We are going to Botswana in April and staying at the above lodges, then we have two more nights before flying out of Joburg around 7 PM. One option would be to do two nights in Victoria Falls, but we are also wondering if we should do Joburg?

Vic falls over Jo'Burg 100%. It is a very impressive sight

Joburg doesn't have much to offer. We spent one night there mostly catching up on sleep and went to an open air handi-craft market but that was it.

I've heard nice things about the Falls but never been myself.

By the way, I approve of your choice of lodges in Botswana. ^

Victoria Falls, it is. We've decided on The River Club for a couple of nights to relax before heading off to Florence for 3 nights before heading home. Hopefully we can relax before heading to Florence.

Ericka - I read your review of Jao & Kings Pool. Sounds like you had an amazing time. ^

From all of my research, I'd say you have some pretty amazing lodges in Botswana! I am looking forward to hearing about your trip!


The distance may be too great but another idea instead of the falls may be some sort of spa such as Bushman's Kloof--it is very highly reviewed and may be a relaxing break before heading to Europe. Here's a link to the property, which is closer to Capetwon than Jo'berg. . .http://www.bushmanskloof.co.za/index.php

I would do Victoria Falls---I agree there is not much in Joberg---My wife and I stayed at the River Club last year and were disappointed. I would stay at the Royal Livingston
Also we stayed at Mombo Camp---The game viewing is the best!!!!

Vic Falls for sure. Perhaps the most awe inspiring natural wonder I've ever experienced. And you've chosen great camps! Should be a great trip! Be sure to take a helicopter trip over the falls.

We are doing Victoria Falls in the beginning and staying at The River Club. We looked at other properties there, but other choices weren't that much better than The River Club.

There was a slight change to our schedule. Instead of Jao, we were staying at Vumbura due to the flood level and game viewing at Jao. Both concessions will be pretty flooded in mid-Paril, but the report from Wilderness Sarafi is that Vumbura will provide better game viewing than Jao. We still have a choice of switching to Jao if we want to, so we'll see what happens.

Our trip is going to end with Little Mombo. Can't wait!


By the way, has anyone been to Vumbura Plains? We were recommended to stay at Vumbura over Jao due to the possible flood issue, and the game viewing might be better at Vumbura. Vumbura looks wonderful but it is a bigger concession.

I have also been to Vumbura Plains. The rooms are amongst the largest and most luxurious in Botswana. And generally the game viewing will be better there. I would take the advice you're getting from WS. I have always found them to be very good in their recommendations.

Have you read the reviews of Livingston hotels on tripadvisor.com?

We really liked Toka Leya , Livingstone - the team , food , complimentary activities and general atmosphere. The location right on the river was a real plus. Good air conditioning was appreciated though was not quite required at night when it got close to freezing - this was in May but good for the afternoons.
The fingers of the river goes right under the tent - at least , the one we were in. It was very nice that they put us in a ' family ' one though it was only 2 of us.
Food may have been the best among the camps or was I still jet lagged??

King's Pool was OK for us...giant hippos by our tent made things rather exciting

Just remember to heed instructions to stay on the walkways at all camps

I did not enjoy J'burg.