Excursion Overland experience: victoria falls, the smoke that thunders tour at Cape Town

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

FULL DESCRIPTION:

03MIDCPT-A Overland Experience: Victoria Falls, the Smoke That Thunders

Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights

Departs from: Cape Town, Monday May 4, 2026 at approximately 07:00 a.m.

Re-join ship: Walvis Bay, Friday, May 7, 2026 at approximately 3.00 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 - Monday, May 4, 2026 - Cape Town/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 scheduled flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival at airport 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 Lookout Café for a delicious lunch accompanied by stunning panoramic views overlooking the gorge.  

After lunch, proceed 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 - Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - Victoria Falls

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for the short transfer to the helipad. Upon arrival receive your safety briefing before boarding your helicopter for an approximately 25-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.

Due to the close proximity to the Zambezi River, the helicopters are over the spectacular scenery of the Zambezi River within just a short time 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 Falls.

Following your exhilarating flight over Victoria 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.

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 Falls.

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 - Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - Victoria Falls – Johannesburg

After breakfast and check - out, meet your guide and transfer to the airport of Victoria Falls for check-in and your scheduled flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, meet your guide and reach your hotel by foot, which is conveniently located at opposite terminal 3.

This evening relax and dine at your hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Junior Suite - Intercontinental Or Tambo

DAY FOUR - Thursday, May 7, 2026 - Johannesburg – Walvis Bay

After breakfast and check - out, meet your guide and transfer to the airport of Johannesburg for check-in and your scheduled flight (ca. 4 hours) to Walvis Bay. Upon arrival in Walvis Bay, meet your guide and transfer to the port. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

Please note: This Overland Experience 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. 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. A single passenger weight cannot exceed 260 pounds (about 120 kilograms). A window seat cannot be guaranteed. The total flight time is approximately 25 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:

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

One-night stay in a Junior Suite - Intercontinental Johannesburg OR Tambo

Scheduled flights: Cape Town/Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls/Johannesbourg & Johannesburg/ Walvis Bay

Business-Class is not available;

Three breakfasts, one lunches, and three dinners, with drinks included

Guided walking tour of the Victoria Falls & 25 min 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 / Walvis Bay

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.