DAY 1

Johannesburg, South Africa

Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport Hotel. Gather at the hotel this evening to meet with fellow travelers and your travel director, Amber Medkiff, for a welcome reception followed by dinner.

DAY 2

Okavango Delta

After breakfast, board our flight for Botswana, where we’ll connect by bush plane to Vumbura Plains. Check into your luxury room, with its lounge area, indoor and outdoor showers, and private plunge pool. This afternoon, embark on your first incredible game drive.

DAY 3 & 4

Okavango Delta

As the largest inland delta in the world, the Okovango Delta offers some of the best wildlife-viewing anywhere in the world. Explore by traditional dugout canoes as well as 4x4s overland. Commonly spotted animals include lion, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippo, elephant, and crocodile.

DAY 5

Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

After a morning safari and breakfast, board our flight to the private Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Check in to Dum Tau with its eight sumptuous tented suites. Your camp overlooks a large hippo-filled lagoon and is mere steps from the wildlife corridors. This evening, embark on a game drive.

DAY 6 & 7

Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

The massive Linyanti Reserve is most noted for its large elephant population, and is also home to impalas, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo. Such diverse prey means the predators live here too, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Explore by water, 4x4, and occasionally on foot.

DAY 8

Livingstone, Zambia

After one last morning safari, board our flight to Zambia. Transfer to Toka Leya Camp, overlooking the Zambezi River, in time for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your beautiful surroundings, with dinner and overnight at the camp.

DAY 9

Victoria Falls

Today visit Victoria Falls, the world’s largest sheet of falling water. Then cruise along the Zambezi to search for hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterfowl. Tour Livingstone and take an afternoon game drive to search for zebra, impala, wildebeest, and other plains species.

DAY 10

Kigali, Rwanda

Board our flight to Lusaka and enjoy a short tour of Zambia’s capital city before continuing to Kigali. Upon arrival, check in to The Retreat for dinner and overnight.

DAY 11

Virunga National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the biodiverse Virunga National Park. Check in to the Bisate Lodge, located in a natural amphitheater created by an eroded volcanic cone. Enjoy dramatic views of the peaks of Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes.

DAY 12 & 13

Virunga National Park & Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for the forest with trained local guides, in search of the mountain gorillas. When they’re located, take time to observe, photograph, and enjoy this profound experience. The next day, return to the forest to search for golden monkeys and other rare animals.

DAY 14

Virunga / Kigali

This morning, gather for tree planting to contribute to Bisate’s ongoing reforestation project. Then follow the hum rising from the local villages below, to meet some of the community who call this area home. Then retutn to Kigali and join a farewell dinner.

DAY 15

Kigali/Homeward

This morning, visit the Genocide Museum and Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s remarkable evolution from dark times of genocide to one of Africa’s most prosperous nations celebrated for its opportunity and equality. Then, sadly bid farewell and board your independent homeward flight.

Departure

The trip starts in Johannesburg and ends in Kigali

— AMBER MEDKIFF

Spacious, special, spectacular

The accommodations we’ve selected for this rare powerhouse experience of nature, wildlife, and culture are truly some of the best on the continent. With their spacious suites – some with private plunge pools and outdoor showers – these fantastic quarters are set among iconic landscapes that will lull your soul to sleep after your days of unforgettable exploration.

Vumbura Plains

Captivating Vumbura Plains lies in the far north of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Perched on raised decks in the midst of the melapo – the annually inundated grasslands – the camp almost floats over water. Nestled under tree canopies and airily open to nature, Vumbura Plains serves up intimate wildlife encounters on the spectacular floodplains, studded with ilala palms and small islands. Its spacious suites include indoor and outdoor showers, an en suite bathroom, private plunge pool, and outdoor ‘sala’ from where you can view the never-ending wildlife parade.

Duma Tau

Nestled deep within the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, on the northernmost fringe of Botswana, lies Duma Tau. With unique access to both the Linyanti River and Savuti Channel, the camp boasts an almost constant stream of elephants and other creatures passing by. Eight tented suites with private plunge pools sit on wooden walkways mere steps from the wildlife corridors, so animals often wander peacefully through camp. Interiors of hand-crafted mosaic tile, acacia wood, and local textiles reflect the heart of the Linyanti.

Bisante Lodge

Bisate Lodge perches dramatically on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in north-west Rwanda – one of the most thrilling safari destinations in Africa. Six opulent en suite forest villas embody Rwanda’s rich culture. Edifying cultural interactions, sophisticated, health-conscious dining, and exuberant hospitality all make your stay superior. Gorilla trekking is the star attraction, but nearby Volcanoes National Park offers other adventures: golden monkey trekking; the Fossey hike; scaling Mount Bisoke.

PRICING

Per Person: $31,990
Single Supplement: $7,490

What’s Included

• 14 nights accommodations

• All meals together with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks

• All excursions, transportation and local guides

• Park fees, taxes, gratuities and tips

• All internal flights within Botswana and to Rwanda

• Arrival and departure transfers