Stars of South Africa

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Day programme:

CAPE TOWN. 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)

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Day programme:

CAPE TOWN. 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. You also have the choice 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 then visit the colorful historic Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit. (B,L)

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Day programme:

CAPE TOWN – VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE – ZAMBEZI QUEEN – EMBARKATION. In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Victoria Falls. Here, you will be transferred to the Chobe River that forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Then board tender boats that will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom, enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, and in the evening, be treated to a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. (B,D)

Day programme:

ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Embark on an exhilarating, morning boat safari to explore the Chobe River’s diverse game viewing. Afterwards, return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. As the Zambezi Queen cruises along the Chobe River, relax on board in the afternoon and enjoy what nature has to offer. Be sure to spend time in the splash pool or perhaps catch-up with your favorite book. Later in the day, revel in panoramic view with another thrilling boat safari. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

ZAMBEZI QUEEN. Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4×4 vehicles. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

ZAMBEZI QUEEN. 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)

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ZAMBEZI QUEEN – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark your cruise in Kasane. (B)

Day programme:

VICTORIA FALLS. 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, followed by a special dinner with live local entertainment at the hotel. (B,D)

Day programme:

VICTORIA FALLS – JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. Fly to Johannesburg. Transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel with its parklike setting and wonderful Spa. (B)

Day programme:

JOHANNESBURG. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, followed by a lunch at Sanctuary Mandela, savoring one of Mandela’s favorite meals cooked by his former at-home chef for lunch. Before dinner, gather with a local expert for an informative discussion and afterwards enjoy a multi-course dinner. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

JOHANNESBURG – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Fly to Greater Kruger National Park in the morning where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge. During the afternoon, set out on a 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. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. The early morning is the perfect time to go on safari as the wildlife is prolific. Your open-air vehicle provides the ideal 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 afternoon, 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 programme:

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA. Go on two exhilarating game drives today, as well as enjoy ample leisure time to relax and enjoy your game lodge. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA – JOHANNESBURG. 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 before 4:30 p.m