African Safari Cruise
October 4 thru 14, 2027
- or -
October 20 thru October 30, 2027
Join us for the OUTbound adventure of a lifetime. Embark on an exclusive cruise on Africa’s Lake Kariba and an unforgettable stay at a luxurious safari lodge within Chobe National Park. From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, you’ll witness spectacular panoramas, learn rich histories, and discover incredible wildlife, all while savoring carefully crafted menus that reflect the flavors of Africa. OUTbound offers you an up-close and personal experience with nature at the ends of the world, touring the most beautiful natural reserves and uncovering the secrets of Lake Kariba before taking in the grandeur of the 'smoke that thunders', Victoria Falls.
Travel To The Ends Of The Earth On A Dream African Safari Cruise!
Book today and choose a payment plan that fits your budget! Choose from either convenient quarterly payments or spread your payments out over monthly installments. Either way, OUTbound has a payment plan designed for any budget!
All Included!!! All Inclusive!!!
All Meals & Alcoholic Beverages Included
All Shore Excursions Included
RV African Dream
16 Passengers / 2 Balcony Suites / 6 Riverview Suites
The African Dream offers you an up-close and personal experience with nature at the ends of the world. Built in 2018, this premium-rated ship sails along Lake Kariba and the most beautiful bends of the region with fantastic views of the surrounding wonderland. The African Dream experience is geared toward providing our guests the best sightseeing and wildlife experiences as we sail across the world’s largest artificial lake. It is a very comfortable ship with a bright, airy and contemporary African-themed decor enriched with colorful locally made artifacts. Mixed drinks, wine, beer, sodas, juices and coffee are all included anytime onboard.
Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest and most progressive city by far. Affectionately known as Jo’burg or Jozi by locals, this rapidly changing city is the vibrant heart of South Africa. Johannesburg is a city racing towards the future, and the hipster-friendly neighborhood of Maboneng is considered one of the most successful urban-renewal projects in the world. Jo’burg is an incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly city, and South Africa’s constitution was the first in the world to protect people from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage.
Kasane is a bustling little town in the northeastern corner of Botswana and gateway to Chobe National Park, known for the herds of elephants which converge on the Chobe River in the dry season. Kasane is home to the Caracal Biodiversity Center, a shelter for rescued wildlife and world renown center for animal rehabilitation and release. Elephant and Hippo can frequently be seen wandering freely throughout the area, our first chance to encounter Africa’s “Big 5” in their natural habitat. We’ll arrive in Kasane on our way to our luxury lodge, located within the Chobe National Wildlife Park.
Chobe National Park is a true wildlife paradise and one of the best national parks in the world. Just one peek at the variety of wildlife and lush vegetation and you will be mesmerized forever! Chobe is uniquely lush due to the many waterways converging in the area. The Chobe River flows through the park and draws many animals and birds during the dry season. It’s known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo along the waterfront, along with lions, antelopes and hippos that inhabit the woods and lagoons around Linyanti Marsh. The grasslands of the nearby Savuti Marsh attract countless bird species and migrating zebras.
Impalila Island is located in the eastern most point of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. The island is rich in birdlife and surrounded by two of Africa’s great rivers, the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. The island is inhabited by several small villages, and hippo and crocodile can frequently be seen in the nearby waters. In the middle of the island is a particularly old and large baobab tree that visitors are invited to climb. Those adventurous enough to make it to the top are rewarded with a view of the point where the four countries of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia all meet in the Zambezi River.
Lake Kariba is known as Africa’s undiscovered Riveira! It offers spectacular views, stunning sunsets, and an out-of-this world OUTbound African cruise. Kariba is Africa’s largest man-made lake, formed by the construction of the nearby Kariba Dam in 1959. The dam provides electricity to both Zambia and Zimbabwe and supports a thriving commercial fishing industry. A mystic place of superlative proportions, Lake Kariba spans about 25 miles at its widest point. Crocodiles and hippos thrive in the lake, and Kariba’s fertile shores and freshwater attract a wealth of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah and antelope.
Matusadona National Park, on the shore of Lake Kariba, offers excellent wildlife viewing in a magnificent setting. All of the “Big Five” are present, including magnificent lions. herds of elephants and buffalo along the shores and hippos can be seen in small pods in the shallows. Cruising the lake offers a unique safari perspective of the abundant wildlife that only a few lucky travelers get to experience.
One of the greatest and most spectacular waterfalls on Earth, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world with a length of more than half a mile and a height of more than 330 feet. The noise of Victoria Falls can be heard from over 20 miles away, while the spray and mist from the falling water can be seen from a distance of 30 miles, inspiring local tribes to call the falls Mosi-o-Tunya... the “smoke that thunders”. Famed explorer David Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria in 1855. In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world.
Tour the fascinating cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria with a local LGBTQ+ guide passionate about the social, political and cultural forces that shaped modern-day South Africa. We’ll visit the evocative Apartheid Museum to gain an understanding of the inhuman philosophy that ruled South Africa for nearly half a century. Afterwards, we’ll set off for a panoramic tour of Johannesburg. We’ll see Constitution Hill, home of the Supreme Court, built on the site of a formerly notorious prison. Then we’ll visit a township before we arrive at our hotel for dinner and to rest up for our flight in the morning.
This morning we’ll have breakfast and check out of our hotel before flying from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. Once in Kasane, we will begin our adventure and transfer from the airport to our luxury lodge onboard small private boats. After arriving, you’ll settle into your suite at our comfortable lodge that is ideally located in the heart of the wilderness. We’ll venture OUTbound on a quick safari tour as night falls before returning to our lodge for dinner and a special welcome cocktail party.
Buckle up as we venture OUTbound and enjoy our first full-day safari in jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park and its majestic fauna and exotic animals. We’ll have lunch in a “floating restaurant” with incredible views of the surrounding nature. Afterwards, we’ll board small private boats and sail off on the Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. Later we’ll return to our lodge for dinner and a special night talking with some of the local safari guides about the region and the current conservation efforts on the Chobe River.
This morning we’ll visit Impalila Island, home to hippos, crocodile, spectacular birdlife and more. The island is also the meeting point between four African countries. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch, and then enjoy some leisure time at the infinity pool. Finally, join us for a discovery of the Zambezi River on small private boats.
This morning you’ll enjoy one final water safari in Chobe National Park before departing our lodge. After lunch, we’ll set out for the Kasane airport. On board small private planes, you’ll discover the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. You’ll be transferred to board the ship and comfortably settle into your cabins. We’ll then begin our cruise across Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake and reservoir that is approximately 1,300 kilometers upstream from the Indian Ocean, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Today we continue our voyage across Lake Kariba. This morning we’ll set out from our ship on a private tender boat to discover the Gache Gache River and its unique wildlife. We’ll have a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, bushbucks, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs and (if we’re lucky!) lions and buffalo. Along the way we’ll also encounter an incredible variety of birdlife, so remember your binoculars and telephoto lens! We’ll return to our ship for lunch as we continue our cruise towards Changa. Later, we’ll set out to share a life-changing sunset that only comes from an OUTbound African safari.
We’ll journey OUTbound this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park and its rich animal wildlife. This remote and rugged park is the first in Zimbabwe to be protected by the African Parks mandate, and was declared a National Park in 1975. Matusadona is a protected habitat region for the African elephant and black rhino, and a federally-limited destination that few people are ever lucky enough to experience for themselves. After returning to our ship, we’ll enjoy a traditional dinner and learn more about the creation of Lake Kariba and its rich ecosystem.
At sunrise, we’ll set sail towards Kariba, the Zimbabwean town that gives this massive lake its name. We’ll disembark our ship after breakfast and discover the gigantic Kariba Dam, which was created to form Lake Kariba. After our stop, we’ll head to the airport to board private planes for the short flight to Victoria Falls. We’ll have lunch while cruising the Zambezi River, the 4th largest river in Africa and home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants and lions. After our cruise, we’ll get up close and personal to Victoria Falls with a tour on foot over rope bridges and nature trails. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at our four-star hotel.
There’s still time for one final OUTbound adventure, and this is the big one! We’ll take in the view from the top on a thrilling helicopter ride over Victoria Falls. You’ll experience a bird’s eye view of one of the world’s seven natural wonders and learn what the explorer David Livingstone meant when he described the beauty of the “smoke that thunders”. We’ll soar above one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls on this incredible ride over the falls, up the Zambezi River and past the Batoka Gorge during our flight. Sadly, this is the end of our OUTbound African safari cruise, but honestly... what a way to go!!!
At the heart of our luxury lodge is the safari lounge, where OUTbounders will gather before embarking on the day’s adventure and unwind after an eventful day out in the wilderness. No matter how enticing the wildlife is, you may find yourself itching to get back to base. The accommodations are quite simply a work of art. The modern architecture is breathtakingly original. The space is decorated with touches such as vintage trunks and framed prints, and several telescopes are close at hand to get an even closer view of the ever-present wildlife.
Enjoy your buffet breakfast or a light lunch out on deck overlooking a watering hole brimming with life. Locally sourced foods compliment the stunning views. Dinners are served in the main dining room, with family style seating at the main table or more intimate tables available for smaller groups or couples wishing to enjoy a romantic night by themselves. At each meal you’ll have the option to try local delicacies and cultural dishes, with a mix of traditional favorites for those wanting a little taste of home.
Your personal bungalow suite is decorated with an elegant and contemporary theme, using locally sourced and hand-crafted materials. Large windows and glass doors overlook the wild landscape beyond that can open up to create a unique outdoor living space. Each suite has a bedroom and separate lounge opening onto a wide private wooden deck. Situated just outside each suite is an indulgent outdoor plunge pool, allowing you to relax under the African sun or the shimmering moon while watching the passing wildlife.
There’s no better way to unwind and relax after a long day of safari than with a soak in your own private plunge pool. Each guest's individual bungalow comes with your own private deck, plunge pool and outdoor shower. Located right on the Zambezi River, your personal oasis is the perfect getaway after returning from your safari. Grab a drink from your fully stocked in-suite minibar to complete your perfect luxury safari experience!
The tastefully decorated Panoramic Lounge, located at the front of the ship on the Upper Deck, was named for the superb views of the passing coastlines and wildlife that guests will enjoy courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Intimate seating areas are peppered throughout the open floor plan, allowing you the choice of going all in with the group or enjoying a little private time between you and a smaller gathering of friends. The warm and comfortable space is bright, airy and decorated with colorful, locally made African artifacts.
Enjoy a cocktail at the main bar with us while watching a spectacular sunset together. Located within the Panoramic Lounge, you’ll find originality and innovation, with a new twist on the ol’ purveyors of gin and tonics and buckets of beer. This is the place where you’ll spend an enjoyable evening nursing a cocktail with great friends, old and new! Whether you’re in the mood for a mixed drink or glass of wine, we invite you to join us and enjoy one of best bars at sea with your fellow OUTbounders. Order your favorite cocktail you’ll savor after a long day out on safari.
Located on the Upper Deck, the restaurant comfortably seats all our OUTbounders at tables which vary in size with a panoramic view of the passing wildlife. The selection of food is outstanding, and you’ll enjoy carefully crafted menus that reflect the flavors and savors of Africa. After a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are served meals with set menus of multiple courses. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated as well, so no one will be going hungry after a long day on safari. And you certainly won’t go thirsty either, as free-flowing beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks are always included.
Located at the front of the ship, the Terrace is the perfect place where you can meet up with friends and relax while enjoying the view. This secluded al fresco hideaway overlooking the bow of our ship is the perfect casual spot for relaxing during the day if the Sun Deck is a little too social for your taste. Just grab your drink and jump in the plunge pool while you enjoy the stunning views in this charming little oasis.
Head up to the Sun Deck and a 360° wrap-around view for an immersive experience at the heart of the African wilderness. The Sun Deck has a gorgeous outdoor living area and a huge canopy midship, perfect for OUTbounders who prefer a little cover as we sail through the stunning landscape. Choose to have your breakfast or a light snack at any of the private tables that ring the deck, or simply lie back and take in the amazing wildlife from the comfort of your lounge chair. At night, you won’t find a more perfect spot for stargazing up at a sky that you’ll have to see to believe.
Starting at $13,997 per person
Located on the Main Deck in a commanding position at the front of the ship, Balcony Suites are 185sqft and boast floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides that open up to your own private balcony. The two Royal Suites offer amazingly spacious terraces that transform your suite into an open-air retreat. Local safari tones and decor create a light, airy and comfortable space. Storage includes a full-length wardrobe with a safe. Two twin beds can be arranged as a single queen size bed at your request.
Starting at $10,997 per person
Located on the Main Deck, Riverview Suites are 185sqft and boast a panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass window that looks out on the unspoiled vistas of the river and breathtaking landscapes beyond. All suites are equipped with a retractable TV, and your luxurious bathroom features a shower complete with decadent toiletries. Storage space includes a full-length wardrobe closet, with room under the bed for suitcases. Two twin-sized beds can be reconfigured into a queen-size bed if you prefer.
Starting at $24,597 per person Single Supplement
Located on the Main Deck in a commanding position at the front of the ship, Balcony Suites are 185sqft and boast floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides that open up to your own private balcony. The two Royal Suites offer amazingly spacious terraces that transform your suite into an open-air retreat. Local safari tones and decor create a light, airy and comfortable space. Storage includes a full-length wardrobe with a safe. Two twin beds can be arranged as a single queen size bed at your request.
Starting at $18,597 per person Single Supplement
Located on the Main Deck, Riverview Suites are 185sqft and boast a panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass window that looks out on the unspoiled vistas of the river and breathtaking landscapes beyond. All suites are equipped with a retractable TV, and your luxurious bathroom features a shower complete with decadent toiletries. Storage space includes a full-length wardrobe closet, with room under the bed for suitcases. Two twin-sized beds can be reconfigured into a queen-size bed if you prefer.
Are You Ready For The Adventure Of A Lifetime?
The countdown is on! It’s time to start planning all those little details that will make our OUTbound adventure in Africa even more exciting! Below are a few things to help you make the most of your safari cruise with us. As always, if you have any questions that we haven’t covered, or have a special request, hit us up… either by phone at 916.683.1000 or email us at info@iamOUTbound.com.
Let’s get started!
Flights
Since our African Safari Cruise leaves starts in Johannesburg and we end our tour in Victoria Falls, many OUTbounders are booking a ‘Multi-City’ ticket when looking for flights. The ‘Multi-City’ option can be found on most airline’s websites where you would choose between a one-way or round trip flight or under the ‘Advanced Search’ link. With the ‘Multi-City’ option, you’ll be able to enter your departure airport, arrival in Johannesburg (JNB) and then a departure from Victoria Falls (VFA) back to your original airport. The multi-city option will often be cheaper than purchasing two one-way tickets separately.
The airline you choose is completely up to you. While flights are not included, we’re always happy to help narrow down the best flight options for you. Simply give us a call or send us an email, letting us know where you’ll be flying from, if you have a preferred airline (based on frequent flyer miles or credit card points), and what class of service you typically like to book.
Luggage Limitations
Since we’ll be flying on small charter during our safari cruise, be prepared to pack a little lighter than usual.
Our flight from Johannesburg to Kasane is a regularly scheduled flight.
Our flights from Kasane to Kariba and from Kariba to Victoria Falls are both charter flights. Since we will be using private planes to get us from our lodge in Kasane to our ship in Kariba, there are a few restrictions regarding the bags being transported due to the capacity of the planes.
Our luggage must adhere to these regulations:
You will be limited to two (2) checked bags, per person and one (1) carry on or personal item.- Your luggage must not exceed 44lbs (20kg).
- Your luggage must not be larger that 23.6” in length x 15.7” in height x 11.8” in width.
- Your luggage must be made from soft fabric. Hard-shell suitcases are not accepted.
- Luggage with wheels is accepted (a maximum of 2 wheels per bag).
To help with the baggage limitations, laundry service is available during our stay at the lodge in Kasane & also at the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town after our safari cruise.
What to Pack for your Safari Adventure!
For our African Safari Cruise, you’ll want to wear mostly neutral colors… browns, tans, whites, light blues and grays are all perfect.
Avoid bright colors like reds or yellows.
Here are our tips for what to bring with you…
- A great pair of walking shoes
- A light jacket… evenings can get cold at the safari lodge and on our boat while sailing
- Bug spray that contains DEET
- Binoculars
- A pair of comfortable long pants… convertible (zip-off) pants and quick dry fabrics are a good option
- Comfortable shorts
- Short sleeve t-shirts
- Sunscreen
- Have a picture of your passport on your phone
The key is to pack light and layers! Remember, we’re a small group out on safari… no need for fancy clothes or dressing to impress.
Take A Picture!
Before heading out on a big trip, most travelers focus on packing the right clothes, confirming reservations, and making sure your passports are in hand. But seasoned OUTbounders know there’s another small step that can make a big difference in a pinch… snapping a few key photos before you leave home.
These quick snapshots take less than two minutes to capture but can save hours of stress if luggage gets lost, travel apps glitch, or important documents go missing.
Passport and Visas
A clear photo of the main passport page can make it faster to get a replacement at an embassy or consulate if your passport is lost. It’s best to keep this image in a secure, password-protected file or cloud app. Take a picture of each of the country visa stamps or pages you collect along the way too, just in case.
Prescription Medications & Labels
OUTbounders who take medication should take a picture of both your pills and the prescription labels. If your medications get lost or you run out, having the generic drug name on hand can make it much easier to refill while traveling.
Boarding Pass & Travel Documents
Travel apps sometimes glitch, and wifi isn’t always reliable at the airport. A screenshot of your boarding pass ensures it’s available offline when needed. The same goes for any hotel confirmations, train tickets, or tour reservations booked outside of your OUTbound trip.
Luggage Contents
Snapping a photo of everything packed in your suitcase before zipping it shut can be invaluable if your bags are delayed or lost. Airlines and insurance companies often ask for detailed lists of contents when processing a claim. A quick image can serve as proof of what was inside your bags and speed up any claims you might need to make.
As we all know, travel can be unpredictable, but your smartphone camera (something that’s already in your pocket and doesn’t require any extra cost) offers one of the easiest safeguards. Taking a few extra photos before you depart is a small habit that can prevent big headaches… and help you stay calm when plans don’t go exactly as expected.
Hotels
Johannesburg Hotel
For our African Safari Cruise, we’ll be staying at the Hotel 54 on Bath, a 5-star hotel located in a vibrant central district of Johannesburg. This first-class hotel radiates a sophisticated ambience and provides its guests with the utmost level of luxury and service. More information about our Johannesburg hotel is available here:
Hotel 54 on Bath
Here’s the tentative schedule for our first day together…
- Arrival at the Hotel 54 on Bath starts at 11:00am
- Lunch starts at 12:30pm – 1:00pm
- Full Day Tour starts at 2:15pm – 2:30pm
- Return to Hotel 54 on Bath at 6:00pm – 6:30pm
- Dinner starts at 7:00pm – 7:30pm
Our program will end back at our host hotel for dinner where you’ll be able to get a full night’s sleep before starting out the next morning.
Cape Town Hotel
For those of you joining us on our Cape Town extension, we’ll be staying at the Cape Grace Hotel, a 5-star hotel situated on a private quay between Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront and the tranquil yacht marina. More information about our Cape Town hotel is available here:
Cape Grace Hotel
Here’s the plan for our first day in Cape Town…
- Check In at the Cape Grace Hotel starts at 2:00pm
- Reception starts at 7:00pm – 8:00pm
- Dinner starts at 8:00pm – 10:00pm
We’ll start our Cape Town tour in the morning, heading up to Table Mountain after sleeping in & having breakfast at the hotel.
Visa Requirements
The only required Visa for Americans or Canadians is for Zimbabwe. These are eVisas paid ahead of our arrival at the Kariba airport. No other visas are required for our trip. OUTbound will purchase a single-entry Zimbabwe visa for everyone in our group upon landing in Victoria Falls. The visa requirements for Zimbabwe are…
- Passport valid for a least 6 months from your date of entry
- Proof of your return ticket back to the US (or your ticket from Victoria Falls to Cape Town for our pre/post-safari program)
- Two (2) blank pages in your passport to fit the required entry visa.
More information is available here:
Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe eVisa Requirements
Vaccinations & Immunizations
There are no compulsory vaccinations for any of our destinations or countries we are visiting during our African Safari Cruise.
However, it is strongly recommended that you ensure your vaccines for the following Diseases are up-to-date:
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Hepatitis A and B
- Diphtheria
- Typhoid
It is also recommend that you consult with your General Practitioner regarding an Antimalarial Treatment and a Yellow Fever Vaccine.
Tipping Our Hosts
Tipping is the ONLY thing not included with your OUTbound vacation. We never want to dictate anyone’s generosity or decide how much you think YOUR experience with a crew member, waitstaff or tour guide was worth. How much to tip depends on the type of service you receive and your personal experience.
During our trip together, you’ll come into contact with many different servers and hosts. At the end of each day’s guided tour, you’ll have the chance to tip our guide and driver whatever you feel your experience was worth.
A general rule of thumb for tipping the staff at the lodge & on our ship is $10 per day, per person.
However, if your experience warrants something more, then by all means feel free to be as generous as you would like. If you feel that any individual in particular has gone above and beyond in making your experience something extra special, then we encourage you to reach out to them directly and let them know how much you appreciated their service during our time together.
What Power Converters Will I Need?
For our hotels in South Africa and Zimbabwe, you’ll need a Type M adapter.
The Type M is the plug which has three round pins, like this…
You can find a ton of options on Amazon or other retailers that will include USB, USB-C or Lightening ports for charging your phone, tablet and other devices all at the same time.
Travel Insurance
If we’ve learned anything over these last couple of years, it’s that the world can be an uncertain place at times. While you’re never required to buy travel insurance, it’s a good idea and we recommend all OUTbounders consider protecting your hard-earned vacation money. The price of your coverage will depend on a few factors, including the cost of the trip, what state you live in, how long before the trip departs, and if you have any pre-existing or underlying health conditions, to name a few.
Some reasons why you might buy travel insurance include:
- Cancel for Any Reason
- Unexpected Work Requirements
- Personal or Family Illness
OUTbound does not provide travel insurance. However, we always recommend using a third-party insurance carrier to provide your coverage.
optional pre cruise package