Stars of South Africa: River Cruise and Kruger Safari

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Cape Town! After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, enjoy a transfer to the luxurious Cape Grace Hotel. Get to know your tour director and fellow travelers at a welcome reception this evening.
Cape Grace Hotel

Day 2
Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world’s most stunning driving routes, taking you past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay, and Chapman’s Peak. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope, first rounded in modern times in 1488 by the Portuguese in their attempt to establish trade in the Far East and still a significant landmark for sailors today. Visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking beautiful False Bay.
Cape Grace Hotel

Day 3
You have a choice of two excursions today, depending on your interests. Take a cableway
up to the top of Table Mountain for spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas, followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands. South African wine is world-renowned, and you’ll get to visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A sumptuous lunch will be included along the way.

Or choose to explore another side of Cape Town at famous Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. You’ll ferry over to the island, where you will take a tour led by a former inmate. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch and afterwards board the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit, followed by a drive through some of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Cape Grace Hotel

Day 4
Today marks the beginning of your safari river cruise on the Chobe River—one of the best places in the world to see large herds of elephants! Fly to Kasane, Botswana (via Johannesburg), where you’ll be transferred to the Chobe River, and tender boats will take you to the fabulous Zambezi Queen cruise vessel. Settle into your stateroom and in the evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Zambezi Queen

Day 5
This morning, head out on a thrilling water safari! Venture out by tender boat to get up close and personal with huge herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, crocodiles, zebras, and more that are drawn to the water. You’ll also see a huge variety of birdlife and plant life as you breathe in African air around you.

After your morning activities, enjoy lunch on board while using your unique vantage point to spot wild animals and drink in the expansive views. In the afternoon, enjoy another water-based safari adventure. After a delicious dinner, settle down for a restful and tranquil night in your luxurious suite.
Zambezi Queen

Day 6
Today, join a full-day safari of the world-famous Chobe National Park in open-top 4×4 vehicles. You’ll have the chance to spot wildlife like giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, and more! For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious al fresco picnic. As the sun begins to sink and the animals wake up from their afternoon naps, enjoy another game drive as you make your way back to Chobe River.
Zambezi Queen

Day 7
Visit a typical African village this morning, where you’ll spend time with the village children and elders. Back on board and following lunch, you’ll have a choice to take a boat safari, go birdwatching, or fish for tiger and bream in the river. In the evening, you’re in for a treat. Enjoy a traditional African dinner, served with festive African singing and dancing. You can even join in the festivities if you feel like it!
Zambezi Queen

Day 8
During breakfast, watch for wildlife as you cruise the Chobe River. Later, bid farewell to your friendly boat crew and transfer to Victoria Falls. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon, perhaps indulging in a relaxing spa treatment. In the evening, join a cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train, followed by dinner.
Victoria Falls Hotel

Day 9
Today, a local guide will take you on a tour of Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, observing a variety of game while enjoying a mix of tapas with drinks.
Victoria Falls Hotel

Day 10
Fly to Johannesburg and check into the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, a gorgeous oasis set amongst landscaped gardens. Enjoy a leisurely evening and indulge in a gourmet dinner at your hotel, which offers a variety of elegant private dining rooms.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 11
Explore the famed Soweto township today. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the Apartheid state. Walk the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, followed by a township lunch. Before dinner, gather with a local expert for an informative discussion and afterwards enjoy a multi-course dinner.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel

Day 12
Fly to Greater Kruger National Park in the morning, where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge. You have the choice of a Classic Suite at Tintswalo Safari Lodge (located in the private Manyeleti game reserve) or a Suite at Makanyi Private Game Lodge (located in the private Timbavati game reserve). Both safari lodges offer large and luxurious rooms, exceptional service, and incredible Big 5 game viewing in the Greater Kruger area.

During the afternoon, set out on a game drive in search of wildlife. Spend your first night (and every night, if you wish) gathering with fellow travelers, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge or Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Day 13 – 14
Spend the next 2 days getting into the rhythm of the African wilderness. The early morning is the perfect time to go on safari, as the wildlife is prolific. Your open-air vehicle provides the ideal way to explore your private game reserve, located just a stone’s throw from the game-rich Kruger National Park. The rest of the morning can be spent enjoying the facilities at your lodge. Later in the afternoon, you’ll go on another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas, and lions.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge or Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Day 15
You’ll be treated to your final early-morning game drive this morning before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home. Not ready for the adventure to end? Extend your journey with 4 nights in magical Rwanda, where you can encounter wild mountain gorillas!