June 16 - Beijing Zoo
One of the main reasons I wanted to go to China this year was to see the pandas at the Beijing Zoo. Apparently there are pandas all over the world in zoos, had I known that ... Full Journal »
Stars of Africa
« All Zambezi Queen cruise options
- Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa
- Day 2 Cape Town
- Day 3 Cape Town
- Day 4 Cape Town to Kruger National Park
- Day 5 Kruger National Park
- Day 6 Kruger National Park
- Day 7 Johannesburg
- Day 8 Embark the Zambezi Queen
- Day 9 Chobe National Park
- Day 10 Chobe River
- Day 11 African Culture
- Day 12 Disembark Zambezi Queen / Victoria Falls
- Day 13 Victoria Falls
- Day 14 Depart
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||
| Suite B | Suite A | Master Suite | |
| Jul 8 '13 Jul 22 '13 Aug 6 '13 Aug 20 '13 Sep 10 '13 Oct 7 '13 Nov 5 '13 Dec 3 '13 |
$11,294 | $11,492 | $12,092 |
| Please add $1,175 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 Cape Town, South Africa
Situated amidst majestic mountains and surrounded by pristine white beaches, Cape Town is home to a rich cultural and historical heritage with vibrant restaurants and remarkable sightseeing activities. After your airport greeting, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
Day 2 Cape Town
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing on a scenic drive through the local wine regions of Cape Town: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. Visit two of the famous wine estates to savor various wines produced in South Africa. Your tour also includes the Huguenot Museum in Franschhoek and the Taal monument on Paarl rock. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. (B,L)
Day 3 Cape Town
During your full day tour, you will see the 12 Apostles and Hout Bay along your drive through Chapmans Peak, one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world (seasonal). Continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, ending at majestic Cape Point where you will see the Atlantic and the Indian oceans meet. After lunch at a local restaurant in Simon’s Town, admire magnificent views from the sandstone plateau of Table Mountain (weather permitting). (B,L)
Day 4 Cape Town to Kruger National Park
After breakfast, fly to Hoedspruit. Upon arrival in the premier eco-tourist destination of the Lowveld, transfer to your private game lodge. Set out on an afternoon game drive in search of the country’s Big Five and other native wildlife. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Kruger National Park
Begin your morning with an early game drive in your open-air vehicle for three or four hours. Explore your private game reserve, located a stone’s throw away from the Kruger National Park and surrounded by game-rich country. The rest of the morning is at your leisure to enjoy the facilities at your lodge. The afternoon brings another game drive into the bush where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas and lions. This region is also home to the majority of South African raptors including eagles which you will find soaring in the skies above. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relax as you game watch from the terrace in your guest room. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Kruger National Park
Begin your morning with another early game drive in your open-air vehicle for three or four hours. The rest of the morning is at your leisure to enjoy the facilities at your lodge. The afternoon brings another game drive into the bush. Return to your lodge this evening for dinner and relaxation, as you have another evening to game watch from the terrace in your guest room. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Johannesburg
Early this morning, depart for your final game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, the biggest city in South Africa. The remainder of your day is at leisure. (B)
Day 8 Embark the Zambezi Queen
After breakfast, fly to Victoria Falls Airport and then transfer to Kasane. Here, you will board the 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 9 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 and best known for its spectacular elephant population. Encounter families of giraffe, gazelle and buffalo. Late this afternoon, venture out on a tender boat excursion that will give you a close up view of the wild animals. This evening, dine ashore at the delicious African Boma Dinner, where you will savor the distinct local flavors in this unique vibrant setting. Afterwards, your guide will show you the African sky using a laser pointer, showing you magnificent stars and planets (weather permitting). (B,L,D)
Day 10 Chobe River
Begin your day with a visit to Kasenu village for a cultural interaction with the local community. You will have free time to shop for local artifacts. Then board a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) to explore the waterways and observe African animals and abundant birdlife from close proximity. Relax on the beach in quaint and colorful rustic-style tents as you are served delicacies cooked from a traditional wood fire oven. After lunch, return to the ship for an afternoon cruise. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to relax on board and enjoy unobstructed views of river and floodplain from the upper deck’s lounge and bar areas. (B,L,D)
Day 11 African Culture
After breakfast on board, choose between a game drive in the Chobe National Park, a walking tour of a traditional village, a local school visit or a fishing excursion to catch the ferocious tigerfish. Late this afternoon after lunch, travel by boat to observe crocodiles, hippos and elephants in their natural habitat. Experience a traditional African barbecue tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Disembark Zambezi Queen / Victoria Falls
Bid farewell to the Zambezi Queen and transfer to Victoria Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders on earth. Settle into your hotel before embarking on your Sundowner Cruise along the Zambezi River. Relax on board as you observe a variety of game, including hippos and rhinos. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. (B)
Day 13 Victoria Falls
Today, your local guide will take you on a tour of the remarkable Victoria Falls providing a history as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird and wildlife that makes this area so unique. Witness the towering column of spray when the river is high, listen to the thunder of the falling water and experience the tranquil lagoons upstream where you may find hippos and crocodiles. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your hotel or explore the town and Falls on your own. (B)
Day 14 Depart
Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Please note: Cruise fare does not include airfare, please add $1,175 for Intra-Africa air per person.Included Features
CAPE TOWN
- 3 nights in the 5-star Table Bay Hotel including daily breakfast
- Full day Wineland Tour to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl with lunch and two wine tastings
- Entrance to the Taal Monument and the Huguenot Museum
- Full day Cape Point Tour via Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak to Cape of Good Hope with lunch
- Funicular and Table Mountain (weather permitting)
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA
- 3 nights in the 5-star Kapama River Lodge
- Daily morning and afternoon/evening game drives
- All meals included at the lodges
JOHANNESBURG
- 1-night in the 5-star Sandton Sun Hotel including breakfast
MS ZAMBEZI QUEEN
- 4 nights accommodation in balcony stateroom
- Chobe National Park game drives
- Private boat game drives along the banks of the Chobe River
- Visit to Kasenu village for a cultural interaction with the local community
- Explore surroundings in a Mokoro (traditional dugout canoe)
- Traditional African Boma Dinner
- African BBQ on island in Namibia
- Beach Lunch
- All meals included during the cruise
- Complimentary wine and beer included with all lunch and dinners
VICTORIA FALLS
- 2 nights hotel in the 4-star Ilala Lodge or the 5-star Victoria Falls Hotel including daily breakfast
- Zambezi River Sundowner Cruise
- Tour 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. |
