Please note that the order of activities may be changed without altering the overall experience of the program.
We Love —
- Discovering the striking contrasts of Southern Africa, where golden savannahs meet untamed rivers, and thundering waterfalls steal the show.
- Heading out on safari in search of the Big Five, through sweeping savannah landscapes and National Parks.
- Drifting down the Zambezi at golden hour, when the sky melts into the river and every bend feels like a secret only nature knows.
Imagine this… Golden light over the savannah, the stillness of a river at sunset, powerful landscapes, the grace of elephants, and the elegance of a small, intimate 5-star boat. This journey is a pause — a gentle, immersive dive into Southern Africa, designed for those who want to see and feel it all, without sacrificing comfort. A truly unforgettable experience.
Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Southern Africa, through four fascinating countries: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. This 8-night group tour invites you to follow the course of the legendary Zambezi River, amidst untamed nature, wildlife encounters, and exceptional landscapes.
From the golden plains of Johannesburg to the spectacular Victoria Falls, you’ll travel through some of the continent’s most iconic reserves, cross paths with elephants, lions, and other large mammals, and glide along the tranquil waters of Lake Kariba. An immersive adventure that brings you close to Africa’s natural beauty, where each stop reveals a new facet of this wild land.
Your itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg
Day 2: Johannesburg – Impalila Island
Day 3: Chobe National Park
Day 4: Impalila Island
Day 5: Impalila Island – Lake Kariba
Day 6: Lake Kariba
Day 7: Lake Kariba – Matusadona National Park
Day 8: Disembark – Victoria Falls
Day 9: Departure from Victoria Falls
Your itinerary in detail —
Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Around 11:30 AM, you’ll head out for lunch, followed by a visit to the Apartheid Museum, a powerful and essential stop to understand South Africa’s 20th-century history. Next, enjoy a panoramic city tour before returning to the hotel for check-in.
Please note: The Apartheid Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday. If arriving on a Monday, the visit will be replaced with Mandela’s House; on Tuesday, with the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Soweto.
Lunch and dinner included
Overnight at 54 on Bath Hotel 5* (or similar)
DAY 2: JOHANNESBURG - IMPALILA ISLAND
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight to Kasane, Botswana. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your lodge. Along the way, you might spot a variety of birds in the floodplains, catch a glimpse of a curious hippo, or see crocodiles sunbathing along the riverbanks.
Full board included
Overnight at Kaza Safari Lodge (or similar)
DAY 3: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Set out for a full day of adventure in Chobe National Park, a legendary wildlife haven straddling the border of Namibia and Botswana. Climb into an open 4x4 and roll through the savannahs and woodlands, where herds of elephants roam freely.
Break for a bush lunch surrounded by the sounds of the wild, then swap wheels for water as you cruise the Chobe River. Drift past hippos, crocodiles, and thirsty antelope on your way to the lush marshes of Sedudu Island - a prime spot for wildlife watching at golden hour.
Day 4: Impalila Island
Start your day with a cultural walk through the Namibian villages of Impalila Island. Wander among traditional homes and get a glimpse into daily life in this remote riverine community - a rare and authentic encounter off the tourist trail. Head back to the lodge for lunch, then spend a laid-back afternoon soaking up the serene surroundings.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool or birdwatching from the deck, relaxation comes naturally here. As the sun dips low, board a private boat for a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. With the sky ablaze and the water glassy, your guide will share stories of the island’s culture, legends, and local customs.
Full board included
Overnight at Kaza Safari Lodge (or similar)
DAY 5: IMPALILA ISLAND - KARIBA LAKE
After breakfast at the lodge, set out for one final river safari near Chobe National Park, a last chance to spot hippos, elephants, and crocs from the water. Then enjoy a tasty lunch before transferring to Kasane Airport for your flight to Kariba. Soar over sweeping savannahs and shifting landscapes, with panoramic views of Lake Kariba - a 200km-long, 40km-wide inland sea straddling the Zambia–Zimbabwe border and surrounded by protected wilderness. Upon arrival, step aboard your cruise ship and settle in for your next adventure.
Full board included
Overnight on board Zimbabwean Dream
DAY 6: LAKE KARIBA
Rise early for sunrise navigation across the hauntingly beautiful waters of Lake Kariba. Venture into the inlets and tributaries of Matusadona National Park, exploring hidden coves and remote channels teeming with birdlife and wildlife. Return to the boat for lunch, then set course for Palm Bay. As the sky turns blush pink, head out again for a golden-hour safari you won’t forget.
Full board included
Overnight on board Zimbabwean Dream
Day 7: Lake Kariba
Start your day with breakfast on board, then set off for a morning safari in Matusadona National Park, a rugged wilderness nestled between the Sanyati and Ume Rivers. Spanning over 1,400 km², the park is a sanctuary for rich biodiversity: elephants, hippos, crocs, buffalo, and a spectacular variety of birdlife. Matusadona’s story is inseparable from the creation of Lake Kariba. When the dam was built and the waters rose, thousands of animals were rescued and relocated here in what became known as “Operation Noah” - a massive wildlife rescue mission focused on saving large mammals, predators, and impalas.
Full board included
Overnight on board Zimbabwean Dream
DAY 8: LAKE KARIBA - VICTORIA FALLS
After breakfast, cruise back to Kariba for disembarkation. On the way to the airport, stop at the awe-inspiring Kariba Dam Wall, a monumental feat of 1950s engineering that tamed the Zambezi and now generates nearly 70% of Zimbabwe’s electricity. Later, enjoy a scenic river cruise on the upper Zambezi, just upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls. In the afternoon, take to the skies on a helicopter flight (subject to local scheduling, included for bookings in 2025) for a jaw-dropping aerial view of Victoria Falls. Witness the thunder, spray, and dramatic gorge from above, a true natural wonder in full force.
Full board included
Overnight at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge 4* (or similar)
DAY 9: DEPARTURE
After breakfast at the hotel, head out for a final walk to the falls, a front-row experience of one of Earth’s most powerful spectacles, before transferring to the airport for your homebound flight.
Breakfast included.
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your accomodation —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
Throughout your trip, enjoy stays in carefully hand-picked accommodations:
Johannesburg (South Africa): 54 on Bath Hotel 5*
Impalila (Namibia / Botswana): Kaza Safari Lodge
During the Lake Kariba cruise: Zimbabwean Dream
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe): Victoria Falls Safari Lodge 4*
About your cruise ship:
During your cruise on Lake Kariba, you’ll stay aboard the Zimbabwean Dream, a jewel in the CroisiEurope fleet, for an exceptional safari-cruise in the heart of Southern Africa. Built in 2020, this luxury vessel glides peacefully across the legendary lake, set against a stunning backdrop where nature reigns supreme. Elephants in the distance, crocodiles on the shore, eagles in flight - every moment feels like a live nature documentary.
With just eight elegantly appointed cabins featuring fine wood and local fabrics, the Zimbabwean Dream offers a refined, intimate, and welcoming atmosphere. Large picture windows and French balconies or private terraces ensure you never miss the view. On the upper deck, a panoramic restaurant, lounge bar, and small pool provide perfect spots to unwind between safari outings, while the sun deck is ideal for wildlife viewing — complete with binoculars at the ready.
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Maximum room capacity: 2 adults + 1 child Single Rooms available at an extra cost.
Your dining choices
This is a full board stay. Your breakfast, lunch and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (excludes drinks).
Included extras —
Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls (included for trips in 2025)
Take to the skies for a thrilling helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, where you'll witness the roaring cascades, the mighty Zambezi River, and sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness from above.
Notes:
– Flight duration: 12 minutes
– Timings and order of activities are provided for reference and may be subject to change
– Optional excursion with an additional charge for departures in 2026
Read more
Optional extras —
Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls in 2026
Take to the skies for a thrilling helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, where you'll witness the roaring cascades, the mighty Zambezi River, and sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness from above.
Rhino Safari
Embark on a 4x4 safari through the Stanley and Livingstone Private Game Reserve, where vast landscapes and diverse wildlife - including the elusive black rhino and Africa’s Big Five - await in one of Southern Africa’s last true sanctuaries.
Notes:
– Round-trip transfers from/to your hotel included
– French-speaking local guide present to translate the ranger’s commentary
– This excursion is compatible with the Victoria Falls helicopter flight (both can be done in sequence)
– Offered as a private safari for CroisiEurope guests with a minimum of 6 participants; below this number, the activity is shared with other visitors, still accompanied by our guide
– Scheduled from approximately 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
– Timings and order of activities are subject to change
Read more
Your journey to South Africa —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Johannesburg
Johannesburg, or Jo’burg as it is more commonly known, is South Africa’s largest city, situated on an interior plateau known as the Highveld. Johannesburg is one of South Africa’s key gateway cities and offers an array of exciting sightseeing options.
There's something for everyone - museums that examine the country's apartheid past, the city's exciting new Constitutional Court, a look at the city's gold mining beginnings, traditional African medicine and plenty of animals and outdoor fun.
