South Africa: Safari & River Cruise

D2 JOHANNESBURG • KASANE • ARRIVAL AT THE LODGE    (South Africa – Botswana – Namibia)

We’ll take a regular flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your CroisiEurope lodge on board a small private boat. Take advantage of your trip to observe the numerous bird species living among the flooded flatlands. You may even catch a glimpse of a few hippos or crocodiles basking in the sun! You’ll be greeted by our crew upon arrival and settle into your comfortable lodge. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge in absolute tranquility at the heart of the wilderness.

D3 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK (Namibia – Botswana) 

We’ll journey out on a full-day dedicated to the discovery of Chobe National Park. Exploration by Jeep in this park, which is unique for hosting more than a quarter of Africa’s elephant population. African lunch in the heart of nature. Afterwards, we’ll board a small private boat and sail off on Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

D4 IMPALILA ISLAND (Namibia) 

Visit authentic villages to discover the traditional Namibian houses, culture and customs. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at the lodge, taking advantage of the pool and comfortable fittings, then join us for a discovery of the Zambezi River on a small private boat. We’ll have dinner at the lodge. Tonight, let your guide tell you all about the traditions of this particular island. We’ll spend the night at the lodge.

D5 KASANE • LAKE KARIBA • BOARDING THE SHIP   

(Namibia – Botswana – Zimbabwe) We’ll depart from the lodge for one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch along the water, we’ll set out for the Kasane airport. On board private planes, you’ll be amazed at the stunning panoramas and the changing landscapes of the wilderness during your flight to Lake Kariba(1). You’ll be transferred to board the ship and comfortably settle into your cabins. We’ll start sailing across the lake. Reaching over 140mi/200km in length and spanning a distance of approximately 25mi/40km at its widest point, the lake flooded flatlands, hills and forests alike, creating unique and emblematic landscapes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

D6 LAKE KARIBA • SAILING TO SPURWING ISLAND    (Zimbabwe) 

At sunrise, we’ll set sail through the rare and mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba where drowned trees reach skywards from the depths of the reflecting water. We’ll set out on a small private boat to discover the small waterways going into the Matusadona National Park and their unique wildlife. Gliding along their meanders, large bends and small, unspoiled inlets, you’ll be amazed by the magical atmosphere all around. We’ll return on board for lunch. The afternoon will be spend cruising. When the sun starts to set, we’ll set out on a small private boat to admire the changing colors of the sky. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

D7 LAKE KARIBA • MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK    (Zimbabwe)

We’ll journey out this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park. Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume Rivers, this 1,400km²/540 sq mi-large untouched area is home to numerous animal species such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos as well as thousands of birds, among which the legendary African Sea Eagle, the majestic Yellow-billed Stork, or the Black Heron with its interesting hunting method. We might be lucky enough to cross paths with a big cat or two! The history of the park is closely linked with that of the lake: during the construction of the dam, the rising floodwaters affected the native wildlife although the damage was mitigated by Operation Noah, an initiative which saved the lives of over 6,000 animals. This rescue operation allowed for large mammals, big cats, impalas and more to be moved to Matusadona where hunting is strictly prohibited. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and start sailing again. During this time, a round table will be the opportunity to learn more about the creation of the Lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

D8 KARIBA • VICTORIA FALLS (Zimbabwe) 

At sunrise, we’ll set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out to the airport. We’ll discover the gigantic Kariba Dam which was created in 1955 to form Lake Kariba. Today, the dam serves as a source of electric power for 70% of Zimbabwe. You’ll get to discover the history and legends surrounding the creation of the lake, including the tale of NyamiNyami, the river god. We’ll fly out to Victoria Falls on board private planes. Enjoy an exceptional lunch cruise on the Zambezi River, upstream from the falls.

Afternoon at leisure, with moments of relaxation by the hotel pool and views over the surrounding savannah. Optional: Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls.

Optional: A unique opportunity for a final safari through the wild landscapes of a private reserve! This time, set off in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle in search of Africa’s black rhinos, accompanied by an experienced ranger. In addition to the black rhino, you may have the chance to spot the other legendary members of the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard), as well as an incredible variety of birdlife.
(Excursions are compatible and take place one after the other. Must be booked at the time of registration. The safari is offered as a private experience for CroisiEurope passengers starting from 6 registered participants. Below this number, they may join other guests. In both cases, our local guide will be present to accompany them.) Tonight, enjoy dinner and spend the night at a four-star hotel

D9 VICTORIA FALLS   

Breakfast. We’ll leave for a tour on foot of the falls where the views are among the most exceptional in the world. We’ll also see where the Zambezi River plunges over the cliff to become the widest waterfall in the world, creating the “smoke that thunders.”  Optional: early morning helicopter flight over Victoria Falls (must be reserved upon booking). End of services at the hotel. Subject to favourable weather conditions and to reservation at time of booking.