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South Africa/Botswana/Zimbabwe

The Best of Southern Africa: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana

Program No. 25655RJ
From majestic wildlife to roaring Victoria Falls to lively Cape Town, Southern Africa offers endless adventure. Note: This is our only program with safaris in Kruger National Park!
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Start
Small GroupAnimals & WildlifeNew
Length
17 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
10,999
Flights start at
1,500
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
17 days
16 nights
What's Included
40 meals ( 14B, 14L, 12D )
8 expert-led lectures
17 expert-led field trips
3 flights during the program
2 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 12 miles, approximately 20 minutes. Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After arriving at the hotel and checking in, take some time to freshen up and relax before our welcome dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have a set menu welcome dinner including coffee, tea, and bottled water; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the schedule and any changes, 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 for most of the program. 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
Periods of standing at the museum. Walking a total of one mile; downhill slopes, paved sidewalks. Getting on/off motorcoach; drive about 15 miles total, approx. 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be an expansive buffet at the hotel, with a variety of cereals, breads, fruits and hot breakfast items like eggs, ham and sausage. Coffee, tea, fruit juice, water, milk provided.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and head to the District Six Museum, which serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of apartheid. We will discover the museum in the company of a docent, exploring its exhibits that invite a very visual and interactive understanding of what life was like in the area, and of apartheid’s impacts on the residents in the neighborhood. Then, we will reboard our motorcoach for the ride into city center and the Bo Kaap neighborhood, a colorful and predominantly Muslim neighborhood. Here, we will disembark from the motorcoach and begin our walking exploration of select local food establishments, specifically chosen to provide a culinary exploration of some of South Africa’s offerings. We will visit three local eateries over the course of our walk.
Lunch:
Over the course of our walking food exploration, we will experience a taste of Cape Malay cuisine, a typical South African “braai” (barbecue) with paired local wine tasting, and finish with a unique taste exploration of the locally endemic fynbos botanicals and traditional South African sweets.
Afternoon:
Our local food exploration will conclude mid-afternoon, when we will reboard our motorcoach and return to the hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure. For participants wishing to remain downtown for self-exploration, transportation will be provided to the V&A Waterfront for drop off only; the Group Leader will offer suggestions on how to return to the hotel.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and will be on your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Choice of different length paths to follow on top of Table Mountain, however minimal walking is required. Getting on/off motorcoach; drive about 20 miles total, approx. 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will gather with our Group Leader at the hotel for an overview of South Africa and its history. Then, we will board our motorcoach and head to Table Mountain, where we will take a cable car ride up the steep granite slopes of Table Mountain (weather permitting). Atop the summit, we will be able to choose from various walking paths to follow and take in the splendid views of the city and peninsula; it is perhaps one of the most magnificent views in the southern hemisphere. We may come across the charismatic rock hyrax, whose closest genetic relative is the elephant! After descending the mountain by cable car, we will be driven to our lunch venue.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, including coffee, tea, water; 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 city of Cape Town. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. There is a multitude of activities offered in the area, or you may wish to explore the hotel's walking trails through their expansive gardens. Transportation will be provided to the V&A Waterfront for self-exploration. We will regather at the hotel in the early evening for our transfer to the dinner venue.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant on the V&A Waterfront. Water, coffee, tea will be provided with additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving a total of 165 miles; 3.5 hours. Getting on/off motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles on graded path, some incline/decline.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach for a full day trip east, exploring the picturesque scenery along the east coast of False Bay, as well as the quaint town of Hermanus. Our morning starts with the drive along False Bay, where dramatic mountains come down to meet the ocean, creating scenery reminiscent of the Big Sur coastline; we will be able to stop and take pictures along the way. In Betty’s Bay, we will explore the Stony Point penguin colony. Our Group Leader will lead us along the raised walkways, introducing us to the resident African penguins. Stony Point is one of the few sites where this vulnerable bird (Spheniscus demersus) can be observed at close range, wandering freely in a protected environment. We will also be able to observe several species of cormorants which breed on the rocks near the penguin colony. Reboarding our motorcoach, we will continue the ride to the small town of Hermanus. We will have some time for self-exploration in Hermanus, which may include walking along the Cliff Path or exploring the pleasant streets. Hermanus is famous for the whale watching in Walker Bay (whales present June through December), but even outside of whale season it is a charming little town to explore.
Lunch:
Taken at a local restaurant; bottled water, coffee, tea will be included, with additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we will transfer a short distance to the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, located on the hillsides overlooking Hermanus. In the company of a local specialist, we will walk through the reserve, learning about the unique fynbos biome which covers only 6.7% of South Africa yet contains the largest number of plant species, compared to the other biomes in the country. Exploring this beautiful setting, we will learn about the different families of fynbos, and why they are unique, as we walk along one of the easier paths in the reserve. In the late afternoon, we will reboard our motorcoach for the return to Cape Town.
Dinner:
Taken at the hotel’s restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving a total of 95 miles; 2.5 hours. Getting on/off motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles on gravel and grass path, some incline/decline and stone steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach, leaving the city and heading through the scenic Winelands countryside to Stellenbosch. Our first destination is the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, for a visit led by a local specialist. We will explore the beautifully maintained garden, resplendent with numerous species of fynbos, and discover the groupings of Lewis’s sculptures that have been sighted at various points throughout the natural landscape. From the garden, we will reboard our motorcoach for the ride into downtown Stellenbosch. As we drive into town, our Group Leader will give us an introduction to Stellenbosch and its history. Then, we will have time to walk the streets and explore this small town on our own. Many of the town's historical landmarks are within easy walking distance of the town center. An interesting stop is the Village Museum, where four restored historical houses trace the history of Stellenbosch and its famous architecture. Upon our return to the motorcoach, we will drive to a local wine estate for lunch and a wine tasting.
Lunch:
At a local winery, including a glass of wine, water, coffee, tea; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will discover some of the Cape Winelands' tasty products during a wine tasting, including Pinotage, a varietal that was born in the region. Hear a lecture on the area’s architecture, history and viniculture, given by the Group Leader. We will reboard out motorcoach in the late afternoon for the return to the hotel.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and will be on your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving approx. 1.5 hours total; 50 miles. Getting on/off motorcoach and 4x4 vehicles. Game drives last around 3 hours, conducted in open-air 4x4 vehicles.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and board our motorcoach for the ride to Cape Town International Airport, where we will board a flight bound for Hoedspruit Airport in the greater Kruger National Park area.
Lunch:
In flight snack plus late lunch served in camp.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in the early afternoon, we will be met and transferred by minivan to the Manyeleti Game Reserve. Manyeleti Game Reserve occupies a prime position on the western border of the world-renowned Kruger National Park; the reserve shares unfenced borders with Kruger, so wildlife is free to move unhindered between the protected areas. Manyeleti may be explored in open-air game viewing vehicles or on foot under the guidance of armed and experienced local rangers (guided bush walks are at additional cost). The reserve boasts the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant) as well as cheetah, zebra, giraffe, hippo, a variety of antelope species and prolific bird life. Arrive in camp, where we will have time to settle into our tented rooms. In the late afternoon, we will embark on our first game drive within Manyeleti Game Reserve, each vehicle with its own local safari expert. We will search for the "Big Five" and other wildlife resident in the reserve. Sundowner drinks and snacks will be served at a scenic spot as we watch the sunset.
Dinner:
Camp meal.
Evening:
Spend the evening stargazing in Manyeleti, which means "place of stars" in the local Shangaan language.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of open-air 4X4 safari vehicles. Early morning and afternoon game drives are approximately 3 hours each.
Breakfast:
Early morning coffee/tea and snacks will be brought to our tents prior to morning game drive. A full breakfast will be served in camp following the return of the morning drive.
Morning:
Before sunrise, we will wake to the sound of beating drums, serving as our alarm clock. In the early hours of the day, we will head out on a game drive in search of elephants, giraffes, zebra, kudu, impala, and big cats such as lion and leopard. During our game drive, we will take a short break for coffee, tea, and rusks before returning to camp midmorning. Following breakfast, we will have some time at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the camp’s amenities. Midday, we will gather with our Group Leader for a lecture on rhinoceros.
Lunch:
Lunches in camp will be served at 2:00 p.m. and include water, coffee, tea; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we will embark on a late afternoon game drive. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife in the area such as Wahlberg's eagle, little bee-eater, helmeted guinea fowl, and Southern yellow-billed hornbill. Sundowners will again be taken at a scenic spot, after which we will return to camp for dinner.
Dinner:
In camp.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of open-air 4X4 safari vehicles and minibus. Early morning and afternoon game drives are approximately 3 hours each. Driving to local community approx. 1 hour total; 20 miles.
Breakfast:
Early morning tea/coffee served in tents; full breakfast in camp after the morning drive.
Morning:
We will embark on an early morning game drive in the area, exploring tracks not previously driven, searching for the animals and birds that may be active during the morning hours. After breakfast in camp, we will board a minibus and ride to a local village for a community visit. Here, we will get a glimpse into the Shangaan way of life. We will meet a traditional shaman, who will explain some of the medicinal herbs and treatments they prescribe, and then it’s on to a local school to visit with the children and teachers. Viewing some of the homesteads in the village will round out our visit. We will reboard our minibus and return to camp in time for lunch.
Lunch:
Late lunch in camp.
Afternoon:
We will climb aboard our safari vehicles for a late afternoon game drive in the area, returning to camp at dusk.
Dinner:
Camp meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; uneven, rocky and potentially slippery terrain at certain stops. Walking shoes with good tread recommended (no flip-flops; hiking boots not necessary). Getting on/off minibus. Driving approx. 5 hours total; 175 miles.
Breakfast:
Full breakfast in camp.
Morning:
We will check out of camp and board our minibus for our field trip along the scenic Panorama Route. Our field trip will include several stops along the way, for a chance to view the geologically interesting sites along the escarpment. The drive along the Panorama Route threads its way along the cliff tops of the high escarpment, which stands 2,600 feet above the spectacular Blyde River Canyon. Landmarks along the route include the Pinnacle and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Ultimately, we will discover amazing views and the beautiful scenery of the Lowveld, as seen from God's Window. As we drive, we’ll hear commentary on the geography and geology of the canyon, as well as information covering the history of gold panning in the area with a focus on the discovery’s effects on the region. Our field trip will also include a stop in Pilgrim's Rest, a small town where, in 1873, the discovery of gold attracted 1,500 diggers to the area. While here, we will have the opportunity to stroll down the main street of town, which is now a living museum and national monument.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant including bottled water, coffee, tea; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue exploring the Panorama Route until late in the afternoon, when we are taken to our lodge in the town of White River. We will have time to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
At the lodge, including water, coffee, tea; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 7 miles, approximately 15 minutes. Flight time approximately 2 hours. Getting in/out of a minibus; driving about 15 miles, approximately 30 minutes. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; mostly flat, paved paths.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
We will check out of the lodge and transfer via motorcoach to Mbombela’s Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport where we will board our flight to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe.
Lunch:
In flight meal.
Afternoon:
Arriving at Victoria Falls Airport, we will clear customs and immigration. We will then transfer via minibus to our lodge and check in to our rooms. Next, we’ll drive a short distance to see Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side. Upon our entrance to the park, we will walk along the path with commentary from the Group Leader about the formation of the falls, as well as the local flora and birdlife seen. Since the waterfall spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is visible from both countries, but the majority of the water falls on the Zimbabwean side. Viewing the Falls from this side offers numerous overlooks and truly gives us a feeling for the full majesty of this natural wonder. What we call Victoria Falls is known as Mosi oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) in the language of the Lozi people. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this is also considered the largest and most spectacular waterfall anywhere with a height of 360 feet (108 meters) and a width of 5,603 feet (1,708 meters), awesome in size and power as the Zambezi River rushes over an abrupt chasm. Its English name was given by Scottish explorer David Livingstone, the first European known to have visited here in 1855, in honor of Queen Victoria. We will return to the lodge with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the lodge, including coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a mini-bus; driving about 30 miles round-trip, approximately 1 hour total. Walking approximately 1 mile; uneven terrain; periods of standing; potentially hot temperatures.
Breakfast:
Taken at the elephant encounter site.
Morning:
We will have an early start for the morning’s field trip. By motorcoach, we will be driven to a nearby location 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 breakfast on site. Following breakfast, we will re-board our motorcoach 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. Then, we will transfer to visit two community projects 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 visit, we will be driven to a local restaurant for lunch.
Lunch:
At a restaurant with scenic views of Victoria Falls, with bottled water included; 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 Victoria Falls. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In the early evening, we will regroup at the lodge and be driven a short distance to our dinner location.
Dinner:
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.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off minibus and pontoon boat. Driving approx. 95 miles total; 2.5 hours. Boat safari lasts 3 hours.
Breakfast:
Lodge buffet.
Morning:
A noted local historian will join us to discuss the story of Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone, who first visited Victoria Falls more than 150 years ago, and whose journeys laid the groundwork for the Colonial era that followed. Then, after checking out of the lodge, we will board our minibus and transfer to the Kazungula border, where we clear Botswana entry formalities before boarding a different minibus for the continued ride to Kasane, Botswana. Here, we will board a pontoon boat for a 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 to drink and bathe. The boat will provide a unique viewpoint of the riparian environment, with its numerous birds including sacred ibis, blue heron, goliath heron, saddle-billed storks, marabou storks and little egrets.
Lunch:
We will enjoy lunch onboard the boat, including bottled water.
Afternoon:
After disembarking the boat, we will board a minibus for the rest of the journey to our lodge. Upon a late afternoon arrival, we will have time to relax and settle into our rooms. In the early evening, we will gather with our Group Leader for an Overview of Botswana.
Dinner:
Camp meal including water and all local brand beverages, alcoholic and non; premium brand alcohol available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of open-air 4X4 safari vehicles. Extended game drive lasts approx. 6-7 hours.
Breakfast:
Camp meal.
Morning:
We will board our open-air safari vehicles for our first game drive in Chobe National Park. Each vehicle will have its own local safari expert who will provide commentary on the sights seen during our drive. We will explore Chobe on an extended game drive, allowing us to access parts of the national park that are farther away from camp. 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.
Lunch:
Packed lunch provided, including bottled water.
Afternoon:
Our extended game drive will continue, arriving back in camp mid-afternoon. We will have some time at leisure following our return. In the early evening, our Group Leader will give a lecture on human/wildlife conflict.
Dinner:
Camp meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Game drives last approximately 3 hours in the early morning and late afternoon. Getting on/off safari vehicles.
Breakfast:
Camp meal.
Morning:
We will board our safari vehicles for a game drive inside the national park, seeking out wildlife and birds that may have eluded us thus far. Upon return to camp, we will have some time at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the camp’s amenities.
Lunch:
In camp.
Afternoon:
We will gather with our Group Leader for a lecture on the importance of termites. Then, we will head out on our last safari drive of the program, returning to camp at dusk.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner in camp with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving approx. 1.5 hours; 40 miles. Getting on/off minibus. Flight time Kasane to Johannesburg approx. 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Camp meal.
Morning:
We will have time to relax and pack our bags before checking out of the lodge and boarding our minibus for the ride to the Kasane airport, where we will connect to our early afternoon flight to Johannesburg.
Lunch:
In flight snack.
Afternoon:
Board the early afternoon commercial flight to Johannesburg. Arrive in Johannesburg and connect to your 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!
Morning:
Arrival back into North America.
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