The Majesty of the National Parks

The country’s national parks and reserves are among the most iconic in the world, offering unmatched experiences through Kenya private tours​. The Maasai Mara, famous for the Great Migration, hosts millions of wildebeest and zebras journeying across vast plains. Visitors can witness predators in action or enjoy quieter moments of giraffes gracefully strolling the savannah.

Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, provides stunning views of Africa’s highest peak. Elephants roam freely here, their silhouettes against the mountain creating a picture-perfect scene. The diversity doesn’t end there—parks like Tsavo, Samburu, and Lake Nakuru each have unique flora, fauna, and landscapes, promising a unique adventure.

Cultural Connections: Meet Kenya’s People

Beyond its wildlife, the country boasts a rich cultural tapestry. The Maasai and Samburu communities are known for their colorful attire, traditional dances, and close connection to nature. Private tours backed by expert guides often include visits to local villages, thus offering travelers a chance to understand these communities’ lifestyles and traditions firsthand. A visit wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its vibrant cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. From lively markets filled with handcrafted goods to museums showcasing the nation’s history, these cities add depth to your Kenya itinerary.

Modified Travel for Unforgettable Adventures

Private tours allow travelers to accommodate individual preferences, making them ideal for travelers seeking personalized experiences. Whether it’s a family safari, a romantic getaway, or a solo exploration, itineraries can focus on specific interests. Guides with extensive knowledge of the region enhance the journey, sharing insights about wildlife behavior, conservation efforts, and local traditions. Such modified experiences allow for a deeper connection to the wonders of this destination.

Iconic Terrains: From Savannahs to Beaches

Kenya’s beauty is not limited to the wildlife. The terrains are equally enchanting, offering endless opportunities for exploration—the golden savannahs of the Rift Valley contrast with the lush greenery of tea farms in the highlands.

The Indian Ocean coastline adds another layer of allure and breathtaking beauty. Pristine beaches like Diani and Watamu offer turquoise waters, soft sands, and a chance to unwind after a safari. Activities such as snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and dhow sailing allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in Kenya’s vibrant and diverse marine life.

Responsible Travel: Supporting Conservation Efforts

Kenya is a global leader in wildlife conservation, and its parks and reserves play a vital role in protecting endangered species. Many tours curated by expert travel guides promote sustainable practices, ensuring that visits benefit the environment and local communities. Travelers can contribute by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, participating in conservation initiatives, or simply learning about ongoing efforts to safeguard the country’s unique biodiversity. Responsible tourism ensures the preservation of Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

The country’s blend of extraordinary wildlife, diverse cultures, and stunning terrains creates a destination like no other. With the flexibility and personalized touch of Kenya’s private tours backed by professional guides, travelers can experience this remarkable country in a way that suits their preferences. From thrilling safaris and cultural encounters to serene coastal retreats, every moment in Kenya offers the chance to connect with nature and create lasting memories. For those seeking adventure, tranquility, and a deeper appreciation of the world’s natural and cultural treasures, this country is a journey worth taking.

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Recently, I wrote about an extraordinary experience visiting Botswana, where my husband and I went on a safari and spent several days admiring the most spectacular wildlife we could ever imagine. From there, we took a trip to Victoria Falls, where we spent a few days visiting the Falls in Zimbabwe and the Zambezi River in Zambia. The tour company that arranged our stay in Botswana transported us from Botswana to Zimbabwe, and we found our time in Zimbabwe and Zambia to be as magical as our time in Botswana. All about our trip:

Where to Stay

528 Victoria Falls: This charming bed and breakfast has all the amenities you need for a memorable trip to Victoria Falls. The spacious home has eight rooms, each one with large windows and a bathroom. The elegantly decorated venue has several rooms for relaxing, a garden and pool, and a large dining room for breakfast, although I recommend eating on the patio where you can enjoy the gorgeous green garden. The venue also hosts a rooftop bar which is a great spot to grab a drink at any time of day, but best during sunset because of the view of Victoria Falls town.

What to Do During Your Trip To Victoria Falls

Visit the Falls! I highly recommend hiring a tour guide to lead you through the falls. They can help you navigate all the vista points and share the history of the falls. As one of the largest waterfalls in the world, the sight of the Falls is truly spectacular. The volume of rushing water, the sight of the rainbows that form in the mist, and the deafening sound of the falls culminate into an experience that you will never forget.

Cruise the Zambezi River: A cruise on the Zambezi River is an idyllic experience and one not to be missed. The river is the fourth longest river in Africa, beginning in Zambia and flowing all the way to the Indian Ocean. If you are staying in Victoria Falls, as we did, you can arrange a cruise with a tour guide who will pick you up and take you to the river. You will begin the cruise in Zimbabwe and will also go into Zambia. Once in Zambia, you will see loads of the country’s famous hippos, sometimes almost completely submerged, and many on the banks of the river as well. The evening cruise includes beverages and heaps of snacks and offers the opportunity not only to enjoy the river and hippos, but also a chance to see birds, crocodiles, and whatever wildlife happens to be enjoying a drink from the river.

Where to Eat

Of course, we have to share where we ate during our trip to Victoria Falls. We ate at several places, and here are some of our favorites:

Reynardo’s: For a casual lunch, stop by Reynardo’s, which is across the street from the 528 Inn. Here, you can indulge in snacks, a cheesy pizza, a sandwich, or a hearty salad. The freshly squeezed juices are great in the hottest hours of the day, and don’t miss out on a cup of coffee made with local beans to start or end your day in Victoria Falls.

The Three Monkeys: If you are looking for a fun dining location during your trip to Victoria Falls, the Three Monkeys is your spot. Buzzing with locals and tourists alike, the mostly open-air venue has bar snacks for sharing, like spring rolls and bruschetta, as well as fantastic wood-fired pizza. The romangola (flatbread) is great, with spinach, feta, and roasted garlic, and the quatro fromaggio is a real indulgence. The beer list is extensive; be sure to sample one of the several they have on tap from the thriving local Zimbabwean craft brewery scene!

The Lookout Café: After visiting Victoria Falls, stop by the iconic Lookout Café for an outdoor meal where you can enjoy views of the Batoga Gorge. The Gorge starts at the base of the falls and is a stunning vista point. Dining at this restaurant is a special experience because of the views, but don’t miss the paintings, statuettes, and wooden sculptures in the adjoining gallery, which specializes in contemporary artists from the region. For food, I recommend one of their warm ‘toasties’ with melted cheese; for something more substantial, there are burgers and sandwiches, as well as traditional local dishes.

Cassia Restaurant: For an upscale meal, visit this sensational dining establishment in the Ilala Lodge Hotel. Ask for one of the outdoor tables that overlooks the sprawling gardens and offers the the sound of falling water in the background. Kick off your meal with a glass of wine and the tomato and mozzarella panzerotti, an Italian empanada where a deep-fried pocket is stuffed with melted cheese and sweet tomatoes. For your entrée, the choices are endless. Roasted cauliflower steaks served with a creamy yogurt and dill sauce, mushroom and spinach cannelloni smothered in a decadent bechamel sauce, crispy pumpkin, and lentil phyllo parcels, the list goes on. Desserts are just as tempting; I highly recommend the apple tart with tahini ice cream or the baked cheesecake with sweet marshmallow crème and refreshing coconut sorbet.

The Verdict

Our trip to Botswana was enriched by a trip to Victoria Falls, straddling the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia. The sight of the Zambezi River cascading powerfully into the gorge was not just a visual treat but a vivid reminder of nature’s raw force. Unlike the chill atmosphere of our safari, the falls added a dynamic contrast to our African journey. This detour was undoubtedly worthwhile, offering a unique perspective on the continent’s diverse landscape. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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In 2023, my husband and I decided to take an epic vacation that we had been dreaming about for years: a trip to Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The itinerary included a safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana, a cruise down the Zambezi River in Zambia, and a visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Read all about our magical trip to help you plan your own grand escape to this amazing part of the world. This post covers Botswana, with a separate post on the Zambia and Zimbabwe portions of our experience!

Where to Stay During Our Safari in Chobe National Park

Ngoma Safari Lodge is located in the Chobe Forest Reserve in western Botswana. We chose this location for two reasons: first, Chobe is known for its incredible wildlife, especially elephants, and second, the experience of seeing animals swimming and crossing the Chobe River is exceptional; the river draws animals to it all day long which allows for opportunities to see animals more frequently and in a unique setting than in other places in Africa. It is difficult to get to – we flew from DC to Nairobi, and landed in Zambia, but totally worth it. The lodge arranged for transportation for us, so that made it quite easy.

We chose the safari in Chobe National Park because of the location, and Ngoma Safari Lodge turned out to be one of the most spectacular places I have ever stayed. Each luxury suite is situated separately around the property, surrounded by trees and the stunning flora and fauna of the Chobe Forest. Each suite is complete with a gorgeous plunge pool, an indoor and outdoor shower, a luxurious soaking tub, and a cozy bed facing floor-to-ceiling windows. There is nothing quite as surreal as watching giraffes and zebras from your own plunge pool!

It’s a short walk from each suite to the main lodge, which is an open-air, rustic building that includes a bar, restaurant, shop, and more unreal views of the Chobe plains and river, with waterholes where animals come to drink from at all hours of the day.

Service is impeccable – the team at the lodge is warm, friendly, and kind and will assist with anything you need!

The Activities at Ngoma Safari Lodge

Safari in Chobe National Park: Each morning and evening, guests are invited to go on a safari into the depths of the Chobe forest to see the animals of Botswana. As the sun rose, we boarded our open-air jeep, complete with blankets and water bottles, to watch lions stroll, roar, and groom each other, herds of elephants ambling along the Chobe River, giraffes snacking on leaves and herbs, and dazzles of zebras nibbling on grass. We saw birds and alligators and antelopes and prairie dogs and wild dogs and the most beautiful small leopard I could ever imagine. During the evening safari, we stopped in a clearing for happy hour, where our amazing driver made us cocktails while we soaked in views of the sun setting over the Chobe River. It was quite the dream.

Boat Rides: One of the special activities offered by the lodge is a boat ride on the Chobe River. From that vantage point, you can see dozens of elephants not only along the riverbed but also swimming and crossing the river! It was spectacular. A gorgeous sit-down lunch is provided on the riverboat, with the host setting a table that is brimming with local dishes like roasted butternut squash, a black eye pea salad with a spicy sauce, fresh bread, and more.

The Food

This wouldn’t be the Dining Traveler if we didn’t discuss the food! The majority of the meals are provided at the lodge and are quite delicious. A full breakfast is served when you return from your morning safari and includes fresh juice, eggs made to order, potatoes, plantains, cereals, cheeses, and fruit. Lunch is by menu with dishes like burgers (including a veggie burger!), and dinner, served a couple of hours after the evening safari is concluded, is a three-course meal with various options featuring local ingredients such as stuffed peppers in a coconut sauce or stacked roasted vegetables in a tomato sauce. Be sure to come to the lodge early for a cocktail to enjoy the views, and then stay after dinner by the firepit for a cozy after-dinner drink.

How Many Days Should You Plan for Your Safari?

In summary, four nights at Ngoma Safari Lodge in Chobe National Park offers the perfect balance for an unforgettable safari experience. We paid $500 per person per night, a significant investment, but the return is extraordinary. The inclusive package of food, accommodation, activities, and game drives provides ample opportunity to immerse in and appreciate the park’s majestic wildlife. Chombe National Park is not just a destination but a priceless experience worth every cent. If you want the ultimate bucket list experience, this is it!

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South African Escape: Safari!

Where to go

We went on a Safari in the Limpopo province of South Africa, near Hoedspruit, where there is an airport you can fly directly into from Johannesburg. It is very close to Kruger National Park and has a number of private game reserves.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Thornybush Game Reserve, which features 12 different lodges you can chose from. Each one offers a different experience; some are larger with more activities and some are smaller and cozier. We selected the Monwana Lodge, which has just four rooms and the most stunning views of the reserve. The rooms are gorgeous and spacious, complete with private patios.

Experience the safari! Every morning at 5am you will receive a wake-up call, after which you will go out in an open air jeep with your guide to see all of the wondrous animals of South Africa. Zebras (also called pajama donkeys!), giraffes, hippos, elephants, water buffalo, and big cats. You will see animals sleeping, hunting, running, and playing. You will marvel at their beauty and their size, grace, and personality. After the safari, you will go back to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and time for a nap. Then, late afternoon another safari! You guide will stop in the bush for you to stretch your legs and enjoy a cocktail. Then, back to the lodge for more drinks and a delicious dinner, which will feature multiple courses and wine! Some nights they even have a traditional braai party, which is a South African BBQ.

South African Escape: Wine Country!

Where to Stay

We were in Stellenbosch for a wedding, and stayed a few extra days for a South African escape of wine tasting. Stellenbosch is only a 40 minute drive from Cape Town, so it is very easy to get to. The bride and groom recommended Banhoek Lodge to us, which was absolutely perfect. It is seriously one of the most stunning hotels I have ever stayed in. The spacious room opens up onto a vast patio which has simply spectacular views of the South African wine country: vineyards in varying shades of green, mountains, and a blissfully clear blue sky. It is quiet and sensational. Breakfast comes via room service, and your hosts are happy to meet all of your needs, including in-suite spa services.

What to Do

Go wine tasting! The hotel offers a fantastic walking tour map, which we took advantage of.
• Zorgvliet: There is literally nothing better than sampling wine at this picturesque winery, where you are surrounded by views of the lovely vineyard. You can order a picnic basket, filled to the brim with fresh bread, salads, cheese, and sweets, and a bottle of wine to enjoy on the grounds.
• Delaire Graff Estate: The best way to try the wine at Delaire is to enjoy a meal at the Delaire Graff Restaurant, which hosts a patio that overlooks the estate. Enjoy a stunning mozzarella and tomato salad, house made soup, pasta served with a decadent cream sauce, and more while soaking up the lovely Stellenbosch sunshine. I enjoyed a glass of their sunrise brut, followed by a glass of their Cabernet Franc Rosé. Each one was smooth, subtle and sublime.
• Tokara: This lovely winery and olive farm features a gorgeous vineyard and olive groves, tasting room, delicatessen, and restaurant. The indoor areas feature stunning artwork, and the food is as good as the wine. After sampling the wine (and purchasing a few bottles!) we went over to the delicatessen where we enjoy olives, a cheese plate, and a cheese and tomato flatbread.

The Verdict: A South African escape is a dream vacation! The country is wonderful and diverse. From nature to wine, take advantage of all it has to offer!

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Priya’s guide to Cape Town: 

Where to Stay: Derwent House. This charming boutique hotel is in Tamboerskloof, one of Cape Town’s trendiest neighborhood, which means it walking distance to lots of great places to eat, drink, and hang out. The staff is wonderful, which is another reason to stay there. Case in point: While we were there it was the owner’s birthday, so they served champagne and small bites to everyone! Rooms are spacious and clean, there is a pool, and breakfast was great.

What to Do: There is literally no end to the exciting sites to see and experiences to have in Cape Town. But here are a few that you absolutely must not miss:

Table Mountain: The most iconic sight in Cape Town, and one of the most famous mountain ranges of the world. Buy tickets for the cablecar in advance and then head to the entrance of the cableway. The ride up offers unbelievable views of Cape Town, and once you get to the top you can spend hours walking around and admiring the view. The top is flat—hence the name!

Robben Island: Visiting the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for eighteen years is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The tour of the prison is given by a gentleman who was jailed with Mandela, making the experience all the more impactful. I cannot recommend this enough. The prison represents not only an important part of South Africa’s history, but of the world’s history as well.

Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point & Boulders Beach: At the very end of the cape peninsula is Cape Point, a stunning natural reserve within the table mountain range where you can see impressive views of the ocean. Use the Flying Dutchman funicular to see the mind-blowing panoramic view. En route, try to take the Chapman Peak’s Drive, a scenic mountain route, and be sure to stop at Boulders Beach, where you can see cutest warm water penguin colony!

Where to Eat and Drink: There are so many places!! Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong anywhere in Cape Town. The food is diverse, the booze is plentiful, and the quality is impressive at most venues. But, I did get some awesome recommendations from friends and did some serious research, so the places I went to were really awesome, and I am happy share the details! Keep in mind no matter where you stay Uber and taxis are everywhere in Cape Town so it is very easy to get around.

Lunch/Brunch:

The Old Biscuit Mill: Literally the best food market I have ever been to. Bitterballen from the Netherlands, pizzas, dumplings, falafel, baked goods, beer stalls and wine tastings and so much more. There are also a few sit down restaurants, including The Test Kitchen, which is one of the 50 best restaurants in the world. After eating and drinking to your heart’s content, pursue the artworks and knicks and knacks at the many local shops. The Mill is located in Woodstock, one of Cape Town’s many suburbs.

Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room: This fun brunch spot has mimosas, eggs, avocado toast, burgers (which Cape Town is famous for) and a great atmosphere. It’s small, but full of locals so you know it’s good.

Happy Hour:

The Rumbullion: The terraces of The Roundhouse (which is also a great restaurant!) is the perfect place to grab a drink and a snack, largely because of the stunning views. The restaurant and terraces are a part of Table Mountain, offering some of the best views of famous mountain range you can ever imagine. Come in the evening so you can relax at a one of Rumbullion’s picnic bench with a cocktail while watching the sunset behind the mountains. It will be the most memorable happy hour of your life!

Dinner:

Bukhara: Being Indian, sometimes I just want a good Indian meal, even when I am travelling. Luckily my husband loves Indian food as well. Luckily, Cape Town has an impressive international food scene, and that extends to Indian food. Bukhara has lemon rice and garlic naan and mushrooms and peas cooked in a spicy gravy and paneer, which is cheese, served with spices and spinach, spicy potatoes, and more. The beautiful restaurant is located near the V&A Waterfront which is a beautiful area to walk around, with its lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain.

The Greenhouse at the Cellars-Hohenort: One of the best fine dining options in all of South Africa. The stunning dining room has several tasting menu to choose from, all of which showcase the best of South Africa’s seasonal produce. Be sure to get the wine pairing and the cheese course: it features the same cheese served four times, at four different temperatures. It is epic.

Drinks:

Asoka: This trendy and charming cocktail lounge and restaurant is in the ever-popular Tamboerskloof neighborhood. It’s a great place to grab a drink before or after dinner.

The Verdict: This is the vacation of a lifetime. Experience it for yourself!

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