| Right then, gather round, you discerning adventurers! If the thought of roughing it involves slightly less champagne than you’re accustomed to, then this little escapade is precisely what the doctor, or rather, the highly efficient concierge, ordered. We’re talking six glorious days of pure indulgence, swapping dodgy hostel beds for silk sheets and questionable camp coffee for perfectly brewed single origin. This isn't your average, dusty safari; this is the ‘posh frock and gin and tonic’ version, centred around the thunderous majesty of Victoria Falls and the wildlife wonderland of Chobe. Let’s kick off with Victoria Falls, or Mosi oa Tunya ‘the Smoke that Thunders’ if you’re feeling fancy. And you should be, because this trip is all about feeling fancy. Imagine standing on the edge of the world, or at least it feels like it, with spray from this colossal curtain of water misting your designer sunglasses. It’s utterly breathtaking, of course, but the real luxury here is how they manage the crowds. Think private viewing decks, expertly guided tours that whisk you past the masses, and perhaps even a helicopter ride overhead for that truly ‘I’ve made it’ perspective. You can practically hear the lions purring in appreciation from up there. After you’ve had your fill of nature’s most dramatic water feature, it’s a short, comfortable hop to the Chobe National Park. Now, Chobe is famous for its elephants. And I mean, *a lot* of elephants. Forget spotting a solitary specimen; here, you’ll see herds so vast they’ll make you question the very definition of ‘large animal’. Imagine cruising along the Chobe River in a private boat, sundowner in hand, as a family of elephants casually strolls past, not batting an eyelid at your presence. It’s like a scene from a particularly well funded nature documentary, only you’re the star, and the catering is significantly better. The accommodation, naturally, is where the ‘exclusive luxury’ really shines. We’re talking lodges that are more boutique hotel than tent. Think infinity pools overlooking watering holes, private butlers who know your preferred tipple before you do, and meals that would put Michelin star restaurants to shame. I confess, I did spend a rather embarrassing amount of time contemplating whether my pyjamas were sufficiently opulent for breakfast. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it. What else can you expect? Well, there are game drives, of course, but not the bumpy, crowded kind. These are in open top vehicles with expert guides who can spot a leopard hidden in plain sight while simultaneously explaining the mating rituals of the dung beetle. They’re not just drivers; they’re walking encyclopedias with a PhD in ‘spotting things you’d definitely miss’. You might even get to enjoy a champagne picnic lunch during your safari, which, let’s be honest, is the only sensible way to refuel when you’re surrounded by such magnificence. This isn't just about ticking boxes on a wildlife checklist; it's about experiencing the raw beauty of Africa with every conceivable comfort. It’s about feeling utterly pampered while simultaneously feeling utterly insignificant in the face of nature’s grandeur. And if, like me, you occasionally find yourself wondering if your hat is adequately accessorised for spotting a wild dog, then this is your tribe. It’s an adventure, a feast for the senses, and a serious ego boost, all rolled into one glorious, unforgettable package. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a private sundowner to attend. |






















