Overview
We’ve combined three extraordinary destinations for this wonderfully varied safari. In South Africa, we’ll be on the trail of the Big Five on the vast savannas of Timbavati, an exclusive private reserve in the renowned ecosystem of Greater Kruger National Park. In Zambia, we marvel at the roaring spectacle of mighty Victoria Falls and take a sunset cruise on the great Zambezi River (expect hippos!). Our adventure concludes with a flourish as we explore Botswana’s legendary Chobe National Park, a true wildlife paradise famed for its massive herds of elephant, and the wildlife Eden of the Okavango Delta.
This is the best vacation I have ever taken. It was the perfect way to see totally different areas of Africa, and the way the itinerary and travel days are set up was great. We were busy all the time and it was fun, informative, and exciting!
— Jon L., Los Gatos, CA
Days 1-3
Timbavati Private Game Reserve, South Africa
From our atmospheric lodge, we head off-road in open-sided vehicles for up-close views of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. Special activities here include night drives to look for elusive genet and leopard on the hunt.
Timbavati Private Game Reserve, South Africa - Days 1-3
Motswari Game Lodge
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Timbavati Private Game Preserve, South AfricaIf you’re looking for the quintessential Big Five (and beyond) experience, you’ll have good chances of it from this beautiful family-owned and operated lodge, located in Motswari Private Game Reserve within the Timbavati Nature Reserve. Fifteen rondavel-style thatched bungalows with air-conditioning feature four-poster, canopied beds, elegant baths, a sitting area, and a private veranda with views of the bush. Dine at lantern-lit tables set within an outdoor boma, or on a deck overlooking the river, with delicious meals complemented by a selection of award-winning South African wines. From the plunge pool, you can watch elephants as they amble by for a drink in the river. The lodge also features a library, art gallery, curio shop, and two bars. There are no fences, so animals can roam freely (you’ll be safely escorted to and from your room after dark).
Days 4-6
Johannesburg / Victoria Falls, Zambia
We get astounding views as we hike along the escarpment directly across from famous Victoria Falls, and later, with a sundowner in hand, we cruise the Zambezi at sunset to look for wildlife and listen to the cries of African fish eagles.
Johannesburg / Victoria Falls, Zambia - Days 4-6
DaVinci Hotel
Day 4 (1 night), Johannesburg, South AfricaThe stylish Da Vinci Hotel is right on Nelson Mandela Square in the Sandton district, Johannesburg’s financial and business center. The shops and restaurants of the Sandton Shopping Centre are close by and the hotel has spa services.
Stanley's Safari Lodge
Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Victoria Falls, ZambiaSet on a hill bordering the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and only a mile or so from Victoria Falls, this hilltop oasis has splendid views of the Falls, the Zambezi River, and the African sunset over Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. At this spectacular lodge, the architecture is unique—the 10 guest cottages have just three walls, with the fourth side open to nature so guests can gaze on the mist from Victoria Falls in the distance and hear the lions roaring from the wildlife sanctuary nearby. The open-sided Main House is the place for sundowners in the lounge, and dinners can be enjoyed on the upper deck, in the wine cellar, or outdoors under the stars. The lodge has an infinity pool and a friendly and helpful staff. Optional activities at the Falls include helicopter overflights, rafting, and bungee jumping.
Days 7-8
Savuti / Chobe National Park, Botswana
One of the best-known wildlife regions of Chobe, the Savuti area is 1,900 square miles of prime game viewing territory. We track lion, leopard, hyena, and their prey, including large herds of giraffe, zebra, and antelope, and savor unparalleled elephant viewing, with herds numbering in the thousands.
Savuti / Chobe National Park, Botswana - Days 7-8
Savute Safari Lodge
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Chobe National Park, BotswanaWith a prime location on the game-rich Savuti Channel, this intimate lodge features 12 private chalets, each with its own private deck, sliding glass doors, and en suite facilities. The main lodge has a library, lounge, and bar along the Savuti Channel. You'll see wildlife right from the lodge and from your chalet—elephants and other species gather at the nearby waterhole at all hours of the day. Guests can cool off and relax at the pool, and wonderful meals are served al fresco.
Days 9-11
Okavango Delta
Flying right to our remote water lodge on a private island in the Okavango Delta, we head out to view game by mokoro (canoe) in lily-filled waterways and enjoy open-air dining and crimson sunsets over the Delta. At night, listen to hippo sounds from the nearby lagoon. Depart on Day 11 via Maun.
Okavango Delta - Days 9-11
Xugana Island Lodge
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Okavango Delta, BotswanaSet on the edge of spectacular Xugana Lagoon in the Okavango Delta, Xugana Island Lodge brings you excursions by mokoro canoe and motorboat on the Delta’s crystal-clear waters. The lodge accommodates only sixteen guests in large, raised, reed and thatch lagoon-facing chalets, with en suite facilities and private viewing decks. A beautiful bar and open-air dining area overlook the lagoon—where the sunsets are out of this world—and there is a small swimming pool. The lodge is also known for its excellent walking trails.
Southern Africa Wildlife Safari
