Stars of South Africa 2014

Situated amidst majestic mountains and lined with pristine white sand beaches, Cape Town is home to a rich cultural and historical heritage with chic restaurants and remarkable sightseeing activities. After your airport greeting, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

Your full-day tour starts with a cable car journey up the famous Table Mountain, which offers magnificent views from its summit. Continue by motor coach along the Atlantic Seaboard, past the 12 Apostles and Hout Bay and along Chapman’s Peak, one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Look out for the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and majestic Cape Point, where you can venture to the famous Cape Point Lighthouse. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to Boulders Beach for an exciting close-up encounter with African penguins. (B,L)

After breakfast, head off on a scenic drive through the wine regions outside Cape Town – Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. Visit two famous wine estates for tastings, then enjoy lunch with drinks at a local restaurant. You also have a private cellar tour and tasting at a wine estate owned by South African golf champion and award-winning winemaker Ernie Els, before returning to your hotel. (B,L)

After breakfast, fly to Kasane, Botswana and transfer to the Chobe River, where a private safari boat will transport you to the Zambezi Queen. Late this afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise down the Chobe River before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board the ship. (B,L,D)

Today take a full-day game drive in Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa. Enjoy a private picnic within the park, then continue your safari before returning to your ship for High Tea. Tonight, savor your dinner on board, followed by an entertaining presentation about the history of the Chobe area. (B,L,D)

This morning take part in an unforgettable visit to Kasenu village to experience the local culture first-hand. Afterwards, you have the option to explore smaller waterways in a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe. Return to the ship for lunch, then depart for a river safari with sundowner drinks. 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. (B,L,D)

You have a choice of exciting water activities this morning. Options include a private boat safari, a bird watching excursion, or an expedition to catch the ferocious Tigerfish. Enjoy a safari lunch cruise as you observe hippos and elephants in their natural habitat. Tonight, your Cruise Manager hosts a Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

This morning, transfer to the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders on earth. Settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the city or experiencing one of the many activities offered by your hotel. (B)

A local guide takes you on a tour of the remarkable Victoria Falls National Park today. Learn about its history and the flora and fauna that make this area so unique. Tonight, embark on a private and festive Sundowner Dinner Cruise along the Zambezi River. Relax on board as you observe a variety of game and enjoy a delicious dinner with drinks and music. (B,D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa. The remainder of the day is your to spend at your leisure. (B)

This morning, fly to the Kruger National Park Area, the top eco-tourist destination of the Lowveld, where you are transferred to a private game lodge. Later, set out on an afternoon game drive in search of the country’s "Big Five" and other native wildlife. (B,L,D)

Begin your day with an early morning game drive. Your open-air vehicle is the perfect means to explore this private game reserve, located just a stone’s throw away from the game-rich Kruger National Park. The rest of the morning can be spent enjoying the facilities at your lodge. The afternoon brings another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas and lions. This region is also home to South African’s vast raptor population, as well as eagles that can be seen soaring high overhead. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner, then relax on your private terrace, listening to exotic sounds of Africa at night. (B,L,D)

Enjoy two exhilarating game drives today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, as well as ample leisure time to relax and enjoy your game lodge accommodations. After dining with your fellow travelers this evening, the night is yours to read, socialize, or simply gaze up at the stunning star-filled African sky. (B,L,D)

Early this morning, take a final game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your onward flight home. (B)