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A variety of wildlife in Africa.

Stars of South Africa

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Zambezi Queen
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Inagurate your 15-day adventure with a 3-night stay in picturesque Cape Town. Next, fly to Kasane, Botswana to begin your Zambezi Queen safari cruise on the Chobe River. Explore the banks of Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. Spend two nights at the legendary Victoria Falls before flying to Johannesburg for an overnight stay. Travel to Hoedspruit, located in the game-rich country of Greater Kruger National Park. Spend three nights at a game lodge in this premier eco-tourist destination, known for some of the best “Big Five” viewing in South Africa. Experience the thrill of daily game drives, while evenings bring you breathtakingly clear skies.
Orlando Towers, SowetoRhinocerosAn aerial view of Table Mountain, Cape TownFamily viewing wildlife on an African safariA close up of a type of traditional dress worn in Africa.Nelson Mandela Square, JohannesburgLeopardA variety of wildlife in Africa.
Highlights
  • Tour famous wineries and taste South African wines
  • Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain and view the city below
  • Drive through Chobe National Park and observe spectacular wildlife
  • Experience the local culture in Kasenu Village
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Cape Town, South Africa

After your airport greeting, transfer to your hotel. Your Tour Director hosts a Welcome Reception at 6:30 pm. 

Day 2: Cape Town

Your full-day exploration on one of the world’s most beautiful drives takes you southeast along the Atlantic seaboard past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay, and Chapman’s Peak. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope, first rounded in modern times in 1488 by the Portuguese in their attempt to establish trade in the Far East and still a significant landmark for sailors today. Also visit Boulder Beach, home to thousands of African penguins. Lunch today is fine dining with drinks overlooking False Bay. 

Day 3: Cape Town

Choose from two sightseeing options today. The first option is to take a cableway up Table Mountain for spectacular views from the summit. Then head out to the scenic Cape Winelands, which comprises the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl valleys. Visit two renowned vineyards and sample their wines. A sumptuous regional meal lunch is included along the way. Or you can choose to board a ferry to Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. Your tour is led by a former inmate before returning back to Cape Town. After lunch, board the cableway to the summit of Table Mountain followed by a drive through some of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

Day 4: Fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | Embark

In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Victoria Falls. Here, you will be transferred to the Chobe River which forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Then board tender boats that will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom, enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, and in the evening, be treated to a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner.

Day 5: Chobe River

This morning embark on an exhilarating, morning boat safari to explore the Chobe River’s diverse game viewing. Afterward, return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. As the Zambezi Queen cruises along the Chobe River, relax on board in the afternoon and enjoy what nature has to offer. Be sure to spend time in the splash pool or perhaps catch up with your favorite book. Later in the day, revel in a panoramic view with another thrilling boat safari.

Day 6: Chobe National Park

Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. Chobe National Park is home to one of the most dense populations of wildlife in Africa. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffe, zebra, sable, warthog, and cape buffalo. Prides of lions, hyenas, and more rarely cheetahs are normally visible along the way. Lunch includes a delicious picnic served up under the trees. 

Day 7: Kasenu Village, Zimbabwe

This morning, enjoy an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture firsthand. Spend time with the children of the village as well as its elders and learn about their day-to-day life. After lunch on board, you can choose your afternoon activity including an afternoon safari by boat, bird watching, or fishing. Tonight your crew hosts an African-themed dinner complete with singing and dancing. 

Day 8: Disembark | Victoria Falls

Transfer to legendary Victoria Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders on earth. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel. This evening travel back in time aboard a historic steam train and jaunt onto the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. The sweeping views are unforgettable and with five-star service you can enjoy cocktails and appetizers along the way. Dinner follows at the hotel.

Day 9: Victoria Falls

Join a local guide for a tour of remarkable Victoria Falls, more commonly referred to as the smoke that thunders. The afternoon is free. Relax and enjoy the amenities and grounds of your iconic hotel, walk into town for a little shopping, or take an optional outing. Tonight, embark on a private and festive Sundowner cruise complete with drinks and tapas, along with music. 

Day 10: Victoria Falls | Johannesburg, South Africa

Fly to Johannesburg and check into the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel. Enjoy a leisurely evening.

Day 11: Johannesburg

Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, followed by a township lunch. Before dinner, gather with a local expert for an informative discussion and afterward enjoy a multi-course dinner.

Day 12: Johannesburg | Fly to Kruger National Park Area

This morning fly to the Greater Kruger National Park, where you are transferred to a private game lodge, luxurious Tintswalo Safari Lodge. Later, set out on an afternoon game drive in search of the country’s “Big Five” and other native wildlife. Tonight, enjoy your first dinner at the lodge.

Day 13: Kruger National Park Area

Begin your day with an early morning game drive. Your open-air vehicle is the perfect means to explore this private game reserve, located just a stone’s throw from the game-rich Kruger National Park. The rest of the morning can be spent enjoying the facilities at your lodge. The afternoon brings another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas, and lions. 

Day 14: Kruger National Park Area

Enjoy two exhilarating game drives today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, as well as ample leisure time to relax and enjoy your game lodge accommodations. Tonight, after dining with your fellow travelers, the evening is yours to read, socialize, or simply gaze up at the stunning star-filled African sky.

Day 15: Kruger National Park Area | Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa

  • 1 Breakfast
Early this morning, have your final game-drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home. Please do not schedule onward flight before 4:30 pm. 

Ship/Hotel

Zambezi Queen

The Zambezi Queen

Zambezi Queen

With a design specific for safari river cruising on the Chobe River, the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen offers a sophisticated onboard experience designed to maximize animal sightings.
Relax on the Zambezi Queen
Relax on the Zambezi Queen
Zambezi Queen

Cape Town - Hotels

Tintswalo Atlantic Lodge

Located in the foothills of the majestic Chapman's Peak with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Tintswalo Atlantic Lodge is a great choice for a relaxing South African getaway.
Exterior of the hotel

President Hotel

Set in the wind-free suburb of Bantry Bay, the President Hotel is in the perfect location to explore all that Cape Town has to offer. Rest in one of their 349 rooms, relax by the infinity pool and have a drink at the Senate Bar in this South African hotel.
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Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town

Cape Grace

Set on a private quay on the V&A Waterfront, the award winning Cape Grace Hotel offers guests the ultimate in luxury, elegance, service, and amenities. From the charming opulence of the common areas, to the hand painted fabrics, fresh cut flowers, and thoughtfully chosen African artifacts in each of the 120 guest rooms, the Cape Grace will amazing you around every corner.
Sunset over Century City, Capetown

More Cape Town Hotels

The coastal capital city of South Africa, bustling Cape Town has a storied human & natural role in the country's development, from Robben Island (where Mandela was imprisoned) to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to hikes to Table Mountain. Whether on a cruise or land-based expedition, Cape Town is a fascinating stop on any South Africa itinerary.

Kruger National Park - Hotels

Perry's Bridge Hollow

Perry's Bridge Hollow

This Africa safari hotel offers spacious twin rooms as well as three deluxe family suites. Award winning Kuka Restaurant and Cocktail Bar are onsite and offer sophisticated afro-chic fare.
Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Rhino Post Safari Lodge is situated at the southern end of our 12,000 hectare private wilderness concession in the Kruger National Park. The concession is noted as an excellent game viewing area with encounters with Big Five and good sightings can be expected.
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Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge

Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge

Positioned on an ancient elephant route on the Mluwati River, in the Kruger National Park, this hidden treasure is comprised of six handsomely furnished thatched suites, all of which boast king size beds, en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers and private game viewing decks.

Victoria Falls Town - Hotels

Refurbished colonial-era carriages aboard the Stimela Star

Stimela Star

The Stimela Star is a private, colonial-era sleeper train that travels from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park. Evoke the glory days of train travel as you spend one night traveling toward Hwange National park on this refurbished yet authentic rail car.

Victoria Falls Hotel

Take a step back in time during your stay at the beautiful, historic Victoria Falls Hotel. Built in 1904, the Victoria Falls Hotel was the first hotel to be built in Victoria Falls and recent refurbishments offer guests a beautiful balance of colonial Edwardian charm and modern comforts of a world class luxury hotel. This unique and charming hotel is perfectly positioned within town so you are able to enjoy Victoria Falls to the fullest.
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batonka guest lodge

Batonka Guest House

Located just over one mile from the mighty Victoria Falls, Batonka Guest Lodge offers luxury accommodation near one of the greatest sites in Africa.
A view of Victoria Falls

More Victoria Falls Town Hotels

Johannesburg - Hotels

Exterior

Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton

Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton is near to the airports in the area and is in the heart of the business and entertainment district. It features two sections, the Balalaika and the Crown Court. It's 330 guest rooms are air conditioned and decorated with a classic style. The hotel also offers two dining options, a fitness center and a business center.
The Peech Hotel

The Peech Hotel

Set in the suburb of Melrose, a short stroll from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, The Peech is a truly boutique hotel with just sixteen bedrooms spread across a lush garden.
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Fairlawns Boutique Hotel

The award-winning Fairlawns Hotel has been a benchmark for luxury boutique hotels in Johnnesburg almost 20 years, offering guests and unique and exclusive sanctuary during their visit to Johannesburg. Nestled outside the exciting business areas of Sandton, Woodmead, Sunninghill and Rivonia, the Fairlawns is a well-kept secret that balances proximity to these thriving cities with peace and tranquility.
The sun sets over Kruger National Park

More Johannesburg Hotels

Some of the world's best safaris depart from the "City of Gold" known as Johannesburg in South Africa. Once you've explored this modern metropolitan city, set out to Kruger National Park to spot the Big Five on a safari game drive and relax at your luxury safari lodge. You can also dive deeper into the heart of Africa on a Chobe River cruise!

Dates & Prices

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Book now and take advantage of up to 20% cruise savings on select 2026 sailings when you reserve your river cruise by June 30, 2024. This promotion is subject to availability and is capacity-controlled. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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Suite B
Upper Deck, 215 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
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Suite A
Upper Deck, 235 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
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Luxury Suite
Upper Deck, 300 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees

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TrustScore 4.9 | 209 reviews
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