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 |
|
| | Welcome Reception with drinks and tapas |
|
After your airport greeting by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to your hotel. Your Tour Director hosts a Welcome Reception at 6:30 pm. (WR)
| Day 2 | Cape Town | Full-day Cape tour |
|
Your full day exploration on one of the world’s most beautiful drives takes you southeast along the Atlantic seaboard 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 established trade in the Far East and still a significant landmark for sailors today. Also visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African Penguins. Lunch today is fine dining with drinks overlooking False Bay. (B,L)
| Day 3 | Cape Town | Cableway up Table Mountain |
|
| | Choose a scenic drive through Cape Winelands; |
|
| | Visit two wineries with wine tastings; |
|
Choose from two sightseeing options today: The first option is to take a cableway up Table Mountain for spectacular views from the summit. Then head out to the scenic Cape Winelands, which comprises the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl valleys. Visit two renowned vineyards and sample their wines. A sumptuous regional meal lunch will be included along the way. Or you can choose to board a ferry to Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. Your tour will be led by a former inmate before returning back to Cape Town. After lunch, board the cableway to the summit of Table Mountain followed by a drive through some of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. (B,L)
| Day 4 | Cape Town | Morning flight to Kasane, Botswana |
|
| | Welcome Cocktail & Dinner |
|
Fly to Kasane, Botswana via Johannesburg. Here you will be transferred to the Namibia side of the Chobe River where tender boats will transfer you to the Zambezi Queen. This afternoon, enjoy the view as you settle in on the river before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board the vessel. (B,D)
| Day 5 | Zambezi Queen | Morning Chobe River safari by boat |
|
This morning embark on a boat safari to explore the Chobe River’s spectacular game viewing. Then journey back to the Zambezi Queen for lunch and time to relax on board. Later today, enjoy a slightly different version of a river safari aboard a special double decker barge which will allow you to venture into the southern channels. This excursion will offer you an unusual viewpoint to observe hippos and elephants in their natural habitat. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Zambezi Queen | Full day safari of Chobe National Park by open top 4x4 vehicle with picnic lunch |
|
Join a full day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. Chobe National Park is home to one of the most dense populations of wildlife in Africa. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffe, zebra, sable, warthog and cape buffalo. Prides of lions, hyenas and more rarely cheetahs, are normally visible along the way. Lunch will be a delicious picnic served up under the trees. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Zambezi Queen | Morning visit to local African village |
|
| | Afternoon safari by boat or birdwatching or fishing |
|
This morning, enjoy an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture first hand. Spend time with the children of the village as well as its elders and learn about their day-to-day life. After lunch on board, you can choose your afternoon activity including an afternoon safari by boat, bird watching or fishing. Tonight your crew hosts an African themed dinner complete with singing and dancing. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Zambezi Queen | Early morning safari by boat |
|
| Victoria Falls | Hotel check-in |
|
| | Sunset cocktail reception followed by dinner |
|
Transfer to legendary Victoria Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders on earth. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel. This evening travel back in time aboard a historic steam train and jaunt onto the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. The sweeping views are unforgettable and with five-star service you’ll enjoy cocktails and appetizers along the way. Dinner follows at the hotel. (B,D)
| Day 9 | Victoria Falls | Guided tour of Victoria Falls |
|
| | Zambezi Sundowner Cruise with tapas |
|
Join a local guide for a tour of remarkable Victoria Falls, more commonly referred to as the smoke that thunders. The afternoon is free. Relax and enjoy the amenities and grounds of your iconic hotel, walk into town for a little shopping or take an optional outing. Tonight, embark on a private and festive Sundowner cruise complete with drinks and tapas, along with music. (B)
| Day 10 | Johannesburg | Flight to Johannesburg |
|
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Before dinner, gather with a Local Expert for an informative discussion on the day to day life of the South African bushmen in the Kalahari Desert followed by a special dinner. (B,D)
| Day 11 | Johannesburg | Johannesburg and Soweto tour with lunch |
|
Head out this morning for a fascinating look at Johannesburg and the rich history it has to share, from colonialism to apartheid, and finally democracy. Get an in-depth look at Soweto, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk the footsteps of Nelson Mandela and explore the colorful neighborhoods. Enjoy a delicious “township” lunch along the way. (B,L)
| Day 12 | Kruger Park | Flight to Hoedspruit (Greater Kruger Park) |
|
This morning fly to the Greater Kruger National Park, where you’ll be transferred to your private game lodge. Later, set out on an afternoon game drive in search of the country’s “Big Five” and other native wildlife. Tonight you will enjoy your first dinner at the lodge. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Kruger Park | Morning and afternoon safaris |
|
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 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Kruger Park | Morning and afternoon safaris |
|
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. Tonight, after dining with your fellow travelers, the evening is yours to read, socialize, or simply gaze up at the stunning star-filled African sky. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Kruger Park | Early morning safari |
|
| Johannesburg | Return flight home |
|
Early this morning, you’ll have your final game-drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home. Please do not schedule onward flight before 4:30 pm. (B)