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Botswana/Namibia/Zambia/Zimbabwe

Wild Africa: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe

Program No. 3645RJ
Explore the wilds of southern Africa with experts, spotting elephants, lion and many other species while learning about conservation efforts and visiting the region’s natural wonders.

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At a Glance

The thrill of spotting any member of the Big Five — elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo — is reason enough to journey to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. But these magnificent creatures aren’t the only ones who inhabit the grasslands and deltas of the region. Hippos, zebras, giraffes and antelope are just a few other residents that can be spotted during game drives along the Okavango Delta or in South Luangwa National Park, while crocodiles and myriad bird species bask in the waters along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. Join wildlife experts and local residents for an insightful exploration into the habitats and conservation issues surrounding Africa’s natural wonders.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Feel the spray of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and learn about its discovery by David Livingstone.
  • Interact with schoolchildren and villagers.
  • Camp under the stars in Hemingway-style tents along the Okavango Delta.

General Notes

Group size limited to 17. Some dates of this program can be taken back to back with program "The Best of South Africa: Safari, Culture & the Garden Route" (#22444). Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
15 days
Program Begins
Johannesburg
Program Concludes
Lower Zambezi
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
38 | 12B | 2BR | 12L | 12D |
Activity Level
The thrill of spotting any member of the Big Five — elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo — is reason enough to journey to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. But these magnificent creatures aren’t the only ones who inhabit the grasslands and deltas of the region. Hippos, zebras, giraffes and antelope are just a few other residents that can be spotted during game drives along the Okavango Delta or in South Luangwa National Park, while crocodiles and myriad bird species bask in the waters along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. Join wildlife experts and local residents for an insightful exploration into the habitats and conservation issues surrounding Africa’s natural wonders.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Feel the spray of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and learn about its discovery by David Livingstone.
  • Interact with schoolchildren and villagers.
  • Camp under the stars in Hemingway-style tents along the Okavango Delta.
General Notes
Group size limited to 17. Some dates of this program can be taken back to back with program "The Best of South Africa: Safari, Culture & the Garden Route" (#22444). Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (13 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
38 meals | 12B | 2BR | 12L | 12D |
9 expert-led lectures
20 expert-led field trips
6 flights during the program
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
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 dinner including a starter and entrée with side dish; a welcome drink, bottled water and coffee/tea 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.
Activity Note
Flight time from Johannesburg to Maun is 1.5 hours. Flight from Maun to Khwai airstrip is approximately 20 minutes; getting on/off 12-passenger aircraft. Game drives throughout the program are in open air, 4x4 vehicles and typically last 3 to 4 hours in the early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are most active.
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, milk and water will be provided.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and board the motorcoach, transferring to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo airport for our commercial flight to Maun, Botswana.
Lunch:
Snack in flight and snacks provided in camp upon arrival.
Afternoon:
Upon an early afternoon arrival in Maun, we will clear Botswana border formalities. After immigration, we will be escorted to our small aircraft charter flight for the short flight into the Khwai Concession's dirt airstrip. From the airstrip, we will board our open-air, 4x4 safari vehicles for our drive through typical Botswana woodlands to our campsite; we will likely see wildlife along the way. Upon arrival at our private mobile tented camp, we will settle in. Later this afternoon, our Group Leader will give an overview on the history and culture of Botswana. Afterward, we will board our 4x4 safari vehicles for the first game drive of the program. Game drives throughout the program will be conducted in open-air safari vehicles, each vehicle with its own local safari specialist who provides insight on the flora and fauna seen. Located in the eastern part of the Okavango Delta, the Khwai River area abounds with wildlife. It is particularly well-known for its predators, especially one of the most endangered carnivores in Africa, the wild dog. Lion and leopard are commonly found, as well as herds of buffalo, elephant and hippo. Game in Khwai is abundant and varied, and includes tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, sable and giraffe. We will return to camp at dusk with time to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
Our camp cook will prepare appetizers and a dinner feast that we will enjoy in the open air under the stars. Dinners at camp will be buffets with a starter, main entree with side dishes, and a dessert; bottled water and soft drinks will be included, with alcohol available for purchase.
Evening:
Following dinner, we will have the opportunity to join together around a campfire.
Activity Note
Safari drives in open air, 4x4 vehicles for 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon.
Breakfast:
Served prior to the early morning game drive, breakfasts in camp will be buffets with cold cereals, bread, fresh fruit and rusks (South African style biscotti); coffee/tea, fruit juice and bottled water will be provided.
Morning:
Searching for plains game and other species, we will take a morning game drive through a large variety of different vegetation types, down winding tracks, through mopane forests and across lush grasslands. The scenic beauty of the area adds to our experience of Botswana’s verdant Garden of Eden, the Okavango Delta. We will return to camp mid-morning, for a chance to freshen up and rest during the heat of the day.
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 alcohol available for purchase.
Afternoon:
During afternoon tea time, our Group Leader will give a lecture on termites and their effect on the environment. Afterward, we will embark on a game drive, where lion and leopard, and herds of buffalo, elephant and hippo are commonly found. We will return to camp just after dusk.
Dinner:
In camp under the stars.
Evening:
If the skies are clear tonight, we will discover the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.
Activity Note
Safari drives in open air, 4x4 vehicles for 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon.
Breakfast:
In camp.
Morning:
This morning, we will head out on a game drive to search for wild dog and other endangered carnivores. We will return to camp mid-morning and have a few hours at leisure to rest, read, freshen up and relax in the heat of the day.
Lunch:
In camp.
Afternoon:
During our afternoon tea-time lecture, we will learn about the Okavango Delta's hydrology and geology from our Group Leader. Afterward, we will take one last afternoon game drive in Khwai, keeping our eyes open for tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, elephant, sable and giraffe. We will return to camp just after dusk.
Dinner:
Enjoy scrumptious cuisine under the stars.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Flight time to Kasane is approximately 1.5 hours; getting on/off small airplane. Game drive lasts approx. 2 hours in open air 4x4 vehicle. Transfer time national park to Chobe Savanna Lodge approximately 1.5 hours, including border crossings; transfer done in 4x4 vehicle and then motorboats. Getting on/off safari vehicle and small boats.
Breakfast:
In camp.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will transfer to a nearby dirt airstrip with game viewing en-route. We will take a small aircraft charter flight from the airstrip to the town of Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park. Upon arrival in Kasane, we will be met and driven in open-air 4x4 vehicles to the national park, where we will embark on a game drive in the park. Chobe National Park remains one of Africa’s prime game-viewing areas. Here, one finds all of the “Big Five,” except for rhino. 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 many species of antelope find safety in this huge national park. Chobe is one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems and greatest wildlife refuges. Our game drive will take us along the Chobe River and deeper into the park.
Lunch:
Packed lunch provided. Taken at a picnic site inside the park.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we will re-board our safari vehicles for the drive back through Chobe National Park to the Kasane Immigration Center, where we will clear Botswana exit formalities. Then, we will board our motorboats and ride across the Chobe River to the Namibian Immigration Center, to clear entry formalities. From there, our motorboats will transfer us along the Chobe River to the lodge, which is located on the Namibian side of the river; wildlife will be seen en-route. After settling into our rooms, we will gather on the flood plain in front of the lodge to enjoy our sundowners around a campfire.
Dinner:
Dinners at the lodge will be a 3-course, plated meal. All local brand alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea included; premium-brand alcohol available for purchase.
Evening:
This evening, our Group Leader will give a lecture on elephant social structure and behavior.
Activity Note
Boat safaris last approximately 2 hours each in the morning, and 3 hours in the late afternoon.
Breakfast:
Upon return from the early morning activity, hot breakfast items such as eggs cooked to order, sausage, bacon and toast will be provided at the lodge.
Morning:
Before sunrise, we will walk the short distance down to the dock to board our pontoon boat for a sunrise boat ride on the Chobe River. As we enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the landscape, our local safari expert will seek out the prolific birdlife active along the water, and provide commentary on the species seen. Morning refreshments such as coffee, tea and biscuits (cookies) will be provided on the boat. At the conclusion of our sunrise excursion, we will return to the lodge for breakfast. Mid-morning, as the heat of the day starts to rise, we will again head out on the river for a boat safari. The Chobe River is the lifeblood of the area, attracting all of the local fauna to its banks to drink and bathe. As the day gets hotter, hundreds of elephants, large herds of buffalo, giraffe and numerous species of antelope can be found along the river. We will return to the lodge for lunch and the heat of the day at leisure.
Lunch:
Lunches at the lodge will consist of a small buffet with several salad options, main entree, and dessert. All local brand alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea included; premium-brand alcohol available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Following afternoon tea, we will embark on another game viewing boat safari on the Chobe River, where we may come face to face with the elephant, buffalo and other wildlife that gather on the banks of the river. We'll find ourselves immersed in the unique environment, viewing numerous birds including sacred ibis, blue heron, goliath heron, saddle-billed storks, marabou storks and little egrets. Refreshments will be served on the boat as we watch one of Africa's stunning sunsets. We return to the lodge after dusk, with a chance to freshen-up before dinner.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Early morning birding walk over uneven terrain for approx. 1 mile; 1.5 hours. Boat safari lasts approximately 3 hours in the late afternoon.
Breakfast:
At the lodge following the birding walk.
Morning:
Just after sunrise, we will explore the floodplain surrounding the lodge on foot with our local safari expert. We will seek out interesting bird species such as glossy starling, little bee-eater, a variety of sunbirds, and capped wheatear. Following breakfast at the lodge, our Group Leader will lead a discussion on the past, present and future of Zimbabwe, in preparation for our field trip on Day 9. Then, the heat of the day will be at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the lodge's amenities.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
Enjoy afternoon tea at the lodge. In the late afternoon, we will embark on our last boat safari on the Chobe River to seek out wildlife not yet seen, returning to the lodge just after dusk.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Transfer time between Chobe Savanna Lodge and Victoria Falls is 2.5 hours, done by boat then vehicle. In order to see all viewpoints at the Falls, approximate length of walk is 2 miles. It is possible to walk less and see some, but not all, viewpoints. Paths may be slick from mist but are mostly flat.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
We will have an early start to the morning, as we will be passing through two countries today, all prior to lunch! Transferring by motorboat to the Namibian Immigration Center, we complete Namibia exit formalities then proceed by boat to the Kasane Immigration Center to enter Botswana. From there, a minibus will take us to the Kazungula border, where we will clear Zimbabwe immigration formalities before continuing the drive to Victoria Falls. At Victoria Falls, we will have a chance to view the Falls on the Zimbabwean side. Since the waterfall spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is visible from both countries; however, the majority of the water falls on the Zimbabwean side. Viewing the Falls from this side provides numerous overlooks and truly gives you a feel for the full majesty of this natural wonder. On foot, our Group Leader will show us how, through the millennia, the forces of nature have created this marvelous spectacle, Africa’s greatest waterfall. Afterward, we will transfer to our lunch venue.
Lunch:
At a nearby restaurant in Victoria Falls, we will have a buffet meal featuring traditional Zimbabwean dishes, plus water, tea and coffee. As we interact with our hosts, we’ll learn about local ingredients and cooking traditions in this part of Zimbabwe. Other beverages are available for purchase. From lunch, we will transfer to our lodge to check in.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In the early evening, we will regroup at the lodge with our Group Leader for an overview on Zambian history and culture.
Dinner:
Dinner at the lodge will be a plated, 3-course dinner chosen from a set menu. Water, coffee, tea will be provided, with additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Drive time to Livingstone Airport is approximately 1.5 hours, including border crossing. Flight time from Livingstone to Royal Airstrip is approximately 2 hours. Drive from airstrip to lodge is 10 minutes, done in open-air safari vehicles.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the lodge will be a buffet with a selection of cereals, pastries, fruit and yogurt; hot breakfast items cooked to order. Coffee, tea, fruit juices, milk and water will be provided.
Morning:
Following breakfast, we will be joined at the lodge by a noted local historian to discuss the story of Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone. Dr. Livingstone first visited Victoria Falls over 150 years ago and his journeys laid the groundwork for the Colonial era that followed. Upon conclusion of the lecture, we will board our minibus and transfer over the Zambian border via the stunning bridge that spans the Batoka Gorge just downstream from the Falls. After clearing immigration, we will transfer to the Livingstone Airport and depart on a private charter flight to the Royal Airstrip, located on the edge of the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Lunch:
Snacks upon arrival at the lodge.
Afternoon:
Upon an early afternoon arrival at the airstrip, we will be met by our local safari specialists and driven in open-air, 4x4 safari vehicles to Royal Zambezi Lodge. We will have time to settle into our rooms before afternoon tea is served. Following tea, we will embark on a boat safari on the Zambezi River, searching for elephant, hippo, buffalo, crocodile, waterbuck and the myriad of kingfishers, herons and wading birds fishing for their suppers. Sundowner drinks and snacks will be served as we witness one of Africa’s beautiful sunsets, then we will return to the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
Taken at the lodge, dinner will be a 3-course, set menu meal. Water, coffee, tea will be included with additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Safari drives in open air, 4x4 vehicles for 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon.
Breakfast:
Early morning cereal, toast and fruit will be served at the lodge.
Morning:
This morning, we will go on a game drive in the Lower Zambezi National Park with a safari expert. We will return to the lodge mid-morning to freshen up and relax.
Brunch:
Brunch at the lodge will consist of a full cooked breakfast with choices of bacon, sausages, poached eggs, mushrooms, tomato and baked beans. Water, fruit juice, coffee and tea will be provided, with additional beverages available for purchase.
Lunch:
At the lodge, lunch will be a 2-course, set menu meal. Water, coffee, tea will be included with additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
During the heat of mid-day, we will have a chance to enjoy the lodge's amenities, or view game from the private deck of our suite as the animals come to drink from the river. During afternoon tea, we will have a lecture on the unique surrounding ecosystem and the structure of the Zambian National Parks, given by our Group Leader. Afterward, we'll embark on a day-into-night game drive, where leopard, hyena, porcupine, civet, genet and honey badger are commonly sighted. After dark, our local safari expert will use a spotlight to find animals in the bush. We will return to the lodge in the late evening, just before dinner.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Safari drives in open-air, 4x4 vehicles last 3 to 4 hours in the early morning and late afternoon. Boat safari lasts approximately 3 hours. Getting on/off motorboats.
Breakfast:
Early morning tea/coffee and continental breakfast at the lodge.
Morning:
Again this morning, we will embark on a game drive in Lower Zambezi National Park. We will return to the lodge mid-morning, after the safari activity.
Brunch:
Lodge meal.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
The heat of the day will be spent at the lodge, at leisure. Over tea, our Group Leader will give a lecture on lion social structure and behavior. This afternoon we will embark on a safari by boat, enjoying sundowner refreshments as we watch a spectacular African sunset. We will return to the lodge at dusk with time to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Transfer to local community approximately 1 hour each direction, done by motorboat. Transportation within local community done in 4x4 vehicle. Periods of standing in the village in potentially hot temperatures.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
We will board our motorboats for the cruise up the Zambezi River to the Mugurameno community. Wildlife may be spotted along the river’s banks en-route. Upon arrival in Mugurameno, we will disembark the boats and climb aboard vehicles for visits to the local school, clinic and one of the farming co-operatives in the community. We will be shown around the school and learn about the school’s projects, as well as have the opportunity to interact with the children when school is in session. Our participation in this Road Scholar program helps fund the school and projects we will visit. Late morning, we will reboard our boats for the cruise back downriver to the lodge, watching for elephant, hippo and buffalo along the way.
Lunch:
Late lunch taken at the lodge.
Afternoon:
We will have the early afternoon to relax and enjoy the lodge's amenities. This afternoon we will have our choice of safari activity to participate in, including a game drive, boat safari or fishing. All activities will return to the lodge in the late afternoon, with time to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
At the lodge. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy reminiscing about the program's unique experiences and what we’ve learned.
Activity Note
Flight time Royal to Lusaka is approximately 30 minutes; flight from Lusaka to Johannesburg is 2 hours. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation from Last Location."
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
We will have time to pack and check out before boarding our open-air safari vehicles for the short transfer to the Royal Airstrip, where we will board a private flight to Lusaka, Zambia.
Lunch:
Airline lunch in-flight.
Afternoon:
From Lusaka, we will board a commercial flight to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Our program concludes upon arrival in Johannesburg. 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!
Morning:
Early morning arrivals in North America.
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
38 Meals
12 Breakfasts
12 Lunches
2 Brunches
12 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Oct 30, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024
  • Oct 30, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024
1 night
Location: Johannesburg
The City Lodge Hotel Eastgate, a beautifully appointed, Tuscan-themed hotel, is located only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport in a very secure area. The hotel overlooks a landscaped greenbelt with walking path. The Eastgate Shopping Centre is nearby, hosting many shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle to the shopping center offered between 7:00pm to 10:00pm each evening.
3 nights
Location: Maun
An authentic, "Hemingway Safari" tented safari camp is set up in a private location with large mini-meru safari tents. Each tent has two beds with linens, towels and an attached bathroom with long-drop toilet and bucket shower (hot water on request). All meals are taken in casual safari style near the campfire and shaded by many large trees.
3 nights
Location: Caprivi Region
Situated in the Eastern Caprivi of Namibia, a narrow strip of country on the northern bank of the Chobe River, Chobe Savanna Lodge overlooks the vast floodplains of the Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats. The Chobe River is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo, migratory birds, as well as dense concentrations of other wildlife – including the rare puku antelope – which come down to the river’s edge to drink and graze.
1 night
Location: Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower, and a patio or deck depending upon your floor, along with air conditioning.
4 nights
Location: Lower Zambezi National Park
Royal Zambezi Lodge offers the perfect combination of contemporary, simplistic style and extreme comfort while providing a pure wilderness experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Zambezi Valley Escarpment and located within the Chiawa Game Management Area, the five-hundred-acre domain boasts two miles of unspoiled river frontage on the northern banks of the Zambezi River. It is situated directly across the river from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and just minutes from the Lower Zambezi National Park. The lodge provides a delightful base from which to explore the wilderness of the surrounding area.
Participant Reviews
4.87
Based on 49 Reviews
Sort By:
David – Class of 2013 | Long Beach, CA
My wife and I very much enjoyed the entire trip. The accommodations on the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers were superb. And I will always remember the afternoon I spent alone on the deck of my cabin at the Royal Zambezi Lodge watching nearby wildlife acting wild... including the visit by a fearless elephant who came within a meter or so of me to eat the lodge's vegetation.
— Review left October 27, 2024
Janet – Class of 2014 | Geneseo, IL
Our African safari with Road Scholar was a trip of a lifetime! We enjoyed the small group, our amazing guide, the Land Rover safaris and the boat safaris. We saw so many animals and birds, learned about the habits of the animals and the history of the countries. We were treated (and fed) like royalty at all of our stops along the way. Thank you to Road Scholar for this amazing adventure!
— Review left October 13, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Marcia – Class of 2016 | Saint Marys, GA
Our trip to Africa was like other great trips we have taken with Road Scholar but even better. Not only was the plan of seeing wild game during our game drives exceeding our expectations but enhanced by the lectures of Keith and timely discussions by his support group of local guides. Yes the game drives were great but the viewings were once again enhanced with the selection of our lodging sites. Each lodging site placed us in a natural setting where game was present and one felt like they were part of the environment. Having a delicious meal (and I mean good) while watching elephant and hippos grazing was a unique experience.
— Review left September 18, 2024
Doris – Class of 2015 | Birmingham, AL
Bring clothes for warm temps even in July when it is winter there. Beware the morning cools and layer up for that. The number and variety of animals and your proximity to them in hard to beat anywhere. Great guides.
— Review left August 12, 2024
Charles – Class of 2024 | Birmingham, AL
Very impressive..a trip of a lifetime…if you enjoy all types of exotic animals ..24 hours a day… this is the trip for you !!
— Review left August 12, 2024
Janice – Class of 2020 | Lacey, WA
Words cannot express how fabulous this trip was! Unbelievable wildlife--both quantity and variety. Plus learning about habitats, people, history, culture, traditions, economics, etc. Excellent guides, great accommodations, awesome food--and a lot of it! Group leader, Khule Ndlovu was wonderful and very capable of leading the 13 of us through a very busy, hectic and sometimes challenging schedule. The mobile tent camp was a hoot! Glamping for sure! The rest were excellent. All locations had animals right outside your door and I loved hearing them at night! Notes to future adventurers: this is truly a "keep the pace" trip. Be prepared to get up before dawn and go, go go until after dark. There are really only a couple of hours of "free time" during the day, one of which you use to take a shower! 3 game drives each day. Plus lectures. Getting in/out of the safari vehicles requires a little effort but the Land Rovers have comfortable seats and excellent suspension and the guides are very careful about bumpy roads. Guides were very knowledgeable and they all work together to ensure an excellent experience. They truly love what they do and it shows. Another note: be sure to check your travel arrangements to ensure you arrive with plenty of time to "recover" from the long flight before the program begins. RS travel folks were very accommodating when our original flight didn't arrive until after the program began. All locations(except Victoria Falls) had laundry service which helps minimize what you bring. And at the end of the trip we arranged to leave clothes, shoes, coats, toiletries with staff at Mfuwe lodge to donate to locals. That left room in our bags for shopping at various locations in the village and at the school which helped support the local community. Most camps/lodges provided bug spray but I recommend spraying your clothes in advance with Permethrin before you go. And checkout Costco's travel vaccination program. Enjoy!
— Review left August 12, 2024
Linda – Class of 2019 | Minneapolis, MN
If you've ever considered a Safari program register for this one. NOW! You will not be disappointed!!
— Review left July 25, 2024
Jacqueline | Fitchburg, WI
This trip was a life long dream and it met and generally exceeded my expectations.
— Review left July 25, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Katherine – Class of 2017 | Seattle, WA
This trip had been recommended to me by travelers on two other RS trips I was on. They raved about their experience, so my expectations were high, and they were exceeded. Our RS guide, Chris, was knowledgeable not only about the animals and their behaviors but also about the culture and history of the areas we visited and he was also a fun, friendly, positive presence. All of the accommodations were very comfortable with welcoming and friendly staff. My favorite was the mobile camp. For those of you worried about “camping”; The tents were spacious (with a wooden floor), the beds comfortable, they had an attached tent with private bathroom and warm showers available on request. Delicious food (including daily homemade bread) by our camp cook, Pea, sitting out under the clear, starry sky around a campfire, elephants coming down to the water just past our tents and hippos lounging nearby all made it a special experience. As others have mentioned, I saw more wildlife than I expected and natural behaviors I didn’t think I’d see from a vehicle or boat. I can’t say enough about all our drivers/guides/staff that made this trip such a great experience with their smiling, positive, fun, friendly and helpful manner.
— Review left July 1, 2024
Patricia – Class of 2015 | Cedar Rapids, IA
This was a fabulous trip! Lions, leopards, crocodiles, elephants, warthogs, buffalo, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, antelope, variety of birds--oh my! Do not let the tented mobile camp deter you. I was most anxious about this thinking some lion or hyena was going to come through the material! I know animals walked around the camp at night, but never felt threatened. Waking up and seeing elephants and hippos right out your front door more than made up for any inconvenience. The rooms were spacious and the commode was nicer than the one in the picture. Due to the time of year we went, the mornings were cold, but the tents were not as bad as I feared. Having my wardrobe for the next day picked out, it was quick to dress warmly. At night, the tent was comfortable--even without the hot water bottle! I actually wrapped my next-day clothes around the hot water bottle and that made the morning dressing much more enjoyable. We saw so many animals it felt like they blew a whistle and they arrived. I was awed by the natural animal habits and the information I learned about them. You will not be disappointed!
— Review left June 25, 2024
Pamela – Class of 2020 | Derwood, MD
Wild Africa: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe was an amazing experience. I choose this trip based on the itinerary and the wildlife. I saw every animal that was on my wishlist plus more that I didn’t expect to see. I was impressed by the visits we made to a village and the school. All accommodations were stellar and I did not expect the mobile tenting to be so luxurious. That was my favorite place. The guides everywhere were knowledgeable and friendly. The food was excellent. I highly recommend this trip for anyone who has an “African Safari’ trip on their bucket list.
— Review left June 20, 2024
Matthew – Class of 2020 | Derwood, MD
We saw more wildlife during our trip than I imagined we would, and that was my main reason for going. I expected to see lots of animals, but not this variety or in these numbers, or so close up. Our guides kept us safe, pointed out much we might otherwise have missed, and provided important insights into the history, geography and cultures of the areas we visited.
— Review left June 20, 2024
Sarah – Class of 2019 | Beaufort, SC
This was the trip of my lifetime and all my expectations were met. If you want to have an experience with wild African animals up close & personal this is the trip for you. I loved every moment of the trip, learned so much new information & met wonderful new friends!
— Review left June 19, 2024
David – Class of 2016 | Chambersburg, PA
This trip was at the top of my bucket list and it exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Keith, was extremely knowledgeable and his love of Africa was contagious. I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left June 15, 2024
Carol – Class of 2016 | Chambersburg, PA
The program far exceeded my expectations. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would get so close to wild animals that continued on with their daily routines as if we, the tourists, didn’t exist. It was an amazing experience.
— Review left June 15, 2024
Larry | Olympia, WA
More than met my expectations and I was able to make lifelong friends especially with the group leader. Immediately upon returning home I scheduled another African trip for 2025.
— Review left June 7, 2024
Mary – Class of 2024 | Seattle, WA
Amazing entrée into Africa. Almost all time is spent in nature. Great if you are looking for a non-urban look at this part of the world.
— Review left June 6, 2024
Hellias – Class of 2022 | New Orleans, LA
My trip to Africa was truly a phenomenal experience, a lifelong dream trip. Traveling over sections of this vast continent, morning and evening game drives, wildlife in abundance, great accommodations at every stop, excellent staff/guides. The incredible planning and logistics required was evident, smooth traveling at all times without inconvenient problems or delays. This Road Scholar experience was far beyond all expectations and I would recommend this trip to all that wish to see part of beautiful Africa.
— Review left December 7, 2023
Joseph – Class of 2022 | Arlington, VA
Wild Africa!! Face to face with most of the animals one wants to see!
— Review left November 25, 2023
Gayle – Class of 2017 | Montrose, CO
It is a program that will take you beyond your expectations.
— Review left November 25, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Isabel – Class of 2016 | St Augustine, FL
Just returned from our trip to Wild Africa. What an experience! We saw the Big Five and so much more. Our guide, Keith Chisnall, was wonderful. He was so informative and made sure that everything ran smoothly. There were so many highlights...the painted dogs, the leopards, the elephants swimming across the Chobe River, an elephant walking through the lobby at Mfuwe Lodge, just to name a few. This is a trip I will never forget. It has sparked a desire in me to return to Africa!
— Review left November 17, 2023
James – Class of 2023 | Elkridge, MD
Wow! This program opened my eyes into the lives of others and into the diversity of the world we live in. I thank Road Scholar for providing that opportunity.
— Review left November 16, 2023
Sydna – Class of 2023 | Brentwood, TN
Of all the trips I have made abroad., This one is at the top of my list I recommended highly
— Review left September 15, 2023
Catherine | Madison, WI
The Wild Africa: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe trip exceeded my expectations. On our very first afternoon game drive in Botswana, we saw hippos, elephants, zebras, warthog, impala, lechwe, and a rare wild cat sighting.
— Review left August 29, 2023
Mary – Class of 2015 | Antioch, IL
Go to Africa with Road Scholar. You will not be disappointed. This is my sixth trip to various parts of Africa. Each unique and wonderful. The sights, sounds, animals, lodges, food had been fabulous. RS does not disappoint.
— Review left August 10, 2023
Gilbert – Class of 2019 | Cumberland Center, ME
A great program with a wonderful staff. They were all local, very knowledgeable, pleasant, proud, reliable people. Tour took me out of my comfort zone and I learned a lot.
— Review left July 9, 2023
Cynthia – Class of 2019 | Cumberland Center, ME
The trip “Wild Africa” to Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia exceeded all my expectations. I had wanted to go to Africa since I was a little girl; this program was a huge leap for me and the most memorable adventure I’ve ever had. We went on 17 safari outings in land rovers and pontoon boats (more than any offered in comparable tours I had looked at). We saw all the animals we could have hoped for, including lions and leopards as well as spectacular birds. We had the most brilliant, kind, organized, multi-lingual, and patient group leader (thank you, Johann) and wonderful local guides/drivers who knew how to respectfully track the animals in a variety of their stunning habitats. The accommodations were all very comfortable and and provided us with a variety of experiences, which is what I had wanted. The food was excellent throughout. We had only 9 participants in our very compatible group. Although the emphasis was always on the animals, we had important opportunities to visit a local village and a school, and in an optional activity most of us visited an elephant refuge where we were able to touch and feed the elephants. The presentations we had were informative about the countries we were visiting and animals we were seeing. Somehow Johann managed to make even the one about “termite mounds” seem fascinating! Road Scholar as an organization did a great job of sending us preparatory materials and answering all our questions, and Johann did an amazing job of getting us in/out of all the countries with ease. I must add that my husband went along on this trip with great hesitation. “Not interested.” Now he can’t say enough about all that he saw and learned. It was like being on an other-worldly planet you don’t want to leave. Sign up right away; you will never regret it!
— Review left July 4, 2023
Jeffrey – Class of 2016 | Novato, CA
This is the trip of a lifetime. An amazing variety of wildlife in great quantities, up close. The trip leader, guides and staffs are skilled, attentive and experienced. Their friendliness added to the enjoyment. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of various African habitats.
— Review left June 25, 2023
Jeri – Class of 2017 | Santa Barbara, CA
This was a dream come true trip. Our guide was exceptional in his knowledge of Africa, animal behavior and ability to lead. I was very impressed at how well Keith worked with the local guides. He has a welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly manner towards everyone.
— Review left June 23, 2023
George – Class of 2022 | San Francisco, CA
The best biology/ecology lesson ever
— Review left September 24, 2022
Laura – Class of 2014 | Bremerton, WA
Wild Africa is an adventurous and enriching program, with wall-to-wall fun and learning. The pace was comfortably busy and our time was used very efficiently. Everything in the program description was fulfilled and MORE; there were frequent lovely surprises along the way. The lectures and presentations from local experts were extremely informative. Lisa, the Road Scholar Program Leader, was a rock star. She had all of the best leadership qualities (enthusiasm, organizational skills, confidence and wisdom) and I really appreciated her her "can-do" attitude. She shared so much knowledge about the places we visited; she was always eager to answer questions and help participants get the most out of this wonderful experience. I highly recommend this program!
— Review left September 4, 2022
Shirley – Class of 2017 | New York, NY
This is the trip of a lifetime.Not to be missed. Beautifully organized. Lodging and food were excellent. Guide was fantastic. And the animals breathtaking.
— Review left August 25, 2022
Pamela – Class of 2022 | Temple, TX
Wild Africa was an AMAZING trip! Our leader and guide was Sam Mushandu who was knowledgable(he knew every animal and every bird), had perfect English, great lectures and SO pleasant and fun! We saw lions, elephants,leopards, giraffes, zebra, hyena, rhinos, cape buffalo, monkeys, baboons and lots more! The staff at all the locations were helpful and kind. The accomadations and food were excelent! A trip of a lifetime!
— Review left August 15, 2022
Clark – Class of 2022 | Seguin, TX
The entire program was first class in every respect. The group Leader Sam Mushandu was fantastic, accommodations were great, guides were very knowledgeable and the whole experience couldn't have been better. We saw all of the animals we had hoped to see and much more. Through the lectures and visits we gained a much better understanding of the history and culture of the countries we visited. We will not hesitate to recommend Road Scholar to friends and family and look forward to more trips with Road Scholar in the future.
— Review left August 14, 2022
Luis – Class of 2015 | Herndon, DC
The quantity and quality of the up-close wildlife is extraordinary. So is the knowledge and helpfulness of every guide. And the staff at every place we stayed sets a standard for friendliness and hospitality the rest of the world should emulate.
— Review left July 24, 2022
Kathleen – Class of 2019 | Crown Point, IN
I have been on dozens of safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This was my first time to Southern Africa. Our guide Johann Roscher is fantastic. He has superb knowledge of the wildlife and countries we visited. He was always available and willing to assist in every way. Everyone was delighted with Johann. The accommodations were in excellent locations with each having exemplary staff. The scenery in each country was beautiful. However, for me, I travel to Africa to see wildlife and that aspect was disappointing according to my other safari experiences. It could be due to the winter season. I was delighted to see Wild Dogs but otherwise the safari drives were interrupted in mid morning and at sunset with long stops for snacks and drinks where the time would have been better spent seeking out wildlife in my opinion. So depending on what you desire on your Wild Africa adventure you may be delighted with all of it. You may be disappointed as I was. In any instance it is a blessing to experience Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
— Review left July 17, 2022
Eileen – Class of 2022 | Tombstone, AZ
I just returned from Wild Afria: Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia (program #3645). It was fabulous. We stayed away from the cities and concentrated on viewing the wildlife. I highly recommend everyone take advantage of this adventure.
— Review left May 16, 2022
Cathy – Class of 2015 | Chapel Hill, NC
This is a trip not to be missed! Early morning safari with tea and snacks along the way and an elephant challenging your safari vehicle if you’re lucky! Evening drives with sunset drinks! If you are able, travel with Keith as your RS guide; he is outstanding: knowledgeable, fun, makes the trip run smoothy and creates a sense of community with the group and our various hosts. You will be connected to local guides who are so highly trained, caring and fun. You will not feel like you are just an observer. Your perspective of these African countries will be expanded. You’ll be cared for with food and concern. It’s all a bit hard to describe so just sign up!
— Review left May 7, 2022
John – Class of 2013 | Tucson, AZ
Five stars! Our small group was the first to return on this itinerary, post-COVID. We were warmly welcomed everywhere, and saw an amazing variety of animals, watched fascinating wildlife behavior, and were lucky enough to spot a stealthy leopard at night in Zambia. Learning about the different countries we visited, and seeing the changing landscape as we moved around, was tremendous. The logistics of this trip are complicated, especially with frequent COVID tests. However, the pre-trip planning by EXPLORE (Road Scholar's contractor) and the exceptional leadership of our guide, Lisa Reed, eased our way. Lisa is a phenomenal person, with unlimited knowledge of the flora and fauna, and an interesting life story. She is the best. The quality of the lodging varied, and no one in our group was thrilled with the rustic accommodations at the mobile tent camp. There are better options in the area, although the food at the camp was surprisingly good. The briefing materials were super-helpful, and they should be studied carefully to fully enjoy your adventure. I was able to add some pre/post-travel around this program, to take advantage of being in this part of the world. The Road Scholar travel department put together efficient flight arrangements, in spite of the current turmoil in schedules. This is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and you should not hesitate to go. You will not regret it.
— Review left October 24, 2021
Rosemary – Class of 2021 | Oakland, CA
Go to Africa. Learn, be inspired, be affected and get out of your comfort zone. You will regret not going earlier in your life. I promise you will appreciate the time spent and you will be a better person for it.
— Review left October 16, 2021
Sarah – Class of 2018 | Chester Springs, PA
If you feel reluctance when reading about the first camp, pay attention to that! It is NOT better in reality; it is worse when you are tired & jet lagged. The privations detract from the experience-which is Africa & its marvelous animals. All except one of our group were miserable there. The game drives are also lacking as the guide is the group leader who does not live there & does not know the area as all the guides in the lodges do. Local guides know the animals of the area & where the kills were the night before. The area is game-rich but we saw very little in 3 days. If RS can't find a better place with local guides, they should change the venue entirely-which would be a shame. COVID testing was very well-handled. Everywhere we stayed except the first camp was fine. Food was very heavy-carbs galore, but plentiful. Not sure why we all bussed 30-40 mins from Jo'burg airport for the first night instead of staying near the airport for the early AM flight out. Not sure why we had 1 night at River Club which featured a lecture duplicated by our visit to Livingstone Museum. Royal Livingstone Hotel has much better location, better food & less pretension. You can walk to the Falls through a giraffe/zebra sanctuary from there. Our leader was very knowledgeable about the animals & birds. She did not understand how any mention of politics at all is not advisable in the current polarized climate among US citizens. It just needs to be avoided. Concentrated too much on birds for me; I was there for the animals. African birds are gorgeous, but just how many vultures can you stop to stare at for 10 minutes at a time? The areas visited were the best! If the first camp problem were solved, it would be amazing. A very busy & rewarding trip. We saw glorious wildlife & animal interactions.
— Review left September 29, 2021
Janis – Class of 2017 | Tallahassee, FL
I can't believe I had not submitted a review before now. I certainly have "reviewed" it so many times to family and friends. It was life changing for me. Seeing these animals up close in the wild can change one's perspective dramatically--looking into the eyes of an elephant, watching a sleepy leopard high in a tree, being entranced by wild dogs bathing in a mud puddle and laughing at warthogs trying to jump a stream. Every single day was a barrage of new experiences and new sites. The local people everywhere were incredible. Going to Africa in November at the start of the rainy season can be hot, very hot. So be prepared with sunscreen and cool clothing. I traveled solo but made several new friends from around the USA. We had so much fun and enjoyed the adventure so much we are meeting in 2021 to do the Kenya/Tanzania trip!
— Review left February 28, 2020
Robert – Class of 2013 | WILLIAMSBURG, VA
5 STARS. Best “Nature” trip I have ever been on. We saw the Big 5 (Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion, Rhino and Leopard) in large numbers (rhino excepted – saw two well-guarded) as well as Giraffe, Zebra, Hyena, Baboons, Wildebeest, Hippos, Crocodiles and many types of antelope such as Impala, Water Buck, Kudu, Puku, etc. We also saw numerous species of birds – enough to delight any birder. All accommodations, including the tent camp, were first class. The meals were fantastic - Michelin star quality. However, our guide, Keith Chisnall, was the glue that brought the trip/experience together. His knowledge of the three countries (Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe) history, politics, flora and fauna was unparalleled. When necessary, he was able to deal with the local bureaucracy to keep us on schedule. Lastly, all the guides were top notch and the hotel support personnel very professional and attentive to our needs. If this trip is not on your bucket list, put it on and go. You won’t be disappointed.
— Review left February 6, 2020
Nancy – Class of 2013 | Blaine, WA
This was my second trip to Africa and, again, with Road Scholar. As if it were even possible, this topped my previous one. "Wild Africa" is a totally immersive journey into the wonders and awe of the best of southern Africa's natural world. Every accommodation, from the mobile tent camp outside of Maun, Botswana to Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia was fabulous. Although heat played a role in making this a somewhat-challenging trip at times (107F one day!), I would take this trip again in a heartbeat. From group leader-extraordinaire Johann Roscher to our game driver guides Mike, Curt, Richard, Alec and others including the amazing chefs and staff at every place we stayed....there are simply no adequate words for expressing my gratitude. On our last night of the trip which was at Mfuwe, we saw an elephant walk through the lobby! It's true...It does happen this time of year. It was the icing on the very best African cake! Take this trip...Meet the people...See the splendors of Africa. Your only regret will be if you don't go. Thank you to Road Scholar and Johann for feeding my heart and soul and bringing together a most lovely group of people to travel with.
— Review left November 23, 2019
Catherine – Class of 2019 | Washington, DC
This program was outstanding in every respect. If you want to maximize your time on safari drives, seeing magnificent animals and learning about them, their habitats, and the countries, this is a great program to consider.
— Review left November 20, 2019
Elizabeth – Class of 2017 | Holualoa, HI
Don't hesitate to take this journey! It was beyond expectations! We saw all kinds of wildlife and learned so much about it all!!
— Review left July 9, 2019
M. – Class of 2014 | Kansas City, MO
Am I still dreaming? OMGosh, It was a thrill to journey Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia to spot all the Big Five during game drives - Cape buffalo, rhinos, elephants, leopard and lion! This was my first trip to Africa and I walked away enlightened...thank you Sam Mushandu, for showing us such a wonderful time! This was a trip of a lifetime!
— Review left June 30, 2019
Cindy – Class of 2005 | Denver, CO
Wonderful trip to see the wild animals of Africa in three different countries. Sam, our group leader was fun, knowledgeable, experienced and organized.
— Review left June 23, 2019
Barbara – Class of 2019 | Seattle, WA
What an exceptional trip! Our lodgings were more than spectacular, the guides exceptional and the banquets served out in the bush fantastic. This safari was exceptionally good value for money and I highly recommend this Road Scholar safari.
— Review left June 16, 2019





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