find this area full of beautiful and fascinating species! At our wonderful thatched-roof lodge, activities will include game drives, sports fishing, and walking safaris in the raw wilderness of Matusadona. Overnight at Kipling's Lodge

DAY 09: MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK: Today we continue the various safari activities at the lodge and in the park. Overnight at Kipling's Lodge

DAY 10: MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK: Ruckomechi Camp of 10 twin, thatched chalets each with ensuite facilities, an open lounge and a bar right on the Zambezi River. We will dine under an open-thatch canopy. Because the camp only caters for a maximum of 20 guests, personalized attention is a key feature. There is no fence, so game is free to wander through the camp and it does! The area is actually home to a resident pride of lions, the elusive wild dog, leopards, cheetahs, plentiful elephants, cape buffalo, kudu, zebra, impala, and water buck. Overnight at Ruckomechi Camp

DAY 11: MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK: All the Safari activities are included and we can select two activities per day. These include walking safaris, game drives, canoeing, fishing and relaxing cruises on the Zambezi River. We are then transferred by high-speed motor boat to Chirundu where we connect for our road transfer to Kariba for our flight to Harare.

Here are a few images from these wonderful expeditions!