Compare Johannesburg to Zanzibar by Intrepid Travel vs Lions, Hippos & Zebras, Oh My! Africa Safari With Your Grandchild by Road Scholar

Day 1 Johannesburg

Sawubona – welcome to South Africa! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, we recommend visiting the eye-opening Apartheid Museum to start your journey with some crucial history before meeting up with your group. After your important meeting this evening, why not head out for an optional group dinner and get to know your newfound travel companions? Your leader can point you in the right direction with bar and restaurant recommendations

Day 2 Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Leaving South Africa behind, cross the border into Botswana and travel towards the Khama Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 8–10 hours). Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary has drastically changed from a former hunting area to a conservation project. Built to protect Botswana's only remaining populations of both black and white rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to other wildlife including zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which can be seen grazing the many waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and directly contributes to protecting the endangered white rhinoceros. Later on, head out on a dusk game drive to see the rhinos when they are most active.

Day 3 Maun

Jump aboard your vehicle and head to Maun (approximately 8–9 hours). Here there will be an opportunity to stock up on any supplies you might need for your adventure ahead. Maun is the gateway to one of the world's most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. This place is unlike anything in the world – a 16,000 square kilometre maze of lush wetlands and waterways teeming with wildlife. You might see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats, but it's the animals aren’t the only drawcard here – the waterscapes and shimmering horizons will have you gazing for days.

Day 4 Okavango Delta

Get right in the action today, jumping aboard a traditional mokoro – a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers' – for an Okavango waterways experience. With some luck, you could spot some of the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birdlife. Spend some time today exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot too, led by experienced local guides. Tonight, you’ll camp on a remote island right in the heart of the wilderness, falling asleep to the humming and buzzing of the African heartlands.

Day 5 Okavango Delta

Wake up early and head out on a sunrise walk. Along the way, keep watch for elephants, and if the timing is right, you might also come across some Cape buffalo! These noble-looking beasts are more dangerous than they look, and their horns double as a kind of bone shield that's fittingly known as a 'boss'. Returning to camp for breakfast, you’ve got the rest of the day to relax. A refreshing swim, or perhaps a nap, could be on the cards – both good ideas in the warmer part of the day. Alternatively, take another mokoro trip to soak up that serene river atmosphere.

Day 6 Maun

After taking down your camp, return to the ‘poler’ station by mokoro, before continuing on to Maun by vehicle (approximately 2–3 hours). Today we will visit a local brewery that produces beer containing millet grown by small-scale farmers, rewarding them for their efforts to coexist with elephants and promoting an inclusive economy. This initiative enhances the benefits of sustainable farming practices and ties them to the region’s wildlife economy. After touring the brewery, we'll stick around for dinner and an included beer tasting. Tonight, settle in at camp on the outskirts of town.

Day 7 Nata

Get up early and hit the road for Nata (approximately 6–7 hours). This small town is situated near the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, which are some of the largest on earth, covering around 12,000 square kilometres. This afternoon, take an excursion in an open vehicle to explore these seemingly endless plains in the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, the pans are naturally dry and salty for a large part of the year. During this time, the arid landscape has an eerie feel to it as heat mirages disorientate the senses. Then, after the rains hit, it becomes a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals.

Day 8 Chobe National Park

Hit the road to Chobe National Park (approximately 6–7 hours). Botswana's first national park is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, a variety of birdlife, crocodiles sunning themselves by the water's edge, and cheetahs and lions coming down to drink. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe – an ideal way to spend the afternoon and toast to another day in Africa.

Day 9 Victoria Falls

Why not wake up early and see Chobe National Park from a different perspective, booking yourself in on an optional morning game drive. Afterwards, travel on to Victoria Falls (approximately 2–3 hours), crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River. Then it's free time to experience the sights and sounds of the mighty falls. This thundering curtain of water is about 1.7 kilometres wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise an incredible 400 metres as the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and you can see the little islets in the river below.

Day 10 Victoria Falls

Today is a free day to enjoy the many activities on offer. If you are interested in the optional helicopter flight (12 minutes or 25 minutes) we endorse the following operator only: Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe. Your local leader can help you arrange this when you arrive. Otherwise, sit back, relax and enjoy nature on full show. As this is a combination trip, a meeting will take place at 6pm this evening to welcome any new travellers joining you on the next leg of your journey.

Day 11 Victoria Falls

Use your free time to visit the magnificent Victoria Falls. This thundering curtain of water is one-and-a-half kilometres wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 metres and the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and you can see little islets in the river below. Be sure to ask your local leader for their tips and advice on what to do in Victoria Falls.

Day 12 Bulawayo

Depart Victoria Falls and travel toward Bulawayo via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the trusts role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Onwards to Bulawayo – known locally as the 'City of Kings', Zimbabwe's second-largest city has an interesting history and some impeccable colonial architecture.

Day 13 Bulawayo

Wake up early and get ready to track rhinos in Matobo National Park. Home to a significant population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot. As your expert guide takes you through the park, look out for other game like leopards, warthogs, and springhares. You'll also learn about the local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, and discover San paintings and the fascinating rock formations. The Matopos area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.

Day 14 Masvingo

Drive the short stretch to Masvingo (approximately 5–6 hours). This colonial settlement – the oldest in Zimbabwe – makes for the perfect base from which to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The ruined city, now a World Heritage-listed site, was first constructed in the 11th century. It's thought to be the former royal palace of the Zimbabwean monarch. Spend a few hours exploring this intriguing site before heading off to camp for the evening.

Day 15 Harare

Travel to Harare today (approximately 5–6 hours). You will arrive at your destination in time for lunch. You only have an hour or two to explore Zimbabwe's capital city, so if you're feeling active and up for a stroll, get out and make the most of it. Perhaps head to the National Gallery, the museum, the botanical gardens or simply wander the city centre and visit the colourful markets.

Day 16 Lusaka

Today you will cross into Zambia and drive to your campsite just outside Lusaka, Zambia's capital (approximately 8 hours). Your journey begins with a nice scenic drive to the border. At some point during the day there will be an opportunity to stop at an ATM and stock up on any supplies you might need at a shop or market.

Day 17 Petauke

Spend some time checking out Lusaka before a long day of travel. You'll see that it's a modern city but still retains a traditional African feel. Afterwards, travel on to Petauke (approximately 8 hours).

Day 18 South Luangwa National Park

After breakfast, travel (approximately 4 hours) to a workshop in South Luangwa where local craftswomen take snare wire recovered from poaching traps and transform it into jewellery inspired by the African bush. The women will show you around their purpose-built workshop and give you a chance to try coiling or hammering the wire yourself. For each sale made, a donation is given to anti snare patrols dedicated to the conservation of the region. Afterwards, make your way through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park (approximately 2 hours). The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is among the highest in Africa. Many elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions are known to roam here. There are also some 400 species of birds inhabiting the area. A great way to experience South Luangwa and its beautiful scenery is to take an optional river trip – ask your group leader for more details.

Day 19 South Luangwa National Park

Rise early for an exhilarating morning game drive in a 4WD vehicle. Enjoy classic savanna scenery while keeping your eyes peeled the parks abundance of wildlife. There’s every chance you may spot a herd of zebra grazing on parched grass or a pride of lions passing by. Midday is the hottest part of the day here, so seek refuge from the sun and return to the camp for lunch. Return to the park for another Game Drive late this afternoon. Alternatively, perhaps head out on a village walk for a snapshot of daily life in the local community.

Day 20 Lake Malawi

Cross the border into Malawi and continue straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi (approximately 9–10 hours). Malawi is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many local people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on the lake. A common sight is that of a fisherman in a bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day. Your campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore, so take some time to rest and relax.

Day 21 Lake Malawi

Enjoy free time today to soak up your idyllic surrounds and take a refreshing dip in beautiful Lake Malawi. As well as chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians – easily some of the friendliest people in Africa.

Day 22 Chitimba

Drive to your camp in Chitimba (approximately 8 hours). Chitimba lies along the coast of Lake Malawi and has lovely beaches, friendly locals and a laidback atmosphere. When you arrive, perhaps take a stroll and acquaint yourself with this different part of the lake. Enjoy the scenery of banana palms, papaya trees and the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains looming nearby.

Day 23 Iringa

Today is a long travel day into Tanzania and its southern highlands (approximately 11 hours). Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by. On arrival you will set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse situated on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement.

Day 24 Mikumi National Park

Wake up early this morning to head off on a 4WD game drive into Mikumi National Park with local expert guides. This less touristed park is home to impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas – and maybe even a predator or two if you're lucky! Afterwards, we'll drive to Iringa (approximately 5 hours) and set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. The area is filled with natural bush land which can make it a bird watchers paradise. Make the most of this rural setting by doing some stargazing before you retire for the night.

Day 25 Dar es Salaam

Settle in for a 7-hour drive to Kipepeo Beach, just south of Dar es Salaam. Be sure to make the most of it – perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in. Your camp today is on the grounds of a hotel situated next to the beach.

Day 26 Stone Town

Catch a ferry to Africa's 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in centuries ago. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town, and the best way to see this is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. Explore the many charms of Stone Town, the historic part of Zanzibar's main city, with a local guide. Taste the local delicacies and gain insight into daily local life living on Zanzibar. When the sun is setting, why not grab a drink from a bar overlooking the seafront. A seafood curry at a local restaurant is also a great choice. You'll spend the night in Stone Town at a basic inn.

Day 27 Zanzibar Northern Beaches

Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

Day 28 Zanzibar Northern Beaches

Enjoy free time in this beautiful archipelago today. There are many ways you can spend your day – perhaps talk to your leader for any recommendations they might have. Snorkelling in search of exotic fish is an excellent option, or you could take a traditional dhow boat on the water. You might also like to feast on a sumptuous lunch of grilled local seafood, or just relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book. It's totally up to you!

Day 29 Stone Town

After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 12 pm. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to stay on in Zanzibar, either at the Northern Beaches beach resort or in Stone Town, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Johannesburg

Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Check in at the hotel and relax before the welcome dinner.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We are fortunate to have as our Group Leader a knowledgeable expert who will also serve as our primary lecturer for most of the program. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel, we will enjoy a buffet welcome dinner including a starter and entrée with side dish; bottled water and one welcome drink will be provided, with other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 Lesedi Cultural Village, African Beading Johannesburg

Getting on/off motorcoach; drive about 70 miles round trip, about 1 hour each way. Walking up to 1 mile on uneven pathways; slight inclines/declines encountered; periods of standing.

Boarding our motorcoach, we will be driven to Lesedi Cultural Village, a multi-cultural African village. Here we will be introduced to several of the local tribes of South Africa, including Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele. Upon arrival at the village, we will be offered a welcome drink, then a local expert will give us an introduction to African beading and traditional jewelry, which have played integral roles in the history of Africa and the world. We will then have an opportunity to bead our own African bracelets to wear throughout our program. Mid-morning, we will be accompanied by our local expert as we explore the grounds of Lesedi, visiting four of the five different, traditional villages: the Xhosa, with their beautiful thatched homes and red blankets; the Zulu, with their fighting sticks and cozy beehive huts; the Pedi, with their courtyards and rhythmic drums; and the conical straw hats and sturdy mountain ponies of the Basotho. We will have the opportunity to learn more about each of these tribes as we visit each homestead, and will even have the chance to try some local delicacies!

Our experience at Lesedi will extend into the mid-afternoon, after which we will return to the hotel. Once back at the hotel, our Group Leader will give an Overview of South Africa, including its tumultuous political history.

At leisure. Be sure to pack and prepare for tomorrow’s early departure.

Taken at the hotel, breakfast will be an expansive buffet featuring a variety of cold cereals, fresh fruit, cold meats and cheeses, pastries and hot items such as bacon, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms. Omelettes, eggs and waffles will be cooked on demand. Fruit juices, coffee, tea and water will be provided.

Taken on site at the restaurant, lunch will be a multi-course buffet, showcasing local foods from throughout Africa. For the adventurous eaters, try the mopani worms! Water will be included, with additional beverages available for purchase. We will enjoy traditional song and dance performances as part of our lunch experience.

Hotel buffet.

Day 4 De Wildt Cheetah Centre, Bush Skills Course Plumari Africa Game Reserve

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving a total of 100 miles, approximately 2.5 hours total. The beginner bush skills course consists of walking in the bush, on potentially uneven ground. The pace and distance covered during the course are gentle, and are dictated by the group's abilities. If you are unable to participate, you have the option of remaining at the lodge to enjoy the scenery.

After breakfast, we will check-out of the hotel and travel by coach to the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre, which has gained international recognition for bringing the cheetah back from the brink of extinction through its captive breeding programs. Our visit of De Wildt will be with one of the center’s enthusiastic researchers, who will provide insight into the long term conservation of the African cheetah. In addition, we will learn about the efforts that the center is making toward the conservation and reintroduction of other species, including wild dogs, brown hyena, antelope and Cape vultures. Our visit will consist of a talk given by the researcher, after which we will board an open-air 4x4 vehicle and be driven into some of the large, fenced enclosures, where we will have the opportunity to view some of the cheetah and other endangered animals from the vehicle.

After lunch, we will re-board our motorcoach and drive to Plumari Game Reserve. After arriving, we will embark on a beginner bush skills course within the Reserve, in the company of a local expert. This hands-on, interactive course is designed to give a basic understanding of the African bush and the skills needed to survive there. During the gentle walk in the bush, we will discuss and experience: how to navigate by day or night; survival skills such as walking techniques and use of terrain; how to interact with dangerous and/or useful animals such as snakes, insects, birds, fish, etc; how to track animals; useful plants and herbs; location and procurement of potable water and edible food; basic first aid; medical dangers such as malaria and bilharzia (schistosomiasis); communication skills needed for survival in the bush; equipment one needs in the bush; and what materials occur naturally in the bush that one can use to survive. The course is designed with safety at the forefront; at no time will we be put in dangerous situations, nor will we come into contact with dangerous animals. Plumari Game Reserve sits beneath the Magaliesberg mountain range near Johannesburg, providing an awe-inspiring wilderness setting nearly 12 square miles in size. Here, one finds a pristine African bushveld with an abundance of wildlife including the Big Five (rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard; leopard may be hard to spot), as well as hippo, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, and wildebeest, to name a few. There are also over 350 species of bird resident to this area.

At leisure.

Taken at the hotel.

Boxed lunch will be provided, to be enjoyed at the Cheetah and Wildlife Center. Bottled water included.

Dinners at the lodge will vary between buffets and a la carte choices, but will always be a 3-course offering; water, coffee, tea will be provided, with other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Game Drive, Introduction to Predators, Game Drive Plumari Africa Game Reserve

Getting in/out of open-air 4x4 vehicles. Game drives 3 to 4 hours each.

Early this morning, we will embark on our first interpretive game drive of the program. We will move slowly through the reserve in open-air, 4x4 vehicles in search of the wildlife, birds, and unique flora resident here. Each vehicle will have its own local safari expert who will provide insight into the animals and birds spotted during the drive. Mid-morning, we will return to the lodge for the mid-day at leisure.

In the early afternoon, our Group Leader will give us an introduction and overview to common predators found in southern Africa. Afterward, we will head out on a game drive in search of elephants, giraffes, zebra, buffalo, impala, and lion. We will return to the lodge at dusk with time to freshen up before dinner.

At leisure.

Breakfast at the lodge will consist of a buffet with various bread and cereal options and fresh fruit, with hot items cooked to order; coffee/tea, fruit juice, milk and water will be included.

Lunches at the lodge will consist of light meal choices ordered off of a pub style menu. Water, coffee, tea will be provided with other beverages available for purchase.

At the lodge.

Day 6 Elephant Interaction, Animal Tracking Plumari Africa Game Reserve

Getting in/out of open-air 4x4 vehicles. Game drive 3 to 4 hours. Bush walk is over uneven, dirt ground and involves inclines/declines; exact route and length are dependent on group's ability.

This morning, we will be led by a local ranger on an interactive and interpretive experience with trained elephants. We will view the elephants up close as well as touch and feed them, while the ranger discusses elephant behavior and social structure.

This afternoon, we will have the choice of either taking a game drive or going on a bush walk, which will focus on animal tracks, plants and insects; both activities will be led by our local safari rangers.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out tomorrow morning.

At the lodge.

At the lodge.

At the lodge.

Day 7 Fly to Botswana, Chobe Boat Safari Chobe National Park

Getting into/out of motorcoach and open-air 4x4 vehicles; getting on/off boat. Drive time from Plumari to the airport is 1.5 hours; 70 miles. Flight from Johannesburg to Kasane is 1.5 hours. Drive from Kasane Airport to the boat dock is approximately 15 minutes and from the boat dock to campsite is approximately 45 minutes; approximately 20 miles total. Boat safari lasts 2 hours.

After breakfast, we will board our motorcoach and transfer to the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, for departure on our commercial flight to Kasane, Botswana.

Upon arrival in Kasane, we will clear Botswana immigration before being met by our local safari experts for a short transfer in open-air safari vehicles to the boat launch for our boat safari. We will explore the Chobe River by motorboat in the company of a local wildlife expert, where we may come face to face with the elephant and buffalo that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River is one of the few rivers in the world that can flow in either direction depending on the seasonal floods! We will immerse ourselves in the unique riverine environment, viewing numerous birds including sacred ibis, blue heron, goliath heron, saddle-billed storks, marabou storks and little egrets. Upon conclusion of the safari, we will transfer in our open-air safari vehicles to the mobile tented camp, located just outside of Chobe National Park. We will take a moment to settle into our tents before our Group Leader gives us an overview of the history and culture of Botswana.

At leisure.

At the lodge.

On board the flight.

Camp dinners will be 3-course buffets with all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Day 8 Safari in Chobe National Park Chobe National Park

Getting in/out of open-air 4x4 vehicles. Game drives 3 to 4 hours each.

This morning, we will depart on an early-morning game drive in Chobe National Park in search of any lion or leopard kills made during the night. We will travel through the plains in our open-air safari vehicles, searching for predators and other game. Chobe National Park remains one of Africa's prime game-viewing areas. Here one finds all of the "Big Five" except rhino. Rare antelope also inhabit the region. This is elephant country, home to the largest population of elephants in the world; many of these great grey giants can be seen at this time of year. (Note: seasonality makes a big difference in how much game you will see. If it's dry you will see larger herds; if it has recently rained the animals will be more dispersed). The park forms part of Botswana's northern-most border and is a contrast of desert aridity and flood plains. The Chobe region is best known for its vast magnificent river and floodplains filled with grazing herds of big game. Buffalo, sable, lion, leopard, hippo, hyena, and thousands of antelope all find safety in this huge national park. This is one of Africa's most pristine ecosystems and greatest wildlife refuges. After the morning game drive, we will return to camp to enjoy mid-day at leisure.

The early afternoon will be at leisure to rest, relax and read in camp. Following afternoon tea, we will embark on a game drive in the park with our local safari expert, searching for herbivores, carnivores and omnivores. We will return to camp at dusk, in time for dinner.

Following dinner, we will have the opportunity to join together around a campfire. If the skies are clear, our Group Leader will point out constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.

Breakfasts in camp will be buffets with cold cereals, bread, fresh fruit and rusks; coffee/tea, fruit juice and bottled water will be provided.

Camp lunches will be buffets with a mix of hot and cold breakfast and lunch items, such as salad, egg dishes, sausage, cold meats and cheeses, and pasta dishes, with dessert. All drinks will be included.

In camp under the stars.

Day 9 Search for Wildlife, Termites Chobe National Park

Getting in/out of open-air 4x4 vehicles. Game drives 3 to 4 hours each.

This morning, we will venture on an interpretive game drive in Chobe National Park. We can keep track of the amazing wildlife that we see with our pocket-sized wildlife checklists! We will return to camp in time for lunch.

Mid-day will be at leisure to enjoy our final afternoon at camp. Our Group Leader will give a lecture on termites and their role in the ecosystem. In the late afternoon, we will take one final game drive in search of wildlife that has eluded us thus far, returning to camp at dusk.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out tomorrow morning.

In camp.

In camp.

In camp under the stars.

Day 10 To Livingstone, Free Time Livingstone (Victoria Falls)

Getting into/out of open-air 4x4 vehicles, ferry boat and minibus. Total transfer time to Livingstone approximately 2.5 hours including border crossing; about 65 miles. Ferry boat taken for 10 minutes to cross between Botswana and Zambia.

This morning, we will say goodbye to our safari hosts and transfer by open-air safari vehicles to the Kazangula border. Here, we will take a 10-minute ferry ride across the Zambezi River to Zambia. After clearing Zambian immigration, we will board an enclosed minibus for the remainder of the transfer to Livingstone and our lodge, arriving in time for lunch.

Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in the town of Livingstone. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Regathering at the lodge in the early evening, our Group Leader will give an overview on the history and culture of Zambia.

At leisure.

In camp.

Lunch will be an expansive buffet featuring a variety of starters, main dishes, side dishes and desserts; bottled water, coffee, tea will be provided with other beverages available for purchase.

Dinners will vary between plated, 3-course meals and expansive buffets featuring a variety of dishes. Bottled water, coffee, tea will be provided, with other beverages available for purchase.

Day 11 Local Village, Art Lesson, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Livingstone (Victoria Falls)

Getting into/out of minibus. Total drive time today approximately 2.5 hours; about 40 miles round-trip. Border formalities can cause travel time to be longer. Walking up to 2 miles on mostly flat paths; periods of standing at the village.

Following breakfast, we will transfer by minibus across the stunning Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the Batoka Gorge just downstream from the waterfall and crosses the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Upon arriving in Zimbabwe, we will continue by minibus to a nearby local village. We will be met by the chief, who will introduce us to local ways of life and share insights into the village’s history and culture. The chief of the village is also an avid artist who draws inspiration from his village and beautiful surroundings. We will be provided with canvas and paints, and have an opportunity to create our own masterpieces during an outdoor painting workshop, facilitated by local experts.

Following lunch, we will re-board our minibus and drive to Victoria Falls National Park. Here, we will view the magnificent waterfall from the Zimbabwean side. Upon our entrance to the park, we will walk along the path with commentary from the Group Leader about the formation of the falls, as well as the local flora and birdlife seen. Since the waterfall spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is visible from both countries, but the majority of the water falls on the Zimbabwean side. Viewing the falls from this side will provide numerous overlooks and truly give us a feel for the full majesty of this natural wonder. Later this afternoon, we will re-cross the Victoria Falls Bridge as we return to Zambia and our lodge. We will have time to rest and relax before dinner.

At leisure.

Breakfast will be an expansive buffet with a variety of breads, cereals, fresh fruits, pastries, cold meats and cheeses, and hot items such as eggs, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms; coffee, tea, fruit juice, milk and water will be provided.

At the village with our hosts, we will enjoy a traditional Zimbabwean meal served buffet style with a variety of meat and vegetarian options available. Water will be included with additional drinks available for purchase.

At the lodge.

Day 12 Local School, Victoria Falls (Zambia), Sunset Boat Ride Livingstone (Victoria Falls)

Getting into/out of minibus. Total drive time today approximately 1 hour round-trip; about 35 miles. Climbing and descending approximately 150 steps one way at the Falls; pathways may be wet and slippery due to waterfall’s mist. It is possible to see the waterfall from one viewpoint without climbing all the stairs. Boat ride lasts 2 hours.

Boarding our minibus, we will journey to the nearby Tongabezi Trust School, commonly known as Tujatane, where we will learn about daily life in Zambia and have an opportunity to meet local students and teachers. Each generation will have an opportunity to interact with peers, whether through conversation or games. We will return to the lodge, where our Group Leader will give a lecture on Dr. David Livingstone's explorations and discovery of Victoria Falls.

After lunch, we will transfer in our minibus to visit the famed Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Victoria Falls is where the Zambezi River opens out into an extravaganza of roaring, spray-tumbled water, known to the locals as “Mosi oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). The waterfall spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and is visible from both countries; we will view the falls from the Zambian side this afternoon. Few sights are as awe-inspiring as when the ground rumbles with the forces of the water. We will wander the footpaths through the rainforest en-route to the various viewpoints. Upon our return to the lodge, we will embark on our private sunset boat ride on the Zambezi River. We will search for game on the banks of the river as we enjoy a spectacular African sunset. Drinks and snacks will be served on the boat. We will return to dry land after dusk, returning to the lodge for dinner.

At leisure. Prepare for departure tomorrow.

At the lodge.

At the lodge

Farewell dinner at the lodge with new Road Scholar friends.

Day 13 Fly to Johannesburg, Program Concludes In Flight

Drive time 30 minutes; about 7 miles. Flight time 1.5 hours.

Following breakfast, we will transfer to the Livingstone Airport for our commercial flight to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport.

We will arrive in Johannesburg in the mid-afternoon and connect to our international flights home. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the lodge.

On board the flight.

Day 14 In Transit From Program In Flight

Early morning arrivals in North America.