Incredible wildlife of Southern Africa

Pricing is based on departure date 14th Dec 2024

Alternate departure date available for travel in 2024 and 2025, Call us for the availability

From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, you’ll discover spectacular panoramas and tumultuous histories, but also incredible wildlife and carefully crafted menus that reflect the flavors and savors of Africa, as well as the most beautiful natural reserves and the secrets of Lake Kariba before taking in the grandeur of the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls.

Itinerary highlights

Ship: RV Zimbabwean Dream

Cabin: Main deck 2 adjustable twin beds

Sail Date: 14th Dec 2024

Duration: 8 Nights

Day wise 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(1) 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 five-star hotel LS where you’ll be welcome to settle into your rooms before dinner. You’ll spend the night at the hotel. 

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 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.

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.

Day 4: LODGE: Impalila Island (Namibia)

Join 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. We’ll spend the night at the lodge.

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 the 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. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board. 

Day 6: SHIP: 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. This afternoon, we’ll sail towards Palm Bay. 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.

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. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

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 to form Lake Kariba before flying out to Victoria Falls on board private planes. Lunch cruise on the Zambezi River. This afternoon, enjoy a tour on foot of the falls. Tonight, enjoy dinner and spend the night at a four-star hotel LS.

Day 9: Victoria Falls

Breakfast.

Optional early morning excursion: Soar over Victoria Falls in a helicopter (must be booked before departure). End of our services at the hotel.

All inclusive onboard

All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar

Refined local cuisine

Official welcome from the captain and crew

Tour leader or cruise director on board

Onboard activities and/or lectures

Travel assistance and repatriation insurance

All port fees included

Cruise highlights

An intimate experience on board a luxury 5 anchor ship, welcoming you in a refined and comfortable atmosphere

Enjoy the stillness of a magical, luxurious lodge with spacious bungalows and private swimming pool

Transfers by private plane, a unique view across on the savannah and Lake Kariba

Unique cruise on Lake Kariba through emblematic and mysterious landscapes

Land and water safaris in Chobé and Matusadona National Parks

The grandness of Victoria Falls is waiting for you, on foot or on board a helicopter (optional)

Your Ship: RV Zimbabwean Dream

Built in 2020, the RV Zimbabwean Dream is one of the gems of the CroisiEurope fleet with a magnificent setting for a dream safari-cruise in Southern Africa, overflowing with history and wildlife. A real cocoon of charm and elegance.

Combining elegance and exoticism, comfort and refinement, the RV Zimbabwean Dream is a luxury cruise ship, which sails on Lake Kariba. The ship measures 33 m long and 8 m wide, and can accommodate 16 passengers, in 8 cabins with a size of 17 m2. Of all cabins, 6 are with a French balcony and 2 with a small private terrace, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The spacious areas and large windows give the ship a bright  appearance. The interior is decorated with noble wood and local fabrics and blends in perfectly with the splendid surrounding landscapes. Situated on the upper deck are a small pool, the restaurant and lounge / bar where binoculars are available for wildlife and flora watching. The sun deck remains the ideal place to relax and admire Southern Africa’s magnificent sites, which are among the most beautiful in the world.

Enquire Now!

All fares are displayed in Great British Pound and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.