This 4-Country Land and Cruise Safari Is the Perfect Introduction to Southern Africa

Taking in the sights along the shores of the Zambezi River. Courtesy of CroisiEurope

For years, I dreamed of visiting Africa. Going on safari has long been on my bucket list. But Africa is a huge continent with many top destinations. I had no idea where to go or how to plan my trip.

Then I came across CroisiEurope’s all-inclusive 10-day land and cruise safari in Southern Africa. In a well-paced itinerary that introduces you to the best of Southern Africa, my husband and I visited four countries—South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

Staying in luxury accommodations at safari lodges and on a well-appointed houseboat, we saw Africa in style. Using a well-orchestrated array of transportation methods, from planes and small aircraft to boats and jeeps, CroisiEurope got us to each new destination with ease.

It was the perfect introduction to Southern Africa.

Courtesy of CroisiEurope

Johannesburg, South Africa

Our journey started with a two-night stay in Johannesburg. After a nonstop flight from Newark, we were greeted after customs and whisked to 54 on Bath, a boutique hotel in the Rosebank District.

We toured Johannesburg the next day, including a visit to the Apartheid Museum. It was a sobering and insightful experience. The museum does a good job of explaining the country’s past, including the key roles that Nelson Mandela and others had in leading South Africa out of apartheid to become the democratic country it is today.

Kaza Lodge, Namibia

Kaza Safari Lodge, on Impalila Island, Namibia, provides a refreshing haven. Courtesy of CroisiEurope

From South Africa, we flew a commercial flight to Kasane, Botswana, where we took a 30-minute boat ride to CroisiEurope’s beautiful Kaza Safari Lodge on Impalila Island in Namibia.

Surrounded by the magnificent Chobe and Zambezi rivers, Kaza Lodge provides an immersive experience in the heart of Africa’s wildlife paradise. The lodge has eight guest chalets. Ours included a large bedroom, a living room, a huge bathroom with a soaking tub, and a small plunge pool on the outer deck.

Dinner that evening showcased excellent dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients—an experience that would continue throughout the trip.

Safari in Chobe National Park

A lioness relaxes at Chobe National Park, Botswana. Janna Graber

A hippo swimming in the waters of Chobe National Park, Botswana. Janna Graber

We were up early the next morning for our safari at Chobe National Park, which was just over the border. Located in northern Botswana, Chobe National Park is home to the world’s largest elephant population. Some 50,000 of them roam the park, part of a population in the Kaza region of 250,000 elephants.

Strict rules ensure that the animals are protected—all vehicles must drive slowly and may not go off-road. Visitors must respect and stay a safe distance from the animals.

We saw hundreds of animals, from giraffes and zebras to warthogs, antelopes, water buffalo, baboons, and more. We came across a family of lions and stopped to watch.

That afternoon, our group took a water safari on the Chobe River, where we saw Nile crocodiles, dozens of hippos, elephants, and more.

Cruise on the Zimbabwean Dream

The RV African Dream provides a unique vantage point to observe animals. Courtesy of CroisiEurope

After one last morning safari cruise on the Chobe River, our group of 12 boarded small planes to fly to Kariba, Zimbabwe. The flight was beautiful, and we watched as the wide expanses of the savannah gave way to the deep waters of Lake Kariba, the world’s largest artificial lake.

Once we landed, we were driven to our home for the next three nights—the Zimbabwean Dream, a 16-passenger luxury houseboat on Lake Kariba.

Our rooms were very comfortable, and the dining onboard was excellent. We took several water safaris on the lake, cruising along the shore, where we saw hundreds and hundreds of elephants. Many had babies with them. Hippos were another common sighting.

Safari at Matusadona National Park

A water landscape in Matusadona National Park, which is in northern Zimbabwe on the southern shore of Lake Kariba. Janna Graber

A tourist taking photos of an elephant in Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe. Janna Graber

The next day, we took a jeep safari at Matusadona National Park, which is in northern Zimbabwe on the southern shore of Lake Kariba. All Big Five animals can be found at the park, and we saw everything from elephants to zebras to kudu.

On the last evening of our cruise, we went out for a sunset cruise, one of many we had done on the trip. As always, the staff brought along snacks and drinks to enjoy as we watched the sun sink into the horizon.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

After three nights on the Zimbabwean Dream, we took another small plane to Victoria Falls, where we stayed at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. This large 72-room hotel is a destination all its own, with thatched roofs, double pools, and large deck and dining rooms.

Our large, comfortable room overlooked the African savannah. In the evening, we watched from our deck as a small herd of elephants gathered around the watering hole.

A Visit to Victoria Falls

The highlight of this region is Victoria Falls, widely regarded as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The falls are formed by the Zambezi River, which plummets dramatically into a deep chasm, creating a spectacular cascade of water.

The mist gave rise to countless rainbows, painting the skies with vibrant colors and adding to the enchantment of the place. Later, our group took a 20-minute helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, which was a wonderful way to see the entirety of the falls.

Like many vacations, our African journey came to an end all too soon. We had seen so much of Southern Africa during our trip, and it only whetted my appetite to return.

As we headed to the airport, we passed two large elephants along the road. It was a gentle reminder that we were just guests and that this beautiful African landscape is their home.

If You Go

When to Go: The best time to go to South Africa for a safari is from May to October. We went in late March and early April, and the weather was perfect.

Travel Tip: Bring cash. You can use American dollars in most locations. Bring small denominations, such as $5 bills, as you'll receive any change in local currencies. You’ll also want cash for tips for staff at the safari lodge and onboard the ship.

River Cruises: CroisiEurope is a popular European river cruise company that offers cruise itineraries along rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, and Seine. CroisiEurope also offers luxury trips in Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and Egypt.

CroisiEurope’s Africa land and cruise safaris start at $6,033 per person. Learn more here: CroisiEuropeRiverCruises.com/destination/Southern-Africa-River-Cruises