The Islands of Siankaba
The Islands of Siankaba is a classic, small isolated retreat situated on two densely forested islands in the middle of the mighty Zambezi River near the Siansimba Rapids. It is located 24 miles upstream of the Zambezi River and a 90-minute drive from Victoria Falls. The two islands are linked by a suspension bridge and overhead walkway in the tree canopy.
On one island there are seven stylish chalets dotted around the shoreline, boasting stunning views of the river from their large verandas. The only sounds you will hear come from the birds, the insects and the Zambezi rapids in the distance. On the other island you will find the tastefully decorated main lodge which consists of a bar, fire pit, lounge, library and dining area, with lovely views over the Zambezi. There is a small swimming pool set in the cool shade of the riverine forest. Guests can spend quiet moments around the shaded pool or relax in the comfort of the open lounge and bar.
Activities included are mokoro trips, nature trails, cultural village/school walks, sundowner cruise, one trip to the Zambian or Zimbabwean (visa costs excluded) side of the Falls per stay, curio market shopping stop at top of Falls and picnic island lunch. The lodge also offers a range of beauty treatments at the spa including massages, manicures and facials.
Siankaba evokes images of style and elegance in a truly African way. Subtle architecture blends with a backdrop of stately natural forest creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
Optional Activities
You can choose from the following inclusive activities here: Guided Tour of Victoria Falls, sunset cruise, fishing (seasonal and strictly catch and release), makoro trips, guided nature trail walk, cultural tour of Siankaba village by foot or mountain bike, visit to community nursery school
Liz Ferreira
Area Specialist
Arrange to have a picnic on one of the tiny islands on the Zambezi – you’ll be sure to see hippos and possibly an elephant might wander by.
If you have any questions regarding our Botswana Zambia tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
On behalf of my wife and myself, I would like to thank all at Reef and Rainforest for arranging so superbly yet another exceptional wildlife experience. As you are aware our ‘expeditions’ tend to be species led and this year’s brief was to observe and photograph the ‘Three Big Cats of Africa’ in a truly wild setting (i.e. no fences). Your recommended destination, Botswana, did not let us down, in fact the whole trip proved an outstanding success in all aspects.
We stayed in three camps (three nights in each) across the Okavango Delta and surrounding area, each provided a different environment which ensured our aims were met. Each camp was run to a very high standard, was extremely comfortable and provided excellent meals. The quality of guiding and tracking in all our camps was of the highest standard. As Botswana manages its natural resources so well all the camps were small (no more than 18 guests) ensuring a very intimate safari experience in pristine wild African habitat.
I am delighted to report our big cat objectives were realised. All observations were lengthy and offered excellent photographic opportunities. However, unexpectedly, the highlight of our spectacular trip turned out to be sightings of two separate packs of African Painted Dogs. We visited two dens, the first had a very healthy number of adult dogs, approximately fifteen and eighteen pups. The second had seven adult dogs and sixteen pups. At Lebala we had the privilege of spending a prolonged period of time following the pack of dogs as they hunted, an experience we will never forget.
When one also considers the significant mammal and bird species we observed, Botswana is truly a must visit destination for the wildlife enthusiast. Incidentally we also observed three serval and two African wild cats. We also thoroughly enjoyed our few days at Victoria Falls, possibly the most spectacular waterfall in the world, the hotel in Zimbabwe was excellent. Viewing the falls from the Zambian side and also the helicopter flight are both well worth doing.
This was our third consecutive trip with Reef and Rainforest, and I would be very surprised if there is not a fourth being planned very soon. Thank you all once again.