International incentive houses not only need to discover extraordinary destinations – they critically need a ground partner they can rely on to conjure up the magic and deliver the programme with precision and notable excellence. Incentive travel programs are uniquely positioned to nurture mutual partnerships and create future motivation. That’s why we design program elements that build a strong and enduring bond between the recipient and the company, and keep the experience living long after the trip concludes.
The SAFPAR Groups Division is a total-solution DMC supporting operators in three of Africa’s supreme MICE destinations – Livingstone (Zambia), Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Chobe (Botswana). Our destination expertise is unmatched in Livingstone – local knowledge, buying power and creative wizardry with two powerful additional factors – ownership of many key products including accommodation, a vehicle fleet and activity products – as well as an experienced Operations Team on the ground.
We offer ownership of a key product with unbeatable net rates for services, VIP meet and greet with visa assistance on arrival, an on-site SAFPAR operations team, concept development, a fully air-conditioned vehicle fleet, exclusive off-site dinner venues and dine-around programs, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and activities, partner programmes, corporate gifts, and tailored team-building experiences.
The exhilarating ‘Flight of the Angels’ by helicopter, or even better by microlight which is exclusive to Livingstone. Those with a taste for vintage can board a beautifully restored steam train, pausing bi-weekly on the historic Victoria Falls Bridge (built in 1905) before enjoying a sumptuous five-course menu. Livingstone Museum, a Zambian treasure, showcases the adventures and memorabilia of David Livingstone, including original letters, his family tree, olive-green coat, carved umbrella, and weaponry. After Livingstone’s death in northern Zambia in 1873, his heart was buried under a mpundu tree, while his body was taken to Britain for burial in Westminster Abbey.
During its glamorous heyday, Livingstone Town, with charming art deco buildings, attracted royalty – all but one of King George V’s children visited, along with Hollywood figures like Alfred Hitchcock. Royal visitors still drop in today. Time your visit to witness a ‘Moonbow’ – when the full moon, clear skies, and peak waterfall flow align, massive rainbows appear through the mist, visible the day before, during, and after the full moon.
If you find yourself on an African safari, chances are you’ll start, end, or pass through Victoria Falls. Here, the tranquil Zambezi River suddenly plunges 354 feet over a 1.7-kilometre-wide cliff, forming the world’s largest curtain of falling water. The thunderous roar and mist gave rise to its local name, Mosi-Oa-Tunya — “The Smoke that Thunders.” During high-water months, it truly lives up to its name, while in low-water months, visitors can enjoy world-class white-water rafting, exceptional wildlife sightings, and even walk to Livingstone Island for a heart-racing swim in the Devil’s Pool.
Those visiting the Falls often stay along the Zambezi River in Livingstone – the “Adventure Capital of Africa,” named after the Scottish explorer David Livingstone. Guided by local paddlers in a dugout canoe, Livingstone reached what is now Livingstone Island on 16 November 1855, where he first beheld the magnificent Falls. Captivated by the view, he named them in honour of Queen Victoria, calling it “a scene so lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
Another signature highlight of your Livingstone adventure is a visit to The Elephant Café, offering an unparalleled dining experience with its exclusive and enchanting setting. Jump on a speedboat from The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa and whizz up the Zambezi River to The Elephant Cafe, passing hippos and crocodiles on the way and be met on arrival by a magnificent herd of rescue elephants.
Experience an unforgettable close encounter with these gentle giants and sit on the beautiful wooden deck for a fine-dining experience. The Elephant Café seats a maximum of 24 guests. The meal is prix fixe, so guests can sit back and relax over the delicious bush gourmet cuisine unique to this restaurant including wild edibles and locally-sourced fresh and organic ingredients. The tantalisingly creative dishes embody nature’s essence and some of the wild edibles are a favourite of the elephants themselves! Advance reservation is essential. elephant.cafe
Let’s create your story in the extraordinary destination that is Livingstone – Africa’s adventure capital.
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