Wildlife & the Falls Africa River Cruise from $13,295

River Cruise Team > Africa > Wildlife & the Falls Africa River Cruise from $13,295

DAY 1    Johannesburg   

Arrival transfer and hotel check-in

After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in the desirable Sandton neighborhood. The hotel’s extensive gardens have captured the spirit, grace and elegance of a bygone era.

DAY 2    Johannesburg   

Late morning flight to Kasane, Botswana

Zambezi Queen

EMBARKATION

Welcome Cocktail & Dinner

Fly to Kasane, Botswana 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 3    Zambezi Queen

Chobe River safaris by boat

Embark on an exhilarating morning boat safari exploring the Chobe River’s diverse game. Afterwards, return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. During the afternoon, you’ll meet an environmentalist, who’ll share his insight on Chobe National Park and the its animals. Later in the day, enjoy another thrilling boat safari. (B,L,D)

DAY 4    Zambezi Queen

Full day safari of Chobe National Park by open top 4×4 vehicle with picnic lunch

Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4×4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffe, zebra, sable, warthog and cape buffalo. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. (B,L,D)

DAY 5    Zambezi Queen

Morning visit to local African village

Afternoon safari by boat

OR Bird watching

OR Fishing

African themed dinner

Start the day off with an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture. Spend time with the village children as well as its elders. After lunch on board, you can go on a boat safari, bird watch or fish. Enjoy a festive African- themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with music and dancing. (B,L,D)

DAY 6    Zambezi Queen

Early morning safari by boat

DISEMBARKATION

Victoria Falls

Transfer to Victoria Falls

Sunset cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train, followed by dinner

Go on a river safari aboard a double-decker barge, providing an unusual viewpoint to observe hippos and elephants. Later in the morning, transfer to Victoria Falls. Spend the afternoon at leisure and in the evening, join a cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train, followed by dinner. (B,D)

DAY 7    Victoria Falls     

Guided tour of Victoria Falls

Free afternoon

Zambezi River sundowner cruise with drinks and tapas

A local guide will take you on a tour of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. You’ll learn about its history, and the flora and fauna that make this area so unique. In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Relax on board as you observe a variety of game while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks. (B)

DAY 8    Johannesburg   

Flight to Johannesburg

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and enjoy a free evening at leisure. (B)

DAY 9    Johannesburg   

Soweto tour with lunch

Special dinner and presentation

Take a fascinating tour of Johannesburg and its rich history from colonialism to apartheid, and finally democracy. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, visiting the Mandela House located on Vilakazi Street and along the way enjoy 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 10  Kruger Park       

Flight to Hoedspruit (Greater Kruger National Park)

Lunch at lodge and afternoon safari

Fly to the Greater Kruger National Park in the morning where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge. This region is one of the world’s most spectacular, game nature reserves, which you’ll discover on your late afternoon 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 or simply gazing up at the stunning star-filled African sky. (B,L,D)

DAY 11  Kruger Park       

Morning and afternoon safaris

The early morning is the perfect time to go on safari as the wildlife is prolific. Your open-air vehicle provides the perfect 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 day, 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 12  Kruger Park       

Morning and afternoon safaris

Go on two exhilarating game drives today, as well as enjoy ample leisure time at your game lodge. (B,L,D)

DAY 13  Kruger Park       

Early morning safari

Flight to Johannesburg

Johannesburg

Return flight home

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.