Brian Sams: Unforgettable Botswana & Victoria falls adventure

Brian is a well-qualified and experienced horticulturist having worked in the industry for more than 40 years. During this time, Brian has held various positions starting in the nursery industry, teaching horticulture, consultation and garden tourism. With out a doubt, Brian's favourite job is leading the local and overseas garden tours that Wattletree organise, getting to know amazing people from around the world (like you), and helping you explore some of the best places in the world.

Each of Brian's tours are individually designed to showcase the best natural scenery, cultural and tourists sites a destination has to offer, and of course the very best gardens. 

During this adventure, Brian will be travelling with you as your personalised tour leader. Brian will take care of all of the logistics to make sure you have a hassle-free, unforgettable African adventure.

Note: Brian is not a certified guide in Africa. Each activity in this itinerary will be led by a team of certified local guides to ensure you are safe & have a memorable trip. Brian's experience travelling and tour leading groups adds to our local team's experienced & knowledgable, ensuring you have a stress-free and unforgettable African adventure. 

►Introducing South Africa

South Africa, often called the "Rainbow Nation," is a land of breathtaking diversity, blending stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures. In Cape Town, you’ll find the iconic Table Mountain, offering panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, where history and culture come to life. In the vast Kruger National Park, you can embark on unforgettable safaris, spotting majestic animals like Africa's BIG 5 - lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino - in their natural habitat.

The country’s scenic wonders extend to the Garden Route, a coastal stretch featuring charming towns like Knysna, with its famous lagoon, and Plettenberg Bay, known for its beautiful beaches. For wine enthusiasts, the picturesque vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer world-class wine tastings and gourmet dining experiences.

►When is the best time to visit South Africa?

• May to September (Dry season)
  • During these months, South Africa experiences winter (the dry season), which makes it one of the best times to go on safari. The weather is mild, and animals tend to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. This period also avoids the intense heat of summer, making game viewing more comfortable.
  • Note: Cape Town can be cold and rainy in this period. 
• November to February (Summer)
  • The summer months bring warm weather, perfect for enjoying South Africa's beautiful beaches, especially along the Western Cape (Camps Bay, Clifton) and Eastern Cape (Plettenberg Bay, Jeffreys Bay). If you want to swim, surf, or relax on the beach, this is the ideal time to visit.
• March to May (Autumn/Fall)
  • This period is the harvest season in the Cape Winelands. The weather is pleasant, and the vineyards are at their most beautiful, with autumn colors creating stunning views. It’s also a great time to enjoy fresh wine releases and harvest-related activities.

►What do I need to know about travelling to South Africa?

• Currency:

  •  The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR).

  • Travellers can easy pay with credit card at most shops, restaurants, cafes and lodges. 

  • It is a good idea to have a small amount of cash for incidental expenses like parking or tipping the boys who watch your car while you are at dinner, etc. 

• Languages:

  •  South Africa has 11 official languages, with English, Zulu, and Afrikaans being the most widely spoken.

• Health:

  • Malaria is present in some areas (e.g., near Kruger National Park), so precautions are recommended.
  • Yellow Fever vaccination is required if traveling from a Yellow Fever zone.

• Driving:

  •  South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road.

• Time Zone:

  •  South Africa follows South Africa Standard Time (SAST), which is UTC+2.

• Electricity:

  •  The standard voltage is 230V, using plug types D, M, and N (round pins).

• Cultural Etiquette:

  • Greeting with a handshake is common.
  • Tipping (10 - 20%) is customary in restaurants and for services.

►What are the best things to do in South Africa?

• Go on a Safari in Kruger National Park
• Explore Cape Town (Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula & Good Hope, Robben Island & Bo-Kaap)
• Visit the Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch & Franschhoek)
• Drive the Garden Route
• Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains
• Relax on Durban’s Golden Mile
• Whale Watching in Hermanus

South Africa is a stunning location full of adventure, luxury, huge attractions and friendly people. We can't wait for you to experience everything that South Africa has to offer. 

►Introducing Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in Southern Africa. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning "The Smoke That Thunders," this majestic waterfall is famous for its immense size, power, and beauty, and is one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World". 

With a height of 108 meters (354 feet) and a width of 1,708 meters (5,604 feet), Victoria Falls is considered the largest waterfall in the world by volume of water, making it a truly spectacular sight. The mist created by the falls can be seen from miles away, adding to its mysterious and awe-inspiring presence.

What makes Victoria Falls unforgettable is its raw power and the unparalleled adventures the areas has to offer. Imagine:

• Swimming on the edge of the falls in Devil’s Pool,
• Bungee jumping from the bridge that connects Zimbabwe & Zambia that was built in 1905,
• Taking a helicopter or microlight flight over the falls,
• White water rafting on the Zambezi,
• Enjoying the famous high tea at Victoria Falls Hotel with a view of the falls and the 400m high mist this natural wonder creates in high season which can be seen from up to 50km away, 
• Or coming face to face with a giant rhino on a conservation walk, or a hippo on a relaxing sunset dinner cruise.

Whatever your adventure style, Victoria Falls has something for everyone.

►When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?

• Peak Water Flow (March to June)
  • Ideal for seeing the falls at their most spectacular, when the spray from the falls can reach heights of 400m and be seen from up to 50km away. 
  • Water levels are at their highest from Apr - Jun, creating the most dramatic and powerful display of cascading water in the world. You will definitely need a rain jacket at this time of year. 
  • Great for Photography: The volume of water creates a stunning, thunderous sight, making it perfect for capturing dramatic photographs.
  • At this time of year you cannot:
    • Swim in Devil's Pool as the water level is too high. 
    • Helicopter and Microlight directly over the falls due to the spray. 
    • Capture all of the falls in one shot due to the spray. 
• Busiest season (July to August)
  • Due to North American & European summer holidays, this is the busiest time of year. 
  • We recommend avoiding Victoria Falls during this period if you can due to the large crowds. 
• Low Water Levels (September to November)
  • During this period, water levels are lower, which allows for clearer views of the rock formations and the gorge beneath the falls.
    • Possible the Zambian side of the falls is completely dry in October - November. 
  • Ideal for adventurous activities like:
    • Swimming in Devil’s Pool (at the edge of the falls)
    • White water rafting
    • Microlight and helicopter
    • Livingstone Island tours
  • October - November are the hottest months with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 35 - 40 degrees Celsius. 
• Rainy Season (December to April)
  • Less crowded: If you prefer a quieter experience with fewer tourists, visiting during the rainy season offers a more peaceful environment. However, be prepared for higher humidity and occasional showers.
  • Lush greenery and fantastic bird watching: The rainy season brings lush landscapes and an influx of migratory birds, making it a fantastic time for birdwatchers.

►What do I need to know about travelling to Victoria Falls:

• Location
  • Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in Southern Africa.
• World heritage site
  • The falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Height and width
  • The falls are approximately 108 meters (354 feet) high and 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) wide, making them one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world.
• Climate
  • The area has a subtropical climate, with a wet season (December to March) and a dry season (April to November).
• Visas
  • Most tourists can obtain a visa on arrival for a fee. 
  • We recommend obtaining the KAZA UniVisa on arrival.
    • A KAZA UniVisa allows multiple entries for 30 days:
      • between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
      • to Botswana for day trips.
• Safety
  • Zimbabwe & Zambia are rated as level 2 countries: Exercise a high degree of caution.

►What are the best things to do?

• Take a tour of Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)
• Sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi
• Dusty Rd cultural lunch or dinner
• Livingstone Island and swimming in Devil's Pool
• Microlight flight (25 - 30 mins)
• Rhino walking safari
• White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
• There are many other activities available and you will find more information on our blog: https://www.adventureoutloud.com.au/blog

Embark on a breathtaking journey with a sunset dinner cruise in Victoria Falls, where nature's splendor meets culinary delight. You will be treated to a feast for the senses as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Zambezi River. Savour delectable cuisine prepared by skilled chefs, featuring a fusion of local flavours and international dishes, all while drifting along the tranquil waters.

Notes:

• Included 

  • Shared road transfers to and from your accommodation

  • Refresher towel and welcome drink on arrival.

  • A three-course dinner (starter, main and dessert).

  • Cocktails, imported spirits, beer, wine, water, soft drinks, coffee & tea.

  • US$10 river usage fee per person.

• What to bring

  • Camera and/or binoculars

  • Insect repellent

  • Travel voucher

• What to wear

  • Wear comfortable clothing and sunglasses.

    • In summer (Oct - Apr), light clothes as it can get hot.

    • In winter (May - Sep), bring warm sweater or jacket

  • What not to bring

    • Valuables. Please leave these locked up in a safe at your hotel.

    • Anything else that you will not need while on your cruise.

  • Children

    • Children are welcome on the Malachite.

      • Those younger than 3 years old do not pay.

      • Children 3 to 11 years pay 50% of the adult rate.

      • Children 6 to 12 years pay an extra US$5 for the river usage fee. Children younger than 6 do not pay the fee.

    • Dietary requirements

      • Please notify us of any special or dietary requirements and allergies prior to arrival.

Approximately 75% of Victoria Falls is on the Zimbabwe side and this is where you are going to be taking your guided tour. Your knowledgable guide will give you a brief history of the falls and talk about their importance and how they were formed. Your guide will also teach you about the local flora and fauna, and stop at all the best spots for that "wow" shot of the falls. 

Notes:

• Weather
  • Activity is weather permitting. 
  • If the weather is poor, your tour will be rescheduled (if possible), or you can opt to upgrade to a private tour. 
• What to Wear: 
  • Comfortable attire that provides sun protection
  • Hiking/running shoes
  • Warm clothing in winter (April to August)
• Things to Bring 
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Raincoats
• Transfers
  • Meet at reception at the agreed time for your transfer. 
  • Return transfer will be to your lodge (or your next activity).
• Visiting the Zambian side
  • You can visit the Zambian side of the falls by:
    1. Catching a taxi to the bridge border crossing (approx. US$10 each way)
    2. Walking across the bridge
    3. Paying your Zambian park entry fee (with USD cash or card | currently US$25pp)
    4. Exploring the Zambian side. 
    5. Walking back across the bridge and catching a taxi back to your hotel. 

• Return transfers from your hotel in Victoria Falls
• Lunch

Bring

• Cash or card to pay for drinks and buy souvenirs. 

During your adventure, you will visit Mizpah Primary School to meet some of the students AOL sponsor through school. Visit their classrooms, take a tour of their school, and get a better understanding for the importance education plays in the fight against poverty in Africa; and the impact you are having by travelling with AOL who donate 50% of our profits to keep disadvantaged students in school.

Today is going to be a culturally immersion that you'll remember for the rest of your life. To make this experience possible, AOL has partnered with Children in the Wilderness (CITW). Find out more about CITW and sponsorship here: CITW Scholarship Programme - Terms and Conditions

►Introducing Botswana

Botswana is the best and safest country in Africa to go on safari! Botswana is most popular for:

►What are the best things to do in Botswana?

• Safari in Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta & Kalahari
• Visit the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
• Experience the Kalahari Desert and learn from the San Bushmen

►When is the best time to visit Botswana? 

• April to May: Green Season

  • This is the sweet-spot between the best game viewing and best rates, with prices often 30% cheaper than Jun - Sep.

  • The weather is fine with cool temperatures at night and warm days of approximately 25 - 35 degrees Celsius.

• June to September: Peak Season

  • This is the driest time of year in Botswana, when animals congregate around the few available water sources, making them easy to spot in Chobe and the Kalahari.

  • The Okavango Delta on the other hand is usually in full flood in Jun - Sep. The Delta flooding is later than the rain cycle in Botswana because the Delta's water is sourced from Angola and arrives after the rains have finished.  

  • Overnight temperatures may drop to 5 - 6 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures range from 25 - 35 degrees Celsius. 

  • Expect to pay approximately 30% more during peak season

• October to November: Dry Season

  • October & November are the hottest months, with daytime temperatures between 30 - 40 degrees Celsius. 

  • Many luxury lodges have fans but not air conditioners. 

  • If you don't mind the heat, Oct - Nov is a fantastic time for animal viewing.

  • November can also be a great month to avoid the crowds, but the weather can be a bit more unpredictable, and the wet season can sometimes arrive early.

• December to March: Wet Season

  • Not an advisable time to travel, as many safari operators shut down during the wet season.

►What do I need to know about travelling to Botswana? 

• Location
  • Southern African country that is landlocked and bordered by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
• Capital
  • Gaborone
• Official Language
  • English (Setswana is widely spoken)
• Currency
  • Botswanan Pula (BWP)
  • Approx. USD$1 = BWP 14 (AUD$1 = BWP 9)
• Population:
  • Approximately 2.5 million people (one of the least populous countries in Africa)
• Visa Requirements
  • Visa-free for up to 90 days for tourists from most countries, including Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada, UK and all EU countries. 
  • Please check your passport is eligible before travel.

• Safety

  • Botswana is rated as a level 1 country by Smart Traveller. This is the same rating as Australia, New Zealand and most of the developed world. 

• Health

  • Please consult your doctor for specific medical advice.
  • Malaria medication is recommended, especially if you are visiting the Okavango Delta and Chobe during the rainy season.

• Time Zone:

  • Central Africa Time (CAT) – UTC +2

• Electricity:

  •  Plug Type: Botswana uses Type D and Type M plugs.

    •  Type D: Three round pins in a triangular pattern.

    •  Type M: Three round pins in a larger triangular pattern (used in some areas for higher power appliances).

For more details, please visit our blog: https://www.adventureoutloud.com.au/blog/the-best-safari-parks-in-botswana-and-when-to-visit

Embark on an extraordinary 10 day mobile safari adventure through the untamed wonders of the Okavango Delta, Mababe and Savuti.

What can I expect on my safari?

• Comfortable safari camps where your support crew do everything for you including:
  • Setting up your glamping tents
  • Cooking freshly prepared meals
  • Serving a selection of spirits, wines and beers around the camp fire
  • Laundry
  • And much more. 
• Daily game drives in private, luxury safari jeeps with expert guides who unveil the secrets of the wild as you go searching for Africa's most exotic animals. 

How is a mobile safari in Botswana different to a lodge safari?

What makes a mobile safari unique are the remote campsites you stay at. Each is hand-picked to immerse you in nature, and you can expect to see or hear animals in and around your camp; maybe it is...

• A hippo in a stream 50 metres from where you are eating breakfast,
• Finding hyena prints outside your tent when you wake up,
• Hearing lions or leopards roar as you sleep in the safety of your tent, or
• Waking up to the chorus of hundreds of birds at dawn.

A mobile safari is a wildlife experience you will remember for the rest of your life. 

How safe is a mobile safari?

Your safari guide and crew are well trained in keeping you safe. It is your responsibility to follow their instructions, and if you do so, you will have a safe and memorable experience. For example, you will be required to stay inside your tent from when you go to bed until when your crew wake you up. 

How good are the guides? 

Each safari is expertly led by experience, English speaking guides who have an intimate knowledge of the areas you will visit and the animals you will see. Each guide is required to complete multiple years of formal studies before being hired and each year they are required to undertake 2 - 3 months of professional development during the wet season to ensure their wildlife knowledge is second to none.

What are the tents like?

Your mobile tents have a large bedroom and an ensuite bathroom with a hanging bucket shower and a drop toilet. They are very comfortable and a mobile safari experience is very much glamping. Your crew will do everything from:

• Setting up your tent at each campsite
• Cooking fresh, nutritious and delicious meals daily
• Cleaning your tent daily, and offering a nightly turn-down service
• A full beverage service with beers, wines, ciders and spirits on offer daily
• And everything in between

Here is a sneak peak of the camp:

Which company will we be travelling with?

Letaka has been a mobile safari expert in Botswana for more than 20 years. A small family owned company, Letaka is the best at what they do, offering a range of safaris all year around. Best of all, Letaka pay Adventure Out Loud a commission, so booking through us, does not cost you extra. 

Frequently asked questions

Refer to the following for more information:

• FAQ sheet
• Photography advisor
• Mobile safari preparation manual

Chobe National Park is well known for its large herds of elephants, with up to 85,000 elephants dispersed throughout the park. In the dry season from June - November, the majority of elephants are found along the Chobe River, a permanent source of water. You may also spot of huge herds of buffalo, lion, crocodile, lechwe, puku, giraffe, zebra, sable, kudu and the occasional leopard as they gather to quench their thirst at watering holes. Besides animal life, you’ll also see a huge variety of birdlife and plant life as you listen to the sounds of a hippo grunting and breathe in the sweet smell of African grass. The birdlife is also very prolific with over 500 bird species in the region, attracting birders from across the world. 

Game viewing on the Chobe River is at its most exceptional from March to November when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile as they search for food and water. Summer and spring also offer unique opportunities as the landscape bursts back to life after the first rains start in December.

Safari on a boat, allows for a more peaceful experience. You also see many insects, bugs and birds that you may not see during your game drives, and it is the perfect way to start your safari. 

Africa has a tipping culture that is similar to America. This can be frustrating and confusing for Australians. To make this easier, tips have been included in your trip price and your tour leader will do all of the tipping for your group activities. 

For optional activities and meals where you are not with the group, you will need to tip yourself. Brian will provide guidance on the day for how much to tip. 

In the event of an emergency, please contact the following in the order provided:

1. Our Australian office (first instance)
   • WhatsApp: +61 432 822 652
   • Email: [email protected]
2. Our East African office (second instance)
   • WhatsApp
     • Aloyce (Guest Relations | Tanzania): +255 624 009 895
     • Jacob (Guest Relations | Kenya): +254 726 555 776
     • Maria (Logistics Manager | Tanzania): +255 789 314 483
   • Email: [email protected]
3. The Australian Embassy
   • Embassy of Australia in South Africa (for all Southern African countries - although some countries have an embassy/high commission)
     • Address: 10Th Floor Corner Maude And 5Th Street (Sandton 2196) Johannesburg South Africa
     • Phone: +27 119 114 500
4. The Australian Embassy
   • High Commission of Australia in Mauritius (accredited to Madagascar)
     • Address: St James Court, St Denis Street, Port Louis, Mauritius
     • Phone: +230 202 0160
   • Honorary Consulate of Australia in Madagascar
     • Address: Building C1 (AMCHAM Office), Explorer Business Park, Ankorondrano, Antananarivo, Madagascar
     • Phone: +261 32 05 596 01 / +261 34 10 863 41

If you are unable to reach Adventure Out Loud, please contact:

• Victoria Falls
  • Bayete Reception: +263 832 847 321
  • Address: Stand 584, Manyika Road, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
• Madagascar
  • Frank Janssens: +261 341 441 944