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Ultimate Africa: Ocean, Rail & Safari

  • Duration
    26 days
  • Tour Type
    Cruise & Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £14,290pp
An adventure of epic proportions by cruise ship and luxury train, this tour has it all – from tropical islands to wildlife-packed wilderness, vibrant cities to thundering waterfalls. Cruise across the Indian Ocean from Mauritius to Cape Town, before boarding the world-renowned Rovos Rail in Pretoria, making your way to Victoria Falls via acclaimed national parks in Zimbabwe and Botswana, on a journey of a lifetime.
  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 24 , Lunches: 23 , Dinners: 24
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Visa Included
    Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Cruise
    Azamara Ocean Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 1Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required. Expect to be on your feet for most of the day walking around sights, often including steps and getting on and off coaches, trains, or boats. Occasional longer walks may be included. Physical requirements vary by tour. Please read the Detailed Tour Itinerary on the tour page to ensure it's the right fit for you. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet

Tour Experiences

GOLD Restaurant

Spend a wonderful evening on a culinary adventure, immersed in all things Africa. You’ll dine on an epic 14 course dinner safari, tasting flavours from across the continent and hearing stories about its origins. All this is complimented by traditional puppets and other entertainment.

Rovos Rail

Affectionately known as the 'Pride of Africa', the Edwardian-style Rovos Rail reflects the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration in a bygone era, setting the scene for the truly unique journey that lies ahead. Step aboard the vintage wood-panelled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows.

Game Drives

Hwange and Chobe national parks are two of the biggest names on the African continent when it comes to wildlife spotting. You’ll have game drives in them both, ticking off a list of spots that includes lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, giraffes and many, many more.

Tour Itinerary

Travelling by cruise ship and luxury train, this tour has it all – tropical islands, wildlife-packed wilderness, vibrant cities and thundering waterfalls – as you explore across the Indian Ocean and through South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly UK to Mauritius
    Days 1-2: Fly UK to Mauritius

    Fly overnight from the UK 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
  • Day 3
    Explore Mauritius
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Mauritius at leisure
    Day 4: Mauritius at leisure

    Spend today relaxing at your hotel or exploring the local area.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Board the Azamara Onward
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Cruise – Reunion
    Day 6: Cruise – 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Cruise – At Sea
    Day 7: Cruise – At Sea

    Use today to explore the plentiful facilities and entertainment available on the Azamara Onward.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Cruise – Madagascar
    Day 8: Cruise – 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Days 9-10
    Cruise – At Sea
    Days 9-10: Cruise – At Sea

    Relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment or explore all the activities available onboard the Azamara Onward.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Cruise – Richards Bay
    Day 11: Cruise – Richards 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Cruise – Durban
    Day 12: Cruise – 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Cruise – At Sea
    Day 13: Cruise – At Sea

    Further explore the exciting options aboard the Azamara Onward.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Cruise – Port Elizabeth
    Day 14: Cruise – 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Cruise – At Sea
    Day 15: Cruise – At Sea

    A final day at sea to relax by the pool, pay a visit to the spa, or participate in any of the entertainment you've not yet enjoyed.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Cruise – Cape Town
    Day 16: Cruise – 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 17
    Arrive Cape Town
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 18
    All Aboard Rovos Rail
    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. This afternoon, 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 19
    Rovos - At leisure
    Day 19: Rovos - At leisure

    As you cross the Tropic of Capricorn and Limpopo River, enjoy a day soaking up the luxurious atmosphere of the Rovos Rail, dining on delicious food, enjoying the amenities and watching the landscapes of South Africa slip by.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 20
    Rovos - Matobo National Park
    Day 20: Rovos - 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 21
    Rovos - Hwange National Park
    Day 21: Rovos - 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 22
    Arrive in Victoria Falls
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 23
    Chobe National Park
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 24
    Zambezi Cruise
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 25
    Victoria Falls
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 26
    Fly to UK
    Day 26: Fly to UK

    Fly from Victoria Falls to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

    • Breakfast
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Ultimate Africa: Ocean, Rail & Safari map

Places Visited: UK - Mauritius (3N) - Azamara Cruise (12N) - Pretoria (1N) - Rovos Rail (4N) - Chobe National Park (2N) - Victoria Falls (2N)

Tour Dates & Prices

If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book. Read our Price Match Promise

Your Tour Includes

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Depart UK
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Booking Options

Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.

Depart UK
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