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South Africa/Zambia/Namibia/Botswana/Zimbabwe

African Safari: A Close-up on Wildlife

Program No. 13938RJ
Take the adventure of a lifetime as you explore parks and reserves on a southern Africa safari, spotting some of the world’s most iconic animals and learning about conservation efforts.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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itinerary
Please Note:
The itinerary for this program is different on certain dates.
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jun 15 - Jun 29, 2023
Starting at
7,899
Jul 16 - Jul 30, 2023
Starting at
7,899
Itinerary Note

For days 9-11, this departure will stay at Tsowa Safari Island in the Upper Zambezi River instead of Chobe Savanna Lodge on the Chobe Riverfront. Activities still focus on safaris, including a day trip into Chobe National Park, Botswana.

Aug 3 - Aug 17, 2023
Starting at
7,899
Sep 15 - Sep 29, 2023
Starting at
7,899
Sep 29 - Oct 13, 2023
Starting at
7,899
Oct 8 - Oct 22, 2023
Starting at
7,899
Oct 13 - Oct 27, 2023
Starting at
7,899
Nov 3 - Nov 17, 2023
Starting at
7,699
Jan 26 - Feb 9, 2024
Starting at
7,899
Feb 9 - Feb 23, 2024
Starting at
7,899
Mar 15 - Mar 29, 2024
Starting at
7,899
Apr 24 - May 8, 2024
Starting at
7,899
May 10 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
7,949
Jun 7 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Jul 14 - Jul 28, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Jul 26 - Aug 9, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Aug 18 - Sep 1, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Sep 6 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Sep 27 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Oct 30 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
7,899
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jun 15 - Jun 29, 2023
Starting at
8,499
Jul 16 - Jul 30, 2023
Starting at
8,499
Itinerary Note

For days 9-11, this departure will stay at Tsowa Safari Island in the Upper Zambezi River instead of Chobe Savanna Lodge on the Chobe Riverfront. Activities still focus on safaris, including a day trip into Chobe National Park, Botswana.

Aug 3 - Aug 17, 2023
Starting at
8,499
Sep 15 - Sep 29, 2023
Starting at
8,499
Sep 29 - Oct 13, 2023
Starting at
8,499
Oct 8 - Oct 22, 2023
Starting at
8,499
Oct 13 - Oct 27, 2023
Starting at
8,499
Nov 3 - Nov 17, 2023
Starting at
8,299
Jan 26 - Feb 9, 2024
Starting at
8,379
Feb 9 - Feb 23, 2024
Starting at
8,379
Mar 15 - Mar 29, 2024
Starting at
8,379
Apr 24 - May 8, 2024
Starting at
8,379
May 10 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
8,549
Jun 7 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Jul 14 - Jul 28, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Jul 26 - Aug 9, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Aug 18 - Sep 1, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Sep 6 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Sep 27 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Oct 30 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
8,379

At a Glance

Elephant, lion, blue wildebeest, vervet monkeys — just a few of the thousands of species observable in the national parks and private reserves of sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia, encounter an unimaginable diversity of wildlife and meet the people who have dedicated their lives to its protection.

Extend Your Adventure

This program offers an optional program extension.

Extension: The Best of Cape Town

Gain a deeper understanding of South Africa as you explore Cape Town with experts, learning about apartheid, exploring historic sites and enjoying local wine and cuisine.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles at a time; some stairs and slick paths. Open-air safari vehicles require stamina, stability for long rides, getting in and out.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Explore wildlife along the wildlife-rich Chobe Riverfront.
  • Search for the majestic Presidential elephant herd in Hwange.
  • See Victoria Falls, discover nearby crafts markets and interact with local artisans.

General Notes

Please refer to the “Travel Information” section on the Road Scholar website or contact the provider if you plan on booking your own flights for correct arrival and departure dates. Following select departures, you can extend your program with "Extension: The Best of Cape Town (#13597)". Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. The summer months of November-March are considered the green season in southern Africa; quick rain showers in the afternoon are common, and game viewing may be more difficult due to the lush vegetation and more plentiful water, which causes the wildlife to be more dispersed. Seasonal advantages this time of year: the vegetation is beautiful and green; the flowering plants are in bloom; many animals give birth at this time of year; and there are more bird species in the area due to migratory birds.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Honest Siyawareva
Growing up, Honest Siyawareva spent much of his life in close proximity to nature, thanks to his family’s passion. Fulfilling his family legacy — his father and uncle were both professional nature leaders — in 2014, Honest qualified as a professional nature leader in Zimbabwe, the only person to pass the extremely onerous examinations that year. Working for Wilderness Safaris in Zimbabwe, he has split his time between camps in Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Lisa Reed
Lisa Reed was born in Zimbabwe, spent her school years in South Africa, and now lives in Botswana. She has worked or visited most Southern and East African safari destinations, and has managed safari camps on her own and with others since being in Botswana. Lisa has a natural affinity with adults and children, and enjoys passing on her years of experience and knowledge to the next generation. She has been leading safaris for Road Scholar for more than 15 years.
Profile Image of Sisa Moyo
Sisa is Ndebele by tribe and grew up in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s beautiful wilderness and wildlife inspired him to begin leading overland trips. In 2011, Sisa served as an Ambassador for Zimbabwe at Walt Disney World, raising awareness about conservation issues. He currently lives in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with his wife and family. In his "office," covering thousands of miles in Southern Africa, Sisa shares his passion for the bush and his country with travelers from around the world.
Profile Image of Sam Mushandu
Sam Mushandu View biography
Sam was born in a small village in southeast Zimbabwe. Growing up in the village gave him an appreciation for nature, particularly during holidays when he would herd his family’s cattle in the bush. Sam attended Bulawayo Commercial College and is an award-winning safari educator. He has lead learning safaris throughout southern Africa, including top destinations like Hwange and Kafue National Parks. Sam lives with his wife and family in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and enjoys history and fishing. (Be prepared to hear some fishing stories!)
Profile Image of Honest Siyawareva
Honest Siyawareva View biography
Growing up, Honest Siyawareva spent much of his life in close proximity to nature, thanks to his family’s passion. Fulfilling his family legacy — his father and uncle were both professional nature leaders — in 2014, Honest qualified as a professional nature leader in Zimbabwe, the only person to pass the extremely onerous examinations that year. Working for Wilderness Safaris in Zimbabwe, he has split his time between camps in Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park.
Profile Image of Mark Geraghty
Mark Geraghty View biography
Mark Geraghty was born in Ndola, Northern Zambia where his father was stationed in the British Army. He grew up in Zambia, until his family moved to Harare, Zimbabwe. Not only has Mark traveled extensively throughout Southern Africa, but he has also spent time in Kenya and the Congo. His marriage into a prominent Zimbabwean family sparked an interest in Africa’s early history, specifically the “Scramble for Africa.” Mark is a passionate storyteller with a piercing insight and great sense of humor.
Profile Image of Victoria Falls Heritage Tours, David Livingstone Presentation
Victoria Falls Heritage Tours, David Livingstone Presentation View biography
A dynamic storyteller from Victoria Falls Heritage Tours will join your group to discuss David Livingstone's fascinating life and his explorations, which covered more than 28,000 miles of uncharted territory. Dr. Livingstone's unparalleled story is truly an inspiration and will offer new-found perspectives on the African continent.
Profile Image of Khule Ndlovu
Khule Ndlovu View biography
Mkhulekelwa Ndlovu — Khule for short — was born in Matebeleland, Zimbabwe, in 1971 and grew up in a small village as the youngest of nine children. After completing his primary and secondary education, he worked for a vet who took him to game farms where he met rangers and safari guides who inspired him. Khule qualified for Zimbabwe’s prestigious Professional Guide designation in 2001 and has never looked back. He currently resides in Victoria Falls with his family. Khule loves nature and guiding is his passion.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Cape Town, A Lonely Planet City Guide
by John A. Murray
A practical guide to the city and surroundings, featuring suggested walks, excursions and attractions. This surprisingly complete book also includes color photographs and a map.
Adventuring in Southern Africa
by Allen Bechky
This comprehensive guide to game parks throughout Southern Africa includes an overview of the region, tips on watching wildlife and good descriptive information on each park or nature reserve.
The Scramble for Africa
by Thomas Pakenham
A well-written, meticulously researched history of the Victorian land grab in Africa. The book includes especially good portraits of the egomaniacal personalities who overran the continent.
Silent Thunder, In the Presence of Elephants
by Katy Payne
In this memoir, Katy Payne relates stories of research, discovery and conservation in Africa. An acoustic biologist, Payne has worked on communication among elephant populations at Amboseli National Park, Etosha and Sengwa.
Okavango, Africa’s Last Eden
by Franz Lanting
In this handsome volume, master wildlife photographer Franz Lanting captures the wildlife and habitats of the Okavango
Cry of the Kalahari
by Mark Owens, Delia Owens
A thoroughly readable version of Born Free, set in Botswana (and just as weepy about the animals). This is the book that got the Owens family thrown out of Botswana, in part because of their opposition to fencing the land.
The Ukimwi Road, From Kenya to Zimbabwe
by Dervla Murphy
An Irish grandmother and award-winning travel writer, Murphy journeys from Kenya to Zimbabwe, including a sojourn in Zambia.
Southern Africa Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide
by Mike Unwin
A popular, photographic guide to the mammals, birds, reptiles and habitats south of the Zambezi. With 300 color photographs and illuminating text.
Lonely Planet Botswana
by Lonely Planet
A comprehensive, practical guide in Lonely Planet’s hallmark style with 16 detailed maps and a separate chapter on Victoria Falls.
Exploration of Africa, From Cairo to the Cape
by Ann Hugon
This jewel of a book chronicles 19th century exploration of Africa with hundreds of contemporary paintings and prints, brief chapters on the expeditions and a very useful chronology.
The Myth of Wild Africa
by Jonathan Adams, Thomas McShane
A no-holds-barred attack on old-style conservation in Africa, provocative and dead-on. The authors explore the fallacy of an untouched continent where animals roam freely in sanctuaries.
The Eye of the Elephant
by Mark Owens, Delia Owens
Mark and Delia Owens, having set up camp in the Luangwa River Valley in northern Zambia among the elephants, are drawn into an ugly struggle with the local people.
North of South, An African Journey
by Shiva Naipaul
This is a great book – engaging and unafraid of controversy. It’s a sharp portrait of contemporary East Africa, as well as Zambia, sensitive to issues black, white and brown.
Bradt Guide to Zambia
by Chris McIntyre
A detailed overview of Zambia, its history, culture, attractions and natural history with color photos, maps and travel information.
The Safari Companion
by Richard Estes
An encyclopedic guide to the behavior of Africa’s mammals by a noted scientist.





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If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.