Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water

You’re on your way to southern Africa, where your search for wildlife will take you from grasslands and dry woodlands to rivers and lakes.

Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city! This afternoon, transfer to your hotel for the evening and enjoy a relaxing evening before your adventure in search of the "Big 5" begins tomorrow. Dinner tonight is on your own.

This morning, board a plane for a short flight to Victoria Falls,* where you will meet your Tour Manager before continuing to your lodge for the next 3 nights in Botswana. Enjoy some time at leisure at the lodge before gathering with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Rise early with the sounds of the local wildlife ahead of your first game drive in Chobe National Park, an excellent location to search for the Big 5. You and your fellow travelers will ride in open-air vehicles with a local expert who will be able to tell you all about the creatures you’ll see along the way. Later in the morning, enjoy some free time, either at the lodge or by driving into the nearby town of Kasane. After lunch at the lodge, board your private boat and take to the waters of the Chobe River, in search of elephants and aquatic birds while sipping on cool beverages.

Start your day early with a private game cruise on the Chobe River and see the animals visiting the water first thing in the morning. After your search, return for some free time at the lodge, perhaps relaxing at the pool or stopping by their beauty salon. After lunch this afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may spot buffalo, hyenas, or zebras. Later, enjoy a dinner cruise along the gentle waters of the Chobe River during an exclusive boat ride with your fellow travelers.

Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Chobe National Park. After breakfast, take a 90-minute drive to Victoria Falls, where we will stop for lunch. Savor fresh, local ingredients while you look over the gorge to the Zambezi River below. Next, it’s off to Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, for a late afternoon game drive. This national park is home to over 100 types of mammals and 400 bird species, giving you the chance to look out for cheetahs, lions, giraffes, and so much more.

Today is another day to rise early in search of the "Big 5". After breakfast, spend a full day on a game drive in Hwange National Park. By enjoying a picnic lunch break, you can venture deep into the bushland and maximize your chances of spotting buffalo, elephants, and other animals gathering in the park. Return to the lodge for dinner. You’ll savor your meal and the memories of the day’s extensive safari.

This morning, search for the Big 5 your way, because it’s your choice! Return to an open-air vehicle and enjoy a morning game drive -OR- join an expert national park guide on a game walk, giving you the rare opportunity to search for wildlife up close, including seeing some plants, insects, and reptiles you may not spot otherwise. After, return to the lodge and relax over tea and pastries. This afternoon, you will be returning to the park for another glimpse into the animal kingdom.

Enjoy a final morning in the park before driving to Lake Kariba, the world’s largest artificial lake. Board your safari boat which will be your home for the next three nights. With limited access to technology, revel in the experience of floating along the still waters, seeing breathtaking sunsets, and searching for local wildlife in the water.

Trade in your safari boat for a smaller tender boat, perfectly sized to cruise upriver channels off the lake. You will return to the safari boat for brunch. Later, enjoy the chance to try your hand at fishing in Lake Kariba from a tender boat on an afternoon game cruise. Before having dinner on the safari boat, take time to admire the stunning red and orange hues of the setting sun over Lake Kariba.

Start your day relaxed as you sail past the unspoiled wilderness and rugged scenery. Savor brunch later this morning, then enjoy a trip and a chance to fish on tender boats in the afternoon. This evening, stargazing coupled with a delicious meal will be a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

Your safari boat experience will come to a close this morning as you drive back to Victoria Falls. Upon arriving at the Ilala Lodge, enjoy lunch. Then, grab your poncho because this afternoon you will visit the exhilarating natural wonder of Victoria Falls! At 5600 feet wide and 354 feet tall, this waterfall is one of the world’s largest.

This morning, start your day with a visit to Chinotimba township. Visit a local market, where you can barter for goods and experience daily life. After, you will visit the modest home of a local family for lunch. Your host will prepare an authentic, simple meal with you and share what life is like around Victoria Falls. Following your home visit, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Perhaps you will join an optional tour taking a relaxing cruise on the Zambezi River, a body of water that separates Zimbabwe and Zambia, whose banks are frequented by the local animals.

Your last full day on tour will bring you to view elephants at a local sanctuary. Hear stories from these gentle giants’ caretakers and learn about the efforts to understand, care for, and protect these intelligent and inspiring creatures. Continue learning about animal conservation and care with a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust for an Impact Moment. The staff at the VFWT will review some of the incredible work they do, ranging from wildlife rehabilitation to community outreach and disease research. You will have the afternoon free to do as you wish. This evening, you will join your fellow travelers for a 3-course farewell dinner under the stars on the bank of the Zambezi River.**

Say goodbye to your safari companions as you take a flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, where you will board your return flight home.