At the edge of a fast-paced world, southern Africa’s beautiful, tranquil landscapes await. From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, you’ll not only discover spectacular panoramas and tumultuous histories, but also incredible wildlife and carefully crafted menus that reflect the flavors and savors of Africa. This in-depth tour will take you to the heart of one of the most beautiful natural reserves—Chobe National Park. On board your ship, you’ll discover the secrets of Lake Kariba—a veritable oasis at the other end of the earth—before taking in the grandeur of what David Livingstone called the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls.
Highlights
Hike to Victoria falls, where you will have exceptional views
Encounter hippos, crocodiles, elephants and other wildlife
Discover the traditions of Impalila Island from a local
Visit Chobe National Park for a water safari experience
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Before lunch, meet your guide at the hotel and depart by a coach. Have lunch before visiting the Apartheid Museum which opened in 2001. It is famous the world over for being the first museum centering on South African history in the 20th century, and more particularly on Apartheid. Afterward, set off for a panoramic tour of the city. In addition to being South Africa’s financial capital, Johannesburg is also the city of superlatives. It is indeed the richest town in Africa, with the tallest buildings and widest social discrepancies, but is also infused with one of the best atmospheres you can ever come across. Arrive at a four-star hotel LS where you are welcome to settle into your rooms before dinner. Spend the night at the hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Kasane, Botswana
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning you'll fly from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. Transfer from the airport to your lodge on board a small private boat. During this water-transfer, you can observe numerous bird species living among the flooded flatlands. You may even catch a glimpse of a few hippos or crocodiles basking in the sun! Receive warm greetings from the crew upon arrival and settle into your comfortable lodge. Enjoy your dinner and spend the night at the lodge in absolute tranquility at the heart of the wilderness.
Day 3: Chobe National Park
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a full-day jeep safari journey to explore the Chobe National Park, home to more than 1/4 of the total elephant population in Africa. You'll have lunch in a “floating restaurant” in the middle of the river where the views of the surrounding nature are unparalleled. Afterward, board a small private boat and sail along the Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. Enjoy your dinner and spend the night at the lodge.
Day 4: Impalila Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, you'll visit the villages on Impalila Island, Namibia, to discover the traditional Namibian houses, culture, and customs. Return to the lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy leisure time at the lodge, taking advantage of the pool and comfortable fittings, or join a discovery of the Zambezi River on a small private boat. After having dinner at the lodge, a local will tell you all about the traditions of this particular island. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 5: Kasane | Lake Kariba | Embark the African Dream
This morning partake in one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch, transfer to the Kasane airport. Aboard private planes, you will be amazed at the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba and the changing landscapes of the wilderness during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. You will transfer to the ship and settle into your cabins. Begin sailing across Lake Kariba, which reaches over 140mi/200km in length and spanning a distance of approximately 25mi/40km at its widest point, the lake flooded flatlands, hills and forests alike, creating unique and emblematic landscapes. Enjoy your dinner and night on board.
Day 6: Lake Kariba | Sailing on the Gache-Gache River
At sunrise, set sail through the rare and mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba where drowned trees reach skywards from the depths of the reflecting water. Board a small private boat to discover the Gache Gache River and its unique wildlife. Gliding along its meanders, large bends, and small, unspoiled inlets, you will be amazed by the magical atmosphere all around. Return on board for lunch. This afternoon, the ship sails towards Changa. When the sun starts to set, board a small private boat to admire the changing colors of the sky.
This morning, journey out on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park. Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume Rivers, this 1,400km²/540 sq mi-large untouched area is home to numerous animal species such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos as well as thousands of birds, among which the legendary African Sea Eagle, the majestic Yellow-billed Stork, or the Black Heron with its interesting hunting method. You might be lucky enough to cross paths with a big cat or two! The history of the park is closely linked with that of the lake: during the construction of the dam, the rising floodwaters affected the native wildlife although the damage was mitigated by Operation Noah, an initiative which saved the lives of over 6,000 animals. This rescue operation allowed for large mammals, big cats, impalas and more to be moved to Matusadona where hunting is strictly prohibited. Enjoy your lunch on board and start sailing again. During this time, take the opportunity to join the round table and learn more about the creation of the lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem.
Day 8: Kariba | Disembark | Victoria Falls
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At sunrise, set sail towards Kariba to disembark and transfer to the airport. Discover the gigantic Kariba Dam which was created in 1955 to form Lake Kariba. Today, the dam serves as a source of electric power for 70% of Zimbabwe. Learn about the history and legends surrounding the creation of the lake, including the tale of NyamiNyami, the river god. Fly to Victoria Falls onboard private planes. Lunch will be served on a Zambezi River cruise, upstream from the falls. This afternoon, disembark the boat for a walking tour of the falls where the views are among the most exceptional in the world. Observe where the Zambezi River plunges over the cliff to become the widest waterfall in the world, creating the “smoke that thunders.” Tonight, enjoy dinner and spend the night at a four-star hotel.
Day 9: Victoria Falls
1 Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast this morning. If you wish, there is an optional early morning excursion to soar over Victoria Falls in a helicopter (must be booked before departure).
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,7012-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Suite
17 square meters. 6 suites, all open to the outside. Suites include a safe, air-conditioning, 22V voltage and adapters, TV, hairdryer, lounge chairs, and exterior sofas
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Balcony Suite
17 square meters. 2 suites, open to the outside with a private balcony. Balcony Suites include a safe, air-conditioning, 22V voltage and adapters, TV, hairdryer, lounge chairs, and exterior sofas
Notes
15% discount for children between 7-15 years sharing a cabin with adult Children under 7 years old are not allowed for security reasons.
Solo travelers are subject to a single supplement.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.