Southern Africa is full of stunning natural beauty and fascinating culture, from the major cities of South Africa to the vast nature reserves of Zimbabwe. Epic deserts, plateaus, coastal plains, and lakes – including Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake on Earth – support a truly incredible array of endemic plant and animal life. This part of the continent is unforgettable, and perhaps there's no better way to see it than with CroisiEurope.
For more than forty years, CroisiEurope has warmly welcomed intrepid travellers, and in a region that needs to be explored more deeply, CroisiEurope has combined this passion and expertise. A modern, well-sized fleet – with spacious panoramic cabins – has access to parts of southern Africa that other tour groups can't reach.
In Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, you'll enjoy stylish hotels, well-curated itineraries, and a menu of local delicacies that will help you fully immerse yourself in this fascinating destination. Plus, the convenience of the all-inclusive plan means you're free to revel in experiences like learning about the local culture of Impala Island.
Straddling the Zambezi River on Zimbabwe's northern border, Lake Kariba is a must-see stop on any visit to the region, while Croisieurope's African Dream and sister ship, the Zimbabwe Dream, are the only tourist boats that can be entered. Not only is Kariba Lake the world's largest reservoir, but it is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and more than 400 species of birds. It is also a popular spot for fishing, with mouth-watering tiger fish, giant vundu catfish, peculiar squeaky korokoro, and many more fish waiting in the waters.
Surrounded by lush green hills and spectacular rock formations along the Zambezi River – meaning 'big river' in the language of the Tongans, Lake Kariba is an important part of the region, and CroisiEurope provides a useful backdrop for understanding its continued importance. By visiting Matusadona National Park, you'll learn more about the creation of Lake Kariba and the myths behind it, while gaining some historical perspective on Operation Noah, an environmental initiative that saved the lives of more than 6,000 animals from floods**.
At the same time, Chobe National Park is known for its large elephant herd and diverse ecosystem. Founded in 1967, the park spans more than 4,500 square miles of pristine wilderness divided into four distinct areas: the Chobe Riverfront, Linyanti and S**ute marshes, and the arid hinterland. After a jungle safari in the park, you'll have lunch at a floating restaurant and even explore the marshes of Sedoudou Island.
As the river flows towards the eastern tip of Namibia, intersecting Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana, you will reach Impala Island in the Caprivi Belt. Not only is the island a haven for wildlife, but it is also home to more than 3,000 people spread across 25 villages, one of which you will visit to learn about local Xi.
Rafting down the Zambezi River, you'll reach a private island where you'll be welcomed in a unique cottage filled with local art and design. Make new friends and discover new flavors in the open-air dining and lounge, relax on the panoramic terrace or go fishing, relax in the private pool, and relax in your own spacious bungalow.
Take a boat ride from your doorstep to the island's fishing and farming villages, where you can meet some locals, meandering between baobab and jackal trees. Further along the river, you will reach the famous Victoria Falls, also known as mosi-oa-tunya (or "thundering smoke" in the kalolo-lozi language). With a width of over 5,500 feet, it is one of the largest waterfalls on the planet, and you can gaze at its amazing power from an epic hike below. You can even add an optional *** tour to the top of the mountain.
Some tours include guided tours through the South African metropolis of Johannesburg and Cape Town. Optional extensions can take your party to the ends of the earth, visit the rugged Cape of Good Hope, go on a stylish safari in a Victorian rovos rail train car, or head to Wankey National Park, Zimbabwe's largest wildlife sanctuary.
Of the many ways to explore Southern Africa, none can match the intimacy and variety of a trip to CroisiEurope. From cabin panoramas to the comforts of a jungle hut to immersive land and water adventures, this will be a book holiday.