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 - Tour Begins

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 River. Perhaps you’ll see some hippopotamuses or crocodiles while you scan the water and sip on cool beverages. After, return to the lodge and gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

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 about the creatures you’ll see along the way. Later in the morning, enjoy some free time, either at the lodge or to drive into the nearby town of Kasane. After lunch at the lodge, return to your private boat and take to the waters of the Chobe River once more, in search of elephants and aquatic birds.

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 this afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may spot buffalo, hyenas, or zebras. Later, enjoy a dinner cruise along the gentle waters of the Chobe River during an exclusive boat ride with your fellow travelers.

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, where we will stop for lunch. Savor fresh, local ingredients while you look over the gorge to the Zambezi River below. Next, it’s off to Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, for a late afternoon game drive. This national park is home to over 100 types of mammals and 400 bird species, giving you the chance to look out for cheetahs, lions, giraffes and so much more.

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 other animals gathering in the park. Return to the lodge for dinner. You’ll savor your meal and the memories of the day’s extensive safari.

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 seeing some plants, insects, and reptiles you may not spot otherwise. After, return to the lodge and relax over tea and pastries. This afternoon, you will be returning to the park for another glimpse into the animal kingdom.

Day 9 Hwange National Park - Binga - Lake Kariba

After breakfast, depart Hwange and venture to the town of Binga. The drive provides views of the local countryside seldom seen by travelers. Upon arriving to Binga, 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. You will return to the safari boat for brunch. Later, enjoy the chance to try your hand at fishing in Lake Kariba from a tender boat. This evening, you and your fellow travelers will take to the shore and enjoy a barbecue dinner on the beach. The stargazing conditions overhead, coupled with the delicious meal, will be a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

Day 11 Lake Kariba

Start your day with a return to land. Alongside an expert ranger, feel the dirt beneath your feet and venture onto the land for a two-hour walking safari, offering a more secluded atmosphere than the national park game searches you have experienced. Return to the safari boat for brunch later this morning and enjoy another trip and chance to fish on tender boats in the afternoon. 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 - Binga - Victoria Falls

Your safari boat experience will come to a close this morning as you return to Binga and begin the trek for Victoria Falls. Upon arriving at the Ilala Lodge, take time to have lunch and rest after your journey. The rest of the day is yours. You can explore, as the lodge is just minutes from the awe-inspiring waterfall, or enjoy the facility’s amenities, like its pool.

Day 13 Victoria Falls

Bring your ponchos because this morning, your day begins with an exhilarating visit to Victoria Falls. At 5,600 feet wide and 354 feet tall, this waterfall is one of the world’s largest. Walk along the edge of the falls beside the powerful, rushing water. Next, take a short drive to Chinotimba township. Visit a local market, where you can barter for goods. After, you will visit the modest home of a local family for lunch. Your host will prepare an authentic, simple meal with you and share what life is like in around Victoria Falls. Following your home visit, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Perhaps you will join an optional tour taking a relaxing cruise on the Zambezi River, a body of water that separates Zimbabwe and Zambia whose banks are frequented by the local animals.

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 the animals interacting and walking by their side. Continue learning about animal conservation and care with a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. The staff at the VFWT will review some of the incredible work they do, ranging from wildlife rehabilitation to community outreach and disease research. You will have the afternoon free to do as you wish. This evening, you will join your fellow travelers for a 3-course farewell dinner under the stars on the bank of the Zambezi River.**

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

Say goodbye to your safari companions as you depart your African adventure and head home.