EXPLORING SOUTH AFRICA, VICTORIA FALLS & BOTSWANA

Day 1: Overnight Flight
You’re on your way to Southern Africa, where incredible landscapes lead way to a blend of cultural diversity, an abundance of wildlife, and a remarkable history. From urban centres to wild safaris, South Africa takes you by surprise, delighting you again and again until its unique spirit claims you, heart and soul.

Day 2: Cape Town, South Africa - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in South Africa. Immerse yourself in the pulse of this electric cultural mecca called Cape Town. Nicknamed “The Mother City,” it captivates you at every turn. Discover a melting pot of Dutch, French, and German architecture that embolden the horizon. Explore Alfred & Victoria Waterfront, a Cape Town hotspot and one of South Africa’s most compelling destinations, from heritage sites to historic landmarks, markets, shops, and restaurants.

Day 3: Cape Town
Revolve at an altitude of more than 3,000 feet in a cable car atop incredible Table Mountain.* Rise gently over the South African landscape, rich in views of Cape Town, Lions Head, and historic Robben Island. Step in to a kingdom of natural wonders, where thousands of plant and floral species thrive. Return to the city via Table Bay. Pass through the Moorish Malay Quarter and pause at Milnerton Lighthouse. The rest of the afternoon is yours. Steps from the bustling waterfront, your hotel is in Cape Town’s best location. Tonight, experience an unforgettable cultural aperitif, a true African dining experience starring a host of culinary specialties and delicacies.

Day 4: Cape Town
The drama of Cape Peninsula’s halcyon landscape leads you to Cape Point on the southwestern tip of Africa. Marvel at nature’s colour wheel – shades of green that blanket rocky outcrops and cerulean waters that form into waves and crash into a brilliant lavender blue. Bartolomeau Dias, the first European to reach the Cape, named it the Cape of Storms, but it was re-named Cape of Good Hope by Portugal’s King John II when it opened a sea route to the East. Among mystic mountaintops over open seas, set out on an easy hike down mountain, passing through one of the world’s six floral kingdoms. End at Boulders Beach for the rarest of black-tie events – a rendezvous with endangered African penguins! This evening, find yourself an honoured guest for dinner at a Capetonian family’s home. Dine, exchange stories, and share a true “day-in-the-life” experience. End the evening with happy memories and lifelong friends.

Day 5: Cape Town - Stellenbosch
The Winelands of the Western Cape await you. The Cape boasts a reputation as some of the world’s most beautiful wine country, with no fewer than 13 wine routes. After a relaxing morning, a short drive takes you to the idyllic town of Stellenbosch – a zenith of South Africa’s famous Winelands. Among rolling vineyards where historic Cape Dutch architecture dots the landscape, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This evening, learn about South Africa’s renowned varietals during a wine tasting. End with dinner created with locally-sourced ingredients.

Day 6: Stellenbosch - Hermanus - Stellenbosch
Today, it’s your choice. Seaside Hermanus waits for you on the other side of an easy drive over the St. Lowry Pass. Learn more about this quaint maritime village known to be frequented by whales. Take in the town and enjoy its many shops and art galleries -OR- simply relax in Stellenbosch and take advantage of your hotel’s amenities.

Day 7: Stellenbosch - Johannesburg - Entabeni Conservancy
Take to the skies on a flight to Johannesburg. Arrive in “The Place of the Mountain,” Entabeni Conservancy. Discover a series of African Baroque bungalows in the alluring umbra of Hanglip Mountain – your home for the next two nights. Then, it’s time to go where the wild things are. In a place where the lions reign as kings, head out in a 4x4 on a search for the “Big 5” across vast marshlands and craggy landscapes. Stretch your legs and enjoy a traditional African sundowner as the sun disappears behind the mountain.

Day 8: Entabeni Conservancy
Answer the call of the wild before sunrise. In the open expanse of Entabeni, among the pitch-perfect sounds of the wild, drive out in your 4x4 on a chase for the elusive “Big 5.” Enjoy coffee and tea in the bush. Later, follow the clues left by wildlife tracks as you head out on an investigation alongside a ranger and tracker before relaxing over lunch in the gardens. This afternoon, drive past the big cats as they prepare for the hunt. Under the night sky, indulge in a braai. From the Afrikaans meaning “grilled meat,” a braai is a unifying tradition of an old-fashioned, round-the-fire barbeque that’s a great societal equalizer, a lot of sausage, a lot of spice, and a lot of fun. Afterward, look up and discover your Shangri-La beneath a parade of stars and constellations only glimpsed in the Southern Hemisphere.

Day 9: Entabeni Conservancy - Johannesburg
Take one more crack at another quest for the “Big 5” this morning. Then, say goodbye to Entabeni and make the journey to vibrant Johannesburg. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan centre of greater Johannesburg.

Day 10: Johannesburg - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe**
Fly to Victoria Falls today – an awe-inspiring wonder of the world. When you arrive, check in to your lodge that boasts African elegance in the form of a vast open-plan tree house, where herds of buffalo, elephant, hyena, and kudu gather at a central watering hole. This afternoon, when rainbows are at their best, witness the awesome power of Victoria Falls. Afterward, toast the astonishing African sunset with a sundowner next to the animals gathered at the watering hole. Bombard the senses tonight with the tastes, sights, sounds, and smells of the Boma, a feast of fun under the stars featuring a cultural milieu of traditional dancers and drummers that celebrate the warmth of the Zimbabwean culture. Indulge in a superb selection of local delicacies, barbeque, and a variety of game meat for the more adventurous.

Day 11: Victoria Falls
Embark on a captivating tour of a local village with our friend, a most passionate village elder. From a casual chat inside an open-roofed lapa that’s welcomed dignitaries and local leaders, to the surrounding fields, bush, and round houses with perfectly swept yards, discover a palpable energy in a place where African traditions are expressed with pride. Later, get ready for the experience of a lifetime. Greet African elephants, spend some quality time interacting with them in their own habitat, and learn some of their unique behaviours. Relax, reflect, and maybe even bring a coffee down to the watering hole during some free time at the lodge. This evening, you might decide to join an optional sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

Day 12: Victoria Falls - Chobe, Botswana
Before crossing the border to Botswana and Chobe, engage in a lively discourse about the African explorer and missionary, David Livingstone. Arrive in Chobe – game-viewing country. During a breathtaking safari cruise along the Chobe River, spot elephants and hippos that linger and swim along the shores, and crocodiles basking in the sun.

Day 13: Chobe National Park
Bordered by the Chobe River, Chobe National Park’s perennial waters rise in the northern Angolan highlands. Venture into the park for an unforgettable wildlife excursion through the park’s diverse ecosystems featuring remarkable biodiversity. After lunch, it’s your choice! Continue the wildlife search by land on an afternoon game drive -OR- hit the river for a new perspective on a safari cruise. Tonight, gather by the river for an unforgettable, chef-hosted farewell dinner. On your last night, learn the secret to cooking a traditional braai, complete with some local favourites and delicacies.

Day 14: Chobe - Johannesburg - Tour Ends
Fly to Johannesburg today, where your tour comes to a close.