BOTSWANA SAFARI ~ A FAR OFF PLACE
“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.”
— Ernest Hemingway
We have conducted several trips to Botswana over the years, and it remains one of my all-time favorite destinations! Adventure is wrapped in luxury in Botswana, where you wing your way from camp to camp aboard small planes. Private camps set inside reserves and game parks provide well-appointed, ensuite tents built on raised wooden decks for spectacular views. Gourmet dining experiences are enjoyed in open-air, while sundown cocktails are served in the bush. Take in the action that surrounds you as great herds of zebra and wildebeest crowd the shores of the river that borders your luxury camp. The iconic predators, lion and hyena, are on the hunt, and all are vulnerable. Here is a unique opportunity to encounter the Big Five of wildlife: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, Cape buffalo, and more.
Highlights
Twice daily game drives into the African bush to encounter zebra, antelope, lion, leopard, baboon, monkeys and giant herds of elephant
Views from the private verandah of your room set on raised platforms overlooking Africa’s 2nd largest land migration
Aerial views of migrating herds of red lechwe as you fly aboard light aircraft from camp to camp
Karen McGlathery also leads the Long Term Ecological Research program based at UVA’s Coastal Research Center on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. As an ecologist, her research focuses on long-term environmental change of coastal marine ecosystems. She has also directed large interdisciplinary projects that involve researchers from across UVA to develop strategies for coastal resilience. In addition to Virginia, she and her students have worked in New England, Florida, Bermuda, Denmark, New Zealand, and Mozambique. Karen received the Elizabeth Zintl Leadership award in 2024, and was named one of UVA’s Top 25 Funded researchers. Before coming to UVA in 1996, Karen earned her B.S. from Connecticut College, her Ph.D. from Cornell University, and worked as a program officer for the Earthwatch Institute and as a Research Fellow at the University of Copenhagen and Danish Ministry of the Environment. She was inspired to study the ocean by a sea-faring British grandfather. Karen has led a Cavalier Travels trip to the Galapagos Islands and Tanzania.
Nic is native to Cape Town and grew up on the slopes of Table Mountain, learning to love the wild beauty of the Cape and all of the life within it. He earned a degree in Ecology and Earth and Geographic Sciences at the University of Cape Town and a post-graduate degree with honors in Zoology from Stellenbosch University. His academic expertise has given him the opportunity to have a hands-on role in conservation work, most notably with the reintroduction of over 50 black and white rhinos in Botswana. His studies are also an invaluable feature of his tours, where he has the unique ability to provide a range of insight into what travelers in his care encounter on the road. After a 5-year tenure in the Okavango as a conservation ecologist, Nic spent 12 years guiding wildlife safaris throughout Southern Africa. He has a passion for wildlife, sharing his experiences, and the wonders of the bush through his guiding, photography, and conservation blog.
Your journey begins as you board your overnight flight to Johannesburg.
(Meals Aloft)
DAY 2~ FRIDAY ~ APRIL 24
JOHANNESBURG
Upon arrival at the Johannesburg International Airport this afternoon, you will be met and escorted to your hotel. Often called Jo'burg, Johannesburg is the country's largest city and financial center with ultra-modern skyscrapers and a bustling way of life. Truly, the city of gold, as its claim to fame is the gold that was discovered close by. (Meals Aloft)
DAYS 3/4/5~ SATURDAY/SUNDAY/MONDAY~ APRIL 25/26/27
MAUN/MAKGADIKGADI & NXAI PANS NATIONAL PARKS/KHUMAGA VILLAGE
Fly to Maun, Botswana’s tourism capital, where you will connect with your flight to Leroo La Tau, situated at the edge of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
On your second day, enjoy a full-day excursion to Nxai Pans National Park. Leroo La Tau works closely with the community of Khumaga Village, which is located near the lodge, providing an opportunity for guests to see and understand what rural local life all is about. Activities during your three-night include game drives, night drives, and boat cruises on the Boteti River. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
DAYS 6/7/8~ TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY~ APRIL 28/29/30
MOREMI GAME RESERVE/CAMP XAKANAXA
Fly to Camp Xakanaxa in the Moremi Game Reserve. One of the finest wildlife viewing areas in Africa, Moremi incorporates most of the Okavango Delta waters and has a vast selection of wildlife. Moremi Game Reserve supports the most diverse habitat and animal populations in Botswana. (B,L,D)
DAYS 9/10/11~FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY~ MAY 1/2/3
CAMP XAKANAXA/KASANE/CHOBE NATIONAL PARK~ CHOBE GAME LODGE
Today you fly to Kasane. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Chobe National Park, where you will spend the next two days on wildlife viewing and boat activities.
(B,L,D)
DAY 12~MONDAY~ MAY 4
CHOBE GAME LODGE/KASANE/JOHANNESBURG/EN ROUTE
Enjoy a last activity this morning and a hearty breakfast before flying back to Johannesburg via Kasane where you connect with your flight back home.
(B, Meals Aloft)
DAY 13 ~ TUESDAY~ MAY 5
USA
Today you land back home, bringing with you the memories of all the wonderful sights of Southern Africa. (Meals Aloft)
POST-EXTENSION – Victoria Falls
DAY 12 MONDAY ~ MAY 4
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK / VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Cross the border into Zimbabwe and journey to Victoria Falls. Later, enjoy a memorable dinner cruise on the Zambezi River, where you may spot elephants, hippos, monkeys, and vibrant birds while sipping your favorite drink as the sun sets in a blaze of color.
DAY 13 ~ TUESDAY ~ MAY 5
VICTORIA FALLS
Explore the Zimbabwean side of the Falls via scenic walking paths that pass through rainforest nourished by the constant spray.
Lunch is served at The Lookout Café, offering panoramic views of the Batoka Gorge and the Victoria Falls Bridge.
The afternoon is at leisure or you may opt for a rhino encounter (at additional cost), where expert guides lead you on a safe and respectful journey to see endangered white rhinos in the wild.
(B, L)
DAY 14 ~ WEDNESDAY ~ MAY 6
VICTORIA FALLS
Today, visit Mpisi village, where you’ll witness traditional African life firsthand..
The rest of the day offers varied activities: scenic helicopter flights, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, wildlife safaris, or simply relaxing by the river.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Boma – a feast of African culture, food, and entertainment in a lively setting filled with music and dancing.
(B, D)
DAY 15 ~ THURSDAY ~ MAY 7
VICTORIA FALLS / JOHANNESBURG / EN ROUTE
Enjoy a final chance to photograph Victoria Falls before transferring to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg and onward overnight flight to the USA.
(B, Meals Aloft)
DAY 16 ~ FRIDAY ~ MAY 8
USA
Arrive home this morning, bringing back unforgettable memories of Southern Africa.
(Meals Aloft)
PRE-EXTENSION – Cape Town
DAY 1~ SUNDAY~ APRIL 19 USA /EN ROUTE
Your journey begins as you board your overnight flight to Cape Town.
(Meals Aloft)
DAY 2 ~ MONDAY~ APRIL 20 CAPE TOWN
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, in South Africa’s 'Mother City,' you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
(No Meals)
DAY 3~ TUESDAY~ APRIL 21 CAPE TOWN/CAPE PENINSULA
Your motor coach takes you on a coastal drive to the Cape of Good Hope. See Devil's Peak, Lion's Head, Table Mountain, and the Twelve Apostles. Pass seaside towns as you continue to Cape Point, where the stormy waters of the Atlantic meet up with the calm waters of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and continue to Boulders Beach where the African Penguins can be seen. Return to Cape Town in the evening, where you have another chance to discover one of the numerous restaurants that Cape Town has to offer.
(B,L)
DAY 4~ WEDNESDAY~ APRIL 22
CAPE TOWN: CAPE MALAY
Your first stop for the day is Cape Malay Quarter, or 'Bo-Kaap”.
You will have a hands-on, practical lesson on how to cook like a real Cape Malay 'Auntie! A local woman will host you at her home. The workshop ends with lunch where you can share your experiences with the group whilst indulging in a mouth-watering traditional meal.
(B,L)
DAY 5~THURSDAY~ APRIL 23 CAPE TOWN: TABLE MOUNTAIN/WINELANDS
Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, the signature of this city.
Continue to the winelands region.Discover the vineyards of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek along a scenic route. You will visit the historic estate of Boschendal, Franschhoek, nestled in the "Valley of the Huguenots," where the French first settled in 1688. All of the wine estates offer tastings and cellar tours. This afternoon, explore the university town of Stellenbosch.
(B,L)
DAY 6~FRIDAY~ APRIL 24 CAPE TOWN/JOHANNESBURG
This morning is devoted to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, arguably one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Afterwards, fly to Johannesburg where you meet up with the group arriving from the US this evening.
(B)
- D’Oreale Grande
- Leroo La Tau
- Camp Xakanaxa
- Chobe Game Lodge
- Victoria Falls Hotel
- The Taj Cape Town Hotel
(Prices Based on 10 Travelers)
Main Program: DOUBLE OCCUPANCY LAND PACKAGE including air within Africa:
- $12,995 per person sharing and an additional $4,995 for single supplement
Post-Extension to Victoria Falls:
- $3,995 per person sharing and an additional $1,695 for single supplement
Pre-Extension to Cape Town:
- $3,395 per person sharing and an additional $1,295 for single supplement
*SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: RATE IS VALID FOR FIRST TWO SINGLE ROOMS BOOKED. IF MORE THAN TWO SINGLE ROOMS, ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENT MAY APPLY. SINGLES ARE ASSIGNED ON A FIRST COME/FIRST SERVE BASIS.
Price includes:
- Flights between Johannesburg/Maun and Kasane/Johannesburg.
- All flights between the camps.
- Flight between Cape Town and Johannesburg on the pre-extension.
- Flight between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg on the post-extension.
- All meals while on safari. Other meals as specified in itinerary.
- Specialist guide will accompany the group with a minimum of 10 travelers.
- All park entry fees and sightseeing as specified.
Price Does not include:
- International airfare from USA.
- Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas.
- Gratuities to driver/guides and other conveyance attendants.
- Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
- Meals and beverages, other than specified.
- Laundry, other than specified and other items of a personal nature, unless specified.
For reservations, please call the University of Virginia Cavalier Travels at 866-765-2646. A deposit is required (see below for amounts) and checks should be made out to Classic Escapes. Upon receipt of your signed reservation form and deposit, we will, subject to availability, reserve your spot on the tour. You may consider your booking confirmed when you receive a confirmation notice and invoice from us.
DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT: You will be required to pay the following per person deposits when booking. Those amounts are:
$2,600 for main trip
$700 for pre-extension to Cape Town
$800 for the post extension to Victoria Falls
All deposits are subject to the Cancellation policy herein. Final payment is required no less than 95 days prior to departure (January 18, 2026) unless otherwise stated. Some airfares or services must be paid in full at the time of booking. Payments may be made by check or with a credit card (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.) Conditioned on receipt of final payment in full, all final documents and air tickets will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure.
CREDIT CARD PROCESSING FEE: Payments made via credit card will incur a non-refundable processing fee of 5%. This fee applies to both deposits and final payments and will be added to the total trip cost. By choosing to pay via credit card, you agree to this additional charge. Alternative payment methods, such as bank transfers or checks, are available to avoid this fee.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: We recommend travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide financial reimbursement should the unexpected occur.
CANCELLATION: Please be aware that most travel bookings are non-refundable and cancelled bookings will incur charges. These charges can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking, regardless of whether travel has commenced. Where we incur any liability for a cancellation fee or charge for any booking that you cancel, you agree to indemnify us for the amount of that fee or charge. Cancellations are only effective upon receipt of written notification. The following per-person fees are applicable; however, depending on the specific itinerary or other factors, we may require a non-refundable deposit:
Up to 6 months prior to departure (October 25, 2025), $300 per person administrative fee.
179 days to 96 days prior to departure (October 26, 2025 to January 17, 2026), $300 per person administrative fee, plus $1,500 non-refundable deposits given to suppliers.
95 days to 76 days prior to departure January 18 to February 6, 2026), deposit is forfeited.
75 days to 60 days prior to departure (February 7 to February 22, 2026), 25% refund is possible.
59 days or less prior to departure (February 23, 2026), no refund is possible.
These cancellation fees are also in addition to any fees imposed by airlines.
REFUNDS: While Classic Escapes uses its best endeavors to ensure that all anticipated accommodation is available as planned, there is no claim of any nature whatsoever against Classic Escapes for a refund, in whole or in part, if any accommodation or excursion is unavailable and a reasonable alternative is not found, or if the Traveler is unable to use any service provided in the itinerary.
CHANGES: Once your tour is reserved, changes to the itinerary are possible subject to the availability of air or land space at the time of your request. Should there be any change fees imposed by any airlines or ground operators, or additional costs incurred due to the availability of any space, these costs will be invoiced to you and you will be responsible for payment thereof.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Should you wish to make additional travel plans, including specially arranged pre- or post-tour extensions different than those offered in conjunction with your tour, a service charge of $150 per person (over and above the cost of the services required) will be assessed.
TOUR OPERATOR: Classic Escapes acts solely as a tour operator/travel agent. Classic Escapes does not own, operate, manage, or control any independent suppliers of services and is not liable for their acts or omissions. Our responsibility is to make travel bookings on your behalf and arrange relevant contracts between you and travel service providers. We are not responsible for these services, nor do we have authority to make warranties about their standard. All bookings are subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations of those providers. Requests cannot be guaranteed. You understand your legal recourse lies with the specific service provider, not with Classic Escapes. Travel conditions may change rapidly in any country. It is your responsibility to review U.S. Government travel advisories for your intended destination at [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html).
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMPANY: Classic Escapes always endeavors to ensure your travel arrangements are satisfactory. However, Classic Escapes, including its employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns, does not own or operate any third-party entities providing goods or services for your trip. These include, without limitation, lodging facilities, airlines, vessels, motorcoaches, transportation companies, ground operators, food service providers, and more. All such persons and entities are independent contractors, not affiliated with Classic Escapes. We are not liable for any delays, service interruptions, or additional costs you incur due to any action or failure by these third parties.
LIABILITY: Classic Escapes is not liable for any negligent, willful, or accidental act, or failure to act, of any third-party travel service provider. Because Classic Escapes does not control or direct the operations of these providers, you agree Classic Escapes is not responsible for any personal injury, property damage, or other losses that may result from services arranged through Classic Escapes. We disclaim all liability, including but not limited to contract, tort, strict liability, and any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages. This includes, without limitation, liability for any error, delay, injury, accident, loss, cancellation, schedule change, or inadequate service provided by any third party, and issues such as fuel surcharges, financial default, refund policies, or operational failure. These risks remain outside the control of Classic Escapes. You expressly release and hold Classic Escapes harmless from all such liability.
FORCE MAJEURE: Classic Escapes is not liable or considered in breach of this Agreement for any delay or failure to perform resulting from causes beyond our reasonable control. Such causes include but are not limited to acts of God, natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes), fires, wars, terrorist acts, riots, civil unrest, epidemics, pandemics, disease outbreaks, quarantines, governmental restrictions or changes in law, labor strikes, power or communication failures, and breakdown or malfunction of facilities, equipment, web hosts, or internet service providers. Events such as lack of raw materials, weather emergencies, or transportation disruption are also considered force majeure. THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL TRAVELERS.
REFUSAL OF SERVICE: Travel service providers reserve the right to refuse service to any traveler at their sole discretion, including but not limited to instances where a traveler:
(i) lacks the required documentation for entry into the destination country;
(ii) has a communicable disease or poses a health risk to others;
(iii) is under the influence of drugs, narcotics, or alcohol; and/or
(iv) engages in disruptive, abusive, or unruly behavior.
Classic Escapes is not responsible for actions taken by service providers in refusing service to travelers based on these or similar circumstances.
ELECTRONIC OR HANDWRITTEN SIGNATURE: You may agree to these Terms and Conditions through any of the following:
(i) by electronic signature;
(ii) by handwritten signature;
(iii) by any other electronic acknowledgment, including email confirmation; or
(iv) by implied consent, such as by making full or partial payment or by using services provided by Classic Escapes or any associated travel supplier. All forms of acknowledgment are valid and enforceable under this Agreement.
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: Classic Escapes reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to revise, amend, or update these Terms and Conditions at any time. Updated versions will be made available to you, posted on our official website, and will become effective immediately upon posting. It is your responsibility to review the Terms regularly.
GOVERNING LAW: These Terms and Conditions, and any disputes arising between the parties, will be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict of law rules. Both parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in New York for the resolution of any legal disputes related to this Agreement or your travel arrangements.