Sample Trip

15 Night Victoria Falls, Botswana & Mozambique Honeymoon

The ultimate honeymoon journey: from the thunder of Victoria Falls through Botswana's finest wildlife areas to the pristine beaches of Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago.
Budget level: Top-End
Country
Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe
When to Go
April to Dec
Duration
15 Nights
Safari Type
Lodge
Location
Northern Botswana, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Vilanculos & Bazaruto Archipelago
Kids Min Age
14

Itinerary in Brief

2 Nights at Shongwe Samanzi, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

2 Nights at Ngoma Safari Lodge, Chobe, Botswana

2 Nights at Monachira Camp, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana

3 Nights at Gomoti Plains Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana

1 Night at African Rock Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa

5 Nights at Azura Benguerra, Benguerra Island, Mozambique

mozambique bazaruto archipelago azura benguerra 2

What better way to begin married life than with a true adventure? This honeymoon journey combines three of Southern Africa’s most romantic destinations: the dramatic Victoria Falls, Botswana’s exceptional wildlife areas, and the pristine white sand beaches of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago.

Your journey begins at Victoria Falls—the “Smoke that Thunders”—where you’ll stay at Shongwe Samanzi, the newest lodge in the award-winning Shongwe Collection. This adults-only retreat features fifteen cabana-style rooms surrounding six cascading pools with nine waterfalls, a swim-up bar, and an underground wine cellar—the perfect romantic start to your honeymoon.

From here, cross into Botswana for an unforgettable safari experience: first at Ngoma Safari Lodge overlooking the elephant-rich Chobe floodplains, then deeper into the Okavango Delta at two exceptional camps. Monachira Camp offers an immersive water-focused experience in the Moremi Game Reserve, while Gomoti Plains Camp delivers diverse land and water activities in the Gomoti river system.

The safari portion delivers romance in its purest form—sundowners overlooking the African wilderness, dinners under star-filled skies, and the thrill of encountering lions, leopards, elephants, and wild dogs in their natural habitat. With honeymoon specials at each Machaba property, expect private bush dinners, couples’ massages, and champagne moments throughout.

After nine nights of safari immersion, you’ll fly to Mozambique for five nights of barefoot luxury at Azura Benguerra on Benguerra Island. Mozambique’s first eco-boutique retreat and the country’s only Carbon Neutral certified resort, Azura offers just 20 villas nestled along one of the last undiscovered stretches of beach in the world—each with a private infinity pool, beach sala, and dedicated Mozambican butler-host.

This is honeymoon perfection: adventure, wildlife, romance, and relaxation in one seamless journey.

Highlights

  • Witness the magnificent Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
  • Stay at Shongwe Samanzi with its unique cascading pools, swim-up bar, and underground wine cellar
  • Experience Chobe’s legendary elephant herds from Ngoma Safari Lodge’s spectacular elevated position
  • Discover Monachira Camp’s unique wetlands environment with mokoro, boating safaris, and nature walks
  • Explore the diverse habitats of the Gomoti river system with both water and land-based activities
  • Receive honeymoon specials including private bush dinners, couples’ massages, and champagne
  • Escape to Benguerra Island—one of the last undiscovered stretches of beach in the world
  • Stay at Mozambique’s first eco-boutique retreat and only Carbon Neutral certified resort
  • Enjoy your own private infinity pool, beach sala, and dedicated Mozambican butler-host
  • Snorkel the famous Two-Mile Reef, sail on traditional dhow cruises, and explore pristine islands

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1–2: Shongwe Samanzi, Victoria Falls

Welcome to Zimbabwe! Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you’ll be met and transferred privately to Shongwe Samanzi, the third and newest lodge in Shongwe Collection’s award-winning portfolio.

Samanzi offers easy, barefoot luxury just one kilometre from town and two kilometres from the famous Victoria Falls. Fifteen beautifully appointed cabana-style rooms provide private access to central pools which cascade over three tiers, creating intimacy and a playful sense of fun. Order a handcrafted cocktail at the sophisticated swim-up bar without ever leaving the water, soak out aches and pains in the bar-side jacuzzi, or kick back on any of the many decks and islands.

Each cabana features king-sized extra-length beds, indoor and outdoor showers, a bath, air conditioning and fans, a complimentary mini bar, and a private verandah deck overhanging the pool with sun loungers. The underground wine cellar offers exceptional vintages paired with intimate private dining experiences, while the sunken fire pit set into the main pool provides the perfect ambiance for relaxed conversations under the stars.

Guests also have access to the iconic Shongwe Lookout Tower next door, offering stunning views of the Zambezi River valley and the spray rising from Victoria Falls—perfect for sunrise coffee or sunset cocktails.

Your second day is at leisure to explore the wonders of Victoria Falls. Optional activities include guided tours to the falls themselves, helicopter flights over the gorge (the famous “Flight of Angels”), sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, and adrenaline activities like bungee jumping and white-water rafting. The Mvula Spa is conveniently located next door for those seeking additional pampering.

Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Samanzi (31)

Day 3–4: Ngoma Safari Lodge, Chobe

A private transfer takes you across the border into Botswana to Ngoma Safari Lodge, a boutique property perched on a rocky escarpment within the Chobe Forest Reserve. The lodge commands unrivalled panoramic views over the Chobe River and Caprivi floodplain—some of the best sunset views in all of Botswana.

Chobe National Park is known as the “Land of the Giants,” home to Africa’s largest elephant population. From Ngoma’s elevated position, you’ll watch herds of elephants, buffalo, zebra, and giraffe moving across the floodplain below—all visible from your private deck, your bed, or even your bathtub.

Each of the eight luxuriously styled thatched suites features floor-to-ceiling glass windows ensuring this amazing view can be enjoyed at all times. Rooms include an enormous bathtub, indoor and outdoor showers, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, mini bar, tea and coffee facilities with Nespresso machine, and a private outdoor living area with a “refresh and relax” plunge pool. Local fabrics, building materials, and handmade artefacts provide authentic touches throughout.

The lodge offers flexible activities: morning game drives in Chobe National Park yield large game densities, particularly during the drier months. Boat safaris on the Chobe River provide the perfect way to observe hippos, crocodiles, and elephants swimming across channels. Night drives in the Forest Reserve’s private concession introduce you to nocturnal wildlife rarely seen during the day—hyenas, African wild cats, bush-babies, and honey badgers. Full-day safaris with picnic lunches can also be arranged, along with cultural visits to the local village and school.

botswana chobe national park ngoma safari lodge1

Day 5–6: Monachira Camp, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta

A light aircraft flight carries you deeper into the Okavango Delta to Monachira Camp, Machaba Safaris’ newest property situated on the edge of the Monachira channel within the Moremi Game Reserve. Opened in May 2025, this classic safari camp offers an immersive experience in the wetlands’ beautiful and diverse landscapes.

Named after the permanent waterway flowing alongside it, Monachira is built on elevated wooden decks providing sweeping views of the floodplains teeming with wildlife. The camp occupies a remote and peaceful haven—one of the select few camps able to offer year-round water safaris in the Okavango Delta thanks to its location on this permanent channel.

Feel close to nature with only a layer of canvas between you and the wilds. The accommodation seamlessly blends nostalgia with contemporary luxuries: eight luxury double tents (98m² each) and two family tents (196m² each) fan out on either side of an expansive main area. Each designer tent features a stunning bedroom, en-suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers, patio deck, and relaxation area—all with sweeping views of the surrounding wetlands. Premium quality mattresses, bedding, and furnishings ensure luxurious comfort, while solar energy and low-impact design ensure a minimal eco-footprint.

The main area includes a tented lounge and dining area, bar, curio shop, fire pit for pre-dinner drinks, and a swimming pool with sundecks overlooking the floodplains—perfect for cooling off after your safari. Spa services are available in the comfort of your own room.

What makes Monachira truly special is its focus on water activities and walking safaris. The camp is situated not far from the famous Gudigwa heronries, offering spectacular viewing of thousands of nesting herons, egrets, and storks. Motorboat safaris cruise through the calm waterways spotting aquatic species and birdlife, while peaceful mokoro excursions at water level height provide a calming, intimate wildlife-viewing experience through the reed-lined channels and water lilies.

Nature walks explore the myriad islands surrounding the camp, offering a chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, and a wide variety of Okavango species. Birding enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to spot the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl and the rare sitatunga—a semi-aquatic swamp antelope unique to these wetland environments. Game drives are also available for those wanting to cover more ground.

Botswana Monachira Camp (11)

Day 7–9: Gomoti Plains Camp, Okavango Delta

A short charter flight takes you to Gomoti Plains Camp, lying on the edge of the Gomoti River system in a private community-run concession in the south-eastern Okavango Delta. Named after the river it borders, the camp is nestled beside one of the smaller floodplains, framed by towering palm trees and mature leadwood trees.

Gomoti Plains finds the perfect balance between authenticity and comfortable luxury. Ten eco-luxurious canvas tents sit on raised wooden decks, each providing front-row views of nearby watering holes—natural gathering points for a diverse array of wildlife. While paraffin-style lanterns set a classic safari tone at dusk, the interiors have a contemporary feel: smart, light, and bright with wooden floors and thoughtful touches.

Each tent features an en-suite bedroom with modern bathroom, private patio deck with daybed and seating, indoor and outdoor showers, and romantic open-air bathing. In-room spa treatments add a touch of indulgence. The main areas include a moderately sized swimming pool overlooking the river, perfect for relaxing between activities.

The area around camp offers a remarkable mixture of habitats—mopane woodland, open grasslands, riverine forest, and seasonal floodplains—resulting in exceptional wildlife diversity. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives, night drives after dinner seeking nocturnal species like aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, and the rarely seen pangolin. Mokoro and motorboat safaris operate when water levels permit (typically mid-April to September), and walking safaris explore the bush on foot with armed guides. For something truly special, optional helicopter flights with a champagne stop on a remote island can be arranged.

The combination of water and land activities makes Gomoti one of the most versatile safari experiences in the Delta—a fitting finale to your Botswana adventure.

gomoti camp machaba tent night

Day 10: African Rock Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg

After a final morning activity, you’ll fly by charter to Maun and connect with a scheduled flight to Johannesburg (regional flight not included). A comfortable overnight at African Rock Hotel & Spa allows you to decompress before your onward journey to Mozambique.

This exclusive boutique hotel is nestled in a serene and secure residential suburb of Kempton Park, just 10 kilometres from OR Tambo International Airport—crucially, away from the flight paths of arriving and departing planes. With quick highway access to Johannesburg, Sandton, and Pretoria, it’s perfectly positioned for transit while offering genuine relaxation.

The property features eleven beautifully appointed rooms set amidst a well-established lush tropical garden, a heated swimming pool, full-service spa, gym, and spacious outdoor patio. Free private airport meet-and-greet and return transfers are included, along with a complimentary 15-minute back, neck, and shoulder massage to help you unwind after your safari adventures.

Each luxury suite offers king or twin beds (extra length), a minibar, coffee and tea station with plunger coffee, satellite TV, desk, and full en-suite bathroom with bath, separate shower, and toilet.

Day 11–15: Azura Benguerra, Benguerra Island, Mozambique

After breakfast, the hotel shuttle transfers you to the airport for your flight to Vilanculos, Mozambique (regional flight not included). Upon arrival, a helicopter transfer whisks you across the turquoise waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago to Azura Benguerra on Benguerra Island.

The contrast couldn’t be more perfect. After nine nights of safari adventure, you’ll spend five nights in barefoot luxury at Mozambique’s first eco-boutique retreat—and the country’s only Carbon Neutral certified resort. Just 20 villas are nestled along one of the last undiscovered stretches of beach in the world, each hand-crafted by local villagers and designed to optimise turquoise views, beachfront access, and complete seclusion.

Every villa features a private infinity plunge pool, a shaded beachfront sala, panoramic sea views, and the attentive service of a dedicated Mozambican butler-host who will look after your every need—from serving meals on your private deck to delivering sunset cocktails each evening. The interiors combine modern elegance with traditional African design—carved wooden beams, local artwork, and natural materials under a thatched roof.

Villa options range from intimate Beach Villas ideal for couples, to spacious Infinity Beach Villas with extended lounging areas, to the magnificent Royal Beach Villas offering 172 square metres of space with 30 metres of beach frontage and private Jacuzzi.

Your days are yours to fill as you please. Azura’s experiences can be as relaxed or adventurous as you choose, hosted by experienced local guides who share their passion for the pristine environments of the protected Bazaruto Marine National Park:

  • Island hopping by speedboat to Bazaruto Dune, Pansy Island, and Paradise Island (Santa Carolina) with picnic lunches on pristine beaches
  • Snorkelling the famous Two-Mile Reef and “The Aquarium”—vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish
  • Traditional dhow sunset cruises sailing past dolphins and dugongs
  • Scuba diving at the PADI-certified dive centre exploring one of Africa’s last remaining marine biodiversity hotspots
  • Island drives by Land Rover to the Red Dune (the highest point on the island), crocodile lakes, and local villages
  • Horse riding along the beach at sunset
  • Deep-sea fishing including tag-and-release for prized Black Marlin
  • Spa treatments using natural shea butter and olive oils
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding in crystal-clear waters

Or simply relax by your private pool, stroll the endless white sand beach, and watch the traditional dhows sail past.

By staying at Azura, you’re also contributing to meaningful conservation and community development through the Rainbow Fund—supporting the island’s first school (now educating 490 children and sending 34 to high school on the mainland) and first clinic, both built by Azura in partnership with the local community.

This is the perfect honeymoon finale: five days of romance, relaxation, and barefoot luxury before returning home with memories to last a lifetime.

mozambique bazaruto archipelago azura benguerra 1

Day 15 – Departure:

A final morning on the beach before your helicopter transfer returns you to Vilanculos Airport for your journey home—with wonderful memories!

When To Go

janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Northern Botswana GoodGoodBestBestBestGoodBestBestBestGoodGoodGood
Okavango Delta GoodGoodBestBestBestBestBestBestBestGoodGoodGood
Victoria Falls MixedMixedMixedGoodGoodBestBestBestBestBestGoodGood
Vilanculos & Bazaruto Archipelago MixedMixedGoodGoodBestBestBestBestBestBestGoodGood
Best = Best Good = Good Mixed = Mixed
Botswana Monachira Camp (20)

Ready for an adventure? Lets Talk!

Contact SAFARI FRANK to get started on your safari of a lifetime!