Adventures in Africa: Victoria Falls, Botswana, Johannesburg & Mauritius - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

Welcome to Victoria Falls, a Zimbabwean town that serves as the gateway to the breathtaking cascade of the same name. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your eco-friendly lodge to check in. Then, enjoy some free time relaxing by the pool or in the lounge until this afternoon's sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Board the Zambezi Explorer and head to the Signature Deck on the uppermost level for the best view. Relax in the deep-set couches and enjoy uninterrupted panoramas from the 19-foot (6 m) elevation.

Order a cocktail, craft beer, or African wine from the mixologist to go with your delicious canapés while you wait for the sun to set around you. Before it gets too dark, look out for elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. Then, watch the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples, reflecting beautifully on the river's surface, as the sun dips below the horizon. After 2.5 hours on the water, return to your lodge for the night.

Day 2: Visit an Elephant Sanctuary, Lunch at Lookout Café, Tour Victoria Falls

Start your day with a visit to the Zambezi Elephant Welfare and Conservation Trust to observe African elephants in their natural habitat. The trust is dedicated to the protection, welfare, and preservation of elephant populations through community engagement, education, and sustainable tourism. Watch the gentle giants play, bathe, and roll in the mud as you learn more about their skills and behaviors. You'll also learn about the many challenges elephants face in the wild and how you can help. Give them a natural treat before sitting back with refreshments overlooking the waterhole.

Then, head to Lookout Café, perched on the edge of the spectacular Batoka Gorge, for a delicious lunch featuring African flavors and international cuisine. After refueling, it's time to see the iconic Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means "The Smoke that Thunders." Spend 2.5 hours following your guide through Victoria Falls National Park to admire the cascade from every angle. Soaked by the waterfall's powerful mist, return to the park's entrance to browse a craft market full of high-quality items created by local artisans that make great souvenirs to take home. 

Day 3: Transfer to Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Say goodbye to Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe this morning as you transfer one hour to Kasane in Botswana. You'll cross the border again into Namibia in order to board the Chobe Princess, an elegant houseboat, and begin your final 30-45-minute transfer along the Chobe River (which is the natural border) to Muchenje Safari Lodge on the edge of Botswana's Chobe National Park. With panoramic views of the river and seasonal floodplains from the luxurious lodge, you'll often see elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species without even leaving the property.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool and enjoying the view before sitting down for dinner in the communal dining area. If you prefer a more intimate experience, you can enjoy your meal in the pergola overlooking the pool. When darkness falls, sit around the fire pit with a drink and look up at the star-filled sky uninterrupted by city lights.

Day 4: Explore Chobe National Park on Guided Tours

Wake to the sound of distant bird calls and the occasional trumpet of elephants and choose from a range of activities to discover the national park. You may want to start your day with a sunrise boat cruise along the Chobe River when wildlife is most active. As you glide along the calm waters, watch the morning mist slowly rise and the golden light of dawn reveal herds of elephants coming to the riverbanks to drink and bathe while hippos, crocodiles, and antelope move through the surrounding grasslands. The river also teems with birdlife, from African fish eagles to colorful kingfishers darting through the air. 

Return to the lodge for an extensive homemade brunch and some free time by the pool before enjoying afternoon tea and setting off on a fishing trip to catch tiger fish, tilapia, or catfish. If fishing isn't your thing, consider a visit to a village in Namibia instead. Your guide will teach you about the region's rich history, explaining the people and their culture while you appreciate their unique buildings. Stop at a local market to shop for handmade goods and take a piece of Namibia home with you. Return to the lodge in time for a drink at sunset, then enjoy dinner under the star-studded sky.

Day 5: Explore Chobe National Park on Guided Tours

Spend another day exploring the national park, opting for an early morning game drive through the diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands to open savannas. Keep an eye out for herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, or powerful lions on the prowl. You may also be able to find leopards lounging in trees or stealthily moving through the underbrush. If you like birds, you'll be pleased to know there are over 450 species in the park, including white-backed vultures, marabou storks, and African gray hornbills. Return to the lodge for brunch, then enjoy a much-deserved nap.

When you wake up, consider joining your guide on a bush walk for a closer look at the park's diverse ecosystems. Your guide will teach you about the local flora and fauna, how to identify animal tracks, and the conservation challenges facing the park and its wildlife. While you walk, you may see antelopes resting in the shade, buffalo moving through the bush, or crocodiles sunning themselves by the river. As the sun starts to set, return to the lodge to enjoy a cold drink before sitting down for your final dinner in the national park. 

Day 6: Transfer to the Okavango Delta, Explore the UNESCO Site

Trade one of Botswana's natural wonders for another this morning as you transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest inland deltas in the world. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to Camp Okavango, a luxurious camp nestled along the banks of the delta. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or opt for a visit to Kadizora Camp and choose from a range of activities, such as open-vehicle safaris, walking safaris, boat cruises, fishing, or a visit to a traditional village.

If you opt for a boat cruise, glide gently through the winding channels and lagoons surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, including large herds of elephants splashing in the water and buoyant hippos bobbing beneath the surface. Choosing a walking safari means you'll get a close-up look at smaller wildlife, such as duikers and bushbabies, with buffalo and antelope in the distance. Whichever activity you pick, you'll return to your camp for dinner in the communal dining area or al fresco under the stars, enjoying views of the delta while you dine.

Day 7: Game Drives & Boat Tours in the Okavango Delta

Head to Kanana Lodge this morning for another day exploring the Okavango Delta. Start with a game drive or boat cruise to search for elusive predators returning from their nightly hunt, like lions, hyenas, and leopards. You'll also see animals waking up and searching for food before it gets too hot, including zebras, giraffes, and impalas. In addition to morning game drives, Kanana's private concession location allows for guided walks, mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions, and night drives.

If you want to travel like a local, opt for a mokoro ride along the delta. Guided by a skilled poler who navigates the canoe through the shallow waters, glide through the lush landscape for an up-close look at the area's flora and fauna. Learn about the local Tswana people who have used mokoros for fishing and transportation for centuries while you look out for elephants, hippos, and various bird species along the banks. End the day with a nighttime game drive equipped with spotlights to search for more elusive creatures that roam the savanna under the cover of night.

Day 8: Fly to Johannesburg (South Africa) via Kasane, Soweto Storytelling

Bid farewell to the Okavango Delta and Botswana this morning as you transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight to Kasane. There, you'll catch a 1.5-hour flight to Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city. Check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time before this evening's visit to Soweto, once a segregated neighborhood for the city's Black population during Apartheid, where now over a million residents freely reside.

Spend the evening listening to firsthand accounts of Soweto's history from the township's residents, including freedom fighters, students from the 1976 CE uprising, and other key historical figures. Enjoy live art performances and music as you feast on a traditional African dinner around the fire and under the starry night sky.

Day 9: Fly to Mauritius, Enjoy a Free Afternoon

After a restful night in Johannesburg, transfer back to the airport for a 4-5-hour flight to Mauritius, a tropical island in the Indian Ocean known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes. Check in at The Bay Guest House & Restaurant, located along the west coast in Black River, and enjoy a welcome drink. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or on the white-sand beach. When you get hungry, visit the hotel's beachside restaurant and choose from a range of Mauritian and international dishes paired with locally crafted drinks.

Day 10: Hike to the Summit of Le Morne Brabant

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to climb to the peak of Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a certified guide. Start with a 25-minute transfer to the village of Le Morne and follow the 1.9-mile (3 km) trail to the top. The route starts with a gentle ascent through tropical forests filled with vibrant flora and fauna. As you progress, the path becomes steeper and more challenging, with rocky sections requiring careful footing and occasional scrambling. When you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the glittering ocean, white sandy beaches, and towering mountains. 

After the 3.5-4-hour hike, your driver will be waiting for you at the bottom of the mountain to take you to a restaurant of your choice for lunch. Afterward, it's time to relax on Le Morne Beach, characterized by its soft, powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or partaking in water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, or pedal boating. At the end of the day, your driver will drop you off at your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 11: Catamaran Cruise Around the Island, Stop at Île aux Cerfs

One of the best ways to see Mauritius is from the water, so today, you'll transfer 1.5 hours to the idyllic fishing village of Trou d'Eau Douce on the east coast to board a catamaran. Sail south across the multi-hued waters of the Indian Ocean until your captain finds the perfect snorkeling spot. Don your gear and jump in the warm waters in search of vibrant coral reefs for colorful fish, moray eels, and even sea turtles.

Back on board, continue sailing to the Grand River, where you'll find a romantic waterfall. After admiring the cascade, sail north to Île aux Cerfs, which translates to Deer Island in English, a paradise of lush vegetation and white-sand beaches. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board overlooking the island, then disembark for some free time on the pristine beaches. Then, sail back to the jetty around 3:30 pm and transfer to your hotel.

Day 12: Swim With Wild Dolphins, Volcanic Wonders Tour

This morning's activity is sure to be a memorable one as you'll swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. After a safety briefing explaining the onboard protocols, guidelines for sustainable dolphin watching, and how to swim safely with the dolphins, you'll jump on a catamaran or speedboat and zip off to Tamarin Bay, where you can see pods of 20 or so bottlenose and spinner dolphins. When ready, hop in the water and swim alongside these magnificent creatures. If time allows, you can also go snorkeling in search of tropical fish among the corals. 

Day 13: Colourful South Tour

If you didn't go on yesterday's volcanic wonders tour, you'll have a chance to see some of the highlights today. Start with a leisurely walk along the crater of Trou-Aux-Cerfs, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Then, head to Voiliers de l'Ocean to watch local artisans painstakingly create replicas of 18th-century sailing ships. Next up is Grand Bassin, where you'll see the array of temples and impressive statues of Hindu deities. Follow the Black River Gorges National Park's winding roads to a local restaurant, where you can enjoy lunch with a spectacular view over the coastline.

As you continue through pineapple and sugar cane fields, stop to discover Chamarel Waterfall and the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark. Try to spot all seven colors—red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow—across the dunes, resulting from the weathering of volcanic rock. On the return journey, look out at the iconic Le Morne Brabant and Île aux Benitiers off the coast.

Day 14: Depart Mauritius

Spend your final few hours in Mauritius relaxing on the beach or discovering more of the island's southern coast on your own, starting with a visit to the coastal village of Bel Ombre. When you arrive, you can wander down the waterfront or visit a 19th-century sugar mill, standing as a testament to the village's sugar-producing past. Explore the rustic charm of the mill, surrounded by lush sugar cane fields, and learn how the crop shaped the island's identity.

After exploring the village, continue 30 minutes east to Gris Gris Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and powerful waves. Due to the strong currents, you can't swim here, but you can enjoy fresh seafood cooked the Mauritian way, overlooking the water. When it's time, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!