Marian Adventures and Sorin Constantinescu Tour – May 2026

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time to explore Lusaka before the afternoon flight to Livingstone. You can visit Kamwala market, where stalls are filled with local crafts, colourful fabrics and traditional souvenirs, or simply enjoy the hotel's facilities.

In the afternoon, you will fly to Livingstone, a city rich in history on the banks of the Zambezi River, just a few kilometres from the famous Victoria Falls. The city is named after the Scottish explorer David Livingstone, the first European to see the falls in 1855, who exclaimed: "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."

On arrival in Livingstone, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Waterfront, a superb lodge right on the banks of the Zambezi. From the hotel garden, you can watch a spectacular sunset over the river, with hippos bathing nearby and exotic birds flying overhead. In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner with views of the Zambezi, ready for the spectacular day ahead.

This is one of the most spectacular days of the tour! After breakfast, you will head to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya – "The Smoke that Thunders" – the falls stretch 1.7 kilometres wide and plunge 108 metres, generating a permanent cloud of mist visible from dozens of kilometres away.

The visit from the Zambian side gives you access to some of the most impressive viewpoints, where you will feel the power of the water on your skin and be surrounded by rainbows forming in the mist. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where the falls are located, is a UNESCO site, and the 3-4 hour walking trail takes you along spectacular vantage points, each offering a different perspective on this natural phenomenon.

You will have plenty of time for photos – be prepared to get soaked to the skin from the spray, a refreshing and unforgettable experience!

In the afternoon, you will experience another magical moment: a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. For approximately 2.5 hours, you will glide along the calm waters of the Zambezi, taking in the spectacular scenery as the sun drops toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink and gold. Along the way, you will spot hippos bathing, crocodiles sunning on the banks and an impressive variety of water birds. Refreshments and drinks are included, giving you the perfect setting to raise a glass to this memorable day.

The morning begins with one of the most moving experiences of the tour: the Rhino Walk in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Accompanied by armed rangers and specialist guides, you will walk on foot through the African savanna to get close to the white rhinos – some of the most magnificent and threatened inhabitants of the continent.

The walk lets you observe these gentle giants from just a few metres away, in a natural setting with no barriers or vehicles between you and them. You will hear the story of the conservation efforts that brought rhinos back to this park, turning it into a sanctuary for one of the most endangered species on the planet. It is a powerful experience, combining the adrenaline of being close to a wild animal with the emotion of contributing to its protection.

In the afternoon, you will make a cultural excursion to Simonga village, on the banks of the Zambezi. You will be warmly welcomed by locals and discover the daily life of a traditional Zambian community. You will visit homes built from natural materials, watch traditional dances and interact with the children and women of the village, who will show you local crafts and share stories of traditions passed down through generations.

It is an authentic experience, away from the usual tourist routes, giving you a unique insight into Zambian culture and the African spirit of community.

Today we cross into Zimbabwe at the Kazungula border crossing, to discover Victoria Falls from a completely different perspective. While the Zambian side offers intimacy and closeness to the falls, the Zimbabwean side reveals the full panorama – a wide, monumental view that lets you take in the entire curtain of water across its full 1.7 km width.

The viewing trail in Zimbabwe takes you past more than 15 vantage points, each more spectacular than the last. From Main Falls to Devil's Cataract, every angle reveals a new facet of this natural spectacle. Permanent rainbows, the roar of the water and the mist rising skyward create an almost mystical atmosphere.

After visiting the falls, you will discover the Big Tree – an impressive baobab more than 1,500 years old, with a trunk circumference of over 20 metres. This ancient tree is a symbol of nature's resilience and a perfect spot for memorable photos.

You will be staying at Kasambabezi Lodge, a charming property in the town of Victoria Falls, where you will have the chance to explore this lively tourist town with its craft shops, art galleries and relaxed cafes.

The morning is dedicated to a game drive in Zambezi National Park, a nature reserve along the Zambezi River that offers a more intimate and less crowded safari than the large parks of East Africa. The park is known for its impressive elephant herds that come to the riverbank to drink, as well as its buffalo, sable antelope, kudus and wide variety of birds.

You will cross varied landscapes – from open savanna to dense riverine forest – in search of wildlife. Local guides with deep knowledge of the park will take you to the spots where sightings are most likely. With a bit of luck, you may spot lions resting in the shade of acacia trees or leopards camouflaged in thick vegetation.

The evening brings one of the highlights of the tour: the Boma Dinner & Drum Show. This unique culinary and cultural experience begins with a traditional welcome ceremony, in which you will receive an African name and be blessed by a local shaman. Then comes a lavish buffet dinner with traditional African dishes: game meat (impala, crocodile, buffalo), local vegetable salads, pap (African maize porridge) and a variety of desserts.

Throughout the dinner, you will be invited to take part in an interactive drumming and traditional dance show, where African rhythms will sweep you up and you will dance alongside local performers under the starry sky. It is a magical evening, full of energy, flavours and authentic emotions.

Today we cross another border and enter Botswana, a country renowned for its pristine natural reserves and exemplary commitment to wildlife conservation. Our destination is Kasane, a small town at the confluence of four countries and the starting point for exploring Chobe National Park.

Chobe National Park is world-famous for its extraordinary concentration of elephants – over 50,000 individuals, the largest elephant population in Africa. But Chobe is much more than that: the park has remarkable biodiversity, with lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and over 450 species of birds.

In the afternoon, you will have a unique experience: a water safari on the Chobe River. From the boat, you will watch elephants crossing the river, hippos bathing lazily, crocodiles warming on the banks and flocks of colourful birds flying overhead. A water safari gives a completely different perspective from a land safari – you are at water level, almost at the same height as the animals, making for spectacular photos and unforgettable moments.

Sunset on the Chobe River is considered one of the most beautiful in Africa, and you will be there to see it.

The morning is dedicated to a game drive in an open vehicle through Chobe National Park – a safari experience in the purest sense. Open vehicles give you 360-degree visibility and a sense of total immersion in nature – you feel the morning breeze, hear every sound of the savanna and are closer to the animals than ever.

The park's riverine areas are particularly rich in wildlife in May: buffalo herds come to the water in large numbers, lions patrol the banks in search of prey, and elephants gather in impressive family groups. Local guides with years of experience in Chobe will lead you to the best viewing spots and tell you about the behaviour and habits of each species.

In the afternoon, you will visit a truly unique point on the world map: the four-country meeting point – Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. This spot, in the Kazungula area, is the only place on earth where four countries meet in almost the same point. It is a fascinating geographical experience and the perfect moment for a memorable photo.

Toward evening, you will cross back into Zambia and check in at Livingstone for the last night in the region.

After breakfast, you will have your last moments to enjoy the atmosphere of Livingstone – perhaps a final walk along the Zambezi or a visit to local craft shops, where you will find wooden carvings, malachite jewellery and traditional Zambian souvenirs.

You will fly back to Lusaka, where you will stay at The Pamodzi Hotel, an elegant hotel in a green, peaceful area of the capital. The rest of the day is for relaxing and preparing for the transfer to Zanzibar the following day. The hotel has excellent facilities – a pool, a restaurant with international cuisine and the perfect atmosphere to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past week.

Today you leave Zambia and head to Zanzibar, the famous Spice Island in the Indian Ocean. After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Lusaka airport for the afternoon flight to Tanzania.

The flight takes you over the varied landscapes of East Africa, from continental savannas to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Arriving in Zanzibar marks the end of the adventure phase of the tour organized by Marian Adventures and Sorin Constantinescu in partnership with Timon Safaris, and the beginning of a period of total relaxation.

You will be transferred to Riu Jambo 5*, a premium all-inclusive resort on the famous Nungwi beach in the north of Zanzibar island. The resort offers 3 pools, 4 restaurants, a private beach and top-class facilities for a complete luxury experience. You will be welcomed by the warm ocean breeze, the scent of tropical flowers and the characteristic hospitality of Zanzibar.

Day 11 marks the first full day of relaxation in Zanzibar, where you will be pampered with an All Inclusive plan that lets you enjoy your holiday worry-free. The morning starts with a delicious breakfast served outdoors, where you will savour fresh tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple and papaya, alongside natural juices and an aromatic coffee with Arabic influences, while the ocean breeze keeps you cool.

The fine white sand beaches of Nungwi, lined with palm trees and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, are a perfect corner of paradise for relaxing. You can spend hours swimming in the warm water, sunbathing under the tropical sun or reading a book in the shade of a thatched umbrella, with the sound of waves as a soothing backdrop.

The Riu Jambo resort has 3 generous pools, ideal for those who prefer fresh water, and a beach bar where tropical cocktails are served throughout the day. For those keen on adventure, the resort offers snorkeling opportunities nearby, where coral reefs reveal a vibrant underwater world full of colourful tropical fish, starfish and, if you are lucky, sea turtles.

Lunch and dinner will be served All Inclusive style, with a variety of international and local dishes across the resort's 4 restaurants, including fresh seafood, Swahili curries and exotic desserts, all enjoyed with ocean views.

These days continue the relaxation experience in Zanzibar, giving you the freedom to enjoy the island at your own pace, with all meals and drinks included in the All Inclusive plan.

Mornings can be spent on the beach, with time to indulge in swimming, sunbathing or water sports available through the resort.

For those interested in local culture, you have the option to explore Stone Town, the island's capital and a UNESCO site. The narrow streets are a labyrinth of old buildings with carved teak doors and ornate balconies, reflecting Swahili, Arab and Indian influences. You can visit the House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace or Darajani market, where the scent of cloves, cinnamon and vanilla fills the air – Zanzibar is not called the Spice Island for nothing!

Another optional activity is a spice plantation tour, where you will discover how cloves, nutmeg and cardamom are grown and harvested, and have the chance to taste exotic fruits straight from the tree.

A popular excursion is to Prison Island (Changuu Island), 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town, where you will meet giant Aldabra tortoises – some over 100 years old – and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters around the island.

If you prefer water adventure, an optional diving excursion or dolphin-watching cruise will let you explore coral reefs and meet playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

Evenings will be magical, with romantic dinners on the beach accompanied by the sound of waves and traditional taarab music, which blends African and Arab rhythms. Whether you choose to relax at the resort spa, explore the island or simply enjoy the tropical beauty of Zanzibar, these days will be the perfect balance of rest and discovery.

The final day of the tour gives you your last moments to savour the exotic beauty of Zanzibar. Depending on your flight time, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast, tasting the island's tropical flavours – perhaps a fresh fruit juice or an Arabic-style coffee – while watching the ocean waves.

If time allows, take a final walk on the white sand beach, feeling the warm breeze, or visit local shops for souvenirs such as artisan jewellery, wooden carvings or traditional spices, to remind you of this journey.

Then you will be transferred to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar for your return flight, concluding a memorable experience with Marian Adventures, Sorin Constantinescu and Timon Safaris – a tour that combined safari adventure through three African countries with relaxation on the beaches of Zanzibar, revealing the beauty and diversity of Africa.