Overview

On this popular magical tour and safari, you will spend 10 unforgettable days exploring some of Southern Africa’s most iconic destinations. Your adventure starts in one of the top-rated tourist cities in the world, Cape Town. South Africa’s ‘Mother City’, as it is known, boasts spectacular natural beauty, and is set between two oceans with the glorious Table Mountain as its backdrop – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

You will have time to explore Cape Town’s culture in its vibrant city centre, at the popular and luxurious V&A Waterfront and on some of the best beaches on the planet like Clifton, Camps Bay and the renowned African penguins at Boulders Beach. Take in must-see places like Cape Point Nature Reserve, the remarkable Cape Winelands and Hermanus – Africa’s whale-watching capital from July until November.

You then move to a private game reserve situated alongside an unfenced border of the magnificent Kruger National Park. The Timbavati Nature Reserve offers a superb Big 5 safari experience -it is not unusual to see all members of the Big 5 during your safari and because it is a private reserve, you will enjoy spectacular game viewing far away from the crowds.

A quick one night stop in Johannesburg near the airport, before your last few days will be spent in the presence of the largest curtain of falling water on Earth, the majestic Victoria Falls. Take an unforgettable scenic flight over the waterfall and enjoy romantic boat cruises on the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls also offers thrilling activities for more adventurous travellers like micro-lighting, bungee jumping and white-water rafting – living up to its name of the ‘Adrenalin Capital of Africa’. Between February and July (usually peaking between March and April), the mighty Zambezi River is in full flood and you can experience the waterfall at its most thunderous – a truly mesmerising sensory overload.

Itinerary

Days 1 to 5: Arrive in Cape Town – Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

On arrival at the Cape Town International Airport you will be met and transferred to Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel. This original Georgian-Victorian townhouse, set on a well-connected street in the suburb of Gardens, looks (and feels) more like a private residence. Its individually-decorated rooms and suites are laid out to suit every kind of traveller, while relaxed guest areas and our attentive hospitality encourage you to do as little or as much as you wish. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance from splendid local restaurants, coffee shops and the boutique stores and art galleries of popular Kloof Street.

With plenty to offer the traveller you should never get bored in Cape Town. The Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is a prime attraction in the city, a working harbour and tourist attraction offering world class shopping, a huge variety of restaurants, cafes & bars and the Two Oceans Aquarium. The ferry trip to Robben Island, the site of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration for much of his 27 years in prison, leaves from here.

Table Mountain is the iconic backdrop of Cape Town rising over 1000m above sea level – it can be seen from all over the city. Taking the revolving cable car up to the top is a must or if you’re feeling adventurous there are several hiking routes to the summit.

The park-like botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch, Cape Town’s beaches and the city centre with its outdoor street markets, boutique shops & stylish restaurants are all added attractions. Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town and you’re in the scenic mountains and valleys of the Winelands.

For the more adventurous visitor there are activities such as canoeing, 4×4 trails, horse-riding, hiking, mountain biking, rock pool swimming, abseiling and kloofing.

Overnight: Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

Days 5 to 8: Cape Town – Kambaku River Sands, Timbavati Game Reserve

After breakfast you transfer back to Cape Town International Airport for a mid-morning flight to the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, from where you will be transferred into one of the Kruger’s brightest gems, the Timbavati Game Reserve. Settle into your luxury suite at the Kambaku River Sands, where they have created an experience that will give you all the space and time you need to pause, breathe in and reconnect with the here and now. The rooms and bathrooms are designed to create an atmosphere of blissful solitude. Glass-encased spaces invite the outside in as you immerse yourself in the vastness of the surrounding nature.

In the morning wake up to a cheerful morning call and start your day with a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee. Then head out on a guided safari. Expect sightings of some of the region’s rarest wildlife – white lions, African wild dogs and bashful aardvarks. Return to a delicious brunch served by our accommodating and approachable culinary team.

The afternoon game drive ends as the sun sets, and you will return to camp as night falls and your tracker illuminates the world around you, identifying nocturnal wildlife. Your arrival will be met with a delectable dining experience indoors or under a starlit sky. Dinner will be at treat to world-class cuisine and specialist wine tastings, dine alfresco or alongside the riverbed surrounded by camp fires.

Overnight: Kambaku River Sands

Day 8 Johannesburg Stop Over – City Lodge O. R. Tambo

Transfer back to the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport for a short flight to the O.R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg for a quick one night stay near the airport, the City Lodge Hotel. Overnight: City Lodge Hotel at O.R. Tambo

Days 9 to 11: Johannesburg – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

After breakfast transfer over to the International Departures at the O.R. Tambo Airport for your flight to the Victoria Falls Airport, on arrival you will be transferred to the charming Batonka Guest Lodge on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls. Set in a tranquil and gorgeous garden, Batonka is an intimate little oasis a mere 5-minute walk from Victoria Falls Town. The lodge’s heartbeat is its beautiful, shaded veranda – a fantastic spot to enjoy your cheerful breakfasts, pre-dinner drinks or simply unwind in the outdoor bar and lounge area. Take a dip in the refreshing swimming pool after a full day of activities around Victoria Falls.

Aptly named ‘the smoke that thunders’ or Mosi-oa-Tunya (its traditional name), Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall on Earth and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Other than the spellbinding experience of a guided tour of the Falls, the surrounding area offers a wide variety of fun and heart-racing activities. Victoria Falls is known as the ‘Adventure Capital of Africa’, and for good reason! White-water rafting (seasonal), bungee jumping, zip-lining and micro-lighting are among the many adventure activities enjoyed by thrill seekers at the Falls. If you are visiting during the low-water season (about August to December), you can take a dip in the famed Devil’s Pool – a natural rock pool at the very edge of the Falls’ Zambia side. If you are looking for more relaxing experiences, Zambezi River sunset boat cruises or day trips to the surrounding wildlife parks will be right up your alley.

Overnight: Batonka Guest Lodge

Day 11:  Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Johannesburg – Last Day

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport.

END OF TOUR