Southern Africa Safari by River & Rail - A Luxury Small Group Journey (2022)

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

Embark for Robben Island, where anti-apartheid leader — and eventual South African president — Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned. 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. Pass the Company Gardens for views of the Houses of Parliament and the National Art Gallery before returning to your hotel. Tonight, savour a celebratory welcome dinner.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town | 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, take in views of the goldfields of Witwatersrand and enjoy lunch on board your train. Arrive at Pretoria Station in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel in the suburbs of Johannesburg for an evening at leisure, resting or enjoying 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 to interact with residents, and afterward savour an introduction to Zimbabwean cuisine at a local restaurant.
• 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, set out on another safari, revelling in the chance to perhaps view each member of Africa’s iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and Cape Buffalo) — all of which are known to seek out the Okavango’s life-sustaining waters — in one incredibly diverse destination. Tonight, celebrate your unforgettable Southern Africa adventure 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, compliments of A&K.
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 and Robben Island may be unavailable due to weather conditions or maintenance reasons. In such an instance, alternative sightseeing will be provided.

Tailor-Made Travel with A&K

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