Wild Africa: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe

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, we will enjoy a buffet dinner including a starter and entrée with side dish; a welcome drink, bottled water and coffee/tea will be provided, with other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. 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. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Activity note: Flight time from Johannesburg to Maun is 1.5 hours. Flight from Maun to Khwai airstrip is approximately 20 minutes. Game drives throughout the program are in open air, 4x4 vehicles and typically last 3 to 4 hours in the early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are most active.

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 will be cooked on demand. Fruit juices, coffee, tea, milk and water will be provided.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel and board the motorcoach, transferring to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo airport for our commercial flight to Maun, Botswana.

Lunch: Snack in flight and snacks provided in camp upon arrival.

Afternoon: Upon an early afternoon arrival in Maun, we will clear Botswana border formalities. After immigration, we will be escorted to our small aircraft charter flight for the short flight into the Khwai Concession's dirt airstrip. From the airstrip, we will board our open-air, 4x4 safari vehicles for our drive through typical Botswana woodlands to our campsite; we will likely see wildlife along the way. Upon arrival at our private mobile tented camp, we will settle in. Later this afternoon, our Group Leader will give an overview on the history and culture of Botswana. Afterward, we will board our 4x4 safari vehicles for the first game drive of the program. Game drives throughout the program will be conducted in open-air safari vehicles, each vehicle with its own local safari specialist who provides insight on the flora and fauna seen. Located in the eastern part of the Okavango Delta, the Khwai River area abounds with wildlife. It is particularly well-known for its predators, especially one of the most endangered carnivores in Africa, the wild dog. Lion and leopard are commonly found, as well as herds of buffalo, elephant and hippo. Game in Khwai is abundant and varied, and includes tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, sable and giraffe. We will return to camp at dusk with time to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: Our camp cook will prepare appetizers and a dinner feast that we will enjoy in the open air under the stars. Dinners at camp will be buffets with a starter, main entree with side dishes, and a dessert; bottled water and soft drinks will be included, with alcohol available for purchase.

Evening: Following dinner, we will have the opportunity to join together around a campfire.

Activity note: Safari drives in open air, 4x4 vehicles for 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon.

Breakfast: Served prior to the early morning game drive, breakfasts in camp will be buffets with cold cereals, bread, fresh fruit and rusks (South African style biscotti); coffee/tea, fruit juice and bottled water will be provided.

Morning: Searching for plains game and other species, we will take a morning game drive through a large variety of different vegetation types, down winding tracks, through mopane forests and across lush grasslands. The scenic beauty of the area adds to our experience of Botswana’s verdant Garden of Eden, the Okavango Delta. We will return to camp mid-morning, for a chance to freshen up and rest during the heat of the day.

Lunch: Camp lunches will be buffets with a mix of hot and cold breakfast and lunch items, such as salad, egg dishes, sausage, cold meats and cheeses, and pasta dishes, with dessert. Bottled water and soft drinks will be included, with alcohol available for purchase.

Afternoon: During afternoon tea time, our Group Leader will give a lecture on termites and their effect on the environment. Afterward, we will embark on a game drive, where lion and leopard, and herds of buffalo, elephant and hippo are commonly found. We will return to camp just after dusk.

Dinner: In camp under the stars.

Evening: If the skies are clear tonight, we will discover the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.

Activity note: Safari drives in open air, 4x4 vehicles for 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon.

Breakfast: In camp.

Morning: This morning, we will head out on a game drive to search for wild dog and other endangered carnivores. We will return to camp mid-morning and have a few hours at leisure to rest, read, freshen up and relax in the heat of the day.

Lunch: In camp.

Afternoon: During our afternoon tea-time lecture, we will learn about the Okavango Delta's hydrology and geology from our Group Leader. Afterward, we will take one last afternoon game drive in Khwai, keeping our eyes open for tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, elephant, sable and giraffe. We will return to camp just after dusk.

Dinner: Enjoy scrumptious cuisine under the stars.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Flight time to Kasane is approximately 1.5 hours. Getting on/off small airplane. Game drive lasts approx. 2 hours in open air 4x4 vehicle. Transfer time national park to Chobe Lodge approximately 1.5 hours, including border crossings; transfer done in 4x4 vehicle and then motorboats. Getting on/off safari vehicle and small boats.

Breakfast: In camp.

Morning: After breakfast, we will transfer to a nearby dirt airstrip with game viewing en-route. We will take a small aircraft charter flight from the airstrip to the town of Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park. Upon arrival in Kasane, we will be met and driven in open-air 4x4 vehicles to the national park, where we will embark on a game drive in the park. 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 may 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: This evening, our Group Leader will give a lecture on elephant social structure and behavior.

Activity note: Boat safaris last approximately 2 hours each in the morning, and 3 hours in the late afternoon.

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 lead a discussion on the past, present and future of Zimbabwe, in preparation for our field trip on Day 9. 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, done by boat then vehicle. 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. Drive time between Victoria Falls and The River Club is approximately 1 hour including border crossing.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: We will have an early start to the morning, as we will be passing through four countries today, all prior to lunch! Transferring by motorboat to the Namibian Immigration Center, we complete Namibia exit formalities then proceed by boat to the Kasane Immigration Center to enter Botswana. From there, a minibus will take us to the Kazungula border, where we will clear Zimbabwe immigration formalities before continuing the drive to Victoria Falls. At Victoria Falls, we will have a chance to view the Falls on the Zimbabwean side. Since the waterfall spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is visible from both countries; however, the majority of the water falls on the Zimbabwean side. Viewing the Falls from this side provides numerous overlooks and truly gives you a feel for the full majesty of this natural wonder. On foot, our Group Leader will show us how, through the millennia, the forces of nature have created this marvelous spectacle, Africa’s greatest waterfall. Afterward, we will transfer over the Zambian border via the stunning bridge that spans the Batoka Gorge just downstream from the Falls, arriving at our lodge in time for a late lunch.

Lunch: Lunches at the lodge will be a plated meal chosen from a menu, including items such as salads, pastas, fish and pizza. 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. 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 with our Group Leader for an overview on Zambian history and culture.

Dinner: Dinner 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: Flight time from Livingstone to Lusaka is approximately 1 hour, and Lusaka to Mfuwe is 1 hour. Drive from Mfuwe Airport to Mfuwe Lodge is 45 minutes, done in open-air safari vehicles.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge will be a buffet with a selection of cereals, pastries, fruit and yogurt; hot breakfast items cooked to order with a daily special that changes seasonally. Coffee, tea, fruit juices, milk and water will be provided.

Morning: Following breakfast, we will be joined at the lodge by a noted local historian to discuss the story of Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone. Dr. Livingstone first visited Victoria Falls over 150 years ago and his journeys laid the ground work for the Colonial era that followed. Upon conclusion of the lecture, we will transfer into town in our minibus for a visit to the Livingstone Museum. Known for its archaeological and ethnographic displays, the Livingstone Museum hosts a detailed exhibit on Dr. David Livingstone, including letters and other artifacts that belonged to the storied explorer. From the museum, we will transfer to the Livingstone Airport and depart on a scheduled flight to Lusaka, and then continue on to the Mfuwe Airport in the South Luangwa Valley.

Lunch: Snacks in flight.

Afternoon: Upon a late-afternoon arrival into Mfuwe, we will be met by our local safari specialists and driven in open-air, 4x4 safari vehicles to Mfuwe Lodge. We will have time to settle into our rooms before dinner is served.

Dinner: Dinners at the lodge will vary between a plated, 3-course meal and a buffet. Also, a traditional South African barbeque or “braii,” where guests eat in the outdoor eating area or “boma," will be offered at times. Water, coffee, tea will be included with additional beverages available for purchase. Please note that dinners at the lodge will be served later in the evenings, around 8:30pm, following the return of the night game drives.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking approx. 1 mile on the morning bush walk; about 1 hour; uneven, sandy terrain. Safari drives in open air, 4x4 vehicles for 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon.

Breakfast: Early morning cereal, toast and fruit will be served at the lodge, followed by mid-morning snacks in the bush (tea and coffee, muffins and cookies).

Morning: This morning, we will divide to participate in a guided bush walk with our safari expert and an armed guard, or go on a game drive with a safari expert. During the bush walk, our local expert will provide insight into tracking, local flora, and any wildlife seen, as well as pointing out the smaller residents in the bush. We will return to the lodge mid-morning to freshen up and relax.

Brunch: Brunch at the lodge will consist of a full buffet including many cooked breakfast and lunch items as well as salads and desserts. Water, fruit juice, coffee and tea will be provided, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: During the heat of mid-day, we will have a chance to enjoy the lodge's amenities, or view game from the deck of our private chalets as the animals come to drink from the lagoons around camp. During afternoon tea, we will have a lecture on the unique surrounding ecosystem and the structure of the Zambian National Parks, given by a local expert. Afterward, we'll embark on a day-into-night game drive, where leopard, hyena, porcupine, civet, genet and honey badger are commonly sighted. After dark, our local safari expert will use a spotlight to find animals in the bush. We will return to the lodge in the late evening, just before dinner.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking approx. 1 mile on the morning bush walk; about 1 hour; uneven, sandy terrain. The drive to school and textile site is approximately 30 minutes each way in open-air safari vehicles. Game drive in safari vehicles lasts 3 to 4 hours in the early morning.

Breakfast: Early continental breakfast at the lodge and mid-morning snacks in the bush.

Morning: Again this morning, we will divide and have the choice of a game drive or a bush walk with our safari specialist and armed guard that will emphasize spoor, vegetation, birds, insects and bush lore. We will return to the lodge mid-morning, after the safari activity.

Brunch: Lodge buffet.

Afternoon: Boarding our open-air safari vehicles, we will visit a nearby school and textiles manufacturing site, located just outside the national park's boundaries. Our stay at Mfuwe Lodge in part funds the Mfuwe community fund, which helps support the lunch program at the school and has sponsored bore holes to be drilled. We will be shown around the school and learn about the school’s projects, as well as have the opportunity to interact with the children when school is in session. We will continue to a textiles manufacturing shop, which employs and trains members of the local community, making beautiful, hand-painted textiles. Our afternoon will be topped off with sundowners set up in a beautiful location back in the national park (weather permitting). We will return to the lodge just after sunset, in time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Safari drives in open-air, 4x4 vehicles last 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon.

Breakfast: Early morning tea/coffee and continental breakfast at the lodge, with snacks provided during the game drive.

Morning: We will search the surrounding area for animals that may have eluded us thus far, heading back to the lodge mid-morning.

Brunch: Lodge buffet.

Afternoon: The heat of the day will be spent at the lodge, at leisure. Over tea, our Group Leader will give a lecture on lion social structure and behavior. We will end the afternoon with one last game drive in South Luangwa National Park.

Dinner: At the lodge. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy reminiscing about the program's unique experiences and what we’ve learned.

Activity note: Flight time Mfuwe to Lusaka is approximately 1 hour; flight from Lusaka to Johannesburg is 2 hours. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation from Last Location."

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: We will check out, board our open-air safari vehicles, and transfer to the Mfuwe Airport for a scheduled flight to Lusaka, Zambia, en-route to Johannesburg.

Lunch: Boxed snacks provided, as well as an airline lunch in-flight.

Afternoon: From Lusaka, we will board a commercial flight to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Our program concludes upon arrival in Johannesburg. 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: Early morning arrivals in North America.