There are some trips that are difficult to describe because so much happens in such a short time and our journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana was definitely one of them!
June turned out to be a beautiful time to visit. Following the rainy season, the landscapes were green and gorgeous, the weather was comfortable, and our small group size made the entire experience feel personal and relaxed. We had a wonderful mix of travelers, including several experienced safari-goers who had previously traveled through Kenya and Tanzania. They especially enjoyed discovering how different Southern Africa felt. Not only in the game viewing, but in the cultures, landscapes, history, and people we encountered along the way.
And what a variety! One day we were watching elephants wander through the bush and another we were visiting a penguin colony. We were spotting rhinos on safari and standing in awe of Victoria Falls at nearly full volume! Oh, the power! , From scenic coastlines and historically significant sites and also to African drumming, folklore and storytelling. Some even added a little extra adrenaline with zip lining! There was no holding us back.
One of our favorite evenings was a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. As the African sun slipped toward the horizon, we watched for wildlife along the riverbanks and enjoyed the incredible feeling of being at the crossroads of Southern Africa—where Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia all come together. It was one of those peaceful, beautiful moments that perfectly captured the magic of this journey.
What impressed us most was how well balanced the tour felt. The safaris were incredible, but they were only part of the story. We experienced the culture, history, food, people, natural wonders, wildlife and traditions of the regio all woven together into one adventure.
And at Morris Murdock Escorted Tours, this is a journey we continue to refine after every departure. We listen to our travelers, learn from each experience, and work with our local partners to find new ways to add value, improve the flow and highlight experiences that make the tour even more meaningful. Each journey helps us make the next one even better.
It was amazing how much we were able to see and experience in such a short window of time without feeling like we were simply checking places off a list. There was time to laugh, learn, make new friends, watch an African sunset and simply appreciate where we were.
Elephants to penguins, rhinos to waterfalls, safaris to storytelling, and sunsets on the Zambezi—Southern Africa gave us a little bit of everything and a whole lot of memories.
It was wild. It was beautiful. It was fun. And it was one of those magical journeys we’ll be talking about for a very long time.
Morris Murdock Escorted Tours has been fulfilling travel dreams for our clients for over 65 years. Beginning in 1958, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) approached Franklin Murdock about starting an agency to handle the travel needs of its employees and missionaries. Murdock Travel, now Morris Murdock Escorted Tours, was the first tour operator to offer LDS faith-based and Church History escorted tours. Since then, we have expanded our offerings to include cruises, humanitarian, shopping and other types of tours. We only select tour guides and tour directors that are experts in their field or celebrities with an attachment to the destination or tour’s theme.
Did you know that before the pandemic, Morris Murdock sent tens of thousands of travelers to South America? I know, it seems like a lifetime ago! Over the past few years, we’ve offered a few South America tours here and
Going into our August England, Spain and France cruise, I was prepared for the total solar eclipse at sea to blow my mind. And honestly—it did! But what I wasn’t prepared for was just how many other moments on this
Your passport may be the most important thing you pack for an international trip. Losing it can mean missed sightseeing, unexpected embassy visits and even changes to your travel plans. A few simple habits can help protect it—and your vacation!
One of the questions we hear frequently from our travelers is, “Should I book the group airfare or arrange my own flights?”
The answer depends on what matters most to you.
When available and it makes sense, Morris Murdock
For years and years, we’ve taken our travelers all over the country and the world to experience Church history where it happened. We’ve traveled to the sites of the Restoration, walked through pioneer communities, visited temples and historic places, and
There are some trips that are difficult to describe because so much happens in such a short time and our journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana was definitely one of them!
