Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to/from a local International Airport
• Roundtrip airfare between a local international airport and Johannesburg, South Africa
• Internal flights within Africa
• Roundtrip transfers - airport/hotel
• 14-night hotel accommodations
• Meals: 13 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
• Admission fees for Wild Horizons Park
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by open-air vehicles, boats, and motorcoaches
• Services of a professional AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Manager, Driver, and local hosts (Tour Manager will meet the group in Victoria Falls)
• Gratuities for the AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Visit three African Nations- South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe
• Chobe National Park
• Three Cruises on the Chobe River
• Hwange National Park
• Morning Game Drive OR Game Walk
• Private Lake Kariba Safari Boat
• Victoria Falls
• Six Game Drives & Game Cruises
• Home Hosted Meal

Itinerary

Thursday, February 26, 2026: Depart for Johannesburg, South Africa

Transfer by motorcoach from Central PA to a local International Airport for an overnight flight* to Johannesburg, South Africa. 

*Air schedule will be shared once available.  Group air schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit. 

Friday, February 27, 2026: Johannesburg, South Africa

Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city! This afternoon, transfer to your hotel for the evening and enjoy a relaxing evening before your adventure in search of the Big 5 begins. Hotel: Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre or Tambo, Johannesburg

Saturday, February 28, 2026: Johannesburg - Victoria Falls, ZW - Chobe National Park, Botswana 

This morning, board a plane for a short flight to Victoria Falls, where you will meet your Tour Manager before continuing to your lodge for the next three nights in Botswana. Enjoy time at leisure at the lodge before gathering with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Hotel: Chobe Bush Lodge, Kasane (Breakfast, Dinner)

Sunday, March 1, 2026: Chobe National Park 

Rise early with the sounds of the local wildlife ahead of your first game drive in Chobe National Park, an excellent location to search for the Big 5. You and your fellow travelers will ride in open-air vehicles with a local expert who will be able to tell you all about the creatures you’ll see along the way. Later in the morning, enjoy some free time, either at the lodge or to drive into the nearby town of Kasane. After lunch at the lodge, return to your private boat and take to the waters of the Chobe River, in search of elephants and aquatic birds whilst sipping on cool beverages. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Monday, March 2, 2026: Chobe National Park 

Begin your day early with a private game cruise on the Chobe River and see the animals visiting the water first thing in the morning. After your search, return for some free time at the lodge, perhaps relaxing at the pool or stopping by their beauty salon. After lunch this afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may spot buffalo, hyenas, or zebras. Later, enjoy a dinner cruise along the gentle waters of the Chobe River during an exclusive boat ride with your fellow travelers. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tuesday, March 3, 2026: Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Hwange National Park 

Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Chobe National Park. After breakfast, take a 90-minute drive to Victoria Falls, where we will stop for lunch. Savor fresh, local ingredients while you look over the gorge to the Zambezi River below. Next, it’s off to Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, for a late afternoon game drive. This national park is home to over 100 types of mammals and 400 bird species, giving you the chance to look out for cheetahs, lions, giraffes and so much more. Hotel: Iganyana Tented Camp, Hwange (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Wednesday, March 4, 2026: Hwange National Park 

Today is another early day in search of the Big 5. After breakfast, spend a full day on a game drive in Hwange National Park. By enjoying a picnic lunch break, you can venture deep into the bushland and maximize your chances to spot buffalo, elephants and other animals gathering in the park. Return to the lodge for dinner. You’ll savor your meal and the memories of the day’s extensive safari. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Thursday, March 5, 2026: Hwange National Park 

This morning, search for the Big 5 your way, because  it’s your choice! Return to an open-air vehicle and enjoy a morning game drive OR join an expert national park guide on a game walk, giving you the rare opportunity to search for wildlife up close, including seeing some plants, insects, and reptiles you may not spot otherwise. After, return to the lodge and relax over tea and pastries. This afternoon, you will be returning to the park for another glimpse into the animal kingdom. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Friday, March 6, 2026: Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls - Lake Kariba 

Enjoy a final morning in the park before driving to Lake Kariba, the world’s largest artificial lake. Board "Zambezi Trader", your private safari boat which will be your home for the next three nights. With limited access to technology, revel in the experience of floating along the still waters, seeing breathtaking sunsets, and searching for local wildlife in the water. Hotel: Zambezi Cruise & Safaris, Harare (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Saturday, March 7, 2026: Lake Kariba 

Trade in your safari boat for a smaller tender boat, perfectly sized to cruise upriver channels off the lake. You will return to the safari boat for brunch. Later, enjoy the chance to try your hand at fishing in Lake Kariba from a tender boat on an afternoon game cruise. Before having dinner on Zambezi Trader, your safari boat, take time to admire the stunning red and orange hues of the setting sun over Lake Kariba. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Sunday, March 8, 2026: Lake Kariba 

Start your day relaxed as you sail past the unspoiled wilderness and rugged scenery. Savour brunch later this morning and enjoy a trip and chance to fish on tender boats in the afternoon. This evening, you and your fellow travelers will take to the shore and enjoy a barbecue dinner on the beach. The stargazing conditions overhead, coupled with the delicious meal, will be a dining experience you won’t soon forget. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Monday, March 9, 2026: Lake Kariba - Victoria Falls 

Your safari boat experience will come to a close this morning as you drive back to Victoria Falls. Upon arriving at the Ilala Lodge, enjoy lunch. Then grab your poncho because this afternoon you will visit the exhilarating natural wonder of Victoria Falls! At 5,600 feet wide and 354 feet tall, this waterfall is one of the world’s largest. Hotel: Ilala Loge, Victoria Falls (Breakfast, Lunch)

Tuesday, March 10, 2026: Victoria Falls 

This morning, start your day with a visit to Chinotimba township. Visit a local market, where you can barter for goods and experience daily life. After, you will visit the modest home of a local family for lunch. Your host will prepare an authentic, simple meal with you and share what life is like in around Victoria Falls. Following your home visit, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Perhaps you will join an optional tour taking a relaxing cruise on the Zambezi River, a body of water that separates Zimbabwe and Zambia whose banks are frequented by the local animals. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Wednesday, March 11, 2026: Victoria Falls

Your last full day on tour will bring you up close to elephants at a local sanctuary. Hear stories from these gentle giants’ caretakers and learn about the efforts to understand, care for, and protect these intelligent and inspiring creatures, all while marveling at the animals interacting and walking by their side. Continue learning about animal conservation and care with a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, AAA Member Choice Vacation’® Impact Moment. The staff at the VFWT will review some of the incredible work they do, ranging from wildlife rehabilitation to community outreach and disease research. You will have the afternoon free to do as you wish. This evening, you will join your fellow travelers for a 3-course farewell dinner under the stars on the bank of the Zambezi River.** (Breakfast, Dinner)

** Farwell Dinner location is weather dependent and will be moved indoors as needed.

Thursday, March 12, 2026: Victoria Falls - Johannesburg, South Africa – Central PA

Farewell to your safari companions as you depart your African adventure and transfer to Johannesburg for your return flight* back to Central PA. (Breakfast)

*Group air schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit. 

*Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without advanced notice and or compensation.

Tour Activity Level: 4

Active- This is a fast-paced trip with longer days and shorter periods of time to rest. Longer walking tours up to 3-5 hours in length and over 10,000 steps along varied types of terrain are typical. High altitude destinations and moderate temperatures may be featured. This trip can include frequent physically challenging activities. This activity level is not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions.

This tour includes several early morning game drives with departures before 6:00 a.m. When traveling in Africa you will encounter full days of sightseeing, frequently in warm temperatures. In order to fully experience the wildlife, you will be traveling by safari vehicle which requires climbing in and out frequently and travel on bumpy and dusty roads. You will also use tender boats to better access wildlife viewing while in Lake Kariba. To experience Africa fully, we recommend that all guests be in reasonably good health and prepare properly. This level is not appropriate for travelers who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility assistance devices as well as those that require an oxygen tank.

General Information

Travel Documents

U.S. citizens must travel with an original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with multiple blank visa pages for visa stamp(s).

You must have at least 4 blank pages remaining in your passport for entry stamps issued for South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. South Africa requires two blank visa pages facing each other. Failure to have two consecutive blank pages will result in being denied boarding of your international flight.

Zimbabwe requires a valid multiple entry visa. A double entry visa is approximately $45 USD (subject to change) and it is recommended to be purchased at the port of entry.

Please note: Malaria pills are recommended with visiting Zimbabwe and Botswana. Consult your physician 2-3 weeks prior to departure.

Additional vaccinations and travel requirements may be required. As travel policies are rapidly changing, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your travel advisor for additional information.

Payment

A deposit of $698 per person will confirm your reservation. Final Payment is due to AAA by  Nov 14, 2025.

Cancellation/Penalties

Deposit date to day of departure $25 per person, plus...
From July 28 – Nov 28, 2025 - $698.00 per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From Nov 29 – Feb 10, 2025 - 40% per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From Feb 11 – Feb 25, 2025 - 75% per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees

After Feb 25, 2025 - 100% NON-REFUNDABLE
*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment.

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airlines(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures in South Africa in February in the upper 70s. Pack for a variety of temperatures. In Zimbabwe and Botswana expect average high 80s. Casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommend. Good sun protection, including hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and rainwear are recommended.

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. Due to internal flights within Africa the baggage weight is 40lbs. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP1326

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