Livingstone & The Smoke that Thunders – 1855

“Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight” was David Livingstone’s thought upon being the first European to see Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) which he named Victoria Falls.  This special safari, available exclusively to Cambridge alumni, starts in Zambia then crosses into Botswana, following in Livingstone’s footsteps.

The Mighty Zambezi

One of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls thunders down into the crevasse between Zambia and Zimbabwe, throwing up spray which creates rainbows to crown the awesome sight. We spend three nights exploring the area with walking tours and cruises on the mighty Zambezi looking for crocodiles, hippo and elephants and learn about Zambia’s cultural heritage with a visit to the Tokoleya people who live in the nearby Mukuni village.

Hippos, Crocs & loads of elephant at Chobe

On leaving Victoria Falls you may get your best view yet – from the air as we take a scenic flight into Botswana. We spend three nights in the heart of Chobe National Park. Host to exceptional birdlife and game  viewing, these waterways are best navigated by boat, where we look for birds such as the Pel’s fishing owl, African skimmer and pygmy goose, large mammals such as elephant, hippo and buffalo, and predators such as cheetah and lion. Guided walks are also a highlight.

The Beautiful Water Wilderness of the Okavango

Taking a scenic flight over the Chobe, we travel onwards to the glittering waters of the Okavango Delta, an amazing location for viewing the wildlife as we are poled through tranquil reeds in a traditional canoe or tracking great herds in an open-sided 4x4. The Moremi Reserve is rated as one of Africa’s finest game-viewing areas, offering sanctuary to abundant herds of elephant, sable, giraffe, tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala and waterbuck. Lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena are also resident and the birdlife is superb in March with over 250 species including fish eagles and rare slaty egrets

Accompanying scholar

Led by Ewan Masson, our own Botswana wildlife specialist. Ewan has been leading academic groups in the region for more than 20 years.

Tour Cost