Smith College –
The Best of Southern Africa: Desert & Deltas

September 24 – October 4, 2026

Embark on an extraordinary journey through some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and wildlife-rich reserves. This carefully curated itinerary blends adventure, cultural immersion, wild life safaris and relaxation, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime experience that deepens your appreciation for this remarkable part of the world.

Tour Highlights:

• Johannesburg: Step into the heart of South Africa’s largest city, where history and innovation converge. Visit the dynamic art and music scenes, gain insight into the country’s past and future, and experience the energy of this ever-evolving metropolis.
• Okavango Delta: Immerse yourself in one of the most pristine wilderness areas on the planet. Explore the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta by traditional mokoro canoe, enjoy game drives with expert guides, and spot the legendary “Big Five” in their natural habitat.
• Chobe National Park: Experience unparalleled wildlife encounters in Botswana’s famed Chobe National Park, where vast herds of elephants roam the floodplains and predators lurk in the tall grasses. Enjoy both land and water safaris, offering unique perspectives on this diverse ecosystem.
• Victoria Falls: Witness the awe-inspiring power of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Victoria Falls. Known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a spectacle of cascading water, lush rainforest, and breathtaking viewpoints.

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 Smith College regarding any concerns you may have. Please consult with your doctor regarding this trip, its length and location and share this brochure with them.

Program Itinerary
[B- Breakfast   L- Lunch D- Dinner]

September 24, 2026  | Depart USA

September 25, 2026 | Arrive in Johannesburg
Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and economic hub. Known as the “City of Gold,” Johannesburg is a dynamic metropolis steeped in history and resilience. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Sandton, the city’s upscale financial district. Settle in and join your fellow travelers for welcome cocktails as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
*If you wish to arrive early, please contact Immersion Journeys for assistance in booking your early arrival hotel ($320 per night including breakfast)
The Sandton Sun Hotel (Breakfast, Welcome Cocktails)

September 26, 2026 | Johannesburg – Okavango Delta
Fly to Maun – the gate way into one of Africa’s last great wildernesses: the Okavango Delta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sprawling oasis of waterways, islands, and floodplains teeming with wildlife. Fed by seasonal rains, the delta supports an incredible array of animals, from elephants and hippos to big cats and rare bird species.
Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon safari game drive with expert guides, tracking wildlife through the pristine landscape.
Camp Xakanaxa(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Non-premium drinks)

September 27-29, 2026 | Okavango Delta
Spend two full days exploring the Okavango Delta’s diverse ecosystems. With daily morning and afternoon game drives, you’ll have ample opportunities to spot the legendary “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as giraffes, cheetahs, and zebras.
Depending on the water levels, experience a traditional mokoro canoe excursion, gliding silently through narrow reed-lined channels where crocodiles and kingfishers make their home. Take a walking safari with professional trackers or venture out on a game drive, keeping an eye out for lions, leopards, and the elusive African wild dog.
Every safari experience in the Delta is different—what you see in the morning may change completely by afternoon, making each moment an exciting surprise.
Camp Xakanaxa (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Non-premium drinks)

September 30, 2026 | Okavango Delta – Chobe National Park
Fly to Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park, known for its dense population of elephants—the largest in Africa. Your lodge, located on the banks of the Chobe River, offers prime wildlife viewing. As the only permanent safari lodge inside the park, it provides exclusive access to one of Botswana’s most wildlife-rich areas.
In the afternoon, set off on a thrilling game drive through the park’s floodplains, where large herds of buffalo, zebra, and antelope roam attracting predators like lions and hyenas.
Chobe Game Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Non-premium drinks)

October 1, 2026 | Chobe National Park
Spend the day exploring Chobe by both land and water. Start the morning with a game drive, where you might witness a dramatic hunt or a herd of elephants splashing in the river.
In the afternoon, embark on a river safari, cruising along the Chobe River. This unique vantage point allows you to observe hippos, crocodiles, and elephants drinking at the water’s edge. Keep your camera ready for breathtaking sunset views over the river.
Chobe Game Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Non-premium drinks)

October 2, 2026 | Chobe National Park – Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Cross the border into Zimbabwe and arrive in Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Your lodge, located on the banks of the Zambezi River, offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from the falls.
In the evening, set sail on a Zambezi River sunset cruise, gliding past lush riverbanks as wildlife comes to drink at dusk. Enjoy canapés and refreshing cocktails while taking in the stunning African sunset.
Ilala Lodge Hotel (Breakfast, Dinner, 2 glasses of house wine, beer, or soft drinks)

October 3, 2026 | Victoria Falls
Experience the full power of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”). Take a guided walking tour to the best viewpoints, where millions of gallons of water plunge over a mile-wide chasm into the Zambezi Gorge below. Feel the mist on your face and hear the deafening roar of the falls.
After a relaxed afternoon at leisure, gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel, celebrating your incredible journey.
Ilala Lodge Hotel (Breakfast, Dinner, 2 glasses of house wine, beer, or soft drinks)

October 4, 2026 | Victoria Falls – Johannesburg – Depart (or Extension)
Bid farewell to Africa as you take a scenic bush flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg. If you’re heading home, connect to your international flight. For those continuing their adventure, embark on an optional extension to Cape Town, South Africa .
(See details in the Rates tab)

Tour Price
$13,999 per person (double occupancy)

Due to the very limited space available in the safari lodges, all rooms require double occupancy. 
Should you have any questions, please contact Sarah Doody at (904) 432-3141 or SmithTravel@smith.edu.

Main Trip Inclusions:

• All accommodations and meals indicated.
• Gratuities to trip leader, guides, drivers, porters, hotel and lodge staff.
• All arrival and departure airport assistance and transfers.
• Welcome cocktails in Johannesburg, 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners.
• Non-premium beverages during meals in Botswana properties and 2 glasses non-premium beverages during dinners in Victoria Falls.
• Scheduled group flights in economy class: Johannesburg to Maun and Kasane to Johannesburg.
• All bush flights within Botswana.
• All safari activities as indicated with professional naturalist-guides.
• Full time local tour director.

 
Exclusion:

• • International flights.
  • Zimbabwe Visa on arrival ($35 per person. Cash only) * U.S. passport holders don’t need visas for South Africa and Botswana.
  • Vaccinations.
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
  • Premium beverages not indicated in the itinerary.
  • Trip insurance.
  • Any services not mentioned above.

Optional Extension to Cape Town

October 3, 2026
Arrive in Cape Town.Southern Sun The Cullinan

October 4, 2026
Full-day tour of the city, Table Mountain, and Bo Kaap. Southern Sun The Cullinan (Breakfast)

October 5, 2026
Half day tour of the Cape of Good Hope. Southern Sun The Cullinan (Breakfast, Lunch)

October 6, 2026
Meet up with the group or depart home.

$2,299 per person (double occupancy),
$625 single room supplement

INCLUSIONS:

• All airport transfers.
• Victoria Falls to Cape Town regional flight (economy class).
• 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch.
• Privately guided tours of Cape Town, Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope.

EXCLUDES:
International flights, beverages, additional meals, tips/ gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, restaurant staff, hotel and lodge staff, vaccinations, any services not mentioned above.

**The above optional extensions to Cape Town and Namibia can also be arranged as a pre-trip or combined as a pre and a post trip. Please contact Immersion Journeys to discuss.

TOUR RESERVATION FORM – The Best of Southern Africa: Desert & Deltas

To reserve a space, please complete and return this form. 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.