Group Size: 20-25 participants
Price: Starting from $18,495 per person, double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Harvard Exclusive
Trip Overview
Discover the spirit of southern Africa on a journey through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Cruise the Chobe River aboard the luxurious Zambezi Queen, surrounded by the wildlife and pristine landscapes of Chobe National Park. Continue to Victoria Falls and stand in awe before one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. In Cape Town, explore Robben Island, the dramatic cliffs of Cape Point, and the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands. Conclude your adventure with an unforgettable safari at the renowned MalaMala Private Game Reserve, where world-class comfort meets the wild heart of Africa.
Schedule by Day
Click each drop-down below to view a detailed itinerary. For a full view, please select the "print page" button above.
Pricing
More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.
Cabin Category | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
Category A Suite, Main Deck | $18,495 per person | N/A |
Category B Suite, Main Deck | $18,995 per person | $24,495 |
Category B Suite, Lower Deck | $18,995 per person | $24,495 |
Category C Luxury Suite, Main Deck | $20,795 per person | Inquire |
Category C Luxury Suite, Lower Deck | $20,795 per person | Inquire |
On-tour flights Johannesburg/Kasane, Victoria Falls/Cape Town, Cape Town/Skukuza, and Skukuza/Johannesburg: Approximately $1,800 (taxes included) per person (subject to change until ticketed)
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (June 28, 2027) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
- two nights at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, Johannesburg
- three nights aboard Zambezi Queen
- two nights at Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls
- four nights at V&A Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town
- two nights at Mala Mala Game Reserve
What to Expect
This is a full, moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy and requires you to be in good health and able to keep up with the group without assistance from tour staff. In order to make the most of what each locale has to offer, days will generally be long, with the daily program often beginning early in the morning and continuing into the early evening. We will cover rugged terrain and walks on daily excursions can range from one to two miles, often on uneven terrain in the warm sun, where handrails are not available. During the time in Johannesburg and Cape Town, travel will be by modern, air-conditioned motor coaches on paved roads. Land-based game drives will be by open-air safari vehicles, which can be dusty and bumpy, and that travelers will need to climb in and out of. The time spent at the game park includes early morning and late afternoon game drives, but there will be time midday to relax and enjoy a slower pace. Water-based game drives will be from small watercraft with chair-style seating; you will need to be able to get into and out of small watercraft with the assistance of tour staff and crew. Aboard the Zambezi Queen, there is no elevator, and you should feel comfortable walking on a rocking surface at times.
We will use commercial aircraft for the four on-tour flights: Johannesburg/Kasane, Victoria Falls/Cape Town, Cape Town/Skukuza, and Skukusa/Johannesburg.
Anyone with a serious medical condition or who has difficulty walking should not consider this trip. Please let us know if you have mobility issues that need special accommodation.
This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.
