After a restless overnight at a Seattle airport hotel, we were up at 3am to begin the hurry and wait of modern air travel.
Just a few years back, I traveled around the world for a year with one ... Full Journal »
Golden Trails of Africa
« All Zambezi Queen cruise options
- Day 1 Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya
- Day 2 Nairobi / Amboseli
- Day 3 Amboseli National Park
- Day 4 Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 5 Lake Manyara National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Day 6 Ngorongoro National Park
- Day 7 Drive to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- Days 8-9 Serengeti National Park
- Day 10 Johannesburg
- Day 11 Embark the Zambezi Queen
- Day 12 Chobe National Park
- Day 13 Kasenu Village
- Day 14 Chobe National Park
- Day 15 Disembark the Zambezi Queen
- Day 16 Victoria Falls
- Day 17 Depart Victoria Falls / Return Home
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||
| Suite B | Suite A | Master Suite | |
| Jul 6 '13 Jul 20 '13 Aug 3 '13 Aug 17 '13 |
$12,995 | $13,193 | $13,793 |
| Please add $985 per person for Intra-Africa airfare | |||
| Sep 6 '13 Sep 20 '13 Oct 4 '13 |
$11,995 | $12,193 | $12,793 |
| Please add $985 per person for Intra-Africa airfare | |||
| Nov 2 '13 Nov 30 '13 |
$11,495 | $11,693 | $12,293 |
| Please add $985 per person for Intra-Africa airfare | |||
| Deals, Discounts... Savings! | ||
|---|---|---|
| Savings | Dates | |
| $5000 | Select Spring or Summer 2013 Departures | |
| These special offers are applicable only to new bookings. Discounts are subject to availability, so contact us for more details. | ||
Day 1 Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya
Upon your arrival in Nairobi, transfer to your hotel where you will have the evening free.
Day 2 Nairobi / Amboseli
After breakfast, your drive to the Amboseli National Park offers a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Enjoy game drives through this stunning landscape, which boasts more big game than almost anywhere in Africa. The home of the Maasai people, Amboseli offers incomparable opportunities to observe herds of elephant, cape buffalo, impala, lion, zebra and water fowl. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Amboseli National Park
Today, your morning and afternoon game drives will offer new encounters with the wildlife strolling across the plains. You will have opportunities to see rhinos, cheetahs, wildebeests and more. You will also visit traditional manyattas settlements of the Amboseli Maasai. In the evening, enjoy a traditional feast and tribal dancing overlooking a big game waterhole. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Lake Manyara National Park
This morning, drive to Lake Manyara National Park to see the famous tree-climbing lions, hippos, wildebeests, warthogs and giraffes. The area provides opportunities for viewing and observing over 300 migratory birds, including flamingo and grey-headed kingfisher. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Lake Manyara National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Depart for an early morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park to observe a variety of animal habitats ranging from dense rain forest to swamp and open savannah. Then, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area and visit the Ngorongoro Archaeological Museum at Olduvai, where archeologist and anthropologist Louis and Mary Leakey found the fossilized remains of some of man’s oldest ancestors. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Ngorongoro National Park
Known as “the eighth wonder of the world,” the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's best-known wildlife areas. Your full day game drive to this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a truly unique environment. Deep within the Crater, enclosed by towering walls, some 25,000 large mammals wander the plains, lakes and forests of “the land that time forgot,” dominated by enormous bull elephants, lions, wildebeest and buffalo. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Drive to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
After breakfast, drive to the Serengeti National Park, where you will spend the next three nights. The Serengeti National Park offers not only all the members of The Big Five but also the annual “migration” of the wildebeests, a truly awe-inspiring sight. (B,L,D)
Days 8-9 Serengeti National Park
Tanzania’s greatest park is dominated by a spectacle of wildlife. Lion prides, leopards, cheetahs and all three species of the African jackal are found here, alongside the spotted hyena, blue wildebeest and a host of other species. Around 500-plus bird species have been recorded here including the outsized ostrich as well as the black eagles that soar effortlessly above the Lobo Hills. During your stay, enjoy daily morning and afternoon game drives. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Johannesburg
After breakfast at your lodge, you will say goodbye to Tanzania as you fly via Nairobi to Johannesburg for your overnight stay. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure as you prepare for your upcoming voyage on the Zambezi Queen. (B)
Day 11 Embark the Zambezi Queen
After breakfast, fly to Victoria Falls Airport and then transfer to Kasane. Here, you will board the Zambezi Queen, docked on the Chobe River. Late this afternoon, depart for a sunset cruise before your Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board. (B,D)
Day 12 Chobe National Park
This morning, disembark for a game drive in Chobe National Park, home of one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. Encounter elephants, leopards, lions, gazelle and buffalo. Late this afternoon, venture out on a tender boat for close-up views of the wild animals gathering along the river. This evening, be our guest ashore at a delicious Boma dinner, where you will savor the distinct flavors of Africa. Afterwards, your guide will show you the African sky showing you magnificent planets and stars (weather permitting). (B,L,D)
Day 13 Kasenu Village
Begin your day with a visit to Kasenu village for a cultural interaction with the local community where you will have time to shop for local artifacts. Then board a mokoro to explore the waterways and observe African animals and abundant birdlife. Relax on the beach in colorful, rustic style tents as you are served local delicacies cooked from a traditional wood fire oven. After lunch, return to the ship for an afternoon cruise (weather permitting). The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to relax on board. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Chobe National Park
After breakfast on board, choose between a game drive in the Chobe National Park, walking tour of a traditional village, visit to a local school or fishing excursion for the famous tigerfish. Late this afternoon, travel by boat trip to observe crocodiles, hippos and elephants in their natural habitat. Experience a traditional African barbecue tonight, prepared by the local community. (B,L,D)
Day 15 Disembark the Zambezi Queen
Bid farewell to the Zambezi Queen and transfer to Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular sites in Africa. Settle into your hotel before embarking on your Sundowner Cruise along the Zambezi River. Relax on board with light snacks and wine as you observe a variety of game, including hippo, crocodile, elephant and even rhino in their local habitat. (B)
Day 16 Victoria Falls
Today, your local guide will take you on a tour of the Falls, providing a history as well as detailing the vegetation and wildlife of this unique area. Admire the grandeur of the enormous waterfall and the peacefulness of upstream lagoons where you may encounter hippos and crocodiles. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your hotel or explore the Falls on your own. (B)
Day 17 Depart Victoria Falls / Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Please note: Cruise fare does not include airfare, please add $985 per person for Intra-Africa Air.Included Features
NAIROBI
- 1 night at Fairmont the Norfolk Hotel, with breakfast
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
- 2 nights at the Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli
- Daily morning and afternoon/evening game drives
- All meals included at the lodge
LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
- 1 night at the Lake Manyara Escarpment Luxury Lodge
- Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
- All meals, drinks and laundry included at the lodge
NGORONGORO NATIONAL PARK
- 2 nights at The Manor at Ngorongoro
- Daily morning and afternoon/evening game drives
- Private picnic lunch in Ngorongoro Crater
- All meals, drinks and laundry included at the lodge
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
- 3 nights luxury tented accommodation at Serengeti Migration Camp
- Daily morning and afternoon/evening game drives
- All meals, drinks and laundry included at the lodge
JOHANNESBURG
- 1 night at the Intercontinental, with breakfast
MS ZAMBEZI QUEEN
- 4 nights accommodation in balcony stateroom
- Full-day Chobe National Park game drive
- Private picnic in Chobe National Park
- Private boat safaris along the banks of the Chobe River
- Cultural interaction with Kasenu villagers
- Explore nearby waterways in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe)
- Traditional African Boma Dinner onshore
- All meals included during the cruise
- Complimentary wine and beer included with all lunch and dinners
VICTORIA FALLS
- 2 nights at the Victoria Falls Hotel, with breakfast
- Zambezi River Sundowner Dinner Cruise
- Guided tour of Victoria Falls National Park
Note: Visas are required for travel to Africa; please consult with your Consulate for more information.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 121 days or more | $800 per person |
| 120-90 days | $1400 per person |
| 89-60 days | 40% trip cost |
| 59-30 days | 55% trip cost |
| 29-0 days | 100% trip cost |
Zambezi Queen
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 28
- River Cruise Ship
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.
Comfort is ensured when staying in any of the 14 balcony staterooms, all decorated in contemporary style. The air-conditioned top deck of the ship offers comfortable public spaces. Enjoy game watching from the stateroom, or visit the top deck for a beverage, sun bathing and more game watching. Peruse the library of books, enjoy a board game or study the night sky with the onboard telescope. Explore the riverbanks of the Chobe River on the MS Zambezi Queen.
State-of-the-art Public Areas
The Zambezi Queen features an array of amenities specifically designed for comfort, convenience and luxury on the Chobe River.
The first and second levels of the ship have 14 staterooms - all of which have their own private balconies and have been tastefully furnished with two single beds which can be combined into a king. Of the 14 suites, 4 are master suites, which are at 300 sq. ft. There are 8 Category A suites, which are at 235 sq. ft., and 2 Category B suites, at 215 sq. ft. The entire boat including the top deck, living and dining area, has mosquito screening.
The air-conditioned top deck consists of the dining room, lounge with fireplace, bar and sunbathing area complete with private pool. The interior furnishings are elegant and timeless, creating a comfortable experience. The dining room is situated on the 3rd level with unobstructed views on three sides. The bar includes local and imported spirits, wine and beers.
Dining & Cuisine
While on board the Zambezi Queen, guests will dine in absolute opulence whilst taking in the unique African surrounds. Situated on the 3rd level, the dining room offers unobstructed views on three sides. Experience delectable dishes such as butternut and macadamia soup and fillet of beef with bordelaise sauce paired with the perfect wine. The mornings offer a full English breakfast and the afternoons offer a lavish gourmet lunch buffet. In the evenings, guests enjoy an elegant, formal dining experience, the perfect ending to daily river cruise adventures. Complimentary wine and beer is offered with all lunch and dinners on board.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | 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. |
 | Master Suite Upper Deck, 300 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony. |
