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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
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jan 26 - Feb 9, 2024
Starting at
7,899
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Feb 9 - Feb 23, 2024
Starting at
7,899
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Mar 15 - Mar 29, 2024
Starting at
7,899
Filling Fast!
Apr 24 - May 8, 2024
Starting at
7,899
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

May 10 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
7,949
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

May 30 - Jun 13, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Itinerary Note

This departure will be at Sable Valley in Hwange National Park instead of Khulu Bush Camp; all activities remain the same. This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Jun 7 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Jun 30 - Jul 14, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Filling Fast!
Jul 14 - Jul 28, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Filling Fast!
Jul 18 - Aug 1, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Itinerary Note

This departure will be at Sable Valley in Hwange National Park instead of Khulu Bush Camp; all activities remain the same. This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Jul 26 - Aug 9, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Aug 18 - Sep 1, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Sep 6 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Filling Fast!
Sep 27 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Oct 11 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
8,099
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Oct 30 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
7,899
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jan 26 - Feb 9, 2024
Starting at
8,379
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Feb 9 - Feb 23, 2024
Starting at
8,379
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Mar 15 - Mar 29, 2024
Starting at
8,379
Apr 24 - May 8, 2024
Starting at
8,379
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

May 10 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
8,549
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Filling Fast!
May 30 - Jun 13, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Itinerary Note

This departure will be at Sable Valley in Hwange National Park instead of Khulu Bush Camp; all activities remain the same. This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Jun 7 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Jun 30 - Jul 14, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Jul 14 - Jul 28, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Jul 18 - Aug 1, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Itinerary Note

This departure will be at Sable Valley in Hwange National Park instead of Khulu Bush Camp; all activities remain the same. This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Jul 26 - Aug 9, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Aug 18 - Sep 1, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Sep 6 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Sep 27 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Oct 11 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
8,699
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

Filling Fast!
Oct 30 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
8,379
Itinerary Note

This departure offers optional program extension #13597 "Extension: The Best of Cape Town."

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. 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 Helen Malisan
Helen Malisan View biography
Helen Malisan’s passion for exploration began in high school when she visited Italy, her ancestral country. After completing her final year at school, she immediately joined South African Airways where she worked for 10 years. In 1993, her love for nature and South Africa inspired her to complete the necessary courses to become a wilderness excursion leader, spurring her career as a safari leader in Namibia and Zambia. Helen says her interest in people, nature and animals inspires her work.
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 Johann Roscher
Johann Roscher View biography
Johann Röscher was born in South Africa and grew up on State Forestry stations along the coastal belt of the Cape Province. He joined the military and studied at the North West University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. After traveling through the Middle East and Eastern Europe, he returned to South Africa to work as a socio-political researcher. Disillusioned with city life, Johann decided to change careers and lead safaris. He’s been taking groups on safaris in Kalahari and Okavango Delta for 17 years, and he’s never been more content with his choice to move to that beautiful and remote region.
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 Chris Chiparaushe
Chris Chiparaushe View biography
Chris Chiparaushe was born in Zimbabwe and exposed to the bush from an early age when he herded cattle with his grandfather over school holidays. He learned a lot about animals, birds and plants from his grandfather, and knew from an early age that he wanted to work in hospitality. He studied tourism management in Victoria Falls and has been a professional leader since 1998. He is especially passionate about birding and astronomy and loves teaching travelers about Southern Africa’s rich history and culture.
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.
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.
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.
The Safari Companion
by Richard Estes
An encyclopedic guide to the behavior of Africa’s mammals by a noted scientist.
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.
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
Fodor’s Complete Guide to African Safaris
by Fodor's Travel
This guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time.
Out of Darkness, Shining Light
by Petina Gappah
So begins Petina Gappah's powerful novel of exploration and adventure in nineteenth-century Africa—the captivating story of the loyal men and women who carried explorer and missionary Dr. Livingstone's body, his papers and maps, fifteen hundred miles across the continent of Africa, so his remains could be returned home to England and his work preserved there.
Rhino War
by Tony Park and Johan Jooste
Rhino War tells how Major General (Ret.) Johan Jooste, facing an unprecedented assault on a single national park and a species, took a demoralised force of men and women and turned them into arguably the best anti-poaching unit on the African continent.
South Africa, A Traveler's Literary Companion
by Isabel Balseiro (Editor), Tobias Hecht (Editor)
Including short stories from some of South Africa’s best and most renowned writers, this collection accompanies readers to a recent, but altogether different South Africa, reflecting perspectives of both the oppressed and the oppressors.
The Big Conservation Lie
by John Mbaria, Mordecai Ogada
This book takes the reader through Kenya’s conservation ‘industry’ and the players therein with all their prejudices, weaknesses and commitment to causes. It is a call to indigenous Africans to claim their place at the table where the management of their natural resources is being discussed, and invites well-meaning donors to look beyond the romantic images and detect the possible role of their money in the disenfranchisement of a people.
Long Walk to Freedom
by Nelson Mandela
An unpretentious tale of an extraordinary life. Mandela recounts the circumstances of his imprisonment and ultimately his successful drive to end Apartheid.
Glory
by NoViolet Bulawayo
Award-winning author follows the fall of the Old Horse, the long-serving leader of a fictional country, and the drama that follows for a nation of animals on the path to true liberation. Inspired by the unexpected fall by coup in 2017 of Robert G. Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s president of nearly four decades, Glory shows a country's imploding, narrated by a chorus of animal voices.
Africa Is Not a Country: Notes on a Bright Continent
by Dipo Faloyin
So often, Africa has been depicted simplistically as a uniform land of famines and safaris, poverty and strife, stripped of all nuance. This book offers stories that bring to life Africa’s rich diversity, communities, and histories.





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