There’s a place in Africa where time has stood still, a place so vast and wild and wonderful where nature still reigns supreme, a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary that spans the borders of a few countries in Southern Africa – it’s known as Africa’s Eden.
Hidden away from the rest of the world, somewhere between the Sahara and the South Pole, the most extraordinary Safari awaits. Okavango Delta, Kafue, Hwange, Makgadikgadi, Lower Zambezi and the Caprivi – to name a few. And at its centre, Victoria Falls – a mighty waterfall and gateway to the region.
You’ll find mighty, elephant-lined rivers at one end and a magnificent waterfall at the other, all connected by a sea of tiny bush planes, ready to make their way to countless hideaways teeming with wildlife but hardly another soul in sight. These are stylish places to escape to that we just know you’ll love.
It’s not actually uncharted because, well, we have a map. Still, it’s an area known to be one of the last remaining wildlife sanctuaries. This alone makes it a destination worthy of being explored differently.
Embark on unforgettable game drives through pristine landscapes, where each turn presents a new encounter with nature’s marvels. Witness the immense herds of elephants bathing in the shimmering waters, spot elusive predators stealthily traversing the grasslands, and marvel at the spectacle of bird migrations that paint the sky with vibrant colours.
A water safari
There’s an underlying current to the region known as Africa’s Eden… water! And it’s the water that sets the region apart – There’s nothing like this in the rest of Africa. Water transforms a dry and arid region into a lush paradise (complete with palm trees). One of its natural wonders is the watery wonderland known as the Okavango Delta – the largest inland delta in the world. Sure, you might spot more wildlife on a classic game drive (there are lots of those). Still, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting wildlife at the water’s edge and silently paddling your way towards them in a canoe.
Water Moves Us
Africa’s Eden has countless rivers too. The iconic Zambezi River stretches across six countries on its journey to the Indian Ocean. And has its own protector, the legendary Nyami Nyami – a snake-like god revered as a river deity and protector of the Tonga people.
This is where you can raft the hippo and croc-infested waters of the lower Zambezi or chill out on a sunset cruise (G&T in hand), and even swim in a pool on the edge of earth’s most massive waterfall? The water moves us, giving us so much joy as we hitch a quick lift. Africa’s Eden is the place you’ll go beyond an ordinary African safari and meet the rivers, deltas and waterfalls that dare to be different.
Rainbow water
Victoria Falls, known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” is a natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe. As the mighty Zambezi River plunges over a cliff, a spectacular spray rises into the air, creating a constant mist that shrouds the area. Amidst this mist, a beautiful rainbow emerges, stretching across the horizon. The spray from Victoria Falls also nurtures a lush rainforest, teeming with life, where exotic plants thrive and various wildlife finds sanctuary. Walking through this lush rainforest, surrounded by the gentle mist, will make you feel like you’re walking in water.
Salty Sites
In the Makgadikgadi Salt pans – you can actually walk on water! As you wander across this seemingly endless salt pan, you’ll feel the surreal sensation of treading upon what was once a vast super lake. But the salty truth is, the rivers that fed the lake were knocked off course, and it’s now an ancient, vast, dry, flat pan spanning an area the size of Denmark. It’s a weird lunar-like landscape that’s the best place to skywatch. Plus, spot all the desert-adapted animals, like the Meerkats who rule this saline, strange wonderland.
Liquid Lifeline
In Hwange National Park, only 2.5 hours from Victoria Falls, water is the lifeline that sustains an incredible array of wildlife. With no permanent surface water the park depends on a network of man-made waterholes, particularly in the dry season. Underground water is pumped to the surface ensuring a year round supply of ever-flowing water. Here, travellers have the incredible opportunity to witness the largest density of elephants in Africa, with an estimated 50,000 individuals. These magnificent creatures gather around the waterholes (some herds as large as 300). The reverberating trumpets and gentle rumbles resonate through the air, a symphony of life inextricably tied to the water. And what’s not to love about a park – the third largest in Africa – that started its life known as Wankie.
Water worship
With a desert ecosystem in destinations like Hwange and Kalahari carefully balanced on a knife edge, every drop of water here is celebrated. In Botswana, you’ll often hear the word pula–meaning rain. If someone says it as you clink glasses, don’t be alarmed. It’s not a weather forecast, nor is it an indicator that it’s your turn to pay (It’s also the name of the local currency). It’s just a hearty good wish that points to water’s great importance, from the annual floods of the delta to the warm summer rains.
Bottled Water – just say no.
Most safari camps and lodges purify their water on-site, so there’s always plenty of safe drinking water – without all the nasty plastic. (Your carry-on will probably accumulate an impressive collection of fancy refillable water bottles along the way too.)
