Africa’s Ultimate Luxury Safari Experience Dream

Explore the marvels of southern Africa during an exhilarating vacation that includes game drives, a Chobe River cruise, and excursions to Victoria Falls and South Luangwa National Park. Investigate black rhinoceros conservation efforts in Zimbabwe and the legacy of Mandela and Tutu in Johannesburg. Reside in boutique hotels and safari lodges while acquiring knowledge from local specialists regarding the region’s extensive history, dynamic culture, and remarkable ecology.

Overview

Victoria Falls: Devote three days to the Zimbabwean side of this World Heritage site, appreciating the vistas of the cascading falls from various viewpoints. Embark on wildlife drives at Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, searching for hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and the rare black rhino. Explore the region’s history while walking along the catwalks of Victoria Falls Bridge, and conclude your visit with a “sundowner” dinner cruise on the Zambezi River.

Chobe National Park, Botswana: During your three-day visit, engage in early morning drives and boat safaris that offer many opportunities to observe wildlife, including the largest elephant population globally (120,000), as well as zebras, lions, giraffes, impalas, and several species from the park’s 450 avian varieties.

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: From your elegant lodge situated within the 3,500-square-mile park, partake in two days of remarkable animal observation through open-vehicle excursions and bushwalks. The distant park features one of Africa’s highest densities of species, including Cape buffalo, leopards, wild dogs, and the endemic Crawshay’s zebra. Familiarise yourself with daily living on a visit to the local community.

South Africa: Explore South Africa’s tumultuous 20th-century history with a specialised tour of Johannesburg’s Soweto neighbourhood. Visit the residence of respected peacemaker Desmond Tutu and explore the house of Nelson Mandela. At the Hector Pieterson Museum, explore the significant Soweto youth rebellion and engage with a local resident to hear narratives of modern life in this slum.

A Complete African Safari Itinerary

Day 1 — Depart the U.S. for Johannesburg, South Africa

Day 2 — Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the verdant Rosebank district, where you will check in early to your hotel. Breakfast will be provided upon your morning arrival. The remainder of the day is unstructured, allowing you to rest, unwind, and explore some of the fashionable neighbourhoods in this eclectic metropolis referred to as the “City of Gold.” (B)

Hotel 54 on Bath

Day 3 — Johannesburg and Soweto

Convene with your fellow travellers this morning and commence a comprehensive tour of Soweto, a famous Black township recognised for its student revolt against the apartheid regime in 1976. Visit the residence of Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu and see the Mandela House, the Soweto dwelling where Nelson Mandela resided during his ascent as an anti-apartheid campaigner. At the poignant Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, gather insights into the struggle against apartheid and the Soweto uprising. Listen to narratives from a Soweto inhabitant who witnessed the uprising. This evening, partake in a welcoming meal. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Hotel 54 on Bath

Day 4 — Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Travel to Livingstone, Zambia, then traverse into Zimbabwe and establish yourself in your sophisticated lodge in Victoria Falls. Located on the boundary between the two nations, the falls were initially recorded in 1855 by explorer David Livingstone, who subsequently claimed them for Queen Victoria. Witness the majesty of this magnificent waterfall, formed as the Zambezi River cascades over 350 feet into a constricted gorge. (B, D)

Pioneers Lodge

Day 5 — Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve

Embark on a morning wildlife drive at Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, which hosts the “Big Five” and numerous other species. This old hunting concession is currently recognised for its conservation initiatives. Explore the achievements of the black rhino breeding initiative and the difficulties of combating poaching while seeking these rare and secretive creatures. This afternoon, commence a “sundowner” supper boat on the Zambezi River. (B, D)

Pioneers Lodge

Day 6 — Victoria Falls

Experience the vistas of the cascade during a guided tour of the Victoria Falls Bridge, a steel structure inaugurated in 1905. Traverse the catwalks and explore the design and importance of the bridge, envisioned by Cecil Rhodes as a component of an extensive railway network from Cape Town to Cairo. The afternoon is designated for your relaxation at the lodge, where you may enjoy the pool and grounds. This evening, convene for a presentation presented by a guest speaker on “The Narrative of David Livingstone.” (B, D)

Pioneers Lodge

Day 7 — Chobe National Park, Botswana

Travel by motorcoach to Botswana this morning, proceeding to Chobe National Park, renowned for its extensive wildlife population, among the greatest in Africa. Following a relaxed lunch at your lodge, embark on a wildlife cruise along the Chobe River, observing elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species from the park’s 450, including sacred ibises, carmine bee-eaters, fish eagles, and kingfishers. Appreciate the sunset over the river and thereafter return to the resort for dinner this evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Chobe Safari Lodge

Days 8-9 — Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park encompasses 7,270 square miles of varied landscapes that support an extraordinary diversity of animals, featuring the largest elephant population globally (about 120,000), alongside zebras, lions, giraffes, impalas, wildebeests, and buffalo. Devote two complete days to exploring the park and its biodiversity through early morning game drives and afternoon boat safaris. Utilise the lodge’s services during your leisure time between wildlife excursions. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner everyday

Chobe Safari Lodge

Day 10 — South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

A morning flight transports you to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, an expansive and pristine expanse of woodlands and plains adjacent to the Luangwa River. Acclimatise to your exquisite lodge, situated among mahogany and ebony trees in the park, and observe the region’s diverse wildlife during an afternoon open-vehicle safari or a walking expedition—or from the resort’s deck, which overlooks two lagoons frequented by various species. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Mfuwe Lodge

Days 11-12 — South Luangwa National Park

Spanning around 3,500 square miles, South Luangwa National Park was founded in 1972 but has historically been neglected due to its secluded position. Currently, it features one of Africa’s most significant concentrations of wildlife, including unique species such as Zambia’s endemic Crawshay’s zebra, the elusive bushbuck, and the spiral-horned kudu, with about 400 bird species, wild dogs, giraffes, lions, leopards, and more. Experience two complete days exploring the park and its wildlife with morning, midday, and nocturnal safaris led by expert rangers.

You will get the option to participate in guided walking safaris, which offer an intimate and exhilarating experience highlighting lesser-known flora and animals; engage with children at a local school; tour a borehole project that supplies water to the community; and join in an Art Safari Workshop. On your concluding evening, assemble for a celebratory farewell dinner at the lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, everyday)

Mfuwe Lodge

Days 13-14 — Lusaka/Depart for home

Travel via light aircraft today to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, where you will have a day room for rest prior to your overnight journey return to the United States. (B)

Radisson Blu Lusaka

End of the African Safari Itinerary