Wildlife and the Falls : 2018 - Johannesburg to Johannesburg : ms Zambezi Queen (Cruise & Land)

Your journey begins with a one night-night stay in cosmopolitan Johannesburg. Next, fly to Kasane, Botswana to begin your Zambezi Queen safari cruise on the Chobe River. After exploring the Chobe region and National Park, head off to Victoria Falls for two nights, one of the world's seven natural wonders. Fly back to Johannesburg for two nights and visit the township of Soweto and learn about its past struggles and the rise of the human spirit. Then take a short flight to the game-rich country of Greater Kruger National Park. Spend three nights at a five-star game lodge, known for some of the best safari viewing in Africa. Experience the thrill of daily game drives and exceptional amenities, service and cuisine.

INCLUDED FEATURESJOHANNESBURG

Arrival airport transfer

• 1 night at the luxurious Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, in a Grand Chateau Suite including breakfast

  ZAMBEZI QUEEN

• 

• 4-night accommodations in balcony suite

• Chobe National Park safari
• Boat safaris along the banks of the Chobe River
• Visit an African village
• African-themed dinner
• All meals included during the cruise with complimentary wine and beer

  VICTORIA FALLS

• 2-night stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel in upgraded Stable Wing Rooms including daily breakfast
• Sunset cocktail reception aboard a historic steam train to Victoria Falls Bridge, followed by dinner
• Guided tour of Victoria Falls National Park
• Exclusive Zambezi River Sundowner Cruise with drinks and tapas

  JOHANNESBURG

• 2 nights at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in a Grand Chateau Suite Room including breakfast daily
• Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert presentation followed by a special multi-course dinner, including South African wines
• Soweto tour including Nelson Mandela landmarks and Apartheid Museum, lunch included

  KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA

• 3 nights in a suite at Tintswalo Safari Lodge or Makanyi Game Lodge
• Daily morning, afternoon, and evening game drives
• No more than 6 guests per safari vehicle on all game drives
• All meals, drinks and laundry included at the lodge

  DETAILED ITINERARY

  Day 1 : ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG
  After your airport greeting by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to your boutique hotel situated in a park-like setting in the desirable Sandton neighborhood.

  Day 2 : JOHANNESBURG - ZAMBEZI QUEEN - EMBARKATION
  Transfer to the airport this morning and fly to Kasane, Botswana. Here you will be transferred to the Chobe River where tender boats will escort you to board the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the Chobe River. 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 3 : ZAMBEZI QUEEN
  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 4 : ZAMBEZI QUEEN
  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 5 : ZAMBEZI QUEEN
  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 6 : ZAMBEZI QUEEN - DISEMBARKATION - VICTORIA FALLS
  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. Later this evening, join a cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train, followed by a special dinner. (B,D)

  Day 7 : VICTORIA FALLS
  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 8 : VICTORIA FALLS - 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 multi-course dinner. (B,D)

  Day 9 : JOHANNESBURG
  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 and its unique neighborhoods and 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 10 : JOHANNESBURG - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA
  This morning fly to the Greater Kruger National Park, where you'll be transferred to your luxurious 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 11 : KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA
  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 12 : KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA
  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 13 : JOHANNESBURG
  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)