An Amazing Adventure Amongst the Animals of the Savanna

From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, enjoy a unique experience!

  • Expedition / Adventure
  • River Cruise

An Amazing Adventure Amongst the Animals of the Savanna


Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity on an incredible safari cruise in the heart of Southern Africa. Enjoy cruising on the Zambezi river and safaris in the Savanna on your 9-day trip. Discover the exceptional landscapes of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe! Observe the diversity of wildlife (zebras, lions, wildebeest...), savour the delicious local cuisine and stand in awe of the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world!

Cruise Highlights

  • A safari journeying through beautiful national parks.
  • Visiting lake Kariba and discovering its wonderful wildlife.
  • Seeing the incredible Victoria Falls.
5 5.0 · 1 reviews

Hotel

Your trip begins with a three-night stay at the Cascades lodge. Located in the heart of a private island and surrounded by the Zambezi, this little corner of paradise offers all the comforts of a high standard hotel. Enjoy a meal in the restaurant with fellow travellers! The lodge's open terrace offers an exceptional panoramic view of the surrounding nature.

The lodge has the following services and amenities:
• Terrace overlooking the rapids of the Zambezi River• Restaurant• Lounge bar• Loan of fishing equipment• Wifi connection (free)• Insecticide sprays• Flashlight• Laundry service (extra charge)

Your room

Cabin

The lodge is made up of 8 bungalows of approximately 80 m², equipped with a king size double bed, a private swimming pool, a large terrace with deckchairs and a panoramic view of the river. All bungalows are air-conditioned and have a lounge area, a television, a kettle, an espresso machine, a minibar, 220 V sockets, a hair dryer, a bathroom with a bathtub and an outdoor shower.

Your Boat

  • African Dream
  • 8 total cabins
  • 16 people max
  • 9 crew members

Sail on the African Dream on your incredible journey in Southern Africa. This colonial-style boat measures 33 metres long, 8 metres wide and has three decks. All the cabins and the wheelhouse are located on the main deck. The upper deck includes a reception area, a restaurant, a comfortable lounge bar and a small swimming pool, ideal for relaxing at the end of the day. From the sun deck, enjoy breathtaking views of the shores of Lake Kariba.

  • Reception
  • Restaurant
  • Lounge bar
  • Television
  • Deckchairs
  • Outdoor sofas
  • Small swimming pool
Layout

The owner reserves the right to replace with a different boat model of the same quality and performance

Your Cabin

Cabin

This boat has 8 cabins, including 2 with balconies. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with a double bed or two twin beds, a safe, electrical outlets (220 V), an adapter (covering the majority of countries), a hair dryer and a bathroom with a private toilet.

Note: Some cabins can accommodate an extra bed (150 cm x 80 cm) and are suitable for two adults and one child (under 12).

Itinerary of your cruise

This extraordinary journey combines safaris and cruises in breathtaking landscapes. You will come across exotic animals on your travels that you had always imagined seeing! Spot the big five: the lion, the rhino, the buffalo, the elephant and the leopard. Discover cheetahs, wildebeest, hippos, warthogs and many bird species also.

Map
South Africa

DAY 1: Johannesburg (South Africa)
Your 9-day adventure begins at 11:30am when you drop off your belongings at the hotel and go for lunch in the city centre. We will then take you to visit the Apartheid Museum, inaugurated in 2001. You will travel back in time to understand this period (1948-1994) of racial segregation. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city which welcomed Nelson Mandela. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the lodge.

DAY 2: Johannesburg - Kasane - Cascade Island (South Africa - Botswana)
In the morning, you will be dropped at the airport for your Johannesburg / Kasane (Botswana) flight. When you land, you will take a transfer to your lodge, located on Cascade Island. When crossing the Zambezi, you will see several species of birds flying overhead. You may also spot hippos or crocodiles! Once you have reached the island, relax and take in the calming nature of your surroundings. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the lodge.

DAY 3: Chobe National Park (Namibia - Botswana)
You will leave the lodge and head towards Chobé National Park, on the Namibian border. The park alone homes more than a quarter of the pachyderms (mammals with thick skin) of the African continent. You will take a 4x4 safari through the Savanna. Pay attention to movements in the tall grass, you may spot an animal in camouflage! You will have lunch in a "floating restaurant" located on the Chobe River, while observing the local hippos. Hop on a small boat to get closer to certain animals, such as elephants! Your water safari will end near the Sedudu Island wetlands. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the lodge.

DAY 4: Impalila Island (Namibia)
Spend the morning visiting several villages located on Impalila Island. You will get to experience a real immersion in the local culture, the inhabitants will be delighted to share their daily life with you. You will eat lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, we offer several activities: spend free time at the lodge to relax in the pool and on the deckchairs, or discover the Zambezi in a private boat. After dinner at the lodge, a local from Impalila will teach you about the customs and traditions of their people. Spend the night at the lodge.

DAY 5: Waterfall lodge - Kasane - Lake Kariba (Namibia - Botswana - Zimbabwe)
You will depart early for a new nautical safari in Chobe Park and another chance to observe the animals of the bush. Enjoy lunch before heading to Kasane airport for your flight to Kariba. During the journey, admire the varied landscapes and Lake Kariba. When you arrive, you will be transferred to the boat and taken to your cabin. Sailing begins in the afternoon. The artificial lake of Kariba was created at the same time as the Kariba dam. It covers more than 5,500 km² of land and is the second largest artificial lake in the world. Enjoy dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 6: Lake Kariba - Navigation on the Gache-Gache River (Zimbabwe)
The boat sets sail at dawn and navigates around dried trees. In calm weather, the lake acts as a mirror and you can enjoy the serene surroundings. Next, explore the Gache-Gache River on a small boat. You will have the opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles and more in their natural environments. Eat lunch on board, before heading towards Changa. In the evening, you will take a small boat to see an incredible sunset, as magnificent colours of the sun reflect on the water. Enjoy dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 7: Lake Kariba - Matusadona National Park (Zimbabwe)
Your journey continues with a safari in Matusadona National Park. Located south of the shores of Lake Kariba, this large 1,400 km² park is the natural habitat of hundreds of species of wild animals (rhinos, buffaloes, elephants, zebras, etc.), and various species of birds (yellow-billed storks, black egrets, etc.). The Kariba dam caused a rapid rise in water that threatened thousands of animals. A major rescue operation called "Operation Noah" saved these mammals by transporting them by boat to Matusadona Park. Enjoy your lunch on board before learning about the history of the lake and its inhabitants. Enjoy dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 8: Lake Kariba - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
The captain sets sail for Kariba. Step off the boat and visit Kariba dam, where construction was completed in 1959. Today, it supplies 70% of Zimbabwe's electricity. During the tour, your guide will tell you about the famous legend that surrounds the river god, NyamiNyami. Separated from his wife following the construction of the dam, his anger caused a cyclone in 1950 (first year of construction) and the collapse of part of the dam after its inauguration. You will fly from Kariba to Victoria Falls. After a lunch of African specialties, you can explore the unforgettable Victoria Falls. It is even more amazing in person than it photos! The river flows into a fault 1,700 metres long, 108 metres high, from which comes "the smoke that thunders" according to the local population. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the lodge.

DAY 9: Victoria Falls
We offer an optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls (to be reserved when booking). Enjoy your last breakfast at the lodge. A transfer to the airport is optional.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to extend your stay!


Johannesburg  Kasane  Cascade Island  Chobe National Park  Impalila Island  Kasane  Lake Kariba  Gache-Gache River  Matusadona National Park  Victoria Falls

The itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to technical or weather conditions.
The photographs and visual products presented have no contractual value.

Prices

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Tue 30 Jul
Tue 30 Jul 2024
Cabin & Double Room
Price including VAT per person
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Price includes

  • Domestic flight: Johannesburg / Kasane and airport taxes
  • Domestic flight: Kasane / Kariba and airport taxes
  • Accommodation in a double or twin cabin (category according to selection) onboard
  • Accommodation in a double or twin room in a first category lodge
  • Accommodation in a double or twin room in a 4* hotel (local standards)
  • English-speaking staff
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Drinks included with meals, both in the bar of the boat and in the lodge
  • Drinks included in Johannesburg and Victoria Falls: 1 glass of water + 1 glass of local wine or 1 soda or local beer + 1 tea or 1 coffee / person / meal
  • Loan of binoculars (depending on availability)
  • Tips (excluding boat and lodge staff)
  • Repatriation insurance
  • Guaranteed departure if there are more than 10 participants
  • Visits and excursions (in English) :
  • Private plane flight to Lake Kariba
  • Nautical safari on the Gache-Gache river
  • Land and Water Safari in Matusadona Park
  • Visit to Lake Kariba Dam
  • Victoria Falls Walking Tour

Price does not include

  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Domestic flight: Victoria Falls / Johannesburg
  • Return transfers between the airport and the hotel (optional)
  • Zimbabwean visa to be paid locally (approximately $30)
  • Botswana entry tax to be paid locally (approximately $30)
  • Namibian visa (likely to be implemented within the year)
  • Tips to the boat crew and lodge staff (as an indication: $5 /day /passenger)
  • Laundry service at the lodge
  • Cancellation/baggage insurance
  • Supplement for a cabin with a balcony : 200€ /person
  • Single supplement
  • Optional excursion:
  • Helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls (weather dependent)

Our customers' reviews of this boat

5,0 · 1 reviews

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Frequently asked questions

  • Can I book my flights or a stay, in addition to my safari cruise?

    YES!
    GlobeSailor is a travel agency. We are able to offer flights or accommodation to all our customers who embark on a cruise with us. Our tailor-made offers adapt to your needs and your budget.

    We have created two 100% customisable offers:
    - Serenity Service: Reservation of your plane tickets.
    - Extension Service: Reservation of your accommodation (hotel, lodge, villa...) and/or additional activities (excursions, guided tours, car rental...) to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions.

    Our expert advisers, knowledgeable about the destination, will send you their best proposals for your holidays.
  • What is the baggage allowance for this trip?

    Warning: baggage standards to be respected!

    This trip includes the use of private planes to transport you between Kasane (lodge) and Kariba (boat).
    The airline operating the journeys, using private planes, imposes several restrictions concerning the luggage transported, for reasons of aircraft capacity as well as for security reasons.

    You will find the list of these requirements below:
  • Your baggage in the hold (1 per person maximum) must not weigh more than 20kg.
  • It must respect the following dimensions: 60cm long x 40cm high x 30cm wide.
  • It must be made of soft fabric. Hard-shell suitcases are not accepted.
  • Luggage with wheels is accepted (2 wheels maximum per bag).
  • Your cabin baggage and accessories must not weigh more than 3kg.

  • If your baggage does not meet the above standards, the airline will be forced to refuse carriage. Your stay onboard the African Dream would take place without your personal items. You will also be responsible, at the end of your cruise and before taking your international flight, to return to the lodge at your own expense to collect your suitcase.
  • Is everyone on board English-speaking?

    Please note that this cruise is not exclusive to English travelers. It is quite common to meet people of various nationalities on board as we offer cruises to international clientele - encouraging curious and enriching exchanges for both passengers and crew.
    Crew members are multilingual and qualified to offer multilingual service.
  • What documents are required for your trip?

    Please check travel documentation requirements with your resident authority. These links may be useful for you:
    US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html
    UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements
    AU: https://cibtvisas.com.au/destination/zaf/south-africa-visa
  • What are the recommended vaccines for your stay?

    For your safari cruise there is no obligatory vaccination. However, it is advisable that travellers are up to date with the following vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever).

    Antimalarial treatment and yellow fever vaccine are recommended, please check with your doctor.
    Concerning minors, the update of the diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP) vaccination is recommended, plus rubella-mumps-measles (ROR) as well as tuberculosis. It is important to consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before departure.

    Please note, travellers from countries where yellow fever is endemic must present proof of their vaccination against this disease (up-to-date vaccination card, vaccination certificate) upon arrival at the airport or border post.
  • What currencies are used?

    Before your departure, we advise you to bring US dollars. This currency is accepted across the four countries that you visit.

    Local currencies:
    South Africa: the rand – €1 = 20.95 ZAR*
    Botswana: the pula – €1 = 14.97 BWP*
    Namibia: the Namibian dollar – €1 = 20.83 NAD*
    Zimbabwe: the Zimbabwean dollar pegged to the US dollar - 1USD = 322 ZWL*

    *exchange rate on 26/02/2024
  • What is the climate there?

    There are two seasons in South Africa, summer from November to March (between 22° and 35°C) and winter from April to October (between 12° and 20°C). Despite some temperature variations, the South African climate is generally mild all year round.
    Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia have a semi-arid subtropical climate with a temperature of 20° to 28°C. There are two seasons: summer from November to March and winter from April to October, where temperatures can drop to 0°C at night.
  • What is the time difference in Southern Africa?

    In the austral winter, from April to September, there is +1 hour time difference compared to the UK.
    In austral summer, from October to March, + 2 hours compared to the UK.
  • Useful information :

    This safari cruise is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or with walking difficulties. There any many walks on rocky or sloping ground that are planned in the program.

    The cruise aboard the African Dream, as well as the stay at the CroisiEurope lodge, are entirely dedicated to the protected sites of Lake Kariba and Chobe National Park. Life onboard and at the lodge revolve around the discovery and observation of the wild animal inhabitants of the lake and the parks. Security conditions will be applied on site and must be followed, in particular the prohibition to move away from the lodge or the boat outside the planned excursions, this stay taking place in the heart of the wild nature with wild animals present.

  • Most of the stay is at the junction of three countries, which involves frequent border crossings, which can take time. Our teams on site do their best to minimise the wait.
  • The visit to the villages of Impalila Island includes a passage in front of the school on the island. If you wish, you can take school supplies in your luggage (notebooks, pencils, etc.). If, however, when you come, the school is closed for a weekend, public holiday or school vacation, you can leave the supplies on site and our lodge manager will bring them to the teachers when classes resume.
  • Flights on the African continent are provided by South African Airways or another company operating these routes.
  • Domestic flights to Lake Kariba will be provided by Central Air Transport Service, Safari Logistics or another company carrying out these connections.

  • Note:
    The circuit may be modified depending on weather conditions.
    The order of visits may be modified or reversed.
    Wildlife sightings cannot be fully guaranteed.
    The helicopter flight is carried out depending on the weather conditions.
    Children under the age of 7 are not permitted on this safari cruise for safety reasons.
  • Guaranteed departure from 10 participants

    The realisation of your cruise is subject to a minimum number of 10 passengers. In the event that this minimum is not reached, your GlobeSailor adviser will contact you no later than 60 days before the date of your departure, in order to offer you a postponement of your cruise.
  • What are the regulations to be made to confirm my reservation?

    To confirm your reservation, you must contact your GlobeSailor adviser who will make an option for you and collect your deposit. The reservation will only be considered final once your deposit has been received (by bank transfer, Paypal or credit card). The deposit is 50% of the amount of the reservation. A 100% deposit will be required for any reservation within one month of departure. The balance will be due no later than 45 days before the boarding date.