Rivers & Rails of Africa

Overview

Relive the romance of a bygone era traveling on the worlds most luxurious and historic train, the Rovos Rail. Before experiencing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration via this legendary train, youll spend three nights in Cape Town. Cradled by the imposing Table Mountain, Devils Peak and Lions Head, Cape Town is known for its majestic beauty, offering a blend of cosmopolitan city life and outdoor adventure. From here, fly to Kasane, Botswana for your four-night Zambezi Queen wildlife and safari cruise. Revel in the Chobe National Parks breathtaking scenery and marvel at its mighty elephants splashing in the water and the stealthy lions ruling over the plains. Continue to the UNESCO-designated Victoria Falls for two nights prior to spending your last three nights traveling 1,000 miles through Zimbabwe and on to South Africa. Experience five-star cuisine, excellent South African wines, extraordinary scenery, amazing wildlife and a safari at Hwange Game Reserve as you journey through southern Africa.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Cape Town

After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to the Cape Grace Hotel. Get to know your Tour Director at the Welcome Reception. (WR)

Day 2 – Cape Town

Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the worlds most stunning routes, taking you past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapmans 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. (B,L)

Day 3 – Cape Town

Take a cableway up to Table Mountain followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands where youll visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A delicious 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. 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 Mountains summit, followed by a drive through some of the citys diverse neighborhoods. (B,L)

Day 4 – Cape Town & Zambezi Queen

Fly to Kasane, Botswana (via Johannesburg), where youll be transferred to the Chobe River. Tender boats will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom and in the evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. (B,D)

Day 5 – Zambezi Queen

Embark on an exhilarating morning boat safari exploring the Chobe Rivers diverse game. Afterwards, return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. During the afternoon, youll meet an environmentalist, wholl share his insight on Chobe National Park. Later in the day, enjoy another thrilling boat safari. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Zambezi Queen

Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4×4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffe, zebra, sable, warthog and cape buffalo. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Zambezi Queen

Visit a typical African village where youll spend time with the village children as well as its elders. Back on board and following lunch, youll have a choice to take a boat safari, bird watch or fish. Enjoy your last evening aboard with a festive African- themed dinner hosted by your crew. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Zambezi Queen & Victoria Falls

During breakfast, watch for wildlife as you cruise the Chobe River. Later, transfer to Victoria Falls. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon, and in the evening, join a cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train. (B)

Day 9 – Victoria Falls

A local guide will take you on a tour of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, observing a variety of game while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks. (B)

Day 10 – Victoria Falls & Rovos Rail

Enjoy a leisurely morning before touring the town of Victoria Falls and being treated to a home-hosted lunch. Later in the day, head to the Victoria Falls colonial-era rail station where youll board the Rovos Rail. (B,L,D)

Day 11 – Rovos Rail

Start the morning with a safari to the Hwange Game Reserve, Zimbabwes largest national park, boasting a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 different birds. The elephants of Hwange are world famous and the parks elephant population is one of the largest in the world. After your safari, return to the train for a lovely brunch as you travel through the vast landscapes of central Zimbabwe on the way to the border town of Beitbridge. Take in the southern African landscape from the lounge, observation cars or your deluxe suite. (B,L,D)

Day 12 – Rovos Rail

Leave baobab tree country and South Africas northern wilderness as you cross the Tropic of Capricorn, traveling alongside the Magaliesberg Mountains. (B,L,D)

Day 13 – Pretoria & Johannesburg

Disembark the train in Pretoria where you will be transferred to the airport in Johannesburg for your onward flight home or extend your trip with four nights in Rwanda. (B)

Note:Please do not schedule your onward flight until after 4:00 p.m.