Why This Could Be Our Most Extraordinary Holiday Yet
by Neil Smith
A safari in Africa has to be near the top of most people’s bucket list. It certainly was ours. So you can imagine our excitement when Lisa and I were invited to experience an extraordinary safari and river cruise through South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. By the time we arrived home, we were convinced this was one of the most remarkable holidays we’d ever experienced – and one we’d love to share with Theatrical Adventures guests.
Limited to just 16 guests, this exclusive holiday combined luxury lodges, a boutique river cruise and outstanding hotels across South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. From beginning to end, everything was first class.
Welcome to Africa!
Our ten-night adventure began in Johannesburg, where we stayed the first night. A guided tour of the city, including the fascinating Apartheid Museum and Soweto, proved the perfect introduction to South Africa. The following day our adventure really began. We flew to Kasane in Botswana, where a private motor boat whisked us along the Zambezi and Chobe rivers to the private island that would be our home for the next three nights. Our luxurious lodges – just eight in total – each had their own private pool and all overlooked the Zambezi. Cocktails and dinner were served in the main lodge, where a private chef prepared every meal, and it wasn’t long before we all felt like one big safari family.
The following morning we climbed aboard our safari jeeps and headed into Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. Accompanied by expert guides, we enjoyed unforgettable close-up encounters with elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and so much more...
The small jeeps allowed us to explore parts of the park that larger vehicles can’t reach and, unlike many safari destinations, we often had the wildlife all to ourselves, making the experience feel even more exclusive. Seeing wild elephants just a few feet away is something I’ll never forget.
Lunch was served aboard a safari boat before an afternoon water safari and a magical sunset cruise. Lisa didn’t stop smiling until she went to bed!
The following day we learnt more about the people and culture of neighbouring Namibia before enjoying one final evening on the river. As the African sun slipped below the horizon, there was even the chance to try our hand at fishing. Sadly, I was disappointed not to catch any haddock! The next day brought a whole new adventure as we flew from Kasane to Kariba in Zimbabwe aboard a nine-seater twin-prop aircraft. Flying at just 2,000 feet, we enjoyed spectacular views before landing on a dirt airstrip in the middle of the bush. On the way, we even caught sight of the spray from Victoria Falls rising high into the sky.
Safari jeeps were waiting for us on the runway and soon we were back in the bush on a mini safari. Emerging into a clearing, we caught our first glimpse of the African Dream, our home for the next four nights, moored to a tree in the middle of nowhere on Africa’s largest man-made lake. Once again, we were thoroughly spoilt, with a private chef preparing superb meals each evening. One unexpected highlight was simply looking up after dark. With no light pollution whatsoever, ribbons of the Milky Way stretched across the night sky. Magical!
The following day was spent leisurely cruising before our final safari, this time through Matusadona National Park, where we were thrilled to encounter a pride of lions at last. After saying goodbye to the ship, we boarded our small plane and flew to Victoria Falls. Lunch was served aboard a private boat on the Zambezi before a guided visit to the Falls themselves. Words simply can’t do justice to this awe-inspiring natural wonder (raincoats were definitely needed!). Our final night was spent at the magnificent Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, where elephants and other wildlife gathered at the hotel’s own watering hole. Our final morning included a visit to the Kariba Dam en route to the airport where the tour concluded.
We chose to extend the trip by three days and flew to Cape Town. We explored Cape Point, Boulders Penguin Colony, Table Mountain and the bustling V&A Waterfront – a wonderful way to round off an unforgettable holiday.
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many wonderful places over the years, but this holiday was truly something special. Luxurious, exclusive and packed with unforgettable experiences, it’s Africa at its very best. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing elephants at sunrise, lions in the wild and Victoria Falls in full flow, I honestly can’t recommend it highly enough. It really is the trip of a lifetime. I can’t wait to return – and with Theatrical Adventures guests next time!
Inerested?
This holiday will depart 25 May – 4 June 2027. Limited to just 16 guests/8 cabins, places are expected to be in high demand. Twin/double cabins from £7150 per person. Book online and view the full itinerary at www.theatricaladventures.com or email oliver@theatricaladventures.com
