On arrival in Maun, you will be met in the arrivals hall by your representative. You are assisted through to the lounge and from here taken to your area for your light aircraft into the Okavango Delta. On arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by your ranger from the lodge and transferred to your lodge, where you will spend 3 nights. You have time to settle into your room before enjoying High Tea overlooking the bush. You set off on your afternoon game drive and return to the lodge for dinner.
Flight time: Maun to the Okavango Delta – ± 20 to 30 minutes
The Okavango Delta in Botswana with its richly diverse wildlife species is one of the premium destinations in the world for a dynamic safari experience. This 22,000 square kilometre area offers a truly unique wilderness safari in Africa. The Delta forms where the Okavango River disappears beneath the sands of Botswana.
Although the periphery is semi-arid, the Okavango Delta itself is a patchwork of cool clear streams, lagoons, floodplains and forested islands. In the dry winter season vast numbers of wildlife flock to where the floodwaters infiltrate the delta, providing one of the world’s most spectacular sights.
The world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve covers part of the Delta and is known as the ‘predator capital of Africa’. It is also home to the Big Five and large herds of elephant and buffalo. Famed for its big cat and bird population, the Delta is a peaceful haven where animals have been protected for decades. Watch giraffe and other plains game march across the savannah.
You might even catch a glimpse of rare wild dogs stalking the plains. Wide grassy floodplains are host to a magnificent array of wild animals, including the specially adapted sitatunga and lechwe antelopes. Within this lacework of channels, game viewing and bird watching are frequently guided from mokoro (dugout canoes) or more commonly, environmentally-friendly fibreglass replicas. In these slender flat-bottomed craft, guests are propelled by expert polers, many of whom were born in the Okavango Delta and know the winding waterways and their inhabitants intimately.
After breakfast and your morning activity, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Kasane Airport. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by your ranger and transferred to your lodge, where you spend 2 nights.
You have time to settle into your room, before enjoying High Tea overlooking the bush. You set off on your afternoon game drive and return to the lodge for dinner.
Transfer time: Xugana Island Lodge to the airstrip: 15 to 30 minutes
Flight time: Okavango Delta to Kasane: ± 1 hour
Transfer time: Kasane Airport to your lodge – ± 1 hour (game viewing en route)
Chobe National Park on Botswana’s north-west border is a pristine wilderness of open plains, baobab trees, ancient woodland, swamps and flood plains and is home to the greatest concentration of game in the entire southern African subcontinent. One of Africa’s most beautiful rivers, the Chobe River forms the Park’s northern boundary. The Chobe riverfront area is most famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, which come down to the river in huge herds to drink during the dry winter months. During this season, one may see hundreds of elephants at one time. Other species include waterbuck, lechwe, puku (this is the only part of Botswana where they can be seen), giraffe, kudu, roan and sable, impala, warthog, bushbuck, monkeys and baboons, along with the accompanying predators lion, leopard, hyena and jackal. Over 460 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it one of Africa’s premier venues for bird Safaris. A highlight of Chobe is taking a river cruise, which allows you to get up close with hippo, crocodile and a mind-boggling array of water birds. You also get really close to animals that come down to the river.
After breakfast and your morning activity, you check out and meet your driver in reception. From here you are transferred across the border to Zimbabwe and your hotel, where you spend 3 nights.
The afternoon is at leisure and we recommend a visit to the Victoria Falls.
The Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world. See the mighty Zambezi River as it thunders over the 1700-metre-wide Victoria Falls and plunges 100 metres into a narrow gorge below. The great columns of spray rising from the tumultuous falls can be seen from 80 kilometres away on a clear day. If you are lucky enough to be there at full moon, a “moonbow” can be seen in the spray instead of the usual daylight rainbow.
Transfer time: Chobe to your hotel in Victoria Falls: ± 2 hours
The Falls’ local name, Mosi-Oa-Tunya – “the Smoke that Thunders” – more accurately defines the essence of the place: the rising, shining spray that can be seen 30km away. This vapour has the effect of adding moisture in the form of humidity to the air in the “splash zone”, so that a unique, small rainforest ecosystem clings to the edge of the Falls, providing a toehold for no less than 70 shrub and 150 herbaceous species, as well as trees such as pod and Natal mahogany, ebony, Cape and strangler fig and Transvaal red milkwood. There are two National Parks in the vicinity: the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya Zoological Park in Zambia, which means that herds of big game such as elephant and buffalo, as well as smaller species and even predators such as lion persist in the area.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. From here you are transferred to the Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg, you have a few hours at the airport before connecting with your evening flight home.
Transfer time: Victoria Falls hotel to Victoria Falls Airport: ± 30 minutes
Flight time: Victoria Falls to Johannesburg: ± 2 hours
Xugana Island Lodge is situated on a private concession and takes full advantage of this magnificent site. An expansive deck and al fresco dining area overlook the vast, pristine body of water that makes up the permanent Okavango Delta.
The lounge, bar and dining areas are set back under the Ebony and African Mangosteen tree canopy in open-sided thatched structures, and the swimming pool, located within the mature gardens in the centre of the island, is a perfect place to relax.
The lodge accommodates only sixteen guests in large, raised, reed and thatch lagoon-facing chalets, with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks optimally placed on the shaded fringe of the island.
Xugana Lagoon is widely recognised as the most spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta, which itself is Africa’s largest and most awe-inspiring oasis. The Okavango River rises in the highlands of Angola yet never reaches the sea; instead its immense waters empty over the sands of the Kalahari, where the great thirst of the desert is quenched in a wilderness of freshwater lagoons, channels and islands.
Picturesquely situated 100 km west of Victoria Falls, overlooking the Chobe River and the Caprivi floodplains, the iconic Chobe Game Lodge is the only permanent safari lodge within the Chobe National Park.
The lodge accommodates up to 94 guests in absolute luxury. Rooms are river-facing, and include minibars, en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee-making facilities as well as private terraces. In addition, four exclusive suites have their own plunge pools and separate lounges.
Other facilities at the lodge include a large swimming pool with an adjacent terrace and a grassy riverside boma area. There is also a library, gym, beauty salon and a stylish cigar bar overlooking the Chobe River.
Chobe Game Lodge offers a choice of land or water-based activities and the most complete game experience in the Chobe National Park. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are conducted by expert guides in open-sided 4×4 vehicles to ensure maximum visibility of Chobe National Park’s spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Meanwhile, riverside game viewing is conducted by small and highly manoeuvrable boats, perfect for morning or sunset cruises. Guests can also enjoy the wide expanses of the Chobe River with sundowners and snacks courtesy of the lodge’s double-decker river cruiser, the Mosi-oa-Tunya. The professional guides and resident environmentalists also offer the chance to spot some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most beautiful constellations on the stargazing deck.
Ilala Lodge offers distinguished yet affordable accommodation in a gracious and secluded ambience. The decor evokes a bygone era of adventure and discovery in Africa. This small hotel is ideally situated and is the closest to Victoria Falls as well as the town centre. The Victoria Falls National Park borders the front of the property, and wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background.
Ilala Lodge offers 32 standard rooms and 2 deluxe suites. The rooms are all spacious with railway sleeper teak furnishings and patio doors leading onto either an open lawn or a balcony where you are afforded a view of the spray of the falls from the upper-level rooms. All standard rooms at Ilala Lodge have 2 x ¾ beds, an ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning and an overhead fan. The deluxe suites have a king-size bed and have room for a child’s bed.
The in-house Palm Restaurant is recognised as one of the finest at the Falls. Relax around the swimming pool or enjoy a drink at the open-air bar.
Awake to a gentle tap on your cottage door at dawn. After tea or coffee and a few biscuits or rusks, your guide will be on hand to discuss your game activity hopes in eager anticipation of taking you on an adventure of a lifetime. Hop into an awaiting safari vehicle or motor boat and set off on an enthralling morning game drive.
The Okavango Delta is home to a large number of species adapted to the semi-aquatic lifestyle, such as the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga. Lions, cheetahs, leopards and African wild dogs may be encountered, while families of hippo hide in the deeper channels and lagoons. The area supports the continent’s largest surviving concentration of elephants and buffalo, while roan and sable antelope roam the open woodlands. Upon your return to your Lodge, a delicious breakfast is ready to be served. Enjoy a leisurely walk near the camp with an armed guide or simply savour the sights and sounds of the lodge and surrounds in the comfort of your exclusively luxurious cottage ahead of a scrumptious lunch. Indulge in a refreshing dip in the lodge pool or treat yourself to an afternoon siesta. Late afternoon tea will then be served ahead of another enthralling game drive experience where you can observe the wildlife of the area and their habits as the day begins to end. Alternatively, an afternoon boat ride adventure can be enjoyed on a mokoro dug-out canoe or a motorised boat, allowing you the opportunity to explore the Delta at eye level. Upon your return, a mouth-watering dinner will be served under a canopy of stars and the African velvet sky above.
Chobe National Park on Botswana’s northwest border is a pristine wilderness of open plains, baobab trees, ancient woodland, swamps and flood plains and is home to the greatest concentration of game in the entire southern African subcontinent. One of Africa’s most beautiful rivers, the Chobe River forms the Park’s northern boundary. The Chobe Riverfront area is most famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, which come down to the river in huge herds to drink during the dry winter months. During this season, one may see hundreds of elephants at one time. Other species include waterbuck, lechwe, puku (this is the only part of Botswana where they can be seen), giraffe, kudu, roan and sable, impala, warthog, bushbuck, monkeys and baboons, along with the accompanying predators lion, leopard, hyena and jackal.
Over 460 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it one of Africa’s premier venues for bird Safaris. A highlight of Chobe is taking a river cruise, which allows you to get up close with hippos, crocodiles and a mind-boggling array of water birds. You also get really close to animals that come down to the river.
Elephants feature largely on any activity in Chobe, as the largest population left in Africa occupies this northern corner between Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Game drives in open-sided 4 x 4 vehicles bring these grey giants into easy reach as they drink and frolic at the water’s edge in their boisterous herds. Thrilling game drives led by our qualified professional guides bring you close to hippos, buffalo, puku and other animals that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. The puku, a small rusty-brown antelope, alongside impala, kudu and red lechwe, are only a few of the common antelope found here. Naturally, lions and leopards are also found in the area.
The best way to end a day of safari here is sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the still waters of the Chobe River from the comfort of the lodge’s specially designed riverboats. Sundowner cruises are also a great way of seeing buffalo up close as they come out of the shade to graze in the cooler evenings and elephants as they wade in the river. Chobe is renowned for its abundance of dramatic sable and roan antelopes with their impressive horns.
You meet your driver in the reception area and transfer to the jetty. Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Malachite. Like the exquisite bird after which it was named, the “Malachite” is one of the Zambezi River’s crowning gems. On the upper deck, guests are offered a glass of sparkling wine to sip as they settle into the plush cushions. As the sun sets, it is swallowed by the river, leaving pools of colour melting through the sky.
Dinner, freshly prepared on board, is served on the lower deck. The rich aroma of locally sourced, fresh ingredients wafts around diners as the dishes are plated. Time seems to stand still as the boat gently glides along to the sound of water lapping up against her hull. A barman and three intuitive waiters anticipate guests’ needs, serving a selection of lively cocktails and imported premium spirits throughout their journey. Far removed from the glare of city lights and noise, the moon and stars shine brightly in the sky and an atmosphere of mystery and romance envelopes the evening’s experience.
Your guide will meet you in reception and from here you depart for the Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world. See the mighty Zambezi River as it thunders over the 1700-metre-wide Victoria Falls and plunges 100 metres into a narrow gorge below. The great columns of spray rising from the tumultuous falls can be seen from 80 kilometres away on a clear day. If you are lucky enough to be there at full moon, a “moonbow” can be seen in the spray instead of the usual daylight rainbow.
Victoria Falls is the unchallenged adventure capital of Africa with more than 50 activities available. Here is our selection of the best:
Tiger fishing:
Spend a half day on the Zambezi River fishing for one of the great freshwater game fish – The Tigerfish. These powerful, swift predators are truly thrilling to catch.
Canoeing:
Paddle slowly down the Zambezi River in a canoe with some of the best wildlife guides in Africa and enjoy the beauty, peace and wildlife of this unique place. Explore islands and waterways and learn about the birds and animals you come across along the route.
Flight of Angels Helicopter Flip over the Falls:
At ground level, you can feel the enormous power of the Victoria Falls as tremendous volumes of water pound into the chasm below. But it is only when you take to the air that you can take in the whole panorama and enormity of this mighty spectacle.
Bungi Jumping:
Bungi jump off the 111-metre-high railway bridge into the Zambezi gorge, stopping just metres from the rushing water of the Zambezi River. This is a wild jump! There are two bungi options: A single jump on your own or a tandem jump with a partner.
White Water Rafting:
White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River is acclaimed as the best one-day white water rafting trip available in the world. There are different options for rafting depending on the time of year and the level of water in the river.
Jet Boat Extreme:
Speedboats powered by huge jet engines shoot down the rapids below the Victoria Falls at 100 km an hour. Enjoy a thrilling half-hour spent “flying” over the water.
This is just a sample itinerary.
Our itineraries are 100% tailor-made
to meet each client’s expectations.
We can use this itinerary as a starting point
for you!
+27 87 353 7873
[email protected]
I am one of the owners of Pembury Tours and set up the company in 1996 with my husband shortly after our return from a 6-year stay in the United Kingdom, during which time I worked in London and also did a Master’s Degree in Linguistics at Cambridge University.
My principal function at Pembury Tours is ensuring that we maintain a consistently high standard of work. This means I work very closely with my tour consultants as well as my administration staff. I do manage to spend about half my time tour consulting; however, something that I really enjoy! I love the challenge of compiling an itinerary for clients that meets all the criteria they have given me. My love of wildlife means that I especially enjoy working on safari itineraries, but I also like drawing up itineraries that include a “bit of everything” for first-time visitors – Cape Town, beaches, game viewing, African culture and historical insight. As a mother of young adults, I know the importance of looking for more adventurous activities that will keep them entertained and ensure a great family holiday. I am extremely well-travelled and particularly enjoy using my knowledge of travel to put together complex itineraries for discerning travellers.
My favourite safari is definitely the Okavango Delta in Botswana. It truly is one of Africa’s last wildernesses. And my favourite safari memory? It has to be my first time on a mokoro dugout canoe. The slow pace, the utter silence other than the gurgling of water under the canoe and the swish-splash of the guide’s pole, a giant Saddle-billed Stork taking off literally right over my head, the tiny brightly coloured Painted Reed Frog clinging to a papyrus reed, the fat carpenter bee collecting pollen from a water lily, the evocative call of the Fish Eagle, and then coming around a bend to see a family of elephants crossing the stream in front of me, with a tiny little calf being helped through the water by its mother and sisters. It was magical. And made me realise that slow and quiet is just as meaningful as fast and exciting.
I am so proud that Pembury Tours is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and even prouder of our consistent 5-star review status, something that makes us one of the top-rated tour operators in Africa. I could not pick a better team!
+27 87 353 7868
[email protected]
I first joined Pembury Tours as Personal Assistant to the MD back in November 2004, on a mornings-only basis — a role that quickly grew into a full-time position. That time gave me invaluable behind-the-scenes insight into how our tour consultants support clients every day.
After a short break in 2014, I couldn’t stay away for long and returned in 2016 as a consultant based at our offices in Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha.
I love the process of organising: researching destinations, building itineraries, and handling every detail of a client’s arrangements. But just as importantly, it’s about getting to know my clients from our very first conversation, so the holiday we create truly reflects what they’re looking for.
Alongside my administrative background, I’ve also studied tour guiding, which gave me a solid grounding in local history and key sights — knowledge I draw on regularly when planning tours. These days, I specialise in tailor-made journeys through Southern Africa & East Africa. And there’s nothing quite like hearing from clients after their trip, sharing the highlights that made it unforgettable.
My favourite African landscape? Namibia, hands down. Standing atop the burnt-orange dunes of Sossusvlei one day, then watching herds shimmer across the blinding white salt pans of Etosha the next — that contrast still gives me chills. It’s this kind of first-hand experience that shapes every itinerary I build for my clients.
+27 87 353 7872
[email protected]
My passion for travel began at a young age when I was fortunate enough to visit Mozambique at just 10 years old. That experience sparked a lifelong love for Africa and exploring the world. After leaving school, unsure of which career path to pursue, I travelled to Israel to work on a kibbutz. It was there that the travel bug truly took hold, leading me to spend the next decade living and working in various countries around the world.
With Africa always close to my heart, I returned home and began my career in the travel industry in 2005. Since then, I have had the privilege of sharing the beauty and diversity of Africa with travellers from across the globe. I joined Pembury Tours in 2016, where I continue to create unforgettable African journeys tailored to each client’s dreams and interests.
My favourite travel experiences include the breathtaking Victoria Falls, where the sheer magnitude and power of the Falls never fail to impress, and the unforgettable Kruger safari, offering incredible wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s most iconic game reserves. These destinations perfectly capture the beauty and adventure that make Southern Africa so special.
I am family-oriented, enjoy a good laugh, and genuinely love connecting with people. Combining my passion for travel with helping others experience the magic of Africa is both a joy and a privilege, and I take great pride in crafting memorable, once-in-a-lifetime holidays.
+27 87 353 7875
[email protected]
My journey with Pembury Tours began in late 2015 as an Administrative Assistant. My love for travel led me to study Tourism at school and later at college, where I knew I had found my calling. My long-term goal was to become a Tour Consultant, so supporting the consulting team and learning every aspect of the business gave me invaluable experience. I was proud to progress into the role of Tour Consultant, and it truly was a dream come true.
My passion for wildlife, nature, travel, and adventure began at a young age. Growing up, my parents regularly took me to game reserves across South Africa, where I developed a deep appreciation for our country’s incredible landscapes and wildlife. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong love for travel and exploration that continues to inspire me today.
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to experience many of Southern and East Africa’s most iconic destinations. From road-tripping through South Africa and enjoying unforgettable safaris in the Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, the Lower Zambezi, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater, to unwinding on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar and exploring the United Kingdom and Croatia, every journey has strengthened my passion for the travel industry.
There is nothing more rewarding than helping clients plan their dream holiday—whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime African safari. I love getting to know each client, understanding their unique travel aspirations, and creating tailor-made experiences that exceed expectations. For me, travel is about more than just visiting a destination—it’s about creating unforgettable memories, discovering new perspectives, and experiencing the magic that makes every journey unique. Being able to share my passion and knowledge with clients and help bring their travel dreams to life is what makes this career so fulfilling.
My favourite Safari Destination: Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.
+27 87 353 7869
[email protected]
20+ years with Pembury Tours and counting… and I still get excited about Africa!
I started my journey in the safari world more than two decades ago, and honestly? I never fell out of love with it. If anything, the more I travel, the more I appreciate just how special this part of the world is. There’s something about being out in the bush, surrounded by nature, watching animals in their natural environment and never quite knowing what you might see around the next corner.
These days, I’m a Tour Consultant at Pembury Tours, helping clients from all over the world plan their own African adventures. I love getting to know what makes each traveller tick and then putting together an itinerary that feels like their trip, rather than simply ticking off a list of places.
Outside of work, I’m a farmer’s wife and a mom to two daughters, so life is usually a happy mix of family, farm life, school runs and trying to keep everything running smoothly! Whenever I get the chance, though, my favourite escape is heading into the bush with my family and friends. It’s where I switch off, breathe a little deeper and remember just how lucky we are to call this incredible continent home.
And if you ask me about animals, be prepared… I can probably talk your ear off! Elephants have always been my absolute favourite. There’s something about their intelligence, family bonds and sheer presence that never gets old. I could happily spend hours watching a herd simply go about their day.
After so many years in the travel industry, I’ve learnt that the best trips aren’t necessarily about seeing everything — they’re about finding the right places, having those special experiences and giving yourself time to really enjoy them.
Whether you’re planning your very first safari, returning to Africa for the fifth time, or simply dreaming about your next adventure, I’m here to help make the planning easy, personal and stress-free. My goal is to share the Africa I love with you and create a journey filled with wonderful memories, incredible wildlife and those little moments you’ll still be talking about long after you’ve arrived home.
I’d love to help you discover it for yourself.
+27 87 353 7870
[email protected]
Twenty years ago, I joined Pembury Tours as a young, single travel consultant with a passion for Africa. Since then, life has taken me on an incredible journey of its own, and I am now happily married with two wonderful children. One thing that has never changed is my love for creating unforgettable travel experiences.
There is something incredibly rewarding about playing a small part in what is often a once-in-a-lifetime journey for our guests. I enjoy getting to know each traveller, understanding what makes their dream holiday unique, and carefully crafting an itinerary that is perfectly suited to them. My goal is always to ensure every detail is thoughtfully planned so that clients can simply relax and enjoy every moment of their adventure.
For me, a safari is the highlight of any trip. No matter how many I experience, the excitement never fades. Hippos and hyenas have always been among my favourite animals to spot, and every sighting feels special. More recently, I have found myself equally captivated by the smaller wonders of the bush. One particularly special moment on a recent safari was discovering hundreds of butterflies tucked away in the trees, quietly sleeping after sunset. It was a beautiful reminder that Africa’s magic is found not only in its iconic wildlife, but also in the extraordinary details that often go unnoticed.
+27 87 353 7871
[email protected]
Travel has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I have been incredibly fortunate to turn that passion into a career. I have been involved in the hotel and tourism industry since 1990, and have been part of the Pembury Tours family for 20 years! How awesome is that!
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in some wonderful hotels and lodges across South Africa and beyond, and to experience many of the incredible destinations that Africa has to offer. I have also been lucky enough to live and work in different parts of the world, which has given me a wonderful appreciation for different cultures, people and ways of life.
Having spent many years living in game reserves, my love for the African bush and wildlife is something that has never left me. Safari remains a huge passion of mine, and there is still nothing quite like being out in the bush and sharing that experience with others.
What I love most about my work is the people. Building relationships, getting to know my clients and understanding what they are looking for means I can create journeys that are not just about seeing the sights, but about experiencing Africa in a really special and personal way.
After all these years, I still feel incredibly lucky to have turned my love of travel into a career. I get to work with wonderful people, explore incredible places and, best of all, help others experience the magic of Africa.
And after all these years in tourism, I’m still not tired of safari… although I’m pretty sure the bush has become slightly more addictive over the years! My favourite safari destination? I love the bush, but Sabi Sand and the Greater Kruger area are just fantastic for safari. The incredible wildlife, landscapes and truly special safari experiences keep drawing me back. And my favourite safari memory? Watching what started as one or two elephants walking over the top of a hill and then realising the herd was more than two, and the elephants just kept coming! Before long, there were around 60 elephants making their way over and down the hill. It was one of those magical safari moments, and I could have watched it forever.
+27 41 581 7801
[email protected]
