Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water - 2024
Overview
Highlights
- Share a simple traditional meal during a home hosted lunch in Victoria Falls.
- Savor an al fresco dinner on the banks of the Zambezi River.
- Cruise Chobe River for a unique way to search for game species in Chobe National Park.
- Board a privately chartered safari boat on Lake Kariba for 3 nights.
- Immerse yourself in nature and seek out the elusive "Big 5" during land & water safari experiences.
- Witness the incredible beauty and power of Victoria Falls.
- Sail the calm waters of Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake in the world.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
You’re on your way to southern Africa, where your search for wildlife will take you from grasslands and dry woodlands to rivers and lakes.
Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city! This afternoon, transfer to your hotel for the evening and enjoy a relaxing evening before your adventure in search of the Big 5 begins.
This morning, board a plane for a short flight to Victoria Falls,* where you will meet your Tour Manager before continuing to your lodge for the next three nights in Botswana. Enjoy some time at leisure at the lodge before embarking on a private cruise on the Chobe Ri...
Rise early with the sounds of the local wildlife ahead of your first game drive in Chobe National Park, an excellent location to search for the Big 5. You and your fellow travelers will ride in open-air vehicles with a local expert who will be able to tell you all abo...
Start your day early with a private game cruise on the Chobe River and see the animals visiting the water first thing in the morning. After your search, return for some free time at the lodge, perhaps relaxing at the pool or stopping by their beauty salon. After lunch...
Enjoy your last game drive in Chobe National Park for a final opportunity to see nature at its best. After breakfast, take a 90-minute drive to Victoria Falls. Then, it's off to Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, where you will enjoy lunch be...
Today is another day to rise early in search of the Big 5. After breakfast, spend a full day on a game drive in Hwange National Park. By enjoying a picnic lunch break, you can venture deep into the bushland and maximize your chances to spot buffalo, elephants and othe...
This morning, search for the Big 5 your way, because it’s your choice! Return to an open-air vehicle and enjoy a morning game drive -OR- join an expert national park guide on a game walk, giving you the rare opportunity to search for wildlife up close, including seein...
Depart Hwange for Mlibizi Harbour, the gateway to your safari cruise. Upon arriving in Mlibizi, you will embark on a private safari boat on Lake Kariba, which will be your home for three nights. With limited access to technology, revel in the experience of floating along the still waters, seeing breathtaking sunsets, and searching for local wildlife in the water.
Trade in your safari boat for a smaller tender boat, perfectly sized to cruise upriver channels off the lake. Later as we cruise to Elephant Bay, you will return to the safari boat for lunch before enjoying the chance to try your hand at fishing in Lake Kariba from a ...
Start your day with a cruise to the Sengwe River to enjoy game viewing, bird watching and fishing. Enjoy lunch on board and spend the afternoon adding to the list of wildlife and birds spotted in the river basin. Before having dinner on the safari boat, take time to admire the stunning red and orange hues of the setting sun over Lake Kariba.
Your safari boat experience will come to a close this morning as you drive back to Victoria Falls. Upon arriving at the Ilala Lodge, enjoy lunch. Then grab your poncho because this afternoon you will visit the exhilarating natural wonder of Victoria Falls! At 5,600 feet wide and 354 feet tall, this waterfall is one of the world’s largest.
This morning, start your day with a visit to Chinotimba township. Visit a local market, where you can barter for goods and experience daily life. After, you will visit the modest home of a local family for lunch. Your host will prepare an authentic, simple meal with y...
Your last full day on tour will bring you up close to elephants at a local sanctuary. Hear stories from these gentle giants’ caretakers and learn about the efforts to understand, care for, and protect these intelligent and inspiring creatures, all while marveling at t...
Say goodbye to your safari companions as you take a flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, where you will board your return flight home.
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- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check current availability, prices, specials & more.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Collette Reviews & Ratings
Other Collette Reviews
It was a wonderful trip and experience!
It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
we had an absolute wonderful time
My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
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Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience
Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment
There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.
- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
- More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
- Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
- Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies
Before Your Tour
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here
Pre-Tour Health Screenings
We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
On Your Tour
Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
Your Tour Manager
We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On-Tour Experiences
We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On-Tour Insurance Coverages
When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
Self-Screening
We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
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What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Accommodation
Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River - $75
Victoria Falls Set sail on the majestic Zambezi River! Find yourself surrounded by amazing views during one of the most magical times of the day – sunset. It is Africa’s fourth largest river and a lifeline for crocodiles, hippos, elephants and a variety of wildlife. Be welcomed aboard with a glass of champagne and toast to the start of your scenic adventure. Enjoy an all-inclusive bar menu and complimentary hot and cold snacks as you sit and gaze at the calm waters of the river. Get your cameras ready as the sun sets and fills the sky with a warm glow. Duration approximately 2.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Due to weather and cloud coverage, sunset views cannot be guaranteed. Wildlife viewing is not guaranteed. Park fee is included.Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River - $75
Victoria Falls Set sail on the majestic Zambezi River! Find yourself surrounded by amazing views during one of the most magical times of the day – sunset. It is Africa’s fourth largest river and a lifeline for crocodiles, hippos, elephants and a variety of wildlife. Be welcomed aboard with a glass of champagne and toast to the start of your scenic adventure. Enjoy an all-inclusive bar menu and complimentary hot and cold snacks as you sit and gaze at the calm waters of the river. Get your cameras ready as the sun sets and fills the sky with a warm glow. Duration approximately 2.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Due to weather and cloud coverage, sunset views cannot be guaranteed. Wildlife viewing is not guaranteed. Park fee is included.Become a member
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