Overview
Exclusive Luxury 16 Person Group
Jeff and Gina Paglialonga, owners of Teeming River Cruises, are again combining a Southern African cruise with a mission trip to God’s Hope Christian School (for more information click here). In fact, in February of 2019, Jeff and Gina (who also own Teeming Vacation Rentals) donated $4,000 worth of textbooks to www.SimonesKids.org and visited God’s Hope School in person to deliver the books to the over 1,000 school students. This donation was made as part of their Books for Bookings Charity (Teeming Vacation Rentals’ giving back initiative which gives $1 from each reservation to purchase and distribute children’s books in their local markets, children’s hospitals, as well as around the world to orphanages, ministries, and schools. With their vacation rental reservations exceeding over 20,000 in the past year, this program amounts to a considerable sum of donations and in turn books in the hands of sick and needy children.) The company also sponsors two children at the school who they had the pleasure of meeting personally.
After experiencing the school and Africa themselves, Jeff and Gina are eager to introduce others to both and continue their support. Consequently, $500 will be donated to Simone’s Kids for each cabin booked on their Teeming River Cruises’ African tour to further support the school and children.
Explore Africa on this once-in-a-lifetime trip with a luxurious and comfortable lodge, and onboard a new ship designed to provide an intimate look at the surrounding nature. Embark for a unique cruise on Africa’s Largest Man-Made Lake – Lake Kariba. Lake Kariba stretches the long border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and represents a precious resource for the animals that gravitate to its shores. Days will be marked by viewing wildlife along the banks of the lake, water safaris by small boats to islands and inlets of Matusadona National Park (Zimbabwe), and African Sunsets soaked in from the Sun Deck.
On land and on water safaris will take you to the deepest treasures on the African continent. Tours designed for encounters with mammals that dot the shores will be on small boats. Once the engines are cut, you’ll experience the wild up close – reveling in the sounds of nature along with the animals just a few yards away.
The lodge is located on a private island, in the middle of the Zambezi River. It offers you total immersion in the surrounding environment. A team is at your disposal to guide you. The Lodge consists of 8 spacious private bungalows offering all the necessary comfort, as well as a large terrace, private pool, panoramic view, air conditioning and heating, shower and bathtub, outdoor shower, and filled minibar. Please see the link above for a page with all details of the ship.
Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular attractions in Africa and one of the most unusual waterfalls in the world. Discover where the Zambezi River plunges over the cliff to become the tallest waterfall in the world, creating the renowned “smoke that thunders”.
Joining Jeff and Gina at God’s Hope Christian School is an optional add-on for the cruise and will take place prior to the cruise/safari embarkation date. For more information regarding the school, dates, transportation, and more please see below and or complete the form below.
If you are not able to make this date we have weekly departures throughout the year for a similar itinerary (without a ministry trip). Please email us for further details. We do have charters available to bring your own group of 16 people for this Safari. Charter dates are available for 9 months of the year.
If you are planning on going on the Ministry portion of the trip please email us your itinerary BEFORE your purchase. Please note the dates and times of the itinerary for flights. It takes 2 days to get to Africa in most cases. It is a good idea to have Teeming review your flight itinerary prior to purchase.
Most of the slide show photos below were taken on our actual Safari by Jeff or Gina. No models, real people, real life, real fun.
Itinerary
When making flight arrangements be aware of time changes so you are arriving in Entebbe Africa on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. If you are coming from the United States you may need to leave the evening of Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
- Arrive Entebbe Africa Airport afternoon or evening
- Transfer from Entebbe Airport to Jesus is Lord Hotel (near the school) via School Drivers
- Evening rest
- Meals, Lodging, and Transportation provided by Gods Hope School while in Uganda
- Spend the day at God’s Hope Christian School
- Home visits with 2 or 3 children
- The school and Hotel are located in Nakaseke District in Central Uganda, Northwest of Kampala
- March 3 – Transfer to Entebbe Airport via School Drivers
- Flight to Kasane (flight not included in the package price ~ approximately $500-600. TeemingRC will coordinate flights and hotel for the overnight itinerary as we all need to be together.)
- March 4 – If not joining the optional Ministry Trip this is the day and place to arrive in Africa.
- March 4 – Arrival at the private island Cascades Lodge
- We will transfer from the airport to the lodge in small private boats. Upon arrival at the lodge located on an island created by one of the tributaries of the Zambezi River, we will have dinner and spend the night at the lodge. Take advantage of your trip to observe the numerous bird species living among the flooded flatlands. You may even catch a glimpse of a few hippos or crocodiles basking in the sun! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the crew and settle into your comfortable lodge. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge in the absolute tranquility of the wilderness.
We’ll journey out on a half-day safari in Jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park that is home to more than 1/4 of the total elephant population in Africa. Enjoy lunch in a “floating restaurant” in the middle of the river where the views of the surrounding nature are unparalleled. Afterwards, we’ll board a small private boat and sail off on Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.
In the morning we will take a trip to the Impalila Islands and discover the traditional Namibian houses, culture, and customs. You also have an option to do some fishing on the river. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at the lodge, taking advantage of the pool and comfortable fittings, or join us for a discovery of the Zambezi River on a small private boat. We’ll have dinner at the lodge. Tonight, let a local tell you all about the traditions of this particular island. We’ll spend the night at the lodge.
We’ll depart from the lodge for one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch along the water, we’ll leave by coach for the Kasane airport. On board private planes, you’ll be amazed at the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba and the changing landscapes of the wilderness during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. You’ll be transferred to board the ship and comfortably settle into your cabins. We’ll start sailing across the lake. Reaching over 140mi/200km in length and spanning a distance of approximately 25mi/40km at its widest point, the lake flooded flatlands, hills and forests alike, creating unique and emblematic landscapes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board
At sunrise, we’ll set sail through the rare and mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba where drowned trees reach skywards from the depths of the reflecting water. We’ll set out on a small private boat to discover the Gache Gache River and its unique wildlife. Gliding along its meanders, large bends and small, unspoiled inlets, you’ll be amazed by the magical atmosphere all around. We’ll return on board for lunch. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising towards Changa. At sunset, we’ll set out on board small private boat, to admire the magical scenery. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.
We’ll journey out this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park. Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume Rivers, this 1,400km²/540 sq mi-large untouched area is home to numerous animal species such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos as well as thousands of birds, among which the legendary African Sea Eagle, the majestic Yellow-billed Stork, or the Black Heron with its interesting hunting method. We might be lucky enough to cross paths with a big cat or two! The history of the park is closely linked with that of the lake: during the construction of the dam, the rising floodwaters affected the native wildlife although the damage was mitigated by Operation Noah, an initiative which saved the lives of over 6,000 animals. This rescue operation allowed for large mammals, big cats, impalas and more to be moved to Matusadona where hunting is strictly prohibited. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and start sailing again. During this time, a round table will be the opportunity to learn more about the creation of the Lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.
At sunrise, we’ll set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out to the airport. We’ll discover the gigantic Kariba Dam which was created in 1955 to form Lake Kariba. Today, the dam serves as a source of electric power for 70% of Zimbabwe. You’ll get to discover the history and legends surrounding the creation of the lake, including the tale of NyamiNyami, the river god. We’ll fly out to Victoria Falls on board private planes, then transfer by coach to your hotel.
The hotel is the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. The sunset-facing 72-room Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, which boasts endless views of pristine wilderness stretching to the horizon, including a waterhole frequented by elephant, buffalo, kudu and more, has been voted the Best Safari Lodge/Resort Hotel in Zimbabwe for 24 years by the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents.
Breakfast at hotel. Walking tour of Victoria Falls (lunch not included). This morning we will have an optional (additional charge) helicopter ride over Victoria Falls. The afternoon can be spent at your leisure exploring the falls again or the surrounding area. Dinner included tonight.
Breakfast will be served. After breakfast, the tour ends at the hotel. Transfers will be arranged to Victoria Falls Airport.
Deck Plans
Cabin Options
Availability & Pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
Reserve Your Cabin
Suite
Double Cabin
What's Included in the Cruise
Highlights and Notes
Arrival Airport – Kasane International Airport
(Pre-Cruise Ministry Trip will start in Entebbe, Uganda)
3 nights at the Cascades Lodge on Impalila Island in Namibia – bungalow with private pool
Safari by land in Chobe National Park
All meals and local drinks at the lodge
Flight from Kasane to Kariba
3 nights onboard the African Dream/Zimbabwean Dream in a double cabin
All meals and local drinks on board
Land safari in Matusadona National park
Flight from Kariba to Victoria Falls
2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Victoria Falls (this customer itinerary will include 2 nights at Victoria Falls hotel)
Excursion to Victoria Falls including entrance and guide
Transfers between hotels, flights, ship, and lodge
Drinks included at the hotels: 1 water + 1 glass of local wine OR 1 soda or 1 local beer and coffee and tea per person per meal
Laundry service is available during the stay at the lodge
Transfers to airport/lodge/airport in Kasane
NOT INCLUDED:
Flight from Entebbe to Kasane (if you are doing the Pre-Cruise Optional Ministry Trip)
International Flights (Entebbe or Kasane is the arrival city- depending on if you are participating in Optional Ministry Trip. At end of the tour Victoria Falls is the departure airport.)
Airport Taxes (paid in person)
Cancellation/Baggage Insurance
Zimbabwean Visa (must be paid on-site, the cost differs by Nationality category and range between $45 USD and $80 USD – please check with Zimbabwe Embassies in your respective country)
Optional Excursion- Helicopter over Victoria Falls $199pp
Tips for crew members on the ship and at the lodge (for informational purposes, daily tips per passenger amount to $5 USD, paid in person)
Tips for local providers (paid in person)
Botswana Tourism Levy ($30 USD payable at the airport of entry and likely to be applicable in the year, paid in person)
STRICT BAGGAGE & WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS:
On this trip, we use private planes to get you between Kasane (lodge) and Kariba (ship). The domestic flights that are included in this program are chartered on small planes. All passengers must be strategically placed on these planes for weight distribution, therefore Teeming River Cruises requires each passenger to submit their weight. The airline company operating these flights imposes restrictions regarding the bags being transported due to the capacity of the planes for flight safety. Small planes have weight limits.
You’ll find the list of regulations below:
– The checked baggage (1 per person maximum) MUST NOT EXCEED 20 KG/44 lbs.
– It MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING DIMENSIONS 60 cm/23.60 in. in length x 40 cm/15.70 in. in height x 30 cm/11.80 in. in width.
– It must be made from SOFT FABRIC. Hard-shell suitcases are not accepted.
– Luggage with wheels is accepted (a maximum of 2 wheels per bag).
-The carry-on baggage and personal items MUST NOT EXCEED 3 KG/6.6 lbs.
If the baggage does not comply with the above rules, THE AIRLINE WILL REFUSE TO TRANSPORT IT. The stay aboard the ship would take place without the personal belongings of the client. At the end of the cruise and before taking the international flight, the client will be forced to return to the lodge at his/her own expense to collect his/her suitcase.
HEALTH:
Please speak with your doctor before departure for this cruise. Vaccination is both recommended and required for different areas throughout Africa. For those traveling into Uganda, the Yellow Fever Vaccination is REQUIRED. All travelers over the age of nine months must be vaccinated for entry. The CDC recommends travelers planning on visiting certain parts of Uganda during the dry season (December – June) receive a meningitis vaccine. We have no information regarding a requirement for COVID vaccines but we assume they will be a prerequisite for entry.
For more information please see this company- Passport Health USA (Gina and Jeff have personally used their services.)