AFRICAN SAFARI
WITH ZANZIBAR & VICTORIA FALLS
21 August - 15 September 2025
Fall in love with Africa with visits to six diverse countries on our luxury ‘once in a lifetime’ trip. We witness so much: an abundance of animals in their natural habitat, the great migration, a range of scenery from a lush crater bed, to rivers, to beaches, to the mighty Victoria Falls, enjoy local music experiences and meet the people.
$28,560 per person twin share
Single Room Supplement Add $9300
Initial Deposit On Booking $3000
Second Deposit Due: 19 February 2025 $4000
Final Balance Due: 2 May 2025
Days
23 Days
Highlights
Land and river safaris, the great migration, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar beaches, sunset cruise and local shows
Group Size
20
Travellers
Travel of Note
Boutique Tour
Meals
All Breakfasts
1 High Tea
18 Lunches
18 Dinners
Mobility
Adventure Tour
MAP GUIDE:
1. ZANZIBAR (3 nights)
2. TARANGIRE (2 nights)
3. NGORONGORO (2 nights)
4. SERENGETI (3 nights)
5. NAIROBI (3 nights)
6. VICTORIA FALLS (3 nights)
7. CHOBE (3 nights)
8. CAPETOWN (3 nights)
SPECIAL FEATURES
• This trip of a lifetime includes land and river safari experiences at 4 of the best national parks including the Serengeti, Chobe National Park which boasts the largest population of elephants in Africa and Tarangire where the river flows through and acts as a beacon for abundant wildlife.
• We will see every conceivable animal on our wish list, many of them many times and up close: elephants and their babies, giraffes, herds of buffalo, gazelles, zebras, lions and leopards, even their cubs!
• Witness the Great Migration when literally millions of animals cross Tanzania’s great plains, with stays at 4 and 5-star hotels and camps within the national parks.
• 3 nights in Zanzibar with its beautiful coastline, where we follow the trail of the sultans, slaves and explorers in the winding streets of Stone Town.
• One of the most awe-inspiring sights on earth, The Victoria Falls, which cascades 108m down into the river below, including sunset river cruise to witness the extraordinary African sunset, high tea at The Royal Livingstone Hotel and a walk in the rainforest to the Falls.
• Exceptional cultural experiences: Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum, craft visits, spice tour, Masai Village, school visit, church choir, Zambian choir, local shows, interactive Boma Drum show, market visits plus time for a little music from our hosts.
• High quality trip with extraordinary care from Bonnie and Russell means this really is a ‘trip of a lifetime’ and a dream come true. If Africa has been on your bucket list, but you were perhaps a little too nervous to travel without Operatunity, now it’s your chance!
TRIP ITINERARY
Experience the Exceptional:
THURSDAY 21 AUGUST 2025
Today we fly out of Auckland to Zanzibar via Dubai.
FRIDAY 22 AUGUST 2025 (D) ARRIVE ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Zanzibar (3 nights)
Our African adventure is a combination of safaris both land and water, culture, learning about the people in cities and villages, Victoria Falls and beaches. We begin our journey with beaches as we arrive in Zanzibar. We learn about its fascinating history, both slave and trade, and wonder at its enchanting sunsets and magnificent beaches. We also have time to relax after our flight and enjoy the pool and beach.
On arrival we enjoy dinner and an early night after our long flight.
SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 2025 (B, L, D) STONE TOWN TOUR
Highlights Include:
• Half day city highlights tour including the trail of the sultans, slaves and explorers in the winding streets of Stone Town plus the former Slave Market and Anglican Cathedral, the House of Wonders and the Sultans’ Palace Museum, the food and spice markets, the Old Arab Fort and Dispensary.
• Welcome dinner this evening on the terrace, overlooking the ocean with music from our artists.
SUNDAY 24 AUGUST 2025 (B, L, D) ZANZIBAR SPICE TOUR
Highlights Include:
• Morning tour to the Spice Farm, to learn about the exotic and colourful history of the Spice Islands. We see the plants which produce the different spices, learn how spices are made and enjoy a fruit tasting with spiced tea or coffee.
• Free afternoon to rest and enjoy the hotel and beach.
• Dinner at the hotel this evening.
MONDAY 25 AUGUST 2025 (B, L, D)
ZANZIBAR - ARUSHA - TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Maramboi Tented Camp - Tarangire National Park (2 nights)
Ranking as the 6th largest National Park in Tanzania and covering an area of 2,600 square kilometres, The Tarangire National Park is most popular for its large elephant herds and mini-wildlife migration that takes place during the dry season which sees about 250,000 animals enter the park.
Highlights Include:
• Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha, where we are met by our 4 guides and 4 private safari land cruisers. These will be our transport for all safari drives in the three different game parks. As we have the privilege of having our own private guides and vehicles throughout, we can adapt the programme to your needs and give you the best possible animal experiences. We are independent of all other groups.
• During our safari days, we may enjoy a full day game drive and take a picnic lunch with us. This will allow us to travel further and see more animals. Other days we will divide the game drives into three timings - early morning sunrise drive, mid-morning or late afternoon drives. We will confirm timings for this based on the advice of our private guides and your needs. When we are not travelling between parks, you may choose to skip a drive and enjoy the hotel facilities and a rest. This is your choice to get the most out of each day.
• We drive to our first stop in the Tarangire National Park, for a picnic lunch.
• This afternoon is our first game drive through the park. Hurrah!
• Game drives within Tarangire National Park are a year-round wildlife spectacle! The river flows through the park and is a magnet for wildlife, especially large populations of elephants.
TUESDAY 26 AUGUST 2025 (B, L, D) GAME PARK
Highlights Include:
• We enjoy an early morning game drive this morning, and marvel at the stunning sunrise. Early morning is the best time to see the ‘Cats’ and gives us a chance to see different animals, and a different perspective to the park.
• Back home for breakfast and time to relax.
• We will enjoy another game drive today as well as have some time to relax in our beautiful surrounding.
WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2025 (B, L, D) TARANGIRE - NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro (2 nights)
The Ngorongoro crater is considered the 8th wonder of the world. Deep within its immense walls is a breath-taking blue-green landscape dotted with plains, lakes and forests; an eerie, otherworld - “land that time forgot” thick with massive bull elephants, rhinos, wildebeests and the highest concentration of lions in Africa.
Highlights Include:
• We depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through Makuyuni, Manyara, and Karate.
• A full day driving tour to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with picnic lunch.
• Visit a Masai Village to meet the locals and learn about their village life. The visit includes Masai dance, a short talk, walk in the village and a chance to buy some local wares, made by the villagers.
THURSDAY 28 AUGUST 2025 (B, L, D) NGORONGORO
Highlights Include:
• We ascend to the breathtaking rim of the crater and enjoy magnificent views of the escarpment, a game drive within the crater and visit the hippo point.
• Time to relax at our 4-star hotel and spa.
FRIDAY 29 AUGUST 2025 (B, L, D) NGORONGORO - SERENGETI
Serengeti Serena Lodge, Serengeti (3 nights)
Serengeti is described as ‘safaris in spectacular scenery’, experiencing an abundance of wildlife, ‘carpets’ of animals and the great migration. The vast plain lands are home to the wildebeest migration and we travel in the season to best witness this migration.
Highlights Include:
• Today we drive to the Serengeti National Park with an afternoon game drive.
SATURDAY 30 AUGUST 2025 (B, L, D) OPTIONAL BALLOON RIDE - GAME DRIVE - SCHOOL VISIT
Highlights Include:
• For those wanting a very special early morning experience in the Serengeti we offer an optional balloon ride (own cost), where we can see the animals from a whole new height!
• Today we drive into the Serengeti National Park, the location for the Great Migration, to enjoy the game before returning to our hotel.
• We have the chance to visit a school to learn about school life, meet the students and hear the choir (as it is Saturday, we may need to change the days or region for our visit - subject to final confirmation).
SUNDAY 31 AUGUST 2025 (B, L, D) GAME DRIVE - SUNDOWNERS
Highlights Include:
• Today the group has the option of an early morning, mid-morning or late afternoon game drive, plus time to enjoy the hotel facilities.
• We transfer to the best local spot to witness the majestic sun setting over the park, while enjoying a cocktail.
MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B, L)
SERENGETI - SERONERA - NAIROBI
Sarova Panafric Hotel, Nairobi (3 nights)
Nairobi is a modern and bustling city, rich in culture and history, but with fantastic nature and wildlife viewing opportunities only a short distance away, including the Nairobi National Park.
Highlights Include:
• Drive with breakfast boxes to Seronera Airstrip to catch our flight to Nairobi.
• Our last chance to experience the wonders of the Serengeti this morning.
• Transfer to our hotel in Nairobi with a free evening to enjoy the lovely facilities.
TUESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B, L, D) NAIROBI TOUR
Highlights Include:
• A full day tour of Nairobi which includes visiting two sustainable cultural sites. These two places are great examples of how Africa is empowering its people and offering work to locals as well as providing examples of recycling.
• Ocean Sole recycles jandals found on beaches all over the world and uses the rubber to make great colourful animals, place mats and various gift items.
• Kobe Beads uses clay to make wonderful colourful beads. This venture is about empowering single mothers to provide an income and a support structure for them, using a natural product and turning it into something beautiful. The women will sing and dance for us as well, making it a very heartwarming visit.
• Visit to Karen Blixen Museum, the former African home of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her 1937 book Out of Africa which chronicles life at the estate. We learn more about her life and also have lunch here.
• Visit to the Giraffe Centre, home of the most endangered of giraffes, the Rothschild, with only 1400 existing in the world. We have the chance to view and hand-feed these magnificent creatures.
WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B, L, D) ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE
Highlights Include:
• Visit to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, which is famous for its rescue, rehabilitation and conservation efforts to save elephants from poachers.
• We learn about their work and see the elephants including baby elephants.
• On return, we enjoy lunch at the hotel with the afternoon off.
• This evening we are in for a treat as we visit a spectacular barbecue restaurant, for a different sort of dinner.
THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B, Snacks, L)
NAIROBI - VICTORIA FALLS
Palm River Hotel, Victoria Falls (3 nights)
Victoria Falls is the world’s largest sheet of falling water. It is significant worldwide for its exceptional geological features, outstanding beauty and its incredible spray, mist, and rainbows.
Highlights Include:
• Transfer to the airport and our flight from Nairobi to Victoria Falls and into our third country, Zimbabwe, in this all encompassing journey through parts of Africa.
• On arrival we enjoy lunch while overlooking the Zambezi River.
• We transfer to our beautiful 5-star hotel located on the Zambezi where every room enjoys views of the river. We might even see elephants, warthogs and the odd baboon wandering through the front lawn of our hotel. (Don’t worry there is a low electric fence, stopping them getting too close).
• Enjoy a luxury Zambezi River Cruise - There simply is no better way to enjoy the African sunset than from the comfort of a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. This is a unique way to explore the river and to get an up-close view of the pristine wilderness and African game along its banks.
• Enjoy an array of canapés, a full bar and a charming crew who can impart a bit of interesting Victoria Falls history. Come sail into the sunset with Operatunity…
FRIDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B, L, D) VICTORIA FALLS TOUR
Highlights Include:
• Tour of Victoria Falls – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here is Nature’s Supreme Masterpiece, now in its 150 Millionth Fantastic Year!
• We will be accompanied through the Rainforest by a guide who will give a brief history of the Falls, as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest.
• A special treat - we visit a church where a local church choir will sing for us.
• Lunch stop at Lookout Café, an iconic restaurant in Victoria Falls where delicious food, staggering views and exceptional service make it a must-try place to eat out in Victoria Falls.
• Special event this evening as we enjoy the Boma dance and drum show with local cuisine.
SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B, High Tea) ZAMBIA DAY TRIP
Highlights Include:
• We are off to Zambia today for a full day tour of Livingstone.
• First stop is the Livingstone Museum to learn about Zambian culture, history and the exploits of David Livingstone and his exploration to the Victoria Falls.
• We visit a local choir, who will present a concert for us, before our high tea at one of the most famous historical hotels, The Royal Livingstone Hotel.
• We return ‘home’ with time to enjoy the pool and your own dinner arrangements this evening.
SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B, L, D) VICTORIA FALLS - CHOBE
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa (3 nights)
Highlights Include:
• Chobe National Park is known as one of the best wildlife regions in the world, a wildlife paradise and boasts the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Just one peek at the variety of wildlife and lush vegetation and you will be mesmerized forever!
• This morning, we are transferred 90km between Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park.
• This afternoon we enjoy a relaxing river safari to see the water animals and enjoy the stunning sunset.
Animals we hope to see include elephants, hippos, antelopes, water buffalo and an abundance of bird life.
• Tonight we have dinner under the stars at our stunning, private riverside location with local entertainment.
MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B, L, D)
Highlights Include:
• Today we have arranged an early morning game drive, the best time to see the big Cats - lions, leopards and cheetahs, as well as elephants transferring from land to the river for their early morning drink.
• We enjoy time off at the hotel for rest and relaxation by the pool.
• This evening, dinner is on the terrace overlooking the river with sundowners, while the sun sets over the river.
TUESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B, L, D)
Highlights Include:
• With our full game activities, we get the best of both worlds. We cruise the river this morning to witness the animals crossing to the river and drinking.
• After our cruise it’s back to the lodge for lunch and a chance to freshen up or have a swim.
• We go on our last game drive, mid afternoon to witness elephants frolicking in the river and giraffes moving back to the bush after their day in the river and sun. On the way home, we will enjoy the beginning of the sun setting over the river.
• We enjoy dinner in a private room overlooking the river, and a chance to enjoy some music from our hosts.
WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B) FLIGHT FROM ZIMBABWE TO CAPE TOWN
Southern Sun The Cullinan, Cape Town (3 nights)
Highlights Include:
• Transfer to airport in Zimbabwe for our flight to Cape Town.
• Cape Town is a modern, cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature. Centred around Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the city is known for its beautiful beaches, award-winning food and wine, and sheer variety of experiences on offer.
• On arrival transfer to our hotel with time at leisure to settle in and enjoy the beautiful facilities of our lovely hotel.
THURSDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B, D) TOUR OF TABLE MOUNTAIN
Highlights Include:
• This morning we enjoy a tour of Cape Town to discover the beauty and vibrancy of this city.
• Table Mountain with its cable car ride to the world famous heritage site. Table Mountain is a true heaven on earth with magnificent mountains including the 12 Apostles and views of Cape Town.
• Transfer to Cape Town Harbour with free time for shopping and lunch.
• Free afternoon then dinner is included this evening.
FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B, L, D) WINE TOUR
Highlights Include:
• Today we enjoy a wineland tour and tasting, travelling into wine country to discover the beauty of these picturesque valleys.
• We partake in wine tastings, learn about the wine industry and enjoy a scrumptious lunch at a vineyard
• Final Dinner in a private room with chance for our artists to entertain.
SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2025 (B)
Highlights Include:
Free morning to rest, pack or go shopping before we transfer to the airport for our Emirates flight home.
SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2025 - IN FLIGHT
MONDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2025
We arrive in Auckland filled with the memories of a ‘trip of a lifetime’ to one of the most extraordinary continents, simply like no other! As Karen Blixen from Out of Africa said: “The views were immensely wide. Everything you say made for greatness and freedom and unequalled Nobility.”
Africa stole the hearts of Sue and John and we think it will steal yours too.
PLACES WE STAY
Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Zanzibar (3 nights)
is a haven of tranquillity and opulence. It is ideally situated on the seafront of ancient Stone Town, and flanked by an exotic mix of sultans’ palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, and bright bazaars.
Maramboi Tented Camp, Maramboi (2 nights)
consists of elegant tents built on raised wood platforms with a private terrace and stunning views of Lake Manyara, the Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Highlands.
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater (2 nights)
is located about 20km from the Ngorongoro Crater. It is considered one of the best lodges in Tanzania and features private stone balconies with views of the crater in every room.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Serengeti
(3 nights)
is an award-winning gem of a hotel in one of the most beautiful settings in Tanzania. The Africa-style lodge and infinity pool offers panoramic views over the Serengeti’s vast grasslands.
Sarova Panafric Hotel, Nairobi (3 nights)
is a 4-star luxury hotel whose idyllic location, in a leafy area, allows for an immersive city experience without compromising on comfort and tranquillity.
Palm River Hotel, Victoria Falls (3 nights)
offers 5-star luxury accommodation on the banks of the Zambezi River, close to one of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls.
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa, Chobe
(3 nights)
Situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River, luxury exists in harmony with nature at this unique location from which to explore the magical wonder of the region.
Southern Sun The Cullinan, Cape Town
(3 nights)
is a premier hospitality destination offering grand hotel accommodation in the heart of Cape Town just moments from the Waterfront.
This Trip Includes:
• All economy airfares: Auckland - Dubai - Zanzibar on Emirates, Zanzibar - Arusha, Seronera Airstrip - Nairobi, Nairobi - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Cape Town, Cape Town - Auckland via Dubai on Emirates. (All flights to be confirmed when flight schedules are announced 11 months out).
• Accommodation in 4 and 5-star luxury hotels or camps in Zanzibar (3 nights), Maramboi (2 nights), Ngorongoro Conservation Area (2 nights), Serengeti (3 nights), Nairobi (3 nights), Victoria Falls (3 nights), Chobe National Park (3 nights), Cape Town (3 nights).
• Experience time in 6 diverse African countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.
• Spectacular game park visits and tours, all accompanied by guides and rangers, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Chobe National Park.
• Exceptional cultural experiences: Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum, craft visits, spice tour, Masai Village, school visit, church choir, Zambian choir, local shows, Boma Drum show, market visits plus time for a little music from our hosts.
• All flights, tours, transfers, taxes and tips as listed in this itinerary.
• All breakfasts, 18 lunches, 1 high tea, 18 dinners are included.
• Price includes all visa fees and processing for NZ passport holders. If you hold another passport, we will advise on any different fee structures or requirements.
• Hosted by two amazing, caring men: Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua and Russell Dixon.
Important Information
• All itinerary details are subject to change, but changes will be replaced with a comparable or better option.
• Initial & Second deposits are fully refundable up until final balance due date, minus an administration fee of up to $500 plus any non-recoverable costs.
• All monies are non-refundable at final balance due date. This becomes an insurance claim.
• Bank transfer payments incur no surcharge. Credit card payments incur surcharge of 1.5%.
• Travellers need to be independently mobile and fit to travel.
• Bookings will only be accepted with initial deposit & booking form.
• All travellers must obtain comprehensive travel insurance for international travel and insurance for domestic travel is recommended.
• Please refer to our terms and conditions on booking form.
Mobility - Adventure Tour
All our trips are designed with our core customers in mind but this trip does present different challenges. While there is not a lot of walking, you do need to be able to get in and out of land cruisers which have larger steps than usual. This trip will not suit someone with a bad back or joints, as safari roads can occasionally be bumpy.
While we understand unexpected health challenges do occur, we need you to be aware there may be difficulties sourcing high quality medical care at times. We urge you to confirm with your doctor that you are in good health to undertake this trip. John and Sue love Africa and want you to enjoy every minute, so bring your adventurous spirit and be ready to fall in love with this mighty land and the friendliest people you could imagine.