Botswana & Zambia Luxury Safari

Chief’s Camp is another example of the many luxury safari camps to choose from in the predator-rich Okavango Delta. Located in the Moremi Game Reserve, Chief’s Camp consists of 101,500 square feet of luxury bush pavilions and one suite, all with private terraces with plunge pools, as well as indoor and outdoor showers (using an outdoor shower in this remote, pristine environment is truly exhilarating!). We especially love the pavilion’s polished teak floors, windows with insect-proof screens, and colorful batik fabrics. Other amenities include a new spa treatment room, a plunge pool, and a picturesque dining area/viewing deck. With Chief’s location overlooking a large lagoon on the northwest tip of Chief’s Island, the many mokoro (canoe/boat) excursions are a regular summer attraction! Chief’s unique location and the wildlife-rich island of Moremi make it ideal for game viewing, including all of the Big Five (African lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros), making it our top choice for a family safari. Chief’s renovation includes 10 luxurious bush pavilions (essentially small cottages), all with private terraces and plunge pools, offering 462 square feet of space!

This camp, reopened in April 2018 after a complete renovation and update, is named after Dr. Livingstone’s loyal servants who carried his body to British authorities in eastern Tanzania after his death. While we also like the 5-star Royal Chundu downriver, we think Sussi & Chuma offers a more authentic African river/safari experience compared to the more Western-style Royal Chundu. Comprised of 12 luxurious thatched-roof treehouse villas, the lodge is located on a 90° bend along the historic Zambezi River, eight miles upstream from Victoria Falls. All treehouse villas are designed in an open-air style, including air conditioning, very nice soaking tubs, glass showers, and colorful tribal art. Despite its small size, the Sussi Riverside Pool offers a stunning view of the Zambezi. In addition to incredible food and personalized service, the list of activities is impressive: walking safaris, nature walks, canoeing, private catch-and-release fishing on the Zambezi (March to November), and, of course, Victoria Falls! We think the “Flight of Angels” helicopter flight over the falls is a truly unique experience. Sussi & Chuma’s unique location on the Zambezi makes it the perfect geographic contrast to the semi-arid landscape and wildlife of the Okavango Delta.