Safari Legends by Private Air - South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe.

11 Days / 10 Nights

Safari Legends by Private Air - South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe.Safari Legends by Private Air - South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe.

The "Safari Legends by Private Air" Journey offers an exclusive 11-day expedition across Africa’s renowned wildlife destinations, leveraging private air travel to enhance the experience.

June 1-11, 2025 & August 30-September 9, 2025; Small Groups departures

This limited capacity tour, accommodating only 19 guests, features prime wildlife viewing in South Africa's MalaMala Game Reserve, Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve and Okavango Delta, and Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls. The itinerary includes walking safaris, off-road game drives, night drives, mokoro excursions, and river cruises, all tailored to provide intimate wildlife encounters, including the Big Five and other diverse species like African wild dogs, giraffes, and crocodiles. The use of private air travel ensures efficient, comfortable, and secure transfers between remote locations, maximizing time spent in each reserve and offering a seamless, luxurious safari experience. Highlights of the tour also include boma dining under the stars, predator viewing, and interactions with conservationists.

Per person: $19,985

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Price is per person sharing. Single occupancy supplement: $3700 Prices are listed in USD. Not Included: International air to Johannesburg, South Africa and from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and any other commercial flights that are not part of the program; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance; porterage of carry-on luggage; items of a personal nature such as curios, spa and room service, minibar charges, and laundry at Victoria Falls Hotel; premium brand drinks; communication costs; costs of obtaining passports, visas, or other travel documents; inoculation fees; extra beverages, meals, or gratuities when not with the group; optional tours and activities.

Journey's Highlights »

• Navigate the bush in MalaMala for close-up encounters with the Big Five in their natural environment.

• Visit the Land of the Giants, known for its large elephant population and tall giraffes.

• Stroll among ancient baobab trees and explore the extensive, pristine wilderness of Mashatu Game Reserve.

• Enjoy traditional African boma dining outdoors, featuring local cuisine and fine South African wines.

• Observe lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting in the Kwara Reserve, a hotspot for predator sightings.

• Cruise the channels of the Okavango Delta, observing hippos, crocodiles, and colorful bird species.

• Take a peaceful river cruise in Chobe National Park, viewing elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife.

• Experience the grandeur of Victoria Falls, recognized as the largest waterfall in the world.

• Engage with conservationists and learn about initiatives to protect endangered species in some of Africa's most wild areas.

Included in Your Journey »

• All accommodations, meals, park fees, community fees, tours, and private air travel as indicated in the detailed itinerary. • The services of an expedition staff and local guides. • All group activities and excursions. • Drinking water (bottled water not always available), coffee and tea throughout the journey. • Local brand alcoholic beverages at group meals. • Laundry at MalaMala Camp, Mashatu Lodge and Splash Camp. • All airport departure taxes. • All gratuities during group activities. • Porterage of one soft-sided checked bag.

Itinerary

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  • Day 1

    Depart Johannesburg to MalaMala Game Reserve by Private Air
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    Your journey begins at Johannesburg Airport, where you'll meet your fellow travelers. Together, you will board a private aircraft bound for the MalaMala Private Game Reserve. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to settle in and enjoy a lunch, perhaps featuring local flavors and a view of the surrounding wilderness. After lunch, you'll embark on your first game drive, a thrilling adventure through the reserve where you may encounter the Big Five and other diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. This exciting start sets the tone for the unforgettable experiences that await on your safari adventure.

    Accommodation at the MalaMala Camp.

  • Day 2

    Full day of Safari Activities at MalaMala
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    On your second day at MalaMala, situated in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, you'll partake in two safari activities. As one of the largest Big Five game reserves, MalaMala has an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, enhancing wildlife movement and sightings. Its extensive river frontage attracts a variety of animals, including leopards, African wild dogs, elephants, and buffalo. Expert rangers, doubling as hosts and educators, will guide you through this exceptional wildlife habitat, ensuring an enriching game-viewing experience.

    Accommodation at the MalaMala Camp.

  • Day 3

    Depart South Africa to Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana; by Private Air
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    The day begins with an optional early morning game drive at MalaMala, offering one last chance to explore and possibly spot some elusive wildlife. After the drive, you will depart on a private plane to Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana, ready to continue your safari adventure in another renowned wildlife sanctuary.

    Mashatu Game Reserve is a vast 104,000-acre area within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, dubbed the "Land of the Giants" for hosting large species like Africa’s biggest elephant population, towering giraffes, and the massive eland, the world’s largest antelope. The landscape is also marked by ostriches, the largest birds, and ancient baobab trees, adding to its moniker. This rich ecosystem supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.

    At Mashatu Lodge, guests enjoy luxurious accommodations that harmonize with the environment. Each suite offers elegant decor, handcrafted furniture, and glass doors leading to private decks with panoramic views. The lodge’s design features an open-plan layout with thatched roofs and high ceilings, fostering a deep connection with nature.

    Dining at the lodge includes breakfast and lunch served on the deck, and dinner under the stars in a traditional African boma, all paired with fine South African wines that enhance the locally inspired dishes.

    Accommodation at Mashatu Lodge

  • Day 4

    Full day Safari at Mashatu Game Reserve
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    A day at Mashatu Game Reserve starts with an early morning game drive, where guests can spot various wildlife as the reserve wakes up. After returning to the lodge, a hearty breakfast is served on the deck with views of the surrounding wilderness. Guests can then choose to relax or participate in activities like guided walks or photography tours. After lunch, there's time for a siesta before the afternoon game drive, offering a chance to see animals in their active evening routines. The day concludes with a gourmet dinner under the stars in the traditional African boma, creating a perfect end to a day filled with adventure and natural beauty.

    Accommodation at Mashatu Lodge

  • Day 5

    Another full day at Mashatu Game Reserve
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    On the last day at Mashatu Game Reserve, guests can choose from a variety of activities beyond the traditional game drives. Options include guided walking safaris, which offer a detailed look at the smaller ecosystems and local flora and fauna, and horseback safaris that provide an exhilarating way to traverse the vast landscapes. Cycling tours offer an adventurous method to explore the reserve, and for photography enthusiasts, specialized photographic hides allow for close-up wildlife shots in their natural environment.

    Another unique experience is the Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide, where guests can spend a night under the stars in a secure and elevated hideaway, fully immersing themselves in the sounds and sights of the African bush at night.

    Back at the lodge, relaxation activities such as yoga sessions in the peaceful outdoors and bird watching to observe the reserve’s diverse avian life are available. Please note that some activities, including the sleepout hide, may carry an additional charge, ensuring guests can tailor their experience to their interests while managing their budget.

    Accommodation at Mashatu Lodge

  • Day 6

    Depart to Private Kwara Reserve in the Okavango Delta; by Private Air.
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    Your day begins with a transfer by private air to Kwara Private Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta, where you'll stay at Splash Camp. This camp is beautifully set within the delta, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and nature.

    At Splash Camp, your activities include morning and afternoon game drives to view a variety of wildlife, such as elephants and big cats. Water-based adventures like mokoro (traditional canoe) trips and motorboat safaris let you explore the delta's intricate channels, ideal for bird watching and spotting aquatic life. For a closer encounter with the environment, guided walks with knowledgeable guides offer insights into the delta’s ecosystem. Each activity at Splash Camp is crafted to immerse you fully in the natural beauty and tranquility of the Okavango Delta.

    Accommodation at Splash Camp

  • Day 7

    Full day of activities at the Okavango Delta
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    On your second day at Splash Camp in the Okavango Delta, you have a selection of activities designed to deepen your connection with this unique environment. You can start the day with an early morning game drive to catch the wildlife at its most active, or opt for a nature walk to explore the finer details of the delta's ecosystem up close with an expert guide.

    For those interested in water activities, fishing excursions offer a chance to engage with the delta’s aquatic life. Alternatively, boat trips provide expansive views of the surrounding waterways and are great for spotting larger animals and birds from a different perspective. The mokoro excursions, in traditional dugout canoes, present a quieter and more intimate opportunity to glide through the water lilies and reeds, ideal for photography and birdwatching.

    Each of these activities allows for an immersive experience in the Okavango Delta, giving you flexibility to tailor your day to your interests and pace.

  • Day 8

    Depart to the Chobe National Park by Private Air; then cross to Zimbabwe by land.
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    Begin your day with a flight aboard a private charter to Chobe National Park, famed for having one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa. This flight not only offers convenience but also a spectacular aerial view of the landscape. Upon arrival, embark on a game drive across the park, known for its large herds of elephants and cape buffalo that converge along the Chobe River. The park's diverse habitats support an exceptionally wide spectrum of wildlife, making it a unique safari destination.

    After your safari, travel by land across the border into Zimbabwe to explore the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest and most famous waterfalls. Known locally as "The Smoke That Thunders," Victoria Falls offers breathtaking views and a unique microclimate.

    Conclude your day at the Victoria Falls Hotel, a grand property known for its colonial charm and views of the misty abyss of the falls. This historic hotel complements the day's adventures with its luxurious accommodation and top-notch amenities, providing a perfect retreat to relax and soak in the experiences of the day.

    The Victoria Falls Hotel, established in 1904, elegantly combines historical elegance with contemporary amenities. Its refined rooms are decorated with traditional furnishings, enhancing the timeless atmosphere. Guests can unwind in the verdant gardens, savor high tea on the Stanley Terrace, and indulge in culinary delights at the hotel's acclaimed restaurants. More than merely a place to stay, this iconic hotel stands as a destination in its own right, providing a luxurious sanctuary that beautifully mirrors the spectacular scenery of Victoria Falls.

    Accommodation at the Victoria Falls Hotel

  • Day 9

    Exploring Victoria Falls
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    Today, immerse yourself in the splendor of Victoria Falls with a full day of activities. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Falls, set within a unique small rainforest that thrives on the constant spray from the cascading waters. This extraordinary environment allows you to walk through lush vegetation as you witness the thunderous power and beauty of one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls.

    In the evening, cap off your day with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. This relaxing journey offers a serene way to observe the vibrant colors of the sunset as they paint the sky, while also providing an opportunity to spot wildlife coming to the riverbank to drink. The gentle ebb of the river and the scenic backdrop create a perfect ending to your day of adventure at Victoria Falls.

    Accommodation at the Victoria Falls Hotel

  • Day 10

    Adventures in Victoria Falls
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    During a fall day in Victoria Falls, you have the opportunity to engage in a variety of optional activities, some of which may incur an additional cost. Adventure seekers can experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Zambezi River's challenging rapids or take an exhilarating bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, offering a unique perspective of the falls and river below.

    For a bird's-eye view of the breathtaking landscape, consider a helicopter scenic flight over the falls. This unforgettable experience provides panoramic views of the cascading waters and the surrounding area. Alternatively, fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a peaceful day fishing in the rich waters of the Zambezi, known for its variety of fish species.

    Another thrilling activity is visiting Devil’s Pool in Zambia, where you can swim at the edge of the falls during the dry season, a daring and once-in-a-lifetime experience. For those looking for speed and excitement, a jet boat safari on the Zambezi offers high-speed runs through the swirling currents and tranquil stretches of the river.

    Lastly, canoeing presents a quieter, yet equally engaging way to explore the upper Zambezi. Paddle through calm waters and lush riverbanks, an ideal setting for wildlife spotting and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Each of these activities provides a unique way to experience the diverse offerings of Victoria Falls, allowing for a customizable adventure based on your interests.

    Accommodation at the Victoria Falls Hotel

  • Day 11

    Departure day
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    Start your day leisurely at the Victoria Falls Hotel, taking the time to enjoy the serene ambiance and luxurious surroundings. You might choose to have breakfast on the terrace with views of the misty falls in the distance, or perhaps take a final stroll through the hotel's lush gardens, soaking in the peaceful environment one last time.

    Later in the day, prepare for your departure. You'll be transferred from the Victoria Falls Hotel to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA). This short journey allows you a few final glimpses of the scenic landscapes and the local town as you make your way to the airport, reflecting on the memorable experiences of your trip.

    At the airport, proceed through check-in and security, leaving you with enough time to relax before boarding your homebound flight. This smooth transition ensures a stress-free end to your visit, allowing you to carry the tranquility of the morning through to your journey home.

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