The Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area is a true jewel in Southern Africa and a unique conservation area of impressive proportions. Spanning five countries – Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – it encompasses a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, from the majestic Victoria Falls to the vast riverbanks of the Zambezi and Kwando. What makes KAZA so unique is not only its spectacular scenic beauty but also its importance for wildlife conservation. It is home to some of the world’s largest elephant populations, lions, leopards, rhinos, and countless bird species. KAZA is a living example of transboundary conservation collaboration that ensures the preservation of these precious natural treasures for generations to come.
Our staff member, Denise, had the incredible privilege of participating in a nine-day educational trip that took her through the fascinating KAZA area. This expedition spanned the countries of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia and provided her the opportunity to be enchanted by the beauty and diversity of this region. From the majestic Victoria Falls to the pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife, this trip offered not only breathtaking natural wonders but also profound insights into the conservation and transboundary collaboration that make this region so unique.
Denise experienced an unforgettable journey through the KAZA region that featured an abundance of exciting adventures and beautiful accommodations. From captivating game drives in Chobe and Bwabwatwa National Parks, where she got up close and personal with majestic wildlife, to scenic sunset and morning safari cruises on the Chobe and Kwando Rivers. A definite highlight was the thrilling helicopter flight over the mighty Victoria Falls, followed by a daring exploration of the Devil’s Pool. This trip was an impressive combination of nature, adventure, and luxury accommodations that enriched our staff with lifelong memories and a deep understanding of the unique splendor of the KAZA area.
Denise’s travel diary
Day 1:
- Flight from Cape Town to Livingstone with a stopover in Johannesburg.
- Road trip from Livingstone airport to Kasane (from Zambia to Botswana) to visit Chobe Bakwena Lodge.
- Continue to Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge, the site of the first overnight, with an incredible waterhole and game viewing right in front of you.
- Dinner around an open fire with dancing and singing by the staff and the presence of numerous elephants in the background.
Day 2:
- Breakfast and tour of Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge.
- Road trip to Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa for overnight stay.
- Chobe River sunset cruise with an amazing variety of wildlife and an unforgettable sunset with the final dinner at the lodge.
Day 3:
- Breakfast followed by a game drive in Chobe National Park.
- Continue to Caprivi Mutoya Lodge for the next overnight (from Botswana to Namibia).
- Lunch followed by a visit to the Carmine Bee-eater Breeding Colony in the Caprivi.
- Wonderful sunset followed by dinner at the lodge.
Day 4:
- Depart Caprivi Mutoya Lodge after breakfast for a guided walk to the adjacent village and the community living there.
- Onward journey to Kasile Island Lodge in Bwabwatwa National Park for the next overnight with boat transfer to the lodge.
- Sundowner cruise on the Kwando River and sunset game drive in Bwabwatwa National Park followed by dinner at the lodge.
Day 5:
- Early morning boat safari on the Kwando River followed by a visit to the Sijwa Project – which focused on the reuse and reinvention of all recyclable waste into exquisite, saleable handicrafts and more.
- From Kasile Island, we continued on to Zimbabwe at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, staying overnight at the Victoria Falls Safari Club.
- The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show on the grounds of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is a legendary dining and entertainment experience that offers an unforgettable blend of delicious local cuisine, energetic dance performances, interactive drumming, and traditional storytelling to end the evening beautifully.
Day 6:
- Visit the world-famous Victoria Falls (a UNESCO World Wonder) and stop for lunch at the Lookout Café with magnificent views of the Victoria Falls Bridge.
- Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust for an insight into the incredible work being done to protect wildlife in the region.
- Transfer to Zambezi National Park and Masuwe Lodge, one of the original safari lodges in the area.
- Masuwe Lodge is surrounded by natural bushveld and wildlife and offers safari accommodations and experiences just a short drive from the adventures of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
- Spectacular helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, known as the Flight of Angels.
- Candlelit dinner on Masuwe Lodge’s outdoor terrace.
Day 7:
- Early morning game drive in the annexed reserve followed by breakfast at Masuwe Lodge.
- Return to Victoria Falls and cross the border to Livingstone for overnight at the Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya.
- Afternoon presentation of the CATS (Conservation & Tourism Society) project in Livingstone followed by dinner in the township.
Day 8:
- Breakfast followed by an inflatable boat ride on the upper Zambezi River.
- Lunch at Sindabezi Island Camp
- Sundowner cocktails and dinner at a nearby restaurant and a final overnight stay at the Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya.
Day 9:
- Boat ride to Livingstone Island from the Livingstone Island launch site.
- Swim in the Devil’s Pool, topped off with a 5-star gourmet meal prepared on the island itself.
- Transfer to the airport in Livingstone and back to Cape Town with a stopover in Johannesburg.
