Zambezi Queen River Safair
Crafting luxury journeys since 2004

Luxury Safari Packages 2026

Hwange elephants, Rwanda gorillas, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Kruger and Serengeti — paired with Rovos Rail or Blue Train. All‑inclusive adventures from $995pp.

20+ years expert planning Train + safari combos a speciality
8+Safari destinations
$995Packages from (pp)
20+Years curating Africa
100%Bespoke & tailored
Our packages

Luxury African Safaris 2026

Explore curated luxury African safaris from $995pp — Kruger, Botswana, Rwanda gorilla trekking & Victoria Falls. Each journey blends wilderness adventure with bespoke comfort and can be extended, shortened, or paired with a Rovos Rail or Blue Train experience. Solo, honeymoon, and family rates available on request.

Wildlife at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Safari Victoria Falls 3 nights

Victoria Falls & Hwange Introduction

The perfect first-timer package — arrive at the thundering Victoria Falls, then head into Hwange for close encounters with the world's largest elephant herds.

  • 2 nights Victoria Falls — guided tour & sunset Zambezi cruise
  • 1 night Hwange — evening & morning game drives
  • Professional guide throughout
  • All transfers included
From
$995 pp sharing
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Hwange National Park — Zimbabwe's largest game reserve
Safari 5 nights

Hwange Deep Safari — Elephant Country

Five immersive nights in Hwange National Park — Zimbabwe's largest reserve and home to over 45,000 elephants. Multiple game drives daily with expert trackers.

  • 5 nights Hwange luxury lodge, full board
  • Morning, afternoon & night game drives
  • Walking safari with armed ranger
  • Hide sessions at waterholes
  • All meals & local beverages
From
$2,825 pp sharing
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Chobe National Park, Botswana — river safari with elephants
Safari 5–7 nights

Botswana — Chobe & Okavango Delta

Botswana's legendary wildlife circuit: elephant-rich Chobe National Park on the river, then the water wilderness of the Okavango Delta by mokoro and game vehicle.

  • 2 nights Chobe Game Lodge — river & land safaris
  • 3 nights Okavango Delta — mokoro, boat & 4x4 drives
  • All-inclusive luxury lodge accommodation
  • Internal charter flights between camps
  • Big Five sightings likely
From
$4,200 pp sharing
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Aerial helicopter view of Victoria Falls
Train + Safari 7 nights

Rovos Rail + Victoria Falls Safari Combo

Combine the ultimate luxury train journey — Pretoria to Victoria Falls on the Pride of Africa — with a 3-night wildlife safari, creating one seamless Southern African adventure.

  • 4 nights Rovos Rail — Pretoria to Victoria Falls (all-inclusive)
  • 2 nights Victoria Falls Hotel with guided Falls tour
  • 1 night Hwange — evening game drive & bush dinner
  • All rail, lodge and safari transfers arranged
From
R68,000 pp sharing
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Luxury river safari aboard the Zambezi Queen
Safari River Cruise 2 nights

Zambezi Queen Chobe River Safari

All-inclusive luxury river safari on the Chobe River. Sunset cruises, guided boat safaris, fine dining, and stargazing from the deck.

  • 2 nights aboard the Zambezi Queen
  • All meals, drinks, and activities included
  • Guided boat safaris along the Chobe River
  • Sunset and stargazing experiences
From
$1700 pp sharing
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Mountain gorilla mother and infant — Rwanda gorilla trekking
Gorilla Trek 5 nights

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking — Volcanoes National Park

Trek through mist-draped rainforest to spend a golden hour with endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park — one of Africa's most profound wildlife experiences.

  • Gorilla trekking permit included
  • 3 nights luxury lodge in Volcanoes NP
  • Optional golden monkey trekking
  • Cultural village & Kigali city tour
  • All meals and lodge transfers
From
$3,750 pp sharing
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Lion in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Safari Malaria-free option 4–6 nights

Kruger National Park & Private Reserves

South Africa's flagship safari destination — pair a Big Five private reserve experience with Johannesburg or Pretoria for a compact, powerful trip. Madikwe offers a malaria-free alternative.

  • 3–5 nights private game reserve, full board
  • Daily morning & evening game drives in open vehicles
  • Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino
  • Malaria-free lodges available (Madikwe, Nambiti)
  • Easily combined with Blue Train or Rovos Rail
From
$1,800 pp sharing
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All prices are per person sharing (double occupancy). Single supplement and group rates available on request. Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variation, lodge availability, and currency fluctuation. We strongly recommend booking 6–12 months in advance for 2026 departures.


Sample Itinerary — Victoria Falls & Botswana, 5 Days

A popular standalone safari or an extension before/after Rovos Rail

5 nights 2 countries From $2,200 pp Yr-round departures
Day1

Arrival — Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport and transfer to your lodge. High tea on the terrace overlooking the spray cloud. Evening welcome dinner at The Three Monkeys restaurant.

Arrival Luxury lodge
Day2

Victoria Falls — The Smoke That Thunders

Morning guided tour of the Falls — the mist, the sound, the sheer scale. Optional: Devil's Pool (seasonal). Afternoon at leisure. Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

Victoria Falls Zambezi cruise Wildlife
Day3

Transfer to Chobe National Park, Botswana

Transfer to Kasane (~90 min) crossing into Botswana. Afternoon boat safari on the Chobe River — enormous elephant herds swimming across in long processions.

Transfer Chobe River lodge Boat safari
Day4

Full Day — Chobe National Park Safaris

Pre-dawn open vehicle game drive — lion, leopard, buffalo and giraffe regularly spotted. Afternoon 4x4 drive. Sundowners in the bush. Bush dinner under the stars.

Morning game drive Afternoon 4x4 Bush dinner
Day5

Sunrise Safari — Departure from Kasane

Final sunrise game drive then check-out. Transfer to Kasane Airport. Optional extension: Cape Town 2–3 nights, or connect to your Rovos Rail departure from Pretoria.

Sunrise safari Departure

Included

  • All accommodation (double occupancy)
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • All game drives and boat safaris
  • Park entry fees
  • Road transfers between destinations
  • Professional guide throughout
  • Local beverages on drives

Not included

  • International or regional flights
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Visa fees (Zimbabwe & Botswana)
  • Premium spirits & wines
  • Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
  • Optional activities (Devil's Pool, helicopter)

This is a sample itinerary. We tailor every journey — different lodges, extra nights, rail connections, honeymoon upgrades — all on request.

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Who we tailor for

A Safari Built Around You

Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a family adventure or a solo expedition, we design the itinerary around your pace, preferences and budget.

Honeymoon & Romance Safaris

Private game drives, candlelit bush dinners, couples suites with plunge pools, and Champagne on the Zambezi. Romantic itineraries combining luxury lodges with the Blue Train or Rovos Rail.

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Family Safari Packages

Malaria-free private reserves (Madikwe, Nambiti), family-friendly lodges with kids' programmes, and age-appropriate game drives. Properties that genuinely welcome children of all ages.

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Solo Safari Travellers

Single supplement waivers on selected departures, small group joining options, or fully private solo journeys — designed to feel expansive, not expensive, for one.

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When to go

Best Time for a Safari in Southern Africa

Every season offers something different. Here's when to visit for the best game viewing, weather and value.

Peak dry season
Jul — Oct

Best game viewing — sparse vegetation, animals gather at waterholes. Crisp mornings, warm days.

Early dry season
May — Jun

Vegetation thinning, excellent wildlife density. Cooler — ideal for walking safaris. Fewer crowds.

Green season
Nov — Jan

Lush landscapes, dramatic skies, newborn animals. Excellent birding. Lower lodge rates.

Late green season
Feb — Apr

Good wildlife, fewer visitors. Some roads may be affected by rain. Good rates available.

Note: Rwanda gorilla trekking is excellent year-round. Victoria Falls is most dramatic Jan–Jun (high water). Botswana's Okavango Delta peaks Jun–Oct. Kruger is excellent May–Sep.


FAQ

Safari Package Questions — Answered

What vaccinations do I need for a Southern African safari?
Yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling to or from certain East African countries (Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania). Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are strongly recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and the Kruger lowveld — consult your travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Madikwe and Nambiti in South Africa are malaria-free alternatives.
Can I combine a safari with a Rovos Rail or Blue Train journey?
Absolutely — and this is one of our specialities. The most popular combinations are Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls (4 nights) extended with a Hwange or Botswana safari, and the Blue Train Pretoria–Cape Town extended with a Kruger or Pilanesberg safari. We handle all logistics, transfers and bookings as a single package.
Are your packages suitable for first-time safari travellers?
Yes — most of our guests are first-timers. We brief you fully before departure, select guides who excel at making newcomers comfortable, and stay in contact throughout the journey. We're based in Cape Town and available around the clock during your trip.
What is the best family-friendly safari destination in South Africa?
For younger children, we recommend Madikwe Game Reserve or Pilanesberg National Park — both are malaria-free, Big Five destinations within a short drive of Johannesburg. For older children (12+), Kruger private reserves offer more intimate game drives in open vehicles.
How far in advance should I book a 2026 safari package?
At least 6–12 months ahead for peak season (July–October). Rwanda gorilla permits are limited to 96 per day and sell out quickly — sometimes 12–18 months ahead. Green season and shoulder season dates offer more flexibility.
Do you offer solo safari packages without a single supplement?
Selected lodge partners waive the single supplement on specific dates. Solo travellers can join a small group (4–8 guests) on certain Victoria Falls and Hwange departure dates at the standard per-person rate. Fully private solo journeys also available.
What currency is used on safari, and how do tips work?
USD is accepted across Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia. South African Rand is used within South Africa. Standard guide gratuities are $10–$20 per person per day, and $5–$10 per day for tracker and camp staff. We provide a full tipping guide before departure.

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Eurika Labuschagne profile picture
Eurika Labuschagne
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What a wonderful experience. I have spoken to Yvette years ago and only made use of her services now. what a smooth-running experience. Everything from beginning to end was arranged in a professional manner and went smoothly. Train; transfers, hotel transfers, air tickets and flights. I was contacted by her with every step of the holiday to ensure that everything was going as arranged. We are very satisfied with their service and can highly recommend them.
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felix bonmati
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Mowana Lodge: not the right level for this kind of trip. I would recommend to search other lodge for the arrival date. The Namibia evisa process should be advised in advance, we had to spend two hours at the Namibia toll meanwhile other guests saving it getting it from home. The zambezee Queen was a superb expericence: the activities, the crue, the meals, everything worths it!!! Same applies to the Victoria Falls Hotel and Helicopter trip. The Rovos Rail experience was under expectations, 40 hours without any activity and without great landscapes to watch was a little boring. Two expensive for the journey. But the service and the meals were world class, I must say. The Mainly Maine Hotel was ok for closing the trip. Also the support of Yvette and Tertius along the preparation months was perfect. Thanks to both!!!
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Rex Cowley
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From start to finish... pick ups, drop offs, flights, hotels, border crossings, special requirements and of course the actual journey... Luxury Trains & Safaris were faultless in their execution - what great service and what a fantastic 'travel partner' to help arrange a wonderful holiday resulting in precious memories from a trouble free holiday. Thanks Luxury Trains & Safaris you are brilliant!
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Echo Terrace
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A big thank you to Tertius and Yvette for a cleverly designed itinerary and such great support. Every aspect has been just right. Thanks too for your Rovos recommendation for a great trip from Cape Town to Pretoria ending at the Rovos home station and fascinating rebuilding yard where we were treated to an excellent tour. Tertius cleverly combined our Rovos journey with a visit to the Pilanesberg. Bakubung has been an excellent choice and we thoroughly enjoyed all it has to offer, excellent accommodation, great meals, game drives, even a visit to Sun City. We’ve just returned from the most incredible hot air balloon experience at Bakubung, highly recommended. Thank you for your recommendation of a direct booking for that. It was a breathtaking experience! Every detail covered by this superb travel agent with frequent reminders of the next transfer or phase of travel. Highly recommended!
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Brian Dreyer
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We so enjoyed our Namibia trip on Rovos. A very well planned and executed itinerary took in the stunningly beautiful and varied highlights of this magnificent country, from the shores of the Skeleton Coast near Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour to the extreme north of the Etosha Pan teeming with game. Onwards to the magnificent dunes and Dead Forest of Sossusvlei and further to see the legendary wild horses at Aus and the ghost diamond mining town of Collmanskoppe near the charming waterfront at Luderitz. Every detail on the Rovos Rail train is so carefully planned and presented that we cannot wait to experience yet another Rovos trip!
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Vesna Rusec
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I couldn't recommend Tertius and Yvette highly enough for organising my 12 day Southern Cross Rovos train tour. Pretoria to Victoria Falls. Everything was organised to the last detail, nothing was too much trouble, Yvette also made sure that I got home safely. I had a marvellous time, thanks also to very friendly staff and beautiful train. If you are thinking of doing Africa train Safari tours please don't hesitate to contact Tertius and Yvette . Until next time. Thank you Yvette, Tertius.
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KIM WOOD
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A Luxurious Journey on Rovos Rail: Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Our recent trip aboard the Rovos Rail from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we boarded, the vintage charm of the train combined with impeccable service made us feel like royalty. The beautifully restored carriages offered a perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern comfort. The journey itself was breathtaking, passing through some of Southern Africa’s most stunning landscapes. Each day brought new sights—rolling hills, sprawling plains, and vibrant wildlife—visible right from the comfort of our panoramic windows. Dining on board was a highlight: gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients paired with excellent South African wines. The staff were attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure our experience was flawless. A special highlight was when we disembarked to enjoy game drives in both Motobo National Park and Hwange National Park. Experiencing the wildlife up close in these incredible parks added an unforgettable adventure and deepened our connection to the region’s natural beauty. Arriving at Victoria Falls was the perfect grand finale to this unforgettable journey. We highly recommend Rovos Rail to anyone seeking a unique and luxurious way to experience Africa’s heartland.
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Sandy Herz
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We're not sure there's anyone better than Tertius Bester and his team from Luxury Trains and Safaris to plan a trip on Rovos Rail or a visit to South Africa. Do you want an honest person with integrity? Tertius is it. We traveled on Rovos Rail from Walvis Bay, Namibia to Pretoria, South Africa followed by a week in Cape Town. Tertius made the booking for us on Rovos, but it should be noted that once you're on the train that part of the trip is the responsibility of Rovos Rail and not Luxury Trains and Safaris. Tertius made all of our "before the train" and "after the train" arrangements and there were many of them. When planning a trip, Tertius is very diligent in listening to his clients, asking about their interests and what they might like to see or experience. He is also a good reference for suggestions. When arriving at an unfamiliar airport in an unfamiliar country, it's such a relief to see the person who's supposed to meet you, actually be there waiting with a smile...just like Tertius said they would. While in Cape Town Tertius arranged for Chris from Big 6 Tours to be our driver. Chris spent several days driving us to the sites we were interested in seeing. What a terrific guy. He is funny, interesting and very knowledgeable of the area. When planning the trip you can count on Tertius to answer your countless questions promptly. Emails flew back and forth daily, especially as the trip got closer. Tertius provides a detailed printout of the itinerary and costs. A trip like this involves multiple reservations and small details. Tertius confirms reservations and checks and double checks the very smallest detail. The drivers he uses for tours and pick ups are extremely qualified, reliable and professional. Anything that was under Tertius' control was well covered and made for a pretty stress free trip and that can't be said very often about travel these days. Thank you Tertius for the best trip yet! Look forward to the next one! Mike and Sandy
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Ed Gellner
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LT&S put together a fabulous trip for us! This was our third trip with them and each has been better than the last. It is unusual to have a trip with no loose ends, but Tertius is somehow able to pull it off....and at a remarkably moderate cost! We will use LT&S whenever possible to manage our travel adventures.
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Tim Galpin
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Couldn’t recommend highly enough. Provided a discount on our rail journeys and attentive from beginning to end. Yvette was constantly in touch with us to ensure all went smoothly and it did!👍👍👍