South Africa/Zambia/Botswana

Lions, Hippos & Zebras, Oh My! An African Safari With Your Family

Program No. 20948RJ
Search for amazing animals in their natural habitat, make friends with rescued elephants and learn to track wildlife as you explore South Africa, Botswana and Zambia with your family.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Picture it: Giraffes quietly grazing on leaves. Zebras basking in the warm sun. Cape buffalo staring at you with curiosity. And a wildlife expert teaching you about it all! Talk about the most amazing classroom of all time!! Alongside your family, you’ll step right into the “Lion King,” as you search for big cats on safaris through protected reserves. From experts, you’ll even learn what it takes to survive in the African wild as you get up close to the largest animal that calls this place home – an elephant!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily over uneven and potentially slippery terrain. Game drives over bumpy, dusty terrain in open safari vehicles. Elevations of 5,575 feet.
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.

What You'll Learn

  • Test your tracking skills both on foot and on expert-led game drives as you search for lions, rhinos, leopards and more.
  • Grab your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife during a sunset boat ride on the Zambezi River.
  • Fall in love with Victoria Falls – one of the largest waterfalls on Earth!

General Notes

This is a Family program for participants, their adult children and grandchildren ages 10 and up. Please refer to the “Travel Information” section on the Road Scholar website, the start/end time listed in your first informational packet 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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Helen Malisan
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.

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 View biography
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 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.
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.
Meals
33 Meals
11 Breakfasts
11 Lunches
11 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Jul 19, 2024 - Aug 01, 2024
  • Jul 19, 2024 - Aug 01, 2024
  • Jun 25, 2024 - Jul 08, 2024 (Johannesburg to Livingstone (Victoria Falls))
  • Jul 05, 2024 - Jul 18, 2024 (Johannesburg to Livingstone (Victoria Falls))
  • Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 29, 2024 (Johannesburg to Livingstone (Victoria Falls))
  • Jul 19, 2024 - Aug 01, 2024 (Johannesburg to Livingstone (Victoria Falls))
2 nights
Johannesburg
The City Lodge Hotel Eastgate, a beautifully appointed, Tuscan-themed hotel, is located only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport in a very secure area. The hotel overlooks a landscaped greenbelt with walking path. The Eastgate Shopping Centre is nearby, hosting many shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle to the shopping center offered between 7:00pm to 10:00pm each evening.
3 nights
Magaliesburg
Located in an historic area with beautiful mountain scenery, African Hills Safari Lodge offers comfortable accommodations with the chance to view the Big Five (rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard, although leopard are hard to spot). Each cottage has a thatch roof and wooden patio, and is equipped with modern amenities. All cottages have an attached bathroom with a Victorian bath and shower. The rooms are furnished with antiques to complement the theme of the entire lodge.
3 nights
Chobe
An authentic, "Hemingway Safari" tented safari camp is set up at a private site with large mini-meru safari tents positioned with a view of the Chobe flood plain. Each tent has two or three beds with linens, solar bedside lamps and an attached bathroom with a chemical toilet. All meals are taken in casual safari style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees.
3 nights
Livingstone
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge commands prime river-front property on the Zambezi River. The open-air floor plan of the main lodge affords views over the river, while the beautiful teak-wood finishes and doors highlight the lodge throughout. Each room has a lovely, en-suite bathroom and private patio or deck with views of the river. The lodge’s restaurant and lounge offer fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, with the option of dining on the extensive teak deck along the river.
2 nights
Johannesburg
The City Lodge Hotel Eastgate, a beautifully appointed, Tuscan-themed hotel, is located only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport in a very secure area. The hotel overlooks a landscaped greenbelt with walking path. The Eastgate Shopping Centre is nearby, hosting many shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle to the shopping center offered between 7:00pm to 10:00pm each evening.
3 nights
Magaliesburg
Located in an historic area with beautiful mountain scenery, African Hills Safari Lodge offers comfortable accommodations with the chance to view the Big Five (rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard, although leopard are hard to spot). Each cottage has a thatch roof and wooden patio, and is equipped with modern amenities. All cottages have an attached bathroom with a Victorian bath and shower. The rooms are furnished with antiques to complement the theme of the entire lodge.
3 nights
Chobe
An authentic, "Hemingway Safari" tented safari camp is set up at a private site with large mini-meru safari tents positioned with a view of the Chobe flood plain. Each tent has two or three beds with linens, solar bedside lamps and an attached bathroom with a chemical toilet. All meals are taken in casual safari style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees.
3 nights
Livingstone
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge commands prime river-front property on the Zambezi River. The open-air floor plan of the main lodge affords views over the river, while the beautiful teak-wood finishes and doors highlight the lodge throughout. Each room has a lovely, en-suite bathroom and private patio or deck with views of the river. The lodge’s restaurant and lounge offer fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, with the option of dining on the extensive teak deck along the river.
2 nights
Johannesburg
The City Lodge Hotel Eastgate, a beautifully appointed, Tuscan-themed hotel, is located only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport in a very secure area. The hotel overlooks a landscaped greenbelt with walking path. The Eastgate Shopping Centre is nearby, hosting many shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle to the shopping center offered between 7:00pm to 10:00pm each evening.
3 nights
Magaliesburg
Located in an historic area with beautiful mountain scenery, African Hills Safari Lodge offers comfortable accommodations with the chance to view the Big Five (rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard, although leopard are hard to spot). Each cottage has a thatch roof and wooden patio, and is equipped with modern amenities. All cottages have an attached bathroom with a Victorian bath and shower. The rooms are furnished with antiques to complement the theme of the entire lodge.
3 nights
Chobe
An authentic, "Hemingway Safari" tented safari camp is set up at a private site with large mini-meru safari tents positioned with a view of the Chobe flood plain. Each tent has two or three beds with linens, solar bedside lamps and an attached bathroom with a chemical toilet. All meals are taken in casual safari style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees.
3 nights
Livingstone
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge commands prime river-front property on the Zambezi River. The open-air floor plan of the main lodge affords views over the river, while the beautiful teak-wood finishes and doors highlight the lodge throughout. Each room has a lovely, en-suite bathroom and private patio or deck with views of the river. The lodge’s restaurant and lounge offer fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, with the option of dining on the extensive teak deck along the river.
2 nights
Johannesburg
The City Lodge Hotel Eastgate, a beautifully appointed, Tuscan-themed hotel, is located only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport in a very secure area. The hotel overlooks a landscaped greenbelt with walking path. The Eastgate Shopping Centre is nearby, hosting many shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle to the shopping center offered between 7:00pm to 10:00pm each evening.
3 nights
Magaliesburg
Located in an historic area with beautiful mountain scenery, African Hills Safari Lodge offers comfortable accommodations with the chance to view the Big Five (rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard, although leopard are hard to spot). Each cottage has a thatch roof and wooden patio, and is equipped with modern amenities. All cottages have an attached bathroom with a Victorian bath and shower. The rooms are furnished with antiques to complement the theme of the entire lodge.
3 nights
Chobe
An authentic, "Hemingway Safari" tented safari camp is set up at a private site with large mini-meru safari tents positioned with a view of the Chobe flood plain. Each tent has two or three beds with linens, solar bedside lamps and an attached bathroom with a chemical toilet. All meals are taken in casual safari style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees.
3 nights
Livingstone
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge commands prime river-front property on the Zambezi River. The open-air floor plan of the main lodge affords views over the river, while the beautiful teak-wood finishes and doors highlight the lodge throughout. Each room has a lovely, en-suite bathroom and private patio or deck with views of the river. The lodge’s restaurant and lounge offer fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, with the option of dining on the extensive teak deck along the river.





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