Wild Africa: Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia

15 days
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Explore the wilds of southern Africa with experts, spotting elephants, lion and many other species while learning about conservation efforts and visiting the region’s natural wonders.
From$9,999
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • I like to spend much of the day exploring
    • Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
    • Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

What's this trip about?

    Explore the wilds of southern Africa with experts, spotting elephants, lion and many other species while learning about conservation efforts and visiting the region’s natural wonders.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityJohannesburg
End CitySouth Luangwa National Park

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
  • Photography
  • Holy Land

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • South Africa
  • Botswana

Attractions

  • Johannesburg
  • Livingstone
  • South Luangwa National Park

Activities

  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Yoga & Meditation

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Itinerary

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 c...

Day 3 Fly to Botswana, Fly to Khwai, Overview of Botswana Khwai Concession

Flight time from Johannesburg to Maun is 1.5 hours. Flight from Maun to Khwai airstrip is approximately 20 minutes. Game drives throughout the program are in open air, 4x4 vehicles and typically last 3 to 4 hours in the early mornings and late afternoons, when the ani...

Day 4 The Okavango Delta, Termites Khwai Concession

Safari drives in open air, 4x4 vehicles for 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon.

Searching for plains game and other species, we will take a morning game drive through a large variety of different vegetation types, down winding tracks, through m...

Day 5 Endangered Carnivores, Delta Hydrology and Geology Khwai Concession

Safari drives in open air, 4x4 vehicles for 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon.

This morning, we will head out on a game drive to search for wild dog and other endangered carnivores. We will return to camp mid-morning and have a few hours at le...

Day 6 Fly to Chobe National Park, Boat Safari Upper Zambezi River

Flight time to Kasane is approximately 1.5 hours. Boat safari lasts 2 hours. Getting on/off small airplane. Getting on/off boat. Drive time Chobe to Tsowa Lodge approximately 2 hours, including border crossing; last 45 minutes of transfer in game viewing vehicles thro...

Day 7 Game Drive, Overview of Zimbabwe, Boat Safari Upper Zambezi River

Safari drives in open air, 4x4 vehicles for 3 to 4 hours in the early morning. Boat safari lasts approximately 2 hours. Very short motorboat rides between lodge and mainland to access safari vehicles; boat safari departs directly from lodge.

The short boat ride ...

Day 8 Safari Activities Upper Zambezi River

Safari drives in open air, 4x4 vehicles for 3 to 4 hours in the early morning. Boat safari lasts approximately 2 hours. Very short motorboat rides between lodge and mainland to access safari vehicles; boat safari departs directly from lodge.

We will ferry the sh...

Day 9 Victoria Falls on Zimbabwean Side, Free Time Livingstone

Drive time between Tsowa Safari Island and Victoria Falls is 1.5 hours. In order to see all viewpoints at the Falls, approximate length of walk is 2 miles. It is possible to walk less and see some, but not all, viewpoints. Paths may be slick from mist but are mostly f...

Day 10 Livingstone Museum, Fly to Mfuwe, South Luangwa Valley South Luangwa National Park

Flight time from Livingstone to Lusaka is approximately 1 hour, and Lusaka to Mfuwe is 1 hour. Drive from Mfuwe Airport to Mfuwe Lodge is 45 minutes, done in open-air safari vehicles.

Following breakfast, we will be joined at the lodge by a noted local historian...

Day 11 Bush Walk, Game Drive, Night Wildlife South Luangwa National Park

Walking approx. 1 mile on the morning bush walk; about 1 hour; uneven, sandy terrain. Safari drives in open air, 4x4 vehicles for 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon.

This morning, we will divide to participate in a guided bush walk with our saf...

Day 12 Tracking Wildlife, Local School and Community Projects South Luangwa National Park

Walking approx. 1 mile on the morning bush walk; about 1 hour; uneven, sandy terrain. The drive to school and textile site is approximately 30 minutes each way in open-air safari vehicles. Game drive in safari vehicles lasts 3 to 4 hours in the early morning.

Ag...

Day 13 Game Drive, Lion Social Structure, Final Game Viewing South Luangwa National Park

Safari drives in open-air, 4x4 vehicles last 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon.

We will search the surrounding area for animals that may have eluded us thus far, heading back to the lodge mid-morning.

The heat of the day will be spent at...

Day 14 Program Concludes In Flight

Flight time Mfuwe to Lusaka is approximately 1 hour; flight from Lusaka to Johannesburg is 2 hours. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation from Last Location."

We will ch...

Day 15 In Transit From Program In Flight

Early morning arrivals in North America.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,999
Price per day$667
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Road Scholar

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Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:

Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:

--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.

--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.

--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.

--Excellent value.

Explore Your Mind and the World:

There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.

Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Our Most Popular Tours:

Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.

Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.

Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.

National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.

Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.

Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.

Why Road Scholar?

You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."

Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.

Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.

Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.

Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.

You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."

We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.

Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.

Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.

Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.

What they’re known for
Popular global tours with a unique focus on educational experiences for mostly senior travelers.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 12
  • Number of Brunch: 3
  • Number of Lunch: 8
  • Number of Dinner: 12
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
roadscholar-18878

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