In a nutshell

Get ready to fill up on Africa: five days and four nights await you, from the city to savanna safaris and the roar of waterfalls. You'll discover Soweto, the iconic township at the heart of Johannesburg and the elephants of Botswana, the nature around the Zambesi river with a sunset cruise and the sheer power of the Victoria Falls.

Main stops

Day 1 Flight from Durban to Johannesburg Sightseeing tour of Soweto House of Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg: interior visit Overnight stay in an exclusive hotel in Johannesburg

Day 2 Flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone Sightseeing bus tour from Kasane airport to Chobe Chilwero Lodge safari camp 4x4 safari at sunset Overnight stay at Chobe Chilwero in a luxury lodge

Day 3 4x4 safari at dawn and dusk Overnight stay at Chobe Chilwero in a luxury lodge

Day 4 Sightseeing bus tour to the Palm River hotel Sunset cruise along the Zambesi river Typical barbecue on the banks of the Zambesi river Overnight stay in an exclusive hotel in Victoria Falls

Day 5 Sightseeing walking tour of the Victoria Falls Transfer from the airport to Victoria Falls* Flight from Victoria Falls to Cape Town and return to ship

The programme

Day 1 – Soweto, the city within the city of Johannesburg You'll arrive in Johannesburg by plane, your jumping off point at the heart what was once know as the “Dark Continent”. A skyline of modern skyscrapers alternating with historical buildings in colonial and Victorian style will greet you. You'll discover the architecture in more detail as you wander through Soweto, the city within a city and symbol of many battles against apartheid: this is where the house-museum of Nelson Mandela can be found * the hero of the fight against racial segregation in South Africa. You'll visit it before heading to your exclusive hotel in the city.

Day 2 – In a luxury safari camp in Botswana Your expedition into Africa continues in Botswana, the land of diamonds. You'll find many precious things here, starting with the Chobe Chilwero, your safari camp in the heart of the wild nature. From your private veranda the views take in the Chobe river and the endless stretch of savanna: did you bring your binoculars? At sunset, you'll leave the comfort of your lodge and go on an adventure of your choice: float down the river on a boat or speed across the Chobe park in a 4x4. Your mission? To find the herd of elephants quietly drinking on the riverbank. After filling your camera with photos and your memory with fond souvenirs, you'll return to your lodge, for a night under the great African sky.

Day 3 * Safari at dawn and sunset A once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Africa's biggest animals calls for patience and dedication: you'll have both in your 4x4 at dawn and dusk, the times of day when the local wildlife is most active! In your free time enjoy all the comforts of the safari camp and recharge your batteries.

Day 4 * River cruise at sunset on the Zambesi river New day, new territory. After breakfast, say goodbye to Botswana and set off for Zimbabwe. You are 4 km from Victoria Falls and, from your exclusive hotel, your gaze stretches out along the Zambezi river. You'll reach it at sunset, to cross it by boat on a cruise that will leave you speechless: while the sun drops behind the trees and the hills, the banks will fill up with elephants, hippos and crocodiles. Before returning to the hotel, immerse yourself in the flavors of the region, with a typical barbecue in a clearing by the river*.

Day 5 – Walk to the Victoria Falls “Mosi-O-Tunya”, 'the smoke that thunders”, as the Lozi people refer to the Victoria Falls. You'll find out why on the morning of your last day, as you walk closer to the basalt balcony immersed in mist from which the river plunges 1700 meters into the abyss, with a roar like thunder. It'll keep ringing in your head, even as you take your plane from Victoria to Cape Town, where the ship awaits you.

Good to know

All meals are included.
To best enjoy this experience, remember to bring along a hat, sunglasses, sun lotion, a light windproof jacket, camera and binoculars.
Wear appropriate sports shoes and clothing for the trail.
Bring your passport with two blank pages for each entry into South Africa: you'll need it to take part in this experience.
The experience can be canceled up to 90 days prior to the start date of the land excursion.
The content and order of the activities may be changed without notice, depending on the weather conditions and the movements of the wildlife in the reserve.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
In order to offer you an exclusive experience, the number of places is limited: book early.
The presence of the Costa Tour Expert is not guaranteed for the entire experience.
Make sure you have USD 50-60 in cash with you to pay for visas when you enter Zimbabwe at Kasane and at the Botswana-Zimbabwe border.
Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended.