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Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls) (2025)

Name: Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls) (2025)
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 8014 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

South Africa

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

274153

Operator:

Collette
Length:

15 days
Group size:

44 pax
Age:

5 to 99
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

07.08-21.08.25 guaranteed
28.08-11.09.25 guaranteed
04.09-18.09.25 guaranteed
11.09-25.09.25 guaranteed
09.10-23.10.25 guaranteed
15.01-29.01.26 guaranteed
05.02-19.02.26 guaranteed
12.03-26.03.26 guaranteed
26.03-09.04.26 guaranteed

Itinerary

Journey through Southern Africa from its wild plains and dry woodlands to rivers and lakes on a true safari adventure by land and water. Search out the “Big 5” roaming in nature in the sprawling wilds of Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park. Share a simple traditional meal with a local family in their home in Victoria Falls. Set off on a cruise for 3 nights on a chartered safari boat along the stunning Lake Kariba, teeming with birdlife and game species. Enjoy an al fresco dinner on the banks of the Zambezi. From the powerful Victoria Falls to the calm waters of Lake Kariba and the plains across southern Africa’s stunning parks - get ready for a true safari adventure.

Tour program

Day 1

Overnight Flight

You’re on your way to southern Africa, where your search for wildlife will take you from grasslands and dry woodlands to rivers and lakes.

Day 2

Johannesburg, South Africa

Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city! This afternoon, transfer to your hotel for the evening and enjoy a relaxing evening before your adventure in search of the Big 5 begins.

Day 3

Johannesburg - Victoria Falls, ZW - Chobe National Park, Botswana

This morning, board a plane for a short flight to Victoria Falls,* where you will meet your Tour Manager before continuing to your lodge for the next three nights in Botswana. Enjoy some time at leisure at the lodge before gathering with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 4

Chobe National Park

Rise early with the sounds of the local wildlife ahead of your first game drive in Chobe National Park, an excellent location to search for the Big 5. You and your fellow travelers will ride in open-air vehicles with a local expert who will be able to tell you all about the creatures you’ll see along the way. Later in the morning, enjoy some free time, either at the lodge or to drive into the nearby town of Kasane. After lunch at the lodge, board your private boat and take to the waters of the Chobe River, in search of elephants and aquatic birds while sipping on cool beverages.

Day 5

Chobe National Park

Start your day early with a private game cruise on the Chobe River and see the animals visiting the water first thing in the morning. After your search, return for some free time at the lodge, perhaps relaxing at the pool or stopping by their beauty salon. After lunch this afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may spot buffalo, hyenas, or zebras. Later, enjoy a dinner cruise along the gentle waters of the Chobe River during an exclusive boat ride with your fellow travelers.

Day 6

Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Hwange National Park

Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Chobe National Park. After breakfast, take a 90-minute drive to Victoria Falls, where we will stop for lunch. Savor fresh, local ingredients while you look over the gorge to the Zambezi River below. Next, it’s off to Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, for a late afternoon game drive. This national park is home to over 100 types of mammals and 400 bird species, giving you the chance to look out for cheetahs, lions, giraffes, and so much more.

Day 7

Hwange National Park

Today is another day to rise early in search of the Big 5. After breakfast, spend a full day on a game drive in Hwange National Park. By enjoying a picnic lunch break, you can venture deep into the bushland and maximize your chances to spot buffalo, elephants, and other animals gathering in the park. Return to the lodge for dinner. You’ll savor your meal and the memories of the day’s extensive safari.

Day 8

Hwange National Park

This morning, search for the Big 5 your way, because it’s your choice! Return to an open-air vehicle and enjoy a morning game drive -OR- join an expert national park guide on a game walk, giving you the rare opportunity to search for wildlife up close, including seeing some plants, insects, and reptiles you may not spot otherwise. After, return to the lodge and relax over tea and pastries. This afternoon, you will be returning to the park for another glimpse into the animal kingdom.

Day 9

Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls - Lake Kariba

Enjoy a final morning in the park before driving to Lake Kariba, the world’s largest artificial lake. Board your safari boat which will be your home for the next three nights. With limited access to technology, revel in the experience of floating along the still waters, seeing breathtaking sunsets, and searching for local wildlife in the water.

Day 10

Lake Kariba

Trade in your safari boat for a smaller tender boat, perfectly sized to cruise upriver channels off the lake. You will return to the safari boat for brunch. Later, enjoy the chance to try your hand at fishing in Lake Kariba from a tender boat on an afternoon game cruise. Before having dinner on the safari boat, take time to admire the stunning red and orange hues of the setting sun over Lake Kariba.

Day 11

Lake Kariba

Start your day relaxed as you sail past the unspoiled wilderness and rugged scenery. Savor brunch later this morning and enjoy a trip and chance to fish on tender boats in the afternoon. This evening, you and your fellow travelers will take to the shore and enjoy a barbecue dinner on the beach. The stargazing conditions overhead, coupled with the delicious meal, will be a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

Day 12

Lake Kariba - Victoria Falls

Your safari boat experience will come to a close this morning as you drive back to Victoria Falls. Upon arriving at the Ilala Lodge, enjoy lunch. Then, grab your poncho because this afternoon you will visit the exhilarating natural wonder of Victoria Falls! At 5,600 feet wide and 354 feet tall, this waterfall is one of the world’s largest.

Day 13

Victoria Falls

This morning, start your day with a visit to Chinotimba township. Visit a local market, where you can barter for goods and experience daily life. After, you will visit the modest home of a local family for lunch. Your host will prepare an authentic, simple meal with you and share what life is like around Victoria Falls. Following your home visit, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Perhaps you will join an optional tour taking a relaxing cruise on the Zambezi River, a body of water that separates Zimbabwe and Zambia, whose banks are frequented by the local animals.

Day 14

Victoria Falls

Your last full day on tour will bring you up close to elephants at a local sanctuary. Hear stories from these gentle giants’ caretakers and learn about the efforts to understand, care for, and protect these intelligent and inspiring creatures, all while marveling at the animals interacting and walking by their side. Continue learning about animal conservation and care with a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, Collette’s Impact Moment. The staff at the VFWT will review some of the incredible work they do, ranging from wildlife rehabilitation to community outreach and disease research. You will have the afternoon free to do as you wish. This evening, you will join your fellow travelers for a 3-course farewell dinner under the stars on the bank of the Zambezi River.**

Day 15

Victoria Falls - Johannesburg, South Africa - Tour Ends

Say goodbye to your safari companions as you take a flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, where you will board your return flight home.

Tour Details

accommodation

Day 1: Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, O.R. Tambo

Day 2 to 4: Chobe Bush Lodge, Chobe National Park

Day 5 to 7: Iganyana Tented Camp

Day 8 to 10: Lake Kariba Safari Boat

Day 11 to 13: Ilala Lodge

flights

International flights are not included

guide

The services of a guide included

insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

meals

13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners

optional

Other activities and services are not included

others

Must-See Inclusions:

Immerse yourself in nature and seek out the elusive "Big 5" during land & water safari experiences.

Witness the incredible beauty and power of Victoria Falls.

Sail the calm waters of Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake in the world.

Cultural Experiences:

Cruise Chobe River for a unique way to search for game species in Chobe National Park.

Board a privately chartered safari boat on Lake Kariba for 3 nights.

Culinary Inclusions:

Share a simple traditional meal during a home hosted lunch in Victoria Falls.

Savor an al fresco dinner on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Highlights

Chobe National Park

3 Cruises on the Chobe River

Hwange National Park

Choice on Tour: Morning Game Drive or Game Walk

Private Lake Kariba Safari Boat

Victoria Falls

7 Game Drives & Game Cruises

Home Hosted Meal

Other activities and services are not included

transport

Transport included

Good to know

Currency

ZAR

Rand

South Africa

Customer reviews

Overall

4.4

Itinerary

Guide

4.7

Transport

Accommodation

4.5

Food

Operator

4.6

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.