Southern Africa Luxury Safari

logo

Overview

Southern Africa Luxury Safari
Johannesburg, South Africa
Sep 20 - 29, 2027
Walker Wellness Retreats image
Walker Wellness Retreats
$7,995
Deposit: $1,999

About this trip

Embark on a Luxury African Adventure in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana

Join us for an unforgettable 10-day/9-night all-inclusive journey through South AfricaZimbabwe, and Botswana — crafted for those who want both adventure and deep relaxation in one of the world's most extraordinary regions. Walker Wellness Retreats handles every detail so you can focus entirely on the experience.

Experience the Best of Africa:

  • South Africa: Your adventure begins at Senalala Safari Lodge, a private, intimate camp nestled in a vast wilderness area, accommodating a maximum of just 16 guests. Enjoy twice-daily game drives led by expert guides, with meals, drinks, and activities all included.

  • Zimbabwe: Next, we head to Victoria Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on Earth. Your stay includes a Luxury Elephant Encounter, a guided walk of the Falls, and a Zambezi River Sunset Cruise aboard the elegant Zambezi Royal, complete with gourmet canapés and open bar.

  • Botswana: The trip culminates with a full-day excursion to Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations. Enjoy a morning river cruise followed by an afternoon game drive through diverse terrain teeming with lions, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles.

Tailor Your Experience: Every activity is entirely optional. Whether you want to lean into the adventure or hang back and recharge, each day is designed to give you that flexibility.

Seamless and All-Inclusive: From airport arrival to final farewell breakfast, everything is covered: transfers, accommodations, meals, drinks, and all scheduled activities.

Reserve Your Spot: Spaces are limited. Secure yours today for the ultimate African adventure with Walker Wellness Retreats.

Meet Your Host

Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM

Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Owner, Walker Wellness Retreats


Amy Walker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Walker Wellness Retreats, which she launched in 2016 to combine her passions for travel, mental wellness, and creating transformative experiences. With a deep commitment to helping others, Amy leads 6–10 international retreats each year, providing all-inclusive experiences that foster connection, self-discovery, and personal growth. She loves showing people the world and creating meaningful, unforgettable travel experiences.


When she’s not guiding retreats, Amy works as an online mental health therapist, specializing in helping individuals and couples overcome barriers, improve communication, and build fulfilling relationships. Her approach integrates evidence-based techniques with compassionate, solution-focused support.


An avid traveler, Amy has visited over 80 countries and counting, with a personal goal to reach 100 countries and all seven continents. She enjoys international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and spending time outdoors. She runs Walker Wellness Retreats alongside her husband, Brian Walker, ensuring each retreat is a seamless and enriching experience.


To learn more about Amy and the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit our About Us page.

Visas and Vaccinations

South Africa

Visa Requirements:

  • U.S. citizens do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure date and have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

  • You may be asked to show proof of onward travel upon entry.

Vaccinations:

  • Yellow Fever is only required if traveling to South Africa from a country with a yellow fever risk.

  • Routine vaccines should be up to date: MMR, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, polio, and influenza.

  • The CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies if visiting rural or less developed areas.

Zimbabwe

Visa Requirements:

  • U.S. citizens require a visa to enter Zimbabwe. A single-entry visa (approximately $30 USD) can be obtained on arrival or in advance through the Zimbabwe e-visa portal.

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date and have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.

Vaccinations:

  • A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a country with a yellow fever risk.

  • Routine vaccines should be up to date: MMR, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, polio, and influenza.

  • Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and typhoid are recommended for most travelers.

  • Malaria prophylaxis is recommended, particularly during the rainy season.

Botswana

Visa Requirements:

  • U.S. citizens do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date and have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.

Vaccinations:

  • Yellow Fever is only required if arriving from a country with a yellow fever risk.

  • Routine vaccines should be up to date: MMR, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, polio, and influenza.

  • Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies are recommended, especially for rural areas.

  • Malaria is present in some regions, including Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, particularly from November through April. Prophylaxis is recommended.

General Travel Tips

  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers both health and travel disruptions, especially since medical care in remote areas may be limited.

  • Pack anti-malarial medication (if required), insect repellent, and a basic first aid kit.

  • Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers and healthcare facilities in each country before you go.

Always check the U.S. State Department and CDC for the most current visa and vaccine requirements before your trip, as these can change. Official embassy and consulate websites for each country are also a reliable resource.

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Payment Policy

All Walker Wellness Retreats require a 25% non-refundable deposit of the total retreat price to secure your booking. Should you need to cancel your trip, your deposit will not be refunded, regardless of the reason for cancellation.
 

For International Destinations, the next 25% is due 120 days before the trip, and the final remaining balance is due 90 days before departure.
 

Trips can be paid in full at any time. If booking after the final payment deadline, trip payment in full is due at the time of booking. Invoices NOT paid in full within 7 days of the above-mentioned deadlines are subject to trip cancellation. No refunds will be issued for trips canceled due to a lack of payment.  
 

Cancellation Policy

BEFORE the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation before the final payment deadline, any additional payments made beyond the non-refundable 25% deposit will be refunded. However, the 25% deposit remains non-refundable. 


AFTER the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation after the final payment deadline, all payments made (including the deposit and any additional amounts) are non-refundable due to financial commitments with our retreat venues, guides, and service providers. 


In the unlikely event that Walker Wellness Retreats cancels a retreat, you will be given a 100% full refund


We strongly encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances.  For additional details on travel insurance coverage and pricing, click the link below.


Travel Insurance 


The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at info@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

What's included

Accommodations

9 nights at luxury lodges and hotels

Airport Transfers

Arrival and departure transfers at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

Interior Flights

Economy flights between Johannesburg, Hoedspruit, and Victoria Falls

All Meals & Drinks

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and non-alcoholic beverages daily

Ground Transportation

All transfers and transportation during the retreat

Game Drives

Twice-daily game drives throughout your stay at Senalala Safari Lodge

Elephant Encounter

Private elephant encounter at Wild Horizons Elephant Wallow

Victoria Falls Tour

Guided walk of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

Chobe National Park

Full-day safari including a morning river cruise and afternoon game drive

Zambezi River Cruise

Sunset cruise aboard the Zambezi Royal with drinks and canapés

Boma Dinner

Boma dinner in Victoria Falls

Gratuities

Tips for guides, drivers, and restaurant staff

Retreat Gift

A gift from Walker Wellness Retreats

What's not included

International Airfare

Flights to and from Johannesburg, South Africa

Zimbabwe Visa

Visa on arrival required; approximately $30–$45 USD

Travel Insurance

Highly recommended; not included in retreat cost

Personal Expenses

Souvenirs, snacks, and personal items

Additional Activities

Optional excursions or activities outside the itinerary

Personal Gratuities

Tips for hotel staff, spa services, and similar

Travel Fees

Passport, baggage fees, and other personal travel costs

Day 1: Sept. 20, 2027

Day 1: Sept. 20, 2027 image

Arrival & Orientation

Arrival & Accommodation: Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Amy Walker will be waiting to greet you with a Walker Wellness Retreats sign. Your hotel is located right at the airport, making for a seamless start to the retreat. Check in, get settled, and take some time to rest after your journey.

Evening Notes: Gather with the group for a welcome dinner and retreat orientation at the hotel. It's a great chance to meet your fellow travelers, get a preview of the days ahead, and ease into the spirit of the trip.

Meals:

  • Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel (included)

Overnight: InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel, Johannesburg

Day 2: Sept. 21, 2027

Day 2: Sept. 21, 2027 image

Journey to Senalala Safari Lodge

Arrival & Accommodation: After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport and board our Airlink flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit. Upon arrival, a private driver meets us for a scenic 45-minute drive through the bushveld to Senalala Safari Lodge, your home for the next four nights. Senalala accommodates up to 16 guests, creating an intimate and immersive safari experience. WiFi and limited on-site laundry service are available.

Main Activities:

  • First Game Drive — Late afternoon, set out on your first guided game drive through the African bush (included)

Evening Notes: Return to the lodge for dinner under the stars, with the sounds of the surrounding wilderness as your backdrop. A perfect close to your first day on safari.

Meals:

  • Breakfast: At the hotel before departure (included)

  • Lunch: At Senalala Safari Lodge upon arrival (included)

  • Dinner: At Senalala Safari Lodge (included)

Overnight: Senalala Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit

Day 3: Sept. 22, 2027

Day 3: Sept. 22, 2027 image

Immersed in the Wild

Main Activities:

  • Morning Game Drive — The day begins just before sunrise with a warm beverage and a traditional South African snack before heading out on a three-hour game drive through the bush. Pause along the way for coffee or tea in the heart of the wilderness before returning to the lodge for breakfast (included)

  • Afternoon Game Drive — As the light softens, head out again for your second drive of the day. Stop for sundowners as the sky shifts through gold and crimson, then continue into the evening with a spotlight drive to catch a glimpse of nocturnal wildlife (included)

Evening Notes: Return to the lodge for dinner under the African night sky. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace — whether that means a nap, some poolside time, or simply soaking in the stillness of the bush.

Meals:

  • Breakfast: At Senalala Safari Lodge (included)

  • Lunch: At Senalala Safari Lodge (included)

  • Dinner: At Senalala Safari Lodge (included)

Overnight: Senalala Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit

Day 4: Sept. 23, 2027

Day 4: Sept. 23, 2027 image

Walking Safari & Afternoon Game Drive

Main Activities:

  • Walking Safari — Start the day with a warm beverage and light snack before heading out on a guided walking safari through the bush. Experiencing the wilderness on foot offers a completely different perspective — tracking wildlife, reading the landscape, and connecting with the environment in a way no vehicle can replicate. Return to the lodge for breakfast when the morning's adventure wraps up (included)

  • Afternoon Game Drive — As the day cools, head out for a game drive through the golden late-afternoon light. Stop along the way for sundowners, then continue into the evening with a spotlight drive to discover the nocturnal side of the African bush (included)

Evening Notes: Return to the lodge for dinner and a chance to swap stories from the day. The middle of the day is yours — whether you want to read, swim, or simply sit and take in the sounds of the bush around you.

Meals:

  • Breakfast: At Senalala Safari Lodge (included)

  • Lunch: At Senalala Safari Lodge (included)

  • Dinner: At Senalala Safari Lodge (included)

Overnight: Senalala Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit

Day 5: Sept. 24, 2027

Day 5: Sept. 24, 2027 image

Thrilling Game Drives & Relaxation

Main Activities:

  • Morning Game Drive — Begin the day with a warm beverage and a traditional South African snack before heading out into the bush. Pause along the way for coffee or tea as your guide brings the landscape to life around you. Return to the lodge for breakfast when the drive wraps up (included)

  • Afternoon Game Drive — Head out again as the afternoon light begins to soften across the bush. Stop for sundowners while the sky puts on its evening show, then continue with a spotlight drive to close out your last full night on safari at Senalala (included)

Evening Notes: Return to the lodge for a dinner under the stars. The middle hours of the day are yours to use however feels right — a nap, a book, or some time by the pool before the evening adventure.

Meals:

  • Breakfast: At Senalala Safari Lodge (included)

  • Lunch: At Senalala Safari Lodge (included)

  • Dinner: At Senalala Safari Lodge (included)

Overnight: Senalala Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit

Day 6: Sept. 25, 2027

Day 6: Sept. 25, 2027 image

Farewell to Senalala & Arrival in Victoria Falls

Arrival & Accommodation: After an early departure from Senalala Safari Lodge, enjoy a scenic transfer through the bush to the airport with breakfast boxes prepared for the journey. From there, board your flight to Victoria Falls International Airport in Zimbabwe, where a private transfer brings you to Ilala Lodge Hotel, ideally situated just steps from the iconic Falls. Settle in and take in the setting — wildlife can often be spotted grazing on the grounds, and the distant mist of Victoria Falls creates a remarkable first impression.

Main Activities:

  • Zambezi River Sunset Cruise — Step aboard the elegant Zambezi Royal for a refined cruise along the Zambezi River. Enjoy open bar service with imported wines and spirits, gourmet canapés, and wildlife and birdlife along the banks as the sun goes down (included)

Evening Notes: Return to the lodge for dinner at the on-site restaurant, settling into the quieter pace of Victoria Falls after a big travel day.

Meals:

  • Breakfast: Box breakfast provided for the transfer (included)

  • Lunch: Gourmet canapés served aboard the Zambezi Royal (included)

  • Dinner: At Ilala Lodge Hotel (included)

Overnight: Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls

Day 7: Sept. 26, 2027

Day 7: Sept. 26, 2027 image

Elephant Encounter & Exploring Victoria Falls

Main Activities:

  • Luxury Elephant Encounter — After breakfast, head out for an intimate morning with elephants at Wild Horizons Elephant Wallow. Expert guides walk you through the elephants' histories, behaviors, and the conservation efforts behind the program while you observe them up close in their natural habitat. Light refreshments are served on-site before returning to the lodge (included)

  • Victoria Falls Guided Walk — After lunch, explore one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders on a guided walk along the trails surrounding the Falls. Feel the mist, hear the roar, and take in the sheer scale of the cascading water as it plunges into the gorge below (included)

Evening Notes: The day wraps up with dinner in an elegant setting — a quieter close after a full and memorable day.

Meals:

  • Breakfast: At Ilala Lodge Hotel (included)

  • Lunch: At a scenic viewpoint overlooking Batoka Gorge (included)

  • Dinner: At Ilala Lodge Hotel (included)

Overnight: Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls

Day 8: Sept. 27, 2027

Day 8: Sept. 27, 2027 image

Free Day & Cultural Evening

Main Activities:

  • Free Day in Victoria Falls — The day is yours to explore at your own pace. Options include visiting the Falls from the Zambian side for a fresh perspective, white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, a scenic helicopter flight over the Falls, a canoe safari, or browsing local markets for souvenirs. All daytime excursions are optional, should be arranged in advance, and are at your own expense (add-on)

  • Boma Dinner & Cultural Experience — As evening falls, gather for an unforgettable night set within the Gusu Forest. The Boma Dinner is part feast, part celebration — traditional greetings and ceremonial rituals welcome you in before you sample local flavors, regional specialties, and game meats. Dancers, musicians, and storytellers bring Zimbabwean culture to life throughout the evening (included)

Evening Notes: One of the most memorable nights of the retreat. Come hungry and ready to participate — this one is hard to top.

Meals:

  • Breakfast: At Ilala Lodge Hotel (included)

  • Lunch: At Ilala Lodge Hotel (included)

  • Dinner: Boma Dinner at the Gusu Forest (included)

Overnight: Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls

Day 9: Sept. 28, 2027

Day 9: Sept. 28, 2027 image

Full-Day Adventure to Chobe National Park

Main Activities:

  • Chobe River Cruise — After breakfast, depart for Chobe National Park in neighboring Botswana. Travel to the Kazungula Border, clear immigration, and cross into Botswana — have your passport ready, and bring layers and binoculars. Upon arrival, a local guide leads you on a scenic boat cruise along the Chobe River, where elephants wade into the water, hippos surface nearby, and crocodiles bask along the shoreline. Lunch is served at a relaxed riverside setting before the afternoon adventure begins (included)

  • Chobe Game Drive — Head deeper into the park for an afternoon game drive through Chobe's diverse terrain. Home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, the park also offers excellent sightings of lions, leopards, buffalo, and a wide variety of antelope (included)

Evening Notes: As the day winds down, cross back into Zimbabwe and transfer to Victoria Falls. Back at the lodge, settle in for a relaxing dinner after a big day in the field.

Meals:

  • Breakfast: At Ilala Lodge Hotel (included)

  • Lunch: At a riverside setting in Chobe National Park (included)

  • Dinner: At Ilala Lodge Hotel (included)

Overnight: Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls

Day 10: Sept. 29, 2027

Day 10: Sept. 29, 2027 image

Departure Day: Farewell to Africa

Departure Details: After a final breakfast at your leisure, a private transfer departs at 10:45 AM for Victoria Falls International Airport. Your included flight is Airlink 4Z 495, departing at 2:00 PM and arriving at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 3:40 PM.

Please book your international flight home from Johannesburg departing no earlier than 7:00 PM to allow ample time for your connection.

Meals:

  • Breakfast: At Ilala Lodge Hotel (included)


It has been an honor to share this journey with you. Safe travels home, and we hope to see you at a future Walker Wellness Retreat.

Location

Loading Map…

1. Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa

About your organizer

Welcome to Walker Wellness Retreats! Thank you for taking the time to learn about us! We created Walker Wellness Retreats to share the positive impact travel can have with as many people as possible. Travel makes the world seem not so large. It opens your mind to new ways of thinking. Together we can use our diverse skills and experience of traveling the world to design and plan incredible adventures to bring like-minded travelers together to unique places around the globe!

Reviews

Photo gallery

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
Image 9
Image 10
Image 11
Image 12
Image 13
Image 14
Image 15
Image 16
Image 17
Image 18
Image 19
Image 20
Image 21
Image 22
Image 23
Image 24
Image 25
Image 26
Image 27
Image 28
Image 29
Image 30
Image 31
Image 32
Image 33
Image 34
© 2026 Walker Wellness Retreats