African Splendor | Rail & Sail

On this 14-day journey of a lifetime, you'll traverse four magnificent countries in Southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, all while immersing yourself in the thrill of a Big Five safari.

Your adventure begins in Johannesburg, where you'll set off on an extraordinary odyssey. From the luxurious comfort of a private lodge in Namibia to the exhilarating safari experience in Botswana, every moment promises to be an awe-inspiring encounter with nature's wonders.

But the magic doesn't end there! You'll soar through the skies on a private airplane to Zimbabwe, where a lavish 4-day cruise awaits on the breathtaking Lake Kariba. Prepare to be enchanted by water safaris and island explorations like never before.

As your journey continues, you'll witness the majestic Victoria Falls from the air before heading to Cape Town. To top it all off, you'll indulge in the epitome of luxury aboard the world-renowned Rovos Rail, where every mile is a testament to opulence and elegance.

Your Fly, Cruise & Rail Package Includes:

• $2,500 flight credit per person
• 13 night African Splendor luxury cruise & rail journey with Tweet Cruises, Johannesburg to Pretoria

Includes:

• 2 nights 5-star accommodation in Johannesburg
• 1 night 5-star accommodation in Victoria Falls
• 1 night 5-star accommodation in Cape Town
• 3 night luxury stay in Namibia
• 3 night cruise aboard the RV African Dream
• 3 nights aboard the luxury Rovos Rail (Pullman Suite)
• 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
• Private flight from Namibia to Zimbabwe
• Private flight from Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls
• Economy flight from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Kasane (Botswana)
• Economy flight from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) to Cape Town (South Africa)
• Comprehensive sightseeing
• 24/7 local assistance & travel guidance
• Select transfers throughout

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 26 July - 07 August 2025

02-15 September 2025 departure also available

Extend your time in Southern Africa, speak with your travel consultant about options

Highlights:

• Luxury Lodge Stay in Namibia: Indulge in four days of lavish accommodation amidst the stunning landscapes of Namibia, offering unparalleled comfort and relaxation.

• Big Five Safari in Botswana: Embark on an exhilarating safari adventure in Botswana, encountering Africa's iconic Big Five and an array of other wildlife species in their natural habitat.

• Luxury Cruise on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe: Experience four days of opulence aboard a luxury cruise on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, featuring water safaris and island excursions amidst breathtaking scenery.

• Aerial Views of Victoria Falls: Soar above the majestic Victoria Falls aboard a private airplane, marveling at the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder from the skies.

• Cape Town Exploration aboard Rovos Rail: Conclude your journey in Cape Town with an unforgettable experience aboard the world-renowned Rovos Rail, where luxury meets unparalleled scenery on one of the most opulent trains in the world.

Itinerary:

Day 1

Johannesburg arrival

Upon your arrival in Johannesburg international airport, you will get a warm welcome by our driver. Following by a smooth transfer from Johannesburg airport to your hotel by a private transfer.

Overnight in Johannesburg.

Day 2

Johannesburg (South Africa) (B,L,D)

We’ll meet up at the hotel at 11:30 a.m. We’ll have lunch before visiting the Apartheid Museum(1), the first museum centering on South African history in the 20th century. Afterwards, we’ll set off for a panoramic tour of Johannesburg, the city of superlatives. We’ll arrive at our five-star hotel LS. You’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at the hotel.

Day 3

Johannesburg - Kasane - Arrival at Lodge (South Africa - Botswana - Namibia) (B,L,D)

We’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 settle into your comfortable lodge ideally located at the heart of the wilderness. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 4

Lodge : Chobe National Park (Namibia - Botswana) (B,L,D)

Enjoy a full-day safari in Jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park and its majestic fauna. Lunch in a “floating restaurant” with incredible views of the surrounding nature. 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 5

Lodge : Impalila Island (Namibia) (B,L,D)

Discover traditional villages on Impalila Island. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at the lodge or join us for a discovery of the Zambezi River on small private boats. We’ll have dinner at the lodge. Tonight, let your guide tell you all about the traditions of this particular island. Night spent at the lodge.

Day 6

Lodge - Kasane - Lake Kariba - Boarding the ship (Namibia - Botswana - Zimbabwe) (B,L,D)

Enjoy one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch along the water, we'll set out for the Kasane airport. On board small private planes, you’ll discover the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. You’ll be transferred to board the ship and comfortably settle into your cabins. We’ll start sailing across the lake. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 7

Ship : Lake Kariba - Sailing to Spurwing Island (Zimbabwe) (B,L,D)

At sunrise, we’ll set sail through Lake Kariba. We’ll set out on a small private boat to discover the small waterways going into the Matusadona National Park and their unique wildlife. We’ll return on board for lunch. This afternoon, we’ll sail towards Palm Bay. Later, we'll set out on small private boats to admire the sunset. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 8

Ship : Lake Kariba - Matusadona National Park (Zimbabwe) (B,L,D)

We’ll journey out this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park and its numerous wild animals. 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 9

Ship : Kariba - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (B,L,D)

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 to form Lake Kariba before flying out to Victoria Falls on board private planes. Lunch cruise on the Zambezi River. This afternoon, enjoy a tour on foot of the falls. Tonight, enjoy dinner and spend the night at a four-star hotel LS.

Day 10

Victoria Falls - Cape Town - Overnight in Cape Town (Zimbabwe - South Africa) (B)

Breakfast. Optional early morning excursion: Soar over Victoria Falls in a helicopter (must be booked before departure). End of our services at the hotel.

Today, our chauffeur will accompany you to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Cape Town.

Upon touchdown in Cape Town, a private driver will be ready to transfer you seamlessly to your hotel.

Savor the day discovering the charm of this enchanting African city at your leisure.

Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 11

Rovos Rails - Cape Town (B,L,D)

Today, your personal chauffeur will escort you to the train station, marking the beginning of your spectacular adventure aboard the renowned Rovos Rail.

04:00 pm : Depart from Cape Town Station. Trundle through the winelands of the Western Cape towards Worcester.

04:30 pm : Tea in the lounge and observation cars

07:30 pm : dinner is served in the dining cars. The train climbs ±750m up the face of the escarpment. Dress: Formal

Around midnight, the train arrives at the first of four tunnels on the pass. The last tunnel is 13.5km long so guests are to be careful if walking through the train

Day 12

Rovos Rails - Matjiesfontein (B,L,D)

07:00 am : Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00.

08:00 AM : Disembark at Matjiesfontein for an opportunity to stroll through the historic village. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel.

10:00 am : The train travels through the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. Over millions of years, volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt upon the seabed to form what geologists call the Karoo system.

01:00 pm : Lunch is served in the dining cars.

04:30 pm : Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

07:30 PM : Dinner is served in the dining cars. Overnight on board. Dress: Formal

Day 13

Rovos Rails - Kimberley (B,L,D)

06:00 am : Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 08:30.

08:30 am : Enjoy a tour of Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. Capital of the Northern Cape, Kimberley is well known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871.

12:00 pm : Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels northeast towards the broad grassland plains of the Highveld.

04:30 pm : Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

07:30 pm : Dinner is served in the dining cars. Overnight on board. Dress: Formal

Day 14

Rovos Rails - Pretoria (B)

07:00 am : Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:30.

10:00 am : Disembark at Kookrus Station (±100km south of Rovos Rail Station). An optional complimentary transfer (±90min) from Kookrus Station to Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria is available.

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 03-10-2024 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.