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A close up of a type of traditional dress worn in Africa.

Southern Africa: Travel to the Ends of the Earth

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard African Dream
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Board the African Dream in Johannesburg and begin a 9-day cruise along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. Get an up-close experience of South Africa´s wilderness, enjoy authentic traditional cuisine, learn about age-old customs, and in the end of your trip admire the grandness of Victoria Falls. Enjoy land and water safaris, and experience face-to-face encounters with locals to learn about their culture and history. 
A herd of elephants of all sizes make their way across the valley.Victoria FallsA herd of zebras quench their thirst at a watering hole.Family on SafariA close up of a type of traditional dress worn in Africa.
Highlights
  • Let a local storyteller entrance you with the region´s mysterious legends
  • Explore Chobe National Park on specially equipped Jeeps
  • Hike to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe where you will have exceptional views
  • Visit Impalila Island's local school to meet the teachers and students
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa

Meet at the hotel by 11 am and have lunch before visiting the Apartheid Museum which opened in 2001.  It is famous the world over for being the first museum centering on South African history in the 20th century, and more particularly on Apartheid.  After this, you will set off for a panoramic tour of the city. In addition to being South Africa’s financial capital, Johannesburg is also the city of superlatives. It is indeed the richest town in Africa, with the tallest buildings and widest social discrepancies, but is also infused with one of the best atmospheres you’ll ever come across. Arrive at the 4-star hotel LS where you are welcome to settle into your rooms before dinner. Spend the night at the hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Kasane, Botswana

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take the flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. From the airport, small private boars will take you your lodge to settle in. Observe the numerous bird species living among the flooded flatlands. You may even catch a glimpse of a few hippos or crocodiles basking in the sun! You’ll be greeted by your crew upon arrival and settle into your comfortable lodge ideally located on an island created by one of the tributaries of the Zambezi River. Have your dinner and spend the night at the lodge in absolute tranquility at the heart of the wilderness.

Day 3: Chobe National Park

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take a full-day safari in Jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park that is home to more than 1/4 of the total elephant population in Africa. Enjoy your lunch on a “floating restaurant” in the middle of the river where the views of the surrounding nature are unparalleled. Afterward, board the small private boars to sail off on Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. Have your dinner on board and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 4: Impalila Island

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discover the traditional Namibian house, culture, and customs as you take on this amazing tour to the authentic villages on Impalila Island. Return to the lodge to have your delicious lunch and take advantage of the private pools and other amenities. You can also join the excursion in Zambezi River while on your small private boats. Learn more about the traditions and culture of this island which will be told by the locals. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Kasane | Lake Kariba | Embark the African Dream

Depart from the lodge for the Kasane airport. While on the private plane, you'll be amazed by the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba and the changing landscapes of the wilderness during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. You’ll be transferred to board the African Dream.  After lunch on board,  start sailing across the lake and see the unique and emblematic landscapes. Have your dinner and spend the night on board. 

Day 6: Lake Kariba | Gache-Gache & Sanyati Rivers, Zimbabwe

At sunrise, set sail through the rare and mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba where drowned trees reach skywards from the depths of the reflecting water. Set out on the private small boats to discover the Gache Gache River and its unique wildlife. Gliding along its meanders, large bends and small, unspoiled inlets, you’ll be amazed by the magical atmosphere all around. After having your lunch on board, discover one of the most impressive gorges to be found at Lake Kariba as we sail through the Sanyati Gorge until sundown.  Have your dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 7: Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe

Take the journey this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park. Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume Rivers, this 1,400km²/540 sq mi-large untouched area is home to numerous animal species such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos as well as thousands of birds, among which the legendary African Sea Eagle, the majestic Yellow-billed Stork, or the Black Heron with its interesting hunting method. You might be lucky enough to cross paths with a big cat or two! The history of the park is closely linked with that of the lake: during the construction of the dam, the rising floodwaters affected the native wildlife although the damage was mitigated by Operation Noah, an initiative which saved the lives of over 6,000 animals. This rescue operation allowed for large mammals, big cats, impalas and more to be moved to Matusadona where hunting is strictly prohibited. In the afternoon,  a round-table discussion will be your opportunity to learn more about the creation of the Lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem. Have your dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 8: Kariba | Victoria Falls | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At sunrise, set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out to the airport. Discover the gigantic Kariba Dam which was created in 1955 to form Lake Kariba. Today, the dam serves as a source of electric power for 70% of Zimbabwe. You’ll get to discover the history and legends surrounding the creation of the lake, including the tale of NyamiNyami, the river god. Fly out to Victoria Falls onboard private planes. Enjoy an exceptional lunch cruise on the Zambezi River, upstream from the falls. This afternoon, leave for a tour on foot of the falls where the views are among the most exceptional in the world. You’ll also see where the Zambezi River plunges over the cliff to become the widest waterfall in the world, creating the “smoke that thunders.” Tonight, enjoy a “Boma” dinner with traditional dance and music. Spend the night at a
four-star hotel LS.

Day 9: Victoria Falls

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning, enjoy your last breakfast and join an optional early morning excursion: Soar over Victoria Falls in a helicopter. Then, prepare yourself for your return flight home. 

*The helicopter excursion must be reserved upon booking

Ship/Hotel

African Dream

RV African Dream Lounge Bar ©Kevin Hogan
RV African Dream Restaurant ©Kevin Hogan
RV African Dream Sun Deck ©Kevin Hogan

Johannesburg - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$7,701 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Accommodations aboard the African Dream
Suite
6 French Balcony Suites 17 m2 (with floor to ceiling sliding windows opening to a railing)
RV African Dream Suite with Private Balcony ©Kevin Hogan
Balcony Suite
2 Forward-Facing Balcony Suites 17 m2 (with a 3.5 m2 step-out veranda)
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • Double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom
  • Excursions included in the package selected
  • All port fees
  • Flight: Johannesburg/Kasane
  • Double-occupancy accommodation in a first-class CroisiEurope lodge and in 4-and-5* hotels
  • Drinks served by CroisiEurope at all meals and drinks served at the bar on the ship and at the CroisiEurope lodge
  • In Johannesburg and Victoria Falls, drinks include: 1 water, 1 glass of local wine* or 1 soda or 1 local beer*, 1 tea or coffee per person and per meal
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Drinks from the special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
  • Cancellation and baggage insurance
  • Airport/Hotel Transfers
  • Entrance Tax to Botswana
  • Flight between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg

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