Behold thundering Victoria Falls and observe Africa’s extraordinary wildlife on game drives in the neighboring reserve. The falls is a magnificent natural wonder, as it is considered to be the world’s largest cascade and is so loud that it can be heard from 25 miles away. A morning game drive in the African bush will present the opportunity to view the country’s most iconic wildlife, such as lions, elephants, and rhinos.
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 - May 18, 2022
Upon disembarkation in Durban, you are met and transferred to King Shaka International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.
Upon arrival at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport you will be met by a local representative.
Embark on a Soweto tour, a city within a city, en-route to your hotel.
The tour starts off with lunch at a local restaurant at Soweto followed by a visit to the home of former president Nelson Mandela, now a museum; famous Vilakazi Street – the only street in the world home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners; and a glimpse of the various housing standards from squatter camps to up-market millionaire houses as well as the notorious single gender hostels.
Later in the day, arrive at your hotel and check in where you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure.
In the early evening gather in main restaurant with fellow travellers for dinner at the hotel.
NOTE: For entry into South Africa (Johannesburg), please ensure your passport has at least 6 blank pages for any stamps that may be issued throughout the program. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the entry date.
DAY 2 - May 19, 2025
After a leisurely breakfast this morning, complete check-out formalities and transfer to the OR Tambo International Airport to check-in for a scheduled flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
On arrival at Victoria Falls, following customs and immigration, a representative will meet and assist you to your awaiting vehicle. Embark on a short road transfer to your overnight hotel – Victoria Falls Hotel or similar.
Victoria Falls Hotel is a grand 111-year old 5-Star hotel that boasts epic views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the magnificent Victoria Falls themselves. It was originally built in 1904 as accommodation for the workers building the Victoria Falls Bridge. Its rich teak furnishings and century old picture frames will take you back in time to the early 19th Century.
Standing on the terrace of the hotel you can look straight down the Batoka Gorge with its bridge and the spray of the falls in the background. The Victoria Falls Hotel also has a private pathway that leads to the Victoria Falls which is an easy 10-minute walk away.
Enjoy lunch at the hotel (dependent on flight times) followed by time to freshen up before embarking on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River - an idyllic way for you to soak up the last of the sun’s rays.
Return to your hotel thereafter and enjoy dinner before a good night’s rest.
DAY 3 - May 20, 2025
The next day, enjoy all meals at the hotel as well as numerous activities on offer.
Enjoy a morning 4x4 game drive in Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, taking you through grasslands and teak forests, and along the banks of the Masuwe River and Lake Nakavango to give you as many different wildlife sightings as possible.
Then return to the hotel and enjoy breakfast with time at leisure.
Additional activities on offer (for a surcharge and payable locally) include Zambezi Fishing, Zambezi Canoe Safari, walking tour in Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, bungee jumping, bridge slide, white river rafting, horse trails, village tour, zip lining, a helicopter flight over the falls and more. These activities are subject to availability and can only be booked directly with the hotel.
Enjoy lunch at the hotel before you depart on your afternoon guided Tour of the Falls (Zimbabwean side), providing magnificent views and photo opportunities of the mighty Falls.
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).
Return to the hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner.
DAY 4 - May 21, 2025
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out formalities.
A representative will transfer you to Victoria Falls Airport for a flight to Cape Town.
On arrival at the Cape Town International Airport, you will be met after customs, immigration, and baggage claim and transferred to the Cape Town harbor where the ship awaits your arrival.
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 once flights are confirmed. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:15am Depart Durban Harbour and transfer to King Shaka International Airport
9:15am Approximate arrival time at the airport and check-in for flight to Johannesburg
11:15am Flight from Durban to Johannesburg (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:20pm Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport
12:45pm Meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel via a tour of Soweto including lunch
5:30pm Arrive at hotel followed by check in formalities
7:00pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at 54 on Bath Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
6:30am Enjoy breakfast at your hotel followed by check-out formalities
8:30am Transfer by coach to the OR Tambo International Airport
9:30am Check-in for your flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
11:25am Fly Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
1:05pm Arrival at Victoria Falls Airport (Customs and Immigration)
1:45pm A local representative will meet and assist you to your awaiting vehicle
2:00pm Transfer to your hotel
2:30pm Approximate arrival time at Victoria Falls Hotel
Check-in on arrival and strictly time permitting, enjoy lunch
3:30pm Embark on a Sunset Cruise on Zambezi River
7:00pm Dinner is served at the hotel
Overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
5:45am Morning game drive on the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve
8:30am Breakfast at the hotel
Time at leisure
12:30pm Lunch at hotel
14:00pm Transfer to the Falls
14:15pm 2-Hour guided tour of the Falls
16:30am Return transfer to your hotel followed by time at own leisure
7:00pm Dinner is served at the hotel
Overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
8:00am Breakfast at the hotel and check-out formalities
10:15am Depart the lodge on a transfer to Victoria Falls Airport
11:45am Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport and check-in
1:15pm Fly from Victoria Falls to Cape Town (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
4:20pm Arrive at Cape Town Airport and collect luggage
4:45pm Meet your local guide and transfer to the harbour
5:45pm Approximate arrival at Cape Town harbour and re-embark the ship
Expected Weather:
The climate in Victoria Falls is sub-tropical with mild, dry winters from mid-May to mid-August. Evenings however can be cold with temperatures dropping to 11°C /51°F. The average daily temperature in May is 27°C/82°F.
What to Bring:
Sunhat, sunblock, camera, clothing that can be layered, good walking shoes, warm clothing for the cool evenings and mornings
Local Currency:
ZAR
USD are not accepted at the lodge however most major credit cards are accepted
Electricity:
South Africa’s electrical system is 220/230 volts A/C 50 cycles. Most hotels and lodges have hair dryers and plug adaptors in the bedrooms. If you bring electric appliances, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs.
Outlets in South Africa require a three-pronged adapter plug with 3 round prongs.
Be aware, however, that overnight recharging may not be possible where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.
Luggage information:
Guests are permitted to check-in free of charge one suitcase weighing not more than 20kg/44lbs on the flights for this program. One small carry on is also permitted per person. It must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
•A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required
•A Zimbabwe Visa is also required for this program
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for South Africa and Zimbabwe
•There is currently no option of getting a Zimbabwean tourist visa in advance. On arrival you can expect to pay USD $30 for a 30-day/single-entry visa, USD $45 for a 45-day/double entry visa or USD $160 for a 12 month/ multiple-entry visa.
•Six blank consecutive pages in your passport will be necessary (2 for Zimbabwe and 4 for South Africa). South African officials take this requirement very seriously and will turn you around if you do not have sufficient pages.
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.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
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:
54 On Bath
Address: 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Phone: +27 (0)11 344 8500
Victoria Falls Hotel
Address: 1 Mallet Dr, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Phone: +263 8677 000376
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Please Note:
•This area is known for having malaria therefore precautions should be taken in advance
•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 and 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 or warm jacket.
•During the day, it can get hot. The game drive vehicles may or may not be covered and guests may therefore be exposed to the elements. Guests are 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.
•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 or hotel staff.
Program Includes:
•1 night at 54 On Bath Hotel including breakfast (standard double room)
•2 nights at Victoria Falls Hotel (Stable Wing Rooms) including breakfast and dinners
•Lunch at Victoria Falls Hotel on day’s 2 (time permitting) and day 3
•2 local beverages during lunch and dinner i.e. local beer, house wine, soft drinks, water, tea of coffee
•Activities as outlined – 1 game drive, guided tour of the Falls and sunset river cruise
•Transport in a luxury air-conditioned coach with A/C
•Qualified English-speaking driver to accompany on transfers to and from the lodges and airport
•Porterage for maximum 1 piece of luggage per person
•1 x 500 ml bottle of mineral water per person on transfers
•Economy class flights between Durban, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls and Cape Town – direct flights not guaranteed
Program Excludes:
•Any other meals and drinks not listed above including Champagne and premium brand spirits and liquor
•Gratuities for drivers, guides, game rangers, trackers and lodge staff
•Personal expenses such as telephone calls, curio shop purchases and laundry
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Visas - please note that a Zimbabwe visa is required
•Additional activities which can be purchased through the Victoria Falls Hotel
•Excess or overweight luggage on flights
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 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.
