Have questions? We're here.
Zambezi Queen, Africa Safari

Rivers & Rails of Africa

Cape Town - Johannesburg - Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Zambezi Queen
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Botswana trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Talk with an expert
Embark on a 14-day cruise with stays in Cape Town and Victoria Falls. Begin with three nights in Cape Town, surrounded by the iconic Table Mountain peaks. Then, fly to Victoria Falls and board the Zambezi Queen for a wildlife safari along the Chobe River, witnessing elephants and lions in their natural habitat. Explore the majestic Victoria Falls before embarking on a 1,000-mile journey aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail through Zimbabwe and South Africa. Enjoy exquisite cuisine, fine South African wines, stunning scenery, and wildlife encounters in Hwange Game Reserve and Polokwane Nature Reserve.
Rovos RailZambezi Queen, Africa SafariVictoria FallsZambezi Queen, Africa SafariA young family walks through the African landscapeCape TownAfrican PenguinZambezi Queen, Africa Safari
Highlights
  • Enjoy a cable car up Table Mountain for great views
  • Discover renowned local vineyards and sample their wine
  • Visit Kasenu Village and experience the local culture
  • Safari through Chobe National Park in search of wildlife
Activities
Places Visited
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Cape Town, South Africa

Nestled among majestic mountains and bordered by pristine beaches, Cape Town boasts a rich cultural heritage and numerous extraordinary attractions. Upon your arrival at the airport, be greeted by an AmaWaterways representative and then transferred to your hotel in Cape Town. Take this opportunity to meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers during the Welcome Reception.

Day 2: Cape Town

Experience a full-day adventure along one of the world’s most breathtaking routes, featuring the iconic 12 Apostles, Hout Bay, and Chapman’s Peak. Make a stop at the Cape of Good Hope, first navigated in modern times in 1488 by the Portuguese during their quest to establish trade in the Far East. This historic landmark remains significant for sailors today. Visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, before enjoying a delightful lunch with drinks, all while overlooking the stunning False Bay.

Day 3: Cape Town

Take a cableway up to Table Mountain followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands where you 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 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: Victoria 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 National Park

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 buffalo. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. 

Day 7: Kasenu Village, Zimbabwe

Visit a typical African village where you can spend time with the village children as well as its elders. Back on board and following lunch, you 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.

Day 8: Disembark | Victoria Falls

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
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

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
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 | Rovos Rail

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 you board the Rovos Rail. 

Day 11: Rovos Rail

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start the morning with a safari to the Hwange Game Reserve, Zimbabwe’s 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 park’s 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.

Day 12: Rovos Rail

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Stop in the village of Gwanda with time to stroll. Travel through baobab tree country and cross the Limpopo River and enter South Africa in the town of Musina for border formalities.

Day 13: Rovos Rail

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and then visit the Polokwane Nature Reserve home to more than 20 species of wildlife including the white rhino. Continue your journey south through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) and onto Pyramid. 

Day 14: Pretoria | Johannesburg

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the train in Pretoria where you transfer to the airport in Johannesburg for your onward flight home or extend your trip with four nights in Rwanda. Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 4:00 p.m.

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

Ship/Hotel

Zambezi Queen

The Zambezi Queen

Zambezi Queen

With a design specific for safari river cruising on the Chobe River, the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen offers a sophisticated onboard experience designed to maximize animal sightings.
Relax on the Zambezi Queen
Relax on the Zambezi Queen
Zambezi Queen

Cape Town - Hotels

Trevoyan Guest House

In the shadows of Table Mountain, located in the eclectic suburb of Tamboerkloof, Trevoyan Guest House welcomes guests to a true Cape Town experience. Built in 1892, this Victorian home offers 8 spacious en-suite guest rooms. Enjoy the solar heated pool, the contemporary lounge area, or just bask in the Cape Town sun under the 95 year old oak tree on the grounds. Stroll to the several restaurants and boutiques in the area, or take a short cab ride to the V&A waterfront, the main tourist area of Cape Town. Stay at this hidden Cape Town hotel as part of your South Africa tour.
The Pepper Club Luxury Hotel and Spa

The Pepper Club Luxury Hotel and Spa

The Pepper Club Luxury Hotel and Spa is located in the lively city center of Cape Town at the base of stately Table Mountain and Lion's Head. Each spacious room features an extra-long king size bed with beautiful linens, a dressing table, flat screen TV, a desk with two chairs, and a comfortable easy chair.
Upgrade
Kensington Place

Kensington Place

Set on the slopes of Table Mountain in the suburb of Higgovale, Cape Town, lies the five star boutique experience of Kensington Place. Kensington Place is surrounded by a small landscaped garden and its elevated position allows for views over the city, harbour and Table Mountain.
Sunset over Century City, Capetown

More Cape Town Hotels

The coastal capital city of South Africa, bustling Cape Town has a storied human & natural role in the country's development, from Robben Island (where Mandela was imprisoned) to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to hikes to Table Mountain. Whether on a cruise or land-based expedition, Cape Town is a fascinating stop on any South Africa itinerary.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

List View | Calendar View
  • Aug 22, 2025from $14,995
  • Aug 29, 2025from $15,795
  • Sep 5, 2025from $15,795
  • Sep 12, 2025from $15,795
  • Sep 19, 2025from $15,795
  • Sep 26, 2025from $15,795
  • Oct 3, 2025from $15,795
  • Oct 10, 2025from $15,795
  • Oct 17, 2025from $15,695
<Aug 2025>
SMTWTFS
272829303112
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31123456
Per person starting at
$14,995
Select a Date
Suite B
Upper Deck, 215 sq feet. Private bath facilities, separate sitting area, balcony.
Select a Date
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
  • 13 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 13 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 

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

Botswana Travel Guide

Favorite Botswana Botswana All Trips

Top Botswana Travel Destinations

Botswana Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Botswana

Botswana Trips by Duration

Botswana Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By

Betty Ingerheim Adventure Life employee profile
Betty I
Plan My Trip
We love travel, talk with an expert 1.800.344.6118
GOT IT!
We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue browsing the site if you're ok with this. For more info, please see our privacy policy.