Travel to the best of southern Africa’s renowned waterways in intimate luxury. Begin in Cape Town, where you spend three nights in a private, beachfront lodge on the shores of the Atlantic. Then, fly to Botswana’s Chobe River, home to Africa’s densest population of elephants, to embark on river safari aboard the Zambezi Queen. Next, head to nearby Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, where you spend three nights at The Elephant Camp, the area’s premier luxury property.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After your airport greeting, transfer to the luxurious Tintswalo Atlantic, a beachfront property positioned on the Atlantic Ocean. Spend the remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
Day 2: Cape Town, South Africa
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This day begins with a cable car journey up the famous Table Mountain, which offers magnificent views from its summit. Shortly after returning from the mountain, take a stroll through Kirstenbosch, known to many as the most beautiful garden in all of Africa. Next, enjoy a scenic drive to the Constantia, one of the premier wineland regions of Cape Town. Here, you have an opportunity to visit famed wineries, tasting some of the best wines around as you explore the beautiful grounds or unique wine cellars of each property. In the afternoon, return to the incredible Tintswalo Atlantic, where a special dinner awaits.
Day 3: Cape Town, South Africa
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast at the beachfront lodge, journey along the Atlantic Seaboard, past the 12 Apostles and Hout Bay, and through Chapman’s Peak – one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. You may also see the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and majestic Cape Point, where you will venture to the famous lighthouse. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to Boulders Beach for an exciting close-up encounter with African penguins. Tonight, journey into the V&A Waterfront for dinner and take the evening to explore this lively area.
After breakfast, fly to Kasane, Botswana via Johannesburg. Here you are transferred to the Chobe River where tender boats escort you to board the Zambezi Queen. This afternoon, enjoy the view as you settle in on the Chobe River before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board the vessel.
Today experience your first game drive by vehicle as you set off in search for an array of different animals in Botswana’s famous Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa. From here, journey back to the Zambezi Queen for lunch and time to relax on board and enjoy the scenery. Tonight, savor your dinner on board, followed by an entertaining presentation about the history of the Chobe area.
This morning take part in an unforgettable visit to Kasenu village to experience the local culture first-hand. If you prefer to use your time in search of more animals, you can join a morning safari by boat as you explore the banks of Chobe National Park. Return to the vessel for lunch and relaxation, then depart for a river safari along with sundowner drinks. Towards the end of your river safari by boat, enjoy a chance to take in the famous African sunset from the vantage point of the Chobe River. This evening, head ashore for an African Boma Dinner, which features various flavorful local specialties. Tonight, your Cruise Manager shows you the African sky, pointing out southern hemisphere constellations.
You have a choice of exciting water activities throughout the day. Options include a private boat safari, a bird watching excursion, or an expedition to catch the ferocious tigerfish. Today also enjoy a slightly different version of a river safari aboard a special river barge which allows you to venture into new areas of the Chobe River. This excursion offers you a new viewpoint to observe hippos and elephants in their natural habitat. Tonight, your Cruise Manager hosts a Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 8: Disembark the Zambezi Queen / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to Zimbabwe for your stay at legendary Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Arrive at The Elephant Camp, just a short distance away, by early afternoon. Shortly after lunch, a truly incredible afternoon awaits you – an elephant interaction and private dinner experience at the “Elephant Wallow,” a wildlife sanctuary situated in Victoria Falls National Park.
Day 9: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast at The Elephant Camp, join your Tour Leader and local guide for a tour of Victoria Falls. Take in the sights as you learn about its history and the flora, fauna, birds and wildlife that makes this area so unique. After, either venture into town or return to The Elephant Camp for lunch and a nature walk. This afternoon, take an elephant-back safari in Victoria Falls National Park or a helicopter flight over the incredible waterfall.
Day 10: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, the morning is yours to either explore the city or even join one of the activities offered in Victoria Falls. Another superb lunch awaits you at The Elephant Camp in the early afternoon. This evening embark on a private and festive Sundowner Cruise on the renowned Zambezi River. Relax on board as you observe a variety of game and enjoy a delicious mix of tapas with drinks and music.
Day 11: Victoria Falls - Johannesburg
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After breakfast at the lodge, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa. For some, your journey will come to a close as you connect to your international flight home.
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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner