Land Journey

Wildlife Odyssey: South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe

All Departures Small Groups Limited To 18 Tauck Guests
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Year

Select the year you would like to travel.

Days
12
From (per Person)
$18,990 USD
Includes On-Tour Air
Journey Type
Land
Passengers
15
Time of Year
Mar - Oct, Dec
Cities & Landmarks
Cape Town, Chobe National Park, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls
Kruger National Park, South Africa

TEXT SIZE

Overview

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

 

Private visit with an elephant family at a sanctuary in Victoria Falls

 

Private game drives and motorboat safaris in Chobe National Park

 

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

 

On-Tour Air (3 flights)

 

Morning and afternoon game drives in Kruger National Park to spot the Big Five

 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Activity

3
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Most days involve walking in the 2–3.5-mile range (~4,000–7,000 steps), with frequent stairs, cobblestones, and standing for 90+ minutes. Activity is consistent across consecutive days, requiring stamina and balance throughout the itinerary.

Pace

3
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Full days with little downtime. Select days may offer opt-out opportunities or lighter alternatives. Ideal for travelers who want to stay engaged, but with some room to pace themselves.

View Full Itinerary

Welcome to South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe

Spotting the "Big Five" and more in private game reserves in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana… lush South African vineyards and wine estates… thundering Victoria Falls… the rugged tip of the African continent… and the cutting edge of art, culture, and cuisine in exciting Cape Town...

Part safari, part cultural immersion, all amazing. Indulge your imagination for safari expeditions of old à la Dr. Livingstone during two nights in Victoria Falls. Make tracks for wildlife-rich game drives in the heart of Chobe and Kruger national parks during stays in luxury lodges in the heart of the wilderness. And explore the stunning landscapes and vineyards of Cape Town, enjoying regionally inspired arts, culinary treats and more. This is a trip of a lifetime you won't want to miss.

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Africa's "Big Five"

Cape Town by helicopter

Helicopter flightseeing excursion over Cape Town

Nestled between the mountains and the sea at the tip of the African continent – and home to such stunning geographical features as Table Mountain, Chapman's Peak and the Twelve Apostles – there are few cities on Earth with a natural setting as beautiful as that of Cape Town, South Africa. And the best way to take it all in is our helicopter flightseeing excursion along the magnificent Cape Peninsula.

Safari FAQS: Know before you go

Walking Safari near Kruger National Park

A walk with the animals outside Kruger National Park

Your Wildlife Odyssey takes the phrase "a walk in the park" to another level when you join our safari guides on a "walking safari" in a private reserve adjacent to South Africa's Kruger National Park. You'll literally follow in the footsteps of the region's remarkable wildlife as your expert guide leads the way through the bush, sharing tracking tips and insights on the game, large and small, that has gone before you on the trail. It's an African wildlife experience you'll never forget!

Motorboat safari in Chobe National Park

Private motorboat safari on the Zambezi River in Botswana

During your stay at Chobe Lodge in Botswana's Chobe National Park, we invite you to embark on yet another amazing African adventure with Tauck. Keep your eyes peeled for watering elephants, hippos, impala, antelopes and more – along with the crocodiles and other predators that lie in wait for them – on a private "motorboat safari" aboard a skimmer boat on the Zambezi River. It's an experience you just don't have every day...

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Your Journey

Pricing & Availability

About Booking This Tour

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Trip Prep & Essentials

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How do I book this journey?

You can call us at 800-468-2825 or contact your travel advisor.

A $900 deposit will be due at the time you book this journey. When you call, please let us know the tour name and your preferred departure date, and have the following information ready for all travelers:

  • Full name (as it appears on passport or driver's license)
  • Address
  • Email address
  • Phone number(s)
  • Emergency contact (name and phone number of someone not traveling with your group)

Final payment is due to Tauck 120 days before departure for all journeys.

For more information, please visit our Travel Terms & Conditions page.

What's included in the price?

The price of this journey includes:

  • All accommodations
  • Meals (as detailed in the itinerary)
  • Airport transfers and land transportation (as detailed in the itinerary)
  • Basic internet in hotel rooms and aboard ships (where available; service not guaranteed)
  • Entertainment and special dinners arranged by Tauck
  • Sightseeing and shore excursions on cruises
  • Standard luggage handling
  • The services of and gratuities to hospitality staff, housekeeping, ship crew, local guides, safari guides and trackers
A gratuity to your Tauck Director is not included in the price of this journey and is extended at your discretion.

Are gratuities included?

A gratuity to your Tauck Director is not included in the price of this journey and is extended at your discretion. However, all appropriate gratuities for hospitality staff, drivers, local guides, safari guides and trackers are included.

Is airfare included?

Airfare to and from your tour's starting and ending point is not included in the price. However, if your itinerary includes on-tour flights during your journey, those are included. To make your travel plans even easier, Tauck can also help you book international airfare.

Do I need a passport, visa, or any other travel documents?

Passports:

A passport is required to enter South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. It must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages. 

To ensure the smoothest delivery of your tour documents, we ask that you provide us your passport information at least 60 days prior to departure.

Visas:

A visa is required for entry to Zimbabwe.

To help make the process as easy as possible for our guests, Tauck has partnered with G3 Global Services, one of the largest and most respected travel visa and passport companies in the US, with over 30 years of experience. Knowledgeable about the ever-changing travel requirements for each country around the globe, they are available to assist you in coordinating the documents you need for your travel destination, quickly, securely, and efficiently. 

While G3 services are not included in the Tauck tour cost, you may choose to take advantage of special reduced rates, exclusively for Tauck guests. Applicable G3 fees and payment information will be provided directly within the G3 application process.

You can find the specific visa requirements for your travel destination at tauck.g3visas.com which includes information to help you get started. Should you wish to contact the dedicated G3 team, email tauck@g3visas.com or call (888) 883-8472.

We are pleased to offer access to G3 Global Services as a trusted resource; however, you are welcome to obtain your visa in whichever way works best for you. You may use another visa services provider or apply directly through the appropriate consulate or embassy.

Traveling with children as a guardian:

If you are traveling as the guardian of children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents authorizing emergency treatment in case of an illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling without BOTH parents. Tauck is not responsible for travel disruptions caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Are there any recommended vaccinations?

Some countries visited on this journey may require proof of certain vaccinations for entry. For the most up-to-date health and vaccination information, we recommend you consult with a travel medical specialist, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the embassies of the countries you'll visit.

Regarding the Yellow Fever vaccination:

You will need to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination to enter Kenya. If you're unable to receive the vaccine, you will need to show a medical exemption note from your doctor to immigration officials upon entering the country. As requirements can change without notice, it's important to check for the latest updates before you travel.

How physically demanding is this journey?

Tauck journeys are designed for guests in good health. Depending on your destination, you may walk longer distances, climb stairs, and navigate uneven terrain. To help you choose the experience that suits you best, we've created a rating system for the activity level and pace of each itinerary. You can find the ratings for this journey in the overview section above. For more details about what to expect on tour, visit our Activity & Pace page.

Guests should feel comfortable getting into and out of safari vehicles each day. Safari vehicles are not air conditioned, and the areas covered on game drives are usually unpaved, bumpy, and dusty.

Can Tauck accommodate mobility limitations?

The responsibility of your Tauck Director is to ensure the larger group enjoys a relaxing and seamless journey; therefore, he or she cannot provide ongoing assistance to any one guest. 

Accessibility Accommodations: Guests who require accessibility accommodations must notify Tauck at the time of booking, or as soon as the need for accommodation arises. Guests are also responsible for promptly notifying Tauck if there is a material change in their mobility, accessibility, cognitive, or other participation-related needs after booking and prior to departure that may affect their ability to participate in the Trip or require accommodations, special arrangements, or reassessment of participation. Tauck will make reasonable efforts, in coordination with our suppliers, to attempt to accommodate such requests. Unfortunately, not all requests can be fulfilled. We are not responsible for denial of service by carriers, hotels, or other independent suppliers.

Personal Assistance: Tauck regrets that it cannot provide special assistance for walking, wheelchairs, dining, or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist you. 

Mobility Requirements: Due to operational constraints, including limited cargo space, stairs, and uneven or difficult terrain, we regret that some itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs or electric scooters. 

For more information on mobility expectations, please visit our Activity & Pace page.

What's the minimum age to travel on this journey?

This journey has the following age restrictions:

  • Minimum age: 5+
  • Recommended age: 8+
The following activities on this journey have additional age restrictions:
  • None
On all Tauck journeys:
  • At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 or older to make a reservation
  • All travelers under the age of 18 must share a room or cabin with, and be accompanied by, an adult age 18 or older
  • All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian

We encourage families to be thoughtful when traveling with children, as our itineraries may include activities, pacing, and experiences that that aren't well suited to very young guests. It is for that reason we created Tauck Bridges – journeys for the whole family to enjoy together.

If a child is unable to participate in a scheduled activity, a parent or guardian is responsible for staying with them, as childcare is not provided during the journey.

With consideration for all fellow travelers wanting to enjoy their vacation to its fullest, it is important to know and understand that Tauck has the right to ask any tour member who is disruptive to a group to leave the tour whether they are 6 or 96 years of age.

Does Tauck offer Travel Protection?

Yes! Tauck's Travel Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins, as well as benefits while you are traveling. The cost of Travel Protection for this itinerary is $799 per person. If you wish to take advantage of this coverage, it must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit.

For complete details, visit our Tauck Travel Protection page.

What if I need to cancel?

You may cancel your reservation without penalty within 10 days of your initial deposit.

After 10 days, cancellations – regardless of reason – may involve fees from travel and hotel providers, which vary by tour.

For complete details, visit our Tauck Travel Protection page.

The Tauck Experience

Why Tauck?

Leave Your Worries At Home

One Upfront Price – No Hidden Costs

Tauck Directors – Simply The Best

Never Settle For Ordinary

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Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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