Best Value Safari in Africa

This two week itinerary visits Africa’s top three "Best Value Safari Properties" from the 2024 Safari Awards. Explore Flatdogs Camp in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, Muchenje Safari Lodge along Botswana’s Chobe River Front, and Notten’s Bush Camp in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Reserve. Each offers exceptional wildlife experiences and remarkable value.

Discover Africa’s Best Value Safari Destinations: A Journey to Award-Winning Properties

Immerse yourself in the heart of Africa’s wilderness with an itinerary that brings you to the top three properties in the "Best Value Safari Property" category at this year’s Safari Awards. These destinations strike the perfect balance between remarkable wildlife experiences, exceptional hospitality, and great value.

Your journey begins at Flatdogs Camp in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, where you’ll enjoy the raw beauty of one of Africa’s premier wildlife regions alongside warm, welcoming service. Next, travel to Botswana’s Chobe River Front and stay at Muchenje Safari Lodge, known for its stunning river views and the abundant elephant herds that roam the floodplains. Finally, head to South Africa’s legendary Sabi Sand Reserve for an unforgettable stay at Notten's Bush Camp, a family-run lodge offering an intimate and authentic safari experience.

This itinerary offers an extraordinary blend of value and adventure, inviting you to experience the best of Africa’s wilderness and hospitality.

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Itinerary

Day 1 - 4

South Luangwa National Park

Bordering the Luangwa River, the northern and southern Luangwa National Parks contain some of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness in Africa. As a result of this and the parks’ successful anti-poaching campaigns, the area has developed into a world-renowned wildlife haven. The South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safari, which allows visitors to view elephant, hippo and even lion close-up under the supervision of professional and knowledgeable armed guides.

Flatdogs Camp

Flatdogs camp offers a mix of accommodations right next to the South Luangwa NP.  The luxurious Crocodile Nest is a two bed-roomed tented house with private pool, which comes with a private vehicle and guide.  The wilder Jackalberry Treehouse is a two bed-roomed, open-fronted reed house built on platforms around four live Ebony trees, over-looking a game rich waterhole.  The chalets suit families perfectly as they feel more solid and the kids can walk through to their parents’ room without having to go outside.  The luxury tents are spread out along the riverbank and are the “Africa under canvas” experience, often with elephant browsing around them and hippo grazing just outside.   The standard tents are just a little smaller but still with full en-suite facilities.

The food at Flatdogs is renowned in the safari world as the a la carte restaurant serves a wide range of delicious & creative meals catering to all allergies, diets and preferences!

Safaris are led by expert guides who have studied all facets of the natural world.  They can explain in detail the inter-locking ecology of the Park and use nature’s alarm calls to find interesting sightings for guests rather than following the herd!

Flatdogs Camp Classic ensuite safari tents

There are three “Classic” en-suite safari tents which are smaller and simpler than the Luxury tents, but are still walk-in tents with ensuite bathrooms with open air shower, toilet and basin. Two of these standard tents are situated on the river bank, the other looks directly onto the same lagoon as tent 11 (the honeymoon tent). The standard tents also have full beds (king or twin), bedding, mosquito nets, charging points and electric fans. The standard tents do not have tea and coffee making facilities or safes.

Day 4 - 7

Victoria Falls (Zambia)

Situated along the southern border of Zambia, Victoria Falls is a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River. It forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and stretches across almost two kilometres into a gorge over one hundred metres below - making it one of the world’s widest waterfalls. Dubbed ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ by locals, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular tourist destination for those visiting Zambia. It is world-renowned for its sheer beauty and offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in spectacular landscapes inhabited by abundant wildlife. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of adventure sports such as kayaking, white water rafting, ziplining, bungee jumping and bridge swinging; and those looking for more relaxation can enjoy a sunset boat cruise, game viewing, or browsing through the vibrant local Livingstone Market.

The Royal Livingstone Hotel

On the banks of the Zambezi River, The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara is named after the legendary explorer who named Zambia’s iconic waterfall in honour of his queen. The hotel evokes Victorian elegance in impeccable style, and offers unforgettable adventures. A flight from Johannesburg to Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, or Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe is followed by a scenic drive through historic Livingstone or Victoria Falls town. The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara is set along the banks of the great Zambezi River, in full view of the spray of the Victoria Falls. One of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders, this iconic waterfall is a mere 10-minute walk away, with guests enjoying direct access via the hotel’s private entrance.

Premier Garden Balcony Room

Beautifully appointed interiors complement equally beautiful nature in our premier rooms. Laze on your private balcony on the lookout for free-roaming wildlife. Watch the giraffes graze the nearby treetops, or even wander over to greet you.

Day 7 - 10

Chobe River Front, Botswana

The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park which is renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. This section of the park is best known for its dense concentration of wildlife, including elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them - a visit to the Chobe River Front guarantees close encounters with an array of African wildlife. Visitors can look forward to a range of exciting activities such as 4WD along the banks; motorboat cruises; and rare birdlife spotting. For a unique, luxury safari experience, hire a houseboat.

Muchenje Safari Lodge

Situated on the western edge of Chobe National Park, Muchenje offers unique, prolific game experiences within this quieter region of the Chobe. Muchenje Safari Lodge provides some of Botswana's finest safari accommodation and combined with unparalleled safari experiences it is ideal for both discerning safari goers and newcomers alike. Owner run, attention to detail is paramount with nothing being too much trouble at Muchenje Safari Lodge.

12 chalets overlook the Chobe Flood plains offering panoramic views of the wide open spaces, iconic in Botswana.  An abundance of activities on hand offer guests an opportunity to explore the Chobe or relax and watch the world go by.

Cottages

2 Beds which can be made up as a Twin or Kingsize , with en-suite bathroom, housing a large walk-in shower, double wash basins, WC. Each room has their own incredible double aspect views of the Chobe River, with private veranda.

Day 10 - 11

Johannesburg

City Lodge OR Tambo Airport

Based at Africas busiest airport, City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo Airport will provide business and leisure travellers with home away from home accommodation that is ideal for those commuting to and from Johannesburg and perfect for those who require immediate access to the airport.

OR Tambo Airport offers a number of services from banking to a wide range of retailers, so whether its a good book or a scrumptious meal, the airports facilities have everything you need. The hotel boasts boardroom and conference facilities, a fitness room as well as a deck with a pool and a large commercial area with a coffee shop.

Day 11 - 14

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa

Adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is a private premier viewing destination. It was the first-ever private nature reserve established in South Africa. The landscape features 65 000 hectares of savannah-covered land interspersed with watering holes, dry river beds, Lowveld woodlands, and the perennial Sabi and Sand rivers. This spectacular reserve offers exceptional game viewing opportunities with frequent sightings of the renowned Big Five as well as cheetah, zebra, giraffe, and a variety of antelope. Visitors can enjoy excellent wildlife viewing, dining under the stars, guided bush walks and enjoying a stay in some of South Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges.

Notten's Bush Camp

Notten’s Bush Camp offers a truly authentic African safari experience in South Africa. It is a destination that captures the true meaning of being in the bush. The rooms consist of beautifully appointed suites with open-plan bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. Guests can indulge in a spa treatment or simply relax by the private spa swimming pool. The camp also offers guests a great opportunity to explore the world-renowned Kruger National Park with cultural tours and game drives.

Rates

USD7852/AUD11969 per person sharing, Shoulder season 2025 rates

Subject to availability.

Includes

  • Accommodation
  • Regional flights indicated in this itinerary
  • All meals in safari properties
  • Breakfast in hotels
  • Airport transfers in Africa
  • Two guided safari activities (eg game drives) every day on safari, subject to arrival/departure times

Excludes

  • Flights to and from Africa
  • Lunch and dinner in hotels (allows you to explore dining experiences nearby)
  • Anything not mentioned herein
  • All items of a personal nature