The Best of Southern Africa
Johannesburg • Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) • Chobe National Park (Botswana)• Okavango Delta
May 9-18, 2027
Dear DU Alumni, Family, and Friends,
At the University of Denver, we believe in the power of lifelong learning, global exploration, and meaningful connection. Through our Pioneer Journeys travel program, we invite you to join fellow DU travelers on an extraordinary journey through Southern Africa, exploring the remarkable landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
Designed for DU alumni, friends, and family, this program encourages you to slow down, look closer, and experience the region in a thoughtful and immersive way – alongside fellow travelers who share a spirit of curiosity and discovery. From vibrant cities to protected wilderness areas, you’ll encounter places where wildlife conservation, community, and heritage intersect, offering a deeper understanding of both the land and the people who call it home.
As you travel together, you’ll witness some of the world’s most extraordinary natural habitats while also engaging with the human stories and traditions that shape the region today. Whether observing wildlife in protected ecosystems, exploring South Africa’s complex past and dynamic present, or sharing conversations with fellow travelers at day’s end, this journey balances intellectual enrichment with moments of awe and quiet reflection.
Space is limited, and this program is expected to fill quickly. We encourage you to reserve your place by submitting your online reservation form or returning the enclosed paper form. For questions or to explore available extensions, please contact Immersion Journeys.
We hope you’ll join us for this unforgettable experience.
Tour Highlights:
- Discover Johannesburg’s rich cultural history during a guided exploration of the city and Soweto, gaining insight into South Africa’s past and its path toward social transformation.
- Witness the awe-inspiring power of Victoria Falls on a guided visit and enjoy a serene sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, where hippos, elephants, and colorful birdlife gather at dusk.
- Experience Botswana’s spectacular wildlife in Chobe National Park, home to Africa’s largest elephant population, with exceptional game viewing by both land and water.
- Stay inside Chobe National Park at the iconic Chobe Game Lodge, offering unparalleled access to the region’s dense wildlife corridors and riverside landscapes.
- Journey by bush flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta for an immersive safari in one of Africa’s most pristine and wildlife-rich ecosystems.
- Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives led by expert naturalists, with opportunities to spot lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and a remarkable variety of bird species.
- Extend your experience with an optional stay in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, featuring the Cape Peninsula, Cape Winelands, and vibrant coastal scenery.
Program Itinerary
B- Breakfast | L- Lunch | D- Dinner
May 8, 2027
This is the recommended departure date from the U.S. for those who wish to arrive a day or two before the program, an early arrival room can be arranged for $315 per night inclusive of all breakfast and taxes.
May 9, 2027
Welcome to Johannesburg! You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel on vibrant Mandela Square in Sandton. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.
Southern Sun Sandton Sun & Towers Hotel (B,Welcome Dinner) Dinner includes 2 glasses house wine, beer.
May 10, 2027
Explore Johannesburg’s history and cultural heritage on a full-day guided tour, including Soweto and key sites that shaped South Africa’s modern identity.
Southern Sun Sandton Sun & Towers Hotel (B,L) Lunch includes 1 soft drink.
May 11, 2027
Fly to Victoria Falls. Check into your hotel just steps from the Falls. In the evening, relax on a scenic sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, an unforgettable introduction to the region’s wildlife and landscapes.
Ilala Lodge Hotel (B,D) Dinner includes 2 glasses house wine, beer or soft drink.
May 12, 2027
Enjoy a guided morning tour of the spectacular Victoria Falls, the “Smoke That Thunders,” one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the town or relax.
Ilala Lodge Hotel (B,D) Dinner includes 2 glasses house wine, beer or soft drink.
May 13, 2027
Cross overland into Botswana and continue to Chobe National Park, home to Africa’s largest elephant population. Your riverbank lodge offers premier wildlife viewing. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through the floodplains, where elephants, buffalo, zebra, predators, and abundant birdlife thrive.
Chobe Game Lodge (B,L,D) Meals inclusive of *non-premium drinks.
May 14, 2027
Spend the day discovering Chobe’s wildlife-rich ecosystems. Enjoy a morning game drive followed by an afternoon river safari along the Chobe River, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants at the water’s edge. Sunset on the river provides unforgettable photographic moments.
Chobe Game Lodge (B,L,D ) Meals inclusive of *non-premium drinks.
May 15-17, 2027
Board a bush flight into Moremi Game Reserve, part of the legendary Okavango Delta. Your safari camp sits in one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of lions, leopards, giraffes, wild dogs, and a dazzling array of bird species. Spend the 3 days exploring this untouched wilderness.
Camp Moremi (B,L,D) Meals inclusive of *non-premium drinks.
May 18, 2027
Fly by bush plane to Maun and connect to your scheduled flight to Johannesburg. Continue onward to your international flight home or begin your optional Cape Town extension.
May 18-22, 2027
Enhance your journey with a three-night stay in Cape Town—one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal cities. Explore its vibrant neighborhoods, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Enjoy curated experiences including a full-day city tour, an excursion through the Cape Winelands, and a scenic exploration of the Cape Peninsula.
TRIP COST
$14,999 per person (double occupancy)
$2,799 Single Room Supplement
Due to the very limited space single occupancy is on a first-come first-serve basis . Should you have any questions, please contact Sarah Doody at (904) 432-3141
Includes:
- All accommodations indicated.
- All airport and airstrip meet and greet plus transfers.
- Welcome dinner with 2 glasses of wine/ beer or soft drink.
- 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners.
- Dinners at Ilala Lodge (Victoria Falls) * dinners will include 2x glasses house wine/ beer/ soft drinks; lunches and dinners at Chobe Game Lodge and Camp Moremi will include house wine/ beer/ soft drinks.
- Scheduled flights: Johannesburg-Victoria Falls & Maun- Johannesburg .
- Zimbabwe to Botswana overland border crossing assistance.
- All bush flights within Botswana.
- All safari activities as indicated with professional guides.
- Guided tour of the Victoria Falls and sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
- Full time local trip leader/ director.
Exclusions:
- International flights.
- Single entry visa entry fees (Zimbabwe required prior to arrival). U.S. passport holders don’t need visas for South Africa and Botswana.
- Vaccinations.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Beverages not indicated in the itinerary.
- Trip insurance.
- Tips/ gratuities to guides, drivers, lodge and hotel staff, tour manager.
- Any services not mentioned above.
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Travel will be in a combination of coaches, small planes, commercial planes and safaris will be conducted in 4×4 safari vehicles often over bumpy terrain. Other safari activities on offer include guided traditional canoeing and walking. Guests can opt out of them and can be assured that the quality of their experience will not be compromised. Every effort will be made to ensure your comfort however it will be the responsibility of the guest to advise the tour operator and University of Denver regarding any concerns you may have. Please consult with your doctor regarding this trip, its length and location and share this brochure with them.
Cape Town
May 18, 2027
Arrive in Cape Town. Southern Sun The Cullinan.
May 19, 2027
Full-day Cape Town city tour with a visit to Table Mountain and Bo Kaap; winelands tour with wine tastings. (B,L)
May 20, 2027
Half-day Cape Peninsula Tour. (B)
May 21, 2027
Depart Home. (B)
$2699 per person
Above Includes:
- One-way scheduled flight from Maun to Cape Town.
- All airport meet and greet + transfers.
- 4 Breakfasts, 1 lunch inclusive of 2 soft drinks (this is an alcohol free restaurant).
- Cape Town city tour, wine lands tour, Cape Peninsula tour, on a private basis.
- 3 nights at the Southern Sun Cullinan in Cape Town.
Does Not Include:
- International flights
- Full time tour leader/ manager (all activities handled by local guides)
- Vaccinations.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Trip insurance.
- Tips/ gratuities to guides, drivers, lodge and hotel staff, tour manager.
- Visas (if applicable. U.S. nationals do not need a visa to enter South Africa).
- Any services not mentioned above.
The above optional extension to Cape Town can also be arranged as a pre-trip or combined as a pre and a post trip. Please contact Immersion Journeys to discuss.
Other customized pre/post trip extensions are available. Please contact Immersion Journeys at info@immersionjourneys.com.
TOUR RESERVATION FORM – The Best of Southern Africa
To reserve a space, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,350 per person ($1,550 per person including Cape Town extension) payable to Immersion Journeys. Mail to 455 Main Street, Suite 5M, New York, NY 10044 or email: info@immersionjourneys.com. You can also sign up online by clicking on this link. We will not process your deposit until you are assigned a place on the tour. Please contact 917-686-2620/ info@immersionjourneys.com if you have any questions about the registration process.