Southern Africa Safari by River & Rail - A Luxury Small Group Journey (2021)

Arrive in Cape Town, the metropolitan light of South Africa, where you transfer to one of the country’s most famous hotels, set in the heart of the city.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Embark for Robben Island, where anti-apartheid leader — and eventual South African president — Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned. Privately explore this moving UNESCO World Heritage Site, and view a cell where Mandela was held. After lunch, visit Table Mountain, ascending to the flat summit via cable car, to take in the panorama of southern seas and sun-drenched city as well as the impressive cliffs of the Twelve Apostles. Then, drive through old Cape Town, past Groote Kerk (the nation’s oldest church), City Hall and the Grand Parade. Continue past the Company Gardens with views of the Houses of Parliament and National Art Gallery, before returning to your hotel. Tonight, savour a celebratory welcome dinner.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel | Meals: BLD

Recapture the romance of a bygone era as you board the wood-panelled coaches of the luxurious Rovos Rail. Depart Cape Town Station as you settle into your suite featuring a sitting area, an en suite bathroom, and the perfect blend of period ambience and modern amenities. Wind through mountains, rolling green hills and the Cape Winelands before stopping to visit Matjiesfontein, an authentically preserved Victorian village. Sip South African vintages in handsome dining cars serving up artful menus as the stunning scenery scrolls by. The next day, gain another perspective from the Observation Car at the rear of the train. In Kimberley, tour the Diamond Mine Museum and take the opportunity to see one of the world’s largest hand-dug excavation sites. Continue through the hauntingly barren Great Karoo and the grasslands of gold-rich Highveld, marvelling at the changing landscapes.
Rovos Rail | Meals: BLD

After breakfast and some time to relax, taking in views of the gold fields of Witwatersrand, arrive at Pretoria Station. Transfer to your hotel in the suburbs of Johannesburg, where you enjoy lunch before an afternoon at leisure. Rest and relax or enjoy the amenities of your accommodations.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa| Meals: BL

Fly to Victoria Falls, where you transfer to your historic hotel. After settling in, join your guide for a private walking tour on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”). Watch as the mile-wide Upper Zambezi plunges over 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi, making rainbows form and fade in the mist. This evening, before dinner, enjoy hearing from a special guest speaker who shares tales of celebrated Scottish explorer and missionary David Livingstone — considered the first European to sight the falls, later naming them for England’s queen — on an A&K-exclusive experience.
The Victoria Falls Hotel | Meals: BD

This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Privately Bike the Area, cycling the town of Victoria Falls and stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.
• Visit a Rural Village for an interactive experience that offers insight into the traditions of the Zimbabwean people.
• Privately Tour the Ndau Collection Studio to meet the artisans who design their opulent jewellery.

Later, relax on a drive to Kasane, where you pass through Namibian customs before boarding five-star ‘Zambezi Queen.’ Enjoy the sunset river views on this elegant, uniquely African vessel while sipping cocktails, nibbling light snacks and watching wildlife come to the river’s edge to drink. On board tonight, enjoy a beautiful dinner prepared by the resident chef.
‘Zambezi Queen’ | Meals: BLD

Discover the wildlife-rich Chobe plain, which boasts buffalo, lions, giraffes and hippos, as well as Africa’s highest concentration of elephants. Experience the region as you wish by choosing a morning and afternoon activity: Opt to tour a local Namibian village, fish on the Chobe River or embark on a river safari aboard a small boat. The next day, set off on a morning game drive in Chobe National Park. Following lunch and time to unwind aboard ‘Zambezi Queen,’ you again have the choice to fish or embark on a river safari, both from aboard a smaller boat for more intimate views of the river. This evening, from the decks of ‘Zambezi Queen,’ watch baboons, buffalo and familial herds of elephants come to the river to drink, while hippos begin their nightly graze.
‘Zambezi Queen’ | Meals: BLD

After breakfast, disembark ‘Zambezi Queen’ and fly to the Okavango Delta via Kasane Airport. Arrive at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, in the Mombo Concession of the vast Moremi Game Reserve. This area is considered the “Predator Capital of the World” and is home to the Big Five. It offers Botswana’s most exciting game viewing, with a lush delta that draws a remarkable concentration of birds and wildlife. Enjoy a late afternoon game drive, capped off with a refreshing Scenic Sundowner in the bush.
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp | Meals: BLD

Rise early for a game drive on the reserve, where the game viewing is magnificent. Large concentrations of elephants, buffalo and impalas, as well as lions and other predators, call the Okavango home. Activities include a seasonal opportunity to Ride Like a Local, gliding on the delta in a mokoro (dugout canoe), as well as a Chef ’s Table experience offering you a taste of traditional local cuisine.

This afternoon, learn more about the Rhino Conservation Program — a bold initiative supported by A&K Philanthropy and Sanctuary Retreats in partnership with the Botswana Defense Force and other local organisations — which has to date relocated 20 rare and endangered rhinos from South Africa to Moremi Reserve to protect them from poachers. Then, set out on an afternoon safari. Tonight, celebrate with a special farewell dinner.
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp | Meals: BLD

Fly to Johannesburg via Maun, where you connect with your international flight home. Compliments of A&K, enjoy access to the Premier Lounge before your departure.
Meals:B

Internal air included: Johannesburg/Victoria Falls; Kasane/Okavango Delta/Maun/Johannesburg
Minimum age is 10 years.
Each guest on this journey will receive an A&K Safari Duffel.
First group event: welcome briefing at 8:00 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: airport arrival at 3:30 p.m. on Day 12.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.

Please note: Table Mountain closes annually mid-July to mid-August. Alternate touring will be provided for affected departures.

Tailor-Made Travel with A&K

If scheduled departure dates don’t work for you, or you would prefer to travel privately, please contact one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey for you, or a small group.