| Right then, imagine this: seven days of pure, unadulterated indulgence, whisked away from the mundane to two of Africa’s most breathtaking corners. We’re talking the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls, but not in some jostling, brochure-clutching sort of way. This is a fly in, glamp like royalty, see lions from your private plunge pool kind of affair. First up, the Okavango. Forget roughing it. Your ‘camp’ is more akin to a five star hotel that just happens to be in the middle of a pristine wilderness. Think enormous, canvas suites with four poster beds, your own dedicated butler who seems to magically anticipate your every need (mine was particularly adept at procuring iced gin and tonics precisely when the African sun was at its most potent), and meals that would make Gordon Ramsay weep with envy. We’re talking gourmet dishes prepared with ingredients that probably cost more than my monthly rent. The ‘safari’ part is equally refined. Instead of a bumpy jeep ride, you’re hopping into a hushed, open top vehicle, or even better, a mokoro a traditional dugout canoe piloted by a local expert. Drifting silently through the waterways, watching elephants emerge from the reeds, their massive forms almost dreamlike, is an experience that sinks deep into your soul. And the birdlife! Honestly, I thought I knew birds, but the sheer vibrancy and variety here is astonishing. You’ll see kingfishers like living jewels and eagles with eyes that could spot a mouse from a mile high. Of course, there are lions too. We had a rather dramatic encounter one afternoon, a pride lounging on a termite mound, completely unbothered by our presence. It’s humbling, really, to be so close to such powerful creatures, and reassuring to know you’re observing from a very safe and comfortable distance. After a few days of this blissful immersion, we took a short, private flight to our next destination: Victoria Falls. Now, ‘impressive’ doesn’t quite cut it. These falls are a raw, thunderous spectacle of nature. The sheer volume of water, the mist that rises like a perpetual cloud, the deafening roar – it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. Again, the accommodation is top notch. Picture yourself sipping champagne on your balcony, the spray of the falls a gentle mist on your skin, as the sun sets in a riot of colour. Activities are plentiful but equally exclusive. We took a helicopter ride over the falls, which offers a perspective that’s simply mind blowing. Seeing the sheer scale of the chasm from above is truly awe inspiring. There are also opportunities for guided walks along the rainforest path, where you can get up close to the spray and feel its power. And for the truly adventurous, there’s bungee jumping, though I confess I opted for a more sedate sunset cruise on the Zambezi instead. Let’s just say my daredevil days are firmly in the past, replaced by a newfound appreciation for comfortable seating and excellent canapés. This isn't just a holiday; it’s a curated journey. Every detail is thought of, from the perfectly chilled wine to the seamless transfers. It’s a chance to disconnect from the everyday hustle and reconnect with the wild, but with all the comforts of home, and then some. It leaves you with a feeling of utter contentment, a healthy dose of wonder, and the nagging suspicion that normal life might just be a little bit…underwhelming from now on. |



















