Familiarisation trips aren’t just about getting to know the camps and lodges. They’re about getting to know the people behind them too.
Recently, a group of us from Hideaways Africa, Luxury Travel Marketing, traveled through Botswana and Zimbabwe on a familiarisation trip alongside Vicki from Southern African Safaris, Karryn from Adventure Destinations and Wendy from Helloworld Armadale. For some it was a first, while for others it certainly wasn’t, but by the end, we all agreed it had been one of the most memorable
Over eight unforgettable days, every destination offered something completely different. One moment we were watching painted dogs return to their den with fresh kills, the next we were tracking lions on foot through the Bumbusi Gorge or debating which sundowner spot had stolen our hearts.
Honestly, choosing our favourite moments wasn’t easy.
So, over a few coffees, we narrowed it down to six highlights that still have us smiling.
Visited: Hideaways Camp Kuzuma, Hideaways Nantwich Lodge, Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp, Hideaways Mogotlho Safari Lodge, Hideaways Mankwe Tented Retreat
1. Drifting Along the Chobe River
There are plenty of ways to experience Chobe National Park.
From the water might just be our favourite.
Cruising down the Chobe River offers an entirely different perspective. Elephants wandered to the shoreline to drink, crocodiles basked along the banks, pods of hippos surfaced beside the boat, and fish eagles provided the soundtrack for the afternoon.
Lunch was served on board, making it one of those wonderful experiences where nobody really wanted to check the time.
It also happened to be where one of our many inside jokes was born. Without embarrassing anyone too much, let’s just say that by the end of lunch we’d all agreed some things belong on dessert… and definitely not on a salad.
The wildlife, fortunately, remained far more predictable than some lunch choices.
2. Brunching In The Bush
Hideaways Nantwich Lodge became our base as we prepared to explore northern Hwange. We enjoyed one of our favourite brunches of the trip beneath a magnificent old acacia tree overlooking the surrounding bush. Sometimes it’s amazing how something so simple becomes one of the most memorable moments.
3. When Lions Steal the Sundowner Spot
Every safari has at least one moment that couldn’t possibly have been planned, and ours happened just before sundowners.
We were making our way towards a beautiful clearing beneath a solitary tree when a small pride of lions wandered in and claimed it before we could.
Safe to say, we weren’t about to ask them to move.
Watching the pride settle beneath the golden evening light, with no other vehicles anywhere in sight, quickly made us realise we’d happily surrender our sundowner spot. Fortunately, our guide knew northern Hwange well enough to have a backup plan.
A nearby rocky outcrop became our new stop, and by the time the drinks were poured, the sun had slipped below the horizon. What started as a change of plans ended with one of our favourite evenings of the trip, sitting beneath an incredible blanket of stars, proving once again that the bush usually has better ideas than we do.
4. Following The Tracks
At Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp, vehicles gave way to walking boots.
The following morning, we set off with our guide and quickly discovered that walking changes the way you experience the bush. Instead of searching for wildlife from a vehicle, your attention shifts to everything beneath your feet. Fresh tracks in the sand. Broken branches. Alarm calls drifting through the trees. Slowly, you begin to realise the bush has its own story to tell.
One of the most unforgettable moments came when we tracked a pride of lions on foot. Standing at a safe distance while our guide interpreted their movements was both exhilarating and humbling. Every sense felt heightened, and it gave us an entirely new appreciation for just how knowledgeable Zimbabwe’s professional guides are.
5. Where Walking Meets History
We set out on foot through Bumbusi’s gorge towards the ancient Nambya ruins, San rock engravings and the petrified forest was just as fascinating as the wildlife itself. It was a reminder that Bumbusi isn’t simply a safari destination. It’s a place where nature and history exist side by side, each adding another layer to the experience.
As our time in Zimbabwe came to an end, it felt like the perfect place to reflect on everything we’d experienced so far. Every stop offered something completely different, and Bumbusi was no exception.
6. Meeting Mogotlho’s Painted Dogs
One experience we’d been hoping for was seeing the painted dog den near Hideaways Mogotlho Safari Lodge.
On our very first afternoon game drive, we found it!
The puppies had only been born a few days earlier and remained hidden safely underground while their mother stayed close by. The rest of the pack had already headed out hunting, so we left the den to see if we could find them instead. What we discovered was complete chaos.
Watching painted dogs hunt is unlike anything else. Impalas scattered in every direction, a wildebeest suddenly seemed convinced it was the predator and chased the dogs instead, and despite all their incredible teamwork, dinner got away.
Heading out the following morning, we certainly weren’t expecting an even better sighting.
Just before stopping for coffee, our guide spotted several members of the pack running purposefully across the floodplain. Their faces were still stained with blood from a successful hunt overnight.
They were heading home.
Following behind, we watched as one of the adults disappeared halfway into the den, calling for the mother to emerge. We’d imagined the pack simply handed over the food. We were wrong. She chased them around, demanding every last mouthful before disappearing back underground with her puppies. It was fascinating to watch, and something I’d never expected to see.
Experiencing those completely different moments over less than two days made the sighting even more memorable.
One Trip. Four Very Different Stories.
Looking back, it’s difficult to choose a single favourite.
- Was it watching painted dogs return to their den?
- Lunch beneath the acacia tree?
- Walking through northern Hwange?
- Surrendering our sundowner spot to a pride of lions?
Or perhaps it was the incredible wildlife we were fortunate enough to encounter along the way. From painted dogs and lion cubs to roan antelopes, marabou storks and so much more, every day brought another unforgettable sighting.
The answer changed almost every time we asked each other. Perhaps that’s exactly what made this journey so memorable.
All images captured on the trip by Julize, John, Margi, Karyn & Wendy
