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Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: victoria falls, the smoke that thunders tour at Cape Town

Cruise line: Silversea
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Mid-Voyage Land Adventure: Victoria Falls, the Smoke That Thunders

Victoria Falls Town astones with its own flair. Exploring one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World is always a highlight.

FULL DESCRIPTION:

02MIDCPT-B Mid-Voyage Land Adventure: Victoria Falls, the Smoke That Thunders

Duration: 3 Days/ 2 Nights

Departs from: Cape Town at approximately 08:00 a.m.

Re-join ship: Port Elizabeth at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

Victoria Falls Town astones with its own flair. Exploring one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World is always a highlight.

DAY ONE - February 12, 2024 - Cape Town/Upington/Victoria Falls

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and depart for the approximately 30 - Minutes transfer to Cape Town International Airport for check-in and your private charter flight to Upington (1H30). Upon arrival at Upington Airport, clear customs and continue for your onward, approximately 3-hour connecting flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport and after customs and immigration formalities, meet your guide and depart for the short transfer to your hotel. After check-in you have time to relax and enjoy the view onto the Zambezi River.

This evening, head to the Boma restaurant for a uniquely interactive traditional dinner experience

In the early-evening, meet your guide and depart for the short transfer to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Upon arrival, proceed to the Boma restaurant for a traditional interactive dinner. This is not just another ethnic restaurant, but a unique cultural experience.

Excellent game meets and traditional dishes, traditional dancers, a Sangoma, and fortune teller

Upon arrival at the Boma restaurant, you are welcomed with a traditional greeting in Shona Ndebele, the local languages. Next, you are invited to take part in a hand-washing ceremony before sampling traditional beer and snacks; a prelude to dinner. Excellent cuisine, including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes, is accompanied by entertainment throughout your meal from traditional dancers, the Sangoma (a traditional storyteller) and a local fortune teller, who is available for fortune telling. The Boma is open for dinner from 7.00 p.m. until late, 365 days a year. Learn about the country's folklore, culture, and heritage from a Sangoma

After dinner, you are invited to while away the evening with the restaurant's very own Sangoma, a traditional storyteller, to learn more about the country's folklore, culture, and heritage. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Deluxe Room - The Palm River Lodge

DAY TWO - February 13, 2024 - Victoria Falls

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for the short transfer to the Falls. Upon arrival at the mighty Falls, known as the 'Smoke That Thunders', take a guided walking tour. From the sight of the Falls to their smell and sound, this awe-inspiring sensory experience is truly humbling. Whilst countless photo opportunities abound, no photograph can truly capture the feeling of seeing the mighty Falls for the first time. This awe-inspiring, 150-million-year-old natural wonder reaches its zenith around May of each year. Learn about the history of the Falls and its flora, fauna, and birdlife from your guide whilst winding your way through the rainforest. The guides are also happy to assist you and your fellow guests with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls; raincoats are provided as needed.

 

Following your walking tour, proceed to the Lookout Café for a light, two-course lunch accompanied by stunning panoramic views overlooking the gorge.  

After depart for the short transfer to the helipad. Upon arrival, receive your safety briefing before boarding your helicopter for an approximately 15-minute 'Flight of Angels'. Upon seeing the Victoria Falls for the first time in 1855, David Livingstone famously wrote that 'Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight'. Little did he know that 150 years later, he could have that exact opportunity. The best way to appreciate the true splendour of Victoria Falls is to view them from the air. The helicopters utilised on this tour have specially designed, 'bubble shaped' windows that are ideal for panoramic viewing and offer wonderful photo opportunities from all seats.

Due to the close proximity of the Maramba Aerodrome to the ZambezicRiver, the helicopters are over the spectacular scenery of the Zambezi River within 30 seconds after lift-off. After take-off, the helicopter turns out towards the magnificent Victoria Falls. From here, your pilot flies left - and right-hand circuits over the Falls in both directions, giving you the best viewing, photographic, and video opportunities. A trip up the Zambezi River and back over Zambezi National Park completes your flight. Following this exhilarating helicopter flight -seeing excursion, return to the helipad and re-board your coach for the short transfer back to the hotel.

In the early-evening, meet your guide and depart for the short transfer to the Zambezi River jetty. Upon arrival, embark the cruise for an unforgettable sunset cruise experience on the Zambezi River. Enjoy the beautiful African sunset with its stunning colours and watch the elephants and hippos enjoying the cooling water. At the conclusion of your sunset dinner cruise, disembark the vessel and re-board your coach for the short transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Deluxe Room - The Palm River Lodge

The Palm River Hotel's idyllic location among towering indigenous trees offers panoramic views of the mighty Zambezi River. Located about four kilometres (2.5 miles) upstream from Victoria Falls, the hotel is a convenient riverside retreat after experiencing all the thrills of the world's biggest waterfall. It's located so close, in fact, that on a clear and wind-free day, you can hear the rumble and see the spray of the mighty 'Smoke That Thunders' from your room. The Palm River Hotel takes its style inspiration from Victoria Falls Town's rich history and blends it with iconic Queenslander architecture – discerning travellers will love the high ceilings and spacious verandas that add to the hotel's luxurious and capacious feel.

DAY THREE - February 14, 2024 - Victoria Falls – Lanseria - Port Elizabeth

After breakfast and check - out, meet your guide and transfer to the airport of Victoria Falls for check-in and your private charter flight (ca. 4 hours) to Port Elizabeth with stop in Lanseria to do customs and immigration. Upon arrival in Port Elizabeth, meet your guide and transfer to the port. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven, natural and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, board/de-board the airplane and helicopter, and 10-20 steps at the sites visited. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable, and quick-drying clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, insect repellent, camera, any necessary medication, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 80 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Each helicopter seats a maximum of 3 guests. The total passenger weight cannot exceed 260 pounds (about 120 kilograms). Guests weighing more than 170 pounds (about 80 kilograms) cannot participate on this tour. Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as individual safety and comfort, seating is assigned at the pilot's discretion. A window seat cannot be guaranteed. The total flight time is approximately 15 minutes; flight times can vary based on flight conditions. Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as individual safety and comfort, seating is assigned at the pilot's discretion. A window seat cannot be guaranteed. It is imperative that accurate weights for all guests are forwarded 48 hours prior to flight. If the weights differ to what was sent, they may be asked to stand on scales; if the difference causes the guest not able to take the flight, there is no refund. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Due to prevailing weather conditions, the tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

Three-night stay in a Deluxe Room Category - The Palm River Lodge

Scheduled charter flights: Cape Town/Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls/Port Elizabeth (Charter flight Beech 1900). Business-Class is not available;

Unique Air restricts baggage allowance to one soft luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms Maximum weight per item: approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms)

Two breakfasts, one lunches, and two dinners, with drinks included

Guided walking tour of the Victoria Falls & 15min flight over the mighty Victoria Falls Waterfalls

Sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi river

Traditional Interactive Boma Dinner at the Boma Restuarant - Victoria Falls Lodge

Luxury return transfer service to/from the Victria Falls/ Cape Town & from/to  the Victoria Falls / Port Elizabeth

Guide services

All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Visas, any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry service, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.