The Ultimate Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana Group Tour – Africa 2026
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There is a certain kind of journey that doesn’t begin with ticking boxes, but with curiosity. It’s the kind of trip where we don’t rush from highlight to highlight, but allow landscapes, people and moments to unfold naturally. This 16-day journey through Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana is exactly that kind of experience. Together, we follow the course of the Zambezi River, letting Africa guide the pace.
When we arrive in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, the journey begins gently. After the long flight, we take time to settle in, to meet one another, and to arrive properly — not just geographically, but mentally. That first evening, we come together for a shared dinner that coincides with the celebration of Haile Selassie’s birthday, an event that carries historical and cultural meaning across Africa. It’s a powerful way to start: not as tourists, but as guests.
The next day, we explore Lusaka together. We move through the city, learning about Zambia’s independence, its freedom struggle, and the forces that have shaped the country into what it is today. We eat well — sometimes locally, sometimes internationally — and in the evening we slow things down with an intimate wine tasting hosted by the Kapamba Wine Club. As food is prepared in front of us during a live cooking show, conversations flow easily. Already, the group begins to feel less like strangers and more like fellow travelers.
The following morning, we leave the city behind. As we drive toward the Lower Zambezi, the landscape opens up and the rhythm changes. Tomorrow, we are no longer surrounded by traffic and noise, but by river, trees and sky. We settle into accommodation close to the Zambezi River, where nature sets the schedule. Over the next two days, we explore the Lower Zambezi National Park, sometimes by vehicle, sometimes — if you choose — quietly by canoe or kayak on the river itself. You will see pure nature here: elephants along the banks, birds lifting from the trees, hippos surfacing in the water. Afternoons are deliberately unstructured. You might swim, read, nap, or simply sit and watch the river pass by. As evening approaches, we drift along the Zambezi on a sunset cruise, letting the day fade slowly rather than abruptly.
From here, the next leg of our journey takes us toward Lake Kariba, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. On the way, we stop at the national monument known as The Sleeping Cow, before descending toward the lakeshore town of Siavonga. Life here feels different again — warmer, slower, expansive. Over the next days, we give ourselves permission to rest. We swim, we talk, we gather in the evenings for Braais on the beach. One afternoon, the journey surprises us: together with local Zambian musicians, we may become part of a music video production. It’s spontaneous, joyful, and exactly the kind of moment that reminds us why we travel this way.
Image Credits: Rene Bauer (Enjoy Africa Travel)
For those who want one final wildlife highlight, the following day offers an optional safari into Botswana’s Chobe National Park, famous for its elephant herds. Others may choose to stay in Livingstone, exploring markets, visiting a Big Five animal park, or simply resting. Finally, we make our way back to Lusaka, stopping for coffee along the way, before saying our goodbyes and heading home — carrying far more than photographs.
The following day, the journey carries us back into Zambia and onward to Livingstone. After checking in, the evening is relaxed, with time to explore local restaurants or simply enjoy the atmosphere. The next day, we stand before the Victoria Falls, feeling the power of the water long before we see it. We take our time here. Later, we visit Christian, an Austrian missionary living along the Zambezi, and share a riverside Braai — a quiet, reflective moment near the end of the journey.
Image Credits: Rene Bauer (Enjoy Africa Travel)
For those who want one final wildlife highlight, the following day offers an optional safari into Botswana’s Chobe National Park, famous for its elephant herds. Others may choose to stay in Livingstone, exploring markets, visiting a Big Five animal park, or simply resting. Finally, we make our way back to Lusaka, stopping for coffee along the way, before saying our goodbyes and heading home — carrying far more than photographs.
Dates
- 3rd to 19th July 2026
Pricing (per person)
- $2,600 – Mid-range accommodation (double room), without international flight
- $4,800 – Mid-range accommodation, including international flight
- $2,000 – Budget-range (basic accommodation), without international flight
- $4,200 – Budget-range, including international flight
Prices are subject to availability and change. Minimum group size: 6 participants.
Included in the Journey
- All ground transportation for the full 16 days
- Airport transfers in Lusaka
- Accommodation as described (mid-range or budget-range)
- Meals included:
- Daily breakfast throughout the journey
- Included at all lodges and hotels
- Wood class participants also receive breakfast, with the understanding that they assist with basic daily tasks (e.g. washing up)
- Welcome dinner in Lusaka
- Dinner party held in connection with the Haile Selassie birthday celebration
- Wine tasting & cooking show dinner in Lusaka
- Includes prepared dinner as part of the culinary experience
- Braai (African BBQ) at Lake Kariba / Siavonga
- Shared beach Braai with the group
- Braai with local hosts in Zimbabwe
- Informal, home-style shared meal
- Bush celebration dinner at Savanna Camp Melfort
- Included as part of the birthday celebration event
- Overnight on MV Sealion (Lake Kariba)
- Lunch/Dinner/Breakfast
- Braai at the Zambezi River near Livingstone
- Shared meal hosted by Christian, Austrian missionary living along the river
- Daily breakfast throughout the journey
- Selected activities and excursions, including:
- Lusaka city & freedom struggle tour
- Wine tasting and cooking show
- Boat cruises on the Zambezi and Lake Kariba
- Overnight on the MV Sealion
- Cultural celebrations and Braais
- On-site tour coordination and local hosts
Not Included
- Drinks and meals not specifically mentioned
- Optional activities and excursions (e.g. Safari in Chobe National Park)
- National park entrance fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, tips and souvenirs