From the Cape to the Falls

Arrive in Cape Town, a captivating destination beautifully framed by towering mountains, the sparkling sea, and a deeply rooted cultural heritage. Following a warm airport greeting, transfer directly to your hotel to spend the afternoon unwinding or discovering the nearby surroundings at a comfortable pace.

Later, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a casual welcome reception. Embrace this relaxed opportunity to settle in and enjoy a gentle introduction to the upcoming journey before the daily exploration begins.

Start the morning with a scenic cableway ride up Table Mountain to capture sweeping panoramic views of the city. Afterward, set out on a drive along one of the world’s most stunning coastal routes, tracing the Atlantic seaboard past the towering Twelve Apostles, Hout Bay, and the dramatic curves of Chapman’s Peak. Continue the journey to explore the rugged beauty of the Cape of Good Hope, located within Table Mountain National Park. Following a delicious local lunch, head over to Boulders Beach to observe a charming and thriving colony of African penguins.

• Cableway up Table Mountain

Upon returning to your hotel, spend the evening exactly as desired. Take the opportunity to rest, dine at a nearby restaurant, or simply soak up the vibrant coastal atmosphere at a comfortable, leisurely pace.

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 and a visit to a nearby township. Here, meet residents involved in the arts, visit market gardens, and learn about the day-to-day life of the locals.

• Robben Island guided tour with local lunch

Enjoy a special wine tasting and gourmet dinner at a vineyard in the nearby wine growing region of the Constantia Valley. 

• Wine tasting

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.

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.

Begin the day with a morning boat safari followed by an enriching visit to a local African village on the Chobe River. Spend time with community members, including children and village elders, and learn about local traditions and culture.

• Morning Visit to Local African Village

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.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

• Afternoon safari
• Bird Watching
• Fishing

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

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.

• Full Day Safari of Chobe National Park by Open Top 4x4 Vehicle with Picnic Lunch

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. Then, enjoy a special dinner with live local entertainment at your hotel.

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.

• Zambezi River sundowner cruise with drinks and tapas

Take a guided walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge, explore the Zambia side of the Falls, and visit the historic town of Livingstone.

Return to Zimbabwe for a relaxed afternoon with free time to enjoy the hotel or explore Victoria Falls town at your own pace.

In the evening head out on a safari to seek out the elusive Black Rhino and other nocturnal animals. Your safari is followed by a three-course bush dinner in a protected wildlife area.

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 onward flight before 6:30 p.m.) 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. Please do not schedule your homebound flight before 7pm.