Relive the romance of a bygone era traveling on the world’s most luxurious and historic train, the Rovos Rail. Before experiencing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration via this legendary train, you’ll spend three nights in Cape Town. Cradled by the imposing Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, Cape Town is known for its majestic beauty, offering a blend of cosmopolitan city life and outdoor adventure. From here, fly north to Victoria Falls and transfer to the Zambezi Queen and your wildlife and safari cruise in Namibia and Botswana. Revel in the Chobe National Park’s 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 four 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 and visit Polokwane Nature Reserve as you journey through southern Africa.
Rivers & Rails of Africa
At A Glance
On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Day 1 | Cape Town | Arrival transfer and hotel check-in |
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Situated amidst majestic mountains and lined with pristine beaches, Cape Town has a rich cultural heritage with extraordinary attractions. After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways representative, transfer to your Cape Town hotel. Get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at the Welcome Reception. (WR)
Day 2 | Cape Town | Full-day Cape of Good Hope tour and lunch in local restaurant with drinks |
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Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world’s most stunning 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. (B,L)
Day 3 | Cape Town | Cableway up Table Mountain and scenic drive through Cape
Winelands with tastings and lunch |
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| | OR Robben Island guided tour
with lunch in local restaurant and cableway up Table Mountain |
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Take a cableway up to Table Mountain followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands where you’ll 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 warden. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch, and then visit the colorful historic Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit. (B,L)
Day 4 | Cape Town | Morning flight to Victoria Falls; transfer to the Namibian border |
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| | Welcome Cocktail & Dinner |
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In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Victoria Falls. Here, you will be transferred 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. (B,D)
Day 5 | Zambezi Queen | Chobe River safaris by boat |
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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. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Zambezi Queen | Full day safari of Chobe National Park by open top 4x4 vehicle with picnic lunch |
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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. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Zambezi Queen | Morning visit to local African village |
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Visit a typical African village where you’ll spend time with the village children as well as its elders. Back on board and following lunch, you’ll 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 | DISEMBARKATION |
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| Victoria Falls | Transfer to Victoria Falls |
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| | Sunset cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train, followed by dinner |
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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. (B, D)
Day 9 | Victoria Falls | Guided tour of Victoria Falls |
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| | Zambezi River sundowner cruise with drinks and tapas |
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A local guide will take you on a tour of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. You’ll 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. (B,D)
Day 10 | Victoria Falls | Town of Victoria Falls tour with lunch |
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| Rovos Rail | Embark the Rovos Rail luxury train |
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| | Travel by rail to Hwange Game Reserve |
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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’ll board the Rovos Rail. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Rovos Rail | Morning safari in Hwange Game Reserve |
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| | Continue your journey south |
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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. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Rovos Rail | Stop village of Gwanda |
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| | Cross the Limpopo River and onwards into South Africa |
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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. (B,LD)
Day 13 | Rovos Rail | Cross Tropic of Capricorn |
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| | Visit Polokwane Nature Reserve |
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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. (B,L,D)
Day 14 | Pretoria | Arrive in Pretoria mid-morning |
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| Johannesburg | Transfer to Johannesburg Airport |
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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 before 4:00 p.m.