BIG NEWS – OUR FIRST AFRICA SMALL GROUP TOUR IS HERE!
We are beyond excited to announce our very first curated African adventure — a once-in-a-lifetime 16-night journey through Southern Africa, designed for just 10 travelers only.
This is not just a tour. It is an immersive, hand-crafted experience through some of the most iconic and breathtaking landscapes on the continent.
Dates: 11–27 April 2027 (16 nights)
Only 10 exclusive places available
From dramatic coastlines to world-famous wildlife and one of the great natural wonders of the world, this journey has been designed to balance comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable moments at every turn.
YOUR AFRICAN JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
Cape Town – One of the World’s Most Beautiful Cities
Framed by the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is a vibrant fusion of ocean, mountains, and culture. Explore the Cape Peninsula, world-class vineyards, and the dramatic meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It is consistently ranked among the most scenic cities in the world.
Blyde River Canyon & Panorama Route
One of the largest green canyons on earth, the Blyde River Canyon offers spectacular viewpoints including God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels. This region is known for its dramatic scenery and lush landscapes, forming the gateway into the Greater Kruger area.
Greater Kruger National Park
The Greater Kruger region offers some of the finest wildlife viewing in Africa. Open ecosystems allow for exceptional Big Five sightings, guided game drives, and close-up encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.
Victoria Falls
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is a vast curtain of water over 1.7 kilometers wide on the Zambezi River. The sheer scale, power, and mist rising from the gorge create one of the most dramatic natural experiences in the world.
Zambezi National Park
Located just upstream from Victoria Falls, this riverine wilderness offers peaceful safari experiences along the Zambezi River. It is known for elephants along the water’s edge, hippos in quiet channels, and beautiful golden sunsets over the river.
ABOUT MICHELE
While living in Switzerland, my husband, two tween children and I took advantage of every opportunity to travel extensively throughout Western Europe. The adventures and cultural encounters we experienced will be forever in our memories and played an important role in broadening our perspectives and curiosity, especially for our children.
During my three years in Switzerland, it became clear that I had a natural skill for planning exceptional trips throughout Europe. Upon returning to the USA, I realized I could combine my passion for European travel with my in-depth knowledge of each country to help others create truly customized and memorable experiences. And so, “Europe Your Own Way” was born.
ABOUT ME
I grew up in a small town in Connecticut, USA, but over the past 25+ years I have taken many opportunities to travel extensively throughout Europe. I have lived in Italy and France, speak fluent Italian and French, and have travelled widely around the world for both pleasure and business.
My first visit to France was at age 12 on a school trip, which sparked a lifelong passion for travel. As a high school student, I completed a three-week exchange programme in Lyon, France, which resulted in a lasting friendship with my “French sister” and her family. I later spent my junior year of university studying at the Université de Nice in France.
As a graduate student, I spent the summer in the Marche region of Italy (Urbania) learning Italian, followed by a summer programme at Bocconi University in Milan in preparation for an internship. I then completed an eight-month internship in Rome working for Merck Pharmaceuticals.
I went on to combine my love of Europe with a career in Marketing, working in International Marketing roles at Newell-Rubbermaid, American Greetings, and Mattel/Fisher-Price, which allowed me to travel extensively and experience Europe from a global business perspective.
Most recently, a three-year contract with UNICEF in Geneva, Switzerland allowed me to live locally, travel deeply, and experience places beyond the typical tourist routes before returning to the USA.
Each time I have lived in Europe, I have taken every opportunity to explore as much of the continent as possible, with the greatest depth of experience in France, Italy, and Switzerland. I speak those languages fluently, which is a significant advantage when planning immersive travel experiences.
TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE, PASSION AND PERSONALITY
I love designing trips in Europe, especially France, Italy, and Switzerland, and I am now excited to extend that same passion into Africa, creating small-group journeys that are immersive, personal, and thoughtfully curated.
I understand that every traveller is different, with unique interests and definitions of a dream trip. My goal is always to tailor each experience to the individual, ensuring a meaningful and unforgettable journey.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or travel planning requests. I look forward to helping you create your next unforgettable adventure.
Thank you.
Itinerary Terms and Conditions
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
Are all park entrance fees included?
All park entrance fees are included in this tour. Including: All entrances into Cape Town sight-seeing and Excursions, Rainforest Entry at Victoria Falls Gate, Chobe National Park, Zambezi National Park, Blyde River Canyon entry fees for all excursions and Kruger National Park
Are most meals included?
For Cape Town and Blyde River Canyon:
All Breakfasts included in the rate.
Extra Drinks not included.
Guests receive an allowance for both lunch and dinner. This allowance is intended to cover their meal, one drink, and the tip. Should the bill exceed the allowance, guests are welcome to settle the difference directly with the restaurant.
For Vic Falls - Victoria Falls Safari Lodge:
All Breakfasts are included in the rate.
Drinks are at an additional cost.
1 x Dinner (Boma and Drum Show) included. (Drinks are extra)
Sundowner Cruise – Snacks and non-premium-brand drinks are included for this 2 hour trip.
2 x lunches not included ( 1 x lunch included for day trip to Chobe National Park – drinks extra).
2 x dinners not included (Drinks extra).
For Zambezi National Park – Chundu Island Lodge:
All meals are included. (Breakfasts, snacks, Lunches and Dinners).
All drinks- soft drinks and alcoholic included (Local and non-premium brands).
For Kruger National Park – Plains Camp & Rhino Post Safari Lodge:
All meals are included. (Breakfasts, snacks, Lunches and Dinners).
Drinks are not included.
Are alcoholic beverages included at the lodges?
Sundown Manor Guest House – NO – just 1 drink (local beer or wine) included with lunches and dinners with allocated allowance.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – NO (Drinks are included during 2 hour Sundowner Cruise)
Chundu Island Lodge – YES (All drinks are included – except for premium-brands)
Blyde River Canyon Lodge – NO just 1 drink (local beer or wine) included with lunches and dinners with allocated allowance.
Plains Camp – NO (Drinks will be extra.) 1 x complimentary drink included for sundowner game drive per day.
Rhino Post Safari Lodge – NO (Drinks will be extra)
1 x complimentary drink included for sundowner game drive.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are not compulsory and it’s always recommended to combine the gratuity from the group at the time of departure from each lodge. It is not recommended that you tip individual staff at the lodges unless it’s your guide and you wish to tip them separately.
Are internal flights included?
Yes, all internal flights are included.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, travel insurance is required. (Fully comprehensive - medical emergencies, baggage and cancellations etc.)
What type of safari vehicles are used?
Either Landrover or Toyota Landcruiser – 10 seater, open game viewing vehicle driven by fully qualified field guide.
What luggage restrictions apply?
The most handy tip we can give you, is to travel light! There are laundry services at all the lodges for an additional fee, BUT at CHUNDU ISLAND LODGE, which is around the middle of the trip, laundry is included. Make use of it! 23kg’s is the limit for check-in luggage for all internal flights, so please adhere to that.
Since it’s Africa, will we need visas and shots and will the visa acquisition be something we need to handle on our own?
For South Africa, U.S. passport holders visiting for tourism for 90 days or less do not need a visa. Passports should have sufficient validity and blank pages for entry stamps. Direct travel from the United States does NOT require yellow fever vaccination.
For Zimbabwe, U.S. citizens do need a tourist visa. This can normally be obtained either through Zimbabwe’s official eVisa system or at the port of entry, subject to current immigration procedures. Passport must be valid for at least six months. Cost ranges between USD50.00 and USD55.00 per person.
Botswana, U.S. citizens do not need a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days. The U.S. State Department notes that passports should have six months’ validity beyond arrival and departure, with three blank pages recommended.
We will guide you clearly on what is needed for each country and when to arrange it. Visas remain the traveller’s responsibility because they are linked to your personal passport and immigration status, but we will point you to the correct official process and advise which visa option best suits the itinerary. For medical requirements, we strongly recommend a consultation with a travel health clinic or your own doctor before departure.
Vaccines required & Health Info:
There are NO special “Africa shots” required for direct travel from the U.S. to these countries.
Speak to a travel clinic at least a month before travel to find out what they recommend depending on the traveller’s medical history and style of travel. Hepatitis A vaccine may be recommended for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana; typhoid and hepatitis B may also be discussed – BUT absolutely NOT compulsory!
Malaria prevention is the main item to discuss with your doctor. We recommend malaria medication for Zimbabwe, for Kruger/Lowveld areas of South Africa, and for certain northern Botswana areas including Chobe National Park. The exact medication should be prescribed by a doctor or travel clinic.
Michele Chapuis Terms and Conditions
To be supplied at time of booking.
