Africa

Linda just returned from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia and can’t stop talking about it !

Epic scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife come together in an incredible experience.

The trip below is a similar one to what she did and would highly recommend it – there are some last minute spaces available if you’re interested.

Overnight Flight from North America

Day2

Cape Town, South Africa – Trip Begins

Welcome to the beautiful harbourside city of Cape Town. Its architecture fuses French, German and Dutch traditions which sets the stage for a thrilling cultural journey. ( I would actually fly you in one day in advance so you could go to Robben Island too)

• Commodore Hotel-legacy Hotels International Cape Town
• Spend the remainder of your afternoon at leisure. You may choose to explore charming Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, known for its shopping and entertainment venues. Be sure to stop by the local craft market for some hidden gems. This evening, savour a true African dining experience as you become familiar with a traditional African hand-washing ceremony before sampling local delicacies.
• Step aboard a cable car that whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet atop Table Mountain.* Gaze at the astounding view of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion’s Head. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Moorish Malay Quartre on your panoramic tour, pausing along the way at Milnerton Lighthouse
• Day3
• Breakfast & Dinner
• Commodore Hotel-legacy Hotels International Cape Town
• Later this evening, make some new South African friends during a home-hosted dinner. Sit down with a local family and learn about their daily life. Perhaps you’ll share stories from your own experiences.
• Enjoy a leisurely hike down before continuing on to Boulders Beach to see the penguins who call it home.
• Travel out to Cape Point on the southwestern tip of Africa. En route, marvel at the coastal scenery and pleasant towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Listen to the tales behind the numerous ship wrecks which attest to the treacherous nature of these waters. Come to know the Cape of Good Hope and take a tram to the top of the mountain.
• Day4

• Breakfast & Dinner
• Commodore Hotel-legacy Hotels International Cape Town – Stellenbosch
• Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This evening, learn about the varieties of wines South Africa is known for during a wine tasting; then savour a delicious dinner created with locally-sourced ingredients.
• After a leisurely morning, a short drive brings you to the beautiful winelands of the Western Cape.
• Day5

• Breakfast & Dinner
• Spier Hotel Stellenbosch – Hermanus – Stellenbosch
• Enjoy a leisurely drive over the Sir Lowry Pass to the quaint seaside village of Hermanus. A walking tour will acquaint you with the village. Enjoy some leisure time to explore the shops and art galleries before returning to Stellenbosch. Alternatively, you may choose to stay in Stellenbosch and explore the winelands region independently or just relax in the beautiful setting.
• Day6

• Breakfast
• Spier Hotel Stellenbosch – Johannesburg – Entabeni Conservancy
• Fly to the city of Johannesburg. Upon arrival, head to the Entabeni Conservancy. Gather for an afternoon game drive. Have your cameras ready as you search for the “Big Five” (lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhino). As the sun sets, get out of your 4×4 and gaze over the land as the sun drops behind the mountains and enjoy a traditional African sundowner.
• Day7

• Breakfast & Dinner
• Hanglip Mountain Lodge Entabeni Conservancy
• Rise before the sun and set out on a game drive. Enjoy coffee and tea in the bush before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Later, learn to follow the clues left by wildlife during a track identification walk with a ranger. After you have worked up an appetite, take time for a leisurely lunch in the gardens. Late afternoon, continue your search for the “Big Five” during another exciting game drive. Keep an eye out for the big cats preparing to hunt. Return to the lodge for dinner under the stars.
• Day8

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Hanglip Mountain Lodge Entabeni Conservancy – Johannesburg
• Later, journey to the vibrant city of Johannesburg. Enjoy some leisure time in Sandton this afternoon. (Would recommend the Nelson Mandela Museum)
• Carry on your quest for the “Big Five” before breakfast.
• Day9

• Breakfast
• Da Vinci Hotel And Suites Johannesburg – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe**
• Tonight’s dinner is a fun and interactive experience with traditional dancers and drummers.
• Embark on a walking tour of the stunning Victoria Falls. Later you may enjoy a sundowner poolside and the spectacular African sunset while the animals gather at the watering hole.
• Fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Spend some time at a local village learning more about the regional culture.
• Day10

• Breakfast & Dinner
• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Victoria Falls
• This morning explore a local craft market. Later you will meet African elephants and have the opportunity to interact with them before you enjoy some free time at the lodge. Reflect on your surroundings as you relax while overlooking the wildlife watering hole. This evening enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
• Day11

• Breakfast
• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Victoria Falls – Chobe, Botswana
• Cross the border as you travel to Chobe, Botswana. An exciting safari cruise awaits. Spot wildlife along the water’s edge, find hippos swimming along the shores, and crocodiles basking in the sun.
• Watch for bushbuck (African antelope) as well as birdlife during a nature walk with a local guide.
• Day12

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Chobe Marina Lodge Chobe National Park
• Tonight’s dinner by the river is hosted by a chef who will teach you the art of cooking a traditional braai (barbecue) complete with some local favourites such as game meat.
• This morning, venture into Chobe National Park on a one-of-a-kind game drive. After lunch, it’s your choice! Continue to search for wildlife by land on an afternoon game drive. Or, get a different perspective from the river on a safari cruise.
• Day13

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Chobe Marina Lodge Chobe – Johannesburg – Trip Ends
• Fly to Johannesburg where your trip comes to a close or continue onto Kruger for a 3 night stay in a private game reserve
• Day14