2025 Wildlife and the Falls

Introduction

Johannesburg, Zambezi Queen, Victoria Falls, Kruger Park

2025 Wildlife and the Falls

Check off the “Big Five” from your bucket list while exploring South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, considered one of the world’s premier safari regions. Begin this exhilarating journey with a one-night stay in Johannesburg, a city undergoing a renaissance revival, before flying to Kasane, Botswana for your four-night wildlife adventure on the Zambezi Queen. Get up close to the animals in their natural habitat by water and land in Chobe National Park, and then be swept up in the sheer beauty and power of the incomparable Victoria Falls for two nights. Return to Johannesburg for two nights, giving you time to soak up its rich heritage and follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. Your journey culminates with three nights at a five-star lodge in Greater Kruger National Park. Stay at the Tintswalo luxury safari lodge (or similar), known for its exceptional amenities, service and cuisine. Experience the thrill of twice-daily game drives with highly qualified guides selected for their knowledge and passion.

Included

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

4 nights deluxe accommodation in an air-conditioned balcony suite
Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during the cruise and a Tour Director during land package
Game viewing deck with pool
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar

DINING AND CUISINE

All onboard dining, including a traditional African dinner
Regionally inspired cuisine
Welcome Dinner
Complimentary wine, beer and local spirits

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Chobe National Park safari
Exclusive private picnic in Chobe National Park
Private boat safaris along the Chobe riverbank and its channels
Visit to an African village for a unique cultural interaction
3 nights in a suite at an exclusive and luxurious lodge (Tintswalo Safari Lodge or similar)

Land Package

1 night Johannesburg at the luxurious Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in a Grand Château suite, including breakfast
2-night stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel in an upgraded stable wing room, including daily breakfast
Cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train followed by dinner on the train
Guided tour of Victoria Falls National Park
Exclusive Sundowner Cruise with tapas, followed by dinner
2 nights in Johannesburg at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in a Chateau suite, including daily breakfast
Special dinner and presentation
All meals, drinks and laundry service at Tintswalo Safari Lodge or similar
Soweto tour with local lunch
Daily morning, afternoon and evening game drives
All airport transfers

Journey Highlights

At a glance

2025 Wildlife and the Falls

Included

Day 1 - Arrival in Johannesburg and Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Johannesburg and Settle In

Arrival transfer and hotel check-in

After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in the desirable Sandton neighborhood. The hotel’s extensive gardens have captured the spirit, grace and elegance of a bygone era.

Day 2 - Johannesburg to Zambezi Queen Embarkation

Fly to Kasane and Embark Zambezi Queen

Flight to Kasane, Botswana

Johannesburg

Kasane

Fly to Kasane, Botswana where you’ll be transferred to the Chobe River. Tender boats will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river.

Transfer to Zambezi Queen

After arrival in Kasane, transfer to the Chobe River. Tender boats will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river.

Zambezi Queen

Settle into your stateroom on the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river.

Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner

In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner on board the Zambezi Queen.

Day 3 - Chobe River Safaris by Boat

Morning and Afternoon Boat Safaris on Chobe

Morning Boat Safari on Chobe River

Embark on an exhilarating morning boat safari exploring the Chobe River’s diverse game.

Lunch on Zambezi Queen

Afterwards, return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch.

Afternoon Boat Safari on Chobe River

Later in the day, enjoy another thrilling boat safari.

Dinner on Zambezi Queen

Day 4 - Full Day Safari in Chobe National Park

Full Day Safari and Picnic in Chobe

Full-Day Safari in 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.

Picnic Lunch in Chobe National Park

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

Day 5 - Zambezi Queen Local Village and Safari

Village Visit, Boat Safari, and African Dinner

Morning Visit to Local African Village

Start the day off with an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture. Spend time with the village children as well as its elders.

Lunch on Board

After lunch on board, you can go on a boat safari, bird watch or fish.

Afternoon Safari by Boat / Bird Watching / Fishing

After lunch, you can go on a boat safari, bird watch or fish.

African Themed Dinner

Enjoy a festive African-themed dinner hosted by your crew—complete with music and dancing.

Day 6 - Zambezi Queen Disembarkation and Victoria Falls Arrival

Disembark Zambezi Queen, Transfer to Victoria Falls, Sunset Train Reception

Morning Cruise and Breakfast on Zambezi Queen

Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast and be on the lookout for wildlife.

Disembarkation and Transfer to Victoria Falls

Afterward, transfer to the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Explore Victoria Falls Town or Hotel Activities

Spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel.

Sunset Cocktail Reception on Vintage Steam Train

Join a cocktail reception with appetizers aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls.

Day 7 - Victoria Falls Guided Tour and Zambezi Cruise

Guided Victoria Falls Tour and Zambezi Sunset Cruise

Guided Tour of Victoria Falls

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.

Free Afternoon

Free afternoon to relax or explore at your leisure.

Zambezi River Sundowner Cruise with Drinks and Tapas

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.

Special Dinner with Live Local Entertainment at Hotel

Followed by a special dinner with live local entertainment at the hotel.

Day 8 - Johannesburg Arrival and Hotel Transfer

Arrive in Johannesburg and Relax at Hotel

Flight to Johannesburg

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg.

Transfer to Fairlawns Boutique Hotel

Transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel with its parklike setting and wonderful Spa.

Day 9 - Johannesburg Soweto Tour and Special Dinner

Explore Soweto, Mandela House, and Local Cuisine

Soweto Tour with Lunch

Take a fascinating tour of Johannesburg and its rich history from colonialism to apartheid, and finally democracy. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, visiting the Mandela House located on Vilakazi Street and along the way enjoy a township lunch.

Township Lunch

Enjoy a township lunch during your tour of Soweto.

Special Dinner and Presentation

Before dinner, gather with a local expert for an informative discussion and afterwards enjoy a multi-course dinner.

Day 10 - Greater Kruger National Park Arrival and Safari

Fly to Kruger, Lunch at Lodge, Afternoon Safari

Flight to Greater Kruger National Park

Fly to the Greater Kruger National Park in the morning where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge.

Transfer to Game Lodge

Transfer to your luxurious game lodge after arrival in Greater Kruger National Park.

Lunch at Lodge

Lunch at the lodge after your arrival in Greater Kruger National Park.

Late Afternoon Game Drive

Discover the region on your late afternoon game drive in search of the country's 'Big Five' and other native wildlife.

Evening at Lodge

Spend your first night and every night, if you wish, gathering with fellow travelers, sharing stories of the day’s adventures or simply gazing up at the stunning star-filled African sky.

Day 11 - Greater Kruger Park Morning and Afternoon Safaris

Morning and Afternoon Game Drives in Kruger

Early Morning Safari

The early morning is the perfect time to go on safari as the wildlife is prolific. Your open-air vehicle provides the perfect way to explore your private game reserve, located just a stone’s throw from the game-rich Kruger National Park.

Leisure Time at Lodge

The rest of the morning can be spent enjoying the facilities at your lodge.

Afternoon Game Drive

Later in the day, you’ll go on another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas and lions.

Day 12 - Greater Kruger Park Game Drives and Leisure

Two Game Drives and Leisure at Lodge

Morning Game Drive

Go on an exhilarating morning game drive in the Greater Kruger Park.

Leisure Time at Game Lodge

Enjoy ample leisure time at your game lodge.

Afternoon Game Drive

Go on an exhilarating afternoon game drive in the Greater Kruger Park.

Day 13 - Depart Kruger Park to Johannesburg

Early Morning Safari and Return Flight Home

Early Morning Game Drive

Be treated to an early-morning game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast.

Transfer to Airport

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home or extend your journey with four nights in magical Rwanda.

Flight to Johannesburg

Flight from Kruger Park to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home.

Loading Map…

Map

1. Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa

2. Kasane (Chobe River / Zambezi Queen Embarkation)

Kasane, Botswana

3. Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park, Botswana

4. Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

5. Greater Kruger National Park

Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa