Luxury on African waters: Chobe River Island Lodge, boutique cruise on Lake Kariba, Victoria Falls

Land Tour

Indulge in the epitome of luxury, led by Margaret and offering an intimate voyage on an opulent 5-anchor ship that welcomes you into a refined and comfortable atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of a magical, luxurious lodge on an island on the Chobe River - boasting spacious bungalows, each with a private swimming pool.
Your journey unfolds with seamless transfers via a private plane, treating you to a unique aerial view of the African bush below and the breathtaking Lake Kariba.
Embark on a unique cruise across Lake Kariba, traversing emblematic and mysterious landscapes that promise a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Explore the pristine beauty of Chobe and Matusadona National Parks through captivating land and water safaris, encountering the rich wildlife that call these parks home.
The grandeur of Victoria Falls awaits you, offering the option to experience its awe-inspiring beauty on foot or from above, aboard a helicopter. Throughout your journey, savor the exquisite flavors of refined local cuisine with all meals included, complemented by an inclusive selection of drinks. 

Elevate your travel experience with us, where every moment is curated for your utmost comfort and enjoyment.

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Exclusions: Flights not mentioned as included, Airport taxes apart from the one mentioned in the inclusions, Visas, Insurance, Gratuities, Any items of a personal nature, Any items not specifically mentioned in our quote

Tour details Collapse
Tour Provider Journeys Worldwide
Number Of Days
10
Price From
$16,950
Price per person, twin share
Start Location
Johannesburg, South Africa
End Location
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Age Range
Avg. 45+
Group Size
2 to 12
Tour Style
Luxury
Tour Themes
River/Small ship/Barge, Small group
Physical Rating
Easy
Itinerary Expand all
Day 1 - Welcome to Africa!

We’ll meet up at the hotel at 11:30 a.m.
After lunch, departure by coach with your guide. We'll visit the Apartheid Museum 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 some of the tallest buildings and widest social discrepancies, but is also infused with one of the best atmospheres you’ll ever come across.
Overnight 5* hotel

Day 2 - Johannesburg to Chobe National Park, Botswana

We’ll take a regular flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana.
Here, you’ll be transferred from the airport to your 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 - River Lodge, Chobe National Park

We’ll journey out on a full-day safari in 4wd vehicles, to explore the Chobe National Park that is home to a large elephant population.
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 - River Lodge, Chobe National Park

Join us for a trip to authentic villages on Impalila Island, Namibia, to discover the traditional Namibian houses 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 - Luxury cruise on Lake Kariba

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 your 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 flat lands, hills and forests alike, creating unique and emblematic landscapes.
We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.    

Day 6 - Luxury cruise on Lake Kariba
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 - Luxury cruise on Lake Kariba

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 are the legendary African Fish 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 - Kariba to Victoria Falls

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 in 1955 to form Lake Kariba. Today, the dam serves as a source of electric power for 70% of Zimbabwe. You’ll get to discover the history and legends surrounding the creation of the lake, including the tale of NyamiNyami, the river god.
We’ll fly out to Victoria Falls on board private planes.
Enjoy an exceptional lunch cruise on the Zambezi River, upstream from the falls.
This afternoon, we’ll leave for a tour on foot of the falls where the views are among the most exceptional in the world. We’ll see where the Zambezi River plunges over the cliff to become the widest waterfall in the world, creating the “smoke that thunders.”
Tonight, enjoy dinner and spend the night at a four-star hotel

Day 9 - Victoria Falls

Day free to explore and make the most of just some of all that is on offer

Day 10 Depart

Itinerary ends after breakfast - consider adding a few more days in Victoria Falls to enjoy the myriad of different options available. Maybe also extend to a safari in Zambia or Botswana, or some days unwinding in beautiful Cape Town.

Inclusions Expand
Domestic flight Johannesburg/Kasane - airport taxes
Accommodation in a double cabin
Double-occupancy accommodations in a first-class lodge and in 4-and-5* hotels
All meals as per itinerary
In Johannesburg and Victoria falls, drinks include: 1 water, 1 glass of local wine* or 1 soda or 1 local beer*, 1 tea or coffee per person and per meal
Excursions mentioned in the program
Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
Tips : To make your vacation worry-free, the equivalent of €20 per passenger will be given to service providers in your destination countries (excluding tips for crew members on board the ship and at the lodge) as tips. We feel this amount is appropriate in consideration of local customs and practice.
Drinks served at meals and drinks served at the bar on the ship on Lake Kariba and at the lodge in Chobe
Departure dates Expand
Price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
10 Jul 2025 20 Jul 2025 Max 8 $16,950

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