Have questions? We're here.
African Penguin

Discover Africa

Cape Town - Johannesburg - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Zambezi Queen
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Botswana trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Embark on a 10-day cruise aboard the Zambezi Queen from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Begin with three nights in Cape Town, taking in iconic sights like the Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach, and Table Mountain. Optionally explore the Cape Winelands or take a historical tour of Robben Island. Then, travel to Victoria Falls and embark on a Chobe River safari, where you can encounter diverse wildlife in Chobe National Park, including elephants and leopards. Finish your journey with two nights at Victoria Falls, a remarkable natural wonder. For a deeper cultural experience, consider an optional extension to Johannesburg to follow in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps.
Cape TownZambezi Queen, Africa SafariVictoria FallsA young family walks through the African landscapeZambezi Queen, Africa SafariZambezi Queen, Africa SafariA man rests on the bright red sand of Africa.African Penguin
Highlights
  • Explore Cape Town’s iconic beauty and marvel at its coastal landscapes
  • Visit Cape Point's reserve with breathtaking views and floral diversity
  • Spot penguins at Boulders Beach and enjoy the lively marine surroundings
  • Savor wine in Cape Winelands’ valleys with rich flavors
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Cape Town

Arrive in Cape Town, a vibrant city stunningly framed by majestic mountains and the sparkling sea, brimming with a rich cultural heritage. Following a warm airport greeting, transfer to your hotel to settle in. Take the afternoon to simply unwind or gently explore the immediate surroundings at a comfortable pace.

This evening, get acquainted with your Tour Director and fellow travelers during a casual welcome reception. Enjoy this relaxed introduction to the upcoming journey, providing the perfect opportunity to acclimate before the exciting days of true exploration begin.

Day 2: Cape Town

Embark on a journey along one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world, tracing the Atlantic seaboard past the majestic Twelve Apostles, Hout Bay, and Chapman’s Peak. Continue the adventure to the Cape of Good Hope, situated within Table Mountain National Park. Afterward, stop at Boulders Beach to observe a thriving colony of African penguins. Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant offering spectacular views across beautiful False Bay.

Upon returning to the hotel, spend the evening exactly as desired. Take time to relax, dine at a nearby eatery, or simply soak in the tranquil coastal atmosphere at a comfortable pace.

Day 3: Cape Town

Explore the daily onshore experience options available throughout your cruise.

Visit Cape Winelands or Robben Island

Option 1: Table Mountain & Cape Winelands
Start the day with a cableway ride up to Table Mountain for spectacular views over Cape Town and the surrounding coastline. Then continue into the Cape Winelands, passing through renowned wine-growing areas like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl valleys. Visit renowned vineyards for tastings and enjoy a leisurely lunch along the way.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
  • Cableway up Table Mountain
  • Scenic drive through Cape Winelands with tastings and lunch
Option 2: Robben Island, Bo Kaap & Table Mountain
Explore another side of Cape Town with a visit to historic Robben Island, once used as a prison for political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. After your guided tour, led by a former warden, return by ferry to Cape Town for lunch. Afterwards, visit the colorful Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit.
  • Robben Island guided tour with local lunch
Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening however you choose—relax, dine nearby, or simply take in the coastal atmosphere at your own pace.

Day 4: Cape Town | Voctoria Falls | Embark

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. After landing, continue to the Chobe River, which forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Take tender boats across to the Zambezi Queen.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
  • Morning Visit to Local African Village
  • Afternoon Safari by Boat
  • Bird Watching
  • Fishing
  • African Themed Dinner
Board the Zambezi Queen and settle into your stateroom. Enjoy a mid-afternoon snack and take time to relax as you begin your Chobe River safari experience.

Gather for a warm welcome aboard the Zambezi Queen. Enjoy a cocktail reception followed by dinner, marking the start of your river safari.

Day 5: Chobe River

Watch the nature around you come alive on an exciting morning safari by boat along the Chobe River, one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich waterways. Keep an eye out for elephants, hippos, buffalo, and a wide range of birdlife as you glide through this remarkable ecosystem.

Return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch, then enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the river. Spend time on the sun deck or in the splash pool, or simply take in the scenery as the ship cruises along the Chobe.

As the light softens, head out for another thrilling safari by boat. Sunset is an ideal time to observe wildlife gathering along the riverbanks.

Day 6: Chobe River

Set out on a full-day safari through Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. This region is known for having one of Africa’s densest concentrations of wildlife, offering opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, sable, warthogs, and Cape buffalo. Keep watch for prides of lions, hyenas, and (on rare occasions) cheetahs. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the trees before continuing your journey through the park’s diverse landscapes.

Return to the Zambezi Queen to relax and enjoy dinner as the day’s wildlife sightings settle into memory.

Day 7: Chobe River

Begin the day with an enriching visit to a local African village for a first-hand look at daily life along the Chobe River. Spend time with community members, including children and village elders, and learn about local traditions and culture.

After lunch on board, choose how you’d like to spend the afternoon. Head out on another boat safari, join a guided bird-watching experience, or try your hand at fishing on the river.

Enjoy your final evening on the Zambezi Queen with a festive African-themed dinner hosted by the crew, complete with singing, dancing, and celebration.

Day 8: Chobe River | Disembark | Victoria Falls

Start the day with a peaceful morning cruise as you enjoy breakfast and keep watch for wildlife along the riverbanks.

Leave the Zambezi Queen and travel to Victoria Falls. Settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the town or enjoying one of the many activities available.

In the late afternoon, board a vintage steam train for a cocktail reception and dinner as you make your way toward the Victoria Falls Bridge for an unforgettable evening watching the sun set over the gorge.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
  • Vintage steam train ride
  • Sunset cocktail reception and dinner

Day 9: Victoria Falls

Join your guide for a walking tour of Victoria Falls, learning about its history and the rich plant and animal life that thrives in the surrounding rainforest.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure, relaxing at your hotel or exploring the town of Victoria Falls.

In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Watch for wildlife along the water’s edge while enjoying drinks and tapas. Return to your hotel for a special dinner with live local entertainment.

Day 10: Victoria Falls | Johannesburg

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed morning and breakfast at your hotel. Afterwards, transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg. From here, head home (note: Please do not schedule your homebound flight before 7pm) or extend your journey. Spend an additional day or two in Johannesburg, or fly on to Rwanda to encounter an array of primates, including the endangered mountain gorillas.

Ship/Hotel

Zambezi Queen

Relax on the Zambezi Queen
Relax on the Zambezi Queen
Zambezi Queen

Cape Grace

Cape Grace
Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town
Cape Grace

Victoria Falls Hotel

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$12,885 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Suite B
Upper Deck, 215 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
Suite A
Upper Deck, 235 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
Luxury Suite
Upper Deck, 300 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • 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 

Map

Popular Add-ons

Botswana Travel Links

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

Why Travel With Us?

Seamless Trip Planning

We guide you through every detail beyond the cruise—from flights to pre- and post-trip stays—so your journey feels effortless.

Advocacy That Matters

You're backed by a team that knows the industry and has strong relationships—helping ensure you're prioritized and well taken care of every step of the way.

More Value.

Receive personal attention and concierge-level service for the same cost as booking direct. Gain access to exclusive rates, perks, and insider expertise on how to maximize the value for your dollar.

As Featured In

How it Works

Connect

No cost, no commitment. Talk with our experts about your dream trip.

Plan

Share your travel style—we match you with the right itinerary or create one just for you.

Book

Lock in knowing every detail is handled and you’re fully supported.

Travel

Enjoy a seamless journey—and unlock 5% off your next adventure.