Safari-cruise along the Zambezi: an unforgettable experience in the heart of Southern Africa

The CroisiEurope safari-cruise offers an unforgettable journey through Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, immersing you in the spectacular wildlife and landscapes of Southern Africa, as you explore the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba.

For a more comprehensive experience, the trip is also available in a longer version with a pre-program in Cape Town, a post-program on a luxury train, or even both combined.

Accommodations blending nature and luxury

Your stay begins on Namibia’s Impalila Island, at the intimate Kaza Safari Lodge. With just 8 rooms and private pools, it offers unforgettable, serene immersion in nature.

Then, you’ll board the Zimbabwean Dream to cruise Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. A small vessel with only 8 cabins—here, everyday cares disappear amid complete peace, free from noise or light pollution.

Finally, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, with its 72 rooms, welcomes you just a few kilometers from the iconic Victoria Falls. Overlooking a natural waterhole frequented by wildlife, you’ll likely encounter an array of animals right from your lodge.

The program is also offered aboard CroisiEurope’s second boat, the African Dream, with the Cascades Safari Lodge as an alternative to Kaza Safari Lodge.

Genuine, attentive hospitality

From the moment you arrive, the CroisiEurope team greets you warmly and professionally, guiding you at every step. Everything is designed to make you feel at home—even thousands of kilometers away.

Each day, border crossings between Namibia and Botswana become charming rituals. Be ready for your passport to come back adorned with souvenirs of your journey—many beautiful stamps.

Onboard, the crew’s warm welcome feels like reuniting with family. After each excursion, their smiles remind you that you're among friends.

Encounters with the Big Five… and more

One of the journey’s highlights: a safari in Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Guided by passionate rangers, you’ll seek out African wildlife—impalas, hippos, African fish eagles, ibises, and of course… the legendary Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros.

A second safari in Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park may bring encounters with other species you missed earlier—zebras, kudus, crocodiles, warthogs, and more.

These two parks offer completely different sensations and adventures. In Botswana’s Chobe, the terrain is flatter and more uniform, while Zimbabwe’s Matusadona offers rugged, mountainous landscapes. You’ll discover two distinct facets of Southern Africa.

Aquatic safaris: the river like you've never seen it

The journey continues on water with boat safaris on the Chobe River and the Zambezi River. The Zambezi forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe before flowing into Mozambique and the Indian Ocean. At 2,574 km, it is Africa’s 4th longest river.

On these aquatic safaris, you’ll board a small boat gently gliding on the breeze, showcasing Africa’s beauty and wildlife gathering at the water’s edge at day’s end. You’ll also see the Zambezi’s confluence—where Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe meet.

A typical African lunch is served on board with warm hospitality as you sail along the Chobe. On Lake Kariba, more boat safaris await—offering sightings of a rich variety of birds, crocodiles, and abundant hippos. Fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at catching tigerfish, catfish, or Kariba bream, among others.

The cruise: a floating oasis

You’ll take to the skies for a scenic flight between Kasane (Botswana) and Kariba (Zimbabwe). On arrival, climb aboard the Zimbabwean Dream, CroisiEurope’s exceptional vessel.

Your cruise continues across Lake Kariba, a vast man-made lake created by the Kariba Dam in 1955. Stretching over 5,600 km², it forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Aboard, the crew will share the captivating legend of Nyami Nyami, the mythical river spirit linked to the dam’s history.

This journey provides moments of pure relaxation amid breathtaking scenery. The boat travels by day between Zimbabwean sites and stops each evening to offer spectacular sunsets over the water. Come nightfall, a stunning, star-filled sky—untouched by light or noise pollution—unfolds, followed by one of the most remarkable sunrises of your life.

Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-Oa-Tunya

For the final leg, you’ll fly from Kariba to Victoria Falls. Once settled at your lodge, you’ll explore one of Southern Africa’s greatest natural wonders. You’ll walk the 16 viewpoints in the national park, each offering a unique view of the majestic falls.

In the dry season, the falls’ flow diminishes, allowing full visibility of all viewpoints. Both seasons offer very different—and equally enchanting—experiences.

Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls

Optionally, weather permitting, you can take a breathtaking helicopter tour over the falls. 

I recommend this experience 100%! It's an unforgettable and majestic moment. The view of the falls is simply breathtaking.

In the rainy season, when the flow is at its peak, the thick mist formed by the falls often creates a magnificent rainbow, which is revealed depending on the angle of the flight.