Summary
Short description
With luxury hotel stays and a river cruise included, explore the wildlife and cultural wonders of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Highlights
- Contrast Cape Town's urban highlights with the world-class vineyards of the nearby Winelands
- Go in search of iconic wildlife on a luxury Chobe River cruise
- Enjoy sunset drinks at Victoria Falls
- Enjoy a choice of included touring throughout, from safaris to wine tastings
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
River cruise | Wildlife
Combining a luxury cruise on the Chobe River with stays in Cape Town and at Victoria Falls, this spectacular journey is the ideal introduction to the icons of Southern Africa. It all begins in Cape Town, whose Table Mountain backdrop provides the iconic setting for a choice of expert-led excursions ranging from cable car trips and tours of Robben Island to guided tastings in the nearby Cape Winelands. You'll then fly north to Botswana for a four-day river cruise aboard the Zambezi Queen, spotting wallowing hippos, roaming lions and great herds of elephants in Chobe National Park. Lastly, cross the border into Zimbabwe for a stay at mighty Victoria Falls.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Cape Town
Start your holiday in style with included VIP lounge access before your overnight flight to Cape Town.
Day
2
Cape Town
Arriving into South Africa's Mother City you'll be met for an included transfer to your luxury V&A Waterfront hotel – the Cape Grace. Situated in the shadow of Table Mountain and lined with pristine white sand beaches and multi-cultural neighbourhoods, Cape Town provides a postcard introduction to your stay in the Rainbow Nation.
Stay: Cape Grace V&A Waterfront, Cape Town (Deluxe)
Meals: D
Days
3-4
Around Cape Town
The next day, you'll head out along the coast, passing the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak, to arrive at the Cape of Good Hope where the Portuguese attempted to establish a trade route with their ports in the Far East. After lunch overlooking False Bay, you'll head to Boulders Beach to meet and perhaps even swim with the resident penguins. Then, on day four, a choice of guided excursions will either showcase the Winelands' award-winning estates, or take in the chequered history of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was once held captive. The latter tour also includes a cable car ride to admire the views from Table Mountain's lofty summit.
Stay: Cape Grace V&A Waterfront, Cape Town (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
5
Chobe River
Leaving South Africa behind, you'll transfer to Cape Town Airport for your flight north to Kasane in Botswana. Clearing customs in both Botswana and Namibia, you'll arrive at your departure point on the northern bank of the Chobe River to begin your adventure aboard the Zambezi Queen. This afternoon, after lunch on board, you'll head out by private tender to watch as animals gather at the river for sunset. Then, return to the ship for welcome cocktails with the captain on the upper deck, followed a three-course, wine-paired dinner.
Stay: Zambezi Queen (Deluxe)
Meals: B D
Days
6-7
Chobe River & National Park
Perhaps rise early to sip coffee as the sun rises over the river before heading out on a boat safari to explore the Chobe's wildlife-rich banks. Then, after a delicious lunch on board, you'll embark on a further water-based safari, this time by double-decker barge, as you head in to the meandering southern channels in search of hippos and elephants. The following day you'll swap water for dry land as you set out in an open-top 4x4 vehicle to explore Chobe National Park. Here, everything from giraffe, elephant and zebra to sable, warthog and cape buffalo share the open savannahs, riverine forests and vast floodplains with roaming prides of lions, packs of hyenas and solitary leopards. In between game drives, you'll enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch served under the shade of camel thorn and acacia trees.
Stay: Zambezi Queen (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Chobe River
A change of pace this morning as you disembark to explore a typical village on the banks of the river. It's a unique chance to learn first-hand about the local customs and culture, and to spend time playing with the children and talking to the elders. In the afternoon, there's a choice of excursions including birdwatching, catch-and-release fishing or another boat safari. Then, return to the ship for an African-themed dinner hosted by the crew, complete with singing and dancing.
Stay: Zambezi Queen (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Days
9-10
Victoria Falls
Disembark and transfer across the border to Zimbabwe and the thundering torrents of Victoria Falls. Checking into the Victoria Falls Hotel, whose unrivalled terrace views take in the spectacular Second Gorge, you'll have a free afternoon to explore the nearby town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel; there's everything from bridge swings and bungee jumps to helicopter flights and game drives. This evening, step back in time as you board a historic steam train for a scenic journey across the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. Expect sweeping views, five-star service and sunset cocktails before returning to the hotel for an included dinner. The next day you'll join a local guide for a tour of the falls themselves followed by another afternoon of optional activities and a sundowner cruise complete with drinks, tapas and live music.
Stay: Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe (Deluxe)
Meals: B D
Days
11-12
Depart for UK
Transferring to the airport this morning, it's time to board your overnight flight back to the UK.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Prices
12-day luxury rail & cruise holiday
from £8,705 pp incl. flights
Departure: 10 November 2023
Save up to £3,535 pp
Book by: 30 June 2023
Special offer:
- Savings on selected departures in October & November 2023
- 10 November 2023 from £8,705 pp
Includes:
- Return flights from the UK to Cape Town in economy class (upgrades available)
- 3 nights at the luxurious Cape Grace hotel in upgraded Table Mountain View Rooms including daily breakfast
- Welcome Reception with drinks and tapas
- Full day Cape of Good Hope tour including African Penguin encounter and local lunch with drinks
- Cableway to the summit of Table Mountain
- Cape Winelands tour including tastings and lunch OR guided visit to Robben Island followed by lunch and tour of Cape Town’s diverse neighbourhoods
- Zambezi Queen 4-night cruise in a balcony suite
- Chobe National Park safari
- Private boat safaris along the banks of the Chobe River
- Visit to African village for a cultural interaction with the community
- Traditional African dinner
- All meals included during the cruise with complimentary wine and beer
- 2-night stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel in upgraded Stable Wing Rooms including daily breakfast
- Elephant Interaction Experience at a Wildlife Sanctuary and Orphanage
- Guided tour of Victoria Falls National Park
- Exclusive Zambezi River Sundowner Cruise with drinks, tapas and music
- Victoria Falls neighbourhood tour with home hosted lunch
- All transfers
Price varies by departure date and cabin availability, please call for details.
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0615
Meet the team
You might also like
cruise offer
Save up to £2,395 pp on selected departures in 2023
Book by: 30 June 2023
Combining a luxury Botswana river cruise and a journey aboard the opulent Rovos Rail, this is the perfect introduction to Southern Africa. We've even included a stay at that most impressive of natural wonders – Victoria Falls.
cruise offer
Limited time Expedition cruise savings
Book by: 30 June 2023
This is a rare chance to explore the remote islands of the southern Atlantic on the luxurious Silver Wind. Sailing between the wilds of Patagonia in Chile to South Africa’s mother city, Cape Town, you’ll experience some of the most remote locations on earth.