Some journeys unfold with comforting predictability, while others especially in Africa, embrace the beauty of the unexpected. Ours was decidedly the latter. From cancelled flights and shifting timetables to border crossings in unfamiliar territories, this was the most complex trip we’ve ever orchestrated. But as the saying goes: to enjoy the sweetest fruit, you must climb the tallest tree. And climb we did, metaphorically speaking to experience the full richness of Southern Africa in 14 exhilarating days.
A Four-Country Safari Through Southern Africa
Our two-week luxury safari through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia was more than a trip, it was a vivid tapestry of opulence, wilderness, and unexpected adventure. From the timeless elegance of the Rovos Rail to the thundering drama of Victoria Falls and the serenity of the Okavango Delta, we found ourselves drifting between dream and reality. One moment, we were sipping sundowners by the Zambezi, and the next, drifting through papyrus reeds in a mokoro canoe.
Here’s a closer look at the experiences, people, and places that made this African journey unforgettable.
Days 1–3: All Aboard Rovos Rail – A Golden Age Journey
On a warm February afternoon, we stepped onto the platform at Pretoria Station and into another era. Rovos Rail, the storied train dubbed “The Pride of Africa,” became our moving sanctuary for three days as it carried us gently north toward Zimbabwe.
The train itself is a tribute to the golden age of rail travel. Our Deluxe Suite, dressed in rich chestnut wood and soft coral accents, offered a surprising level of luxury within such a compact space. Every evening, the rhythmic click-clack of the tracks lulled us into slumber beneath crisp linens and the canopy of an artfully draped tapestry bedspread. It was like stepping into a period novel—complete with vintage brass fixtures and a dainty en-suite bathroom.
Beyond our suite, the observation car was a particular favourite: a wood-panelled lounge at the rear of the train, with club chairs facing outward toward Africa’s endless landscapes. With a glass of bubbly in hand, we watched the world roll by—dusty plains, rural villages, sun-dappled trees—and struck up conversations with fellow travellers from across the globe.
Dining on board was an event in itself: white-gloved service, starched linens, and meals worthy of a fine-dining restaurant. Petra, a lifelong film lover, couldn’t help but draw comparisons to Murder on the Orient Express. “If Hercule Poirot walked in right now,” she mused, “I wouldn’t be surprised.”
Days 4–5: Royal Livingstone Hotel, Zambia – Colonial Grandeur on the Zambezi
Stepping off the train in Victoria Falls, we crossed the border into Zambia, arriving at the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara. Situated mere footsteps from the edge of Victoria Falls, this riverside retreat marries colonial-era elegance with barefoot luxury.
Our suite—serene and spacious—opened onto manicured lawns that sloped gently down to the river, where zebras grazed freely and hippos surfaced with theatrical grunts. Inside, polished wood, neutral tones, and a grand four-poster bed created a peaceful haven. The pyjama lounge (yes, really), complete with gin station and river views, quickly became our favourite corner.
We spent late afternoons on the sunset deck, cocktails in hand, watching the Zambezi shimmer gold under an African sky. By evening, the Kubu Restaurant delighted us with its take on traditional Zambian flavours. The staff? Absolutely unforgettable. Warm, witty, and endlessly professional.
Days 6–7: Crossing Borders with Bushtracks
Few travellers can say they crossed four countries in one day, but we did. Leaving Zambia behind, we passed smoothly through Zimbabwe and Botswana before entering Namibia, thanks to the deft coordination of Bushtracks Africa. While the changing scenery offered much to absorb—street vendors, goats, mopane trees—it was the ease of it all that stood out. Bushtracks turned a potentially chaotic day into a smooth and scenic drive.
We caught up on emails (the Wi-Fi gods were kind) and even stopped for impromptu photos as herds of cattle made their way along the dusty roadside.
Days 8–9: Ichingo Chobe River Lodge – Water Safari on the Zambezi
Hidden on Namibia’s Impalila Island, Ichingo Chobe River Lodge was a revelation. Accessible only by boat, the lodge felt like a secret hideaway carved out just for us.
Our “tent” was more glamping fantasy than camping reality: elevated on wooden stilts, it included an open-air shower, a private river-view deck, and a coffee and champagne station. We awoke each morning to birdsong and the distant snort of hippos.
Days here moved at a dreamlike pace: tiger fishing, wildlife spotting, and drifting silently through lily-covered waterways. Meals were taken al fresco under the stars, with the gentle lap of the river as our soundtrack.
Days 10–13: Victoria Falls – The Zimbabwean Side
Our return to Zimbabwe marked the beginning of our Victoria Falls hotel “trio.” Each offered a distinct experience, like pages from different chapters of the same novel.
Masuwe Lodge – Raw and Romantic
Set in a private concession just outside Victoria Falls, Masuwe Lodge was our biggest surprise. Our canvas suite, with its indoor-outdoor living, framed sweeping views of golden savannah. Afternoons were spent by the plunge pool, evenings in the boma around a crackling fire, and nights falling asleep to the call of jackals.
Palm River Hotel – Colonial Elegance
A short drive away, Palm River Hotel greeted us with Queensland-meets-Victorian architecture. High ceilings, a charming replica of the Victoria Falls Bridge, and rooms with panoramic river views set the stage for relaxed luxury. The pool area, dotted with sun loungers and occasionally visited by warthogs and baboons, was pure paradise. High tea by the river was the cherry on top.
Ilala Lodge – Timeless Tranquility
Our final night in Victoria Falls was spent at Ilala Lodge, where traditional charm and comfort take centre stage. Our room had a view of the ever-present Falls mist, and the sunset cruise aboard the vintage Ra-Ikane boat became one of the most soulful moments of our journey.
Days 14–15: Amber River Camp – The Crown Jewel of the Okavango
We saved the best for last. A tiny helicopter carried us over the Okavango Delta, tracing a web of blue channels and lush islands until we landed at Amber River Camp—a hidden paradise tucked away in the wilderness.
This semi-permanent camp redefines safari luxury. Our suite had an indoor-outdoor bathroom (with a freestanding tub overlooking the floodplains), soft-draped canopy beds, and a sliding glass wall that opened to the sounds of Africa at night. We left our doors open to the breeze, slept without fear, and awoke to elephants grazing just beyond the trees.
The main lodge, with its Bedouin-style canopy and open-plan layout, became our living room in the bush. A self-service bar, long communal table, fire pit, and sparkling pool completed the scene. Game drives here were intimate and extraordinary: lions, leopards, elephants, and even elusive wild dogs.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a holiday, it was a life-affirming adventure. It reminded us that the wild still exists, not only in the landscapes of Africa but also in ourselves. We returned home with memories of sunrise game drives, moonlit rivers, and the kindness of strangers who quickly became friends.
Africa will do that to you. It steals your heart in the most unexpected ways.
Author Bio
This guest article was written by the editorial team at Travel Buddies Lifestyle, a women-led travel platform dedicated to immersive, slow luxury travel across Southern Africa and beyond. Their curated itineraries, honest hotel reviews, and personal stories inspire mindful adventures for discerning travellers who value authenticity, comfort, and connection.
Learn more at www.travelbuddieslifestyle.com
