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Botswana/Namibia/Zambia/Zimbabwe

Wild Africa: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe

Program No. 3645RJ
Explore the wilds of southern Africa with experts, spotting elephants, lion and many other species while learning about conservation efforts and visiting the region’s natural wonders.

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At a Glance

The thrill of spotting any member of the Big Five — elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo — is reason enough to journey to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. But these magnificent creatures aren’t the only ones who inhabit the grasslands and deltas of the region. Hippos, zebras, giraffes and antelope are just a few other residents that can be spotted during game drives along the Okavango Delta or in South Luangwa National Park, while crocodiles and myriad bird species bask in the waters along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. Join wildlife experts and local residents for an insightful exploration into the habitats and conservation issues surrounding Africa’s natural wonders.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles over varied terrain; potentially slick paths. Long rides in open-air safari vehicles, requiring stamina and stability getting in/out of vehicles. Elevations up to 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

  • Feel the spray of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and learn about its discovery by David Livingstone.
  • Interact with schoolchildren and villagers.
  • Camp under the stars in Hemingway-style tents along the Okavango Delta.

General Notes

Group size limited to 17. Some dates of this program can be taken back to back with program "The Best of South Africa: Safari, Culture & the Garden Route" (#22444). Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Sam Mushandu
Sam was born in a small village in southeast Zimbabwe. Growing up in the village gave him an appreciation for nature, particularly during holidays when he would herd his family’s cattle in the bush. Sam attended Bulawayo Commercial College and is an award-winning safari educator. He has lead learning safaris throughout southern Africa, including top destinations like Hwange and Kafue National Parks. Sam lives with his wife and family in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and enjoys history and fishing. (Be prepared to hear some fishing stories!)

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 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 Sam Mushandu
Sam Mushandu View biography
Sam was born in a small village in southeast Zimbabwe. Growing up in the village gave him an appreciation for nature, particularly during holidays when he would herd his family’s cattle in the bush. Sam attended Bulawayo Commercial College and is an award-winning safari educator. He has lead learning safaris throughout southern Africa, including top destinations like Hwange and Kafue National Parks. Sam lives with his wife and family in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and enjoys history and fishing. (Be prepared to hear some fishing stories!)
Profile Image of Khule Ndlovu
Khule Ndlovu View biography
Mkhulekelwa Ndlovu — Khule for short — was born in Matebeleland, Zimbabwe, in 1971 and grew up in a small village as the youngest of nine children. After completing his primary and secondary education, he worked for a vet who took him to game farms where he met rangers and safari guides who inspired him. Khule qualified for Zimbabwe’s prestigious Professional Guide designation in 2001 and has never looked back. He currently resides in Victoria Falls with his family. Khule loves nature and guiding is his passion.
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Meals
35 Meals
12 Breakfasts
3 Brunches
8 Lunches
12 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 10, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024
  • Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024
  • Jun 26, 2024 - Jul 10, 2024 (Johannesburg to South Luangwa National Park)
  • Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024 (Johannesburg to South Luangwa National Park)
  • Jul 24, 2024 - Aug 07, 2024 (Johannesburg to South Luangwa National Park)
  • Aug 28, 2024 - Sep 11, 2024 (Johannesburg to Lower Zambezi)
  • Sep 19, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024 (Johannesburg to Lower Zambezi)
  • Oct 30, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024 (Johannesburg to Lower Zambezi)
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.
3 nights
Caprivi Region
Situated in the Eastern Caprivi of Namibia, a narrow strip of country on the northern bank of the Chobe River, Chobe Savanna Lodge overlooks the vast floodplains of the Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats. The Chobe River is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo, migratory birds, as well as dense concentrations of other wildlife – including the rare puku antelope – which come down to the river’s edge to drink and graze.
1 night
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
Mfuwe
Mfuwe Lodge is situated in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park and is built between two spectacular lagoons. The open plan design keeps the comfort and relaxation of guests in mind, but also capitalizes on the fact that an African wilderness experience is a blend of colors, textures, sounds, aromas and sights unmatched anywhere else in the world. Each chalet has a large private deck overlooking one of the lagoons. From the comfort of the lodge you can view Africa's majestic wildlife as animals come down to drink. Elephant, hippopotamus, many antelope species and crocodiles are plentiful in this area.
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.
3 nights
Caprivi Region
Situated in the Eastern Caprivi of Namibia, a narrow strip of country on the northern bank of the Chobe River, Chobe Savanna Lodge overlooks the vast floodplains of the Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats. The Chobe River is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo, migratory birds, as well as dense concentrations of other wildlife – including the rare puku antelope – which come down to the river’s edge to drink and graze.
1 night
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
Mfuwe
Mfuwe Lodge is situated in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park and is built between two spectacular lagoons. The open plan design keeps the comfort and relaxation of guests in mind, but also capitalizes on the fact that an African wilderness experience is a blend of colors, textures, sounds, aromas and sights unmatched anywhere else in the world. Each chalet has a large private deck overlooking one of the lagoons. From the comfort of the lodge you can view Africa's majestic wildlife as animals come down to drink. Elephant, hippopotamus, many antelope species and crocodiles are plentiful in this area.
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.
3 nights
Caprivi Region
Situated in the Eastern Caprivi of Namibia, a narrow strip of country on the northern bank of the Chobe River, Chobe Savanna Lodge overlooks the vast floodplains of the Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats. The Chobe River is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo, migratory birds, as well as dense concentrations of other wildlife – including the rare puku antelope – which come down to the river’s edge to drink and graze.
1 night
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
Mfuwe
Mfuwe Lodge is situated in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park and is built between two spectacular lagoons. The open plan design keeps the comfort and relaxation of guests in mind, but also capitalizes on the fact that an African wilderness experience is a blend of colors, textures, sounds, aromas and sights unmatched anywhere else in the world. Each chalet has a large private deck overlooking one of the lagoons. From the comfort of the lodge you can view Africa's majestic wildlife as animals come down to drink. Elephant, hippopotamus, many antelope species and crocodiles are plentiful in this area.
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.
3 nights
Caprivi Region
Situated in the Eastern Caprivi of Namibia, a narrow strip of country on the northern bank of the Chobe River, Chobe Savanna Lodge overlooks the vast floodplains of the Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats. The Chobe River is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo, migratory birds, as well as dense concentrations of other wildlife – including the rare puku antelope – which come down to the river’s edge to drink and graze.
1 night
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
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.
3 nights
Caprivi Region
Situated in the Eastern Caprivi of Namibia, a narrow strip of country on the northern bank of the Chobe River, Chobe Savanna Lodge overlooks the vast floodplains of the Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats. The Chobe River is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo, migratory birds, as well as dense concentrations of other wildlife – including the rare puku antelope – which come down to the river’s edge to drink and graze.
1 night
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
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.
3 nights
Caprivi Region
Situated in the Eastern Caprivi of Namibia, a narrow strip of country on the northern bank of the Chobe River, Chobe Savanna Lodge overlooks the vast floodplains of the Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats. The Chobe River is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo, migratory birds, as well as dense concentrations of other wildlife – including the rare puku antelope – which come down to the river’s edge to drink and graze.
1 night
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.





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