Southern Africa Discovery 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 the InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, perfectly located near the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

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 scenic 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.

Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to the luxurious Thornybush Game Lodge, nestled on the edge of the renowned Kruger National Park. Enjoy a three-night Scenic Special Stay, indulging in the lodge's exceptional amenities and breathtaking natural surroundings. Embark on your first safari this afternoon, venturing into the wild to spot Africa's iconic wildlife, including the Big Five. Thornybush offers a deeply immersive bush experience with expert guides, enhancing your chances of unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Scenic Sundowners: At the end of your afternoon game drive, enjoy one of the most enjoyable safari traditions: drinks at sunset.

Experience another day of unrestricted game drives in specially adapted Land Rovers, expertly designed for tracking Africa's iconic ‘Big Five': lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. These exhilarating safaris offer you the chance to observe these majestic animals up close in their natural habitat, guided by skilled rangers who provide insightful commentary on the behaviour and conservation of these key species.

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.

Venture deeper into the wild with both morning and evening game drives through Thornybush Game Reserve, increasing your chances of spotting Africa's most iconic wildlife. For a different perspective, join an immersive walking safari with your expert ranger and explore the finer details of the bush — from delicate flora to the often-overlooked creatures that play a crucial role in this vibrant ecosystem.

Fly to Johannesburg and check into The Maslow Hotel Sandton or similar for your two-night stay. Known as the "City of Gold," Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and a vibrant hub of art, culture, and history. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your hotel or enjoying its facilities. As a city that played a pivotal role in South Africa's past and present, Johannesburg offers insight into both its dynamic arts scene and its complex history.

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: Explore Soweto, visit Nelson Mandela's house, and walk the streets he once did. Discover the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles the rise and fall of apartheid and the history of 20th century South Africa.

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.

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.