Experiences in Okavango Delta

Flying safari

Experience Africa from above

Africa on the ground is pretty good, but Africa from the air is worthy of every adjective in the dictionary. Behold the flying safari! First on the list; a romantic float across the Serengeti in a hot air balloon (champagne mandatory) and the ultimate view from the Gods. But if you’re looking for something a bit different from your air-borne adventure, why not try soaring high above Victoria Falls in a tiny microlight, a fixed-wing flight over the rugged, ends-of-the-earth terrain of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast or even a spot of sky-diving in South Africa. Now that’s what we call a flying safari.

Mokoro & canoe safari

Drift through a wild paradise

The beauty of a safari is the variety of ways you can watch wildlife. Once you’ve walked alongside zebra and rubbed noses with a lion (from a vehicle!), you might think you’ve run out of options. Then along comes the mokoro safari. The quintessential Okavango experience, there’s not much that can beat a lingering float through the lush delta waterways, especially if there are G&Ts involved. Not in Botswana? Then head to Zambia for kayaking at Vic Falls and canoe trips along the Zambezi, or to South Africa to kayak among whales. Game drives are so last year.

Couple

Together, the experiences will be even more epic than you ever imagined & produce stories to last a lifetime.

Travelling together only strengthens existing bonds and offers the chance to create new and magical memories. It can unlock and unveil new facets of your personalities, whether it’s your partner’s endurance on a gorilla trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or their sense of wonder as you stand beneath the volcanoes of Indonesia. At Timbuktu, we’re also whizzes at finding the perfect balance between your unique dreams for a trip, resulting in a perfect combination.

Horseback riding

Get ready for the ride of your life

If you think you’ve done and seen it all, then how about swapping four wheels for four legs, and booking a horseback expedition through some of the world’s wildest places? Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or a nervous-but-keen beginner, there’s a riding experience out there for you. Of course, Africa is always at the top of our list for the sheer beauty of its landscapes but there is a myriad of other glorious spaces to explore from the pampas of Patagonia to the deserts of India. All that’s left to say is, giddy-up!

Fly camping & star beds

Spend a night beneath Africa's star-studded sky, contemplating the cosmos

If a night under the stars in the African bush isn’t on your bucket list, then add it, pronto! First up is fly camping, the real deal when it comes to night-time bush escapades, with bucket showers, bedrolls, gauzy mosquito nets and an enormous dollop of good, old-fashioned adventure. Prefer a few more creature comforts? A night in a star bed might be just up your street. These alfresco bedrooms take glamping to new oh-so-luxurious levels, with night-time viewings accompanied by champagne, enormous four-posters, and, in the morning, fragrant coffee (of course!).

Walking safari

Reconnect with nature in Africa's wild landscapes, on foot

There's no more intimate way to explore the wilderness than on foot, with only a pair of binos and an expert guide. Test your stamina on a heart-pumping, camp-to-camp expedition spanning several days, or take a leisurely morning stroll that ends back at camp before lunch. For us, foot safaris are all about appreciating the little moments – the call of a francolin, the fresh smell of elephants nearby, the alarm call of a kudu, or lions roaring in the distance. At Timbuktu, our favourites include the undisputed king of the walking safari, Zambia, with Botswana and southern Tanzania a close second.

Wildlife

All creatures great and small

The thrill of catching a glimpse of a swishing tail or the flash of an eye, knowing you’re the first human they have seen in a while – or for the very first time - is a truly unforgettable moment. One moment, you’re scanning the horizon, and the next, an elephant ambles into view or a monkey swings overhead. It might be a whale breaching off the coast, or a pangolin scurrying across the sand, but whatever it is, it’s real, and it’s unforgettable. At Timbuktu, we’ll get you to the right place at the right time for the best wildlife encounters - you just need to have your binoculars at the ready.

Friends

Get your gang together on a trip for the books – and realise some dreams along the way.

Is there a better way to forge new bonds or revitalise old ones than on the trip of a lifetime? We think not. No matter where you choose to go, the memories that emerge from your travels will be enough story fuel for years to come. If you’re wanting to try something new like bungee jumping at Victoria Falls or tango lessons in Buenos Aires, your friends will be there to cheer you on or join in the fun themselves. Whatever each one of you brings to the table, from bucket list dreams to one-of-a-kind ideas, our specialists are skilled at crafting the ultimate group getaway.

Honeymoon

Make it one to remember

We know the score. Weddings are exciting, but they’re also incredibly stressful. So what better way to kick off married bliss than with a honeymoon to a stunning, far-flung location? It could be the romance of a private island getaway in the Indian Ocean, an action-packed safari on the plains of Africa or a see-it-all kind of trip through the delights of Sri Lanka. Whatever your tastes, we’ve got a way with crafting utterly unforgettable honeymoons.

Family

Bring the whole troop

Seeing the world through the eyes of a child is truly magical. Everything just seems bigger, brighter, and altogether more exciting… And family holidays don’t have to mean stress, tears, or packing half the house. With a little Timbuktu magic, they become wild, wonderful, memory-making adventures that your kids will be talking about for years (and so will you). We’ve got top-notch family guides and activities ranging from archery in Kenya to surfing in Indonesia, private villas with swimming pools and enough space to tire out little legs, and chefs who can whip up pasta at the drop of a hat. So go on, bring them all!

Big five safari

Look no further for these bucket list beasts

The Holy Grail of African wild beasts, the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino) have a place in every safari-aficionado's heart, no matter how many times you’ve donned your khakis. But despite their appearance on the covers of guidebooks and every postcard in every shop, seeing all five in one trip can be difficult. And that’s where we come in. Read on for our tips on where and when to go to maximise your chances of seeing these elusive creatures (and make everyone at home green with envy!).

Solo travel

From adventures in the wilderness to deep cultural connections, travelling solo is a tonic for the soul.

At first, the idea of travelling solo may seem daunting but, in our expert hands, you’ll feel empowered to push those boundaries. The process of putting together your trip will really open you up to new activities and passions, with the only priority being your priorities. Ironically, a trip like this will likely lead to deeper connections with the people you meet, whether it’s local guides or fellow travellers. Ultimately, is there any better person to spend the trip of your dreams with than yourself?

Okavango Delta

What to do in Okavango Delta