Upon arrival, head south to Johannesburg and Soweto and take a fascinating tour of the area with its rich history from colonialism to apartheid, and finally democracy. Get an in-depth look at Soweto’s unique neighborhoods, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, visiting the Mandela House located on Vilakazi Street and along the way enjoy a township lunch. Spend a leisurely evening and evening at the lovely Fairlawns Boutique Hotel with its Spa and pool and nestled in a parklike setting. (B,L).

Fly to the Greater Kruger National Park in the morning where you’ll be transferred to your luxurious game lodge. This region is one of the world's most spectacular, game nature reserves, which you'll discover on your late afternoon game drive in search of the country's "Big Five" and other native wildlife. Spend your first night and every night, if you wish, gathering with fellow travelers, sharing stories of the day’s adventures or simply gazing up at the stunning star-filled African sky. Depending on the time of the year, you will spend 3 nights at either Tintswalo Safari Lodge or Makanyi Game Lodge. Both lodges are 5 stars and known for their detail to service and food and equally spectacular wildlife viewing. (B,L,D)

The early morning is the perfect time to go on safari as the wildlife is prolific. Your open-air vehicle provides the perfect way to explore your private game reserve, located just a stone’s throw from the game-rich Kruger National Park. The rest of the morning can be spent enjoying the facilities at your lodge. Later in the day, you’ll go on another game drive deep into the bush, where you may encounter South Africa’s top predators: cheetahs, hyenas and lions. (B,L,D)

Go on two exhilarating game drives today, as well as enjoy ample leisure time at your game lodge. (B,L,D)

Be treated to an early-morning game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home or extend your journey with four nights in magical Rwanda. (B)

Note: Please do not schedule your onward flight before 4:30 p.m.

USituated amidst majestic mountains and lined with pristine beaches, Cape Town has a rich cultural heritage with extraordinary attractions. After being greeted at the airport by an AmaWaterways representative, transfer to Mt Nelson Hotel by Belmond. Get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at the Welcome Reception. (WR)

Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world’s most stunning routes, taking you southeast along the Atlantic seaboard past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak. Stop at Cape Point, located in the nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. You’ll also visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking False Bay—one of the world’s most beautiful bays. (B,L)

You have a choice of two excursions, depending on your interests. Take a cableway up to Table Mountain for spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas, followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands, which comprises the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl valleys. South African wine is world-renowned, and you’ll get to visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A sumptuous lunch will be included along the way. Or choose to explore another side of Cape Town at famous Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. You’ll ferry over to the island where you will take a tour led by a former inmate. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch, and then visit the colorful historic Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit. (B,L)

In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Victoria Falls. Here, you will be transferred to the Chobe River that forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Then board tender boats that will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom, enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, and in the evening, be treated to a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. (B,D)