Encompassing three countries, two Natural Wonders of the World, and a string of unforgettable experiences, this unique adventure unwraps the very best of southern Africa. It begins on the Western Cape of South Africa, where sophisticated Cape Town sits at the foot of Table Mountain and elite vineyards produce award-winning wines. We then hop to Botswana for an adventure in the wilds, scouring Chobe National Park on multiple game drives and discovering the Okavango Delta in mokoro canoes while staying in a wild camp. We end in Zimbabwe, marvelling at the thunderous rush and roar of Victoria Falls – a magnificent curtain of water that draws our adventure to a close.
Day 1: Start Cape TownOur adventure starts in Cape Town, the Mother City, and the afternoon is free to settle in. If you have time after your arrival, you might want to explore a little. The premier nearby attraction is the V&A Waterfront, a buzzy entertainment district of restaurants, stores and live performances within the oldest working harbour in South Africa. Alternatively, relax after your flight with a cooling dip in the hotel pool.
Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)
Day 2: Cable car to the top of Table Mountain; visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical GardenThis morning, an icon of Cape Town beckons: Table Mountain, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. We take the cable car to the summit, where we enjoy a short walk, admiring views over the city and the Atlantic waters of Table Bay from several lookout points. After an hour or so, we take the cable car back down and head to our vehicle.
We then drive around the mountain to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, ranked among the top botanic gardens on the planet. Here, we spend the afternoon exploring the site, which sprawls over the eastern slope of Table Mountain with numerous trails to discover.
Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)
Day 3: Explore the Cape Peninsula and spend time with the penguins at Boulders BeachWe check out early and drive straight to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, taking the scenic route through Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak. Upon arrival, we embark on a walk (approximately two hours) through the reserve, where elands, springbok, wildebeest, baboons and ostriches roam among the rugged cliffs, unspoiled beaches, shipwrecks and wild flora.
We first walk to the new lighthouse for panoramic views, before visiting the old lighthouse for spectacular cliff views. We then follow a downhill path to the Cape of Good Hope and see a board declaring it the southwestern tip of Africa. In the afternoon, we visit the protected African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Also known as jackass penguins, this endangered species is the only penguin on the continent. The beach falls under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area and plays an important part in the conservation of this species. After, we check into our hotel a very short distance away in Simon’s Town harbour.
Accommodation: Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel (or similar)
Day 4: Drive to Hermanus; free afternoonThis morning, we depart for Hermanus, taking the scenic Clarens Drive from Gordon’s Bay, past Betty’s Bay and then onto the seaside town, where we check into our hotel.
The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy Hermanus. From late August to November, southern right whales are easily spotted from the shore as they frolic in Walker Bay, a whale crier sounding his kelp horn when he spots them off the coast. Those who want can also do a boat-based whale-watching trip. There are also several other activities available, including hikes, river cruises and lagoon-kayaking, all of which are available year-round.
Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)
Day 5: Wine tasting with food pairings at two Stellenbosch wineriesLeaving Hermanus in the morning, we head down Sir Lowrey’s Pass to Stellenbosch, a historic town cradled by the Cape Winelands vineyards. Our first stop is the Waterford Estate, where we enjoy a chocolate and wine-paired tasting. From here, we continue to the Middelvlei Wine Estate for a pairing experience with traditional South African dishes; we enjoy snoek (a type of mackerel) and cottage cheese braaibroodjie (a grilled-cheese sandwich) with Middelvlei Unoaked Chardonnay; boerewors (a spiralled sausage) and mozzarella braaibroodjie with Middelvlei Free-Run Pinotage; and fig and brie braaibroodjie with Middelvlei Shiraz. Soft drinks and vegetarian food options are also available. In the late afternoon, we check into our cottages where we can take a dip in the pool.
Accommodation: San Gabriel Cottages (or similar)
Day 6: Fly to Maun; free afternoonWe depart Stellenbosch after breakfast and transfer to Cape Town International Airport for our flight to Maun, Botswana, which leaves in the morning and takes approximately 2hr 30min. In the afternoon, we shop in Maun for our time in the Okavango Delta – picking up the drinks and snacks we might want – before transferring the last 9mi (15km) to our lodge. Our accommodation is on the banks of the Thamalakane River; after settling in, we have time for a quick river swim before dinner (not included).
Accommodation: Crocodile Camp (or similar)
Day 7: Into the Okavango DeltaWe transfer into the Okavango Delta in an open 4×4 game-viewing vehicle, before our local guides take us in traditional dugout canoes called mokoros to our wild tented camp. The Delta forms as rainwater from the Angolan highlands flows out over the flat Kalahari Desert sands, forming a delicate, green oasis for wildlife. Our camp is on a remote island in this dynamic environment and we enjoy bush walks, bird watching and swimming in the clear waters.
Camping with our local guides, we learn more about their lifestyle and culture. The camp will be put up by the polers and we use canvas dome tents with camp stretchers, mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows provided. There is also a gazebo for shade, which doubles as a mess tent. Please note, you only need to take luggage for two nights – bags will be provided.
In the afternoon, we take a two-hour bush walk with the polers. Following animal tracks with the help of our expert guides, we hope to see some of the resident wildlife, which includes zebras, giraffes, elephants and hippos.
Accommodation: Okavango Delta wild camp
Day 8: Full day exploring the Okavango Delta by foot and dugout canoeWe wake early for a four-hour sunrise game walk led by the polers, a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the resident animals and to recognise their tracks. The polers also share the practical uses of the plants we pass. We return to camp for a well-deserved brunch.
In the afternoon, we take a short sunset cruise on our mokoros, navigating reed-lined waterways decorated with water lilies and keeping an eye out for hippos.
Accommodation: Okavango Delta wild camp
Day 9: Morning game walk; return to MaunWe enjoy a two-hour morning game walk, our expert guide pointing out more of the extraordinary animals that live here, before returning to our vehicle by mokoro and transferring back to our lodge in Maun. The afternoon is free to enjoy the swimming pool at the lodge or to take an optional helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta.
Accommodation: Crocodile Camp (or similar)
Day 10: Fly to Kasane; Chobe river cruiseWe have an early breakfast to reach Maun Airport for our one-hour flight to Kasane, Botswana. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our lodge on the outskirts of Kasane, where we have lunch.
This afternoon, we take a short transfer to a jetty and embark on a three-hour boat cruise on the Chobe River. This section of Chobe National Park is home to large herds of elephants and buffalos plus rare species, such as puku and roan antelopes, and a fantastic amount of birdlife.
Accommodation: Kwalape Safari Lodge (or similar)
Day 11: Morning and afternoon game drive in Chobe National ParkWe have an early morning open-vehicle game drive in Chobe National Park, aiming to arrive when it opens. Our three-hour adventure takes us along the Chobe River and we hope to see iconic African animals, including lions, elephants, hippos and, if we’re very lucky, leopards.
We return to our lodge for brunch and time to relax at the pool or to visit Kasane. In the afternoon, we take a second three-hour game drive in Chobe, allowing us another opportunity to see the spectacular wildlife that lives here.
Accommodation: Kwalape Safari Lodge (or similar)
Day 12: Drive across the border into Zimbabwe; visit Victoria FallsToday we cross into Zimbabwe and head to Victoria Falls, arriving in time for lunch in the town of the same name.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a spectacular guided walk through tropical vegetation to the very edge of Mosi oa Tunya (the Smoke That Thunders), known in English as Victoria Falls. Named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this magnificent spectacle is one of the largest waterfalls on the planet, falling in a 1.05mi (1.7km) wide sheet.
Accommodation: Rainbow Hotel (or similar)
Day 13: Full day at Victoria Falls for optional activitiesToday has been left free for you to enjoy all the optional activities available in this region, bookings can be made the day before on arrival into the town. You could white-water raft on the mighty Zambezi River, enjoy a sunset river cruise or take a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls (all own expense).
Accommodation: Rainbow Hotel (or similar)
Day 14: End Victoria FallsThe adventure comes to an end today. However, if you’d like more time to discover this beautiful part of the world, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
