Rivers & Deltas
Landscapes of deep blue and lush, emerald green. Riverine and water-dominant ecosystems are exceptionally diverse, and offer just the same diversity in terms of activities. Canoe safaris, Mokoro excursions in the famous Okavango Delta, exclusive sunrise and sunset boat cruises, unique wildlife and birdlife that flock to fertile lands where water abounds.... Africa is home to many great rivers, and there is nothing quite like the poetry in motion that sets in as the dying, orange light touches the water in an explosion of gold and bronze.
A few of our favourite Rivers & Deltas...
Okavango Delta
An Oasis of Glittering Channels
It is almost fictional, the story of the Okavango delta. As great a river as any…except for that its water never reaches the ocean. Instead, the channels disperse into a 15 000 km² labyrinth of papyrus, white sands, crystal clear channels and palm belts. An oasis-like paradise, a place like no other. It is for good reason, therefore, that the Delta has been proclaimed one of Africa’s seven wonders, and officially recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. Not only is this landscape as unique as it is beautiful, it also home to vast numbers of wildlife and colourful birds. Canoeing the channels can be an exhilarating introduction to the bubbling pods of hippo and prehistoric crocodiles dwelling in the waterways, whilst driving on safari will exhibit an endless array of fauna and flora, big and small. Often, though, it is only by air that one can grasp what an extraordinary place the Okavango really is. A woven landscape or glittering channels and green reeds, dotted by herds of elephant and buffalo in the hundreds.
The Mara
Africa's Spiritual and Iconic River
An iconic water source of Africa that divides two of the greatest national parks on the continent, the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. For the Maasai, that live amongst these great plains, the river’s existence is one of deep spirituality. The wildlife-rich areas on either bank of this incredible river are testament enough to its ecological importance and interest. For the major part of the year, the river harbours a large number of hippo and prehistoric sized crocodiles, not to mention the rhino, lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo that call the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem home. Later in the year, the Great Migration arrives – the imposing Mara river is said to be the biggest obstacle in the path of migrating herds of millions of wildebeest and zebra… Thousands of wildebeest cascade past the Mara riverbanks in a wild attempt to cross, kicking plumes of dust high into the sky. But strong currents and steep banks are not the only threat – lurking in and around the water are immense crocodiles, known to almost swallow whole unlucky animals. On the opposite bank, opportunist lions await an easy meal of panicked and exhausted wildebeest and zebra. The Mara sets the scene for the chaotic circle of life and one of the greatest spectacles on the planet.
The Limpopo
'A History of Wars, Ivory Trading, Bandits and Wild Animals'
Maybe not in size, but certainly in status, the Limpopo is undoubtedly one of Africa’s great rivers. Its history has earned its place in countless accounts of Africa old and Africa new. Wars, ivory trading, bandits and dangerous animals have given it enough material for the scripts of a thousand novels. Stories of the great, green, smooth Limpopo have echoed through the ages from fireside chatter to children’s books. Mainly dividing Zimbabwe with South Africa and Mozambique with South Africa, the Limpopo flows eastwards before throwing itself in the Indian Ocean. Along its course, this mythical river passes stunning parks, such as Tuli Block in Botswana, Gonarezhou in Zimbabwe, Kruger in South Africa, and the Mozambique Transfrontier Park, all teeming with a variety of life and experiences.
The Zambezi
There is an Energy, a Spirit Here...
It is undeniable, for those sitting next to Africa’s most emblematic river, a glass of something cold in hand, that there is an energy and a spirit linked to the ‘life-blood’ of southern Africa that is the Zambezi. Its quiet yet strong waters hold the stories of all of Africa’s most iconic eras. There is seldom an account, autobiography of legendary explorers or articles written about this part of Africa that does not mention the mighty Zambezi, giving praise to its wonders. Its source begins in Angola, before separating Zambia from Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, twisting along the entirety of Zimbabwe’s northern border, before cutting through Mozambique and into the Indian Ocean. It is home to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, ‘the smoke that thunders’, Lake Kariba and Lake Cahorabassa. Its waters not only provide life to human settlements all along their way but are home to a plethora of wildlife. Traversing National Parks in the likes of the magical Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools give way to wilderness experiences as wonderful as the river itself.
The Kafue
A Hidden Jewel of Zambia
A hidden jewel of Zambia, the Kafue is a stunning river – in some places even resembling the mighty Zambezi river. Its course is also quite similar to that of the Zambezi, traversing Zambia from North to South. What makes this river’s true claim to fame, however, is its sinuous journey through the Kafue National Park. This raw, wild and stunning place is best known for the great numbers of birds of various species, large mammals such as lions, elephants and buffalo, all inhabiting its unique landscape. Grasslands and Miombo woodlands interweaved with marshes, the river and its tributaries and make the Kafue a magical world where nature thrives.
The Luangwa
The Birthplace of Walking Safaris
We seldom speak of the Luangwa River without reference to the beautiful South and North Luangwa National Parks, both home to teeming populations of leopards, lions, elephants, wild dogs and buffalos. The river is also said to harbour the densest population of hippo and crocodiles. Safaris have been conducted along its banks since the 1930s when safari pioneer Norman Carr first put walking and photographic safaris on the agenda for visitors to Africa. Whether it be driving and walking its banks or canoeing and boating its waters, the Luangwa River is bound to exhibit an experience of a lifetime and is one of Zambia’s crown jewels.
Bangweulu swamps
A Labyrinth of channels, forest, islands and marshes
A labyrinth of channels, forests, islands and marshes, Bangweulu is one of Zambia’s most unique areas. A vital life source for the fascinating local communities that migrate with the levels of water, the Swamps are also the burial ground of Sir David Livingstone, who passed away in the marshes. Home to unique wildlife such as the prehistoric shoe-billed stork and the endemic Black Lechwe, Bangweulu is now under African Parks management, meaning that it has become a safe haven for thriving wildlife populations. A recent cheetah relocation is a testimonial to the Swamps’ bright future, with potential for this incredible place to be even more intriguing than it already is.
Chobe
Botswana's most biodiverse park
Botswana is renowned for its biodiversity, and Chobe is known as being its most biodiverse park, a testament to the thriving life roaming this incredible wilderness. Located in the north of Botswana, Chobe is composed of arid landscapes interspersed with marshes and rivers, a perfect habitat to hold immeasurable amounts of wildlife. And indeed, this beautiful ecosystem is home to numerous populations of elephants, buffalos, cheetahs and leopards… not to mention the famous Chobe lions that are known for their abilities to hunt elephants, a skill passed down across generations of lions. Whether it be gazing out from a luxury lodge, a safari cruise down the Chobe river or a self-drive, this park is guaranteed to create memories and encounters that few other places can rival.
The Shire
Simply Malawi
The Shire River is one of Africa’s hidden gems. finding its source in the magical Lake Malawi, it traverses the south of Malawi to then throw itself in the mighty Zambezi. Sunrise cruise or sunset cruise, there are fewer ways to experience a safari that is as tranquil and as beautiful. Gently float down the Shire River in search of hippos, crocs, ellies, antelopes coming down to drink – and some cats if you’re lucky! More often than not, though, the light will catch your eye, the African golden hour will work its magic and the musical fish eagles and kingfishers fluttering around your boat (amongst many other birds to spot!) will take your heart and soul to a place of utter serenity. It is also the perfect way to get creative, as the magical African light will set the Shire river ablaze. Hues of gold, glittering orange and delicate pink will channel your creative brain like nothing else!
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