Compare Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari by Overseas Adventure Travel vs 12 Day South Africa, Vic Falls & Botswana Across Africa Safari by Ker & Downey Africa

DAY 1
Depart U.S.
Trip Extension: Thornybush
Spot wildlife in a private reserve that is home to all of Africa's "Big Five" on this extension.
You depart from the U.S. on an overnight flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

DAY 2
Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa
Accommodations: Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo or similar
Today, arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Here, you'll be joined by those who traveled on our optional Thornybush: Kruger's Northern Gateway extension.

DAY 3
Fly from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls • Transfer to Chobe National Park
Meals included: B D Accommodations: Baobab Safari Lodge or similar

This morning, we’ll fly to Victoria Falls, arriving early afternoon.

We meet our Trip Leader at the Victoria Falls airport, and we drive across the border to our lodge in Botswana. After a briefing on our upcoming explorations, we'll enjoy a Welcome Drink and later, mingle with your travel companions at our Welcome Dinner.

DAY 4
Wildlife viewing at Chobe National Park
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Baobab Safari Lodge or similar

The next two days are devoted to seeking out game in Chobe National Park, the second-largest (and first-established) national park in the country.

Chobe National Park is home to one of the world's largest elephant populations—the present herd is estimated at 50,000 animals. This enormous region offers variety in both wildlife and terrain. Riverine forest, flood plains, and mopane are home to large and small game. Elephants gather around baobab trees, drawn by the water stored in their bark.

During the dry season, the Chobe River attracts so much game that thousands of animals may congregate on its banks, and hippo are submerged in its waters. Some visitors have experienced the spectacular sighting of a zebra migration. Large groups of giraffe amble about the land, and hyena, cheetah, leopard, and wildebeest may also be glimpsed in this thickly populated habitat. The birdlife here is spectacular, ranging from eagles and bustards to plovers and rollers, and bee-eaters bustle near their sandbank nests. There are also water birds, such as egret, ibis, and heron, along the river.

The pace of most of our African safari days follows this general pattern: After our morning game-viewing, we will spend siesta time quietly during the heat of the day, followed by teatime in the late afternoon. Next we head out for our afternoon game-viewing drive. In the evenings, just before sunset, we gather to soak in the views of the golden sun sinking behind a nearby watering hole. We then sit down to enjoy dinner together by candlelight.

Today, we explore the Chobe National Park on morning and afternoon game-viewing drives, return to the lodge in time for afternoon tea, and then, after sundown, we have dinner at our lodge.

DAY 5
Explore Chobe National Park
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Baobab Safari Lodge or similar

Our safari schedule in Chobe today features a full-day game-viewing drive in Chobe National Park—which has one of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent and is sure to be a highlight of our safari adventure. During a full day of game-viewing in the park, we’ll spot some of these magnificent elephants, in addition to zebra, Cape buffalo, hippo, and crocodile. We will be out in our vehicles during lunchtime, so we will take along a picnic lunch.

Dinner tonight is a traditional South African braai, similar to our barbecue but more closely connected to the outdoor life, culture, and laid-back lifestyle of southern Africans. We’ll cap off the day with a relaxing sundowner with our fellow travelers.

DAY 6
Fly to Okavango Delta via Kasane
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Wilderness Tented Camp or similar

This morning, we'll enjoy a discussion with your Trip Leader on the region's history before boarding a minibus that takes us to Kasane, Botswana. From here, we catch a light aircraft flight to our camp in Botswana.

Our lodge is a private Wilderness Tented Camp adjacent to the border of the Moremi National Park in the northern region of the Delta. Upon arrival, we enjoy a game-viewing drive en route to our camp, where we'll have a briefing about the lodge and the surrounding area, along with an included lunch.

Afterward, you are free to relax at our lodgings before we gather together for a game-viewing drive before returning for dinner.

DAY 7
Explore Okavango Delta • Moremi area
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Wilderness Tented Camp or similar

We devote the next two days to in-depth exploration of the Okavango Delta. Each morning, we split into groups and choose from a variety of options for exploring the area: including a mokoro canoe ride (weather-permitting), or a game-viewing drive.

In the Delta, we'll see a variety of birdlife, including the vibrantly plumed lilac-breasted roller and the similarly striking pygmy goose (actually a species of duck). The elusive Pel's fishing owl, though nocturnal, can sometimes be spotted here during the day. Hippos spend the days submerged in the Delta waters, and sitatunga and red lechwe frequent both the swamps and dry land.

While on land, we are likely to see herds of buffalo, sable antelope, kudu, and elephant.

We return to the lodge in time for lunch, and enjoy our afternoon tea before departing on our next game-viewing excursion, returning to the lodge after sundown for dinner.

Please note: Mokoro excursions are dependent on safety and water levels, which fluctuate constantly in the Delta, regardless of the season. When you arrive in the Delta, your Trip Leader will monitor conditions and advise you of whether it's possible to explore by mokoro.

DAY 8
Explore Okavango Delta
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Wilderness Tented Camp or similar

Today, we continue to explore the Okavango Delta. We'll again split into groups and explore the area by mokoro on the Delta (if conditions permit), or enjoy a game-viewing drive in the neighboring savannah.

DAY 9
Fly to Kasane • Transfer to Kafue, Zambia
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Lufupa Tented Camp or similar

This morning, after an early breakfast, we fly by light aircraft from the Okavango Delta to Kasane Airport. We then travel by road and boat to Livingstone, where we'll take a light aircraft transfer to Lufupa Tented Camp in Kafue National Park this afternoon. One of Zambia’s most impressive parks, Kafue is one of the first to join an initiative to link the national parks of five African countries into what will eventually become a 108,000-square-mile park, to be known as the Kvango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (also the Okavango-Upper Zambezi TFCA).

After we settle in and enjoy afternoon tea in the cool of the shade of jackalberry trees, we enjoy our first game-viewing excursion by boat or 4x4 vehicle late this afternoon.

Kafue boasts a distinction that we’ll appreciate on our game-viewing drives: It is home to the greatest diversity of mammals in Zambia, with 55 large mammal species, including six varieties of large cat and 20 hooved species. Leopard and lion prowl the area around the Lufupa Channel in search of warthog, hartebeest, and the elegant puku, an antelope found only in Zambia and the Congo. Elephants gather here by day, while hippo venture out at twilight. Our guide will help us to spot these animals as we explore the park.

We return to camp in time for dinner. Our campsite is situated in the northern section of the park along the banks of the Kafue River, one of the three rivers nourishing the park. From the decks of our safari-style tented rooms, we can view the slow-moving river and the wildlife that it attracts. After dinner, we gather around the campfire to compare notes on the animals we saw today.

DAY 10
Explore Kafue National Park
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Lufupa Tented Camp or similar

Today, we’ll enjoy two game-viewing excursions by boat or safari vehicle during the most temperate hours—early morning and late afternoon—when the wildlife is at its most active. In addition to the mammal species such as graceful giraffes, Kafue boasts nearly 500 species of bird, including the yellow-billed oxpecker, trumpeter hornbill, and grey crowned crane. Along the rivers that feed the park, we might also encounter the white-backed night heron, African finfoot, or saddle-billed stork.

Between wildlife excursions, you may choose to linger at camp, enjoying Kafue River views at leisure, or elect to join our Trip Leader on a nature walk around the camp.

We gather for dinner this evening around the campfire.

DAY 11
Explore Kafue National Park
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Lufupa Tented Camp or similar

Two more game-viewing excursions await you this morning and afternoon, as you explore the outer reaches of the park by boat or safari vehicle. It’s impossible to exhaust the discoveries at Kafue, one of the continent’s largest national parks—at 8,600 square miles, it is roughly the size of the entire state of New Jersey. Kafue’s habitats span riverine forests, floodplains, woodlands, and dambos (open grasslands). There will also be opportunities to fish along the banks, as well as a sundowner cruise in the afternoon.

We gather for dinner and a campfire tonight, swapping memories of all we’ve encountered on our explorations in this truly stunning locale.

DAY 12
Kafue National Park • Transfer to Hwange, Zimbabwe
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Kashawe Tented Camp or similar

This morning, after an early breakfast, we enjoy a final game-viewing drive in the region during our transfer overland to the airstrip for our chartered flight to Livingstone Airport. From here, we board a minibus that takes us to Victoria Falls, the departure point for our drive to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest park.

This outstanding area of African bush country boasts plentiful wildlife—yet remains relatively "undiscovered." Our camp is located in the northern section of Hwange National Park and each tented unit offers views of the Sinamatella River and surrounding hillside from the veranda. We'll have lunch en route to our camp, arriving in the early afternoon.

Hwange is home to many diverse habitats, from teak forests to palm islands to vast savannah plains. Likewise, you may behold a rich menagerie of game that can include elephant, buffalo, eland, wildebeest, impala, lion, leopard, cheetah, and more than 400 known bird species. The park is also known for its herds of sable antelope, an elegant animal with large, graceful horns.

In the late afternoon, we gather to enjoy a talk regarding the local culture before dinner.

DAY 13
Wildlife viewing in Hwange National Park
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Kashawe Tented Camp or similar

This morning, we'll have the opportunity to enjoy a game-viewing drive with one of our professional guides. During this drive, you will learn about the region's flora and the intricate cycle of life in the bush. We will learn to identify which animals have passed through the area. Our expert guides may also expound on everything from how elephant dung can be used as mosquito repellent, to how the giraffe is able to eat leaves off of the thorny acacia trees. During our drive, we’ll stop to enjoy lunch in the bush.

After our game-viewing drive, we’ll return to our camp for some time at leisure. Tonight, we’ll experience traditional African drumming, followed by dinner together.

DAY 14
A Day in the Life of a Hwange Community • Game viewing FOUNDATION VISIT
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Kashawe Tented Camp or similar

A Day in the Life
Work side-by-side with locals to find fresh water and prepare sadza (porridge) in a Hwange village.
Today, we'll take a break from game viewing to learn more about Zimbabwe's human residents as we enjoy A Day in the Life of a village near the park. We'll meet a village leader, who takes us on a short tour that reveals how local people live, tend to their animals, and raise their crops. We'll learn a few words in the language of the local Ndebele people, before sitting down with a family to gain insight into their culture first-hand. We'll also have an opportunity for hands-on discovery when we take part in some farming activities (season permitting)—like planting, milking cows, and collecting eggs. Then, we'll visit St. Mary's Primary school (when in session), which is supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation. We have the unique opportunity to meet the teachers and share smiles with the children, and enjoy an included lunch at the school.

As on previous days, we enjoy a game-viewing drive in the afternoon and return to our camp after sunset.

DAY 15
Transfer to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Rainbow Hotel or similar

After breakfast, we depart our camp and drive to Victoria Falls. Here we visit the largest curtain of water in the world—and one of the world's Seven Natural Wonders. These awe-inspiring cataracts, whose African name (Mosi-oa Tunya) means "the smoke that thunders," are nearly twice as high as Niagara, one and a half times as wide, and generate three times as much water. On a clear day, you can see the mist sprayed into the air from these crashing waters from more than 50 miles away. At peak flood times, 1.4 billion gallons of water per minute pass over its edge.

After lunch, we'll enjoy a guided tour which includes exploring walking trails and lookout points—each with different views. There are five main cataracts, including the most dramatic, the Main Falls and Devil's Cataract. The flora around the falls is naturally profuse: You'll see ebony, fig trees, and many flowering species. The rain forest surrounding the falls is particularly lush, fed by Victoria's perpetual spray. (It's a good idea to wrap your camera equipment, cash, and other valuables in plastic.)

This evening enjoy dinner at our hotel.

DAY 16
Explore Victoria Falls • Optional tours OPTIONAL TOUR
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Rainbow Hotel or similar

After breakfast, enjoy a walk through Chinotimba township, where we can observe everyday life in the neighborhood that is home to the majority of people living around Victoria Falls. Then, after lunch back at our hotel, you can join a combination of optional tours including an elephantback safari or helicopter ride over Victoria Falls. Or, you can walk through town on your own to check out the local handcrafts, such as the famous Shona stone carvings and a variety of wooden carvings. You'll also find a selection of brilliant African textiles, malachite, basketry, and more. This is one of the places where bartering is appropriate, often expected—and can be great fun. American goods like T-shirts, sweatshirts, and baseball caps with designer logos can be good “currency” here. Please ask your Trip Leader for advice about where else it may be appropriate to barter in this manner. This evening, we'll enjoy our Farewell Dinner while cruising along the Zambezi River.

DAY 17
Fly to Johannesburg • Return to U.S. or begin trip extension
Meals included: B

Trip Extension: Cape Town
Ascend Cape Town's Table Mountain and spot penguin colonies on this must-do extension.
After breakfast this morning, we’ll gather for a talk on the life of David Livingstone before we drive to the airport and board our flight to Johannesburg. Both the flight for the post-trip extension Cape Town & the Cape of Good Hope and the return flights to the U.S. depart in the early evening.

Days 1 - 3: Cape Town

We may be biased but we can think of nowhere better to start your dream African safari than Cape Town. Offering the very best in cuisine, culture, entertainment, art and adventure and framed by the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is riding high right now as one of the world’s best cities.

After arrival at Cape Town International Airport, where you will be met by your Ker & Downey local representative, you will be transferred to the Clarendon Bantry Bay, situated in an exclusive suburb of Cape Town on the Atlantic Seaboard.

Our Cape Town based travel team is standing by to help plan your perfect Cape Town experience. From the perfect afternoon picnic in Kirstenbosch Gardens to a half-day helicopter tour of the Cape Peninsula, insider tips on the latest pop-up markets and stores to which of Cape Town’s award-winning restaurants we frequent ourselves, we love nothing more than showing our guests the best the city has to offer and incorporating those small details into your tour planning.

Activities And Services

Cape Malay Cooking

Recommended

Cape Point Tour Half Day

Cape Winelands

Included

Accommodation, Breakfast, Transfers to and from Cape Town International Airport and your luxury boutique hotel.

Meals other than mentioned, sightseeing and activities other than specified, transfers other than mentioned, gratuities, visa costs, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature.

Days 4 - 6: Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

On your fourth day you will be transferred from your hotel in Cape Town to Cape Town International Airport where you will depart on the internal flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (the cost of this flight is not included in the tour price).

Hidden among a cluster of indigenous trees on the banks of the Msuthlu River, Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp offers its guests superior exclusivity in an intimate environment. This enchanting camp is found in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, who's gates open onto the unsurpassed wilderness of the Kruger National Park. It is the smallest of the Sabi Sabi lodges, providing you with a homely ambiance in a fairy-tale setting of seclusion.

Explore the plains that surround you on a morning and evening game drive, where you stand the chance to see the Big 5 among an assortment of other safari animals. A nature walk through the park led by a professional guide will give you a different prospective of the wilderness.

Activities And Services

Sabi Sabi Game Drives

Optional

Birdwatching at Sabi Sabi

Recommended

Starlight Bush Dinner

Included

Accommodation, all meals, beverages (only local house brands), scheduled activities (game drives and guided walks), emergency medical evacuation cover and all inter-camp transfers via scheduled air transfers (KMIA - Lodge - JNB(Incl)).

Excluded

Meals other than mentioned, beverages (Private collection wines, premium brands), sightseeing and activities other than specified, transfers other than mentioned (Flight: CTIA - KMIA (Excl)), gratuities, laundry, curio shop purchases, visa costs, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature

Days 7 - 8: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

On the 7th day you will be transferred back to the Sabi Sabi lodge airstrip for you scheduled flight (cost included) to OR Tambo Intl for your flight to Victoria Falls Intl (cost excluded).

Once landing at Victoria Falls Intl you will be met and transferred to Victoria Falls River Lodge. Built on raised wooden decks, the 13 luxurious tents all boast beautiful views of a river and the African bush and come with their own private plunge pools. The luxuriously furnished rooms are a fusion of European and African decor and make for an excellent location to explore the quaint town of Victoria Falls and the impressive Falls themselves.

Included in your stay is a rain forest canopy tour. This memorable canopy tour consists of 9 different slides that will take you through thick riverine vegetation over the Zambezi River. Zip over gorges and above the trees as you explore this beautiful region in a thrilling and breathtaking way.

Activities And Services

Rainforest Canopy Tour

Optional

Wild Horizons Elephant Back Safari

Recommended

Victoria Falls Bridge Tour

Included

Accommodation, breakfast, road transfer from VFA to the lodge and to your next lodge on the day of departure.

Excluded

Meals other than mentioned, sightseeing and activities other than specified, transfers other than mentioned, gratuities, visa costs, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature.

Days 9 - 11: Chobe River Front

On your ninth day, you will be collected from The Royal Livingstone Hotel and transferred by road to Chobe Game Lodge, situated on the banks of the Chobe River, inside the Chobe National Park.

All of the rooms at Chobe Game Lodge are river-facing, with spacious decks and air-conditioning, as well as a complimentary mini-bar. And because Chobe Game Lodge is located within the Park, you will get to set off just as the gates to the park open, which means you are out and about before any of the other visitors to the park.

The Chobe area is famed for its big population of elephants, and this is where you will be sure to tick off the first of the big five safari favourites. You will have the option of enjoying a boat cruise on the Chobe River, as well as daily game drives, guided nature walks and tours of the local community. Accept the warm and jovial human touch that Africans are so well known for, through the professional staff and the vibrant communities.

Activities And Services

Chobe Game Lodge game viewing

Optional

Chobe Game Lodge birding experience

Recommended

Chobe Game Lodge boat cruises

Included

Accommodation (As per Itinerary), All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), Beverages (Refreshments, local spirits and house wines (Excl: Premium Brands)), Scheduled activities (Morning and afternoon game drives, mid-morning and sunset cruises on a safari boat), Laundry service, Emergency medical evacuation insurance, National Park fees, All transfers to and from the lodge.

Excluded

Meals other than specified, Premium brand drinks, Gratuities, Sightseeing and activities other than specified, Visa fees, Travel insurance, Flights and transfers other than specified, Any items of a personal nature.

Day 12: Departure

On your last day of the tour, you will wake early for your final game drive and African bush sunrise, before returning to camp. You will be collected and transferred the short distance to Tubu airstrip before flying on to Maun airport for your onward journey orinternational flight home.

Included

Transfer back to Tubu airstrip and air transfer to Maun international airport for your onward journey.

Exclude

International flight & departure taxes.