Day 1 — Depart the U.S. for Johannesburg, South Africa

Day 2 — Arrive in Johannesburg

Upon arrival transfer to the hotel in the suburb of Rosebank, where your room will be ready for your early check-in. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, no group activities have been planned during the day. (B)

Day 3 — Johannesburg and Soweto

Meet your fellow travelers today and embark on a full-day tour of the Soweto district of Johannesburg. See the home of former Archbishop Desmond Tutu; visit Nelson Mandela’s home, which is now a museum; and tour moving Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, and learn more about apartheid and the Soweto uprising of 1976. After lunch, hear stories from a local Sowetan who was present during the uprising. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Johannesburg and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Fly to Livingstone, Zambia, then transfer to Victoria Falls and the deluxe hotel located in the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. View the thundering falls, first “discovered” by David Livingstone and claimed for Queen Victoria in 1855. With its 300-foot-deep gorge and soaking spray, “Vic” Falls is a wonder of the natural world. (B,D)

Day 5 — Victoria Falls

Enjoy a small group highlight: a game drive to spot the elusive black rhino. This experience serves to educate visitors about the increasing threats to Africa’s wildlife. Late afternoon embark on a “Sundowner” dinner cruise on the Zambezi. (B,D)

Day 6 — Victoria Falls

Take a guided tour of the Victoria Falls bridge and learn about its construction from atop the catwalks. This afternoon is at leisure at the deluxe lodge with its own watering hole and outdoor pool. Tonight hear a fascinating guest speaker on "The Story of David Livingstone." (B,D)

*Please note: Previous accommodation at The Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls has changed due to property renovations. 

Day 7 — Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park, Botswana

This morning travel two hours by motorcoach to Botswana and Chobe National Park, boasting one of the largest concentrations of game in all of Africa. After settling in and enjoying lunch at your lodge, embark this afternoon on a game-viewing boat safari on the Chobe River, where you may see hippo, crocodiles, some of the park’s 450 species of birds (including the Sacred ibis, Carmine Bee-eaters, Fish Eagle, and Kingfisher) and perhaps a beautiful Chobe sunset. Dine tonight at the lodge.  (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Chobe National Park

Known for its diverse terrain that attracts an exceptional array of wildlife – including the world’s largest elephant population (some 120,000), along with zebra, lion, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, and buffalo – Chobe covers 7,270 square miles of protected parkland. See a portion of this natural wonder on this morning’s game drive and this afternoon’s boat safari. (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Chobe National Park

Settle into a comfortable routine, with early morning and late afternoon game drives. In between game viewing activities, enjoy the amenities of the lodge on the banks of the Chobe River, adjacent to the park itself. (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Chobe National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Board a privately chartered plane for the 1½-hour flight to Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia’s newest reserve (since 1983) and, as the former private sanctuary of Zambia’s president, the least developed. Here in one of Africa’s last stretches of pristine wilderness get closer to the animals than anywhere else. This afternoon engage in some of the lodge’s game viewing activities that include open vehicle game drives, fishing, guided canoe trips, bush walks, and boat safaris. (B,L,D)

Day 11 — Lower Zambezi National Park

A day of game viewing activities await in this 1,600 square mile park on the southern end of Zambia known for its 100-strong elephant herds, unusually large prides of lion, plus buffalo, waterbuck, antelope, zebra, crocodile, and hippos. Together with Zimbabwe’s renowned Mana Pools Reserve situated across the river, the Lower Zambezi National Park forms a massive sanctuary and World Heritage site where you’ll enjoy unparalleled game and bird viewing. (B,L,D)

Day 12 — Lower Zambezi National Park

From the 14-room luxury lodge on the banks of the Zambezi, take part in game viewing activities in this lush riverine environment of 50 mammal species and 400 bird species. With the Zambezi River, abundant game on the valley floor, and the Zambezi Escarpment as a backdrop, the Lower Zambezi National Park offers a dramatic setting for game viewing ... as does the lodge, where animals roam freely on the grounds. Tonight celebrate your wildlife adventure at a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 13 — Lower Zambezi National Park, Lusaka, Depart for U.S.

Travel by private charter flight today to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, you'll have a day room to rest before this evening's flight to the United States. (B)

Day 14 — Arrive in the U.S.

Arrive in the U.S. this morning and connect with your flights home.