Southern Africa Safari by River & Rail

Day 1: Arrive Cape Town, South Africa

Accommodation: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Arrive in Cape Town, the metropolitan light of South Africa, where you transfer to one of the country’s most famous hotels, set in the heart of the city.

Day 2: Cape Town | Look to the Beacon of Hope

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Explore this magnificent harbor city, starting with a scenic drive to flat-topped Table Mountain, where you reach the summit via cable car (weather permitting). Take in the panorama of southern seas, sun-drenched city and the impressive cliffs of the Twelve Apostles, brooding high above the ragged shore. History follows with a drive through old Cape Town, past Groote Kerk (South Africa’s oldest church), City Hall and the Grand Parade. Continue with a drive past the Company Gardens with views of the Houses of Parliament and National Art Gallery. Stop for an Artisan Visit at Streetwires, where locals come together to craft handmade bead art. Your afternoon is at leisure before tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Cape Town | Thrilling Coast Beyond the City

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Journey along the Atlantic coast, past the “bikini beaches,” through the charming harbor of Hout Bay and over historic Chapman’s Peak Drive. Reach the tip of the continent at the Cape of Good Hope, a richly diverse, 22,000-acre nature reserve that juts into the sea. Ride the “Flying Dutchman” funicular to the great pinnacle at Cape Point, offering views of southern right whales from July through November. Spot Cape mountain zebra and possibly the rare bontebok en route to Boulders Beach, to sight endangered African penguins. Pass through Simon’s Town with its English seaside feel, the brightly painted boats on False Bay and, later, Constantia, South Africa’s legendary wine country. Stop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden to explore five of Africa’s six biomes with a private, local guide. Enjoy an evening at leisure at your hotel.

Days 4-5: Riding the Rovos Rail | Winelands to Grasslands

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Rovos Rail

Recapture the romance of a bygone era as you board the wood-paneled coaches of the luxurious Rovos Rail. Depart Cape Town Station as you settle into your suite featuring a sitting area, en suite bathroom and the perfect blend of period ambiance and modern amenities. Wind through mountains, rolling green hills and the Cape Winelands, before stopping to visit Matijiesfontein, an authentically preserved Victorian village. Sip South African vintages in handsome dining cars serving up artful menus as the stunning scenery scrolls by. The next day, gain another perspective from the Observation Car at the rear of the train. In Kimberley, tour the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest excavation site. Continue through the hauntingly barren Great Karoo and the grasslands of gold-rich Highveld, marveling at the changing landscapes.

Day 6: Johannesburg | Heart of South Africa

Accommodation: Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa

After breakfast and views of the gold fields of Witwatersrand, arrive at Pretoria Station. Transfer to your modern, residential-style retreat in dynamic Johannesburg, where you enjoy lunch before a day at leisure.

Day 7: Victoria Falls | The Mighty Zambezi

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Hotel

Fly to Victoria Falls, where you transfer to your beautiful, historic hotel overlooking the magnificent falls. This afternoon, set sail on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, watching for the rising mist of the falls in the far distance while you sip a refreshing cocktail. Spot hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds as you gently glide along.

Day 8: Along the Chobe River | Iconic Falls and Rivers

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: 'Zambezi Queen’

Join your guide for a walking tour on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders.” Watch as the mile-wide Upper Zambezi plunges 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi, making rainbows form and fade in the mist. Later, enjoy a Market Visit, browsing stalls filled with local handicrafts, and relax on a drive to Kasane, where you pass through Namibian customs before boarding five-star ‘Zambezi Queen.’ Enjoy the sunset river views on this elegant, uniquely African vessel while sipping cocktails and sampling canapés. Watch as elephants, buffalo and monkeys come to the river’s edge to drink. On board tonight, enjoy a beautiful dinner prepared by the resident chef, who shares a dinner that matches the majesty of your surroundings.

Days 9-10: Along the Chobe River | Chobe National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: 'Zambezi Queen’

Discover the wildlife-rich Chobe plain which boasts buffalo, lions, giraffes and hippos, as well as Africa’s highest concentration of elephants. Experience the region as you wish: choose a morning and afternoon activity, opting to tour a local Namibian village; fish on the Chobe River; or embark on a river safari from the seat of a small boat. The next day, set off on a morning game drive in Chobe National Park. Following lunch and time to unwind aboard ‘Zambezi Queen’, you again have the option to fish or embark on a river safari, both from aboard a smaller boat for more intimate views of the river. This evening, from the decks of ‘Zambezi Queen,’ watch baboons, buffalo, and familial herds of elephants come to the river to drink, while hippos begin their nightly graze.

Day 11: Okavango Delta | Predator Capital

After breakfast, disembark ‘Zambezi Queen’ and fly to the Okavango Delta via Kasane Airport. Arrive at your luxurious safari camp located in the heart of the Okavango Delta. This area is considered the “Predator Capital of the World” and is home to the “Big Five.” It offers Botswana’s most exciting game viewing, with a lush delta that draws a remarkable concentration of birds and wildlife. The rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Day 12: Okavango Delta | Game Drives and the “Big Five”

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Rise early for a game drive on the Okavango Delta, where viewing is nothing short of magnificent with large concentrations of elephants, buffalo and impalas; lions and other predators also call the Okavango home. Activities include a seasonal mokoro ride on the delta and the chance to participate in a Chef’s Table cooking demonstration with the resident chef. Tonight, celebrate with a special farewell dinner.

Day 13: Depart Johannesburg

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, fly to Johannesburg via Maun, where you connect with your international flight home. Enjoy access to the comfortable Premier Lounge before your departure.