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Africa

Iconic Africa: Journey Across Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia & Kenya

Program No. 24830RJ
From Mt. Kilimanjaro to Victoria Falls, experience some of east and southern Africa’s most iconic natural wonders, home to lions, elephants and more.

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At a Glance

What comes to mind when you think of east and southern Africa? Experience Africa's great diversity, abundant wildlife and local cultures with a focus on conservation in different regions. Along the way, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from Botswana's famed Okavango Delta, home to a third of the world's elephants, to Zambia's Lower Zambezi River, adjacent to Zimbabwe's Mana Pools. Experience sustainability and empowerment projects in local communities with local leaders. Whether your favorite natural wonder is Victoria Falls, Mt. Kilimanjaro or just viewing the large populations of lions, buffalo and leopards, at the end of your adventure, you’ll know the answer when asked about Africa's most iconic sites!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily on uneven terrain. Game drives in open-air safari vehicles can be bumpy and dusty; stamina and flexibility are required. Elevations up to 7,500 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

  • Embark on safari game drives to experience wildlife in their natural habitats, including elephants, rhinos and leopards.
  • Marvel at the iconic natural wonders across east and southern Africa, including Mt. Kilimanjaro and Victoria Falls, the world’s largest sheet of falling water.
  • Visit local communities to learn about conservation efforts and participate in supporting community projects.

General Notes

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
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.

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

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 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 Keith Chisnall
Keith Chisnall View biography
A local of northern Zimbabwe, Keith Chisnall relishes in showing the bush culture to travelers from around the world. As a child, Keith learned the medicinal value of bush plants, how to track animals, tribal customs and the indigenous flora and fauna, and his knowledge has only grown since then. He’s worked as an engineer, salesman and detective, but his most meaningful work has been in leading educational adventures. After over 20 years of experience leading groups in “Big Five” territory, you can rely on Keith to explain every aspect and every detail of the wilderness!
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
53 Meals
17 Breakfasts
2 Brunches
17 Lunches
17 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Kosher, Low Fat, Low Salt
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
  • Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
  • May 25, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
  • Jun 15, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
  • Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
  • Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
  • Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
1 night
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
Maun
An authentic, "Hemingway Safari" tented safari camp is set up in a private location with large mini-meru safari tents. Each tent has two beds with linens, towels and an attached bathroom with long-drop toilet and bucket shower (hot water on request). All meals are taken in casual safari style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees.
2 nights
Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower, and a patio or deck depending upon your floor, along with air conditioning.
4 nights
Lower Zambezi National Park
Royal Zambezi Lodge offers the perfect combination of contemporary, simplistic style and extreme comfort while providing a pure wilderness experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Zambezi Valley Escarpment and located within the Chiawa Game Management Area, the five-hundred-acre domain boasts two miles of unspoiled river frontage on the northern banks of the Zambezi River. It is situated directly across the river from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and just minutes from the Lower Zambezi National Park. The lodge provides a delightful base from which to explore the wilderness of the surrounding area.
1 night
Nairobi
Ole Sereni is the only hotel that borders the Nairobi National Game Park, giving travelers a unique opportunity to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, endangered black rhinos, and more from the comfort of the hotel sun deck or pool. Head into the bush on a game drive with local guides, or take a quick trip into downtown Nairobi to experience Kenya’s capital city. The name “Ole Sereni” is derived from the Maasai name for the area, which means “place of tranquility.” In honor of the wildlife viewing opportunities, the hotel is designed in the style of a safari lodge, with bright colors, mahogany details, and beautiful local artwork.
3 nights
Kajiado
Ol Tukai is located in the heart of Amboseli National Park, the home of Mt. Kilimanjaro: the highest mountain in Africa and fourth most prominent peak in the world. This hotel opened its doors in 1996 as the set of a movie, and has to this day offered visitors outstanding views of Kilimanjaro as well as the park’s abundant wildlife, especially elephants. Corporate social responsibility is a core value for Ol Tukai, and the hotel works hand in hand with the local Maasai community to support medical care, learning centers, and food drives.
3 nights
Talek
Experience the Masai Mara Reserve with the best local experts. Zebra River Camp is a luxury tented safari camp with the Talek River flowing on one side and the plains sitting on the other. The wildlife is, of course, the main attraction: hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and more make welcome neighbors at the adjacent waterhole, and the knowledgeable guides know the most prolific routes in the park to spot animals. Welcome to a camp where the staff know your name and your drink order, and you can fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the river.
See All Lodging Options
1 night
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
Maun
An authentic, "Hemingway Safari" tented safari camp is set up in a private location with large mini-meru safari tents. Each tent has two beds with linens, towels and an attached bathroom with long-drop toilet and bucket shower (hot water on request). All meals are taken in casual safari style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees.
2 nights
Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower, and a patio or deck depending upon your floor, along with air conditioning.
4 nights
Lower Zambezi National Park
Royal Zambezi Lodge offers the perfect combination of contemporary, simplistic style and extreme comfort while providing a pure wilderness experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Zambezi Valley Escarpment and located within the Chiawa Game Management Area, the five-hundred-acre domain boasts two miles of unspoiled river frontage on the northern banks of the Zambezi River. It is situated directly across the river from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and just minutes from the Lower Zambezi National Park. The lodge provides a delightful base from which to explore the wilderness of the surrounding area.
1 night
Nairobi
Ole Sereni is the only hotel that borders the Nairobi National Game Park, giving travelers a unique opportunity to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, endangered black rhinos, and more from the comfort of the hotel sun deck or pool. Head into the bush on a game drive with local guides, or take a quick trip into downtown Nairobi to experience Kenya’s capital city. The name “Ole Sereni” is derived from the Maasai name for the area, which means “place of tranquility.” In honor of the wildlife viewing opportunities, the hotel is designed in the style of a safari lodge, with bright colors, mahogany details, and beautiful local artwork.
3 nights
Kajiado
Ol Tukai is located in the heart of Amboseli National Park, the home of Mt. Kilimanjaro: the highest mountain in Africa and fourth most prominent peak in the world. This hotel opened its doors in 1996 as the set of a movie, and has to this day offered visitors outstanding views of Kilimanjaro as well as the park’s abundant wildlife, especially elephants. Corporate social responsibility is a core value for Ol Tukai, and the hotel works hand in hand with the local Maasai community to support medical care, learning centers, and food drives.
3 nights
Talek
Experience the Masai Mara Reserve with the best local experts. Zebra River Camp is a luxury tented safari camp with the Talek River flowing on one side and the plains sitting on the other. The wildlife is, of course, the main attraction: hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and more make welcome neighbors at the adjacent waterhole, and the knowledgeable guides know the most prolific routes in the park to spot animals. Welcome to a camp where the staff know your name and your drink order, and you can fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the river.
See All Lodging Options
1 night
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
Maun
An authentic, "Hemingway Safari" tented safari camp is set up in a private location with large mini-meru safari tents. Each tent has two beds with linens, towels and an attached bathroom with long-drop toilet and bucket shower (hot water on request). All meals are taken in casual safari style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees.
2 nights
Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower, and a patio or deck depending upon your floor, along with air conditioning.
4 nights
Lower Zambezi National Park
Royal Zambezi Lodge offers the perfect combination of contemporary, simplistic style and extreme comfort while providing a pure wilderness experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Zambezi Valley Escarpment and located within the Chiawa Game Management Area, the five-hundred-acre domain boasts two miles of unspoiled river frontage on the northern banks of the Zambezi River. It is situated directly across the river from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and just minutes from the Lower Zambezi National Park. The lodge provides a delightful base from which to explore the wilderness of the surrounding area.
1 night
Nairobi
Ole Sereni is the only hotel that borders the Nairobi National Game Park, giving travelers a unique opportunity to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, endangered black rhinos, and more from the comfort of the hotel sun deck or pool. Head into the bush on a game drive with local guides, or take a quick trip into downtown Nairobi to experience Kenya’s capital city. The name “Ole Sereni” is derived from the Maasai name for the area, which means “place of tranquility.” In honor of the wildlife viewing opportunities, the hotel is designed in the style of a safari lodge, with bright colors, mahogany details, and beautiful local artwork.
3 nights
Kajiado
Ol Tukai is located in the heart of Amboseli National Park, the home of Mt. Kilimanjaro: the highest mountain in Africa and fourth most prominent peak in the world. This hotel opened its doors in 1996 as the set of a movie, and has to this day offered visitors outstanding views of Kilimanjaro as well as the park’s abundant wildlife, especially elephants. Corporate social responsibility is a core value for Ol Tukai, and the hotel works hand in hand with the local Maasai community to support medical care, learning centers, and food drives.
3 nights
Talek
Experience the Masai Mara Reserve with the best local experts. Zebra River Camp is a luxury tented safari camp with the Talek River flowing on one side and the plains sitting on the other. The wildlife is, of course, the main attraction: hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and more make welcome neighbors at the adjacent waterhole, and the knowledgeable guides know the most prolific routes in the park to spot animals. Welcome to a camp where the staff know your name and your drink order, and you can fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the river.
See All Lodging Options
1 night
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
Maun
An authentic, "Hemingway Safari" tented safari camp is set up in a private location with large mini-meru safari tents. Each tent has two beds with linens, towels and an attached bathroom with long-drop toilet and bucket shower (hot water on request). All meals are taken in casual safari style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees.
2 nights
Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower, and a patio or deck depending upon your floor, along with air conditioning.
4 nights
Lower Zambezi National Park
Royal Zambezi Lodge offers the perfect combination of contemporary, simplistic style and extreme comfort while providing a pure wilderness experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Zambezi Valley Escarpment and located within the Chiawa Game Management Area, the five-hundred-acre domain boasts two miles of unspoiled river frontage on the northern banks of the Zambezi River. It is situated directly across the river from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and just minutes from the Lower Zambezi National Park. The lodge provides a delightful base from which to explore the wilderness of the surrounding area.
1 night
Nairobi
Ole Sereni is the only hotel that borders the Nairobi National Game Park, giving travelers a unique opportunity to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, endangered black rhinos, and more from the comfort of the hotel sun deck or pool. Head into the bush on a game drive with local guides, or take a quick trip into downtown Nairobi to experience Kenya’s capital city. The name “Ole Sereni” is derived from the Maasai name for the area, which means “place of tranquility.” In honor of the wildlife viewing opportunities, the hotel is designed in the style of a safari lodge, with bright colors, mahogany details, and beautiful local artwork.
3 nights
Kajiado
Ol Tukai is located in the heart of Amboseli National Park, the home of Mt. Kilimanjaro: the highest mountain in Africa and fourth most prominent peak in the world. This hotel opened its doors in 1996 as the set of a movie, and has to this day offered visitors outstanding views of Kilimanjaro as well as the park’s abundant wildlife, especially elephants. Corporate social responsibility is a core value for Ol Tukai, and the hotel works hand in hand with the local Maasai community to support medical care, learning centers, and food drives.
3 nights
Talek
Experience the Masai Mara Reserve with the best local experts. Zebra River Camp is a luxury tented safari camp with the Talek River flowing on one side and the plains sitting on the other. The wildlife is, of course, the main attraction: hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and more make welcome neighbors at the adjacent waterhole, and the knowledgeable guides know the most prolific routes in the park to spot animals. Welcome to a camp where the staff know your name and your drink order, and you can fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the river.
See All Lodging Options
1 night
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
Maun
An authentic, "Hemingway Safari" tented safari camp is set up in a private location with large mini-meru safari tents. Each tent has two beds with linens, towels and an attached bathroom with long-drop toilet and bucket shower (hot water on request). All meals are taken in casual safari style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees.
2 nights
Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower, and a patio or deck depending upon your floor, along with air conditioning.
4 nights
Lower Zambezi National Park
Royal Zambezi Lodge offers the perfect combination of contemporary, simplistic style and extreme comfort while providing a pure wilderness experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Zambezi Valley Escarpment and located within the Chiawa Game Management Area, the five-hundred-acre domain boasts two miles of unspoiled river frontage on the northern banks of the Zambezi River. It is situated directly across the river from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and just minutes from the Lower Zambezi National Park. The lodge provides a delightful base from which to explore the wilderness of the surrounding area.
1 night
Nairobi
Ole Sereni is the only hotel that borders the Nairobi National Game Park, giving travelers a unique opportunity to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, endangered black rhinos, and more from the comfort of the hotel sun deck or pool. Head into the bush on a game drive with local guides, or take a quick trip into downtown Nairobi to experience Kenya’s capital city. The name “Ole Sereni” is derived from the Maasai name for the area, which means “place of tranquility.” In honor of the wildlife viewing opportunities, the hotel is designed in the style of a safari lodge, with bright colors, mahogany details, and beautiful local artwork.
3 nights
Kajiado
Ol Tukai is located in the heart of Amboseli National Park, the home of Mt. Kilimanjaro: the highest mountain in Africa and fourth most prominent peak in the world. This hotel opened its doors in 1996 as the set of a movie, and has to this day offered visitors outstanding views of Kilimanjaro as well as the park’s abundant wildlife, especially elephants. Corporate social responsibility is a core value for Ol Tukai, and the hotel works hand in hand with the local Maasai community to support medical care, learning centers, and food drives.
3 nights
Talek
Experience the Masai Mara Reserve with the best local experts. Zebra River Camp is a luxury tented safari camp with the Talek River flowing on one side and the plains sitting on the other. The wildlife is, of course, the main attraction: hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and more make welcome neighbors at the adjacent waterhole, and the knowledgeable guides know the most prolific routes in the park to spot animals. Welcome to a camp where the staff know your name and your drink order, and you can fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the river.
See All Lodging Options





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