On Safari in Southern Africa by Private Air

12 days
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Soar over southern Africa’s splendid landscapes on an unforgettable journey by private air. Experience some of the world’s best wildlife viewing on safari in private reserves away from the crowds. Choose from a variety of activities, from optional flight-seeing at Victoria Falls to canoe safaris and bush walks, and stay at some of southern Africa’s top safari...
From$15,450
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy exclusive wildlife viewing away from the crowds on safari in private game reserves.
    • Examine ancient rock art with an archaeologist and see pottery shards and trading beads that date back thousands of years.
    • Set out on a wildlife cruise in Botswana’s Chobe National Park and watch elephants “snorkeling” in the river.
    • Sip sundowners on the classic steam train Royal Livingstone Express as it travels through Mosi-o-Tunya National Park.

What's this trip about?

    Soar over southern Africa’s splendid landscapes on an unforgettable journey by private air. Experience some of the world’s best wildlife viewing on safari in private reserves away from the crowds. Choose from a variety of activities, from optional flight-seeing at Victoria Falls to canoe safaris and bush walks, and stay at some of southern Africa’s top safari camps.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityJohannesburg

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Safari

Destinations

Attractions

  • Chobe National Park
  • Johannesburg
  • Kruger National Park
  • Livingstone
  • Moremi Wildlife Reserve
  • Okavango Delta
  • Victoria Falls
  • Zambezi River

Activities

  • Canoeing
  • Game drive
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Safari
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Accommodations and meals
    • Educational materials
    • Pre-departure information
    • Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
    • All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary
    • Ground transportation during the expedition
    • Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
    • Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders, and any other staff
    • Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Days 1 & 2: U.S./Johannesburg, South Africa/MalaMala Game Reserve

Meals: Dinner

Depart on an overnight flight to Johannesburg. Board our aircraft for a scenic flight to MalaMala Game Reserve, a private reserve in Greater Kruger National Park. The distinctive habitat of the Lowveld region is full of big game, including lions, ...

Day 3: MalaMala Game Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set off on an early morning safari in open vehicles and observe wildlife at one of its most active times with naturalist guides. Enjoy time to relax and take advantage of the camp’s amenities before lunch. During our late afterno...

Days 4, 5, & 6: Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Daily)

Our private aircraft flies us directly to Mashatu Game Reserve, an enormous private reserve located in the remote eastern corner of Botswana that comprises a diverse wilderness of savanna, riverine forests, marshlands, op...

Days 7 & 8: Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Daily)

Our next flight takes us soaring over the magnificent wetlands of the Okavango Delta to a tented camp in Moremi Game Reserve. Spend two days discovering this untamed habitat by land and water. Choose to explore by open sa...

Days 9 & 10: Chobe National Park/Victoria Falls and Livingstone, Zambia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Day 9); Breakfast, Dinner (Day 10)

Accommodation: Royal Livingstone Hotel

Board our aircraft for a flight to Chobe National Park, known for its many elephant families. On a wildlife river cruise, watch for elephants frolicking at...

Days 11 & 12: Johannesburg, South Africa/U.S.

Meals: Breakfast

Fly to Johannesburg and connect with your return flight home, arriving the next day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $15,450
Price per day$1,288
Last Updated: 5/15/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.

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.

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National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.

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National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.

Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.

As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Air transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary);
    • Activities noted as optional in the itinerary
    • Gratuities for train or ship’s crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
    • Passport, visa, and permit expenses
    • Medical expenses and immunizations
    • Baggage/accident/cancellation insurance
    • Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages

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
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Meals Included

10 Breakfast, 7 lunches, and 8 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
  • Cape Town, South Africa - Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days
Additional Information
Trip ID
nation-onsinsnat

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