**Unforgettable Africa: A Journey with Wilderness Safaris**

AFRICA

We are Beyond Thrilled to share our recent adventure with you!

A journey through Botswana’s stunning landscapes, courtesy of Wilderness Safaris and our new designation as part of the Horizon Club, an exclusive circle within Signature Travel Network. This post-FAM (familiarization) trip allowed us to experience firsthand the luxury and excitement of an African safari. Here’s a glimpse into the awe-inspiring adventure that awaited us.

### Victoria Falls River Lodge: A Majestic Beginning

Our journey began at the Victoria Falls River Lodge, nestled along the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. The arrival itself was a thrill—accessing the lodge by boat set the tone for an exhilarating adventure. From the moment we stepped ashore, the warm hospitality and luxury of this retreat enveloped us.

Our accommodations were nothing short of spectacular. We stayed in a private villa, complete with a butler and a personal chef who catered to our every need. The choice between a river cruise or a land safari was presented to us, and we opted for the river cruise. The experience was like stepping into a real-life jungle cruise, with hippos making their presence known in the water and elephants grazing peacefully on the riverbanks.

### Vumbura Lodge: The Heart of the Delta

Next, we ventured to Vumbura Lodge in Botswana, where our guide, Big O, took us on safari drives that were nothing short of magical. We observed a pride of lions—two teenage lionesses frolicking in the grass, a solitary leopard, and countless giraffes. Each day’s adventure was complemented by serene Mokoro (canoe) cruises through the Okavango Delta, offering us a unique perspective of this breathtaking ecosystem.

Our accommodation at Vumbura Lodge was a highlight. It featured a spacious villa with a large deck, plunge pool, and outdoor shower. The evening “Sundowner” happy hour in the Delta provided a perfect end to our days, surrounded by the beauty of Botswana’s landscapes.

### Duma Tau: The Elephant Haven

Our next stop was Duma Tau, reached by a scenic twin-engine plane ride. Duma Tau is renowned for its large elephant population, and we were fortunate to witness these majestic creatures as they swam across the Linyanti River.

Here, we also encountered our first baby lions and our only cheetah of the trip.

The sunset cruise and fireside relaxation were highlights of our stay, while our free-standing villa, complete with a plunge pool and outdoor shower, provided a luxurious retreat. Every detail of Duma Tau’s accommodation added to the overall enchantment of our stay.

### Mombo: The Crown Jewel of Botswana

Our final destination was Mombo, often hailed as the “crown jewel” of Wilderness Safaris.

It truly lived up to its reputation, with exceptional wildlife encounters and unparalleled luxury. The main lodge featured a remarkable wine cellar and a pizza oven that received rave reviews from every guest.

We stayed in a family villa with two bedrooms and a spacious living area, connected by a deck that featured a plunge pool and a Bali bed. The master suite boasted a bathtub with an incredible view of the plains, providing the perfect spot to unwind.

Our time at Mombo was filled with extraordinary wildlife sightings. Our guide, Andy, led us to hyenas with their playful pups, and we observed wild dogs on a hunt. As we followed their pursuit, hyenas joined the chase, creating an exhilarating spectacle. The next day, we enjoyed a bush lunch with a full bar and wine while observing a leopard on an unsuccessful hunt. The afternoon brought a special treat—an elephant herd drinking from our villa’s pool.

On our final morning, we embarked on one last game drive, encountering a hyena on the hunt and two lionesses with their cubs. The wildlife encounters were simply breathtaking, and the luxurious accommodations made every moment unforgettable.

### A Transformative Experience

Our safari was truly life-changing. The close-up encounters with wildlife and the exquisite accommodations exceeded all expectations. We are eager to help our clients experience their own safari dreams and look forward to planning many more extraordinary adventures. If Botswana is on your travel list, we can’t wait to share more about this incredible destination with you!

Stay tuned for more travel stories and insights from our amazing adventures around the world!