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Southern Africa's Wild Wonders: Land & Water Safari
Embark on the ultimate safari adventure to uncover breathtaking wonders on land and water in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Designed for a maximum group size of 16 travelers, this is an exclusive and immersive journey unlike any other! Begin by diving into rich history and culture in Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city. Next, fly to Botswana and cruise to Namibia’s Impalila Island, where we settle into our luxurious bungalow accommodations that provide easy access to Chobe National Park's spectacular wilderness. Enjoy a thrilling game drive and water safari, a visit to authentic Namibian villages, and a private boat ride through the marshes of Sedudu Island. We then have the plane to ourselves on a flight to Kariba and step aboard the award-winning CroisiEurope Cruises African Dream for a privately chartered three-night cruise on Lake Kariba. From our luxurious ship, enjoy an exhilarating safari drive in stunning Matusadona National Park and small boat excursions along the Gache Gache River and Palm Bay. While on board, savor regional cuisine, swim in the pool, sightsee on the upper deck with complementary binoculars, and take in breathtaking sunsets from the sun deck. Disembarking the ship, we board another private flight to world-famous Victoria Falls. Explore the area with a Zambezi River luncheon cruise, a walking tour along the falls’ rim, and a thrilling helicopter ride over this natural wonder before we return home.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
- Day 1: Fly to South AfricaOur journey begins with an overnight flight across the Atlantic.
- Day 2: Arrive in JohannesburgToday, we settle into our hotel in South Africa’s largest city, known for its rich culture and ancient attractions. Rest up for the adventures ahead in our five-star accommodations.
- Day 3: Apartheid Museum & City TourEnjoy a leisurely morning before our visit to the world-famous Apartheid Museum, where we learn about the rise and fall of the 20th-century South African Apartheid. Afterwards, we explore the city with a guide to see iconic attractions, such as Nelson Mandela Square, the Old Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and the Union Buildings designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Tonight, we get to know fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Botswana & Impalila IslandWe fly to Kasane, Botswana, today and take a private boat ride to our exclusive accommodations on Impalila Island near Chobe National Park. Watch for birds, hippos, and crocodiles as we glide through the flooded flatlands into the heart of the wilderness. Settle into your luxurious bungalow with a spacious bedroom and bathroom, plus a private terrace and pool.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5: Chobe National ParkEmbark on a thrilling safari drive in beautiful Chobe National Park today! This area is home to nearly half of the country’s elephant population. Our local guide expertly navigates the terrain as we seek out the Big Five of Africa – Cape buffalo, lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos! Afterwards, savor a one-of-a-kind lunch experience in a two-story “floating restaurant” on the Chobe River. Then, take a private boat ride to the marshes of Sedudu Island for more wildlife sightings, such as the African marsh owl, before returning to our bungalows.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6: Namibian Village & Zambezi RiverThis morning, we are immersed in local culture with a visit to an authentic Namibian village. Learn about the customs that have been passed down for generations and meet friendly villagers who share a glimpse into their way of life. Afterwards, you may choose to relax at the lodge or embark on a leisurely boat adventure down the Zambezi River to fish or simply take in the scenery. Tonight, we listen to fascinating stories of the island during dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7: Water Safari & Set SailOur morning kicks off with a water safari in Chobe National Park, where we get another chance to see crocodiles and hippos lurking in the water or antelope grazing near the riverbank. After lunch along the water, we take a private flight and see the rugged wilderness from thousands of feet above. Arriving in Kariba, our privately chartered African Dream ship awaits with spacious rooms featuring a French balcony or private terrace. Head to the sun deck for unbeatable views as we set sail on the world’s largest man-made body of water, Lake Kariba, nestled between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8: Gache Gache River & Palm BayAs the sun rises, we transfer onto a covered pontoon boat and glide along Gache Gache River, bordering Matusadona National Park. See local communities, drowned trees peeking out, and wildlife, such as herons and various large mammals. Afterwards, spend time relaxing on board. We arrive in Palm Bay at sunset for a peaceful small boat ride to admire the sky’s colorful hues reflecting off the water, then step back aboard the ship.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9: Matusadona National ParkOur day begins with a small boat excursion to Matusadona National Park for an exhilarating land safari. Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume Rivers, this area is the epitome of true wilderness and home to countless species. Afterwards, we return to our floating home to indulge in regional cuisine, like freshly caught tilapia, and attend a round table to learn about Lake Kariba.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10: Victoria FallsWe disembark in Kariba today to see its remarkable dam, the source of electric power for over half of the country. Next, we take a private flight to Victoria Falls, a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Enjoy a Zambezi River luncheon cruise, followed by a walking tour along the rim for impressive views of the world’s largest sheet of falling water. Then, get a birds-eye view of the falls on a flightseeing adventure above the cascading waters! Tonight, we check in to our accommodations and enjoy a celebratory Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 11: Journey to the StatesAfter breakfast, we fly to Johannesburg before our overnight flight back to the United States.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 12: Arrive HomeWe return home today with cherished memories of our time exploring Southern Africa’s unique landscapes and majestic wildlife.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night in Johannesburg
- 3 nights at Cascades Island Safari Lodge on Impalila Island (Namibia)
- aboard our privately chartered African Dream ship
- 1 night in Victoria Falls
Attractions & Highlights
- Johannesburg guided city tour feat. Apartheid Museum
- Private boat rides to Impalila & Sedudu Islands
- Authentic Namibian village
- Zambezi River leisure boat ride
- Private flights to Kariba & Victoria Falls
- Chobe National Park water & land safaris
- Matusadona National Park water & land safaris
- Gache Gache River & Palm Bay pontoon excursion
- Lake Kariba
- Victoria Falls guided walking tour & flightseeing excursion
- Kariba Dam
24 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in Johannesburg
- All meals included aboard the African Dream
- Lunch at The Raft Floating Restaurant in Chobe National Park
- Zambezi River luncheon cruise
- Farewell Dinner in Victoria Falls
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport