Wildlife & The Falls of South Africa

Day One

Johannesburg, South Africa. Arrive and check in to your hotel. After landing, an AmaWaterways Representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to the Fairlawns Hotel in Johannesburg. Settle in and enjoy some time to relax before your journey begins.

Day Two

Kasane - Begin your cruise on the Zambezi Queen. Transfer to the airport for a late-morning flight to Kasane, Botswana. After landing, continue to the Chobe River where tender boats take you across to the Zambezi Queen. Board the Zambezi Queen and settle into your stateroom. Enjoy a mid-afternoon snack and take time to relax as you begin your Chobe River safari experience. This evening, gather for a warm welcome aboard the Zambezi Queen. Enjoy a cocktail reception followed by dinner, marking the start of your river safari.

Day Three

Chobe River - View wildlife on a boat safari. Watch the nature around you come alive on an exciting morning safari by boat along the Chobe River, one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich waterways. Keep an eye out for elephants, hippos, buffalo, and a wide range of birdlife as you glide through this remarkable ecosystem. Return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch, then enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the river. Spend time on the sun deck or in the splash pool or simply take in the scenery as the ship cruises along the Chobe. This evening, take an evening boat safari. As the light softens, head out for another thrilling safari by boat. Sunset is an ideal time to observe wildlife gathering along the riverbanks.

Day Four

Chobe River - Take a full-day safari in Chobe National Park. Go on safari by 4x4 and spot big game! Set out on a full-day safari through Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. This region is known for having one of Africa’s densest concentrations of wildlife, offering opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, sable, warthogs, and Cape buffalo. Keep watch for prides of lions, hyenas, and (on rare occasions) cheetahs. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the trees before continuing your journey through the park’s diverse landscapes. Return to the Zambezi Queen to relax and enjoy dinner as the day’s wildlife sightings settle into memory.

Day FIve

Chobe River - Experience life and wildlife along the Chobe. Begin the day with an enriching visit to a local African village for a first-hand look at daily life along the Chobe River. Spend time with community members, including children and village elders, and learn about local traditions and culture. After lunch on board, choose how you’d like to spend the afternoon. Head out on another boat safari, join a guided bird-watching experience, or try your hand at fishing on the river. Enjoy your final evening on the Zambezi Queen with a festive African-themed dinner hosted by the crew, complete with singing, dancing, and celebration.

Day Six

Chobe River - Transfer to Victoria Falls. Start the day with a peaceful morning cruise as you enjoy breakfast and keep watch for wildlife along the riverbanks. Leave the Zambezi Queen and travel to Victoria Falls. Settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the town or enjoying one of the many activities available. In the late afternoon, board a vintage steam train for a cocktail reception and dinner as you make your way toward the Victoria Falls Bridge for an unforgettable evening watching the sun set over the gorge.

Day Seven

Chobe River - Experience Victoria Falls and The Zambezi. Join your guide for a walking tour of Victoria Falls, learning about its history and the rich plant and animal life that thrives in the surrounding rainforest. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, relaxing at your hotel or exploring the town of Victoria Falls. In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Watch for wildlife along the water’s edge while enjoying drinks and tapas. Return to your hotel for a special dinner with live local entertainment.

Day Eight

Johannesburg, South Africa - Depart Victoria Falls and return to Jo’burg. Enjoy a relaxed morning and breakfast at your hotel. Afterwards, transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg. On arrival, transfer to Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, set in a tranquil, park-like setting with a wonderful spa. Then, spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Day Nine

Johannesburg, South Africa - Tour Johannesburg and Soweto. Take a meaningful tour through Johannesburg and Soweto. Then, walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela with a visit to the Mandela House, and gain deeper insight into the city’s history, culture, and resilience. Enjoy a township lunch before continuing your exploration of the area, guided by experts who bring local stories and history to life. In the evening, enjoy a multi-course dinner paired with a special presentation by a local expert.

Day Ten

Kruger Park Area, South Africa - Fly to Greater Kruger National Park. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before hopping on a flight to Greater Kruger National Park, 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.

Day Eleven

Kruger Park Area, South Africa - Go on safari in Kruger National Park. Go on two safaris today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, both scheduled to experience prime wildlife viewing in the early and sunset hours. During both, you’ll have a chance to encounter predators like cheetahs, hyenas, and lions, as well as other wildlife like giraffe and zebra. End your night again at the lodge with free time, dinner, and a chance to gather with fellow travelers or simply stargaze under the vast landscape.

Day Twelve

Kruger Park Area, South Africa - Second safari day in Kruger National Park. Go on two safaris today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, both scheduled to experience prime wildlife viewing in the early and sunset hours. During both, you’ll have a chance to encounter predators like cheetahs, hyenas, and lions, as well as other wildlife like giraffe and zebra. End your night again at the lodge with free time, dinner, and a chance to gather with fellow travelers or simply stargaze under the vast landscape.

Day Thirteen

Kruger Park Area, South Africa - Final safari and return home. Before your day of travel, enjoy breakfast and set out for one last game drive in the morning in the park.

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner