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South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana

African Cruise Safari - 15 days

What is it about Africa that touches the soul? Is it the music and magic of historic Cape Town, the romance of sipping sundowners while elephants, zebra and antelopes graze floodplains, while crocodiles slide down riverbanks? Or is it the heart-stopping roar of a lion that reverberates through your chest and lodges in your memory forever? The world's second-largest continent promises countless experiences, but few that compare to the wine regions around Cape Town and the wildlife reserves of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Aurora Expeditions is delighted to offer two departures on a very special journey into Africa's wild heart. While many of Aurora Expeditions' trips to remote regions are expedition style, often featuring comfortable basecamps, whether it be on ships or in tented camps while trekking, Aurora's Africa trips are unabashedly luxurious.

First, pass through Johannesburg en route to vibrant Cape Town, with its lively music and contemporary art scene. Visit its nearby wine-growing regions to sample South Africa's renowned wine and local foods. Discover the power of Victoria Falls from its most famous hotel, enjoy luxurious safari lodges in Kapama Private Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, and sail the Chobe River, the natural boundary between Botswana and Namibia, on board the glorious Zambezi Queen (with special, small expedition boats that carry us even closer to the wildlife).

Discover the elegance of a bygone era as we search out some of the world's largest herds of elephants, (Chobe National Park alone has some 70,000), giraffe's grazing on thorn trees, antelopes like kudu and puku and bathing hippos. There is something profoundly humbling to see lions, cheetahs and leopards stalk their prey. Birdwatching is incredible and best at dawn, and the simple act of walking on African soil makes you feel as if you are coming home.

Zambezi Queen Affectionately known as ZQ, the Zambezi Queen offers comfort and elegance in one of the most remote locations on Earth – the Chobe River between Botswana and Namibia, only kilometres from where they meet Zambia and Zimbabwe. Built in the early 1990s, and completely refurbished in 2008, its 14 suites feature air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms with shower, and a private balcony offering unobstructed views of the river and grasslands. An upper deck dining room offers the chance to dine and observe animals gathering on the banks at dusk, as does a pool deck, lounge and bar. Small boats carry you on river-based safaris allowing you to get close to animals without them feeling threatened.

Highlights

• Historic Cape Town's vineyards, beaches and treks beneath Table Mountain 

• Explore Cape Town's vibrant art scene 

• Observe Mosi-ao-Tunya, the 'Smoke that Thunders', from the ever-so-gracious and elegant Victoria Falls Hotel 

• South Africa's Kapama Private Game Reserve, home to over 40 different mammal species and 350 bird species 

• Explore the banks of the Chobe River, natural boundary between Botswana and Namibia, from the luxury Zambezi Queen 

• Generator-free evenings on river for stargazing and hearing night sounds 

• Chobe Game Reserve, home to elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, cheetah and 450 bird species 

• Mowani Safari Lodge, set amongst fantastic baobab trees 


Why travel with Aurora Expeditions?

Small groups are best

At sea, Aurora Expeditions' high-latitude, expedition ship is small enough to go where others can't, often resulting in more landings. On land, Aurora's group size is limited to 16. Fewer people means a more personalised experience and a lasting camaraderie.

Consistently Aurora Expeditions.

Rather than book you onto another company's trip, Aurora Expeditions operate only its own expeditions, either on vessels that it charters, or working closely with local experts who share its ethos and style.

Aurora Expeditions' staff put you first

Your security, wellbeing and understanding of the places you visit are Aurora Expeditions' staff's priorities. Aurora's staff have a passion for sharing their knowledge and making everyone feel as if they are on the same team.

Enrichment through understanding

The more Aurora Expeditions' remote area specialists share their knowledge about the history and natural environments you encounter, the more rewarding the experience.

Environmental sensitivity

Aurora Expeditions' helped develop international environmental guidelines for the polar regions you visit, and consciously limits the number of people it takes to its destinations.

Flexibility and freedom

Aurora Expeditions stops for breaching whales! Enjoy your destinations in your own way, within the bounds of safety. Hike up a snow slope, take your time photographing wildlife, inspect historical huts or simply sit and admire the view.

Aurora Expeditions' spirit of adventure!

Photograph wind-plumes on Mt Everest, share the trail with gauchos, yak-herders or rarely-visited rainforest hunters. Scuba dive or snorkel with leopard seals, sea kayak with whales or enjoy a feast of tundra berries. Ponder ancient rock paintings or lift your spirits in a Buddhist monastery. No matter where in the world, Aurora Expeditions encourages a true sense of exploration.

Aurora Expeditions has fun

Aurora Expeditions loves what it does and believes that everyone involved, from expeditioners to staff, ship's crews to trekking teams, shares the same goal – the best expedition imaginable!

Many inclusions

Whether it's a stylish jacket and photo journal memento to keep, or gumboots to wear on our polar voyages; flights for our fly/sail Antarctic program; linking flights in Iceland, Alaska, Ecuador, Nepal and Africa or Everest heliflights, our inclusions are what most others would consider extras.

Environmental Stewardship

From Aurora's very first Antarctic voyage in 1992, it has been committed to environmentally responsible tourism practices. Founding Australian members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), Aurora supports research, donates funds, and allocates resources to ensure it leaves places it visits as it found them – or better. As you travel with Aurora,it hopes you develop a deeper understanding of the natural forces shaping our world. By creating lifelong environmental ambassadors, Aurora aims to preserve the wild places for future generations.

If you're a solo traveller, welcome on board!

Aurora Expeditions welcomes many solo travellers on its trips, and their numbers are increasing each year. Maybe it's simply the nature of the expeditions, but Aurora understands what a big step it is for many to set off on their own. To address this, Aurora has developed its informal 'cabin-mate finding service' that matches solo travellers with a cabin mate of the same gender. And it has had great success so far! Aurora Expeditions' small groups and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to make new friends (and remember everyone's name!), and the inspiring destinations are a great conversation starter. Plus, by sharing a cabin you'll also avoid paying any extra 'single supplements'. You might arrive alone, but Aurora can guarantee that you'll go home with lifelong friends.