Learner Development Safari

Itinerary Highlights

The thrill of the journey begins in the heart of Zimbabwe with African Bush Camps. This place, rich with diverse ecosystems and teeming with local wildlife, offers an experience like no other. There's a certain magic in the air, a palpable sense of wonder that greets visitors the moment they set foot in this land. As part of an Impact safari with African Bush Camps, participants have the unique chance to interact closely with the local wildlife and marvel at the natural beauty that this place so effortlessly showcases.

The time in Zimbabwe won't be just about exploring the wilderness. African Bush Camps' local projects provide an opportunity to contribute directly to the welfare of the local community. The chance to volunteer and help make a difference in people's lives is a truly rewarding experience, one that will undoubtedly enrich the journey.

Next, the adventure takes participants further into the heart of Southern Africa, to Botswana. This is where they'll get to see firsthand the local schools the African Bush Camps foundation is supporting. The foundation has been working tirelessly on infrastructure development and educational programs. Participation in these initiatives will give a deep insight into the positive change the foundation is striving to create.

Botswana is not just about the work being done. It's also about exploring the unique beauty of the land. The landscapes, the wildlife, the culture - all of it comes together to create an experience that's as humbling as it is exhilarating. It's a chance to connect deeply with this place, to feel its pulse, and to let it fuel a passion for travel and exploration.

As the journey continues, participants will find themselves in Zambia, a country that's as mesmerizing in its beauty as it is rich in cultural heritage. This is where the adventure culminates with African Bush Camps, and it promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. The vast, breathtaking landscapes, the friendly local communities - Zambia is a place that captivates from the moment visitors arrive.

In Zambia, the contribution to the learning resource projects will make a significant difference. The efforts to enhance the quality of learning in local schools is something the African Bush Camps foundation is deeply passionate about. Active participation in these initiatives is what helps make a lasting, positive impact.

This isn't just about making a difference during the stay. It's about ensuring a positive, lasting impact long after moving on. The commitment to sustainability and inclusivity shapes every aspect of the Impact safaris with African Bush Camps. It's about creating a journey that doesn't just pass through these beautiful lands, but one that also contributes meaningfully to them.

Through these experiences, the Impact safari with African Bush Camps offers more than just a trip. It's an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of exploration with the satisfaction of making a real difference. It's about immersing in the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Africa and leaving behind a meaningful impact in every region visited.

With the Impact safari, participants are not just travelers. They are changemakers, explorers, and part of a larger mission with African Bush Camps. Each day is a new opportunity to learn, to experience, and to contribute. And in doing so, they are helping make the world a better place, one journey at a time.

Lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

See “Expert Notes & Customization” section below.

Detailed Itinerary

Embark on a captivating journey that starts in Botswana, where we make impactful investments in local schools, fostering community enrichment through skill development and entrepreneurship programs. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Khwai preschool, where you can not only tour the state-of-the-art school facilities but also actively participate in the nutrition program, making a difference in the lives of young learners. As you settle into your stay at Khwai Leadwood, you'll have the unique opportunity to engage with trainee female guides who are undergoing on-the-job training to become licensed safari guides, receiving expert guidance and witnessing their transformation as they hone their skills. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, education, and empowerment in the heart of Botswana.

Moving further into the heart of Southern Africa, we will transport you to Zambia, a land of mesmerizing beauty and rich cultural heritage. The itinerary includes improving access to quality healthcare for the community and enhancing the quality of education. The focus is on contributing to learning resource projects, ensuring a lasting, positive impact. The Maunga clinic visit showcases improved access to quality healthcare for women in the community, with a fully-equipped clinic, including a maternity ward that has significantly reduced the mortality rate for mothers and children during labor. Additionally, the visit to Maunga Primary involves supporting learners and teachers through infrastructure improvements, access to educational resources and materials, and launching a nutrition program. Volunteers will be involved in the school's nutrition program.

The journey culminates in Zimbabwe. The adventure begins in the heart of Zimbabwe. One will have the chance to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, where the beauty of the diverse ecosystems that make this place truly unique can be experienced. The opportunity to volunteer at local projects, helping to enrich the lives of the local community through the foundation's efforts, should not be missed. Prepare to experience vast landscapes, immerse oneself in friendly local communities, and end the safari in a place that will surely hold a special place in the heart. The adventure wraps up in Zimbabwe by visiting the Mambanje and Dete communities just outside of the Hwange National Park, where the projects are actively investing in schools, communities, and conservation to help mitigate human-wildlife conflict by educating, equipping, and empowering communities living near national parks to co-exist with wildlife. The visit will include Mambanje Garden, Thandanani, and Vukani, women-led groups that are earning a living as tailors, selling crops, and making jewelry from recycled magazines and newsletters. The process of making jewelry and beads will be learned while doing some shopping for their store in the village. The trip concludes with a visit to the Mambanje Primary School for a tour of the school facilities, and volunteering at the nutrition program will take place.

• 9 nights accommodation based on double/twin occupancy

• All meals and drinks, wines and liquors (excluding premium brands and French champagne)

• All internal flights (flights into Zimbabwe and out of Botswana are not included)

• English speaking naturalist guides with twice daily game drives

• Additional guided activities at lodges (walking safari, canoeing, fishing, etc) as described

• All airport and ground transportation

• All conservancy and national park fees

• Daily laundry

• Two shared activities per day

• Private safari vehicle at Somalisa Camp

• Trips to the foundation projects

• 10% donation to African Bush Camps Foundation towards funding the school projects

• *Not included: gratuities, visas to Zimbabwe and Botswana, international flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• With this particular itinerary, a stop in Victoria Falls in between Hwange (Somalisa Camp) and Okavango Delta (Khwai Leadwood) makes a lot of sense logistically as it helps to break up the travel day on Day 7.

• During the drier months from June through October, a stop in Botswana’s Linyanti Concession is also a wonderful addition both in terms of variety and itinerary logistics.