South Africa & Victoria Falls with Zambezi Queen

Welcome to Cape Town, a jewel nestled at the southern tip of Africa, framed by the stunning Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Your journey into wonder begins with a luxurious three-night Scenic Special Stay at InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, which offers spectacular views of the waterfront and the mountain. Tonight, meet your Tour Director for a welcome drink and dinner.

Take an exciting ride up Table Mountain on a rotating gondola (seasonal), offering you unparalleled 360-degree views of Cape Town and its surrounding natural wonders. As you ascend, watch the cityscape expand below and the Atlantic Ocean stretch into the horizon. At the summit, breathe in the crisp mountain air of this World Heritage-listed site.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from a range of activities to explore Cape Town today.

• Cape Winelands Tour: Get a taste of the South African wine industry on this half-day tour of the Western Cape. Visit two local vineyards for tastings and walk through historic Stellenbosch.
• Harley Davidson™ Ride: Discover Cape Town's coast on a two-hour scenic ride on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle (weather dependent).
• Township Tour: Take a tour of Langa Township. Gain insights into life in this unique community by visiting local families and businesses and the Langa Dompass Museum.
• Bo-Kaap Tour: Indulge in multicultural Bo-Kaap's culinary delights on this immersive walking tour. Sample exotic cuisine at local eateries.

This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant that showcases the diversity of South African culture.

Set off on a journey along Cape Town's Atlantic coast to the spectacular Cape Point, part of the Table Mountain National Park. This rugged peninsula offers panoramic ocean views and is a vital waypoint for sailors, often referred to as the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Visit the historic Cape of Good Hope, a legendary maritime landmark, before stopping at Boulders Beach, home to a charming colony of African penguins. Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that make this area a unique and memorable destination.

Embark on a journey through the breathtaking semi-desert landscapes leading to the charming town of Oudtshoorn. Explore the awe-inspiring Cango Caves, one of the world's largest cave systems, featuring a mesmerising wonderland of underground chambers. Conclude your journey with an overnight stay at Swartberg Country Manor or similar.

Learn about Africa's largest bird at a local ostrich farm, then journey to the town of Knysna along the Garden Route, renowned for its delicious oysters. Cap off your day with an overnight stay at Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: This evening, dine from your choice of included restaurants.

• 34 South: Located in the bustling harbour, this lively deli specialises in seafood and offers some of the finest wines in the Western Cape.
• Dry Dock Food Co: Nestled at the water's edge of the lagoon, this restaurant serves fresh seafood, tempting salads, and fusion cuisine.

Journey along the iconic Garden Route to Port Elizabeth, where you'll catch a flight to Durban, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Indulge in a two-night Scenic Special Stay at Oyster Box, renowned for its colonial charm, impeccable style, and iconic views of the Umhlanga Lighthouse.

Explore the vibrant beachside city of Durban, celebrated for its unique blend of Indian and colonial influences, stunning Golden Mile beaches, and rich cultural heritage. This afternoon, treat yourself to a delightful high tea experience, savouring an array of delectable treats and refreshments.

Fly to Kruger National Park. Stretching 450-kilometres along the Mozambique border, the national park offers unparalleled wildlife experiences. Enjoy a luxurious three-night Scenic Special Stay at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, nestled in a private concession within the park.

Embark on an exhilarating afternoon game drive in an open safari vehicle to spot the Big Five. The Sabie River, renowned for its high leopard concentration, provides an exceptional opportunity to see these elusive creatures up close.

In the evening, savour a gourmet dinner at the lodge, surrounded by the enchanting sounds and sights of the African night.

Scenic Sundowner At the end of your afternoon game drive, partake in one of the most enjoyable of safari traditions, drinks at sunset.

Enjoy limitless game viewing possibilities as you embark on safaris in specially adapted Land Rovers, providing unrestricted opportunities to track the ‘Big Five': lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Kruger National Park's diverse ecosystems, from dense bushveld to open savannah, offer an inspiring backdrop for these unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Scenic Enrich: Dine al fresco under the vast, starlit African sky, accompanied by the ambient sounds of the surrounding wildlife. This intimate bush dinner offers a unique and unforgettable connection with nature, enhancing your safari adventure.

Enjoy one more day of exciting games in one of Africa's largest reserves. Kruger National Park's vast size and diverse habitats support an incredible variety of flora and fauna, providing visitors with unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.

Take time to indulge in the luxury and comfort of your lodge, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the African wilderness. Enjoy the lodge's exceptional amenities and warm hospitality, making your safari experience truly unforgettable.

Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and a dynamic centre of history, culture, and commerce. After your afternoon arrival, check into The Maslow Time Square or similar. Often called the "City of Gold," Johannesburg offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's past and present, with a skyline that reflects its ever-evolving spirit.

Johannesburg, often referred to as Jo'burg, pulses with energy, reflecting the rapid transformation from a gold-mining settlement to a modern metropolis. The city is a gateway to South Africa's northern regions and offers diverse cultural experiences, from trendy galleries and world-class theatres to hip cafes and iconic Mandela-related sites. Johannesburg's vibrant spirit is complemented by lush green spaces like the Johannesburg Botanical Garden and Emmarentia Dam, providing a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle.

Scenic Enrich: This morning explore Soweto, visit Nelson Mandela's house, and walk the streets he once did.

Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Board your flight to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, renowned for its breathtaking curtain of falling water that stretches over a mile wide. Enjoy a luxurious two-night Scenic Special Stay at the colonial-style The Victoria Falls Hotel, which offers splendid views of the gorges and mist from the falls.

Experience the awe-inspiring majesty of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, where panoramic views offer a true spectacle of this natural wonder's thunderous descent.

Scenic Enrich: Connect with rescued elephants at a nearby sanctuary, where you'll learn their stories and the efforts behind their care and protection.

Scenic Sundowners: Be treated to a special sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River and watch the teeming wildlife on the banks, just upstream from Victoria Falls, drink in hand.

Transfer from Victoria Falls to Kasane, Botswana, where your journey takes a dramatic turn, from land to water. Cross into Namibia and board a tender boat that delivers you to the Zambezi Queen, your luxurious floating boutique houseboat and home for the next three nights. Settle into your stateroom and enjoy a welcome lunch on board as the river life drifts by. As evening falls, join an informative map talk to orient yourself with the remarkable Chobe ecosystem, then gather for dinner under the African sky as the sounds of the night take hold.

Rise with the river and choose how you'd like to explore the remarkable Chobe ecosystem today.

Scenic Freechoice:

• Water-Based Game Viewing: Glide along the Chobe River in a guided boat, watching elephants, hippos, and buffalo congregate along the banks in one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles.
• Birding Excursion: Join an expert guide for a dedicated birding experience along the waterways, where hundreds of species – from fish eagles to carmine bee-eaters – inhabit the riverine landscape.
• Fishing Trip: Cast a line on the Chobe River for a peaceful morning on the water. The Zambezi Queen operates on a strict catch and release basis, ensuring the health of this pristine ecosystem.
• Village Visit: Journey to a local village for an authentic cultural encounter, gaining insight into the daily lives, traditions, and warm hospitality of the communities who call this remarkable region home.

Return on board for a relaxed buffet lunch, then spend the afternoon unwinding on deck as wildlife parades along the riverbanks. Dinner is followed by a quiet evening beneath a canopy of stars.

Wake to the ever-changing panorama of the Chobe River as the Zambezi Queen drifts through one of the world's most remote and wildlife-rich waterways. Spend the morning exploring a different stretch of this extraordinary river ecosystem on a final water safari, watching for crocodiles basking on the banks, elephants crossing midstream, and the constant theatre of birdlife overhead. As the day draws to a close, gather with fellow guests to celebrate your final night on board with a traditional African dinner — a fitting farewell to an unforgettable journey on the water.

Savour a last breakfast on the river before transferring back to Victoria Falls. For those wishing to end the journey on a high note, an optional helicopter flight over the falls offers a breathtaking bird's-eye perspective of one of the world's greatest natural wonders – a spectacular final memory to carry home (additional cost; book during the tour). From here, transfer to the airport as your southern African adventure draws to a close, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.