Victoria Falls and Safari Tour with a South African Coastline Cruise

Day 1 - Victoria Falls

Join your tour group at the lodge, designed in the style of a vast, open-plan tree house, rising high above the bushveld. Settle in and enjoy the outlook (every room has national park views from the balcony), follow one of the nature trails or perhaps relax by the pool. The natural waterhole here draws in all sorts of wildlife, from elephants to buffalo, impalas and waterbuck. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, too - this time of year is particularly good for twitchers, as the resident species are showing off their breeding plumage.

Day 2 - Victoria Falls

Today, we head for the world’s largest waterfall: Victoria Falls. You’ll hear it before you see it - the sound of millions of gallons of water pouring down into the Zambezi River every minute is quite something. We’ll view the Falls from their best angle, on the Zimbabwe side, and admire the rainforest, constantly drenched by the spray. Later this afternoon, we’ll take to the Zambezi for a sunset cruise. Snacks and drinks will be served, and we’ll be on the lookout for elephants, hippos and crocodiles splashing and frolicking in the day’s last light. It’s another ideal birdwatching opportunity, so don’t forget your binoculars.

Day 3 - Victoria Falls - Safari Plains

After a leisurely morning, we’ll head to the airport for our flight to Johannesburg. A short transfer brings us to our home for the next three nights, in the heart of the South African bush. We’ll stay in luxurious tented suites, each with thoughtful extra touches (a swing seat on the wraparound wooden deck, a sunken bathtub for post-game drive soaking). The lodge is set in acres of wide open savannah, with the Waterberg Mountains acting as a spectacular backdrop.

Days 4-5 - Safari Plains

Two full days here gives us plenty of time to enjoy our wild surroundings. Each morning and afternoon, you’ll head out on a 4WD game drive in the 120-acre Greater Mabula Game Reserve. As well as the Big Five, keep your eyes peeled for cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippos and much more. When you’re not out on safari, you can lounge by the pool, treat yourself to a massage at the spa, or sit back with a drink in the lounge or bar. On one evening, we’ll enjoy a candlelit dinner out in the bush - a truly magical evening. After dark, be sure to turn your eyes skywards. With very little light pollution, the stargazing here is wonderful.

Day 6 - Cape Town

An early flight takes us south to Cape Town, where we’ll embark our ship. Set sail late afternoon, ready to begin the next stage of your holiday.

Day 7 - At sea

A day at sea gives you a chance to relax and explore the ship. Perhaps use your complimentary onboard credit to indulge in a treatment at the Sanctum Spa.

Day 8 - Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

There’s plenty to keep you busy in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Uncover the city’s history on a walking tour - the 5km Donkin Heritage Trail takes you past all sorts of heritage landmarks, national monuments and houses with fascinating backstories. You could also enjoy a tour and tasting at a micro-brewery or hit the beach (sandy Hobie Beach is lovely). For more wildlife encounters, escape to Addo Elephant National Park, home to the world’s densest population of elephants, or take a boat over to St Croix Island, where you’ll find a colony of African penguins.

Day 9 - At sea

Another day to relax on board. Lounge beside the pool or head along to a class at the fitness centre. In the evening, you might like to use one of your complimentary speciality meal passes to tuck into delicious Italian cuisine at Aqualina or a classic steak at Prime C.

Day 11 - Richards Bay, South Africa (overnight)

Nestled against a lagoon where the Mhlatuze River meets the Indian Ocean, Richards Bay acts as the gateway to Zululand, a region of mountains and savannah ecosystems. We have two days in this captivating port to explore the area. Perhaps take a trip to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, home to the largest white rhino population in the world. Or take a stroll along the Lake Mzingazi waterfront and do some souvenir shopping for local crafts at Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre. We sail in the afternoon of day 12.

Day 12 - At sea

As we head south towards Durban, spend the day at sea relaxing or using the extensive facilities on board.

Day 13 - Durban

Discover the delights of Durban, a city boasting a fusion of Zulu, Indian and European culture. Stroll through Victoria Street Market or check out local artworks at the Durban Art Gallery or African Art Centre. Or you might like to head out for another wildlife adventure - at Tala Game Reserve, you can see giraffes and rhinos grazing in the grasslands and countless bird species flitting across wetlands.

Days 14-15 - At sea

Two days at sea gives you a chance to relax and reflect on your journey so far. Get a behind-the-scenes look at life on board with an Insider’s View Tour or maybe attend a destination lecture to learn more about your next port of call.

Day 16 - Mossel Bay

Found on South Africa’s Garden Route and close to the tip of the African continent, Mossel Bay has one of the world’s most pleasant climates. Its beachy atmosphere makes it a great place to spend the day just relaxing. Ship to shore tender service.

Day 17 - Cape Town (overnight)

We end our South African cruise in the ‘Mother City’: Cape Town. The ship docks within easy walking distance of the V&A Waterfront, so you’ve got a host of fantastic shops, cafés and restaurants right on your doorstep. There’s lots to do here. Take the cable car up Table Mountain or the ferry over to historic Robben Island. Tour environmentally sensitive vineyards in the winelands or explore the wildlife-rich Cape of Good Hope with a WWF expert. Enjoy coffee and cake at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or sit down for High Tea at the famous Mount Nelson Hotel.

Day 18 - Cape Town

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.