From storytelling under the stars to the history of Nelson Mandela and connecting with locals wherever we go, the splendor of African culture will be on full display on this adventure. Here are a few highlights:

• Visit the former home of Nelson Mandela in South Africa, the burgeoning neighborhood of Soweto, and tour the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, which chronicles the student uprisings of 1976
• Experience authentic African village life on the shores of Impalila Island
• Enjoy campfire entertainment in Hwange by a local storyteller who will regale us with tales from the Shona and Ndebele tribes
• Visit Chinotimba Primary School in Victoria Falls and meet delightful children, eager to share their lessons with us!

Experience thrilling bush life on this adventure across South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Aside from safaris, you’ll relish in the varied landscapes and spoils of nature this adventure has to offer. Here’s how:

• Stay in deluxe tented camps, with a luxurious twist for an immersive nature experience
• Explore Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake, and its unique waterscapes
• Learn how Kariba powers 70% of Zimbabwe
• Discover Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Take a walking safari along the banks of the Zambezi and embark on a sightseeing and storytelling cruise later
• Spend serene time in nature — whether it’s cruising along a lake or river or experiencing a night under the stars

Your game drives will undoubtedly be a high point of this journey. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:

• Enjoy game drives in Chobe, Matusadona, and Hwange National Parks
• Chobe is home to the world’s largest concentrations of African elephants, so keep your camera ready!
• Take a walking safari through Hwange and along the Zambezi riverbanks
• Take riverboat trips along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, spotting birds and game along the way
• Enjoy traditional African cuisine to enhance your safari experience

Southern Africa’s rich history and UNESCO highlights will intensify your appreciation of the places you visit. Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Explore Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Learn about the Kariba Dam, its dam wall, and the incredible story of its creation
• Hear about the legacy of David Livingstone from a local Zimbabwean

Your game drives will undoubtedly be the photographic highlight of this adventure. So, it’s important to consider equipment and environmental factors. Peak times for game viewing include dawn and dusk, two low-light times of day. Bumpy terrain is an added challenge. Here are some tips to get the best photographs on safari:

• Invest in a good quality long lens for your DSLR. You can overcome many lighting difficulties with a fast lens, and also take advantage of powerful zooming capabilities without compromising photo quality
• If you’re using a compact camera, experiment beforehand with live targets to make sure your zoom and lighting settings are suitable
• Get ready for the “golden hour” around sunset, when the warm, camera-friendly light makes everything look magical
• Practice patience. It’s natural to spot an animal and start clicking immediately, but with a little waiting and keen observation, you’ll often get a better shot
• Bring an extra memory card just in case!

Your trek through these African nations offers some of the most brilliant birding in the world. With hundreds of bird species found in these regions, birdwatchers are in for a real treat. Here’s just a sampling of what you’ll enjoy:

• Hwange National Park: Featuring nearly 400 bird species, including the southern ground hornbill, carmine bee-eater, Cape griffon, Dickenson’s kestrel, and more, Hwange makes a sound resource for eager birders
• Chobe National Park: Another exciting birding destination, Chobe National Park is home to 450 species including the African darter, African skimmer, long-toed lapwing, saddle-billed stork, and squacco heron
• Zambezi National Park: With 400 plus species to spot here, you have a good chance of seeing locally common but otherwise rare birds such as the Lanner falcon and collared palm thrush. Also look out for the African finfoot and western banded snake eagle.
• Matusadona National Park: More than 240 species call Matusadona home, including the African fish eagle, grey heron, grey-headed gull, red cormorant, malachite kingfisher, osprey, and more

Your adventure has been enhanced with special features catering to independent travelers, including:

• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer to get to know your fellow travelers
• Explore and make more intimate discoveries in a small group of just 16 or less likeminded travelers
• The services of a complimentary worldwide Concierge to enhance your adventure with added sightseeing excursions, hotel stays, restaurant reservations, and more

Customize your adventure in Southern Africa with these top Concierge suggestions:

• Shopping trips
• Extend your stay in Cape Town
• Additional excursions in Cape Town and Victoria Falls
• Celebrate an anniversary or occasion with a special meal or event
• Extend your accommodations due to early arrival or late departure