Wonders & Waterways of Southern Africa

Day 1 London to Kasane, Botswana.

Fly by scheduled indirect flight.

Day 2 Kasane, Botswana to Cascades Lodge, Namibia.

On arrival, transfer to Kasane via coach and then by small private boat on to Cascades Lodge, our base for the next four nights in the heart of the wilderness. There will be border formalities en-route. During your boat transfer, keep an eye out for 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. Be greeted by staff on arrival and settle into your comfortable lodge ideally located on an island created by one of the tributaries of the Zambezi River. We will have dinner at the lodge and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. (D)

Day 3 Chobe National Park, Namibia & Botswana.

Today we will journey out on a full day Jeep safari to explore Chobe National Park which is home to more than a quarter of the total elephant population in Africa. Enjoy lunch in a “floating restaurant” in the middle of the river where the views of the surrounding nature are unparalleled. Afterwards, we will board small private boats and sail off on the Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. Dinner will be at the lodge this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Impalila Island, Namibia.

This morning, we will explore some villages on Impalila Island and discover the traditional Namibian houses, culture and customs. We return to the lodge for lunch and either spend an afternoon at leisure to take advantage of the private pools and comfortable surroundings or explore the Zambezi River by small private boat. We will have dinner at the lodge and this evening we will be joined by one of the locals to tell us all about the traditions of this particular island. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Chobe National Park, Namibia & Botswana.

Return to Botswana’s untamed jewel, the Chobe National Park. On today’s safari we will hope to encounter buffalo, giraffe, antelopes, lions, and the myriad bird species that inhabit the park and its surrounds. Enjoy a traditional African lunch, surrounded by the natural wilderness, before returning to the lodge for an afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Kasane, Botswana to Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe.

After breakfast we depart from the lodge on private boats for Kasane airport. Take a charter flight by small private planes to Kariba whilst enjoying stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba and the changing landscapes of the wilderness. On arrival we will transfer to the African Dream for our four night stay. Settle into your comfortable cabin as we set sail across the lake. Reaching over 200 kilometres in length and spanning a distance of approximately 40 kilometres at its widest point, the lake’s flooded flatlands, hills and forests alike, create unique and emblematic landscapes. Enjoy dinner on board this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Matusadona National Park.

We set out this morning on a 4x4 safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park. Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume Rivers, this 1400 square kilometre, untouched area is home to numerous animal species such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles and buffalo as well as thousands of birds, among which we may see the legendary African sea eagle, the majestic, yellow-billed stork, or the black heron with its interesting hunting methods. We might also 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 over 6000 animals. This rescue operation allowed for large mammals, big cats, impalas and more to be moved to Matusadona where hunting is strictly prohibited. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Lake Kariba Safari.

This morning, set out by private boat to discover Matusadona National Park from the water. Explore the winding waterways and hidden coves that make up the unique landscapes of the lakeshore, creating an area of extraordinary biodiversity. Spend the morning searching for wildlife, before enjoying lunch on board your private boat. In the late afternoon we will take advantage of the golden evening light to explore once more by 4x4, before returning to the ship for dinner. This evening, weather permitting, enjoy a magical stargazing experience, free of light pollution as you sail the tranquil waters of the lake. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Sailing on Lake Kariba.

At sunrise we will set sail through the rare and mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba where drowned trees reach skywards from the depths of the reflecting water. We will set out on a scenic cruise to discover this unique landscape, which is the result of the Kariba Dam project, which between 1959-1965 flooded the region, creating the current layout of the vast lake. We will quietly glide along the banks to get as close as possible to the abundant wildlife populating the area, hoping to see hippos and elephants. We will return to the African Dream for lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board. Enjoy a talk about the history of the lake, its ecosystem, and the local communities, before watching the sunset from the deck. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Kariba to Victoria Falls.

At sunrise we set sail towards Kariba where we will 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. Discover the history and legends surrounding the creation of the lake including the tale of Nyami Nyami, the river god. Disembark the African Dream and transfer to the airport for our flight to Victoria Falls on board private planes. On arrival we will enjoy a lunch cruise upstream from the falls, on the mighty Zambezi River, before checking into our hotel this afternoon. After some free time, we meet for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Victoria Falls.

This morning, take a guided tour of the falls which form the largest single curtain of falling water on earth (on average the curtain is 92 metres deep). The 500-metre plume of spray can be seen from as far as 70 kilometres away and the sound of the water can also be heard from kilometres away and up close this muted ‘thunder’ becomes a roar. The vast width of the falls, extending 1708 metres, allow for many safe vantage points from where you will be able to get different views of the roiling water as it crashes into the gorge and whose constant spray sustains the rainforest. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure before we enjoy our farewell dinner in the hotel. (B, D)

Day 12 Victoria Falls to London.

After breakfast transfer to Victoria Falls airport for the return indirect flight to London. (B)

Day 13 London.

Arrive today.