There is no better way to understand a safari than to experience it for yourself. The long drives, changing landscapes, unexpected sightings, conversations around the fire, and the small details that make each stop along the way so unique.
Recently, I hosted Ingo, our new German representative, Ingo from Travel Consultants International, and his partner, Gosia, on a journey through Botswana and Zimbabwe, travelling across a collection of camps, concessions, and ecosystems to experience the diversity that shapes a Hideaways safari circuit.
From the waterways of Greater Moremi to the remote corners of northern Hwange, before ending beside the thunder of Victoria Falls, the trip became far more than an opportunity to share our insider knowledge simply. It was a chance to experience the Hideaways portfolio firsthand and see how each camp, landscape, and experience connects to create seamless safari circuits across Botswana and Zimbabwe.
With so many memorable moments, we wanted to share a few of the highlights that stood out most to both Ingo and me along the way.
Botswana Beginnings
Visited: Hideaways Mankwe Tented Retreat, Hideaways Mogotlho Safari Lodge, & Hideaways Camp Kuzuma
We began in Botswana, although not quite under the conditions we had hoped for. Heavy rains had transformed much of the landscape, flooding sections of the bush, reshaping the roads, and scattering wildlife across areas where water had suddenly become plentiful. Despite the conditions, our guides handled every flooded road and changing route with calm confidence, getting us safely through to the first stop of the journey.
At Hideaways Mankwe Tented Retreat, elephants gathering around the waterhole quickly became one of the standout moments of our stay. Evenings ended with sundowners overlooking flooded salt pans, where reflections stretched across the water, as the sun began to disappear.
Although the rains may have challenged some of the wildlife viewing, they certainly did not stop the mokoro rides, still offering one of the most popular and unique ways to explore the flooded waterways.
“It was mind-blowing, absolutely wonderful,” Ingo shared afterwards, reflecting on one particular evening spent out on the pans.
At Mogotlho, we really began to understand just how much the rains had transformed the region as a whole. While exploring the concession on game drives, we came across flooded wetlands filled with birdlife and wildlife drawn towards the water. Just when we thought we had seen the full impact of the rains, we reached the famous “Oh My God!” bridge completely flooded, quickly turning every crossing into part of the adventure itself.
Where the waters flowed, incredible birdlife followed. From herons and cranes moving through the floodplains to hippos scattered across the waterways, the entire concession felt alive with activity.
But it was not all birdlife at Mogotlho, we had some incredible big game encounters too. During one afternoon game drive, we got a close-up encounter with a large male lion, resting out in the open.
With game drives offering beautiful sightings of wild families, from monkey troops moving through the trees to a mother giraffe and her calf, Camp Kuzuma quickly reminded us how rewarding even the simplest sightings can be. Large elephant herds regularly gathered at the waterhole directly in front of camp, turning afternoons of armchair game viewing into highlights all on their own.
The relaxed atmosphere allowed us to slow down, reflect on the journey so far, and simply enjoy being in the Chobe Enclave before continuing onwards into Zimbabwe and Hwange National Park.
Crossing Into Zimbabwe
Visited: Hideaways Nantwich Lodge, & Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp
From Botswana, the journey continued across the border into Zimbabwe and onwards to Hideaways Nantwich Lodge in Hwange National Park.
Set overlooking a busy waterhole and surrounded by one of Hwange’s oldest safari areas, Nantwich quickly became one of the highlights of the trip.
For Ingo, the combination of wildlife, atmosphere, and guiding stood out immediately.
“Our guide Ndaba was top-notch, and we really enjoyed the drives,” he shared afterwards. “My personal highlight was seeing roan antelope twice. The best game viewing by far on the whole trip.”
Large elephant herds gathered around the waterhole throughout the stay, while lions moving through camp after dinner added an extra layer of excitement to the evenings. Time spent at Nantwich’s underground hide, bush breakfasts out in the park, and quiet moments around the campfire all added to the experience.
The journey then continued north towards Bumbusi Wilderness Camp, where the landscapes shifted once again. Surrounded by huge shady trees and rocky outcrops, Bumbusi offered a completely different atmosphere from the camps before it.
For both Ingo and me, one of the standout moments of the entire trip came during our final evening sundowner set high on the rocks. Surrounded by beautiful views, good company, and, well, even better chocolates.
The People Behind the Experience
While every camp offered something different, one thing remained consistent throughout the journey: the people.
Across both Botswana and Zimbabwe, guides, camp staff, lodge managers, and hosts shaped the experience through their knowledge, hospitality, and ability to adapt to constantly changing conditions brought on by the rains.
From surprise sundowners overlooking flooded pans to bush dinners beneath the stars, many of the most memorable moments came from the effort and care of the teams on the ground.
“The properties are really very good at excellent value for money,” Ingo reflected after the trip. “I am now very well trained and motivated to spread the word about Hideaways Africa.”
Looking Ahead
The journey ended in Victoria Falls, where the final days brought one last reminder of just how varied travel through southern Africa can be.
Flights above the landscape, boat cruises along the Zambezi, and the constant spray rising from the gorge felt like the perfect farewell to Africa for both Ingo and Gosia.
And with conversations already turning towards future journeys, I have a feeling this will not be Ingo’s last safari with Hideaways Africa
All images captured on the trip by Sulet & Ingo
