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Luxury Small Group Journey by River & Rail...
South Africa Journeys
Abercrombie & Kent
Southern Africa Safari by River & Rail by A&K
13 Days from $14,995 - Limited to 18 Guests
"From cosmopolitan Cape Town to thundering Victoria Falls to the extraordinary, game-rich Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta, experience the best of Southern Africa on one unique and spectacular itinerary..." - A & K
A&K Advantages
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Embark on a three-night stay along the banks of the Chobe River aboard the graceful ‘Zambezi Queen’
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Traverse majestic mountain ranges and grassy savannas on a two-day train journey by elegant, timeless Rovos Rail
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Enjoy a privately guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
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End your journey as few others do, at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp — one of the region’s finest — located in Okavango Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve, “predator capital” of Africa
Itinerary
DAY 1
ARRIVE CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Arrive in Cape Town, the metropolitan light of South Africa, where you transfer to one of the country’s most famous hotels, set in the heart of the city.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
DAY 2
CAPE TOWN | LOOK TO THE BEACON OF HOPE
Explore this magnificent harbor city, starting with a scenic drive to flat-topped Table Mountain, where you reach the summit via cable car (weather permitting). Take in the panorama of southern seas and sun-drenched city as well as the impressive cliffs of the Twelve Apostles brooding high above the ragged shore. History follows with a drive through old Cape Town, past Groote Kerk (South Africa’s oldest church), City Hall and the Grand Parade. Continue with a drive past the Company Gardens with views of the Houses of Parliament and National Art Gallery. When available, stop for an artisan visit at Streetwires, where locals come together to craft handmade bead art. Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden to explore five of Africa’s six biomes (distinctive ecological regions) with a private local guide. Tonight, enjoy a celebratory welcome dinner.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
CAPE TOWN | THRILLING COAST BEYOND THE CITY
Journey along the Atlantic coast, past the “bikini beaches,” through the charming harbor of Hout Bay and over historic Chapman’s Peak Drive. Reach the tip of the continent at the Cape of Good Hope, a richly diverse, 22,000-acre nature reserve that juts into the sea. Ride the “Flying Dutchman” funicular to the great pinnacle at Cape Point, offering views of Southern right whales from July through November. Spot Cape mountain zebras and possibly the rare bontebok en route to Boulders Beach, where you view endangered African penguins. Pass through Simon’s Town with its English seaside feel; False Bay with its brightly painted boats; and Constantia, South Africa’s legendary wine country. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAYS 4 - 5
RIDING THE ROVOS RAIL | WINELANDS TO GRASSLANDS
Recapture the romance of a bygone era as you board the wood-paneled 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, marveling at the changing landscapes.
Rovos Rail
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
JOHANNESBURG | HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA
After breakfast and some time to relax, taking in views of the gold fields of Witwatersrand, arrive at Pretoria Station. Transfer to your hotel in the suburbs of Johannesburg, where you enjoy lunch before an afternoon at leisure. Rest and relax or enjoy the amenities of your accommodations.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7
VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE | THE MIGHTY ZAMBEZI
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: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
ALONG THE CHOBE RIVER | DESIGN YOUR DAY
This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
Cruise the Zambezi River, watching the mist of the falls in the distance and spotting hippos, crocodiles and birds.
Visit a Rural Village for an interactive experience that offers insight into the traditions of the Zimbabwean people.
Privately Tour the Ndau Collection Studio to meet the artisans who design their opulent jewelry.
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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 9 - 10
ALONG THE CHOBE RIVER | CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11
OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA | PREDATOR CAPITAL
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. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Sanctuary Chief's Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12
OKAVANGO DELTA | GAME DRIVES AND THE BIG FIVE
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 mokoro ride on the delta and a Chef ’s Table experience offering you a taste of traditional local cuisine. This afternoon, learn more about the Rhino Conservation Program, a bold initiative supported by A&K Philanthropy and Sanctuary Retreats in partnership with the Botswana Defense Force and other local organizations, which has to-date relocated 20 rare and endangered rhinos from South Africa to Moremi Reserve to protect them from poachers. Then, set out on your afternoon safari. Tonight, celebrate with a special farewell dinner.
Sanctuary Chief's Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13
DEPART JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Included With Every Luxury Small Group Journey
English-Speaking Resident Tour Director® and Local Guides
Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations
Travelling Bell Boy® Luggage Handling
Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
Breakfast in Bed on Select Days
Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
New! Your Choice of Activity on Design Your Day®
Traveller’s Valet® Laundry Service
Internet Access (Where Available)
Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
24/7 A&K On-Call Support
Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests
Deposit & Cancellation
Payment Schedule
Deposit Per Person at Time of Booking: $1,000 (full-payment if within 120 days of departure)
Final Payment Due: 120 days prior to departure
Cancellation Fees Per Person – Main Group Journeys and related Group Pre/Post Tour Extensions
121 days prior to departure or more: $500
120-91 days prior to departure: 20% of program price
90-61 days prior to departure: 50% of program price
60 days prior to departure or less: 100% of the program price
Cancellations must be received in writing. Additional terms and fees apply to Internal Air, Extra Services and Partial Room cancellations.
Safeguard Your Journey
Ask about Travel Protection!
Pre-Tour Extension: Winelands
3 Days from $2,795
DAY 1
Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa. Check in and enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel.
La Residence
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
Wander the quaint town of Franschhoek, with its Cape Dutch architecture, visiting one of several top wine estates in the area as well as the Huguenot Monument and Memorial. After lunch, continue to another renowned wine estate for a tasting before returning to your hotel.
La Residence
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3
Explore Stellenbosch with an expert guide. Savor wine and chocolate at Waterford Estate, and then enjoy tastings at other noted wine estates before returning to Cape Town, where you begin your main program.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Dubai: Stopover Package
3 Days from $1,795
Park Hyatt Dubai
Taj Dubai
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
3 DAYS
Add a Remarkable Stopover to Your Journey
Fly to Dubai and check in to your luxury hotel. Discover the best of this dazzling city, viewing its remarkable architecture, visiting the Spice Market and colorful shops at the Deira Gold Souk, and ascending the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper. On the last day, continue on to your journey or board your flight home.
Park Hyatt Dubai
Taj Dubai
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Day 2) Breakfast (Day 3)