Explore the Waterways of Southern Africa

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A safari and cruise through Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa reveals some of the continent’s top highlights; Big Five safaris and incredible bird life, a cruise down the Chobe River, the mesmerizing Victoria Falls, all topped off with a few days in cosmopolitan Cape Town.

Suggested Journey at a Glance: 22 days/21 nights in Johannesburg, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Chobe, Livingstone, Sabi Sand, and Cape Town

This suggestion is just one of many ways to see southern Africa on your own customized Ker & Downey safari. Our designers are at their best when crafting a journey unique to you; contact us to get started planning, and read on to see one example of what’s possible on our Waterways of Southern African safari and cruise.

Safari and Cruise in Botswana

Your journey starts in Botswana, where you’ll explore four distinct areas of the country. Begin in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the most unique bio-diversities in Southern Africa. This desert landscape gives refuge to wildlife like the Kalahari lion, springbok, Oryx, honey badger, and brown hyena. From your base at Dinaka, your activities center around game drives and bush walks. Our designers have repeatedly said the bushman walk at Dinaka is one of the most authentic they’ve ever experienced.

After exploring the Kalahari, head north to the Moremi Game Reserve, one of the most incredible wildlife reserves in the world with consistent game viewing year-round. In addition to safaris in special vehicles built for unhindered views, explore the open lagoons and winding channels of the delta by motorboat.

On your safari and cruise take a short flight across the delta takes you to the remote reaches of the region for a secluded safari experience in one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The Okavango Delta is the lifeblood of Botswana, with its channels drawing large concentrations of wildlife, massive herds of elephant, and migratory birds. Game drives are popular here, but the best way to experience the incredible wildlife of the region is on foot or gliding silently through the delta on a mokoro.

Next, board the Zambezi Queen for a three-night safari and cruise on the Chobe River. From the comfort of the luxurious 14-cabin vessel, watch wildlife gather on the banks of the river at dusk, or jump into a small boat for a water-based safari. Hippo, crocodile, a dazzling array of birdlife, and approximately 120,000 elephants can be found along the banks of the Chobe River.

Zambia

Continue your journey exploring the amazing waterways of southern Africa in Livingstone on the banks of the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls, known to the locals at Mosi-oa-Tunya or the “smoke that thunders,” is one of the most popular sights in southern Africa. The falls, which are one mile wide, have a volume of two million gallons per second that tear down a vertical drop of 300 feet. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with a walk through the knife edge bridge, which gives a breathtaking views up the main gorge and of the eastern cataract, or walk down the stairs to the Boiling Pot for a view from the base of the falls. This is a great addition to any South African safari and cruise itinerary.

South Africa

Head south to the Sabi Sand Reserve for a Big Five safari. Of the Big Five, the leopard is the most elusive of all, however the Sabi Sand is well known for its abundance of the African cat. From the luxurious Savanna Lodge, set out on educational and intimate game drives with rangers and trackers passionate about the wildlife. In addition to the Big Five, you can expect to find cheetah, wild dog, hippo, and over 400 species of bird in the area.

Round out your journey through southern Africa with three nights in Cape Town at the Cape Grace on the V&A Waterfront. You’ll find an abundance of things to do and see in Cape Town. A tour of the city takes you to sites like Table Mountain, Castle of Good Hope, and the vibrant Greenmarket Square. A private tour of Cape Point and the Peninsula reveals one of the world’s most scenic areas as you travel along the Atlantic Seaboard and Victoria Drive to Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives.

 

Custom Safari and Cruise to Southern Africa

Ready to take your own Southern Africa safari and cruise? Contact a Ker & Downey designer to customize your own journey. Read more about the seasonality and pricing on the Ker & Downey Difference.

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