This nonstop wildlife adventure combines the unrivalled experiences of touring thundering Victoria Falls, a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana and an adventure into Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest game reserve, for multiple game drives to view African’s most iconic wildlife including the Big Five.
Special Note: 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: April 5, 2023
Upon disembarkation in Cape Town you are met and transferred to the Cape Town International Airport to check-in and board your scheduled flight to Victoria Falls.
On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, embark on a road transfer to your overnight hotel – Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
Situated on a plateau just 4km from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the award-winning, sunset-facing Victoria Falls Safari Lodge boasts endless views of pristine wilderness stretching to the horizon, including a waterhole frequented by elephant, buffalo, kudu and more.
Upon arrival enjoy lunch followed by check-in formalities. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Take in the beautiful hotel and everything it has to offer or partake in one of the many activities on offer including but not limited to helicopter flights and rainforest tours. A full list of options will be available when you check in. Optional activities are at an additional cost.
Dinner is included at the hotel.
DAY 2: April 6, 2023
Following breakfast, join a tour to the ever-amazing Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. A place where incredible natural beauty, wilderness, adventure and culture unite around one stunning spectacle.
At 1.7 km wide, this is the largest curtain of falling water in the world and is often referred to as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or the Smoke that Thunders.
A path along the edge of the rainforest provides visitors with an unparalleled series of views of the falls but be prepared to get wet from the tremendous spray!
After your tour of the Falls, pay a visit to one of the local markets for some time at leisure to peruse the stalls. Following your free time, you will return to your hotel for lunch.
The afternoon is at your leisure. Any optional excursions are subject to additional fees and have no affiliation with Oceania Cruises. Bookings need to be made directly at the hotel. The hotel concierge will have a list of available programs to purchase while you are there.
Dinner is included at the hotel.
NOTE: the cobblestone walkways within the rainforest can be slippery if wet and some spots are at a gradient. Proper walking shoes that have a good grip should be worn, and guests should wear appropriate clothing to get wet. Due to the amount of walking and terrain, this program is not suited for guests who have walking difficulty or who utilize a wheelchair or scooter. Walking distance will be 2-4km (1.24 – 2.48 miles).
DAY 3: April 7, 2023
Following an early breakfast, embark on a full day tour to the Chobe Game Reserve.
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.
Chobe National Park is well known for its large herds of elephant that frequent the Chobe River. In the dry season, an estimate of up to 85,000 elephants are dispersed within the Chobe National Park, where the majority of them can be found along the river. Apart from the herds of elephants, Chobe also has lots more to offer. The Park has lion, leopard, buffalo and a whole host of antelope such as sable, puku, kudu, eland, roan and many others which you can get to see. The river teems with rafts of hippos and some of the biggest crocodiles in Africa.
Transfer to the Kazungula border where a Botswana guide will meet you. Enjoy a morning cruise for game viewing along the Chobe River. After lunch along the riverbank, board safari vehicles for an afternoon game drive into the Chobe National Park. Following this exceptional experience, return to the Kazungula border, you’re your Zimbabwean guide and return to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
In the evening, head off-site to a traditional Boma Restaurant for dinner.
DAY 4: April 8, 2023
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, collect your belongings and proceed with check-out formalities. an English-speaking representative will transfer you to the Livingstone Airport for a flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
You will cross the Zimbabwe/Zambia border and a visa will be required. See further below for Visa details.
Upon arrival at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, you will be met by another English-speaking representative who will transfer you to Shishangeni Main Lodge in the Kruger National Park. This is the place to see it all - This safari mecca is home to the Big 5, over 500 bird species and an impressive array of other wildlife.
Check in and have some time to get acquainted with your surroundings before sitting down to dinner at the lodge.
Wooden walkways meander between the main lodge and the 22 individual chalets which each boast a fireplace, outdoor shower, deck and sitting area.
DAYS 5 AND 6: April 9-10, 2023
Spend the day in the bushveld, enjoying early morning and sunset game drives, leisurely meals, free time enjoying the sounds of nature, time in your suite or time around the pool.
Hot and cold beverages will be waiting for you after your early morning wake-up call and then head out for a morning game drive showcasing the wildlife and nature of the southern region of Kruger National Park.
The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve. Nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometers (20 000 square kilometers) from north to south along the Mozambique border, is given over to an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly, it ranks with the best in Africa and is the flagship of the country’s national parks - rated as the ultimate safari experience.
This is the land of baobabs, fever trees, knob thorns, marula and mopane trees underneath which lurk the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino), the Little Five (buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion and rhino beetle), the birding Big Six (ground hornbill, kori bustard, lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, pel’s fishing owl and saddle-bill stork) and more species of mammals than in any other African Game Reserve. Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
Return to the lodge and enjoy breakfast and some free time in your room or perhaps take a dip in the main swimming pool or cool off in between safari activities in the splash pool at your camp. The Sanctuary Spa is also available for a variety of treatments (additional cost).
A leisurely lunch can be enjoyed at the lodge. Enjoy some more free time in the afternoon before commencing on your late afternoon game drive. Dinner will be served on your return to the lodge.
DAY 7: April 11, 2023
This morning, you will be woken before sunrise and then meet in the reception area for hot beverages, before departing on a final early-morning game drive. You will then return to the lodge for breakfast.
Next, you will be transferred by road to the port in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. A lunch box will be provided for the 3.5-hour drive.
At the South Africa/Mozambique border post, you will have to disembark your transportation and proceed to immigration for customs control. See further below for Visa requirements.
Land Program 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. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team approximately 30 days before the program departure date when flight details are confirmed. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
7:00am Depart Cape Town harbor and transfer to Cape Town International Airport
7:45am Check-in for your flight to Victoria Falls
9:45am Flight from Cape Town to Victoria Falls (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:40pm Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport, clear customs and immigration
1:30pm Meet your local representative and transfer to your overnight hotel
2:00pm Check-in and enjoy lunch with the afternoon at your leisure
7:00pm Dinner is served at the hotel
Overnight at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar hotel
DAY 2
8:00am After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the rain forest
8:30am Embark on a guided tour of the Falls on the Zimbabwean side
10:30am After your tour, transfer to a local craft market
11:30am Return to your hotel
12:30pm Enjoy a light lunch at the hotel
2:00pm Afternoon at leisure
4:00pm Transfer from the hotel to the Zambezi River and jetty
4:30pm Depart on 2-hour sunset boat cruise
6:30pm After your cruise, return to hotel and freshen up prior to dinner
7:00pm Dinner at your hotel
Overnight at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar hotel
DAY 3
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Transfer to Chobe, Botswana, for your full day Chobe excursion
3:00pm Return to Victoria Falls
4:00pm Afternoon at leisure
6:30pm Freshen up before dinner
7:30pm Enjoy a traditional Boma dinner
Overnight Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar hotel
DAY 4
8:00am Leisurely morning and breakfast
10:00am Collect your belongings and proceed with check out formalities
Snack pack provided by the lodge
11:00am Transfer to Livingstone Airport
12:00pm Approximate arrival at Livingstone Airport
12:05pm Check-in for your flight to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport
2:05pm Flight from Livingstone to Kruger (flight details TBA and subject to change)
3:45pm Arrival at Kruger Mpumalanga Airport
4:00pm Meet and greet and transfer to the lodge
6:30pm Check in formalities and time to freshen up
7:30pm Dinner at the lodge
Overnight at Shishangeni Main Lodge or similar lodge
DAY 5
5:00am Early morning wake-up call
5:30am Enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits before departing on your morning game drive
6:00am Morning game drive
9:00am Return to the lodge for breakfast
12:00pm Lunch will be served at the lodge
4:00pm Afternoon game drive
7:00pm Arrive back at the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner
8:00pm Dinner will be served at the lodge
Overnight Shishangeni Main Lodge or similar lodge
DAY 6
5:00am Early morning wake-up call
5:30am Enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits before departing on your morning game drive
6:00am Morning game drive
9:00am Return to the lodge for breakfast
12:00pm Lunch will be served at the lodge
4:00pm Afternoon game drive
7:00pm Arrive back at the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner
8:00pm Dinner will be served at the lodge
Overnight Shishangeni Main Lodge or similar lodge
DAY 7
5:00am Early morning wake-up for final game drive followed by breakfast
9:30am Check-out formalities
10:00am Cross border road transfer to Maputo Harbor
1:30pm Approximate arrival at Maputo Harbor to re-embark the ship
Expected Weather:
In Zimbabwe and Kruger, the summer months (October – April) are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures can rise to 30ºC (86 ºF) and night temperatures drop to around 14ºC (57.2 ºF).
What to Bring:
Sunhat, sunblock, camera, bathing suit, clothing that can be layered, warm jacket as the mornings and evenings can become cool, comfortable walking shoes, rain gear in case of rain.
Local Currency:
South Africa – ZAR
Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe Dollar
All major credit cards are accepted at most establishments, although Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards.
Electricity:
If you bring electronics, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs. Outlets in South Africa and Zimbabwe require a three-pronged adapter plug with 3 round prongs. Be aware that overnight recharging may not be possible on safari where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.
Luggage information:
Guests are permitted to check-in free of charge one suitcase not weighing more than 20kg/44 lbs per bag. One small carry on is also permitted per person which must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Excess or overweight luggage will be charged accordingly at check in for your flight.
Documents and Visa Requirements
Passports are required to be with guests
Most foreign travelers require a visa for Zimbabwe and for this program a double entry visa will be required. These can be obtained upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport. The average cost is $80 USD.
Guests should consult with the Zimbabwe Embassy for visa requirements and costs for their nationality. Visas are payable in cash and exact currency should be used.
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 clear pages are required in your passport per entry into Zimbabwe.
A Mozambique Visa is also required for this program and a further 2-3 blank pages will be needed for stamps
Currently (subject to change) Mozambique visas can be obtained in person at the border crossing. The cost (subject to change) is $50 USD per person.
Guests are required to check with their local Mozambique Embassy for the most up to date Visa information for their nationality. Note that the Mozambique Visa required for this land program is different than the one needed for the cruise as guests will be entering the country via road instead of ship. Visa costs are not included in the cost of this program.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
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 the Reservations Team 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 the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Hotel addresses:
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Stand 471cSquire Cummings Avenue, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Shishangeni Main Lodge
Mpanamana Concession Crocodile Gate, Kruger National Park, 1153
Please Note:
•This area is known for Malaria therefore the necessary precautions should be taken in advance. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria.
•The contents and order of 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 on the reserve.
•Whilst this is a safari area, the animals are wild so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
•During early morning game drives in open vehicles it can be a little cool. We recommend that guests take along a windbreaker.
•During the day, it can get hot. The game drive vehicles may not be covered therefore guests may be exposed to the elements. Guests are therefore advised not to forget their sunhats, sun block, sunglasses, as well as their cameras and binoculars.
•The roads in the game reserve are gravel. There are also inclines and certain parts of the game-drive can be bumpy. Not recommended for guests with back and neck problems or pregnant ladies.
•This program is suitable for guests with walking disabilities, providing that a travel companion or spouse accompanies them. Please also note that confirmation would be strictly subject to availability of handicapped rooms at the time of booking.
•No children under 6 years of age are allowed on safari.
•As with most of Africa, seasons at Victoria Falls are defined by the high and low water levels, and wet and dry seasons. Historically, the rainy season in this greater region is from November to March/early April, and the dry season from April/May until November. However, these periods of wet and dry do not fall exactly in line with ‘high and low’ river levels.
•This program is not fully guided. Local representatives will assist you with your transfers however, the program at the lodge and hotel is run solely and at the discretion by the lodge/hotel staff.
Program Includes for guests:
•3 Nights at The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – Waterhole facing rooms - including meals with 2 drinks per person
•3 Nights at Shishangeni Main Lodge – Standard room - including accommodation, game drives, meals, 2 local house drinks per meal and 1 local beverage during the sunset game drives
•Snack pack on Day 4
•Guided tour of the Falls, craft market and Zambezi Cruise
•Full Day Chobe guided tour
•Road transfers in luxury touring vehicles with AC & PA-system
•Registered English-speaking tour guide to accompany guests for transfers only
•1 x 500 ml bottle of mineral water per person on transfers
•Porterage for maximum 1 piece of luggage per person
•Economy class flights per the itinerary
•Kruger Park Conservation fees
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any other meals or beverages not mentioned above including Champagne and premium brand spirits & liquor
•Gratuities for drivers, guides, game rangers, trackers and lodge staff
•Personal expenses such as telephone calls; curio shop purchases & laundry
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Visa fees
•Excess or overweight luggage
•Optional activities at the hotel/lodge that may include a fee
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. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.