Ultimate Africa Cruise, Luxury train and Safari ITINERARY
day 1 & 2 – Fly ireland to mauritius
Fly overnight from Ireland to Mauritius. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your all-inclusive hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and refresh or start exploring your glorious tropical island surroundings.
Dinner Included
day 3 – eXPLORE MAURITIUS
Today, enjoy a private tour of the southwestern corner of the island. Learn about Mauritius’ culture on the shores of Grand Bassin, visiting a sacred Hindu site. Then, drive through the spectacular scenery of Black River Gorges National Park, pausing to admire Alexandra Falls before a stop at the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark. Take a guided tour of a rum distillery and taste various varieties. In the afternoon explore the Curious Corner of Chamarel, Mauritius’ first interactive gallery.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 4 – MAURITIUS AT LEISURE
Explore local area
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 5 – BOard the azamara onward
After breakfast you will be met at your lodge by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Port Louis to board the Azamara Onward. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship’s facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 6 – reunion
Arrive at Réunion, a French-governed island which, with green cloaked mountains, tumbling waterfalls, coral fringed beaches and thick forest, brings magical nature on a grand scale. Disembark at Pointe des Galets, from where you can hike through varied terrain or kick back on one of the glorious beaches, lapped by clear, warm Indian Ocean waters.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 7 – day at sea
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 8 -madagascar
Port at Taolagnaro on Madagascar’s southeast coast, a relaxed town backed by green mountains. Here, you can explore the unique mix of nature and history, paradise beaches or the warm local hospitality.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 9 & 10 – at sea
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 11 – richard’s bay
Welcome to South Africa! Port at the coastal town of Richards Bay on the Eastern Cape. Great for beaches and surfing, Richards Bay is also well placed for Big 5 game reserves and to explore Zulu culture.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 12 – durban
Golden beaches and majestic mountain views await in the Indian Ocean city of Durban, a fascinating city where Zulu, Indian and European cultures thrive side by side.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 13 – day at sea
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 14 – port elizabeth
Port at Port Elizabeth, also known as Gqeberha. Home to beautiful beaches, the wilderness around the city is home to the world’s densest population of elephants. Choose to relax on one of those beaches, explore local cuisine or explore the wildlife and wilderness.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 15 – day at sea
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 16 – cape town
Meet your guide and dive into Cape Town’s natural beauty, rich history, and diverse mix of cultures. Visit Greenmarket Square and the Castle of Good Hope, Company Gardens and the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood to admire the colourful houses and cobblestone streets. Then, ascend Cape Town’s most iconic landmark, Table Mountain via the cableway (weather permitting) for amazing views. This evening you’ll dine at Gold Restaurant, an immersive and authentic African experience that features a 14-course taste safari and traditional African entertainment. Return to the Azamara Onward.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 17 – arrive cape town
Disembark the Azamara Onward at Cape Town’s cruise port, where you’ll be met by a guide. Today you’ll explore the Cape Peninsula, taking the ocean road via Chapman’s Peak (weather permitting) to admire the dramatic scenery. Stop off to visit the colony of endangered African penguins at Boulders Beach. This afternoon, fly to Johannesburg and transfer to Pretoria.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 18 – all aboard rovos rail
Explore Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. Visit the Union Buildings, the Voortrekker Monument and the Paul Kruger House Museum before driving past Church Square for a glimpse at its rich history. Board the iconic train at the elegant Rovos Rail station, settling into your suite as the journey begins. Join your fellow travellers in the lounge or observation cars as you pass through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) and Nylstroom. Dinner this evening will be an elegant affair in the dining car.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 19 – rovos – at leisure
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 20 – matobo national park
Awake to the train passing through Zimbabwe’s baobab country then the city of Bulawayo. After lunch, leave the train for Matobo National Park where you can search for black rhinos, white rhinos and black eagles as you explore. Also see rock art and visit bushmen caves and the grave of Cecil Rhodes.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 21 – hwange national park
Breakfast as the train travels between Gwaai and Dete, along the eastern edge of Hwange National Park. After lunch, head out on a game drive of Hwange. Home to over 100 mammal species and nearly 400 bird species, you’re in for a wildlife-filled excursion! Return to the train ready to share safari stories over dinner.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
Day 22 – arrive in victoria falls
Bid farewell to the Rovos Rail this morning as you disembark at Victoria Falls, transferring across the border into Botswana to your lodge. In the late afternoon, embark on a sunset cruise on the Chobe River which forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park. Look out for elephants, buffalos and rare antelope on the shore as the light fades.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 23 – chobe national park
Rise early and venture out into the wilds of Chobe National Park on a game drive. In its diverse habitats, Chobe boasts one of the greatest concentrations of game on the African continent, so prepare to tick off your wildlife bucket list! Return to your lodge for lunch before venturing out again for a late afternoon game drive.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 24 – zambezi cruise
Enjoy a final game drive in Chobe this morning before transferring back to Victoria Falls. Later, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, soaking up the serene beauty of this mesmerising African landscape. Keep an eye out for ‘smoke’ in the distance, coming from the falls themselves.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 25 – victoria falls
Today you will stand before one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke That Thunders in the local Sotho language, or as Victoria Falls, witness the largest sheet of falling water in the world as you embark on a guided tour. This afternoon is at leisure before a farewell dinner in a riverside restaurant.
FULL BOARD – Includes All Meals
day 26 – fly to ireland
Fly from Victoria Falls to Ireland, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes Breakfast
