Rivers & Rails of Africa from $14,295

River Cruise Team > Africa > Rivers & Rails of Africa from $14,295

DAY 1    Cape Town         Arrival transfer and hotel check-in         

Welcome Reception

After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to Cape Grace Hotel. Get to know your Tour Director at the Welcome Reception. (WR)

DAY 2    Cape Town         Full-day Cape of Good Hope tour and lunch in local restaurant with drinks   

Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world’s most stunning routes, taking you 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 establish trade in the Far East and still a significant landmark for sailors today. Visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking beautiful False Bay. (B,L)

DAY 3    Cape Town        

Cableway up Table Mountain and scenic drive through Cape Winelands with tastings and lunch

OR Robben Island guided tour with lunch in local restaurant and cableway up Table Mountain

Take a cableway up to Table Mountain followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands where you’ll visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A delicious lunch will be included along the way. Or choose to explore another side of Cape Town at famous Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. Ferry over to the island where you will take a tour led by a former inmate. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch and afterwards board the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit, followed by a drive through some of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. (B,L)

DAY 4    Cape Town         Morning flight to Kasane, Botswana      

Zambezi Queen EMBARKATION

Welcome Cocktail & Dinner

Fly to Kasane, Botswana (via Johannesburg), 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 5    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. Later in the day, enjoy another thrilling boat safari. (B,L,D)

DAY 6    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 7    Zambezi Queen Morning visit to local African village      

Afternoon safari by boat

OR Bird Watching

OR Fishing

African themed dinner

Visit a typical African village where you’ll spend time with the village children as well as its elders. Back on board and following lunch, you’ll have a choice to take a boat safari, bird watch or fish. Enjoy your last evening aboard with a festive African- themed dinner hosted by your crew. (B,L,D)

DAY 8    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 slightly different version of a river safari aboard a double-decker barge, providing an unusual viewpoint to observe hippos and elephants before transferring to Victoria Falls. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon, and in the evening, join a cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train, followed by dinner. (B,D)

DAY 9    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. In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, observing a variety of game while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks.

(B)

DAY 10  Victoria Falls      Town of Victoria Falls tour with lunch   

Rovos Rail           Embark the Rovos Rail luxury train

Travel by rail to Hwange Game Reserve

Enjoy a leisurely morning before touring the town of Victoria Falls and being treated to a home-hosted lunch. Later in the day, head to the Victoria Falls colonial-era rail station where you’ll board the Rovos Rail. (B,L,D)

DAY 11  Rovos Rail           Morning safari in Hwange Game Reserve            

Continue your journey south

Start the morning with a safari to the Hwange Game Reserve, Zimbabwe’s largest national park, boasting a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 different birds. The elephants of Hwange are world famous and the park’s elephant population is one of the largest in the world. After your safari, return to the train for a lovely brunch as you travel through the vast landscapes of central Zimbabwe on the way to the border town of Beitbridge. Take in the southern African landscape from the lounge, observation cars or your deluxe suite. (B,L,D)

DAY 12  Rovos Rail           Cross into South Africa  

Pass through Marico Valley and Magaliesberg Range

Leave baobab tree country and South Africa’s northern wilderness as you cross the Tropic of Capricorn, traveling alongside the Magaliesberg Mountains. (B,L,D)

DAY 13  Pretoria               Arrive in Pretoria mid-morning   

Johannesburg     Transfer to Johannesburg Airport

Return flight home

Disembark the train in Pretoria where you will be transferred to the airport in Johannesburg for your onward flight home or extend your trip with four nights in Rwanda. (B)

Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight until after 4:00 p.m.