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CroisiEurope Cruises

Nine Day Southern Africa Land-and-Cruise Safari for Two

www.croisieuroperivercruises.com

SOUTH AFRICA - BOTSWANA - NAMIBIA - ZIMBABWE

At the edge of a fast-paced world, southern Africa’s beautiful, tranquil landscapes await. From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, you’ll not only discover spectacular panoramas and tumultuous histories, but also incredible wildlife and carefully crafted menus that reflect the flavors and savors of Africa. This in-depth voyage will take you to the heart of one of the most beautiful natural reserves—Chobe National Park. On board your premium ship, the African Dream, you’ll discover the secrets of Lake Kariba—a veritable oasis at the other end of the earth—before taking in the grandeur of what David Livingstone called the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls. 

Day 1 – Johannesburg, South Africa

Departure by coach with your guide. You’ll lunch before visiting the Apartheid Museum which opened in 2001. Then, set off for a panoramic tour of the city. You’ll arrive at a four-star hotel where you’ll settle into your room before dinner.

Day 2 Johannesburg - Kasane - Arrival at Cascades Lodge (South Africa-Botswana-Namibia)

You’ll take a regular flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your CroisiEurope lodge on board small private boats. You’ll observe the numerous bird species living among the flooded flatlands and maybe catch a glimpse of hippos or crocodiles basking in the sun! You’ll be greeted upon arrival and settle into your comfortable lodge ideally located in an island created by one of the tributaries of the Zambezi River. You’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge in absolute tranquility at the heart of the wilderness.

Day 3 Chobe National Park (Namibia-Botswana)

You’ll journey out on a full-day safari in Jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park that is home to more than 1/4 of the total elephant population in Africa. Enjoy lunch in a “floating restaurant” in the middle of the river where the views of the surrounding nature are unparalleled. Afterwards, you’ll board small private boats and sail off on Chobe River to Sedudu Island and its marshes. Dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 4 Impalila Island (Namibia)

Visit authentic villages on Impalila Island, Namibia, to discover the traditional Namibian houses, culture and customs. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at your lodge, taking advantage of the private pools, or discover the Zambezi River on small private boats. That evening, a local will tell you about the traditions of this particular island.

Day 5 Cascades Lodge - Kasane - Lake Kariba - BOARDING THE SHIP (Namibia-Botswana-Zimbabwe)

You’ll depart from the lodge for one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch, you’ll set out for the Kasane airport. On board small private planes, you’ll be amazed at the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba and the changing landscapes of the wilderness during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. You’ll board the African Dream and settle into your cabin. You’ll start sailing across the Lake Kariba. Reaching over 140miles in length and spanning a distance of approximately 25miles at its widest point, the lake flooded flatlands, hills and forests, creating unique and emblematic landscapes. You’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 6 LAKE KARIBA - SAILING ON THE GACHE-GACHE RIVER (Zimbabwe)

At sunrise, you’ll set sail through the rare and mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba. You’ll set out on small private boats to discover the Gache Gache River and its unique wildlife. In the afternoon, you’ll sail towards Changa. Dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 7 LAKE KARIBA - MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK (Zimbabwe)

You’ll journey out this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park. Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume Rivers, this 540 square mile untouched area is home to numerous animal species such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos, big cats as well as thousands of birds. You’ll lunch on board and start sailing again. During this time, a round table will be an opportunity to learn more about the creation of the Lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem. Dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 8

KARIBA - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
At sunrise, you’ll sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out to the airport.  You’ll discover the gigantic Kariba Dam which was created in 1955 to form Lake Kariba. You’ll get to discover the history and legends surrounding the creation of the lake, including the tale of NyamiNyami, the river god. You’ll fly out to Victoria Falls on board private planes. Enjoy an exceptional lunch cruise on the Zambezi River, upstream from the falls. This afternoon, you’ll leave for a tour on foot of the falls where the views are among the most exceptional in the world. You’ll also see where the Zambezi River plunges over the cliff to become the widest waterfall in the world, creating the “smoke that thunders.” Tonight, enjoy buffet dinner at the BOMA restaurant with an introduction to the African drum. You’ll spend the night at a four-star hotel.

Day 9 Victoria Falls

Breakfast.
Optional early morning excursion: Soar over Victoria Falls in a helicopter (must be booked before departure).

Included :
The domestic flight Johannesburg/Kasane - airport taxes (€120 - 2018 rates) - accommodation in a double cabin in your choice of category - double-occupancy accomodations in a first-class CroisiEurope lodge and in 4 star hotels - all meals - drinks served by CroisiEurope at all meals and drinks served at the bar on the African Dream and at the CroisiEurope lodge - in Johannesburg and Victoria falls, drinks include: 1 water, 1 glass of local wine or 1 soda or 1 local beer, 1 tea or coffee per person and per meal - the excursions mentioned in the program - travel assistance and repatriation insurance - tips (excluding tips for crew members on board the African Dream and at the lodge).

Tips : To make your vacation worry-free, the equivalent of €60 per passenger will be given to service providers in your destination countries (excluding tips for crew members on board the ship and at the lodge) as tips. They feel this amount is appropriate in consideration of local customs and practice.Bottom of Form

Not included:
International flights and their taxes - flight between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg - transfers airport/hotel/airport - cancellation and baggage insurance - Zimbabwean visa (US$30 to this day, to be paid for on site in US$) - cancellation/baggage insurance - optional excursion - tips for crew members on board the African Dream and at the lodge (for informational purposes, daily tips per passenger amount to US$5) - the Botswana Tourism levy (US$30 to be paid for on site in US$, and likely to be applicable in the year) - personal expenses.

These cruises and tours are not recommended for persons with reduced mobility as we will walk along stony paths and slopes.

Please note: International flights are not included, services start from the hotel in Johannesburg and end at the hotel in Victoria Falls.

PRECAUTIONS:
The following information has been put together from the official French website http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr which was updated on December 28th, 2017. It is given for guidance only and may be modified at any time. This information cannot anticipate the sovereign application thereof made by the authorities of the countries to be visited nor by the airlines.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for your destinations except for guests arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever; these guests may be required to produce proof of vaccination at the airport or at the border post.

However, it is strongly recommended you ensure your vaccines for the following diseases are up-to-date: tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria and typhoid. They also recommend consulting with your general practitioner regarding an antimalarial treatment and a yellow fever vaccine.

Valid for one cabin (two guests) on any 2019 departure of CroisiEurope’s Southern Africa: Travel to the Ends of the Earth land-and-cruise safari itinerary. Reservations are subject to availability.