4 Things to Look for in a Wild Wellness Holiday

As the $1.3 trillion global wellness tourism industry continues to surge, according to Condé Nast Traveller, the southern Africa region is emerging as a leading destination for wellness escapes in the wild. Ditching the fast-paced, packed itineraries of traditional travel, wellness-focused getaways prioritise quality time over quantity – especially when you’re in the bush.

And for us here in South Africa, we can enjoy the ultimate regional wellness retreat without any lengthy flights, jetlag, or visa hassles.

Now is the time to get planning too. Savvy South African families are booking their holidays for the two big annual breaks on our calendar – June/July and December/January.

“The June/July school holidays are fast approaching, so for families looking for a true wellness holiday in the wild, the Chobe’s river safaris offer something really special and unique. It’s a bush break but with a difference,” says Kate Powell, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at the Zambezi Queen Collection. “Plus, a river safari is much more relaxing than a traditional game lodge stay bouncing around in a jeep all day! And if you’re already planning your end of year holiday, why not consider spending the festive season in the breathtaking Chobe?”

So, what should you look for in a wild, wellness holiday for 2024?

Find the right spot – Disconnect to reconnect

One spot that remains as untouched as Mother Nature intended is Africa’s Eden, in the over 520,000 km2 Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area—the world’s largest area of its kind, incorporating 12 national parks and protected wilderness regions. Africa’s Eden encompasses the Zambezi and Kavango Rivers, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, Lake Kariba, the Lower Zambezi, and Mana Pools in northern Zimbabwe.

Africa’s Eden remains one of the continent’s last unspoiled wildernesses where you can truly connect with nature and escape daily stresses.

Take it back to nature

Start your journey in the Chobe River region between Namibia and Botswana. This wildlife haven is home to Africa’s largest elephant population, with herds of thousands along the riverbanks. Beyond the pachyderms, crocodiles, endangered wild dogs, lions, giraffes, and buffalo abound.

For birdwatchers, it’s a true paradise with over 450 diverse species represented. Cruising the river, you can teach the kids how to spot colourful kingfishers, graceful skimmers, and giant kingfishers in the trees.

Cruises of two or three nights aboard the Zambezi Queen luxury floating hotel (for teens and older) or one of the relaxed and smaller Chobe Princess houseboats (available for exclusive-use and perfect for younger families looking to unwind in sophisticated comfort) allow for complete immersion in Africa’s beauty.

If fishing gets your heart skipping a beat, then check in to Ichingo Chobe River Lodge, a cosy lodge nestled on Namibia’s Impalila Island. Far away from anything else, the lodge is a little slice of paradise and a firm favourite with families and avid birders and fisherfolk alike.

Opt for seamless travel

Wellness, and the true luxury of time, also stem from easy access. The Chobe allows quick, convenient access from South Africa on short flights offered by a choice of regional airlines. There’s easy air access via international airports in Victoria Falls, Livingstone, and Kasane, and from there to the Zambezi Queen Collection properties, included road transfers and a final speedboat trip on the Chobe River will see you arrive refreshed and in style.

The KAZA UniVisa facilitates hassle-free travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia, too.

Get immersed in the region

Typical Zambezi Queen cruises last a couple of nights, so combining the Chobe River with Victoria Falls creates the perfect multi-faceted getaway in Africa’s Eden. For family travel, these combos present the perfect mix and wild and wellness, with something to appeal to all ages. Plus, they’re easily accessible even when travelling with younger ones in tow.

“Spending two to three nights in each spot is the best way to really soak up the region and completely relax,” says Powell. “Families love making the most of their time exploring this unspoilt corner of the world by opting for a combo package holiday. Victoria Falls is just a 60-minute drive away from our embarkation point in Kasane, so it’s a popular option.”