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Cape Town - Johannesburg - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Zambezi Queen
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Embark on a 10-day cruise aboard the Zambezi Queen from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Begin with three nights in Cape Town, taking in iconic sights like the Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach, and Table Mountain. Optionally explore the Cape Winelands or take a historical tour of Robben Island. Then, travel to Victoria Falls and embark on a Chobe River safari, where you can encounter diverse wildlife in Chobe National Park, including elephants and leopards. Finish your journey with two nights at Victoria Falls, a remarkable natural wonder. For a deeper cultural experience, consider an optional extension to Johannesburg to follow in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps.
Cape TownZambezi Queen, Africa SafariVictoria FallsA young family walks through the African landscapeZambezi Queen, Africa SafariZambezi Queen, Africa SafariA man rests on the bright red sand of Africa.African Penguin
Highlights
  • Explore Cape Town’s iconic beauty and marvel at its coastal landscapes
  • Visit Cape Point's reserve with breathtaking views and floral diversity
  • Spot penguins at Boulders Beach and enjoy the lively marine surroundings
  • Savor wine in Cape Winelands’ valleys with rich flavors
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Cape Town

Cape Town, surrounded by stunning mountains and beautiful beaches, boasts a rich cultural heritage and remarkable attractions. Upon your arrival at the airport, be greeted by an AmaWaterways representative and transferred to your hotel in Cape Town. During the Welcome Reception, have the opportunity to meet your Tour Director.

Day 2: Cape Town

Embark on a full-day journey along one of the world’s most breathtaking routes, traveling southeast along the Atlantic coastline. Pass the stunning 12 Apostles, Hout Bay, and Chapman’s Peak. Make a stop at Cape Point, which is located in a nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park and is part of the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins. Enjoy a delicious lunch with drinks while taking in the views overlooking False Bay—one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Day 3: Cape Town

You have a choice of two excursions, depending on your interests. Take a cableway up to Table Mountain for spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas, followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands, which comprises the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl valleys. South African wine is world renowned, and 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. Ferry over to the island and take a tour led by a former inmate. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch, and then visit the colorful historic Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit.

Day 4: Cape Town | Voctoria Falls | Embark

In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Victoria Falls. Here, transfer to the Chobe River that forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Then board tender boats that will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom, enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, and in the evening, be treated to a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. 

Day 5: Chobe River

Embark on an exhilarating, morning boat safari to explore the Chobe River’s diverse game viewing. Afterwards, return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. As the Zambezi Queen cruises along the Chobe River, relax on board in the afternoon and enjoy what nature has to offer. Be sure to spend time in the splash pool or perhaps catch-up with your favorite book. Later in the day, revel in panoramic view with another thrilling boat safari. 

Day 6: Chobe River

Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffe, zebra, sable, warthog and cape buffaloes. Prides of lions, hyenas and (more rarely) cheetahs could be encountered along the way. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. 

Day 7: Kasenu Village

Start the day off with an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture first hand. Spend time with the children of the village as well as its elders, and learn about their day-to-day life. After lunch on board, you can choose between a boat safari, bird watching or fishing. Spend your last evening aboard with a festive African-themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with singing and dancing.

Day 8: Disembark | Victoria Falls

Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast and be on the lookout for wildlife. Afterward, transfer to the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel. Later this afternoon, join a cocktail reception followed by dinner aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls. 

Day 9: Victoria Falls

A local guide will take you on a tour of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Learn about its history, and the flora and fauna that make this area so unique. In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Relax on board as you observe a variety of game while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks, followed by a special dinner with live local entertainment at the hotel.

Day 10: Victoria Falls | Johannesburg

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, bid adieu to Zimbabwe as you head to Victoria Falls Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg and onward flight home. You could also choose to extend your trip with an additional day or two in Johannesburg, or perhaps fly to Rwanda and encounter an array of primates, including the endangered mountain gorillas.

Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 6:30 p.m.

Ship/Hotel

Zambezi Queen

Relax on the Zambezi Queen
Relax on the Zambezi Queen
Zambezi Queen

Cape Grace

Cape Grace
Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town
Cape Grace

Victoria Falls Hotel

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Apr 11, 2025from $12,545
  • Apr 25, 2025from $12,545
  • May 2, 2025from $12,645
  • May 9, 2025from $12,745
  • May 16, 2025from $12,845
  • May 30, 2025from $12,945
  • Jun 6, 2025from $12,945
  • Jun 13, 2025from $12,945
  • Jun 20, 2025from $12,945
  • Jun 27, 2025from $12,945
  • Jul 4, 2025from $12,945
  • Jul 11, 2025from $12,945
  • Jul 18, 2025from $12,945
  • Jul 25, 2025from $12,945
  • Aug 1, 2025from $12,945
  • Aug 8, 2025from $12,945
  • Aug 15, 2025from $12,945
  • Aug 22, 2025from $12,945
  • Aug 29, 2025from $12,945
  • Sep 5, 2025from $13,045
  • Sep 12, 2025from $13,045
  • Sep 19, 2025from $13,045
  • Sep 26, 2025from $13,045
  • Oct 3, 2025from $13,045
  • Oct 10, 2025from $13,045
  • Oct 17, 2025from $12,945
  • Oct 31, 2025from $12,645
  • Nov 7, 2025from $12,245
  • Nov 21, 2025from $12,045
  • Mar 6, 2026from $12,570
  • Mar 20, 2026from $12,670
  • Apr 3, 2026from $12,770
  • Apr 10, 2026from $12,970
  • Apr 24, 2026from $12,970
  • May 1, 2026from $13,070
  • May 8, 2026from $13,170
  • May 15, 2026from $13,270
  • May 22, 2026from $13,270
  • May 29, 2026from $13,370
  • Jun 5, 2026from $13,470
  • Jun 12, 2026from $13,470
  • Jun 19, 2026from $13,470
  • Jun 26, 2026from $13,470
  • Jul 3, 2026from $13,470
  • Jul 10, 2026from $13,470
  • Jul 17, 2026from $13,470
  • Jul 24, 2026from $13,470
  • Jul 31, 2026from $13,470
  • Aug 7, 2026from $13,670
  • Aug 14, 2026from $13,670
  • Aug 21, 2026from $13,670
  • Aug 28, 2026from $13,670
  • Sep 4, 2026from $13,670
  • Sep 11, 2026from $13,670
  • Sep 18, 2026from $13,670
  • Sep 25, 2026from $13,670
  • Oct 2, 2026from $13,670
  • Oct 9, 2026from $13,670
  • Oct 16, 2026from $13,470
  • Oct 30, 2026from $13,070
  • Nov 6, 2026from $12,970
  • Nov 20, 2026from $12,670
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Per person starting at
$12,045
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Suite B
Upper Deck, 215 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
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Suite A
Upper Deck, 235 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
Select a Date
Luxury Suite
Upper Deck, 300 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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