Southern Africa Safari by River & Rail, 13 Days Johannesburg Return with A&K

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.
Accommodation: 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 flat-topped Table Mountain, where you reach the summit via cable car (weather permitting). Take in the panorama of southern seas and sun-drenched city as well as 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. When available, stop for an artisan visit at Streetwires, where locals come together to craft handmade bead art. Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden to explore five of Africa’s six biomes (distinctive ecological regions) with a private local guide. Tonight, enjoy a celebratory welcome dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Day 3

Cape Town | Thrilling Coast Beyond the City.

Journey along the Atlantic coast, past the “bikini beaches,” through the charming harbor of Hout Bay and over historic 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 into the sea. Ride the “Flying Dutchman” funicular to the great pinnacle at Cape Point, offering views of Southern right whales from July through November. Spot Cape mountain zebras and possibly the rare bontebok en route to Boulders Beach, where you view endangered African penguins. Pass through Simon’s Town with its English seaside feel; False Bay with its brightly painted boats; and Constantia, South Africa’s legendary wine country. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Days 4–5

Riding the Rovos Rail | Winelands to Grasslands.

Recapture the romance of a bygone era as you board the wood-panelled coaches of the luxurious Rovos Rail. Depart Cape Town Station as you settle into your suite featuring a sitting area, an en suite bathroom, and the perfect blend of period ambience and modern amenities. Wind through mountains, rolling green hills and the Cape Winelands before stopping to visit Matjiesfontein, 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, gain another perspective from the Observation Car at the rear of the train. In Kimberley, tour the Diamond Mine Museum and take the opportunity to see one of the world’s largest hand-dug excavation sites. Continue through the hauntingly barren Great Karoo and the grasslands of gold-rich Highveld, marvelling at the changing landscapes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Rovos Rail

Day 6

Johannesburg | Heart of South Africa.

After breakfast and some time to relax, taking in views of the gold fields of Witwatersrand, arrive at Pretoria Station. Transfer to your hotel in the suburbs of Johannesburg, where you enjoy lunch before an afternoon at leisure. Rest and relax or enjoy the amenities of your accommodations.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 7

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | The Mighty Zambezi.

Fly to Victoria Falls, where you transfer to your historic hotel. After settling in, join your guide for a private walking tour on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”). Watch as the mile-wide Upper Zambezi plunges over 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi, making rainbows form and fade in the mist. This evening, before dinner, enjoy hearing from a special guest speaker who shares tales of celebrated Scottish explorer and missionary David Livingstone — considered the first European to sight the falls, later naming them for England’s queen — on an A&K-exclusive experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: The Victoria Falls Hotel

Day 8

Along the Chobe River, Namibia | Design Your Day.

This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Cruise the Zambezi River, watching the mist of the falls in the distance and spotting hippos, crocodiles and birds.
• Visit a Rural Village for an interactive experience that offers insight into the traditions of the Zimbabwean people.
• Privately Tour the Ndau Collection Studio to meet the artisans who design their opulent jewellery.

Later, relax on a drive to Kasane, where you pass through Namibian customs before boarding five-star ‘Zambezi Queen.’ Enjoy the sunset river views on this elegant, uniquely African vessel while sipping cocktails, nibbling light snacks and watching wildlife come to the river’s edge to drink. On board tonight, enjoy a beautiful dinner prepared by the resident chef.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: ‘Zambezi Queen’

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 region as you wish by choosing a morning and afternoon activity: opt to tour a local Namibian village, fish on the Chobe River or embark on a river safari aboard a small boat. The next day, set off on a morning game drive in Chobe National Park. Following lunch and time to unwind aboard ‘Zambezi Queen,’ you again have the choice to fish or embark on a river safari, both from aboard a smaller boat for more intimate views of the river. This evening, from the decks of ‘Zambezi Queen,’ watch baboons, buffalo and familial herds of elephants come to the river to drink, while hippos begin their nightly graze.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: ‘Zambezi Queen’

Day 11

Okavango Delta, Botswana | Predator Capital.

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. This area is considered the “Predator Capital of the World” and is home to the Big Five. It 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Day 12

Okavango Delta | Game Drives and the Big Five.

Rise early for a game drive on the reserve, where the game viewing is magnificent. Large concentrations of elephants, buffalo and impalas as well as lions and other predators call the Okavango home. Activities include a seasonal mokoro ride on the delta and a Chef’s Table experience offering you a taste of traditional local cuisine. This afternoon, learn more about the Rhino Conservation Program, a bold initiative supported by A&K Philanthropy and Sanctuary Retreats in partnership with the Botswana Defence Force and other local organizations, which has to-date relocated 20 rare and endangered rhinos from South Africa to Moremi Reserve to protect them from poachers. Then, set out on your afternoon safari. Tonight, celebrate with a special farewell dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Day 13

Depart Johannesburg, South Africa.

Fly to Johannesburg via Maun, where you connect with your international flight home. Compliments of A&K, enjoy access to the Premier Lounge before your departure.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey Details