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Southern Africa: Once-in-a-lifetime experience on the African Continent with the post-cruise program "From Zimbabwe to South Africa on a Luxury Train" (port-to-port cruise)

REF.20A_PP
12 Days
FROM$15465
PP
Cruise

SOUTH AFRICA - BOTSWANA - NAMIBIA - ZIMBABWE - SOUTH AFRICA

From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, you’ll discover spectacular panoramas and tumultuous histories, but also incredible wildlife and carefully crafted menus that reflect the flavors and savors of Africa, as well as the most beautiful natural reserves and the secrets of Lake Kariba before taking in the grandeur of the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls.

After your safari-cruise, continue exploring Southern Africa on board the legendary Rovos Rail, traveling across the grand decor of the high plains in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Get ready for a legendary experience on board the African Orient Express!

Route

Discover your itinerary day by day
J 1

Johannesburg (South Africa)

J 2

Johannesburg - Kasane - Arrival at LODGE (South Africa-Botswana-Namibia)

J 3

LODGE: Chobe National Park (Namibia-Botswana)

J 4

LODGE: Impalila Island (Namibia)

J 5

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

J 6

SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - SAILING TO SPURWING ISLAND (Zimbabwe)

J 7

SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK (Zimbabwe)

J 8

SHIP: KARIBA - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

J 9

Victoria Falls

J 10

Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)

J 11

Relaxing day on board (Zimbabwe - South Africa)

J 12

Pretoria - Johannesburg

Dates & Prices

Choose your departure date
Start Date
End Date
Ship
Anchors
From*
START IN 2024

*Price based on double occupancy

SalesUseful info

15% discount for 1 child from 7 to under 15 years old, sharing 1 cabin/room/bungalow with 1 or 2 adult(s) client(s) (excluding international flights, taxes, additional costs, visa and booking fees). Discount valid for the safari-cruise and the Cape of Good Hope pre-cruise program and limited to 1 child per room.
Under 7 years old, children aren't allowed for security reasons.

Included :What you need to know before your departure

>> CORE PROGRAM

The domestic flights and their taxes (150€ - 2023 rates) - your cruise with double-occupancy cabin in your choice of category - double-occupancy accomodations at a first-class CroisiEurope lodge and at 4-and-5-star hotels LS - all meals - drinks served by CroisiEurope at all meals and drinks served at the bar on the ship and at the CroisiEurope lodge - in Johannesburg and Victoria falls, drinks include: 1 water, 1 glass of local wine* or 1 soft drink 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 ship  and at the lodge).

Tips :To make your vacation worry-free, the equivalent of €20 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. We feel this amount is appropriate in consideration of local customs and practice.

>> EXTENDED STAY

Post-cruise: Transfers – accommodations in a Deluxe Suite on board the luxury Rovos Rail train from Victoria Falls to Pretoria, with all meals included – drinks package: one glass of local wine* or one local beer* or one non-alcoholic drink + one bottle of water + one tea or coffee per person/per meal in Victoria Falls and Pretoria - beverages included at all meals on board the train (except champagne) - tours and excursions mentioned in the program narrated in French (except for the safari in Hwange National Park, which will be in English).

*Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Not includedUseful info

>> CORE PROGRAM

international flights and their taxes - flight between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg - other transfers - cancellation and baggage insurance - Zimbabwean visa (must be paid on site, cost differs by Nationality category – please check with Zimbabwe Embassy in your country) - cancellation/baggage insurance - optional excursion - tips for crew members on board the ship 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.

>> EXTENDED STAY

Post-cruise: Transfers – accommodations in a Pullman Suite on board the luxury Rovos Rail train from Victoria Falls to Pretoria, with all meals included – drinks package: one glass of local wine* or one local beer* or one non-alcoholic drink + one bottle of water + one tea or coffee per person/per meal in Victoria Falls and Pretoria - beverages included at all meals on board the train (except champagne) - tours and excursions mentioned in the program narrated in French (except for the safari in Hwange National Park, which will be in English).

Ships

Several ships available for this cruise

Shore Excursions

No shore excursion on the non listed days
FormalitiesSome administrative formalities to take into account in order to prepare your trip

Depending on nationality. Each nationality is requested to consult their embassy or consulate.

Useful informationWhat you need to know before your departure

These cruises and tours are not recommended for persons with reduced mobility as we will walk along stony paths and slopes. There are no elevators on the ships.

  • Your cruise as well as your stay at the lodge are fully dedicated to the protected areas of Lake Kariba and Chobé National Park. Life on board and at the lodge revolves around the discovery and observation of the local fauna and flora, providing constant enchantment. Strict safety rules and guidelines will be given on site, such as staying close to the lodge and ship at all times outside of the context of excursions because of the ever-present wilderness and fauna around you.
  • Please be aware that most of your stay will take place at the border with three different countries, meaning mandatory and frequent border crossings. Our teams on site are doing everything in their power to make the process quicker.  
  • The domestic flight from Johannesburg to Kasane will be provided by South African Airways or another airline serving Southern Africa.
  • Domestic flights for Lake Kariba will be provided by Executive Air, Safari Logistics or another airline serving Southern Africa.

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

PRECAUTIONS

The following information 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. We also recommend consulting with your general practitioner regarding an antimalarial treatment and a yellow fever vaccine.

Vaccines for rubella, mumps, measles are recommended for minors. As a general rule, we strongly recommend consulting with your general practitioner about any health concerns before your departure.

CURRENCY

Onboard the ships and at the lodges, payments can be made with a major bank card. We recommend bringing US dollars with you as they will be accepted in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. For your information*:

  • South Africa: the rand (ZAR) €1 = ZAR 20 / $1 = ZAR 18*
  • Botswana: the pula (BWP) €1 = BWP 15 / $1 = BWP 13*
  • Namibia: the Namibian dollar (NAD) €1 = NAD 20 / $1 = NAD 18*
  • Zimbabwe: the dollar RTGS (real time gross settlement) - Official base rate: 1 USD = 2.50 RTGS*

*Exchange rates of June 2023.

CLIMATE

In Johannesburg, temperatures are never excessive due to its altitude (1,752m./5,751 ft.). Winters (May to September) are dry and sunny with cold nights, but the days are usually very pleasant. Summers (October to April) are hot during the day with thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening, and nights are cool. In the Kasane, Lake Kariba and Victoria Falls areas, the climate is semi-arid. Winters (May to October) are the dry season; days are hot and sunny, and nights are cool or even cold. Summers (November to April) can be rainy and temperatures are hot.

TIME DIFFERENCE

You can consult www.worldtimezone.com to see the time difference between your home and your destination.

Additional informationUseful info

/!\ ATTENTION - BAGGAGE REGULATIONS TO FOLLOW /!\

On this trip we plan to use private planes to get you between Kasane (lodge) and Kariba (ship).

The airline company operating these flights are imposing many restrictions regarding the bags being transported due to the capacity of the planes and for safety reasons.

You’ll find the list of regulations below:

  • Your checked baggage (1 per person maximum) MUST NOT EXCEED 20KG/44lbs.
  • It MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING DIMENSIONS 60cm/23,60in. in length x 40cm/15,70in. in height x 30cm/11,80in. in width.
  • It must be made from SOFT FABRIC. Hard-shell suitcases are not accepted.
  • Luggage with wheels is accepted (a maximum of 2 wheels per bag).
  • Your carry-on baggage and personal items MUST NOT EXCEED 3KG/6.6lbs.

If your baggage does not comply with the above rules, THE AIRLINE WILL REFUSE TO TRANSPORT IT. Your stay aboard the ship would take place without your personal belongings. At the end of your cruise and before taking your international flight, you will be forced to return to the lodge at your own expense to collect your suitcase.

For your comfort, a laundry service is available during your stay at the lodge and on the train.

***

CABIN FOR TRIPLE USE ON BOARD THE SHIP
If two adults and one child are sharing one cabin, the spare bed will measure 150cm x 80cm (59 in. x 31 in.).

***

DRESS CODE

During the daytime on board the train, the dress code is smart casual. In the evening, please wear more formal clothes. Men must wear a jacket and tie; cocktail dress is required for women.

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