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Grand Southern Africa Safari
May 8 - 24, 2027
Join Stephanie Hansen and experience Southern Africa in the most effortless and immersive way possible on a fully inclusive, turn-key safari adventure that spans South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled—all meals included, expertly guided excursions, seamless inter-Africa flights, luxury lodges, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—so you can focus entirely on the experience. This is not just a safari; it’s a carefully choreographed journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, blending iconic sights, extraordinary wildlife, rich history, and refined regional cuisine into one remarkable adventure.
Your journey begins on the dramatic Cape Peninsula, where history and natural beauty collide. Stand atop Table Mountain, trace the cliffs of Chapman’s Peak Drive, visit Robben Island, and meet the charming penguins of Simon’s Town before heading north into the heart of Africa. From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, follow the path of Nelson Mandela, explore legendary game reserves teeming with elephants, lions, and leopards, uncover the quiet mysteries of Lake Kariba, and feel the thunder of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. With everything included and nothing left to chance, this journey delivers Southern Africa at its most powerful, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Highlights & Inclusions:
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40 Included Meals - All onboard meals with drinks included during the cruise
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4 Nights at a 4* hotel stays in Cape Town
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1 Night at a 5* Hotel in Johannesburg
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4 Nights at a Wilderness lodge near Chobe National Park (Cascades Lodge)
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4 Nights aboard the RV African Dream on Lake Kariba
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1 Night Lodging in Victoria Falls
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Welcome and Farewell Dinners
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Internal Flights & Transfers in Africa
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Flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg
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Flight from Johannesburg to Kasane (Botswana)
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Scenic private flight over the savannah to Lake Kariba
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Private flight from Lake Kariba to Victoria Falls
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✔ Safari & Excursions
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4×4 safari in Chobe National Park
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Boat safari along the Chobe River
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Cultural visit to Impalila Island
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4×4 and boat excursions in Matusadona National Park
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Lunch cruise on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls
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Guided tour of Victoria Falls
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✔ Onboard Experience & Services
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Tour director/cruise leader onboard
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Onboard lectures and activities
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All port fees included
Why choose to travel to Southern Africa with us!
This is one of those rare journeys that truly has it all. Designed for travelers who value depth, comfort, and seamless logistics, this immersive adventure spans four remarkable countries—South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. You’ll experience vibrant cities, iconic landmarks, and extraordinary wildlife woven together into one complete African journey.
What makes this experience especially compelling is the balance. You won’t only be in the bush—you’ll begin in spectacular Cape Town, widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Framed by Table Mountain and dramatic coastline, Cape Town adds energy and dimension to the adventure. Combined with intimate safaris in Chobe National Park, the wild beauty of Lake Kariba, and the power of Victoria Falls, this becomes a full African experience—pairing world-class scenery with unforgettable wildlife.
Nearly everything is included. Hand-selected hotels, intimate safari lodges, your private ship on Lake Kariba, immersive daily excursions, and all internal African flights are built into the program. Throughout the journey, you’ll travel with experienced local guides and educated naturalists who bring the landscapes and ecosystems to life. Most meals and beverages are included, meaning once you arrive in Africa, there is very little to think about or pay for. The only major component not included is international airfare from the United States, and we are happy to assist once schedules are released.
With no more than 16 guests total, this is a true small-group experience. The ship accommodates only our group, the lodges are intimate, and the journey feels personal and relaxed. This is not a large-bus tour—it’s an up-close, once-in-a-lifetime experience designed for travelers seeking something deeper and more meaningful than the ordinary safari.
Day 1: May 8 (Saturday)
Depart the United States for Cape Town, South Africa
Depart for an overnight flight from Cape Town South Africa. Flights leave the United States and travel overnight to Cape Town where you land in the evening the following day (arrive Cape Town May 9, 2027). International flights are not included but we are happy to assist with obtaining airfare for you.
Day 2: May 9 (Sunday)
Arrive in Cape Town
Arrive in Cape Town and transfer to your 4-star hotel. Airport transfers can be arranged for guests for a small additional fee. Hotel check-in begins at 3:00 p.m., though you are welcome to arrive at any time that suits your flight schedule. There are no planned activities today, allowing you time to relax, explore independently, or adjust after travel. Your tour director will greet you at the hotel upon arrival. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in Cape Town.
Day 3: May 10 (Monday)
Table Mountain & Historic Wine Estate
Today is a wonderful introduction to one of the world’s most scenic cities. Begin with a guided panoramic tour of Cape Town, where you’ll learn about the city’s rich history, cultural influences, and striking geography set between the Atlantic Ocean and towering mountains.
Weather permitting, you’ll ride the Table Mountain Cableway to the summit of Table Mountain, where sweeping 360-degree views stretch across the city, coastline, and surrounding landscapes—an unforgettable highlight of the trip.
From the city, travel to the beautiful Constantia Valley to visit Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine estate. Enjoy a guided wine tasting followed by lunch amid historic Cape Dutch buildings and rolling vineyards. Return to your hotel later in the day for a Welcome dinner and overnight in Cape Town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Day 4: May 11 (Tuesday)
Robben Island & Cape Town Highlights
This morning, travel by ferry to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South Africa’s most important historical landmarks. Your guided visit offers powerful insight into the country’s past, including the story of Nelson Mandela and the struggle against apartheid.
After returning to the mainland, enjoy lunch at the lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, followed by additional time to explore Cape Town’s neighborhoods and landmarks. The evening is yours to relax, with dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: May 12 (Wednesday)
Cape of Good Hope & Penguin Colony
Today’s journey takes you along one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak Drive, with dramatic ocean views at every turn. Continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where you’ll explore this iconic meeting point of land and sea. Ride the Flying Dutchman funicular for sweeping views before heading to Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town to see its famous African penguin colony up close. Return to Cape Town in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: May 13 (Thursday)
Fly to Johannesburg & Apartheid Museum
This morning, fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg (coach airfare flights included). Upon arrival, visit the Apartheid Museum, one of the most moving and informative museums in Africa, offering deep insight into South Africa’s recent history and journey toward democracy.
Enjoy a panoramic city tour before checking into your five-star hotel. Dinner is included this evening, followed by an overnight in Johannesburg.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: May 14 (Friday)
Botswana & Safari Lodge
Fly to Kasane, Botswana (flight included), where your safari adventure truly begins. From the airport, transfer by small private boat to Cascades Lodge, your intimate safari retreat for the next four nights. Located in Namibia along the Zambezi River and just minutes from Chobe National Park, the lodge is perfectly positioned for both river and wildlife experiences.
Surrounded by untouched wilderness, the evening is about settling into nature—watching wildlife from your private balcony, where hippos are often seen wading in the Zambezi below, enjoying dinner, and listening to the sounds of Africa under the stars. Each cabin is unique in layout, yet all are beautifully positioned along the river, offering a peaceful and immersive setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: May 15 (Saturday)
Chobe National Park Safari
Today is a standout wildlife day in one of Africa’s most game-rich regions. This morning, set out on a guided 4×4 safari in Chobe National Park, renowned for having one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. It’s common to see elephants moving in large family groups, often alongside Cape buffalo, giraffes, zebra, and antelope such as impala, kudu, and sable. Chobe is also home to predators including lions and leopards, which are present year-round, though sightings vary naturally.
After lunch, enjoy a private boat safari on the Chobe River, one of the most scenic and wildlife-dense river systems in southern Africa. From the water, you’ll often spot hippos, crocodiles, and elephants crossing or bathing along the riverbanks, along with abundant birdlife such as African fish eagles, storks, herons, and colorful kingfishers. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: May 16 (Sunday)
Impalila Island, Namibia & Zambezi River
This morning, cross into Namibia to visit Impalila Island, located where four countries meet—Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. In addition to learning about local village life, this region is rich in wildlife due to its proximity to the Zambezi River.
Later, enjoy a boat excursion on the Zambezi River, offering a different perspective on African wildlife. The riverbanks are prime habitat for hippos, crocodiles, and grazing animals that come to drink, while overhead you may see fish eagles, bee-eaters, cormorants, and other river-dwelling bird species. The slower pace of river travel allows for relaxed wildlife viewing and photography before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: May 17 (Monday)
Chobe National Park Safari
Return to Botswana’s untamed jewel, Chobe National Park, for another exhilarating 4x4 safari adventure. Watch for lions resting in the shade, herds of buffalo crossing the plains, graceful giraffes browsing the treetops, and a remarkable array of birdlife. Enjoy a traditional African lunch set in the heart of the wilderness before returning to your lodge. The afternoon is yours to unwind—relax by the pool and take in the peaceful surroundings. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: May 18 (Tuesday)
Safari & Lake Kariba
Enjoy a final safari experience in the Chobe region before transferring to Kasane Airport. From here, take a private scenic flight (included) over remote African landscapes to Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.
Board your luxury safari ship (African Dream) —designed exclusively for just 16 guests, and settle into your cabin. Dinner is served onboard as you begin cruising this vast, wildlife-rich lake.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: May 19 (Wednesday)
Lake Kariba & Matusadona National Park
This morning, venture into Matusadona National Park on a guided 4×4 safari, one of Zimbabwe’s most remote and least-visited wildlife areas. Framed by the sweeping shoreline of Lake Kariba, this rugged park is known for its raw, untamed feel and excellent game viewing. As you explore, keep watch for large herds of elephants, Cape buffalo, impala, waterbuck, and other antelope species that frequent the lake’s edge. Predators such as lions and leopardsinhabit the park as well, and while sightings are never guaranteed, the sense of true wilderness makes every moment thrilling. Birdlife is abundant, with African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and storks often spotted near the water.
Return to the ship for lunch, then spend the afternoon cruising Lake Kariba through surreal flooded forests and wide open channels. From the deck, it’s common to see elephants wading along the shoreline, hippos surfacing nearby, and crocodiles basking on partially submerged logs, while birds circle overhead. As the light softens toward evening, the lake takes on an almost otherworldly beauty. Dinner and overnight onboard your intimate safari ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: May 20 (Thursday)
Boat & Land Safaris in Matusadona National Park
Today offers a deeper exploration of the Lake Kariba ecosystem, beginning with a private boat safari that glides quietly through narrow channels and along the shoreline where wildlife often gathers. From the water, enjoy close-range views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants entering the lake to drink or bathe, and an abundance of birdlife including kingfishers, egrets, and African darters. The slow pace of the boat allows for relaxed wildlife viewing and excellent photography.
Later, return to land for another 4×4 safari within Matusadona National Park, providing the opportunity to search for animals not seen the previous day and to explore different areas of this rugged, remote landscape. As evening approaches, return to the ship for dinner and unwind beneath the vast African night sky. Far from city lights, this region offers exceptional stargazing, with views of southern hemisphere constellations rarely seen from home—including the iconic Southern Cross—adding a quiet, unforgettable moment to an already extraordinary day in the wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: May 21 (Friday)
Cruising Lake Kariba & Wildlife Viewing
Today is devoted entirely to cruising Lake Kariba, offering a slower, immersive wildlife experience. As the ship moves through open water and forested inlets, guests often spot elephants walking along the shoreline, hippos in pods, and crocodiles basking in the sun. The lake is also a haven for birdlife, with frequent sightings of fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, and migratory species.
With no scheduled drives today, this is an ideal opportunity to relax on deck, enjoy onboard commentary, and appreciate the ever-changing scenery of one of Africa’s most unique landscapes. Overnight onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: May 22 (Saturday)
Zambezi River Lunch Cruise near Victoria Falls
After flying to Victoria Falls (flight included), enjoy a leisurely lunch cruise on the Zambezi River, just upstream from the falls. This stretch of the river is known for calm waters and excellent wildlife viewing. You may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants along the banks, and an impressive variety of bird species while enjoying lunch on board.
The afternoon is free to relax at your hotel or participate in optional activities. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner and overnight in Victoria Falls.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 16: May 23 (Sunday)
Departure from Victoria Falls
After breakfast, your journey concludes around mid-morning. Guests should schedule onward flights for after 2:00 PM. You’ll depart with unforgettable memories of an extraordinary journey through Southern Africa. Feel free to extend your trip as some guests enjoy an additional night in Victoria Falls to enjoy an additional game drive or to book flights over Victoria Falls. Flights should be booked home from Victoria Falls (via Johannesburg or Cape Town) before arriving at your final destination the following day. (If requested, we are happy to arrange flights for you)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17: May 24 (Monday)
Return Home
Arrive home today from Africa.
Airfare Information & Limited Group Size
International airfare from the United States to Africa and the return flight home is not included in the trip price.
Guests should plan to depart the U.S. on May 8, 2027, arriving in Cape Town on May 9, 2027.
The return journey will depart from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on May 23, 2027, arriving back in the U.S. on May 24, 2027 on an overnight international flight. When returning from Victoria Falls, flights typically connect through Johannesburg or Cape Town before continuing to the U.S.
All flights within Africa are included in the trip rate. This includes:
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The flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg
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The flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana
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A scenic bush plane flight from Kasane to Lake Kariba, operated on a small aircraft (approximately a 12-seat prop plane, about a one-hour flight)
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The final bush plane flight from Lake Kariba to Victoria Falls, also included
Because this itinerary relies on small aircraft and limited lodge and ship capacity, this departure is capped at just 16 guests total, based on two guests per room or cabin. Once the 16 spaces are filled, no additional guests can be added, and the trip is expected to sell out quickly.
Once international airfare schedules become available (typically July or August 2026), we will be happy to assist with airfare quotes for those who would like help booking flights.
Airport transfers can also be arranged in both Cape Town and Victoria Falls, with each airport approximately 20 minutes from the hotels.
Cascades Lodge
A Private Island Sanctuary on the Zambezi
Completely redesigned and beautifully appointed, Cascades Lodge is an intimate, top-tier safari retreat set on a private island in the heart of the Zambezi River. Surrounded by rushing rapids and untouched wilderness, the lodge blends noble materials and refined décor to create an atmosphere that is both elegant and authentically African.
With only eight spacious bungalows the experience here is exclusive, tranquil, and deeply connected to nature
The Bungalows:
Recently renovated, each bungalow features:
• King-size bed with views of the Zambezi River
• Separate lounge area
• Large bathroom with bathtub and indoor shower
• Outdoor shower
• Private swimming pool
• Expansive patio with deckchairs
• Air conditioning and heating
• TV with DVD player
• Hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers, and luxury toiletries
• Kettle and espresso machine (tea and coffee provided)
• Minibar stocked with water and sodas
• Storage space
• Flashlight, umbrella, waterproof coat, and insect repellent
• 220V plugs with international adapters
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
Cascades Lodge offers a rare blend of privacy, comfort, and raw natural beauty — an unforgettable stay in one of Africa’s most spectacular river settings.
RV African Dream
An Intimate Safari-Cruise on Lake Kariba
Built in 2018, the RV African Dream was designed to deliver an elegant and immersive safari-cruise experience in Southern Africa. Sailing on Lake Kariba, it offers a unique way to explore a region rich in wildlife, history, and dramatic natural beauty.
At 108 feet in length and 26 feet wide, the vessel accommodates just 16 guests in eight well-appointed cabins, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere throughout the journey. Each cabin measures approximately 183 square feet. Six cabins feature French balconies, while two offer a small private terrace, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding landscapes from the privacy of their room.
The ship’s interior blends rich wood finishes with locally inspired fabrics, creating a warm and refined setting that reflects the character of the region. Large windows and open spaces fill the ship with natural light and keep you connected to the scenery outside.
On the upper deck, guests will find a small pool, the restaurant, and a comfortable lounge and bar area where binoculars are available for wildlife viewing along the shores. The sun deck is the perfect place to relax and take in sweeping views of Lake Kariba and the remarkable landscapes of Southern Africa.
With its intimate size and understated elegance, the RV African Dream offers a comfortable and memorable way to experience this extraordinary destination.
French Balcony Cabins
Each cabin measures approximately 183 square feet and is designed for comfort and ease during your journey. Located on the main deck, the cabins offer panoramic views through a French balcony, keeping you connected to the landscapes of Lake Kariba.
Cabins feature two single beds that can be joined to form one larger bed, a private bathroom with shower and bath amenities, and a wardrobe with hangers. Additional in-room amenities include air-conditioning, satellite TV, radio, telephone, safe, and hairdryer.
Comfortable, bright, and well laid out, the cabins provide a relaxing retreat after each day of exploration.
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Tour Price:
LAND ONLY RATE
$11,999
PER PERSON
(Based on 2 people sharing a room) INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
LAND ONLY - SINGLE RATE
$23,998
PER PERSON
(Based on 1 person in a room) LAND ONLY - INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
LAND ONLY RATE - PRIVATE BALCONY ON SHIP
$12,599
PER PERSON
(Based on 2 people sharing a room). CABIN THAT FEATURES A PRIVATE TERRACE ON THE SHIP (OUTDOOR BALCONY). INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
Trip Deposit
A $700 non-refundable per person deposit is due at the time of registration. After final payment all monies are non-refundable. Travel Insurance is available and HIGHLY ENCOURAGED