Your journey begins with a three-night stay in picturesque Cape Town. Next, fly to Kasane, Botswana to begin your Zambezi Queen safari cruise on the Chobe River. Explore Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. Spend two nights at the legendary Victoria Falls before flying to Johannesburg for two nights that includes a visit to the township of Soweto. Then fly to Hoedspruit, located in the game-rich country of Greater Kruger National Park. Spend three nights at a luxurious game lodge in this premier eco-tourist destination, known for some of the best “Big Five” viewing in Africa. Experience the thrill of daily game drives, while evenings bring you breathtakingly clear skies.
Stars of South Africa
At A Glance
On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
| Day 1 | Cape Town | Arrival transfer and hotel check-in |
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After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to Cape Grace Hotel. Get to know your Tour Director at the Welcome Reception. (WR)
| Day 2 | Cape Town | Full-day Cape of Good Hope tour |
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| | Lunch in local restaurant with drinks |
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Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world’s most stunning routes, taking you past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope, first rounded in modern times in 1488 by the Portuguese in their attempt to establish trade in the Far East and still a significant landmark for sailors today. Visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking beautiful False Bay. (B,L)
| Day 3 | Cape Town | Cableway up Table Mountain |
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| | Scenic drive through Cape Winelands with tastings and lunch |
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| | OR Robben Island guide with lunch in local restaurant |
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Take a cableway up to Table Mountain followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands where you’ll visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A delicious lunch will be included along the way. You also have the choice to explore another side of Cape Town at famous Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. Ferry over to the island where you will take a tour led by a former inmate. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch and afterwards board the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit, followed by a drive through some of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. (B,L)
| Day 4 | Cape Town | Morning flight to Kasane, Botswana |
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| | Welcome Cocktail & Dinner |
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Fly to Kasane, Botswana (via Johannesburg), where you’ll be transferred to the Chobe River. Tender boats will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom and in the evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. (B,D)
| Day 5 | Zambezi Queen | Chobe River safaris by boat |
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Embark on an exhilarating morning boat safari. Return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch and then meet an environmentalist, who'll share his insight on Chobe National Park and its animals. Later in the day, enjoy another thrilling boat safari. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Zambezi Queen | Full-day safari of Chobe National Park by open-top 4x4 vehicle with picnic lunch |
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Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Zambezi Queen | Morning visit to local African village |
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Visit a typical African village where you’ll spend time with the village children as well as its elders. Back on board and following lunch, you’ll have a choice to take a boat safari, bird watch or fish. Enjoy your last evening aboard with a festive African- themed dinner hosted by your crew. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Zambezi Queen | Early morning safari by boat |
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| Victoria Falls | Transfer to Victoria Falls |
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| | Sunset cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train, followed
by dinner |
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Go on a slightly different version of a river safari aboard a double-decker barge, providing an unusual viewpoint to observe hippos and elephants before transferring to Victoria Falls. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon and in the evening, join a cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train, followed by dinner. (B,D)
| Day 9 | Victoria Falls | Guided tour of Victoria Falls |
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| | Zambezi River sundowner cruise with drinks and tapas |
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A local guide will take you on a tour of Victoria Falls. In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, observing a variety of game while enjoying a mix of tapas with drinks. (B)
| Day 10 | Johannesburg | Flight to Johannesburg |
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Fly to Johannesburg and check into the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel. Enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
| Day 11 | Johannesburg | Soweto tour with lunch |
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| | Special dinner and presentation |
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Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, followed by a township lunch. Before dinner, gather with a local expert for an informative discussion and afterwards enjoy a multi-course dinner. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Kruger Park | Flight to Hoedspruit (Greater Kruger National Park) |
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Fly to Greater Kruger National Park in the morning where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge. During the afternoon, set out on a game drive in search of the country’s “Big Five” and other native wildlife. Spend your first night and every night, if you wish, gathering with fellow travelers, sharing stories of the day’s adventures. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Kruger Park | Morning and afternoon safaris |
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The early morning is the perfect time to go on safari as the wildlife is prolific. Your open-air vehicle provides the ideal way to explore your private game reserve, located just a stone’s throw from the game-rich Kruger National Park. The rest of the morning can be spent enjoying the facilities at your lodge. Later in the afternoon, you’ll go on another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas and lions. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Kruger Park | Morning and afternoon safaris |
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Go on two exhilarating game drives today, as well as enjoy ample leisure time to relax and enjoy your game lodge. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Kruger Park | Early morning safari |
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| Johannesburg | Return flight home |
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Be treated to an early-morning game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home or extend your journey with four nights in magical Rwanda. (B)
Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight until after 4:30 p.m