THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 – DAY 1 - DEPART THE U.S. | INTO THE AFRICAN NIGHT

Your journey begins as you board your overnight flight to Africa. As the plane lifts into the night sky, anticipation builds for the extraordinary landscapes, wildlife, and cultures that await.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5 – DAY 2 – ARRIVAL IN JOHANNESBURG | WELCOME TO AFRICA

Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa's dynamic cultural and economic hub. Known locally as "Jo'burg" or "Jozi," the city rose almost overnight during the gold rush of the late 1800s, transforming the high grasslands of the Witwatersrand into one of Africa's most dynamic urban centers.

After a smooth transfer to your premium hotel, enjoy time to relax and adjust to the rhythm of the contintent.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 – DAY 3 – JOHANNESBURG

Following an included breakfast experience a visit to the Apartheid Museum which 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.  It offers a powerful experience with immersive exhibits that tell the story of South Africa’s path to democracy.

Afterward, we’ll embark on a panoramic tour of the city. Beyond its role as South Africa’s financial capital, Johannesburg is a city of striking contrasts, home to impressive modern skylines, dynamic energy, and a complex, compelling history. It is both one of Africa’s wealthiest urban centers and a place of deep cultural richness, offering an atmosphere that is as vibrant as it is unforgettable.

Following the tour, we’ll arrive back at our hotel, where you’ll have time to relax before dinner.

This evening, gather for a welcome dinner hosted by your safari expert—your first taste of South African cuisine and hospitality. (B,D)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7 – DAY 4 – FLIGHT TO KASANE | GATEWAY TO THE WILD

Take a scenic flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Bostwana.
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred in a small private boat from the airport to your luxurious lodge.

This region is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife density—especially elephants. Take advantage of your trip and try 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!

Once at the lodge, settle into your comfortable accommodations. The lodge is ideally situated along the banks of the Chobe River, a lifeline for animals during the dry season.

You'll have dinner and spend the night in absolute tranquility at the heart of the wilderness. (B,D)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8 – DAY 5 – CHOBE NATIONAL PARK | LAND & WATER SAFARIS - NAMIBIA/BOTSWANA

Experience your first full safari day:

• Set out for Chobe National !ark, a region legendary among wildlife enthusiasts. Established in 1967, Chobe protects vast ecosystems that support one of the largest elephant populations on Earth — over 120,000 animals roaming freely across the floodplains and forests.
  In the morning, experience a thrilling 4x4 game drive tracking wildlife across the savannah at Chobe National Park, home to more than a quarter of Africa's elephant population.

• In the afternoon, climb aboard your private boat for a river safari offering a unique water-level perspective gliding towards the lush wetlands of Sedudu Island.

Expect close encounters with elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and more.
Dinner will be at the lodge this evening. (B,D)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 – DAY 6 – INTO NAMIBIA | IMPALILA ISLAND

This morning, travel by boat into Namibia for a visit to traditional villages on Impalila Island. The island is located at the extraordinary meeting point of four countries, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Discover the authentic lifestyle and customs of the local communities. A guided village walk offers insight into daily life along the Zambezi floodplain, where communities maintain traditions shaped by generations of river living.

Later, after lunch back at the lodge, set off on a private tranquil boat safari on the legendary Zambezi River to explore the surrounding wetlands.  Stretching over 2,500 kilometers and flowing through six Southern African countries, the Zambezi offers spectacular panoramas where unspoiled nature reigns supreme. Birdlife flourishes here, brilliant kingfishers, herons, and African fish eagles gliding across golden skies.  In the distance, elephants move silently among the trees. Few places capture the peaceful rhythm of Africa quite like this.

Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by an evening of storytelling as your guide shares island traditions and legends.

Overnight at the lodge. (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 – DAY 7 – CHOBE NATIONAL PARK | ADDITIONAL SAFARI

Today, continue exploring the Chobe ecosystem with additional safari opportunities.
You will return to Botswana’s untamed jewel, Chobe National Park, for another exhilarating 4x4 safari. Encounter lions, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes, and countless vibrant bird species.
Enjoy a traditional African lunch in the heart of the wilderness before heading back to the lodge.

Take the opportunity to relax at the lodge and take in the rhythms of the African wilderness. You can make the most of the pool, its comfortable surroundings and all the lodge has to offer.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (B,L,D)

Sunsets here are unforgettable!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11 – DAY 8 – BUSH FLIGHT TO LAKE KARIBA | EMBARK YOUR SAFARI CRUISE

This morning, enjoy a final private boat safari in the Chobe region. Lunch will be on the river before continuing to Kasane Airport.

Once at the airport, board a scenic bush flight to your next destination, Lake Kariba. The flight takes you over the vast wilderness landscapes of the savannah and reveal breathtaking views along the way.

Your destination, Lake Kariba, is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Created in the 1950s by damming the Zambezi River, the lake stretches more than 140 miles, forming a vast inland sea along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. This lake holds haunting beauty with ghostly tree trunks rising from the water exposing the remnants of forests submerged when the valley flooded decades ago.

Arriving at your destination, you will transfer to your intimate safari vessel, check-in, and settle into your floating lodge.

Enjoy your first evening on the water with dinner and overnight on board. (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12 – DAY 9 – SHIP | LAKEE KARIBA - MATUSADONA NATL. PARK, ZIMBABWE

This morning, you will disembark for a guided 4x4 safari in one of Africa’s most remote national parks. With very few visitors, Matusadona offers rare, uncrowded wildlife encounters in a truly untouched setting.

Matusadona is one of Africa’s lesser-visited national parks — and that is part of its magic. Here, wildlife encounters often unfold without another vehicle in sight. Elephants wander along the shoreline. Antelope graze in golden grasses. Lions occasionally appear in the fading light of afternoon. At night, the African sky becomes a cathedral of stars. The park’s story is forever linked to Lake Kariba, as thousands of animals were rescued during the great “Operation Noah” when the dam was built, creating this haven for wildlife.

The park is nestled between the Sanyati and Ume rivers. Covering over 1,400 km², this pristine wilderness shelters elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and countless birds, from the iconic African fish eagle to the elegant yellow-billed stork. With luck, you may even spot a big cat.

Return to the ship for lunch as we cruise along the shimmering waters.

Later, set out by private boat to explore some of the lake’s most picturesque corners, where herds of elephants come to drink at the shore.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and overnight on board. (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 – DAY 10 – MATUSADONA | WATERWAYS & STARGAZING

Today, much like yesterday, you will explore more of Matusadona National Park aboard your private boat exploring the winding waterways and hidden coves of  a sanctuary of extraordinary biodiversity.

Lunch will be served on board during navigation.

In the late afternoon, switch to 4x4 vehicles as the golden light of sunset paints the vast plains. Search for lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

After dinner, step onto the sun deck for a magical stargazing experience. With no light pollution, the sky reveals a carpet of stars and the glittering Milky Way, accompanied only by the sounds of the African night. (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 – DAY 11 – LAKE KARIBA | SUNSET CRUISE

Sail across Lake Kariba this morning, where ghostly silhouettes of sun-bleached trees rise from the water, creating a strikingly mysterious atmosphere.

Lunch will be on board. Later, your guide will share the fascinating story of the lake, its people, and its fragile ecosystem.

As dusk approaches, head out on a private sunset cruise to admire the breathtaking African sunset, when the sky turns a brilliant shade of pink. Your day ends with what will most certainly be a highlight of the entire journey!

Dinner and overnight on board. (B,L,D)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15 – DAY 12 – FLIGHT TO VICTORIA FALLS | THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS

This morning, you will disembark for your journey to the airport where you will board your private flight heading to Victoria Falls.

Along the way, discover the immense dam wall, an engineering feat built in 1955 that gave birth to the lake and today provides nearly 70% of Zimbabwe’s electricity. Your guide will share its history and myths, including the legendary Nyami Nyami, the river spirit.

Your private flight takes you from Kariba to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Discovered by Scottish explorer David Livingstone in 1855, the falls remain one of Africa’s most breathtaking sights.  Local people call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders.” 

As you walk along rainforest paths opposite the falls, mist rises high into the sky while the roar of cascading water echoes through the gorge.  It is a spectacle of raw natural power. Lunch will be served on a cruise on the Zambezi River, upstream from the falls.

You will check into your premium hotel and the afternoon is free to relax by your hotel pool and take in the surrounding savannah.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel. (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 – DAY 13 – VICTORIA FALLS | FAREWELL & JOURNEY HOME

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy final views of Victoria Falls before beginning your journey home—taking with you unforgettable memories of Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultures.

We’ll leave for a tour on foot of the falls where the views are among the most exceptional in the world. We’ll also see where the Zambezi River plunges over the cliff to become the widest waterfall in the world, creating the “smoke that thunders.” Return to the hotel around 10:30 am.  (B)

As your flight departs Southern Africa, the memories begin to settle into stories you will tell for years to come.

-The distant roar of Victoria Falls.

-The quiet presence of elephants at sunset.

-The deep silence of the African bush beneath a sky filled with stars.

For many travelers, this is more than a trip.  It is the adventure of a lifetime!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 – DAY 14 – ARRIVE HOME FOLLOWING RETURN FLIGHT

Welcome home! Expect to arrive in the evening following a layover within the United States.