Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Southern Africa aboard the African Dream: travel to the ends of the earth (port-to-port cruise)
Preferred
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- An intimate experience on board a luxury 5 anchor ship, welcoming you in a refined and comfortable atmosphere
- Enjoy the stillness of a magical, luxurious lodge with spacious bungalows and private swimming pool
- Transfers by private plane, a unique view across on the savannah and Kariba lake
- Unique cruise on Lake Kariba through emblematic and mysterious landscapes
- Land and water safaris in Chobé and Matusadona National Parks
- The grandness of Victoria Falls is waiting for you, on foot or on board a helicopter (optional)
Short Description
From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, you’ll discover spectacular panoramas and tumultuous histories, but also incredible wildlife and carefully crafted menus that reflect the flavors and savors of Africa, as well as the most beautiful natural reserves and the secrets of Lake Kariba before taking in the grandeur of the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls.
Itinerary
Day 1 Johannesburg (South Africa)
We’ll meet up at the hotel at 11:30 a.m. We’ll 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. Afterwards, we’ll 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. We’ll arrive at our five-star hotel LS where you’ll be welcome to settle into your rooms before dinner. You’ll spend the night at the hotel.
Day 1 Johannesburg (South Africa)
We’ll meet up at the hotel at 11:30 a.m. We’ll have lunch before visiting the Apartheid Museum, the first museum centering on South African history in the 20th century. Afterwards, we’ll set off for a panoramic tour of Johannesburg, the city of superlatives. We’ll arrive at our five-star hotel LS. You’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
Day 2 Johannesburg - Kasane - Arrival at LODGE (South Africa-Botswana-Namibia)
We’ll take a regular flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your CroisiEurope lodge on board a small private boat. Take advantage of your trip to 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 our crew upon arrival and settle into your comfortable lodge. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge in absolute tranquility at the heart of the wilderness.
Day 2 Johannesburg - Kasane - Arrival at LODGE (South Africa-Botswana-Namibia)
We’ll take a regular flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your CroisiEurope lodge on board small private boats. You’ll settle into your comfortable lodge ideally located at the heart of the wilderness. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.
Day 3 LODGE: Chobe National Park (Namibia-Botswana)
We’ll journey out on 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 lunch in a “floating restaurant” in the middle of the river where the views of the surrounding nature are unparalleled. Afterwards, we’ll board a small private boat and sail off on Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.
Day 3 LODGE: Chobe National Park (Namibia-Botswana)
Enjoy a full-day safari in Jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park and its majestic fauna. Lunch in a “floating restaurant” with incredible views of the surrounding nature. Afterwards, we’ll board small private boats and sail off on Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.
Day 4 LODGE: Impalila Island (Namibia)
Join us for a trip to authentic villages on Impalila Island, Namibia, to discover the traditional Namibian houses, culture and customs. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at the lodge, taking advantage of the pool and comfortable fittings, or join us for a discovery of the Zambezi River on a small private boat. We’ll have dinner at the lodge. Tonight, let your guide tell you all about the traditions of this particular island. We’ll spend the night at the lodge.
Day 4 LODGE: Impalila Island (Namibia)
Discover traditional villages on Impalila Island. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at the lodge or join us for a discovery of the Zambezi River on small private boats. We’ll have dinner at the lodge. Tonight, let your guide tell you all about the traditions of this particular island. Night spent at the lodge.
Day 5 Lodge - Kasane - Lake Kariba - BOARDING THE SHIP (Namibia-Botswana-Zimbabwe)
We’ll depart from the lodge for one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch along the water, we'll set out for the Kasane airport. On board private planes, you’ll be amazed at 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 ship and comfortably settle into your cabins. We’ll start sailing across the lake. Reaching over 140mi/200km in length and spanning a distance of approximately 25mi/40km at its widest point, the lake flooded flatlands, hills and forests alike, creating unique and emblematic landscapes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 5 Lodge - Kasane - Lake Kariba - BOARDING THE SHIP (Namibia-Botswana-Zimbabwe)
Enjoy one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch along the water, we'll set out for the Kasane airport. On board small private planes, you’ll discover the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. You’ll be transferred to board the ship and comfortably settle into your cabins. We’ll start sailing across the lake. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 6 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - SAILING TO SPURWING ISLAND (Zimbabwe)
At sunrise, we’ll set sail through the rare and mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba where drowned trees reach skywards from the depths of the reflecting water. We’ll set out on a small private boat to discover the small waterways going into the Matusadona National Park and their unique wildlife. Gliding along their meanders, large bends and small, unspoiled inlets, you’ll be amazed by the magical atmosphere all around. We’ll return on board for lunch. This afternoon, we’ll sail towards Palm Bay. When the sun starts to set, we'll set out on a small private boat to admire the changing colors of the sky. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 6 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - SAILING TO SPURWING ISLAND (Zimbabwe)
At sunrise, we’ll set sail through Lake Kariba. We’ll set out on a small private boat to discover the small waterways going into the Matusadona National Park and their unique wildlife. We’ll return on board for lunch. This afternoon, we’ll sail towards Palm Bay. Later, we'll set out on small private boats to admire the sunset. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 7 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK (Zimbabwe)
We’ll journey out 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. We 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. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and start sailing again. During this time, a round table will be the opportunity to learn more about the creation of the Lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 7 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK (Zimbabwe)
We’ll journey out this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park and its numerous wild animals. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and start sailing again. During this time, a round table will be the opportunity to learn more about the creation of the Lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 8 SHIP: KARIBA - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
At sunrise, we’ll set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out to the airport. We’ll 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. We’ll fly out to Victoria Falls on board private planes. Enjoy an exceptional lunch cruise on the Zambezi River, upstream from the falls. This afternoon, we’ll leave for a tour on foot of the falls where the views are among the most exceptional in the world. We’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 dinner and spend the night at a four-star hotel LS.
Day 8 SHIP: KARIBA - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
At sunrise, we’ll set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out to the airport. We’ll discover the gigantic Kariba Dam which was created to form Lake Kariba before flying out to Victoria Falls on board private planes. Lunch cruise on the Zambezi River. This afternoon, enjoy a tour on foot of the falls. Tonight, enjoy dinner and spend the night at a four-star hotel LS.
Day 9 Victoria Falls
Breakfast. Optional early morning excursion: Soar over Victoria Falls in a helicopter (must be booked before departure). End of our services at the hotel.
Availability
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128 CroisiEurope Travel Reviews & Ratings
Southern Africa aboard the African Dream: travel to the ends of the earth (port-to-port cruise)
Company Reviews
Great tours and food! Exceptional customer service
I am non-EU national, and very much enjoyed the international clientele .
My flight arrived later than the prescribed boarding time, the crew had my cabin ready, and held dinner. Both land side New York office and the onboard crew were very welcoming, and most attention to detail. Special recognition to Charina, my reservation agent, and Daniel the ship's purser.
The vessel's decor is very discreet, comfortable, and relaxing -- no neon, casino, etc. The elegance one would expect from a French company.
The land tours were very comprehensive, in comfortable coaches, with sufficient rest stops. Lunches ashore were included, as appropriate. As advertised, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were included. In-town shopping was available, but not forced.
In all, a delightful experience. I look forward to another voyage with CroisiEurope. The company offers so many unique intineraries, it may be difficult to select.
A memorable four nights on the Seine - Le Havre to Paris
The Seine scenery was gorgeous and the boat was extremely comfortable—we loved that we could stay in our cabin, relax on various decks, or attend onboard activities, including a lively dance performance by a Normandy folk troupe. Even though we were the only English speakers on the cruise, the bilingual staff were always on hand to help us, and the other passengers (mostly French with a few Belgians/Swiss) were friendly and tolerant of our basic French. After our final night sleeping aboard the boat on Quai de Grenelle in Paris, we were rather sad to depart the beautiful Renoir.
The food, tours and service on the Miguel Torga exceeded our expectations, and we felt very safe with the Covid precautions being taken on board.
We had such a wonderful time on our cruise and absolutely intend to travel with CroisiEurope again. I was especially pleased with the attention to detail regarding food preferences and requests. I have a shellfish allergy, and our kids didn’t always like what was on the menu. The chef and staff always made every effort to accommodate and please us.
Our guide Deborah on the excursions was so informative and made great suggestions for sightseeing and shopping. I liked the way the excursions were managed by touring in the morning with lunch and sailing in the afternoon. We were the only Americans on board with mostly French speakers, but everyone was friendly, and we had no communication issues with the crew. Entertainment was simple but fun with games or local talent coming aboard for flamenco or folk singing and dancing. There were only 62 passengers and no young children. Our kids were 12 & 17, and they were happy with the pool on board, which was small, but ideal for cooling off after a morning in port. They surprised our 17-year-old with a special dessert on her birthday.
We’ve been on several other riverboat cruises (Viking, Peter Dielmann, Vodohod), and they did not match the value and service provided by CroisiEurope.
This barge hotel cruise on and along the Marne river was absolutely fantastic!
The crew were very attentive and hospitable. One of the biggest, if not THE biggest, highlight of the trip was the food. Breakfast was a typical French style buffet with all the trimmings. Lunch and dinner were menus, in the French style, prepared by our Chef and paired with a variety of wines and cheeses from around France. Each meal was unique and full of variety culminating at the end of the week with our Gala Dinner.
One of the excursion highlights, and a major reason why we chose this particular cruise, was the falconry demonstration at Chateau Thierry. It was very well done and quite a moving presentation, which included an American Bald Eagle and, even more surprisingly, Storks.
If you are looking for a more intimate way to cruise, Passenger to Crew ratio was 17 - 6, consider barge hotel cruises. We are most definitely looking forward to our next barge hotel cruise experience.
It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting.
As seasoned cruisers, knowing well all aspects of cruising on seas and rivers, we had no experience about traveling on a barge in a canal. It was also time to overcome this lack.
A number of companies offer this kind of cruising on barge with 8 to 16 passengers, however very often at exorbitant prices. Luckily, we discovered that the company CroisiEurope offers one week cruise on various canals in Europe, at very decent price, especially considering that all is inclusive (full board, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and all excursions) on modern barges with a maximum of 22 passengers.
We opted for the barge Ms Deborah, which cruises on the canal de la Loire, with the Briare to Nevers’ route. We were looking forward to this itinerary because the proposed excursions particularly suited us. Unfortunately, only a few days before departure, we were informed that due of a lack of water in the Loire canal the Ms Deborah was switched over to the Haute Seine and Yonne for a new itinerary from Paris to Sens. Despites the fact that this new itinerary didn’t really meet our desires, especially the excursions, we decided to accept the change.
Our group of 6 persons from Switzerland was very warmly greeted by all members of the crew when arriving on the quai de Grenelle in Paris where we see the MS DEBORAH for the first time, our floating home for the week. With its two dominating colours blue and white, it is difficult not to fall in love with this beautiful small ship.
We were invited immediately for the welcome cocktail during which we met officially the crew and the other six individual passengers originating from New Zealand, England and the USA. With less time than it needs to tell, the relation between us was created, so that everyone felt part of a bunch of friends knowing each other for long time.
There is no need to present here the MS Deborah itself, as this is already thoroughly done on the Cruise Critic page.
The crew of 6 persons is composed of a captain, a sailor, a cruise director, a chef, a waitress and a cabin hostess who put all their efforts to satisfy the passengers and offer them the best possible service. The captain as well as the sailor are always trying to make passengers at ease, answer questions or even bring a drink. The lady cruise director is omnipresent, taking care of the passengers better than a mother hen would do. The talented young French chef aims to produce dishes which please everybody. His outstanding sauces and excellent desserts should be particularly praised. However, referring to comments we made during a cruise on the Seine Princess two years ago, we cannot understand that why today it is not possible to offer the choice of a light buffet at lunch instead a three or even four course menu! The always smiling and friendly Hungarian waitress was very caring and attentive, without forgetting the cabin hostess doing a great job in the cabins, the public spaces and even the kitchen. It wouldn’t be fair to name a single person as all members of the crew, without any exception, do all they can to make the cruise unforgettable.
Our one-week cruise on the barge Ms Deborah enables us today to make the following comments:
~ a cruise on a barge cannot be compared to any other kind of cruise
~ despite all the comfort offered on modern barge, one must be very aware that life on board happens at a restraint space, requiring therefore much flexibility and understanding in all aspects from all passengers
~ in our case, being only 12 passengers, we had the opportunity to take our meals on the terrace. We also never had the feeling that the boat was overcrowded. This can be different when the ship is full, especially by bad weather
~ the state of mind between the passengers who are mostly of foreign nationalities, who don’t know each other and don’t speak French, must function well right from the beginning
~ if the interrelation works, it is difficult to find a more relaxing and enjoyable way of travelling
~ the success on a barge is mainly due on the quality of its crew. Ms Deborah’s crew members have quickly created a family spirit on board, showing also that they genuinely like what they do
~ excursions can play a major role in choosing an itinerary. Not speaking French or English can be a handicap
Do we recommend to do a cruise on a barge? Yes, definitively! It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting. In our case, this second try with CroisiEurope gives them a better note.
We are still waiting for a refund
Details
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal transport included (including local flights)
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Cancellation policy
/!\ ATTENTION - BAGGAGE REGULATIONS TO FOLLOW /!\
On this trip we plan to use private planes to get you between Kasane (lodge) and Kariba (ship).
The airline company operating these flights are imposing many restrictions regarding the bags being transported due to the capacity of the planes and for safety reasons.
You’ll find the list of regulations below:
- Your checked baggage (1 per person maximum) MUST NOT EXCEED 20KG/44lbs.
- It MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING DIMENSIONS 60cm/23,60in. in length x 40cm/15,70in. in height x 30cm/11,80in. in width.
- It must be made from SOFT FABRIC. Hard-shell suitcases are not accepted.
- Luggage with wheels is accepted (a maximum of 2 wheels per bag).
- Your carry-on baggage and personal items MUST NOT EXCEED 3KG/6.6lbs.
If your baggage does not comply with the above rules, THE AIRLINE WILL REFUSE TO TRANSPORT IT. Your stay aboard the ship would take place without your personal belongings. At the end of your cruise and before taking your international flight, you will be forced to return to the lodge at your own expense to collect your suitcase.
For your comfort, a laundry service is available during your stay at the lodge.
***
CABIN FOR TRIPLE USE ON BOARD THE SHIP
If two adults and one child are sharing one cabin, the spare bed will measure 150cm x 80cm (59 in. x 31 in.).
***
EXTENDED STAY
THE CAPE
Ref. 14F_PP - 4-DAY PRE-CRUISE PROGRAM
A rich diversity of excursions awaits you during your extended stay at the Cape: take in wonderful views from the Table Bay and the nearby peaks of the surrounding mountains, learn how Robben Island made its mark on history, meet with a hilarious penguin colony near Simon's Town and of course, taste some of the most famous local wines* when touring the oldest vineyard in South Africa. You will love this unique and captivating way of discovering South Africa!
FROM ZIMBABWE TO SOUTH AFRICA ON A LUXURY TRAIN
Ref. 20A (20Z) - 4-DAY POST-CRUISE PROGRAM
Continue your African adventure by traveling aboard the legendary Rovos Rail between the grandiose Zimbabwean landscape and the South African plateaus. A fabulous experience to rival the Orient Express!
Additional Information
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
- All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
- Refined local cuisine
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Tour leader or cruise director on board
- Onboard activities and/or lectures
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included
Rules & Other Requirements
Depending on nationality. Each nationality is requested to consult their embassy or consulate.
Trip ID#:
croisieurope-11A_PP
What's excluded
international flights and their taxes - flight between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg - transfers airport/hotel/airport - cancellation and baggage insurance - Zimbabwean visa (must be paid on site, cost differs by Nationality category – please check with Zimbabwe Embassy in your country) - cancellation/baggage insurance - optional excursion - tips for crew members on board the ship and at the lodge (for informational purposes, daily tips per passenger amount to US$5) - the Botswana Tourism levy (US$30 to be paid for on site in US$, and likely to be applicable in the year) - the Namibian visa (also likely to be applicable in the year) - personal expenses.
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