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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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  • African Safari Tours
Small GroupAnimals & Wildlife
Length
15 days
Rating (4.95)
Activity Level
Starts at
8,449
Flights start at
1,375

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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
36 meals ( 12B, 2BR, 10L, 12D )
7 expert-led lectures
20 expert-led field trips
4 flights during the program
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Check in at the hotel and relax before the welcome dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel, enjoy your choice from an a la carte menu; a welcome drink, bottled water, coffee and tea are provided.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We are fortunate to have as our Group Leader a knowledgeable expert who will also serve as our primary lecturer. In addition, we will have the benefit of local experts who will join us at different sites. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Drive time to Constitution Hill is approximately 25 minutes, 5 miles; to Maboneng Precinct is approximately 15 minutes, 4 miles; to Apartheid Museum is approximately 15 minutes, 6 miles; back to hotel is approximately 30 minutes, 10 miles. Drive time is traffic-dependent; traffic can be quite bad in Johannesburg. Getting on/off minibus; walking approximately 2 miles total; periods of standing.
Breakfast:
Taken at the hotel, breakfast will be an expansive buffet featuring a variety of cold cereals, fresh fruit, cold meats and cheeses, pastries and hot items such as bacon, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms. Omelettes, eggs and waffles can be cooked on demand. Fruit juices, coffee, tea, milk and water provided.
Morning:
Boarding our minibus, we will transfer into central Johannesburg to visit Constitution Hill, a site that holds great significance for the past and present of South Africa. In the company of a local expert, we will walk through the entirety of the Constitution Hill precinct, visiting the Old Fort, the Women's Jail, Number Four and the Constitutional Court. Our local expert will discuss the area's complex history and its various uses throughout its existence. We will learn about the injustices suffered by the Apartheid-era inmates held here, and discuss why the decision to locate the Constitutional Court to this site holds such meaning. From Constitution Hill, we will transfer a short distance to the Maboneng Precinct, a revitalized, colorful area in the heart of Johannesburg, for lunch.
Lunch:
Taken at a local restaurant in Maboneng, lunch will be a 2-course, set menu meal plus water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
From lunch, we will reboard our minibus for a transfer to the award winning and internationally acclaimed Apartheid Museum. This beautiful museum gives a balanced account of 20th century South Africa. It recounts the political upheavals beginning in the last century and moves on to the transition from a racist state into the new era of hope and freedom as a democracy. Discussion: History of South Africa and apartheid. At the end of the afternoon, we will return to the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Flight time 1 hour 45 minutes. Drive time from the airport to the lodge is 20 minutes, 8 miles. Total drive for afternoon activities is approx. 20 minutes, 10 miles. In order to access all of the viewpoints at Victoria Falls, one must go up and down around 150 stairs one way; the path may be slick due to the waterfall's mist. It is possible to still see the waterfall without climbing all of the stairs, but only from one viewpoint.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we will board our minibus and transfer to the Johannesburg airport to board our commercial flight to Livingstone, Zambia.
Lunch:
Lunch snack in flight.
Afternoon:
After clearing Zambian immigration, we will be transferred to the lodge for check-in. Later this afternoon, we will visit the famed Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi River opens out into an extravaganza of roaring, spray-tumbled water, known to the locals as “Mosi oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). Few sights are as awe-inspiring as this, when the ground rumbles with the forces of the water. Because the waterfall spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is visible from both countries. We will view the Falls this afternoon from the Zambian side, followed by a visit to the local crafts market. After returning to the lodge in the late afternoon, our Group Leader will give us an overview of Zambia.
Dinner:
Dinners at the lodge will be a plated, 3-course dinner chosen from a set menu. Bottled water and one glass of table wine will be provided, with additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Drive time between the lodge and town is approximately 15 minutes each direction, 10 miles. Minimal walking in township; dirt roads, some uneven surfaces.
Breakfast:
Taken at the lodge, breakfast will be an expansive buffet with a selection of cereals, pastries, fruit and yogurt, with hot breakfast items cooked to order. Coffee, tea, fruit juices, milk and water will be provided.
Morning:
After breakfast at the lodge, we will board our minibus and journey to the Maramba Township, in the heart of Livingstone. Here, we will walk through the colorful produce market with a local expert, with a chance to learn about how residents in the area live, do their shopping, and what they typically eat. We will also visit a school that was started by a motivated local resident, with a chance to meet the students and teachers; our local expert will explain the educational system in Zambia. In the late morning, we will return to the lodge for lunch and time at leisure.
Lunch:
Lunch at the lodge will be a plated meal chosen from a menu. Bottled water will be provided with other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in the town of Livingstone. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Transfer time to Chobe National Park is 2 hours including border crossing; 55 miles; transfer done by minibus then 4x4 vehicle. Game drive lasts 1.5 hours. Transfer from national park to lodge approximately 1.5 hours, including border crossings; transfer done in 4x4 vehicle and then motorboat. Getting on/off safari vehicle and small boat.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
Following breakfast, we will be transferred by minibus to the Zambia/Botswana border then over the Kazungula Bridge which spans the Zambezi River; while being driven over the bridge, we will be able to see where four countries meet: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. We will clear Zambia exit and Botswana entry formalities in the same building, then board open-air 4x4 vehicles which will take us into Chobe National Park for a game drive. Each safari vehicle will have its own local safari expert who provides insight on the flora and fauna seen. Chobe National Park remains one of Africa’s prime game-viewing areas. Here, one finds all of the “Big Five,” except for rhino. This is elephant country, home to the largest population of elephants in the world…many of these great grey giants can be seen at this time of year. (Note: seasonality makes a big difference in how much game you will see. If it’s dry you will see larger herds; if it has recently rained the animals will be more dispersed). The park forms part of Botswana’s northern-most border and is a contrast of desert aridity and flood plains. The Chobe region is best known for its vast magnificent river and floodplains filled with grazing herds of big game. Buffalo, sable, lion, leopard, hippo, hyena, and many species of antelope find safety in this huge national park. Chobe is one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems and greatest wildlife refuges. Our game drive will take us along the Chobe River and deeper into the park.
Lunch:
Packed lunch provided. Taken at a picnic site inside the park.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we will re-board our safari vehicles for the drive back through Chobe National Park to the Kasane Immigration Center, where we will clear Botswana exit formalities. Then, we will board our motorboats and ride across the Chobe River to the Namibian Immigration Center, to clear entry formalities. From there, our motorboats will transfer us along the Chobe River to the lodge, which is located on the Namibian side of the river; wildlife will be seen en-route. After settling into our rooms, we will gather on the flood plain in front of the lodge to enjoy our sundowners around a campfire.
Dinner:
Dinners at the lodge will be a 3-course, plated meal. All local brand alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea included; premium-brand alcohol available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Boat safaris last approximately 2 hours each in the morning, and 3 hours in the late afternoon. Getting on/off pontoon boat.
Breakfast:
Upon return from the early morning activity, hot breakfast items such as eggs cooked to order, sausage, bacon and toast will be provided at the lodge.
Morning:
Before sunrise, we will walk the short distance down to the dock to board our pontoon boat for a sunrise boat ride on the Chobe River. As we enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the landscape, our local safari expert will seek out the prolific birdlife active along the water, and provide commentary on the species seen. Morning refreshments such as coffee, tea and biscuits (cookies) will be provided on the boat. At the conclusion of our sunrise excursion, we will return to the lodge for breakfast. Mid-morning, as the heat of the day starts to rise, we will again head out on the river for a boat safari. The Chobe River is the lifeblood of the area, attracting all of the local fauna to its banks to drink and bathe. As the day gets hotter, hundreds of elephants, large herds of buffalo, giraffe and numerous species of antelope can be found along the river. We will return to the lodge for lunch and the heat of the day at leisure.
Lunch:
Lunches at the lodge will consist of a small buffet with several salad options, main entree, and dessert. All local brand alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea included; premium-brand alcohol available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Following afternoon tea, we will embark on another game viewing boat safari on the Chobe River, where we may come face to face with the elephant, buffalo and other wildlife that gather on the banks of the river. We'll find ourselves immersed in the unique environment, viewing numerous birds including sacred ibis, blue heron, goliath heron, saddle-billed storks, marabou storks and little egrets. Refreshments will be served on the boat as we watch one of Africa's stunning sunsets. We return to the lodge after dusk, with a chance to freshen-up before dinner.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Early morning birding walk over uneven terrain for approx. 1 mile; 1.5 hours. Boat safari lasts approximately 3 hours in the late afternoon.
Breakfast:
At the lodge following the birding walk.
Morning:
Just after sunrise, we will explore the floodplain surrounding the lodge on foot with our local safari expert. We will seek out interesting bird species such as glossy starling, little bee-eater, a variety of sunbirds, and capped wheatear. Following breakfast at the lodge, our Group Leader will give a lecture on lion social structure and behavior. Then, the heat of the day will be at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the lodge's amenities.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
Enjoy afternoon tea at the lodge. In the late afternoon, we will embark on our last boat safari on the Chobe River to seek out wildlife not yet seen, returning to the lodge just after dusk.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Transfer time between Chobe Savanna Lodge and Victoria Falls is 2.5 hours including border crossings; 50 miles; transfer done by boat and minibus. Total drive for activities within Victoria Falls is approx. 30 minutes; 10 miles. In order to see all viewpoints at the Falls, approximate length of walk is 2 miles. It is possible to walk less and see some, but not all, viewpoints. Paths may be slick from mist, but are mostly flat. Periods of standing during the community visit.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
Transferring by motorboat to the Namibian Immigration Center, we complete Namibia exit formalities then proceed by boat across the Chobe River to the Kasane Immigration Center to enter Botswana. From there, a minibus will take us to the Kazungula Border, where we clear Zimbabwe immigration formalities before boarding a different minibus for the continued transfer into Victoria Falls. Mid-morning, we will visit Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side. Having previously viewed the Falls from the Zambian side, we will see why viewing from the Zimbabwean side is preferred, as more of the waterfall falls on this side. Here, our Group Leader will lead us on a walk to the various viewpoints and show us how, through the millennia, the forces of nature have created this marvelous spectacle, Africa’s greatest waterfall. From the Falls, we will reboard our minibus for a short transfer to our lunch venue.
Lunch:
Taken at a local restaurant with scenic views, our lunch will be a 2-course, plated, set menu offering; bottled water included with additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we will transfer to visit a community project in Victoria Falls. Here, we will have the chance to meet members of the community and see how they live. Visits to these projects are done on a non-commercialized, authentic and interactive basis with a view to a genuine and meaningful interaction. From the community project, we will transfer to the lodge to check in and have time to relax. In the early evening, we will regroup at the lodge for an overview on Zimbabwe, given by our Group Leader.
Dinner:
Taken at the lodge’s restaurant, our dinner will be a 3-course, set menu meal including bottled water, coffee, tea; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Total drive time approx. 1 hour; 15 miles. Walk at the elephant encounter site is along flat, uneven, dirt pathways for about 1 mile. Periods of standing at the Trust.
Breakfast:
Taken at the lodge, breakfast will be an expansive buffet with a selection of cereals, pastries, fruit and yogurt, with hot breakfast items cooked to order. Coffee, tea, fruit juices, milk and water will be provided.
Morning:
By minibus, we will be driven to a nearby nature reserve for our elephant interaction. Here, we will have an opportunity to learn more about the past, present and future of elephant conservation from local experts. We will also gain insight into these gentle giants through up close, personal time with the elephants that reside here. In the company of our local experts, we will be escorted on a walk alongside the elephants through the pristine bush and valley of the Masuwe River. Upon conclusion of the encounter, we will enjoy refreshments on site. Then, we will re-board our minibus for a very short drive to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, where we will learn about how the Trust’s local conservation efforts are making a major impact in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA). The Trust has four main areas of operation: Rescue and Rehabilitation; Wildlife Research; Wildlife Disease and Forensics Laboratory; and Community Outreach. In the company of a local expert, our hour-long visit will incorporate an overview of the Trust and its facilities, including the wildlife rehabilitation area. In the late morning, we will transfer to our lunch venue.
Lunch:
Taken at a nearby restaurant in Victoria Falls, we will have a buffet meal featuring traditional Zimbabwean dishes, plus water, tea and coffee. As we interact with our hosts, we’ll learn about local ingredients and cooking traditions in this part of Zimbabwe. Other beverages are available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in the town of Victoria Falls. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Transfer to the airport 25 minutes; 13 miles. Flight time 30 minutes; boarding small aircraft via stairs. Transfer Hwange Airport to camp 25 minutes; 10 miles. Safari drive lasts 3-4 hours in open-air 4x4 vehicle.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
Following breakfast, a noted local historian will discuss the story of Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone, who first visited Victoria Falls over 150 years ago, and whose journeys laid the groundwork for the Colonial era that followed. After checking out of the lodge, we will transfer to the Victoria Falls Airport, where we will board a private, light aircraft charter flight south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's premier safari destination. Hwange is legendary for its wonderful array of wildlife, particularly the massive herds of elephant and buffalo. In the summer months, large antelope herds migrate onto the plains, closely followed by large predators. Shallow pans are spread throughout the park, around which wildlife congregate, making for excellent and reliable game viewing. Elephant, Cape buffalo, sable, roan, southern giraffe, blue wildebeest, impala and sometimes even gemsbok (oryx) can be seen here. This park is one of the best for predators - lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah are regularly sighted, along with the smaller African wildcat, serval, honey badger, civet and spotted hyena. Bird life in the area is also prolific, with more than 400 species found. Our local safari experts will greet us at the Hwange Airport for the transfer in open-air, 4x4 vehicles to camp.
Lunch:
Lunches at the camp will be small buffets with a starter, main dish with side, and dessert. Dishes often vary between brunch and lunch offerings. All local brand alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea provided; premium brand alcohol available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will have the mid-day at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the camp's amenities. Following afternoon tea, we will board our 4x4 vehicles for the afternoon safari. Game drives will be in open-air safari vehicles in the early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are most active; each vehicle will have a local safari expert to provide commentary on the flora and fauna seen. Safari game drives during the program will last for approximately three hours each, with rest breaks half-way through. Game drives consist of moving slowly through the reserve searching for predators and other animals. Around dusk, we will return to the camp with time to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
Dinners at the camp will be plated meals consisting of a salad or starter, main course with side, and dessert. All local brand alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea provided; premium brand alcohol available for purchase.
Evening:
Following dinner, we’ll set out on a short night game drive with a local safari expert in search of the nocturnal species active in the area. Some species we could spot may include civet, genet, bushbaby, pearl spotted owl, African scops owl, and Verreaux’s eagle-owl.
Activity Note
Bush walks are over uneven terrain for up to 1 mile. Safari drives last 3-4 hours in open-air 4x4 vehicle.
Breakfast:
Coffee/tea and light breakfast items, such as cold cereal and rusks, will be served before the game drive.
Morning:
On an early morning game drive, we will search for the varied wildlife in the area. Upon our arrival back in camp, a hearty brunch will await us, followed by the heat of the day at leisure. A guided bush walk will also be available for those interested, where we may encounter wildlife and explore the little surprises in the bush.
Brunch:
At the camp, brunch will be a small buffet consisting of hot and cold breakfast and lunch dishes. All local brand beverages, water and coffee/tea provided; premium brand alcohol available for purchase.
Afternoon:
During afternoon tea, our Group Leader will give a lecture on termites, followed by a late afternoon game drive. We will return to the camp at dusk, in time for dinner.
Dinner:
At the camp.
Evening:
A short night game drive will be offered in search of the nocturnal species active in the area.
Activity Note
Bush walks are over uneven terrain for up to 1 mile. Safari drives last 3-4 hours in open-air 4x4 vehicle.
Breakfast:
Light breakfast at the camp.
Morning:
On our morning game drive, we will search for wildlife that may have eluded us thus far. Then, we will return to camp for a hearty mid-day meal and the heat of the day at leisure. A guided bush walk will also be offered this morning.
Brunch:
At the camp.
Afternoon:
Before departing on a late afternoon game drive, our Group Leader will give a lecture on elephant social structure, behavior and culling issues. Afterwards, we will board our vehicles for the final afternoon game drive in Hwange National Park.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner at the lodge.
Evening:
A short night game drive will be offered in search of the nocturnal species active in the area.
Activity Note
Transfer from camp to the airport is 25 minutes, 10 miles. Flight times 30 minutes, then 1 hour 40 minutes.
Breakfast:
In camp.
Morning:
We will have time to pack our bags before checking out and transferring the short distance to the Hwange National Park airport, where we will board a private charter flight back to Victoria Falls. In Victoria Falls, we will connect to our commercial flight to Johannesburg.
Lunch:
Provided in flight.
Afternoon:
Mid-afternoon, we will arrive in Johannesburg and connect to our international return flight. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Oct 06, 2026 - Oct 20, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025 (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025 (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025 (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025 (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025 (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025 (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025 (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025 (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025 (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025 (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Jan 26, 2026 - Feb 09, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Feb 17, 2026 - Mar 03, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Apr 20, 2026 - May 04, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
May 11, 2026 - May 25, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
May 26, 2026 - Jun 09, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Jun 08, 2026 - Jun 22, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Jun 15, 2026 - Jun 29, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Jun 29, 2026 - Jul 13, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Jul 06, 2026 - Jul 20, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Jul 13, 2026 - Jul 27, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Aug 03, 2026 - Aug 17, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Sep 15, 2026 - Sep 29, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Sep 21, 2026 - Oct 05, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Oct 06, 2026 - Oct 20, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)
Oct 19, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026 (Johannesburg to Hwange National Park)





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