Chobe by land and water
Explore one of Africa’s greatest wildlife regions in 4x4 vehicles and private boats, with extraordinary opportunities to see elephants.
A River Cruise Advisor Hosted Journey
Africa by Land, River & Sky
Join Ralph Grizzle for an intimate safari through South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe—combining a secluded riverside lodge, wildlife encounters by land and water, a Lake Kariba cruise and Victoria Falls.
July 20–30, 2027 · 11 days / 10 nights · Limited to 14 guests
Early-booking offer: Save approximately $3,000 per cabin—prices begin at $8,676 per person, based on two guests sharing.
Email Ralph for Trip DetailsInterested but not ready to reserve? Request the details and Ralph will contact you personally. No obligation.
4 countriesOne seamless journey
8 cabinsAn exceptionally intimate ship
Land + waterSafaris from two perspectives
Private-aircraft transfersScenic flights over the wild
Why this journey is exceptional
Not a conventional cruise. Not a conventional safari.
This rare itinerary combines the ease of small-ship travel with the excitement of an African safari—and handles the complicated logistics of crossing four countries for you.
Four nights at a private lodge
Settle into the wilderness on Impalila Island, with spacious bungalows, a pool and time to appreciate the stillness around you.
Four nights on Lake Kariba
Sail through remote, mystical landscapes aboard an eight-cabin ship and explore Matusadona National Park.
Victoria Falls finale
Experience the “smoke that thunders” on foot, with the option to see one of the world’s great natural wonders from a helicopter.
A personal invitation
See Africa with me
I have spent much of my career exploring the world by water, but this is no conventional river cruise. It combines the intimacy and ease of a small ship with the wildlife encounters of a traditional African safari.
I will personally host a maximum of 14 guests. We’ll share meals, safaris and discoveries, while CroisiEurope manages the complicated logistics among four countries. If Africa has been on your list but you haven’t wanted to navigate it alone, this is an unusually comfortable way to experience it.
— Ralph Grizzle
Your journey
Imagine waking in the African wilderness
Watch for hippos and crocodiles as you travel by private boat to a secluded lodge. Search for elephants in Chobe, fly over the savannah to Lake Kariba, explore Matusadona National Park and finish beneath the mist of Victoria Falls.
Day 1
Johannesburg
Meet at the hotel at 11:30 a.m., visit the Apartheid Museum and explore Johannesburg on a panoramic city tour. Dinner and overnight at a five-star hotel.
Day 2
Johannesburg to Kasane and the lodge
Fly to Botswana, then travel by small private boat to the lodge on Impalila Island in Namibia. Watch for birdlife, hippos and crocodiles along the way.
Day 3
Chobe National Park
Set out on a 4x4 game drive in a park renowned for its elephant population, followed by a private boat safari along the Chobe River.
Day 4
Impalila Island and the Zambezi
Visit traditional Namibian villages, then explore the Zambezi River by private boat. In the evening, hear local traditions and legends from your guide.
Day 5
Return to Chobe
Enjoy another 4x4 safari in search of lions, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes and abundant birdlife, followed by time to relax at the lodge.
Day 6
Scenic private-aircraft flight to Lake Kariba
After a final water safari, board a private aircraft for sweeping views of the savannah. The flight may include a technical or customs stop. Embark your intimate ship and begin sailing Lake Kariba.
Day 7
Matusadona National Park
Explore this pristine wilderness by 4x4, watching for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, birds and—if luck is with us—a big cat.
Day 8
Wildlife by water and land
Travel the park’s small waterways by private boat, continue by 4x4, then gather on the sun deck for stargazing after nightfall.
Day 9
The landscapes of Lake Kariba
Sail among Lake Kariba’s rare landscapes, learn about the lake and its inhabitants, and head out by private boat to admire an African sunset.
Day 10
Victoria Falls
See Kariba Dam, fly by private aircraft to Victoria Falls, enjoy a lunch cruise on the upper Zambezi and tour the falls on foot.
Day 11
A final morning at Victoria Falls
Choose an optional early helicopter flight, relax at the hotel or visit town before the hosted program concludes at approximately 10:30 a.m. Return flights should not depart before 2 p.m.
Included
Once you arrive, nearly everything is taken care of
- Ten nights of accommodations: Johannesburg, Impalila Island lodge, Lake Kariba ship and Victoria Falls
- All meals during the hosted program
- Drinks with meals and open bars at the lodge and aboard ship
- Scheduled flight from Johannesburg to Kasane
- Private-aircraft transfers to Lake Kariba and Victoria Falls
- Land and water safaris in Chobe and Matusadona national parks
- Johannesburg sightseeing and Apartheid Museum
- Guided visit to Victoria Falls
- Transfers specified in the program
- Internal-air taxes, designated program tips and port fees
- CroisiEurope travel-assistance and repatriation coverage
- Ralph Grizzle as your host throughout
Not included
What to budget separately
- International airfare to Johannesburg and home from Victoria Falls
- Comprehensive travel insurance, including trip-cancellation and interruption coverage
- Gratuities for lodge and ship personnel beyond the designated program tips
- Optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
- Passport, visa or health-related expenses, if applicable
- Pre- or post-trip accommodations and arrangements not listed above
- Personal purchases and services
Need help with flights?
We’ll provide guidance on flight schedules and arrival timing. You may book economy, premium economy or business class using cash or points.
We’ll provide guidance on flight schedules and arrival timing. You may book economy, premium economy or business class using cash or points.
Four nights on the water
Your ship on Lake Kariba
With only eight cabins, African Dream feels more like a private safari lodge on the water than a conventional cruise vessel.
African Dream at a glance
An intimate safari ship
Built in 2018 specifically for safari-cruising on Lake Kariba, African Dream combines warm woods, local fabrics and expansive windows with the comfort of a small, refined vessel.
- 16 guestsJust eight cabins
- 183 sq. ft.Approximate cabin size
- 108 × 26 ft.Approximately 108 feet long and 26 feet wide
- 6 + 2 cabinsSix French balconies and two private balconies
- Upper deckRestaurant, lounge/bar and small pool
- Sun deckOpen-air wildlife and landscape viewing
Binoculars are available for watching wildlife and birdlife. The open sun deck provides an inviting place to relax as the landscapes of Lake Kariba unfold.
Photo courtesy of Michael DaCosta.
Main Deck French-Balcony Cabin
Approximately 183 square feet · Two convertible twin beds · French balcony · Spare bed
This spacious main-deck cabin features two twin beds that can be joined to form one larger bed, along with a French balcony providing panoramic views. Amenities include a private bathroom with shower and bath products, individually controlled air conditioning, satellite television, telephone, safe, hairdryer, radio and wardrobe with hangers. A 59-by-31-inch spare bed can accommodate a third guest between the ages of 7 and 14.
Main Deck French-Balcony Cabin
Approximately 183 square feet · Two convertible twin beds · French balcony
This spacious and comfortable main-deck cabin features two twin beds that can be joined to form one larger bed, along with a French balcony offering panoramic views. Amenities include a private bathroom with shower and bath products, individually controlled air conditioning, satellite television, telephone, safe, hairdryer, radio and wardrobe with hangers.
Main Deck Private-Balcony Cabin
Approximately 183 square feet · Two convertible twin beds · Approximately 38-square-foot private balcony
This spacious main-deck cabin features two twin beds that can be joined to form one larger bed. Its private balcony offers panoramic views of the passing landscapes. Amenities include a private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet, towels, satellite television, safe, hairdryer and radio.
Pricing
A rare journey, limited to 14 guests
Save approximately $3,000 per cabin when booked by September 30, 2026.
| Accommodation | Regular price | Early-booking price |
|---|---|---|
| Main Deck with French Balcony | $10,150 | $8,676 per person |
| Main Deck with Large Private Balcony | $10,426 | $8,911 per person |
| Single occupancy | Request availability and pricing | |
Prices are per person in U.S. dollars, based on two guests sharing. The early-booking offer applies to the cruise base fare and is available through September 30, 2026. Prices shown include currently quoted internal-air taxes and designated program tips. International airfare, comprehensive travel insurance and gratuities for lodge and ship personnel beyond the designated program tips are additional. CroisiEurope includes travel-assistance and repatriation coverage, but this is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. Pricing, availability and itinerary are subject to confirmation by CroisiEurope at the time of booking.
Reservations are subject to our Booking Terms & Conditions.
Email Ralph for Trip DetailsQuestions
What travelers want to know
Is this trip physically demanding?
The itinerary includes walking on stony paths and slopes, climbing into safari vehicles and small boats, and boarding a ship without an elevator. CroisiEurope does not recommend this program for travelers with reduced mobility. Contact Ralph to discuss your particular needs before reserving.
What is the weather like in July?
July falls during the region’s dry season and is an excellent time for wildlife viewing. Days are generally comfortable, while mornings, evenings and open-vehicle game drives can feel quite cool. We’ll provide a detailed packing list before departure.
What are the luggage limits on the private aircraft?
Strict limits apply. Checked baggage must be a soft-sided bag with no rigid frame and must not exceed 20 kg / 44 lb. Carry-on baggage and personal items together must not exceed 5 kg / 11 lb. Complimentary laundry service is available during the lodge stay.
Are vaccinations or malaria medication required?
Health guidance can change and depends on your medical history and prior travel. Consult your physician or a travel-medicine specialist well before departure. We will also provide links to current official destination guidance.
Can you help with international airfare?
Yes. We’ll provide guidance on the appropriate arrival and departure flights and timing. Travelers may book economy, premium economy or business class using cash or points.
Is the trip suitable for solo travelers?
Solo travelers are welcome and hosted trips tend to be especially convivial. Single occupancy is limited, so please ask Ralph about availability and pricing.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Cancellation terms and the deposit schedule will be included with the complete trip details before you reserve. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment.
Will I have internet access?
Connectivity can be limited or intermittent in remote wilderness areas. Treat reliable Wi-Fi and mobile service as a bonus rather than an expectation during the lodge and Lake Kariba portions of the trip.
Can the itinerary or wildlife viewing change?
Yes. Weather and local conditions can affect the itinerary and the order of visits, and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. The optional Victoria Falls helicopter flight is also weather-dependent.
Limited to 14 guests · Hosted by Ralph Grizzle
Could this be your Africa journey?
Request the details without obligation. Ralph will answer your questions personally and help you decide whether this intimate adventure is right for you.
Email Ralph for Trip Details