Zimbabwe/Namibia/Botswana
Safari by Water & Land: Zimbabwe, Namibia & Botswana
Program No. 23458RJ
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Safari by Water & Land: Zimbabwe, Namibia & Botswana
Safari by Water & Land: Zimbabwe, Namibia & Botswana
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Participant Reviews
Based on 28 Reviews
SHOWING
I was amazed at how close we were able to get to the wildlife with our vehicles. It was like we were able to observe the wildlife wild invisible to them.
— Review left October 5, 2025
This was a truly outstanding trip! I loved having the unique opportunity to view so many magnificent animals and birds on the river, in the bush, and in the savannah. The Okavango Delta is stunningly beautiful. We were privileged to see so many wonderful animals - lions, cheetahs, a leopard, herds of elephants (including many swimming across the Chobe River), buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, zebras, many types of antelopes, warthogs, and crocodiles. I loved the amazing knowledge, warmth, and humor of our guides. I also loved the kindness, expertise, and friendliness of Helen, our tour leader, and our delightful group of travel companions. The sundowners were always a special treat! I will always treasure the memories of this fantastic trip! Thank you, Road Scholar, for planning such a unique experience.
— Review left September 18, 2025
This was our first Road Scholar trip. It exceeded our expectation, especially with our fantastic Tour Guide who had all the skill set needed to make this a wonderful trip!
— Review left September 11, 2025
I am back from this trip for a week now. It was amazingly fabulous! Sam, our guide, was wonderful. I really appreciated how each safari camp was broken up by being on the Zambezi Queen in between. I also really appreciated a very small group - there were 10 of us. The people of Africa, the animals, the bush, the safari’s whether on land or water, the food - all fantastic! Don’t hesitate to sign up. This was a team trip and Africa will forever be in my heart! Colleen
— Review left September 7, 2025
We returned from an African trip yesterday. We had a SUPERB educational , interesting experience and had the BEST LEADER we have ever had on a trip with Sam. It was a fast paced, thorough tour and very well organized . We would definitely recommend it.
— Review left August 30, 2025
The range and depth of knowledge of our tour group's guide was amazing. She was very helpful in all aspects, including logistics, and allowed and provided for flexibility as needed/wanted.
— Review left June 16, 2025
As an experienced world traveler, this was a trip of a lifetime especially if your guide is Honest!
— Review left October 6, 2024
Trip of a lifetime! If you every have considered an African photo safari, look no further. Everything you could want or imagine. Especially if your guide is Honest.
— Review left October 6, 2024
We took thousands of photos, and some of them turned out really well, but none of them capture the immensity, the power, the aura of watching a lioness licking Zebra blood off the face of her cub, of watching Painted Dog pubs greeting their adults upon their return, of being surrounded by elephants while in a game boat on the Chobe River, of catching a 15 pound catfish. We were greeted by singing and dancing at every camp we entered, and always welcomed with lemongrass-scented, cool washclothes after every game drive. The accommodations and cuisine were amazing. If you can handle VERY bumpy roads, and want real African adventure, we would recommend this experience to you.
— Review left October 5, 2024
This was our first trip to Africa and it was amazing and filled with animals and education. It is a life changing and humbling experience to see this area of the world and learn about the impact of climate change on the people and animals. The safari camps in Hwange and Okavango Delta were perfect; very nice accommodations and the staff were so friendly and helpful; the food was delicious and they were so accommodating on special dietary needs. Staying on the Zambezi Queen was a perfect break between the two camps. The tender boats were comfortable and brought us so close to the animals. You can't beat taking an afternoon siesta watching the animals on shore. Splash Camp, our last stay, was more like my image of the African savannahs. The animals came and went through the camp at night, so you fell asleep to the sounds of elephants and hyenas. Our guide, Onx Manga, was instrumental in making this trip the best. His knowledge of wildlife, history and culture provided a full picture of the area. I wished I could remember all the information he shared. I will say the heat at Okavango was intense and the jeep rides a test of one's stamina but so worth it. Climbing into the jeeps requires some strength and flexibility. The pay off is being 12-15' from the animals. Priceless. I would definitely repeat this trip or any other Road Scholar Safari trip. It was outstanding and worth the cost.
— Review left September 24, 2024
This was an outstanding program! The itinerary was excellent and the opportunities to view all sorts of wildlife were nearly continuous. Johann Roscher is an excellent program leader: warm, knowledgeable, approachable, attentive, and helpful. Most days started early and all were packed with memorable experiences for our convivial group.
— Review left June 25, 2024
I just got back from the most wonderful trip of my life….and I’ve traveled extensively. Did a lot of research about RS safari trips…..this trip was a perfect balance……Victoria Falls……great hotel and local shopping if you want…..then 3 days lovely Safari camp nights with elephants drinking from the pool and electric blankets in the bed which were preheated during our tent turndown. …….then onto the Zambezi Queen……..loved it too……different experience……twice daily tender boats……hippos, giraffes……and more……..finally Botswana……THE BEST……it is so remote BUT worth the trip……..beautiful accommodations and superior staff……BUT NO WIFI…….relax……unplug.
I was very worried as a 73 year old able-bodied widow about tummy issues, mosquitoes and being scared by large animals…….. NO WORRY……go now…..you won’t regret it but “Africa time”………means delays.
— Review left June 15, 2024
Our second trip with Lisa. She is great.
— Review left June 5, 2024
This itinerary was a perfect mix of land and water based activities, without a dull moment and we enjoyed it all. Lisa Reed, our guide and the friendly staff in each location, made our time enjoyable and they kept us safe! This part of Africa is amazing and so are the people.
First, we enjoyed our time at the majestic Victoria Falls and then went on to have many bumpy safari rides through the reserves, where we had many close encounters with wild animals. We appreciated the smooth boat rides on the river and loved the way we ended each and every day of the trip with ceremonial sundowners and a beautiful view of the sunset.
At each meal we would share stories with a congenial group of fellow travelers and the African staff. Thanks to everyone who made this a memorable trip!
— Review left June 4, 2024
This was a life changing experience. I really enjoyed being pampered from having our room and laundry clean to the over and beyond attitude of all staff members. The food was exceptional and cloth table clothes and napkins with low lighting for dinner set a soothing atmosphere after a long day in the bush, water or delta.
— Review left November 20, 2023
We returned from our trip five days ago....it is all that I can think about!! It was a trip of a lifetime!! Road Scholar, our group leader, Johann Roscher and support team took great care of us...once we landed in Johannesburg, all we had to do was "be there"...everything else was handled so nicely for us.
Our accommodations were nice and comfortable, food was good, but the itinerary was spectacular!!...This is a busy trip! We were going from before the sun was up until it was well down....we saw all of the Big Five and LOTS more. Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly and respectful of our safety.
I broke my ankle a few weeks before our trip, Road Scholar made sure that if there was anything that I needed on the trip, they took care of it... they booked a wheelchair and someone to push me for the longer walk at Victoria Falls and they paid for it. Lots of courtesies for our group who needed anything.
In the middle of the trip, we had a long day of leaving one country and entering the next...lots of travel, lines for immigration and the travel day for returning home was long... but it was worth it.
I HIGHLY recommend this itinerary at the time we went (10/28-11/9)...it was hot and dry, so the wildlife was easy to find at the watering holes.
— Review left November 14, 2023
An Amazing Experience!
— Review left October 16, 2023
This program is choreographed to perfection! Each day brought new, authentic, and meaningful experiences. The learning opportunities were endless. Mark, our program leader, was committed to providing excellent leadership as well as a warm and welcoming attitude. His expertise and eagerness to keep us informed were appreciated by everyone in the group. The African animals were dazzling and the cultural activities were outstanding. There are multiple border crossings in this program; I used 4 pages in my passport!
— Review left October 14, 2023
A wonderful experience. We have been waiting for three years (through the pandemic) for this program and we were not disappointed.
— Review left October 12, 2023
A fantastic adventure of a lifetime. On point all the way. Lisa our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a true picture of life in Africa; not sugar-coated. Lions, Leopard, elephant, painted wolf, kudu, cape buffalo, sable antelope, ardwolf. We saw it all and more. Wildlife is never guaranteed to show up on cue, but we saw an amazing amount.
— Review left September 5, 2023
The program was more than I expected. The lodges we stayed at were wonderful, comfortable, and top notch. The wild life experience? The animals roam freely across the countryside, and into villages and towns. It shows a whole new way to live that we could learn from. It also gives new meaning to "be careful". The game drives were informative and yielded lions, giraffe, cape buffalo, leopard, sable, kudu, ardwolf, and painted wolf or dog and many other species. The trip of a lifetime for our 40th anniversary which RS helped us celebrate. Thank you RS!
— Review left August 26, 2023
A trip of a lifetime. Very well planned and executed trip.
Would definitely consider going back again.
— Review left July 4, 2023
This was a truly memorable trip of a lifetime. There were no blank spots - unless you wanted or needed a break. The planning and organization of the entire trip was well executed and it kept filling my hopes and expectations.
Well done and thank you for an incredibly experience.
— Review left July 1, 2023
This trip was all that it was made out to be. The mix of bush camps and the riverboat cruise was very well thought through. Mark Geraghty, our guide was exceptional. He is knowledgeable, and excellent communicator, and thoughtful. He managed to juggle very many pieces of the trip with aplomb. It did not hurt that we had an excellent group of people on this trip. I think it might be helpful to highlight (emphasize) that the bush camps can be very cold, early in the day, and at night. So warm clothing is a must. Overall, wonderful trip.
— Review left June 27, 2023
Trip of a lifetime! What a wonderful experience! 10/10 would recommend.
— Review left June 25, 2023
This was one of the best trips we have done! The group leader (Lisa) was the best we have had - totally available, filled with information, capable of resolving everything.
Africa is a once in a lifetime experience and this is the way to do it - scenery, history, animals!, wonderful friendly people!
— Review left May 28, 2023
This is a 5 star trip to Africa that focuses on animals, birds, natural beauty, and cultural visits in Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. Accommodations, food and service were excellent at the land and water based camps, spending 2-3 nights in each. Our guide, Mark, was organized, very personable, and knowledgeable, and kept things smooth and enjoyable throughout. In the best tradition of Road Scholar we had brief lectures and Q/A about country histories, current government and conditions, animal behavior, environment etc. But it was the animals and birds that were the highlight. The presence of jeeps around these reserves was non-threatening to many of the animals and they would continue their eating, sleeping, playing and hunting while we observed and snapped pictures only a few feet away. I won't soon forget the elephant encounter reserve in Zimbabwe, the meadow where we found elephants, kudu, impala, and cape buffalo congregated at sundown, nor the wild dog chase with wildebeest protecting their young. Hopefully, these trips and the tourist dollars that they generate will encourage the governments of these countries to continue to preserve these beautiful creatures in their wild and beautiful habitats. Highly recommended!
— Review left January 25, 2020
WOW,this was an adventure of a lifetime. The amazing sight of the falls coupled with so many wild animals made every day an exciting and rewarding experience.
— Review left January 20, 2020