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Compare Johannesburg to Zanzibar by Intrepid Travel vs Family African Adventure: Wildlife Encounters With Your Pride by Road Scholar

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Duration 29 days 14 days
Price From $ 4,546 $ 6,659
Price Per Day $ 157 $ 476
Highlights
  • Track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including warthogs, leopards and klipsingers. Also, learn about the park's cultural significance and San rock paintings.
  • Camp on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness and listen as night falls and the sounds of the remote African bush come alive!
  • Go wildlife-spotting along the river at Chobe National Park – home of the world's highest concentration of African elephants – and keep the safari going in South Luangwa National Park on a dawn game drive.
  • Experience the rumble and roar of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side, which gives you the broadest view. Looking for something special? Why not book a scenic helicopter experience?
  • Support local conservation efforts by visiting the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos sit side by side.
  • Learn to track African wildlife on foot and during game drives
  • See the awesome Victoria Falls, one of the world’s biggest waterfalls
  • Enjoy a scenic sunset boat ride on the Zambezi River and keep an eye out for wildlife along the banks
Trip Style Small group tour Group tour
Lodging Level Basic Standard
Physical Level
  • 2- Easy
  • 1- Very easy
Travel Themes
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Safari
  • National Parks
  • Overland Journeys
  • 50 plus
  • Education / Learning
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Chobe National Park
  • Dar es Salaam
  • Johannesburg
  • Kalahari Desert
  • Lake Malawi
  • Luangwa
  • Lusaka
  • Maun
  • Okavango Delta
  • Rhodes
  • Victoria
  • Victoria Falls
  • Zanzibar
  • Chobe National Park
  • Johannesburg
  • Kasane
  • Livingstone
  • Zambezi River
Flights & Transport Ground transport included Ground transport included
Activities
  • Land expedition
  • Wildlife viewing
N/A
Meals Included N/A
  • 31 Meals
  • 11 Breakfasts
  • 9 Lunches
  • 11 Dinners
  • The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description

Travel through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania towards Zanzibar on this northbound overland adventure. Your 29 days will be spent getting up close to rare black and white rhinos at the Kharma Rhino Sanctuary, taking a traditional mokoro through the fertile waterways of the Okavango Delta, tracking rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park with expert trackers, admiring Victoria Falls from all angles, exploring the highland villages, clear-water lakes, ruins and wide-open plains of Zambia and Malawi, and winding up on the idyllic shores of Zanzibar. Local guides and a knowledgeable crew have got all your needs covered, plenty of time for independent activities will have you curious to see more, and a travel group eager to explore will ensure the epic memories made are shared.

Share an awe-inspiring African adventure with your family as you explore game reserves, learn to track wildlife, meet rescued elephants and witness the grandeur of Victoria Falls.
Itinerary: Johannesburg to Zanzibar

Day 1 Johannesburg

Sawubona – welcome to South Africa! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, we recommend visiting the eye-opening Apartheid Museum to start your journey with some crucial history before meeting up with your group. After your important meeting this evening, why not head out for an optional group dinner and get to know your newfound travel companions? Your leader can point you in the right direction with bar and restaurant recommendations

Day 2 Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Leaving South Africa behind, cross the border into Botswana and travel towards the Khama Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 8–10 hours). Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary has drastically changed from a former hunting area to a conservation project. Built to protect Botswana's only remaining populations of both black and white rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to other wildlife including zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which can be seen grazing the many waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and directly contributes to protecting the endangered white rhinoceros. Later on, head out on a dusk game drive to see the rhinos when they are most active.

Day 3 Maun

Jump aboard your vehicle and head to Maun (approximately 8–9 hours). Here there will be an opportunity to stock up on any supplies you might need for your adventure ahead. Maun is the gateway to one of the world's most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. This place is unlike anything in the world – a 16,000 square kilometre maze of lush wetlands and waterways teeming with wildlife. You might see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats, but it's the animals aren’t the only drawcard here – the waterscapes and shimmering horizons will have you gazing for days.

Day 4 Okavango Delta

Get right in the action today, jumping aboard a traditional mokoro – a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers' – for an Okavango waterways experience. With some luck, you could spot some of the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birdlife. Spend some time today exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot too, led by experienced local guides. Tonight, you’ll camp on a remote island right in the heart of the wilderness, falling asleep to the humming and buzzing of the African heartlands.

Day 5 Okavango Delta

Wake up early and head out on a sunrise walk. Along the way, keep watch for elephants, and if the timing is right, you might also come across some Cape buffalo! These noble-looking beasts are more dangerous than they look, and their horns double as a kind of bone shield that's fittingly known as a 'boss'. Returning to camp for breakfast, you’ve got the rest of the day to relax. A refreshing swim, or perhaps a nap, could be on the cards – both good ideas in the warmer part of the day. Alternatively, take another mokoro trip to soak up that serene river atmosphere.

Day 6 Maun

After taking down your camp, return to the ‘poler’ station by mokoro, before continuing on to Maun by vehicle (approximately 2–3 hours). Today we will visit a local brewery that produces beer containing millet grown by small-scale farmers, rewarding them for their efforts to coexist with elephants and promoting an inclusive economy. This initiative enhances the benefits of sustainable farming practices and ties them to the region’s wildlife economy. After touring the brewery, we'll stick around for dinner and an included beer tasting. Tonight, settle in at camp on the outskirts of town.

Day 7 Nata

Get up early and hit the road for Nata (approximately 6–7 hours). This small town is situated near the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, which are some of the largest on earth, covering around 12,000 square kilometres. This afternoon, take an excursion in an open vehicle to explore these seemingly endless plains in the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, the pans are naturally dry and salty for a large part of the year. During this time, the arid landscape has an eerie feel to it as heat mirages disorientate the senses. Then, after the rains hit, it becomes a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals.

Day 8 Chobe National Park

Hit the road to Chobe National Park (approximately 6–7 hours). Botswana's first national park is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, a variety of birdlife, crocodiles sunning themselves by the water's edge, and cheetahs and lions coming down to drink. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe – an ideal way to spend the afternoon and toast to another day in Africa.

Day 9 Victoria Falls

Why not wake up early and see Chobe National Park from a different perspective, booking yourself in on an optional morning game drive. Afterwards, travel on to Victoria Falls (approximately 2–3 hours), crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River. Then it's free time to experience the sights and sounds of the mighty falls. This thundering curtain of water is about 1.7 kilometres wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise an incredible 400 metres as the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and you can see the little islets in the river below.

Day 10 Victoria Falls

Today is a free day to enjoy the many activities on offer. If you are interested in the optional helicopter flight (12 minutes or 25 minutes) we endorse the following operator only: Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe. Your local leader can help you arrange this when you arrive. Otherwise, sit back, relax and enjoy nature on full show. As this is a combination trip, a meeting will take place at 6pm this evening to welcome any new travellers joining you on the next leg of your journey.

Day 11 Victoria Falls

Use your free time to visit the magnificent Victoria Falls. This thundering curtain of water is one-and-a-half kilometres wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 metres and the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and you can see little islets in the river below. Be sure to ask your local leader for their tips and advice on what to do in Victoria Falls.

Day 12 Bulawayo

Depart Victoria Falls and travel toward Bulawayo via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the trusts role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Onwards to Bulawayo – known locally as the 'City of Kings', Zimbabwe's second-largest city has an interesting history and some impeccable colonial architecture.

Day 13 Bulawayo

Wake up early and get ready to track rhinos in Matobo National Park. Home to a significant population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot. As your expert guide takes you through the park, look out for other game like leopards, warthogs, and springhares. You'll also learn about the local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, and discover San paintings and the fascinating rock formations. The Matopos area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.

Day 14 Masvingo

Drive the short stretch to Masvingo (approximately 5–6 hours). This colonial settlement – the oldest in Zimbabwe – makes for the perfect base from which to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The ruined city, now a World Heritage-listed site, was first constructed in the 11th century. It's thought to be the former royal palace of the Zimbabwean monarch. Spend a few hours exploring this intriguing site before heading off to camp for the evening.

Day 15 Harare

Travel to Harare today (approximately 5–6 hours). You will arrive at your destination in time for lunch. You only have an hour or two to explore Zimbabwe's capital city, so if you're feeling active and up for a stroll, get out and make the most of it. Perhaps head to the National Gallery, the museum, the botanical gardens or simply wander the city centre and visit the colourful markets.

Day 16 Lusaka

Today you will cross into Zambia and drive to your campsite just outside Lusaka, Zambia's capital (approximately 8 hours). Your journey begins with a nice scenic drive to the border. At some point during the day there will be an opportunity to stop at an ATM and stock up on any supplies you might need at a shop or market.

Day 17 Petauke

Spend some time checking out Lusaka before a long day of travel. You'll see that it's a modern city but still retains a traditional African feel. Afterwards, travel on to Petauke (approximately 8 hours).

Day 18 South Luangwa National Park

After breakfast, travel (approximately 4 hours) to a workshop in South Luangwa where local craftswomen take snare wire recovered from poaching traps and transform it into jewellery inspired by the African bush. The women will show you around their purpose-built workshop and give you a chance to try coiling or hammering the wire yourself. For each sale made, a donation is given to anti snare patrols dedicated to the conservation of the region. Afterwards, make your way through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park (approximately 2 hours). The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is among the highest in Africa. Many elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions are known to roam here. There are also some 400 species of birds inhabiting the area. A great way to experience South Luangwa and its beautiful scenery is to take an optional river trip – ask your group leader for more details.

Day 19 South Luangwa National Park

Rise early for an exhilarating morning game drive in a 4WD vehicle. Enjoy classic savanna scenery while keeping your eyes peeled the parks abundance of wildlife. There’s every chance you may spot a herd of zebra grazing on parched grass or a pride of lions passing by. Midday is the hottest part of the day here, so seek refuge from the sun and return to the camp for lunch. Return to the park for another Game Drive late this afternoon. Alternatively, perhaps head out on a village walk for a snapshot of daily life in the local community.

Day 20 Lake Malawi

Cross the border into Malawi and continue straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi (approximately 9–10 hours). Malawi is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many local people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on the lake. A common sight is that of a fisherman in a bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day. Your campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore, so take some time to rest and relax.

Day 21 Lake Malawi

Enjoy free time today to soak up your idyllic surrounds and take a refreshing dip in beautiful Lake Malawi. As well as chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians – easily some of the friendliest people in Africa.

Day 22 Chitimba

Drive to your camp in Chitimba (approximately 8 hours). Chitimba lies along the coast of Lake Malawi and has lovely beaches, friendly locals and a laidback atmosphere. When you arrive, perhaps take a stroll and acquaint yourself with this different part of the lake. Enjoy the scenery of banana palms, papaya trees and the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains looming nearby.

Day 23 Iringa

Today is a long travel day into Tanzania and its southern highlands (approximately 11 hours). Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by. On arrival you will set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse situated on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement.

Day 24 Mikumi National Park

Wake up early this morning to head off on a 4WD game drive into Mikumi National Park with local expert guides. This less touristed park is home to impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas – and maybe even a predator or two if you're lucky! Afterwards, we'll drive to Iringa (approximately 5 hours) and set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. The area is filled with natural bush land which can make it a bird watchers paradise. Make the most of this rural setting by doing some stargazing before you retire for the night.

Day 25 Dar es Salaam

Settle in for a 7-hour drive to Kipepeo Beach, just south of Dar es Salaam. Be sure to make the most of it – perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in. Your camp today is on the grounds of a hotel situated next to the beach.

Day 26 Stone Town

Catch a ferry to Africa's 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in centuries ago. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town, and the best way to see this is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. Explore the many charms of Stone Town, the historic part of Zanzibar's main city, with a local guide. Taste the local delicacies and gain insight into daily local life living on Zanzibar. When the sun is setting, why not grab a drink from a bar overlooking the seafront. A seafood curry at a local restaurant is also a great choice. You'll spend the night in Stone Town at a basic inn.

Day 27 Zanzibar Northern Beaches

Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

Day 28 Zanzibar Northern Beaches

Enjoy free time in this beautiful archipelago today. There are many ways you can spend your day – perhaps talk to your leader for any recommendations they might have. Snorkelling in search of exotic fish is an excellent option, or you could take a traditional dhow boat on the water. You might also like to feast on a sumptuous lunch of grilled local seafood, or just relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book. It's totally up to you!

Day 29 Stone Town

After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 12 pm. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to stay on in Zanzibar, either at the Northern Beaches beach resort or in Stone Town, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Itinerary: Family African Adventure: Wildlife Encounters With Your Pride

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive Johannesburg, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Johannesburg D Courtyard Hotel Eastgate
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Check in at the hotel and relax before the welcome dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we will enjoy a buffet welcome dinner including a starter and entrée with side dish; bottled water and one welcome drink will be provided, with other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: 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 changes, discuss logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We are fortunate to have as our Group Leader a knowledgeable expert who will also serve as our primary lecturer for most of the program. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3
Apartheid Museum, Liliesleaf Farm
Johannesburg B,L,D Courtyard Hotel Eastgate
Activity note: Drive time to the Apartheid Museum is approximately 30 minutes; to Liliesleaf Farm is approximately 1 hour. Drive time is traffic-dependent.

Breakfast: Taken at the hotel, breakfast will be an expansive buffet featuring a variety of cold cereals, fresh fruit, cold meats and cheeses, pastries and hot items such as bacon, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms. Omelettes, eggs and waffles will be cooked on demand. Fruit juices, coffee, tea and water will be provided.

Morning: Boarding our motorcoach, we will transfer to the southern edge of Johannesburg to visit the award winning and internationally acclaimed Apartheid Museum; a local expert will join us here. This beautiful museum gives a balanced account of 20th century South Africa. It recounts the political upheavals beginning in the last century and moves on to the transition from a racist state into the new era of hope and freedom as a democracy. Over the course of the day, we will discuss the history of South Africa and apartheid, which will constitute today's class. From the museum, we will transfer to Liliesleaf Farm, a location which played a key role in the struggle against Apartheid.

Lunch: Taken at the café at Liliesleaf, lunch will be a two-course, set menu meal plus water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: In the company of a local expert, we will explore Liliesleaf Farm on foot as we learn more about the anti-apartheid movement and the role the farm played in the struggle. Liliesleaf was purchased in 1961, at a time when the apartheid state started to clamp down more forcibly on the liberation movement. As a 'nerve center' of liberation activities, the meetings that took place at Liliesleaf from 1961 to July 1963, and the events that transpired after the 1963 police raid on the property, mark a seminal shift in South Africa's liberation struggle history, and fundamentally changed the course of South African history. At the end of the afternoon, we will return to the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: Taken at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
De Wildt Cheetah Centre, Bush Skills Course
Plumari Africa Game Reserve B,L,D Askari Game Lodge
Activity note: Drive time to De Wildt Cheetah Centre is 1.5 hours; from De Wildt to Plumari Game Reserve is 1 hour. The beginner bush skills course consists of walking in the bush, on potentially uneven ground. The pace and distance covered during the course are gentle, and are dictated by the group's abilities. If you are unable to participate, you have the option of remaining at the lodge to enjoy the scenery.

Breakfast: Taken at the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast, we will check-out of the hotel and travel by coach to the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre, which has gained international recognition for bringing the cheetah back from the brink of extinction through its captive breeding programs. Our visit of De Wildt will be with one of the center’s enthusiastic researchers, who will provide insight into the long term conservation of the African cheetah. In addition, we will learn about the efforts that the center is making toward the conservation and reintroduction of other species, including wild dogs, brown hyena, antelope and Cape vultures.

Lunch: Boxed lunch will be provided, to be enjoyed at the Cheetah and Wildlife Center.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will re-board our motorcoach and drive to Plumari Game Reserve. After arriving, we will embark on a beginner bush skills course within the Reserve, in the company of a local expert. This hands-on, interactive course is designed to give a basic understanding of the African bush and the skills needed to survive there. During the gentle walk in the bush, we will discuss and experience: how to navigate by day or night; survival skills such as walking techniques and use of terrain; how to interact with dangerous and/or useful animals such as snakes, insects, birds, fish, etc; how to track animals; useful plants and herbs; location and procurement of potable water and edible food; basic first aid; medical dangers such as malaria and bilharzia (schistosomiasis); communication skills needed for survival in the bush; equipment one needs in the bush; and what materials occur naturally in the bush that one can use to survive. The course is designed with safety at the forefront; at no time will we be put in dangerous situations, nor will we come into contact with dangerous animals. Plumari Game Reserve sits beneath the Magaliesberg mountain range near Johannesburg, providing an awe-inspiring wilderness setting nearly 12 square miles in size. Here, one finds a pristine African bushveld with an abundance of wildlife including the Big Five (rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard; leopard may be hard to spot), as well as hippo, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, and wildebeest, to name a few. There are also over 350 species of bird resident to this area.

Dinner: Dinners at the lodge will vary between buffets and a la carte choices, but always include a starter salad, main entree and side dish, and dessert; water will be provided, with other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Game Drive, Introduction to Predators, Game Drive
Plumari Africa Game Reserve B,L,D Askari Game Lodge
Activity note: Game drives typically last between 3 to 4 hours in the early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are most active.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge will consist of a buffet with various bread and cereal options and fresh fruit with hot items cooked to order; coffee/tea, fruit juice, milk and water will be included.

Morning: Early this morning, we will embark on an interpretive game drive in search of the wildlife on the reserve, each vehicle with its own safari expert. Our local experts provide insight into the animals and birds spotted during the drive.

Lunch: Lunches at the lodge will consist of light meal choices ordered off of a pub style menu. Water will be provided with other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: In the early afternoon, our Group Leader will give us an introduction and overview to common predators found in southern Africa. Afterward, we will take a game drive with our local experts, in search of wildlife not spotted this morning.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Elephant Interaction, Animal Tracking
Plumari Africa Game Reserve B,L,D Askari Game Lodge
Activity note: Bush walk is over uneven, dirt ground and involves inclines/declines; exact route and length are dependent on group's ability.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: This morning, we will be led by a local ranger on an interactive and interpretive experience with trained elephants. We will view the elephants up close as well as touch and feed them, while the ranger discusses elephant behavior and social structure.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: This afternoon, we will have the choice of either taking a game drive or going on an interpretive bush walk, which will focus on animal tracks, plants and insects; both activities are led by our local safari rangers.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Fly to Botswana, Chobe Boat Safari
Chobe National Park B,D Mobile Tented Camp (Chobe)
Activity note: Drive time from Plumari to the airport is 1.5 hours. Flight from Johannesburg to Kasane is 1 hour 40 minutes. Drive from Kasane Airport to the boat dock is approximately 15 minutes and from the boat dock to campsite is approximately 45 minutes. Boat safari lasts 2 hours.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: After breakfast, we will board our motorcoach and transfer to the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, for departure on our commercial flight to Kasane, Botswana.

Lunch: On board the flight.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Kasane, we will clear Botswana immigration before being met by our local safari experts for a short transfer in open-air safari vehicles to the boat launch, for our boat safari. We will explore the Chobe River by motorboat in the company of a local wildlife expert, where we may come face to face with the elephant and buffalo that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River is one of the few rivers in the world that can flow in either direction depending on the seasonal floods! We will immerse ourselves in the unique riverine environment, viewing numerous birds including sacred ibis, blue heron, goliath heron, saddle-billed storks, marabou storks and little egrets. Upon conclusion of the safari, we will transfer in our safari vehicles to the mobile tented camp, located just outside of Chobe National Park. We will take a moment to settle into our tents before our Group Leader gives us an overview of the history and culture of Botswana.

Dinner: Camp dinners will be buffets with a starter, main entree with side dishes, and a dessert; bottled water and soft drinks will be included, with alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Safari in Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park B,L,D Mobile Tented Camp (Chobe)
Activity note: Game drives typically last between 3 to 4 hours in the early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are most active.

Breakfast: Breakfasts in camp will be buffets with cold cereals, bread, fresh fruit and rusks; coffee/tea, fruit juice and bottled water will be provided.

Morning: This morning, we will depart on an early-morning game drive in Chobe National Park in search of any lion or leopard kills made during the night. We will travel through the plains in our open-air safari vehicles, searching for predators and other game. Chobe National Park remains one of Africa's prime game-viewing areas. Here one finds all of the "Big Five" except rhino. Rare antelope also inhabit the region. This is elephant country, home to the largest population of elephants in the world; many of these great grey giants can be seen at this time of year. (Note: seasonality makes a big difference in how much game you will see. If it's dry you will see larger herds; if it has recently rained the animals will be more dispersed). The park forms part of Botswana's northern-most border and is a contrast of desert aridity and flood plains. The Chobe region is best known for its vast magnificent river and floodplains filled with grazing herds of big game. Buffalo, sable, lion, leopard, hippo, hyena, and thousands of antelope all find safety in this huge national park. This is one of Africa's most pristine ecosystems and greatest wildlife refuges. After the morning game drive, we will return to camp to enjoy mid-day at leisure.

Lunch: Camp lunches will be buffets with a mix of hot and cold breakfast and lunch items, such as salad, egg dishes, sausage, cold meats and cheeses, and pasta dishes, with dessert. Bottled water and soft drinks will be included, with alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: The early afternoon will be at leisure to rest, relax and read in camp. Following afternoon tea, we will embark on a game drive in the park with our local safari expert, searching for herbivores, carnivores and omnivores. We will return to camp at dusk, in time for dinner.

Dinner: In camp under the stars.

Evening: Following dinner, we will have the opportunity to join together around a campfire. If the skies are clear, our Group Leader will point out constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.

Day 9
Search for Wildlife, Termites
Chobe National Park B,L,D Mobile Tented Camp (Chobe)
Activity note: Game drives typically last between 3 to 4 hours in the early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are most active.

Breakfast: In camp.

Morning: This morning, we will venture on an interpretive game drive in Chobe National Park. We can keep track of the amazing wildlife that we see with our pocket-sized wildlife checklists! We will return to camp in time for lunch.

Lunch: In camp.

Afternoon: Mid-day will be at leisure to enjoy our final afternoon at camp. Our Group Leader will give a lecture on termites and their role in the ecosystem. In the late afternoon, we will take one final game drive in search of wildlife that has eluded us thus far, returning to camp at dusk.

Dinner: In camp under the stars.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
To Livingstone, Free Time
Livingstone (Victoria Falls) B,L,D David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa
Activity note: Total transfer time from camp to Livingstone can be up to 2.5 hours depending on border formalities.

Breakfast: In camp.

Morning: This morning, we will say goodbye to our safari hosts and transfer by open-air safari vehicles to the Kazangula border. Here, we will take a five-minute ferry ride across the Zambezi River to Zambia. After clearing Zambian immigration, we will board an enclosed minibus for the remainder of the transfer to Livingstone and David Livingstone Safari Lodge.

Lunch: Lunch will be an expansive buffet lunch featuring a variety of starters, main dishes, side dishes and desserts; bottled water will be provided with other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free Time. We will take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests each of us most. Refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. Our Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Regathering at the lodge in the late afternoon, our Group Leader will give an overview on the history and culture of Zambia.

Dinner: Dinners will vary between plated, three-course meals and expansive buffets featuring a variety of dishes. Bottled water will be provided, with other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Local School, Livingstone Museum
Livingstone (Victoria Falls) B,L,D David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa
Activity note: Drive time lodge to school is 30 minutes; school to museum is approximately 20 minutes.

Breakfast: Breakfast will be an expansive buffet with a variety of breads, cereals, fresh fruits, pastries, cold meats and cheeses, and hot items such as eggs, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms; coffee, tea, fruit juice, milk and water will be provided.

Morning: Our morning field trip will be to the nearby Tongabezi Trust School, commonly known as Tujatane, where we will learn about daily life in Zambia and have an opportunity to meet local students and teachers. Each generation will have an opportunity to interact with peers, whether through conversation or games. Afterward, we will visit Livingstone town, a classic colonial town of former Northern Rhodesia, with commentary from our Group Leader. We will visit the Livingstone Museum to learn about David Livingstone’s explorations and discoveries. Displays include letters, notes and other artifacts that belonged to David Livingstone. We will also visit the local market to see how Zambians subsist, and learn about local industry. A visit to a superb crafts market introduces us to artisans and provides an opportunity to learn how the crafts are made and marketed. We return to the lodge in the early afternoon, for the mid-day at leisure.

Lunch: At the lodge

Afternoon: The early afternoon will be at leisure to read, relax and enjoy the lodge's amenities. In the late afternoon, our Group Leader will give a lecture on Dr. David Livingstone's explorations and discovery of Victoria Falls.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Local Village, Victoria Falls, Sunset Boat Ride
Livingstone (Victoria Falls) B,L,D David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa
Activity note: Drive time lodge to village is 20 minutes; village to Falls is 20 minutes; Falls to lodge is 15 minutes. Walking in the village for around 1 mile on flat ground with extended periods of standing. Climbing and descending approximately 150 steps one way at the Falls; pathways may be wet and slippery due to waterfall’s mist. It is possible to see the waterfall from one viewpoint without climbing all the stairs. Boat ride lasts 2 hours.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: Our morning visit to the Mukuni Village will give us more cultural insights as to how locals truly live. We will learn the deep history of this village and the surrounding area, as shared by a local resident who leads us through the village. We will interact with villagers as they invite us into their homestead and tell us about the methods in which these traditional huts are made and decorated. We will finish our visit at the chief’s residence, where the royal family’s history and village politics are explained. Before departing, we will meet with wood carvers and other artisans at the local market. Our morning will end with a visit to the famed Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Victoria Falls is where the Zambezi River opens out into an extravaganza of roaring, spray-tumbled water, known to the locals as “Mosi oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). Few sights are as awe-inspiring as when the ground rumbles with the forces of the water. We will wander the footpaths through the rainforest en-route to the various viewpoints.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: This afternoon, we will transfer to the waterfront for our private sunset boat ride on the Zambezi River. We will search for game on the banks of the river as we enjoy a spectacular African sunset. Drinks and snacks will be served on the boat. We will return to dry land after dusk and return to the lodge for dinner.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13
Program Concludes
In Flight B
Activity note: Drive time lodge to airport is 30 minutes. Flight time Livingstone to Johannesburg is 1 hour 45 minutes.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: Following breakfast, we will transfer to the Livingstone Airport for our commercial flight to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Lunch: On board the flight.

Afternoon: We will arrive in Johannesburg in the mid-afternoon and connect to our international return flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 14
In Transit From Program
In Flight
Morning: Early morning arrivals in North America.

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