If what you’ve always wanted is an African holiday that is tranquil but includes enough time to see the magnificent Big 5, then this is just the tour for you. The African safari holiday is an experience like no other, which is why for many travellers it is the dream vacation.
And this dream can be your reality when you book our exclusive 9-day Botswana & Zambia Safari. You will be spending some time in Chobe National Park, and you’ll also get to explore the Zambezi River. Both of these destinations are simply teeming with wildlife. As the tour has “floating” in the name, you can look forward to spending some time enjoying the area’s untouched bays on private boats, marvelling at the beauty of Sanyati Gorge, and exploring Matusadona National Park.
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Itinerary
Guests meet up at the Kasane Airport no later than at 1:30pm (please note that the border post between Botswana and Namibia closes at 4:30 pm)
The transfer from the airport to Cascades Island Lodge is aboard small private boats. Enjoy the short boat ride and observe the numerous bird species living among the flooded flat-lands, with even a glimpse of a few hippos or crocodiles basking in the sun! Friendly staff await your arrival and will help settle guests into the luxury lodge.
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Scheduled Lodge Activities
Typically guests are whisked away in open game viewing vehicles on a full-day safari to explore the Chobe National Park which is home to more than a quarter of Africa’s elephant population.
Enjoy lunch on the “floating restaurant” in the middle of the river where the views of the surrounding nature are unparalleled. Afterwards, small private boats sail off on the Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes, returning to the island lodge where dinner and your lodge once again await.
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Scheduled Lodge Activities
Join the guides for a trip to authentic villages on Impalila Island, Namibia, to discover the traditional Namibian houses, culture and customs, after which lunch is served at the lodge. Guests can then enjoy some tranquil leisure-time at the lodge, taking advantage of the bungalow’s own private pool and river frontage, or join guides on a discovery of the Zambezi River using small private boats.
Dinner is again served at the lodge and that night a local expert will tell of the traditions of this particular island.
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Scheduled Lodge Activities
Guests depart from the lodge for the Kasane Airport where they board small private aircraft for a short flight between Kasane and Kariba over the stunning panoramas of Lake Kariba with its amazing changing landscapes.
From Kariba airport, the transfer is a short road trip to board the African Dream. After settling into the private cabins, guests enjoy lunch on-board as the African Dream sets sail across the lake.
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Scheduled Cruise Activities
At sunrise, the cruise is underway again passing through the rare and mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba where drowned trees still reach skywards from the azure-blue depths. Small private boats are used to explore the Gache Gache River and its unique wildlife. Gliding along its meandering course exploring unspoiled bays, islands and inlets, one will be amazed by the magical spirit of Kariba. The min-cruiser will return for lunch and that afternoon, African Dream sails through one of the most impressive gorges to be found at Lake Kariba, the Sanyati Gorge, mooring at sundown for the second night aboard.
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Scheduled Cruise Activities
The cruise then sails in the morning on a safari to explore the area around Matusadona National Park.
Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume Rivers, this 540 square mile (1,400km²) untouched wilderness is home to numerous animal species such as elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos as well as hundreds of bird species, among which the legendary African Fish Eagle.
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Scheduled Cruise Activities
At sunrise, an early start will see African Dream set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey to the airport.
On the way, a tour of the gigantic Kariba Dam Wall which was created in 1955 to form Lake Kariba is undertaken.
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Scheduled Camp Activities
A tour to famous Victoria Falls or a visit to a cultural village anyone?
The camp offers a myriad of activities included in the room rate.
Enjoy!
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Scheduled Camp Activities
Time until check out at leisure. Thereafter you will be collected for your transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport where our journey ends.
COST
From: USD 9,435.00 Per Person Sharing
INCLUDED
- Your cruise with double/single cabin accommodation in your choice of category
- Accommodation in double/single room at lodges as stipulated
- All meals
- All drinks included with meals and at the on board bar on the African Dream and at stipulated lodges
- Visits and excursions mentioned in the program
NOT-INCLUDED
- International flights
- Zimbabwean Visa (Must be paid on site, cost differs by Nationality category and ranges between USD 45 and USD 70,please check with Zimbabwe Embassies in your respective country)
- Cancellation/baggage insurance
- Tips for crew members on the African Dream and at the lodges (for informational purposes, daily tips per passenger amount to US$5)
- Botswana Tourism levy (US$30 payable at the airport of entry and likely to be applicable in the year)
Cascade Island Lodge
Situated 70km upriver from the Victoria Falls – where white sand beaches and palm trees add to the romance – Cascade Island Lodge (Once Ntwala Island Lodge) is a wonderfully secluded Chobe destination.
Flame of Africa
The Elephant Camp*****
Frequently asked questions
The mighty Zambezi River is home to fascinating wildlife and unbelievable scenery. Depending on the time of year you plan to visit the area, you can expect to have a more exclusive experience, free from the tourist crowds.
Safety is always placed at the forefront of any boat trip in the Zambezi. Experienced and qualified guides will lead all boat trips, ensuring everyone’s safety and comfort. They’ll provide clear instructions and life jackets will be readily available on board.
Sanyati Gorge is a dramatic ribbon of cliffs, carved by the Zambezi River over millions of years. This majestic gorge is surrounded by towering rock formations and lush vegetation.
Zambezi River tours take around 2 hours.
Comfortable clothing, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of shoes are a must. If you are travelling during the winter, you should pack a warm jersey and jacket, while if you are travelling during the summer, you should pack lighter clothing.
Recommendations & Extension Options
