The Canberra Times

Southern Africa's natural wonders

SPOT THE WILDLIFE: The Leopard is one of Africa's "big five" along with lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes found in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park.
SPOT THE WILDLIFE: The Leopard is one of Africa's "big five" along with lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes found in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park.

This is sponsored content from Cruise Offers.

HOLIDAY bargain-hunters looking to visit Southern Africa will jump at this latest package from Cruise Offers.

Priced from $5999 per person twin share, the Natural Wonders of Southern Africa cruise and tour aboard MSC Orchestra from April 1-17 next year represents exceptional value.

Rugged coastlines, lush and tropical vegetation, vast deserts, dramatic mountain ranges and dazzling white sandy islands - Southern Africa is blessed with a diversity of scenery and wildlife.

After a flight from Australia, Cape Town is the base for the first four days.

There's plenty of sightseeing to be done, including the Houses of Parliament, the Victoria and Alfred dock area and a cable-car ride up Table Mountain for views of Table Bay, the city and the sea.

There's a full day tour to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point before a free day to set out by yourself or with friends to explore Cape Town - perhaps take a ferry to visit Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years imprisonment.

STRIPES GALORE: See Zebras in their natural habitat while you wonder at the fact that their stripes come in different patterns which are unique to each individual.
STRIPES GALORE: See Zebras in their natural habitat while you wonder at the fact that their stripes come in different patterns which are unique to each individual.

On day five it's all aboard MSC Orchestra headed up the west coast to Namibia.

There's time to enjoy the wonderful ship facilities - a sports centre, body and mind spa, dining options, theatre and casino - before arriving in Walvis Bay, a small port on the Skeleton Coast and gateway to the Namib Desert.

The bay's tidal lagoon is home to abundant birdlife including flamingos, pelicans and Damara terns. Dolphins, whales and cape fur seals inhabit the Atlantic waters around the lighthouse.

Travellers can opt to take a tour into the desert or explore the curio markets, craft shops, art galleries, museums and beachfront.

Next stop is Luderitz, a German village huddled on the coast of the Namib Desert and a final free day aboard before disembarking in Cape Town for the flight to Victoria Falls.

The Zambezi River plunges noisily down a series of basalt gorges making it one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

Spend two days at the falls, with the opportunity to try riding the rapids down the Zambezi or heading into town to meet the locals.

SPECTACULAR: Tour highlights include Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. The iridescent mist from mighty Victoria Falls can be seen 20km away.
SPECTACULAR: Tour highlights include Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. The iridescent mist from mighty Victoria Falls can be seen 20km away.

It's then off to Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park for four nights and the chance to see the Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo - along with colourful birdlife.

The park boasts more than 100 species of mammals, nearly 400 bird species and is home to one of the largest elephant herds in Africa.

Before heading home, travellers will also enjoy a cultural tour of a local village.

The tour price includes flights, cruise, accommodation, sightseeing as per itinerary and two-day safari.

Cruise Offers, 1800-630-343 (select option 1), or go to Cruise Offers and look under Value Holidays.

This is sponsored content from Cruise Offers.