Southern Africa Discovery
SCENICSZK1216329

Southern Africa Discovery

Departure 16 May 2026
Duration 0 Nights
Cruise Line Scenic
Ship
0800 059 0570

Itinerary

Cape Town, South Africa

Date of arrival 16 May 2026

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

Date of arrival 17 May 2026

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

Date of arrival 18 May 2026

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Cape Town

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Date of arrival 19 May 2026

Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to your luxurious lodge, nestled on the edge of the renowned Kruger National Park. Enjoy a three-night Scenic Special Stay, indulging in the lodge’s exceptional amenities and breathtaking natural surroundings. Embark on your first safari this afternoon, venturing into the wild to spot Africa’s iconic wildlife, including the Big Five. Thornybush offers a deeply immersive bush experience with expert guides, enhancing your chances of unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Scenic Sundowners
At the end of your afternoon game drive, enjoy one of the most enjoyable safari traditions: drinks at sunset.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Date of arrival 20 May 2026

Experience another day of unrestricted game drives in specially adapted Land Rovers, expertly designed for tracking Africa’s iconic ‘Big Five’: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. These exhilarating safaris offer you the chance to observe these majestic animals up close in their natural habitat, guided by skilled rangers who provide insightful commentary on the behaviour and conservation of these key species. 

Scenic Enrich
Dine al fresco under the vast, starlit African sky, accompanied by the ambient sounds of the surrounding wildlife. This intimate bush dinner offers a unique and unforgettable connection with nature, enhancing your safari adventure.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Date of arrival 21 May 2026

Venture deeper into the wild with both morning and evening game drives through Thornybush Game Reserve, increasing your chances of spotting Africa’s most iconic wildlife. For a different perspective, join an immersive walking safari with your expert ranger and explore the finer details of the bush — from delicate flora to the often-overlooked creatures that play a crucial role in this vibrant ecosystem.

Kruger National Park

Johannesburg, South Africa

Date of arrival 22 May 2026

Fly to Johannesburg and check into your hotel for your two-night stay. Known as the “City of Gold,” Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and a vibrant hub of art, culture, and history. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your hotel or enjoying its facilities. As a city that played a pivotal role in South Africa’s past and present, Johannesburg offers insight into both its dynamic arts scene and its complex history.

Johannesburg
Day 1

Cape Town, South Africa

Date of arrival 16 May 2026

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Cape Town
Day 2

Cape Town, South Africa

Date of arrival 17 May 2026

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Cape Town
Day 3

Cape Town, South Africa

Date of arrival 18 May 2026

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Cape Town
Day 4

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Date of arrival 19 May 2026

Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to your luxurious lodge, nestled on the edge of the renowned Kruger National Park. Enjoy a three-night Scenic Special Stay, indulging in the lodge’s exceptional amenities and breathtaking natural surroundings. Embark on your first safari this afternoon, venturing into the wild to spot Africa’s iconic wildlife, including the Big Five. Thornybush offers a deeply immersive bush experience with expert guides, enhancing your chances of unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Scenic Sundowners
At the end of your afternoon game drive, enjoy one of the most enjoyable safari traditions: drinks at sunset.

Kruger National Park
Day 5

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Date of arrival 20 May 2026

Experience another day of unrestricted game drives in specially adapted Land Rovers, expertly designed for tracking Africa’s iconic ‘Big Five’: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. These exhilarating safaris offer you the chance to observe these majestic animals up close in their natural habitat, guided by skilled rangers who provide insightful commentary on the behaviour and conservation of these key species. 

Scenic Enrich
Dine al fresco under the vast, starlit African sky, accompanied by the ambient sounds of the surrounding wildlife. This intimate bush dinner offers a unique and unforgettable connection with nature, enhancing your safari adventure.

Kruger National Park
Day 6

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Date of arrival 21 May 2026

Venture deeper into the wild with both morning and evening game drives through Thornybush Game Reserve, increasing your chances of spotting Africa’s most iconic wildlife. For a different perspective, join an immersive walking safari with your expert ranger and explore the finer details of the bush — from delicate flora to the often-overlooked creatures that play a crucial role in this vibrant ecosystem.

Kruger National Park
Day 7

Johannesburg, South Africa

Date of arrival 22 May 2026

Fly to Johannesburg and check into your hotel for your two-night stay. Known as the “City of Gold,” Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and a vibrant hub of art, culture, and history. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your hotel or enjoying its facilities. As a city that played a pivotal role in South Africa’s past and present, Johannesburg offers insight into both its dynamic arts scene and its complex history.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa

Date of arrival 23 May 2026

Johannesburg, often referred to as Jo’burg, pulses with energy, reflecting the rapid transformation from a gold-mining settlement to a modern metropolis. The city is a gateway to South Africa’s northern regions and offers diverse cultural experiences, from trendy galleries and world-class theatres to hip cafes and iconic Mandela-related sites. Johannesburg’s vibrant spirit is complemented by lush green spaces like the Johannesburg Botanical Garden and Emmarentia Dam, providing a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle.

Scenic Enrich
Explore Soweto, visit Nelson Mandela’s house, and walk the streets he once did. Discover the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles the rise and fall of apartheid and the history of 20th century South Africa.

Johannesburg

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Date of arrival 24 May 2026

Board your flight to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, renowned for its breathtaking curtain of falling water that stretches over a mile wide.

Experience the awe-inspiring majesty of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, where panoramic views offer a true spectacle of this natural wonder’s thunderous descent.

Enjoy a luxurious three-night Scenic Special Stay at your colonial-style hotel, which offers splendid views of the gorges and mist from the falls.  

This evening, indulge in a traditional boma dinner offering local cuisine and energetic dance performances, followed by an interactive drumming experience.

Victoria Falls

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Date of arrival 25 May 2026

Enjoy a cruise along the Chobe River, a vital waterway in the Chobe National Park renowned for hosting one of the largest concentrations of elephants and buffaloes on the African continent. Following your river cruise, venture into a game drive along the shoreline, where you can encounter these majestic animals up close, along with other wildlife such as lions, hippos, and numerous bird species that make this park a true wildlife haven.

Chobe National Park

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Date of arrival 26 May 2026

Scenic Enrich
Visit a traditional Zimbabwean village for a glimpse into tribal life and meet elephants at a local sanctuary.

Scenic Sundowners
Be treated to a special sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and watch the teeming wildlife on the banks, just upstream from Victoria Falls, drink in hand.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Date of arrival 27 May 2026

Today, choose to elevate your experience with the chance to view the majestic Victoria Falls from the sky, on an optional helicopter flight that showcases the full scale and beauty of this natural wonder (additional cost; book during the tour).

Then transfer back to the airport for your journey home, taking wonderful memories with you.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Victoria Falls
Day 8

Johannesburg, South Africa

Date of arrival 23 May 2026

Johannesburg, often referred to as Jo’burg, pulses with energy, reflecting the rapid transformation from a gold-mining settlement to a modern metropolis. The city is a gateway to South Africa’s northern regions and offers diverse cultural experiences, from trendy galleries and world-class theatres to hip cafes and iconic Mandela-related sites. Johannesburg’s vibrant spirit is complemented by lush green spaces like the Johannesburg Botanical Garden and Emmarentia Dam, providing a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle.

Scenic Enrich
Explore Soweto, visit Nelson Mandela’s house, and walk the streets he once did. Discover the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles the rise and fall of apartheid and the history of 20th century South Africa.

Johannesburg
Day 9

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Date of arrival 24 May 2026

Board your flight to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, renowned for its breathtaking curtain of falling water that stretches over a mile wide.

Experience the awe-inspiring majesty of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, where panoramic views offer a true spectacle of this natural wonder’s thunderous descent.

Enjoy a luxurious three-night Scenic Special Stay at your colonial-style hotel, which offers splendid views of the gorges and mist from the falls.  

This evening, indulge in a traditional boma dinner offering local cuisine and energetic dance performances, followed by an interactive drumming experience.

Victoria Falls
Day 10

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Date of arrival 25 May 2026

Enjoy a cruise along the Chobe River, a vital waterway in the Chobe National Park renowned for hosting one of the largest concentrations of elephants and buffaloes on the African continent. Following your river cruise, venture into a game drive along the shoreline, where you can encounter these majestic animals up close, along with other wildlife such as lions, hippos, and numerous bird species that make this park a true wildlife haven.

Chobe National Park
Day 11

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Date of arrival 26 May 2026

Scenic Enrich
Visit a traditional Zimbabwean village for a glimpse into tribal life and meet elephants at a local sanctuary.

Scenic Sundowners
Be treated to a special sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and watch the teeming wildlife on the banks, just upstream from Victoria Falls, drink in hand.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Victoria Falls
Day 12

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Date of arrival 27 May 2026

Today, choose to elevate your experience with the chance to view the majestic Victoria Falls from the sky, on an optional helicopter flight that showcases the full scale and beauty of this natural wonder (additional cost; book during the tour).

Then transfer back to the airport for your journey home, taking wonderful memories with you.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Victoria Falls
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