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Exclusive African Queen River Safari

7 Days from $7,882 to $9,331 per person*

Highlights: South Africa (Johannesburg) , Zambia (Livingstone) , Botswana (Chobe)

Trip Start/End: Johannesburg / Johannesburg

* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

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This champagne river safari presents the grandeur of Africa untamed opening with Zambia’s thundering Victoria Falls and then spirits you to the lush wilds of the Chobe River of Botswana and Namibia. Cruise aboard the Zambezi Queen, an elite vessel with 14 suites, renowned for 1st class adventures, celebrated chef and opportunities for indulgence. Teeming with life, behold the largest concentration of elephants in the world, lions, Cape buffalo, sables, hippos, giraffe, crocodiles and exotic birds on game drives, river safaris, mokoro rides or even from the hot tub! Including fishing, local villages, stargazing, 5* lodge, expert guides, flights and more, this decadent journey is a feast for the eyes and soul.

Overview

Day	Activities	Hotel
Day 1 Johannesburg	Meet & Greet - VIP service Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver	The Westcliff Deluxe Room (B) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 2 Johannesburg - Livingstone	Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver Air - Johannesburg - Livingstone [Direct (2hrs)] - Economy Transfer - Private - Airport - Royal Livingstone/Zambezi Sun Lunch (not included) Shared - African Queen Sunset Cruise - Cruise Dinner (not included)	The Royal Livingstone Luxury Room (Sun-Thu) (B) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 3 Livingstone	Private - 1/2 Day Victoria Falls & Shongwe Village Tour - Car/Guide Lunch (not included) Optional Activities Dinner (included)	The Royal Livingstone Luxury Room (Sun-Thu) (B) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 4 Livingstone - Chobe	Transfer - Livingstone - Chobe [2 hours] - Shared Lunch (included) Welcome Briefing Shared - Game Viewing - Game Vehicle Dinner (included)	Zambezi Queen Suite (3nt) (B,L,D) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 5 Chobe	Zambezi Queen Morning Game Viewing Lunch (included) Shared - Game Viewing - Game Vehicle Dinner (included)	Zambezi Queen Suite (3nt) (B,L,D) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 6 Chobe	Zambezi Queen Optional Activities Lunch (included) Shared - Boat Safari - Game Vehicle Dinner (included)	Zambezi Queen Suite (3nt) (B,L,D) 1 DBL (2 Adults)
Day 7 Livingstone - Johannesburg	Transfer - Shared - Livingstone - Victoria Falls [45 mins] - Scheduled Air - Livingstone - Johannesburg [Direct (2 hrs)] - Economy	Depart
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Itinerary

- Johannesburg
- The Westcliff, Johannesburg
Day 1: Johannesburg
Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met inside the airport and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues.
Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle
Accommodation: The Westcliff
Situated in Johannesburg's most exclusive residential suburb, The Westcliff provides the ultimate in comfort. Its hillside setting with cascading, sculpted gardens and elegantly opulent accommodation evoke a bygone era of leisure and refinement in one of the world's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. Guests are privy to easy access to the city's core. The 115 rooms are grouped in levels along the hillside on which the hotel is perched. Each room is extremely spacious and possesses a well-preserved old world charm. Friendly staff serve delectable dishes from across the world. Authentic and continental dishes feature African ingredients, arranged in buffet style and served a la carte. Use the hotel's swimming pools, tennis courts, and spa for relaxation and cleansing.
- Livingstone
- The Royal Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
Day 2: Johannesburg - Livingstone
Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle
Take your flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone today. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours.
Airport transfer with private vehicle.
You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Royal Landing to meet the African Queen. She gracefully meanders slowly upstream along the length of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in search of a number of animals and a host of bird species which can be viewed from comfortable chairs on the cool wooden decks. Excellent hot and cold food is served on board and the bar is well stocked with spirits, good wines, beers and soft drinks. All food and drink is included in the price and served throughout the cruise by professional, friendly waiters making the whole experience probably the most luxurious cruise on the Zambezi River. The duration of the cruise is about 2 hours and you can expect to be back at your hotel by 19h00.
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone
The Royal Livingstone is one of the most exquisite hotels in Zambia, set quietly on the edge of the Zambezi river belt and within walking distance of the Victoria Falls. With 173 rooms set in 17 colonial-style buildings, the century architecture of the hotel lends to its cool, refined atmosphere. Refreshing, with lounging areas and terraces overlooking the misty waters, the hotel is shielded with privacy by the indigenous trees and plants. One may take meals at High Tea in the lounge, in elegance, or dine comfortably on the veranda with a view of the gardens. Relax in one of the lounging areas of the hotel or test your limits with white water rafting along the river.
- Victoria Falls
- micro flight Vic Falls
Day 3: Livingstone
Victoria Falls are a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor who is prepared to brave the tremendous spray with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls. One special vantage point is across the Knife edge bridge, where visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include the Falls bridge and the Lookout Tree which commands a panoramic view across the Main Falls. Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences of the Falls region. Peak flood season is around March and April and the full power of the falls can be experienced in all its glory. As the floods abate the view of the falls gets better and better through the year, but at its lowest, around November and December the Falls become little rivulets running over the edge and in some places along the 1,7km width no water falls at all.

Later this morning you'll visit the Simonga Village, home to approximately 3000 inhabitants – a mixture of the Lozi and Tonga tribes. The village was founded in 1958 and is situated approximately 20 kilometers from Livingstone Town, along the Kazungula/Sesheke road, which runs parallel to the Zambezi River as it flows down towards the Victoria Falls. This village is quite unique as it one of only three in the entire country of Zambia that is ruled by a Headwoman, Inonge Imusho Samachila, who was chosen by the Royal Family to rule in 1970, following the death of her father, Imusho Samachila. Upon arrival, guests are escorted through the village by a local resident, where they are introduced to the daily activities of an African village. You'll then be taken back to the Royal Livingstone Golf Club for lunch.
Sign up for optional activities at your hotel (not included in tour price); helicopter, ultra-light, Gypsy Moth flights, elephant-back or horseback safari, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, Chobe game park day trip, jet boat, cultural tours, and more.
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone
- Elephants at Chobe National Park
- Zambezi Queen
Day 4: Livingstone - Chobe
Transfer between Livingstone and Chobe lodges.
Upon arrival at the Zambezi Queen, board the ship and settle into your cabin. Enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner and a briefing to cover the scheduled activities over the next couple days.
Game viewing in the Chobe National Park with your skilled guide. You'll have a great chance to view the abundant elephant and other big game species up close.
Accommodation: Zambezi Queen
The Zambezi Queen is unique in that it's a sophisticated, elegant experience that has not lost the essence of all that is uniquely African. When looking at the design it is apparent that no expense has been spared in creating a house boat of a world class standard, and this is especially so, when one considers this boat was built on the banks of the Chobe River.
- Crocodile on Banks of Chobe River
Day 5: Chobe
After an early morning wake up call (approximately 6am), enjoy breakfast onboard and depart for a morning game viewing activity. Depending on weather, game viewing may be by boat or by 4x4 game vehicle. You will return back to the ship by noon for a hearty lunch onboard while we navigate to the next stop. Expect to arrive around 3pm.
Game viewing in the Chobe National Park with your skilled guide. You'll have a great chance to view the abundant elephant and other big game species up close.
Accommodation: Zambezi Queen
- Fishing on the Chobe River
Day 6: Chobe
Try your luck out with fishing, maneuvre through the banks of the Chobe River for some more game viewing by boat, or visit a local village and experience some of the Botswanan culture.
A game cruise on the Chobe River is one of the finest game viewing experiences in Africa. With over 80 000 elephant in the park alone they are a very frequent sighting. Hippo, water birds, buffalo, crocodile and puku are also viewed from the river.
Accommodation: Zambezi Queen
Day 7: Livingstone - Johannesburg
Scheduled shared shuttle between Livingstone Airport and your Victoria Falls hotel.
Take your flight from Livingstone to Johannesburg today. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours.
Accommodation: Depart
Depart from Johannesburg international airport - End of itinerary.

Accommodations

- The Westcliff, Johannesburg
- The Westcliff, Johannesburg Room
The Westcliff - Johannesburg
Situated in Johannesburg's most exclusive residential suburb, The Westcliff provides the ultimate in comfort. Its hillside setting with cascading, sculpted gardens and elegantly opulent accommodation evoke a bygone era of leisure and refinement in one of the world's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. Guests are privy to easy access to the city's core. The 115 rooms are grouped in levels along the hillside on which the hotel is perched. Each room is extremely spacious and possesses a well-preserved old world charm. Friendly staff serve delectable dishes from across the world. Authentic and continental dishes feature African ingredients, arranged in buffet style and served a la carte. Use the hotel's swimming pools, tennis courts, and spa for relaxation and cleansing.
- More information
- The Royal Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
The Royal Livingstone - Livingstone
The Royal Livingstone is one of the most exquisite hotels in Zambia, set quietly on the edge of the Zambezi river belt and within walking distance of the Victoria Falls. With 173 rooms set in 17 colonial-style buildings, the century architecture of the hotel lends to its cool, refined atmosphere. Refreshing, with lounging areas and terraces overlooking the misty waters, the hotel is shielded with privacy by the indigenous trees and plants. One may take meals at High Tea in the lounge, in elegance, or dine comfortably on the veranda with a view of the gardens. Relax in one of the lounging areas of the hotel or test your limits with white water rafting along the river.
- More information
- Zambezi Queen
Zambezi Queen - Chobe
The Zambezi Queen is unique in that it's a sophisticated, elegant experience that has not lost the essence of all that is uniquely African. When looking at the design it is apparent that no expense has been spared in creating a house boat of a world class standard, and this is especially so, when one considers this boat was built on the banks of the Chobe River.
- More information

Travel Info

Travel tips of Botswana

VISA/PASSPORT
A passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required. U.S. and Canadian citizens are permitted to stay up to 90 days without a visa.

Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often. For additional information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana.

COUNTRY INFO
CAPITAL: Gaborone.
GOVERNMENT: Republic since 1966.
LANGUAGES: English is the official language. Setswana is the national language, with minorities speaking Kalanga and Sekgalagadi.
RELIGION: Christian 78%; Badimo 6%; other 2%; none 20%
TIME: UTC/GMT + 2.
ELECTRICITY: 230 Volts AC, 50Hz. 15- and 13-amp plug sockets are in use. Plugs used are British-style with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade, or South African/Indian-style with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin.
TELEPHONE: Country code +267. There are very few public phone boxes.
MOBILE TELEPHONE: Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage is average.
INTERNET: Available in large cities and resorts.
CURRENCY: Pula (BWP). Denominations: P5, P10, P50 AND P100. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club are accepted payment but to a limited extent. Most hotels and lodges will accept major foreign currency or travellers cheques with US or Euros widely accepted.

CLIMATE: Dry, semi-arid land (rainfall is unpredictable and droughts occur often) with warm winters and hot summers. Humidity raises summer temperatures into the 40’s C (over 100’ F).

Summer Season is: September to April. Winter Season is: May to July.

During summer short thunderstorms are frequent, expect hot days and cool nights as the air cools off after short rain spells. During the winter, the days are dry and warm, with night time temperatures dropping with cool to cold nights and early mornings.

Travel tips of South Africa

VISA/PASSPORT
Visitors to South Africa for tourism, short business meetings, or those in transit do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days. We recommend that the passports of all travelers to South Africa contain at least two completely blank (unstamped) visa pages each time entry is sought. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages (as many as four) at the back of the passport. While South African statutes require only one completely blank visa page, this rule has been applied inconsistently by South African immigration officials. In addition, any trip to a neighboring country would necessitate another blank page upon return.

Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the embassy of South Africa for the most up to date visa information.

HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are relatively wide spread and good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/south-africa.aspx

COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Pretoria (administrative).
Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1910.
Language: The official languages are Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
Religion: Most inhabitants profess Christianity. There are also Hindu, Muslim and Jewish communities, and traditional beliefs are still practiced widely, sometimes in conjunction with Christianity.
Time: GMT + 2.
Electricity: 220/240 volts AC; 250 volts AC (Pretoria), 50Hz. Three-pin round plugs are in use.
Telephone: Country code +27. Area codes are used even if you are making a call in the same area.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage extends to most of the country except in the very remote areas.
Internet: Internet cafes are present around the country and wireless is available at airports and in upmarket hotels.

Travel tips of Zambia

VISA/PASSPORT
A passport and visa are required for both US and Canadian citizens. A visa may be obtained in advance at a Zambian Embassy or Consulate or at the port of entry. Processing generally takes 5-7 working days. The fee is approximately $50 for a single-entry visa, $80 for a three-year, multiple-entry visa, or $20 for a day-trip visa (typically issued to tourists visiting Victoria Falls from a neighboring country). Please try to bring exact change whenever practical. At the time of entry, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with the permitted length of stay. Typically, an immigration officer will admit an American or Canadian citizen for the exact number of days they request, up to a maximum of thirty days. Visitors with indefinite departure plans may want to request admission for thirty days on arrival in the country.

Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the embassy of Zambia for the most up to date visa information.

HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Medical facilities are poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/zambia.aspx

COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Lusaka.
Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1964.
Language: English is the official language, but there are over 73 local dialects. The main languages are Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tonga.
Religion: Around 30% of the population is Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic), a smaller number are Muslim and Hindu, and a small minority have traditional animist beliefs.
Time: GMT + 2.
Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz.
Telephone: Country code +260. There are public telephones and most calls are made through a post office.
Mobile Telephone: Coverage is patchy in rural areas but good around Lusaka.
Internet: There are Internet cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka.

Trip Map

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What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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Exclusive African Queen River Safari

Overview

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg

Day 2: Johannesburg - Livingstone

Day 3: Livingstone

Day 4: Livingstone - Chobe

Day 5: Chobe

Day 6: Chobe

Day 7: Livingstone - Johannesburg

Accommodations

The Westcliff - Johannesburg

The Royal Livingstone - Livingstone

Zambezi Queen - Chobe

Travel Info

Travel tips of Botswana

Travel tips of South Africa

Travel tips of Zambia

Trip Map

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What's Included:

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

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