Get ready for a true African wilderness adventure across three incredible countries, each brimming with wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. Past AFS groups have raved about this trip, and it’s easy to see why—it’s the ultimate goosebump-inducing safari.

We start in Zimbabwe—the land of David Livingstone, where intrepid explorers once stood aghast at the beauty of this iconic piece of Africa. As the mighty Zambezi plunges over Victoria Falls Gorge, it creates enormous columns of smoke and a thunderous noise that can be heard from miles away. When Livingstone asked the local people what it was, they said, “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” or “the smoke that thunders.” Locals had not dared venture closer, as they thought this was an evil demon. Borrowing a canoe, Livingstone traveled downstream, where he discovered the falls, describing “scenes so lovely, angels must have gazed upon it in their flight.”

Today, the region is an adventurer’s playground and a photographer’s dream. This trip is far more than the majestic beauty of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO site and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Along with our guided tour of the Falls, we enjoy a special art experience in a local village with a traditional African dinner, drums and dance.  As the adrenaline capital of Africa, there is a plethora of activities, from rafting, microflights, lion walks, gorge swings, helicopters, and more. You will love our three properties, the special dinners, and the unique activities.

Cross into Zambia for the ultimate experience of getting your best selfie at the falls’ edge in the iconic “Devil’s Pool,” the most thrilling swim in the world and on everyone’s bucket list! Experience our new Rhino safari with the Wildlife Encounter research team to enjoy a chance to walk in the National Park with  experienced rangers to view endangered animals up close. Enjoy an unforgettable Zambian lunch at the famous Elephant Café on the banks of the Zambezi River as you interact with rescued elephants.

Our grand finale takes us across the border to legendary Chobe, Botswana, known as the “Land of the Giants,” with the world’s highest concentration of elephants—approximately 75,000 in its National Park.  Time for glamping in style!  Check into the all-inclusive Jakalberry Lodge luxury tented camp right on the banks of the Chobe River. Have your cameras ready for the elephants, hippos, crocs, fish eagles, and everything from lions to leopards. Enjoy thrilling game drives early in the morning and evenings when predators search for their prey. And enjoy a chance for hot air ballooning, a Boma dinner and sundowner drinks on a cruise down the Chobe River as the red African sun glows behind the horizon.

Many of you have asked for this, even those who have joined us here before.  Africa is like potato chips—you just can’t stop after one visit. Limited to 20 AFS Afriholics. September is the perfect time to visit, with so much included on one of our most affordable African safaris ever presented.

Depart September 13 or 14 to fly into Johannesburg, overnight to start land portion on September 15 to VFA. (Those on our Vet Safari will have separate details of continuing here on September 15.)

Depart Johannesburg early morning and arrive in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, around midday. Group flight times to be confirmed, or you can fly on your own.

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River, which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to The Victorian Manor for 3 nights – just opened in 2023.

This evening we enjoy an incredible welcome sundowner dinner cruise including a 3-course dinner and full bar.  What better way to start your African adventure than that famous photo of the magnificent African sunset whilst sipping on a drink and watching the wildlife as you drift by. Hippos snorting, crocodiles gliding by and elephants coming down to drink. A perfect start to this trip.

Overnight: The Victorian Manor             View iBrochure

Experience the charm of The Victorian Manor, the newest addition to The Bayete Collection in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Opened in 2023, this exquisite manor offers a unique and intimate ambiance, adorned with an eclectic collection of statues and artwork. Each room is thoughtfully designed with a quirky and unique feel, featuring king-sized beds, mosquito nets, well-equipped bathrooms, safes, ample storage, and comfortable private seating areas.  Indulge in a delightful breakfast served daily from the private kitchen. For lunch and dinner, our executive chef prepares a delicious seasonal menu upon request. Our well-stocked bar offers a wide selection of beverages throughout the day.

Depart Johannesburg early morning and arrive in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, around midday. Group flight times to be confirmed, or you can fly on your own.

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River, which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to The Victorian Manor for 3 nights – just opened in 2023.

This evening we enjoy an incredible welcome sundowner dinner cruise including a 3-course dinner and full bar.  What better way to start your African adventure than that famous photo of the magnificent African sunset whilst sipping on a drink and watching the wildlife as you drift by. Hippos snorting, crocodiles gliding by and elephants coming down to drink. A perfect start to this trip.

Overnight: The Victorian Manor             View iBrochure

Experience the charm of The Victorian Manor, the newest addition to The Bayete Collection in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Opened in 2023, this exquisite manor offers a unique and intimate ambiance, adorned with an eclectic collection of statues and artwork. Each room is thoughtfully designed with a quirky and unique feel, featuring king-sized beds, mosquito nets, well-equipped bathrooms, safes, ample storage, and comfortable private seating areas.  Indulge in a delightful breakfast served daily from the private kitchen. For lunch and dinner, our executive chef prepares a delicious seasonal menu upon request. Our well-stocked bar offers a wide selection of beverages throughout the day.

This morning, after breakfast, we head out to go and discover the falls on a Tour of the Falls.

The Victoria Falls – Now In Its 150 Millionth Fantastic Year - It's a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is Nature's Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality and nothing prepares you for your first sight.

En route, we may stop to view the 'Big Tree' for photos. Clients will be accompanied through the Rainforest by one of our qualified Guides who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed.

Afternoon -  The Art Village Tour

On the outskirts of Victoria Falls lies an African homestead which goes by the name of Mpisi’s Village. This Zimbabwean village is home to the Mpisi family and steeped in local Ndebele culture. Their traditional huts and communal living area are a true depiction of the culturally rich lifestyle of Africa.

Our interactive workshops ignite and fulfill your cultural curiosity. Capturing memories through oils, watercolours, beading or finger painting, a piece of Africa will be taken home. A private tutor and one of the workshops are set up and prepared for the guests' arrival. All materials are included, and each finished piece of artwork is given to you as a remembrance of this special place.

After the workshop, we will enjoy dinner at Dusty Road. Located in the heart of Chinotimba township, this experience offers an authentic taste of Zimbabwean culture and cuisine. Set in a vibrant, recycled home, the restaurant serves traditional dishes cooked over open fires in cast-iron pots, creating a soulful, earthy dining experience. Founded by Sarah Lilford, the initiative champions female empowerment and community upliftment, with a strong focus on sustainability and local engagement. Guests are immersed in the sights, sounds and flavours of township life, while supporting meaningful social impact. Dusty Road is a celebration of heritage, hospitality and the transformative power of shared meals.

Overnight: The Victorian Manor

Today we give you the day at leisure to choose your own activities. Your choices are endless here so we leave it open for you. Our past groups loved the class 5 white water rafting, the gorge swings and visiting Makuni Big Five to do a lion walk.   Some other suggestions will be:

Helicopter Flight (13 min)

The 13 minute and 28 minute flights depart regularly throughout the day and offer spectacular photographic opportunities. Guests are collected from their hotels 30 minutes prior to their flight departure time and are given a safety talk on arrival at the Helipad. After take-off on the 13 minute Flight of Angels, the helicopter turns out towards the Victoria Falls.  The pilot will fly circuits over The Falls in both directions giving guests the best viewing and photographic opportunities. A trip up river and back over the Zambezi National Park completes your flight.

Victoria Falls  Zip Line

Hurtle at 106 km’s across the 425m gorge. Experience the adrenalin rush traveling a speed of 106 km’s hurtling 425m across the gorge, while suspended 120m above the breathtaking beauty of the Zambezi water below!  As the river zigzags down the Batoka Gorges, our cable is suspended across from one side to the other. For this product you are harnessed and attached to a pulley, then launched over the edge picking up speed as you descend over the water and reaching a speed of 106 km an hour.

Microlight Flight over the Falls

An AFS favorite!  Exhilarating flight over the Victoria Falls, the islands near the Falls, and the thundering Zambezi River, with breathtaking views of the Falls and the spectacular gorge that the Zambezi River has carved into the surrounding landscape over many thousands of years.  One person and an experienced pilot take a 15-minute microlight flight over the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. A 30-minute microlight flight will take you over the Victoria Falls, the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Bushtracks Express

The Bushtracks Express in Zimbabwe is the ultimate dinner experience, taking you back to the golden age of rail travel.  This historic dinner train safari journeys onto the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, built in 1905 at the request of Cecil Rhodes, who envisioned a crossing “at the point where the spray from the falls would fall on the train carriages.”  Lovingly restored by Bushtracks Africa and Rovos Rail, the vintage carriages blend timeless elegance with contemporary fine dining. Every detail evokes the romance of a bygone era, offering a unique and unforgettable evening along one of Africa’s most scenic routes.

Overnight: The Victorian Manor

18 Sep  – Victoria Falls – Livingstone ( Zambia)                                 B

Check out and transfer over the bridge to the Zambian side of the falls. You will walk through immigration over the bridge.  Here we check in at the launch site to visit the ionic Livingstone Island – the most sought after adventure and photo worthy experience!

Livingstone Island Visit

Dr David Livingstone was paddled in a dugout canoe through swift rapids towards the roar and rising cloud of mist suspended above a cliff over which the whole of the mile wide Zambezi River plunged. The ‘Makoro’ (canoe) paddlers skilfully landed him on ‘Goat Island’ (now known as Livingstone Island) right on the lip of the chasm. A few steps through the small rainforest on 16th November 1855, he gazed upon one of the most spectacular sights in the world – ‘Mosi-o-Tunya’ (the smoke that thunders), which he named in honour of his Queen as The Victoria Falls.  Swimming in the Devils Pool is only available for a few months, and you are perfectly timed for this adventure. Your best Instagram moment ever.

Optional: This afternoon, depart on the Rhino Walking Safari tracking rhinos.

This is a unique and rare opportunity to experience the thrill of walking in the untamed Zambian bush and to see wild game animals in their natural habitat. “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” to  walk on foot in the park to get a glimpse of the animals and the endangered white rhino up close. Then it's on to our amazing resort, located on the edge of the Zambezi. While Wildlife Encounter is a responsible tour operator based at the mighty Falls in Zimbabwe. They offer one-of-a-kind wildlife encounters to travelers from around the world with guaranteed sightings of Africa's wildlife. It's memorable, educational and helps spread the word of conservation to all who visit. The animals act as ambassadors for wildlife, and proceeds raised are put back into conservation and community development that they run. On this reserve, they protect the land from poaching and illegal activities, along with other biodiversity projects. Five stars on TripAdvisor.

Overnight: Avani Victoria Falls Resort - 2 nights

Overnight: AVANI Victoria Falls Resort                   View iBrochure

Avani Victoria Falls Resort connects the wild side of travellers to Zambia's wondrous landscapes and big game thrills. With iconic Victoria Falls on its doorstep, the resort gives roaring adventures a comfy den with a contemporary vibe and essential comforts, amid dramatic nature.

The resort’s biggest draw is its impressive location, just a five-minute stroll from one of the Seven Wonders of the World; all guests enjoy free unlimited access to Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall.  Avani Victoria Falls Resort stands apart for its natural beauty and vibrant local style.  Mind the animals!   The 46-hectare grounds attract zebras, giraffes, impalas, and monkeys.

The resort’s rooms and suites overlook either the pool and landscaped gardens or a lagoon bush.  Designed for relaxing nights of sleep and downtime between adventures. 

This morning we depart by road to transfer to Botswana through the Kazangula border post. This is one of the only places in the world where 4 countries meet.

Crossing into Botswana, we arrive at Kasane, the entrance to the Chobe National Park, famous for some of the largest elephant herds in the world.  Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains

Kasane  - Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Botswana, on the banks of the famous Chobe River, the scenic little town of Kasane rests on the doorstep of the spectacular Chobe National Park. There are no boundary fences separating the village from the park and game such as elephants and hippos are often spotted roaming around the town. If on the lookout for elusive game, pay a visit to the Sedudu Valley Road, where large dead trees provide temporary homes for leopards. Within Kasane, an ancient baobab tree stands on display, once serving as a local prison.

Check into our fabulous luxury tented camp.  Enjoy an afternoon river safari cruise down the Chobe River in search of crocodile, hippo, elephant and other game coming down to drink. Enjoy your sundowner drink as the red African sun sinks slowly behind the horizon. Our past groups here got incredible close-up shots of all the Ellies here.`

Overnight: Jackalberry Lodge - 2 nights

Unwind in unparalleled luxury at Chobe's newest, fully inclusive tented camp. Immerse yourself in the heart of this wildlife paradise. Discover your intimate paradise on the banks of the majestic Chobe River.  Sleep in the comfort of luxury tents, nestled around our natural bush landscape and with sweeping views of the Chobe River or the camp’s natural bushveld.

All our spacious tents are fitted out with luxury in mind to ensure the most comfortable and unique guest experience in the heart of Botswana. Comprising of river view, partial view and bush view tents, each of our luxury tents is generously sized and features a private balcony, spacious bedroom and an interleading en-suite bathroom including both shower and free-standing bath tub. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, desk, mosquito nets, tea and coffee making facilities.

1After breakfast buffet, enjoy time to relax by the pool among the on-site animals.   Today we enjoy lunch at Elephant Café

The Elephant Café in Zambia offers a unique dining experience on the banks of the Zambezi River, combining gourmet cuisine with ethical elephant encounters. Set within a secluded riverside location, guests arrive by boat and are welcomed into an elegant open-air setting. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared to highlight Zambia’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors can interact with rescued elephants, learning about their conservation and care. This exclusive establishment provides an unforgettable blend of wildlife, fine dining, and serene natural beauty.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the property or local craft markets.

Overnight: Avani Victoria Falls

After breakfast buffet, enjoy time to relax by the pool among the on-site animals.   Today we enjoy lunch at Elephant Café

The Elephant Café in Zambia offers a unique dining experience on the banks of the Zambezi River, combining gourmet cuisine with ethical elephant encounters. Set within a secluded riverside location, guests arrive by boat and are welcomed into an elegant open-air setting. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared to highlight Zambia’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors can interact with rescued elephants, learning about their conservation and care. This exclusive establishment provides an unforgettable blend of wildlife, fine dining, and serene natural beauty.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the property or local craft markets.

Overnight: Avani Victoria Falls

This morning we depart by road to transfer to Botswana through the Kazangula border post. This is one of the only places in the world where 4 countries meet.

Crossing into Botswana, we arrive at Kasane, the entrance to the Chobe National Park, famous for some of the largest elephant herds in the world.  Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains Kasane  - Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Botswana, on the banks of the famous Chobe River, the scenic little town of Kasane rests on the doorstep of the spectacular Chobe National Park. There are no boundary fences separating the village from the park and game such as elephants and hippos are often spotted roaming around the town. If on the lookout for elusive game, pay a visit to the Sedudu Valley Road, where large dead trees provide temporary homes for leopards. Within Kasane, an ancient baobab tree stands on display, once serving as a local prison.

Check into our fabulous luxury tented camp.  Enjoy an afternoon river safari cruise down the Chobe River in search of crocodile, hippo, elephant and other game coming down to drink. Enjoy your sundowner drink as the red African sun sinks slowly behind the horizon. Our past groups here got incredible close-up shots of all the Ellies here.`

Overnight: Jackalberry Lodge - 2 nights

Unwind in unparalleled luxury at Chobe's newest, fully inclusive tented camp. Immerse yourself in the heart of this wildlife paradise. Discover your intimate paradise on the banks of the majestic Chobe River.  Sleep in the comfort of luxury tents, nestled around our natural bush landscape
and with sweeping views of the Chobe River or the camp’s natural bushveld.

All our spacious tents are fitted out with luxury in mind to ensure the most comfortable and unique guest experience in the heart of Botswana. Comprising of river view, partial view and bush view tents, each of our luxury tents is generously sized and features a private balcony, spacious bedroom and an interleading en-suite bathroom including both shower and free-standing bath tub. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, desk, mosquito nets, tea and coffee making facilities.

Enjoy an early morning Game Drive into Chobe National Park in search of the Big 5. This is big game country with incredible elephants, prides of lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo and hyena as well as herds of plains game such as giraffe, zebra and sitatunga.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a rest.

This afternoon enjoy another Game Drive or river cruise on the Chobe River

Overnight: Jackalberry Lodge

Enjoy your final early morning Game Drive before returning for breakfast and check out.  Transfer to the Kasane airport for flight back to Johannesburg.