Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water - 2024

15 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
95%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

USTOA

Group Tour
Journey through Southern Africa from its wild plains and dry woodlands to rivers and lakes on a true safari adventure by land and water.
19% OFF
$9,101
From$7,399
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

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?

    Journey through Southern Africa from its wild plains and dry woodlands to rivers and lakes on a true safari adventure by land and water.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range36 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityVictoria Falls

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Overnight Flight

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.

Day 2 Johannesburg, South Africa

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.

Day 3 Johannesburg - Victoria Falls, ZW - Chobe National Park, Botswana

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...

Day 4 Chobe National Park

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...

Day 5 Chobe National Park

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...

Day 6 Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Hwange National Park

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...

Day 7 Hwange National Park

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...

Day 8 Hwange National Park

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...

Day 9 Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls - Lake Kariba

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.

Day 10 Lake Kariba

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 ...

Day 11 Lake Kariba

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.

Day 12 Lake Kariba - Victoria Falls

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.

Day 13 Victoria Falls

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...

Day 14 Victoria Falls

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...

Day 15 Victoria Falls - Johannesburg, South Africa - Tour Ends

Say goodbye to your safari companions as you take a flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, where you will board your return flight home.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $7,399
Price per day$493
Last Updated: 11/5/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Share
Single Standard
Triple Share
Availability
23 Jan 2025
06 Feb 2025
$7,399
$7,999
06 Feb 2025
20 Feb 2025
$7,399
$7,999
06 Mar 2025
20 Mar 2025
$7,399
$7,999
20 Mar 2025
03 Apr 2025
$7,399
$7,999
03 Apr 2025
17 Apr 2025
$7,399
$7,999
13 Apr 2025
27 Apr 2025
$7,399
$7,999
21 Apr 2025
05 May 2025
$7,399
$7,999
24 Apr 2025
08 May 2025
$7,399
$7,999

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

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
102
Great
5
Average
5
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
Write a Review

Other Collette Reviews

E

Experience of a lifetime

Nov 2024

Written on

Great itenerary both cultural and spectacular scenery

This was a tremendous trip. Nice mix of New Zealand s spectacular scenery and cultural highlights. In Australia Cairns was interesting for culture and great barrier ...

L

Lara

Oct 2022

Written on

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 ...

W

Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

Oct 2023

Written on

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...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Collette

premier
View Profile

True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

Go Guided:

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Go Social!

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

 longdesc=

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.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Why we love this operator
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
What they’re known for
A huge variety of expertly-guided international trips that include cultural activities unique to the destination.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

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

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
33
Age Requirements
36 years and up
Optional Activities

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.
Additional Information
Trip ID
collette-15381

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >