Bushtracks Safari Legends – Trip Reflection
Ten days of magic in Southern Africa…
We left Johannesburg on a Federal Air Grand Caravan, flying at low altitude over the plateau and descending into the legendary Mala-Mala. There, the incredible Mike climbed into all our hearts, gently guiding us into the rhythm of the African bush. From impala, kudu, nyala, and duiker to steenbok, giraffe, lazy lions, elephant, and the elusive leopard with her cubs — it was a feast for the soul and the senses.
Reluctantly, two days later, we boarded a short flight to KMIA and onward to Limpopo Valley Airfield — and that’s where things truly became indescribable.
Waiting for us was a lush, unusually green landscape, shimmering with life thanks to recent rains. What we experienced here defies words. After 22 years of leading safaris, I can honestly say this was the most breathtaking leopard sighting of my life. The light was perfect, the setting cinematic, and the photographic opportunities simply out of this world.
We visited the photo hide too — an experience that brought us so close to the elephants, you could feel them in your bones. At one point, it felt as if they blew water right into our faces. (Not quite, but almost! ) The magic continued with cheetah — a mother with three grown cubs, likely nearing the end of their time with her. We saw a journey of giraffe silhouetted against golden skies and majestic herds of eland — not just one or two, but many! There was a calmness in the bush, a gentleness in how the animals moved around us, as if everything were in balance.
And then… Mashatu Lodge. What a place. What a team. The sincerity of the staff, the deep knowledge of the rangers, and the heartfelt hospitality left a mark on all of us. These are not just employees — they are Motswanans who live in rhythm with nature, and that authenticity shines through in every encounter. It is real. It is moving. It is unforgettable.
Saying goodbye was not easy. We left with full memory cards, fuller hearts, and the kind of memories that do not fade.
After a heartfelt farewell to Mashatu, we boarded a Mac Air flight and soared northward toward the Okavango Delta. En route, we flew over the shimmering Makgadikgadi Pans — one of the largest salt flats in the world. Once a vast prehistoric lake, this surreal landscape now alternates between stark salt-crusted emptiness and seasonal bursts of life, attracting herds of zebra and wildebeest during the rains.
We landed at the Kwara Airstrip around midday and set off on an hour-long drive toward the lodge — a game drive in itself. We encountered our first buffalo, along with other relaxed wildlife welcoming us to the Delta.
After settling into our rooms, we enjoyed a light lunch served by the warm and efficient lodge team. Around 3 PM, we met for high tea and headed out on our first Okavango game drive, where we were spoiled with more incredible lion sightings, buffalo, tsessebe, red lechwe, and a seemingly endless sea of zebra. The Delta felt alive — possibly a sign of the zebra migration gathering pace as the herds move closer to water, being highly water-dependent.
Although wild dogs eluded us, the bush never felt empty. Each day was rich with sightings and photographic opportunities, and as if to send us off properly, our final morning drive delivered one of the trip’s most striking moments: a massive herd of over 300 buffalo, calm and powerful, grazing close enough to feel their presence deep in your chest.
That final afternoon, we traded four wheels for water — a serene boat ride through the lush, meandering channels of the Delta. Time slowed as we glided past reeds and lilies and their reflections, watching the light soften. We stopped at a bird nesting island, where we observed Saddle-billed Storks, Great White Egrets, and a host of other waterbirds in their natural element. The air was still, the scene poetic — a moment of pure calm to end our Okavango experience.
From the Okavango Delta, we boarded another smooth Mac Air flight, this time from Kwara Airstrip to Kasane. It was a relaxed journey at low altitude, just over an hour long. We touched down in Kasane and were warmly greeted by the Bushtracks team, who transferred us to the new jetty at Chobe Safari Lodge.
By around 11 a.m., we were comfortably aboard our Bushtracks Chobe River boat cruise — and what a day it turned out to be.
Lunch on board was simply exceptional. Surrounded by friends and the shimmering waters of the Chobe, everyone relaxed with a glass of wine, a cold beer, or a soft drink of their choice. As we cruised between the many islands that punctuate the broad expanse of the river, it felt like Africa had come together in a single breathtaking panorama.
One of the most unforgettable moments was a full elephant crossing — a line of elephants slowly making their way across the river, their trunks just above the water like little snorkels, forming a peaceful procession from one bank to the other.
There was one moment that truly thrilled me — a hippo, lying motionless in the soft winter sun. He looked completely at ease, and we were close enough to almost see him smile, dreaming of fields of soft, grassy wetlands.
Remember the water monsters? The large crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, soaking up the afternoon sun? And the fish eagle perched calmly for nearly half an hour? The river was alive with swallows, waterbirds, and quiet movement — a living canvas of African stillness.
By 14:15, we disembarked and headed to the Kazungula border, where the crossing into Zimbabwe was smooth. On the other side, Bushtracks Zimbabwe welcomed us, and we met Taffy, our guide for the final leg of the journey. Tireless, gracious, and endlessly helpful, Taffy quickly became part of our story.
And then, Victoria Falls — the awe-inspiring Smoke That Thunders. We walked through the rainforest, drenched in spray, shoes squelching and faces soaked, laughing beneath the rainbow that arched over the gorge and pathways. Such a stark, wild contrast to our sandy Delta experience. The roar, the mist, the wonder — it humbles you.
We were graciously hosted at the Grand Old Lady herself — the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel. A place where kings and queens have stayed, and where we, too, were treated like royalty. From polished wood to crisp linen, it was a stay steeped in elegance and history
Tonight, we ride the Bushtracks Steam Train, enjoying dinner on the Victoria Falls Bridge at sunset. What a way to end a journey — suspended above the Falls, suspended in time
And last but never least… Josie. I see a bright light in the tunnel, and I believe Bushtracks has the heart and talent to lead again in African coordination, organisation, planning, adventure, and hospitality. There is a reason they have had my loyalty for over twenty years. David and his team are unparalleled — they simply are the best!
Josie, thank you for being exactly who you are — sincere, creative, energetic. You sell Africa without even trying.
“Tatenda. Musare zvakanaka….”
Goodbye and stay safe. Until we meet again. It was a privilege.
Vivienne & Josie, & the incredible Bushtracks team that brought this journey to life.
Click here to view the full itinerary and details for Safari Legends 2026.
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