Leopard Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Leopard Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Victoria Falls Airport
Victoria Falls to Old Drift by road & boat
On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you'll be met by a driver for the 35-minute trip to the Old Drift jetty. Here, you'll hop aboard a speedboat on the Zambezi River, headed for the lodge, an exciting transfer of 10–15 minutes, depending on wildlife you spot on the way.
Old Drift Lodge
Combine the splendour of the Victoria Falls with a stylish safari experience in a historic setting. Set at the narrowest point of the Zambezi, downstream of Victoria Falls, Old Drift evokes the early days of exploration.
Combine the splendour of the Victoria Falls with a stylish safari experience in a historic setting. Set at the narrowest point of the Zambezi, downstream of Victoria Falls, Old Drift evokes the early days of exploration.
Before the coming of the railway, this section of the river – then known as Clarke's Drift – was the best place to cross. But other than claw-foot baths (and even they're on the decks), today's lodge has few connections with the Victorian era.
The tented chalets are “tents” in name only, their cool high ceilings aided by air conditioning, their large glass sliding doors opening to reveal sunloungers alongside a private plunge pool.
At the hub of camp, a series of split-level decks make enviable spots to while away the afternoon, entertained by the bee-eaters and kingfishers that add colour to the riverine backdrop. Or warm up by the fireplace indoors, drink in hand, and keep watch for the wildlife of Zambezi National Park from the comfort of a cosy sofa.
The camp's motorboat shuttles regularly between here and the Falls, so you can lunch at the aptly named Lookout Café in town, explore the sights, then return in time for a delicious dinner overlooking the Zambezi.
"facilities and staff at Old Drift were amazing"
AZ GangfromMacLeanArrived 18 Sep 2023, 2 nights
The staff are friendly, the food good, the activities many and varied. It's a winning combination. See our full report on Old Drift Lodge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Old Drift to Savute by road & light aircraft
Today's 2½–3½-hour journey starts with a drive to the Kazungula border post where, having cleared the formalities, you'll be transferred to Kasane Airport in Botswana for a light-aircraft flight to Savute. During the final 4WD game drive across classic Kalahari terrain to Savute Under Canvas, look out for animals.
Savute Under Canvas
A high-quality “glamping” experience which moves locations around the Savuti area, but always offers creature comforts and big-game 4WD safaris. For the ultimate in glamping, look no further than Savute Under Canvas. At first glance, it’s the simplest of bushcamps.
A high-quality “glamping” experience which moves locations around the Savuti area, but always offers creature comforts and big-game 4WD safaris. For the ultimate in glamping, look no further than Savute Under Canvas. At first glance, it’s the simplest of bushcamps.
Its five tents move every few days within the Savute area of Chobe National Park so that it leaves the lightest impression on the fragile environment. But appearances can be deceptive, even in a totally natural setting. Each of those tents is en suite – complete with flushing toilets and wonderfully hot showers on request.
The beds are genuinely comfortable, the food fresh, good and plentiful (do take a look “backstage”: it’s astonishing what the cooks achieve in such rudimentary conditions), and the service exemplary; how about a cooling footbath to counter the afternoon heat?
"..our favorite camp. the remote location the food and amenities were excellent. "
Mr. & MS. BfromColoradoArrived 3 Jun 2024, 3 nights
As often as not, you’ll dine under the stars around the campfire, but a simple mess tent does service as a bar, dining room and general chat area, where tales of the day’s adventures can be shared with personable and knowledgeable guides. And at Savute Under Canvas, you should have plenty of tales – from the heart-stopping moments when animals roam into camp to the broad open spaces of the Savuti Marshes, where lion and wild dog seek out the pans – and their prey. See our full report on Savute Under Canvas
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Helicopter
Savute to Gomoti Plains by 4WD & light aircraft
Leaving Savute mid-morning, you'll board your light aircraft for a spectacular flight south-west over the Delta, landing at Qorokwe Airstrip after around 35 minutes. A guide will be waiting to take you to Gomoti Plains, a half-hour 4WD game drive, keeping an eye out for wildlife throughout the journey.
Gomoti Plains
Riverine forest, open floodplains and the river itself: it’s a winning combination for wildlife at Gomoti Plains Camp. And the best of it is that for guests here, exploring the surrounding area – whether on a 4WD game drive, on the water or even on foot – is exclusive to them.
Riverine forest, open floodplains and the river itself: it’s a winning combination for wildlife at Gomoti Plains Camp. And the best of it is that for guests here, exploring the surrounding area – whether on a 4WD game drive, on the water or even on foot – is exclusive to them.
Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, the camp lies in a private, community-run reserve in the south-east of the iconic Okavango Delta. Shaded by tall, elegant palms and mature leadwoods, it’s in a beautiful spot, its 10 safari tents reached along sandy paths that meander through the vegetation.
While paraffin-style lanterns set a classic safari tone at dusk, the interior of each tent has a far more contemporary feel: smart, light and bright, with wooden floors and anglepoise lamps. Chairs and a daybed on the wooden deck mean you can watch for wildlife in comfort – and privacy. Outdoor (as well as indoor) showers add a hint of adventure; in-room spa treatments a touch of indulgence.
"Wildlife highlights included a leopard and cheetah fighting over a kill..."
Mr & Mrs G.fromEghamArrived 15 Sep 2023, 3 nights
The light hand behind the décor runs through the main area, where high stools at the bar contrast with large sofas and armchairs in the lounge. A pool deck set with sunloungers, chairs around a convivial firepit, and the potential for communal dining encourage a truly inclusive atmosphere; what better way to mull over the day? See our full report on Gomoti Plains Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Okavango to Cape Town by road & air
Watch out for wildlife on your final game drive to the airstrip, before the all-too-short light-aircraft trip to Maun. From here, it's a 2½-hour flight to Cape Town, then a drive into the city of 20–45 minutes, depending on traffic; look out for Table Mountain on the way.
Pick-up car: Cape Town International Airport
Your hire car will be ready and waiting for your to collect from the hire desk at the terminal in your arrival into Cape Town International Airport.
Cape Grace
The Cape Grace is set right in the heart of Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, on its very own quay. It's an ideal location if you want to be very close to the shops, restaurants and nightlife to be found in this area.
The Cape Grace is set right in the heart of Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, on its very own quay. It's an ideal location if you want to be very close to the shops, restaurants and nightlife to be found in this area.
"a Delightful stay ... staff were wonderful"
JJ & AJfromHinckleyArrived 3 Dec 2022, 7 nights
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Drop-off car: Cape Town International Airport
After a few days exploring Cape Town and its surrounds you'll drop your vehicle back at the airport where you collected it in time for your onward arrangements.
Ends: Cape Town International Airport
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.