Route notes
Why this routing works
This routing uses a simple out-and-back structure: a long-haul flight from New York City to Cape Town, a surface sector onward to Victoria Falls, then a single return flight to New York City. For a three-week trip, that keeps the flight pattern compact while still covering two stops in southern Africa.
The overland break sits between the two African stops rather than forcing an extra return flight within the region. That creates an open-jaw in the middle of the ticket, with travel into Cape Town and travel out of Victoria Falls handled on the same itinerary.
In economy, the pacing is straightforward: one long outbound leg, time on the ground across the surface segment, and one long-haul flight home. With May departure timing, the sequence is built around a clean progression instead of backtracking.