Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: JOHANNESBURG (South Africa)

We’ll meet up at the hotel at 11:00 a.m.  Departure by coach with your guide. We’ll have lunch before visiting the Apartheid Museum which opened in 2001. It is famous the world over for being the first museum centering on South African history in the 20th century, and more particularly on Apartheid. Afterwards, we’ll set off for a panoramic tour of the city. In addition to being South Africa’s financial capital, Johannesburg is also the city of superlatives. It is indeed the richest town in Africa, with the tallest buildings and widest social discrepancies, but is also infused with one of the best atmospheres you’ll ever come across. We’ll arrive at our four-star hotel where you’ll be welcome to settle into your rooms before dinner. You’ll spend the night at the hotel.

Day 2: JOHANNESBURG - KASANE - ARRIVAL AT CASCADES LODGE (SOUTH AFRICA-BOTSWANA-NAMIBIA)

We’ll take a regular flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your lodge on board small private boats. Take advantage of your trip to observe the numerous bird species living among the flooded flatlands. You may even catch a glimpse of a few hippos or crocodiles basking in the sun! You’ll be greeted by our crew upon arrival and settle into your comfortable lodge ideally located in an island created by one of the tributaries of the Zambezi River. We’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)

We’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, we’ll board small private boats and sail off on Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 4: IMPALILA ISLAND (NAMIBIA)

Join us for a trip to authentic villages on Impalila Island, Namibia, to discover the traditional Namibian houses, culture and customs. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at the lodge, taking advantage of the private pools and comfortable fittings, or join us for a discovery of the Zambezi River on small private boats. We’ll have dinner at the lodge. Tonight, let a local tell you all about the traditions of this particular island. We’ll spend the night at the lodge.

Day 5: CASCADES LODGE - KASANE- VICTORIA FALLS - LAKE KARIBA - BOARDING THE SHIP (NAMIBIA - BOTSWANA-ZIMBABWE)

We’ll depart from the lodge 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 be transferred to board the African Dream. Enjoy lunch on board after comfortably settling into your cabins. We’ll start sailing across the lake. Reaching over 140mi/200km in length and spanning a distance of approximately 25mi/40km at its widest point, the lake flooded flatlands, hills and forests alike, creating unique and emblematic landscapes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 6: LAKE KARIBA - SAILING ON THE GACHE-GACHE (ZIMBABWE)

At sunrise, we’ll set sail through the rare and mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba where drowned trees reach skywards from the depths of the reflecting water. We’ll set out on small private boats to discover the Gache Gache River and its unique wildlife. Gliding along its meanders, large bends and small, unspoiled inlets, you’ll be amazed by the magical atmosphere all around. We’ll return on board for lunch. This afternoon, we’ll sail towards Changa. When the sun starts to set, we'll set out on small private boats to admire the changing colors of the sky. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 7: LAKE KARIBA - MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK (ZIMBABWE)

We’ll journey out this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park. Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume Rivers, this 1,400km²/540 sq mi-large untouched area is home to numerous animal species such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos as well as thousands of birds, among which the legendary African Sea Eagle, the majestic Yellow-billed Stork, or the Black Heron with its interesting hunting method. We might be lucky enough to cross paths with a big cat or two! The history of the park is closely linked with that of the lake: during the construction of the dam, the rising floodwaters affected the native wildlife although the damage was mitigated by Operation Noah, an initiative which saved the lives of over 6,000 animals. This rescue operation allowed for large mammals, big cats, impalas and more to be moved to Matusadona where hunting is strictly prohibited. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and start sailing again. During this time, a round table will be the opportunity to learn more about the creation of the Lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 8: KARIBA - VICTORIA FALLS (ZIMBABWE)

At sunrise, we’ll set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out to the airport.  We’ll discover the gigantic Kariba Dam which was created in 1955 to form Lake Kariba. Today, the dam serves as a source of electric power for 70% of Zimbabwe. You’ll get to discover the history and legends surrounding the creation of the lake, including the tale of NyamiNyami, the river god. We’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, we’ll leave for a tour on foot of the falls where the views are among the most exceptional in the world. We’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*. We’ll spend the night at a four-star hotel LS.

*NOTE: From the departure of May 2nd 2019 onwards, you'll be able to choose between dinner at your hotel OR buffet dinner at the BOMA restaurant with an introduction to the African drum. Please inform your travel agency of your preferred option upon confirmation of your booking. If we do not receive this information, dinner at the BOMA restaurant will be automatically booked. We will honor your choice depending on availability. 

Day 9: VICTORIA FALLS

Breakfast.
Optional early morning excursion: Soar over Victoria Falls in a helicopter (must be booked before cruise departure. Last minute reservation cannot be acommodated.) End of our services at the hotel.

Advisements:

• A valid passport is required for travel. Passports must be valid at least 6 months after the last day of travel.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• The order and times of the visits can be changed depending on the weather.
• For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the cruise operator and the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
• The observation of wildlife can't be guaranteed.
• The helicopter ride depends on suitable weather conditions.

  Departure Dates & Pricing
  Start City		Rates are in $ USD and are PER PASSENGER sharing a twin cabin
  From Johannesburg
  Hotel Check-in Date	Cruise Embarkation Date	Main Deck Suite with panoramic windows	Main Deck Suite with balcony	Main Deck Suite with panoramic windows - Single Passenger Rate	Main Deck Suite with balcony - Single Passenger Rate
  Apr 3, 2019	Apr 7, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Apr 9, 2019	Apr 12, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Apr 12, 2019	Apr 16, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Apr 15, 2019	Apr 19, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Apr 18, 2019	Apr 22, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Apr 21, 2019	Apr 25, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Apr 24, 2019	Apr 28, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Apr 27, 2019	May 1, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  May 6, 2019	May 10, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  May 9, 2019	May 13, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  May 12, 2019	May 16, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  May 18, 2019	May 22, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  May 21, 2019	May 25, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  May 24, 2019	May 28, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  May 27, 2019	May 31, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  May 30, 2019	Jun 3, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jun 2, 2019	Jun 6, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jun 5, 2019	Jun 9, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jun 8, 2019	Jun 12, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jun 14, 2019	Jun 18, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jun 17, 2019	Jun 21, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jun 20, 2019	Jun 24, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jun 23, 2019	Jun 27, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jun 26, 2019	Jun 30, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jun 29, 2019	July 4 , 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  July 5, 2019	July 9, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jul 8, 2019	July 12, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jul 11, 2019	July 15, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jul 14, 2019	July 18, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jul 17, 2019	July 21, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jul 20, 2019	July 24, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jul 23, 2019	July 27, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jul 26, 2019	July 30, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Jul 29, 2019	Aug 2, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Aug 1 , 2019	Aug 5, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Aug 4, 2019	Aug 8, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Aug 7, 2019	Aug 11, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Aug 13, 2019	Aug 17, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Aug 16, 2019	Aug 20, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Aug 19, 2019	Aug 23, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Aug 22, 2019	Aug 26, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Aug 28, 2019	Sep 1, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Aug 31, 2019	Sep 4 , 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Sep 3, 2019	Sep 7, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Sep 6, 2019	Sep 10, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Sep 9, 2019	Sep 13, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Sep 12, 2019	Sep 16, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Sep 15, 2019	Sep 19, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Sep 18, 2019	Sep 22, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Sep 24, 2019	Sep 28, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Sep 27, 2019	Oct 1, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Sep 30, 2019	Oct 4, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Oct 6, 2019	Oct 10, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Oct 24, 2019	Oct 28, 2019	$8,109	$8,445	$12,034	$12,542
  Nov 26, 2019	Nov 30, 2019	$7,100	$7,436	$10,525	$11,026
  Nov 29, 2019	Dec 3, 2019	$7,100	$7,436	$10,525	$11,026
  Dec 8, 2019	Dec 12, 2019	$7,100	$7,436	$10,525	$11,026
  Dec 14, 2019	Dec 18, 2019	$7,100	$7,436	$10,525	$11,026
  Dec 17, 2019	Dec 21, 2019	$7,336	$7,672	$10,761	$11,262
  Dec 20, 2019	Dec 24, 2019	$7,336	$7,672	$10,761	$11,262
  Dec 26, 2019	Dec 30, 2019	$7,336	$7,672	$10,761	$11,262
  Feb 18, 2020	Feb 22, 2020	$7,372	$7,707	$9,917	$10,422
  Feb 21, 2020	Feb 25, 2020	$7,372	$7,707	$9,917	$10,422
  Feb 24, 2020	Feb 28, 2020	$7,372	$7,707	$9,917	$10,422
  IMPORTANT: Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
  VISAS are required for travel to Africa. Please consult with your Consulate for more information.

 

Prices Include:

the domestic flight Johannesburg/Kasane • airport taxes • accommodation in a double cabin in your choice of category • double-occupancy accomodations in a first-class lodge and in 4* hotels • all meals •drinks served at all meals and drinks served at the bar on the African Dream and at the 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 for local drivers and tour guides (EXCLUDING tips for crew members on board the African Dream and at the lodge)

 

Prices Do Not Include:

international flights • flight between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg • airport taxes for international and domestic flights (including the flight between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg) • transfers • cancellation and baggage insurance • Zimbabwean visa (US$30 to this day, to be paid for in case and on site in US$) • cancellation/baggage insurance - tips for crewmembers on board the African Dream and at the lodge (for ninformational purposes, daily tips per passenger amount to $5 USD • optional excursion • the Botswana Tourism levy (US$30 to be paid for in cash and on site in US$, and likely to be applicable in the year) • personal expenses.