This nonstop adventure presents the unrivalled experience of touring thundering Victoria Falls and venturing into Botswana’s first national park for a game drive to view African’s most iconic wildlife.
NOTES: This Pre-Cruise Program begins in Johannesburg and therefore guests need to fly into Johannesburg, South Africa. The following program details are general and subject to change based on flights that can be confirmed at or around 60 days prior to sailing.
Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
DAY 1
On arrival in Johannesburg at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will meet our representative outside the Customs and Immigration area. You will be assisted on a short walk from the airport terminal to your airport-based hotel.
Check-in time at the hotel is 2:00pm. Although every effort will be made for your room to be available earlier, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night so that your room is available upon your arrival. Please store your luggage with concierge until your room is ready for occupation.
Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Any meals are on your own.
DAY 2
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then settle any incidentals before checking out. You will be transferred to the Johannesburg Airport where upon arrival, a representative will meet and assist you with checking in for your flight to Kasane.
Upon arrival at Kasane Airport, please clear customs and immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will meet you and transfer you to your lodge. Check in on arrival and time permitting, enjoy lunch. Thereafter you are escorted to your room to freshen up and enjoy free time.
The remainder of the day is at leisure, with dinner being served in the early evening at the lodge.
Overnight at Chobe Game Lodge
DAY 3
After an early-morning wake-up call and coffee and tea in the lobby, you will embark on a morning game drive in 4x4 open-air safari vehicles.
You may see wildlife including elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo to name a few. Chobe is also home to two antelope that aren’t encountered anywhere else in Botswana, the puku and the Chobe bushbuck. Declared a national park in 1967, Chobe was the first one established in Botswana and now covers more than 4,500 square miles of dry savannah, floodplains, and teak woodlands that are ideal animal habitats.
Returning from your morning safari, a full breakfast will be served after which you will have free time to do as you wish at the lodge.
Following lunch, you will embark on a cruise down the Chobe River – this is the ideal time to keep a look out for animals coming to the river for water. Later, dinner will be served at the lodge.
Overnight at Chobe Game Lodge
DAY 4
After an early-morning wake-up call and coffee and tea in the lobby, you will embark on a morning game drive in 4x4 open-air safari vehicles.
Return from your morning safari and enjoy breakfast followed by check-out formalities. Meet your local guide and travel by road to Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe/Botswana border crossing). Travel time with the border crossings is approximately 2 ½ hours. Time may vary depending how busy the border is.
On route to the Palm River Hotel enjoy a cruise on the Zambezi River with lunch included. While cruising upstream, gaze at birdlife, and keep watch for occasional glimpses of hippo, crocodile or even elephant.
After your lovely Zambezi cruise, continue to the Palm River Hotel and check in.
Arrive at The Palm River Hotel, followed by check-in formalities.
The hotel’s location could not be more idyllic, situated as it is along the banks of the iconic Zambezi River, among towering indigenous trees and only 4 kilometres from Africa’s Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls – so close, in fact, that on a clear, quiet day you can hear the thunder and see the spray of the mighty waterfall from your room.
Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at own leisure. In the early evening enjoy a Riverside Dining Experience at the hotel.
Overnight at the Palm River Hotel or similar
DAY 5
After breakfast and check-out formalities, you are collected from the hotel and transferred to the Victoria Falls Rainforest.
Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. Columns of spray can be seen from miles away as, at the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge, over a width of nearly two kilometers, into a gorge over one hundred meters below.
Facing the Falls is another sheer wall of basalt, rising to the same height, and capped by mist-soaked rain forest. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor prepared to brave the tremendous spray, with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls.
After your guided tour of The Falls, transfer to Victoria Falls Airport to check in for your flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, a local representative will meet and accompany you on transfer to your hotel, located within the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – home to many shops, restaurants and plenty entertainment.
Check-in on arrival and spend the afternoon at leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Overnight at Victoria and Alfred Hotel or similar
DAY 6
After a leisurely breakfast and check out formalities, the group will be transferred to the ship for embarkation with a brief city orientation en-route.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
• Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
• Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
• While at the lodge, game drive and meal timings are subject to change at the discretion of the lodge. Please refer to any updated timings that you may receive from them on site.
• The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
Extra Nights
• All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program
• If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 2:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
• If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 2:00pm.
• If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
You are met at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport outside the customs and immigration area
according to your flight details and walked over to the hotel which is located within the airport terminal.
Check in time is 2:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. You may wish to request an additional night if you are arriving early in the morning.
Any meals are on your own and the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the Intercontinental O.R. Tambo or similar hotel
Meet and Greet:
• Final cruise documents emailed at 21 days prior to sailing, also include on page 1, a contact telephone number of our local ground agent to use should you not be able to locate your meet and greet upon arrival. Remember that often many guests are arriving on the same flight and the representative may be assisting someone else when you exit the customs and / or luggage claim area.
• Always look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, please check with airport staff to be directed to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
• Meet and Greet for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for any extra nights booked through the cruise line, are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing.
• If we have not received your flight details prior to 14 days before sailing or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team not notified, then a meet and greet cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for making their own way to the Johannesburg hotel. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
Meet and Greet and transfers:
• Final cruise documents emailed at 21 days prior to sailing, also include on page 1, a contact telephone number of our local ground agent to use should you not be able to locate your meet and greet upon arrival. Remember that often many guests are arriving on the same flight and the representative may be assisting someone else when you exit the customs and/or luggage claim area.
• Always look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, please check with airport staff to be directed to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
• Meet and Greet and transfers for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for any extra nights booked through the cruise line, are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing.
• If we have not received your flight details at minimum 14 days in advance of your sailing date or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team not notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2 - timings below are a sample only and subject to change based on flight details
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Check out, settle any incidentals, and walk to the airport check in counters
8:30am Check-in for the flight to Kasane, Botswana
11:50am Fly from Johannesburg to Kasane (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
1:35pm Arrival in Kasane and transfer to your lodge
2:30pm Arrival at lodge and check in
3:30pm Afternoon tea
4:00pm Afternoon game activity
7:00pm Dinner at the lodge
Overnight at Chobe Game Lodge
DAY 3
5:00am Early-morning wake-up call
5:30am Tea and coffee are served
6:00am Morning game drive
9:00am Full breakfast back at the lodge followed by free time
12:00pm Lunch at the lodge
4:00pm Afternoon tea
4:30pm Boat Safari
7:30pm Dinner at the lodge
Overnight at Chobe Game Lodge
DAY 4 – timings and last game drive subject to change based on actual flight details
5:00am Wake-up call
6:30am Morning game drive
9:00am Breakfast at the lodge
9:30am Check-out and transfer to Kasane Airport
9:45am Transfer to Victoria Falls
12:30pm Arrive at Victoria Falls
Zambezi cruise and lunch
2:30pm Transfer to your overnight hotel
3:00pm Check-in and leisure time
6:30pm Riverside Dining experience
Overnight at the Palm River or similar hotel
DAY 5
7:30am Breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Check-out and transfer to the rain forest
8:30am Embark on a guided tour of the Falls – Zimbabwe
10:30am Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Cape Town
11:15am Check-in time for your flight to Cape Town
1:15pm Fly to Cape Town (flight details TBA and subject to change). Light snack served during flight
4:20pm Arrive into Cape Town – clear customs and immigration and collect luggage
5:15pm Meet your local representative and be scorted to your awaiting vehicle
5:30pm Transfer to your overnight hotel
6:15pm Approximate arrival time at your hotel – check-in and spend the evening at leisure
Dinner will be on your own
Overnight at the Victoria and Alfred or similar hotel
DAY6
From 6:30am Breakfast at your hotel
11:00am Check out formalities, settle any incidendals prior to departing
Transfer to the port for embarkation via a city orientation tour
1:00pm Approximate arrival at the port for embarkation
PLEASE NOTE
• This is a malaria risk area. Make sure that the necessary medication has been taken. Guests should seek their physicians’ advice regarding malaria precautions and other recommended immunizations. You must begin taking malaria precautions prior to your departure date.
• The contents and order of the activities in this program are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice, due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife in the Chobe National Park.
• The roads in the game reserve are gravel. There are also inclines and certain parts of the game drive can be bumpy. This program is not recommended for guests with back problems.
• Bring warm clothing, as the evenings and early mornings are chilly.
• This program is not fully guided. Local representatives will assist you with your transfers and you will have a guide at Victoria Falls, however, the game drive and Chobe River cruise at the lodge and is run solely and at the discretion by the lodge/hotel staff.
• The water levels at Victoria Falls are season dependent. ‘Low Water’ runs between August and January and is at its lowest between November and early December. This is the time when there is very little spray and visitors are able to fully appreciate the geological formation of Victoria Falls and the full length and breadth of them.
Expected Weather:
South Africa’s seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Midwinter is in June and midsummer at hottest temperatures in December and January. The climate varies from region to region but is generally mild throughout the year.
April and May mark the beginning of the Dry season. The vegetation is still green, and it is mostly dry and sunny. It is hot in the middle of the day, with temperatures climbing up to 30°C/86°F. Nighttime temperatures can drop to approximately 14°C.
What to Bring:
Light cotton tops and cotton trousers and shorts in summer. Safari trousers and warm fleece tops for evenings and cooler days. Swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, camera, film, and batteries (including spare batteries), personal toiletries and lip creams and anti-malaria prophylaxis.
Currency:
The monetary unit of South Africa is the Rand. All major credit cards are accepted at most establishments, although Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards.
Electricity:
South Africa’s electrical system is 220/230 volts A/C 50 cycles. Most hotels have hair dryers and plug adaptors in the bedrooms however we recommend bringing your own travel adaptor if you are bringing electric devices. Be aware that overnight charging may not be possible where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.
For Botswana there are two associated plug types, types D and G. Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G is the plug which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Botswana operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Luggage:
CHECKED LUGGAGE
For your economy class internal flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls to Cape Town:
*Passengers are permitted to check-in one piece of luggage at a maximum of 23 kg (50 lbs.) and maximum dimension of 158 cm (62 inches)
*Excess luggage fees will be paid directly to the airline at the check in counter by guests however should you wish, a maximum of 1 piece of luggage per person (23kg/50lbs) will be collected and shipped to Cape Town via “U-Bag”. This service is included in the cost of the program.
*Please ensure that any pieces that will travel separately are labelled with your name and stateroom on the ship. Note that the cruise line, nor our local ground operator are liable for any lost or missing items. We do not recommend leaving valuables behind. You should keep any valuables and medications with you in your carry-on hand bag.
Alternatively, you may wish to contact Luggage Forward to make your own luggage transfer arrangements (at own cost) from your home to the ship - www.luggageforward.com - Phone: 877-231-5131
HAND LUGGAGE
For all flights:
*Passengers are permitted to travel with one piece of hand luggage not exceeding 8 kg (18 lbs.) and a dimension of 56 cm (22 inches) length, 36 cm (14 inches) width and 23 cm (9 inches) height.
*All hand luggage must be of a size that fits under the seat in front of you or in one of the overhead lockers.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at OCI at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
• Citizens of the United States do not require visas for Botswana.
• Citizens of the United States and Canada require a visa for Zimbabwe. These can be obtained upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport.
• A Zimbabwe single-entry visa for U.S citizens is required and is $30 per person and payable in cash. Please ensure that you have the correct denominations of U.S. currency available, as change will not be given. A Canadian citizens single-entry visa is $75 dollars per entry. These visas will need to be purchased on each entry.
• Please note that the above information regarding visas is current and is subject to change should the Zimbabwe Government and Customs implement new rules and tariffs.
• Two consecutive clear/blank pages are required in your passport per entry into South Africa and Zimbabwe.
• Passports are also required to be valid for more than 6 months at the time of travel.
Please consult your local South African embassy for all the visa requirements pertaining to South Africa and in particular this land program. Guests failing to have the proper documentation will be denied travel on this program and will be responsible for any additional incurred costs.
Accommodation:
Intercontinental O.R. Tambo Hotel
Opposite International Arrivals – O.R. Tambo Airport Johannesburg
Phone: +27 11 961 5400
Chobe Game Lodge
Chobe National Park, Serondela, Botswana
Phone: +267 625 0340
The Palm River Hotel
Strand 1403 Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Phone: +263 71 756 4299
Victoria and Alfred Hotel
Pierhead, V&A Complex Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront 8001
Phone: +27 21 419 6677
*If similar hotels are required due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified ahead of time of any changes. Should no notification be given in advance of any changes, then the hotels listed above will be the ones used for this program.
PROGRAM INCLUDES:
• 1 night at the Intercontinental O.R. Tambo hotel or similar hotel (Deluxe room)
• 2 nights at Chobe Game Lodge (suite) including all meals and activities while on site and 2 local drinks per person at meals
• 1 night at the Palm River Hotel including breakfast
• 1 night at the Victoria and Alfred Hotel including breakfast
• Zambezi Cruise including lunch and two local drinks per person on Day 4
• Meet and Greet service at all airports
• Transfers in luxury air-conditioned vehicles with English-speaking driver
• Guided tour at Victoria Falls
• Luggage shipment from Johannesburg to Cape Town of up to 1 bag per person (max 23kg/50lbs)
• Porterage, allowing for a maximum of 2 pieces per person
• Mineral water, 1 per person on transfers
• Scheduled domestic flights in economy class per the itinerary – direct flights not guaranteed
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your Meet and Greet can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, transfers or meet and greet are not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, Meet and Greet will not be provided.
PROGRAM EXCLUDES:
• Any other meals not listed in the program
• All other beverages, including premium-brand drinks
• Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
• Gratuities to drivers, guides, rangers, trackers, lodge staff
• Visa fees
• Any other services not mentioned above
• Excess or overweight luggage fees
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
