21 July 2023
travel tips
Have you heard of the ‘Four Corners of Africa’? Also known as the African Quadripoint, it is the meeting point of four extraordinary countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.
And if you’re looking for a holiday in Southern Africa that combines a starkly beautiful Namibian desert safari alongside time spent on the ancient waterways of the Okavango Delta; or a walking safari in Namibia’s South Luangwa National Park with a white water rafting adventure on the Zambezi River, then you’ve come to the right place.
For visitors looking to maximise their time (and reward the long journey) with a rich itinerary combining a range of different experiences and destinations, curating a combo itinerary is the way to go.
Chat to your operator, agent or travel specialist (like the team at Zambezi Queen Collection) to get a real sense of the region – and a deeper understanding of what you’d like to see and do – and they’ll help you a design a seamless, effortless, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa.
Just one example? Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls go together like chambo and nsima or pap and vleis. Talk about a truly perfect combo!
Why it works
The Chobe River in the northern reaches of Botswana boasts some of the best wildlife viewing on the continent, including the chance to see Africa’s last mega herds of elephant. It is also a world-renowned birding and fishing destination – and only about 15 minutes from the town of Kasane (the gateway to the Chobe National Park).
Victoria Falls, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World – and a sight impossible to comprehend until you’ve seen it in person.
The town of Victoria Falls is also a significant contender for the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, which means visitors can enjoy white water rafting, bungee jumping, bridge swings, helicopter flips, canoe excursions and so much more.
Importantly, both Victoria Falls and Kasane have an international airport. More significantly, they’re just over an hour’s drive from each other (one-and-a-half hours tops) which means you can easily combine a Victoria Falls adventure with a slow, immersive (and equally impossible to comprehend) safari along the Chobe River.
What should be on your itinerary?
Of course, your combo getaway will revolve almost exclusively around water and wildlife – but what exactly will it look like? Think game viewing, birdwatching or fishing on a crisp, clear day out on the Chobe River.
The beauty of a stay on one our houseboats – either our flagship Zambezi Queen or family-friendly Chobe Princesses – is that you’ll enjoy an entirely new perspective on the traditional safari. Yes, you can relax while floating lazily down the river, watching the world go by, but tender boats will also take you out every day, either on a water-based safari (where you’ll encounter animals in the most conscious, sustainable way possible), fishing expedition, birding or photographic safari.
Once you’ve spent a few days in our company, we can arrange a land transfer to Victoria for a few days of adventure – and a possible sighting of the Lunar Rainbow (or “moonbow”), visible in the spray of the Falls at night during the full moon, as well as the night right before and right after.
Other ideas
Did you know that the best time to visit Victoria Falls is between February and May? It’s towards the end of the region’s summer rains when the Zambezi tumbles over the Falls at its greatest volume.
And did you know that the best time to visit the Okavango Delta is from April, when the rains have stopped – and the flood waters arrive?
Or that May to October (Namibia’s winter months) is considered the best time to visit Etosha National Park in Namibia? Or that the summer migrants arrive in Chobe between September and November for the start of the birding season?
Not only do the Zambezi Queen Collection team understand the best times of year to visit (whether you’re talking Tiger fishing or a birding safari) but we have great ideas to share. For example, why not combine a stargazing trip to Namibia with a Chobe fishing adventure? Or a houseboat experience with a walking safari in Zambia? There are so many ways to maximise your Botswana safari, and create a combo itinerary which will keep birders, fishermen, photographers and wildlife lovers happy.
How we can make it happen
Not only are our properties (Ichingo Chobe River Lodge, the Zambezi Queen and the Chobe Princess houseboats) perfectly located on the African Quadripoint, we’re close to a number of airports and borders, making travel and transfers a breeze. In addition, we have a strong network and connections in Southern African, and can suggest other operators and accommodation in the region to ensure you have the African adventure of a lifetime!
View our combination packages here.
To experience our region for yourself, contact us today.