Southern Africa Safari Cruise Journey

Upon arrival at the Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for lunch and meeting your guide. After lunch, visit the Apartheid Museum 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. Afterwards, 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’ll ever come across. (L, D)

Today, you will take a flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana (included). Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred from the airport to the Namibian lodge on board a small private boat passing through Botswana/Namibia immigration. Take advantage of your trip to observe the numerous bird species living among the flooded flatlands. You may even catch a glimpse of a few hippos or crocodiles basking in the sun! You’ll be greeted by the staff upon arrival and settle into your comfortable lodge. You will have dinner and spend the night at the lodge in absolute tranquility at the heart of the wilderness. (B, L, D)

Today, you will journey out on a full-day safari in game drive vehicles via Namibia/Botswana immigration to explore the Chobe National Park in Botswana that is home to more than 1/4 of the total elephant population in Africa. Enjoy lunch in a “floating restaurant” in the middle of the river in Kasane where the views of the surrounding nature are unparalleled. Afterwards, you will board a small private boat and sail off on the Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island (Namibia) and its marshes. Overnight at the lodge. (B, L, D)

In the morning, get ready for a trip to authentic villages on Impalila Island, Namibia. Discover traditional Namibian houses, culture and customs. We’ll return to the lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at the lodge, taking advantage of the pool and comfortable surroundings, or join a boat ride on the Zambezi River. you will have dinner at the lodge. Tonight, let a local tell you all about the traditions of this particular island. Overnight at the lodge. (B, L, D)

In the morning, you will depart from the lodge for one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch along the water, you will be transferred to  Kasane Airport for your flight to Kariba. Board your private plane, amaze at the stunning panaroma over Lake Kariba and the changing landscapes of the wilderness during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. After clearing immigration,you’ll be transferred to the ship and comfortably settle into your cabins. The cruise will start sailing across the lake. Reaching 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, creates unique and emblematic landscapes. Dinner and overnight on board. (B, L, D)

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. Set out on a small private boat to discover the Gache River and its unique wildlife. Gliding along its meanders, large bends and small, unspoiled inlets, you’ll be amazed by the magical atmosphere all around. You will return to the African Dream for lunch. This afternoon, the cruise will sail towards Changa. When the sun starts to set, you will set out on a small private boat to admire the changing colors of the sky. You will have dinner and spend the night on board. (B,L,D)

Today, you will journey out this morning 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, and buffalos.There are thousands of birds, including the legendary African Fish 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. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and start sailing again. During this time, a round table will be the opportunity to learn more about the creation of the Lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem. Dinner and overnight on board. (B, L, D)

At sunrise, you will set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out 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. You’ll get to discover the history and legends surrounding the creation of the lake, including the tale of Nyami Nyami, the river god. We’ll fly out to Victoria Falls on board private planes. Enjoy an exceptional lunch cruise on the Zambezi River, upstream from the falls. This afternoon, enjoy a tour on foot of the falls where the views are among the most exceptional in the world. You will also see 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 LS. (B, L,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport to continue on your next destination. (B)