Southern African Safari by River and Rail
- From cosmopolitan Cape Town to thundering Victoria Falls to the extraordinary Okavango Delta, experience the best of Southern Africa on one spectacular itinerary.
- Embark on a three-night stay along the banks of the Chobe River aboard the graceful Zambezi Queen.
- Ride over mountain ranges and grassy savannas on a two-day train journey by elegant, timeless Rovos Rail.
- Stand atop Table Mountain overlooking the Twelve Apostles range, tour the spectacular Cape of Good Hope and see the African penguin colony on Boulders Beach.
- Enjoy a guided tour of jaw-dropping Victoria Falls - "The Smoke That Thunders".
- Set off on thrilling game drives from Sanctuary Chief's Camp, situated in the Moremi Game Reserve and offering incredible wildlife viewing, including the "Big Five".
- At a Chef's Table experience, enjoy preparing and eating traditional local fare alongside the resident camp chef.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Cape Town, South Africa 
Arrive in Cape Town, the metropolitan light of South Africa, where you transfer to one of the country’s most famous hotels, set in the heart of the city. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Day 2: Cape Town | Look to the Beacon of Hope
Explore this magnificent harbor city, starting with a scenic drive to the massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, where you reach the summit via cable car (weather permitting). Take in the panorama of southern seas, sun-drenched city and the impressive cliffs of the Twelve Apostles, brooding high above the ragged shore. History follows with a drive through old Cape Town, past Groote Kerk (South Africa’s oldest church), City Hall and the Grand Parade. Continue with a drive past the Company Gardens with views of the Houses of Parliament and National Art Gallery. Stop for an Artisan Visit at Streetwires, where locals come together to craft handmade bead art. Your afternoon is at leisure before tonight’s welcome dinner.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel | B D
Day 3: Cape Town | Thrilling Coast Beyond the City
Today’s journey along the Atlantic coast takes you past the “bikini beaches,” through the charming fishing harbor of Hout Bay and over historic, mountain-high Chapman’s Peak Drive. Reach the tip of the continent at the Cape of Good Hope, a richly diverse, 22,000-acre nature reserve that juts deep into the sea. Ride the “Flying Dutchman” funicular to the great pinnacle at blustery Cape Point, offering views of southern right whales in spring. Spot Cape mountain zebra and possibly the rare bontebok en route to Boulders Beach, where endangered African penguins delight. Pass through Simon’s Town with its English seaside feel, the brightly painted boats on False Bay and, later, Constantia, South Africa’s legendary wine country. Stop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden to explore five of Africa’s six different biomes with a private, local guide. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel | B L
Days 4-5: Riding the Rovos Rail | Winelands to Grasslands
Recapture the romance of a bygone era as you board the wood-paneled coaches of the luxurious Rovos Rail. Depart Cape Town Station as you settle into your suite featuring a sitting area, en suite bathroom, and perfect blend of period ambiance and modern amenities. Wind through mountain ranges, rolling green hills and the Cape Winelands, before stopping to visit Matijiesfontein, an authentically preserved Victorian village. Sip South African vintages in handsome dining cars serving up artful menus as the stunning scenery scrolls by. The next day, get another perspective from the Observation Car at the rear of the train. In Kimberley, take a tour of the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation site. Continue on through the hauntingly barren Great Karoo and the grasslands of gold-rich Highveld, marveling at the changing landscapes as day turns to night. Rovos Rail | B L D
Day 6: Johannesburg | Heart of South Africa
After breakfast and views of the gold fields of Witwatersrand, arrive at Pretoria Station. Transfer to your modern, residential-style retreat in dynamic Johannesburg, where you can enjoy lunch and an afternoon of leisure. Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa | B L
Day 7: Victoria Falls | The Mighty Zambezi 
Fly to Victoria Falls, where you transfer to your beautiful, historic hotel overlooking the magnificent falls. This afternoon, set sail on a sunset cruise on the fascinating Zambezi River, watching for the rising mist of the falls in the far distance while you sip a refreshing sundowner cocktail. Spot hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds as you travel leisurely through the channels.
The Victoria Falls Hotel | B D
Day 8: Along the Chobe River | Iconic Falls & Rivers
Join your guide for a walking tour on the Zimbabwean side of roaring Victoria Falls, also known as “The Smoke That Thunders.” See the cloud of spray where the mile-wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi; this same mist can be seen for miles, as well as rainbows that constantly form and fade away. Afterward, enjoy a Market Visit as you browse stalls filled with locally made handicrafts. Relax during your drive to Kasane, where you board your five-star houseboat, the ‘Zambezi Queen.’ Enjoy the sunset river views on this elegant, uniquely African floating home while sipping cocktails and sampling canapés. Pass a variety of habitats and rich plant life, watching as elephants, buffalo, and monkeys come to the river’s edge to drink. On board tonight, enjoy a beautiful dinner prepared by the resident chef, who shares a dinner that matches the awesome majesty of your surroundings.
Zambezi Queen | B L D
Days 9-10: Along the Chobe River | Chobe National Park 
Discover the wildlife-rich Chobe plain which boasts buffalo, lions, giraffes and hippos, as well as Africa’s highest concentration of elephants. Experience the flora and fauna of this wildlife-rich region as you wish: choose a morning and afternoon activity, opting to tour a local Namibian village; fish on the Chobe River; or embark on a river safari from the seat of a small boat. The next day, set off on a morning game drive through Chobe National Park. Following lunch and time to unwind aboard ‘Zambezi Queen’, you have the option again to fish or embark on a river safari, both from aboard a smaller boat for more intimate views of the river. In the evening and from the decks of ‘Zambezi Queen,’ watch baboons, buffalo, and captivating, familial herds of elephants come to the river to drink, while hippos emerge for their nonstop, nightly graze.
Zambezi Queen | B L D
Day 11: Okavango Delta | Moremi Game Reserve
After breakfast, disembark ‘Zambezi Queen’ and fly to the Okavango Delta via Kasane Airport. Arrive at Sanctuary Chief ’s Camp in the Mombo Concession of the vast Moremi Game Reserve. Known as the “Predator Capital of the World” and home to the “Big Five,” the reserve offers Botswana’s most exciting game viewing with a lush delta that draws a remarkable concentration of birds and wildlife. The rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer. Sanctuary Chief's Camp | B L D
Day 12: Okavango Delta | Game Drives & the “Big Five”
Rise early for a game drive on the Okavango Delta, where viewing is nothing short of magnificent with large concentrations of elephants, buffalo and impalas; lions and other predators also call the Okavango home. Activities include a seasonal mokoro ride on the delta and the chance to participate in a Chef ’s Table cooking demonstration with the resident chef. Tonight, celebrate with a special farewell dinner.
Sanctuary Chief's Camp | B L D
Day 13: Depart Johannesburg
After breakfast, fly to Johannesburg via Maun, where you connect with your international flight home. Enjoy access to the comfortable Premier Lounge before your departure. B
Enhance your Experience with a Winelands Pre-Tour Extension
DAY 1: Arrive in Cape Town, transfer your Winelands hotel and enjoy a special welcome dinner.
La Residence | D
DAY 2: Today explore historic Stellenbosch with an expert guide, who reveals the town’s modern wine industry. Experience chocolate and wine at Waterford Estate, an art exhibition and wine tasting at Muratie Wine Estate, and a wine and olive tasting at Tokara. La Residence | B L
DAY 3: Wander quaint Franschhoek and the 300-year-old Grand Provence Heritage Wine Estate, visiting Haute Cabriere Wine Estate and the Huguenot Museum en route. Return to Cape Town to begin your main program. B L
in association/Abercrombie & Kent
