Southern Africa Aboard the African Dream

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg (South Africa).

We’ll meet up at the hotel at 11:30 a.m. We’ll have lunch before visiting the Apartheid Museum which opened in 2001. It is famous the world over for being the first museum centering on South African history in the 20th century, and more particularly on Apartheid. Afterwards, we’ll set off for a panoramic tour of the city. In addition to being South Africa’s financial capital, Johannesburg is also the city of superlatives. It is indeed the richest town in Africa, with the tallest buildings and widest social discrepancies, but is also infused with one of the best atmospheres you’ll ever come across. We’ll arrive at our hotel where you’ll be welcome to settle into your rooms before dinner. Overnight in Johannesburg.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: Johannesburg-Kasane-Arrival at 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 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. Overnight in Namibia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Lodge-Chobe National Park (Namibia-Botswana).

We’ll journey out on a full-day safari in Jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park that is home to more than 1/4 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’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. Overnight in Namibia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Lodge-Impalila Island (Namibia).

Join us for a trip to authentic villages on Impalila Island, Namibia, 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, or 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. Overnight in Namibia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: Lodge-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 Kasane airport. On board private planes, you’ll be amazed at the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba and the changing landscapes of the wilderness during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. 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. Overnight aboard the ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Ship-Lake Kariba-Sailing on the Gache-Gache River (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 Gache Gache River and its unique wildlife. Gliding along its meanders, large bends and small, unspoiled inlets, you’ll be amazed by the magical atmosphere all around. We’ll return on board for lunch. This afternoon, we’ll sail towards Changa. When the sun starts to set, we’ll set out on small private boats to admire the changing colors of the sky. Overnight aboard the ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 7: Ship-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. Overnight aboard the ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 8: Ship-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. This afternoon, 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.” Overnight in Zimbabwe.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 9: Victoria Falls.

Optional early morning excursion: Soar over Victoria Falls in a helicopter (must be booked before departure). Transfer to your final destination.

Meals: Breakfast.