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Africa

Linda went on an amazing journey to 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.

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

 

 

Don’t forget your Travel Insurance!

You know that old saying "Don't leave home without it" but in this case, its travel insurance. Many people don't realize that they are not covered by their provincial or state health plans when travelling out of the country. I am able to provide quotes for both Canadian and US residents as long as you contact me before you depart. Please don't forget as the cost is minimal compared to the cost if something happens.

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balconytravel

Linda (May) Dinsmore from Balcony Travel specializes in bucket-list destinations around the world. For just rivercruises, visit @rivercruiselady .⚓️.

How can you possibly make Christmas decorations ev How can you possibly make Christmas decorations even better?  With a penguin of course!! Loving my new addition to the yard ❣️🐧 
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Part two post of 2 day staycation in Beautiful BC Part two post of 2 day staycation in Beautiful BC & first time fishing experience. Stayed near the stunning @sonoraresort & fished in the Discovery Islands. Previous post has all the fishing pics ❣️🎣🐟⚓️ 
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Did a 2 day staycation in Beautiful BC & first tim Did a 2 day staycation in Beautiful BC & first time fishing experience that went so well, maybe will become my new specialization! 😉 Stayed near the stunning @sonoraresort & fished in the Discovery Islands. Next post has all the amazing wildlife pics ❣️🎣🐟⚓️ 
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Today would have been the day I was scheduled to v Today would have been the day I was scheduled to visit the Valley of the Kings on my Egypt trip but... will have to settle on a virtual trip of it for now 🤓 🌍 #balconytravel #traveldreaming #willgetthereoneday #staysafe
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Little did I know that my last travel throwback po Little did I know that my last travel throwback post would be right before the world changed. The past 10 days has been the most stressful, sleep deprived and saddest that I’ve ever been through. Stressful in spending hours on multiple phones & sites helping my clients especially those trying to get home early before flights stopped which caused many sleepless nights. But mostly sad as I’ve cried along with my colleagues whose clients dream wedding was cancelled or whose family members couldn’t make it to a funeral service or take that special trip that they saved years for. My heart goes out to all the healthcare workers who are tirelessly helping the sick & the grocery store clerks putting up with line ups & selfish hoarders plus everyone worrying about losing their jobs. Hats off to first responders & other essential service industry workers who continue to do their job throughout all of this. This video made me think how all of us must feel right now & have to give big thanks to those stepping up to help others in need & I’m very grateful for my TPI Travel family whose twice daily live update meetings have helped many of us advisors stay off the ledge.  One day we’ll be able to travel again and until then, stay safe ❣️
Here is a picture of me when I started in the trav Here is a picture of me when I started in the travel industry 35 years ago in 1985. The owner of our agency was a woman who inspired me to dream that I too could run my own travel business one day. Twelve years ago that dream came true & I am so grateful everyday but even more so today on #internationalwomensday and want to salute all the hardworking women out there & wish that your dreams also become a realization one day❣️ ⚓️ #balconytravel #eachforequal #woman #womeninbusiness #womensupportingwomen #strongwomen #smallbusiness #travel #womenempowerment
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Meet Linda

Linda May Dinsmore

  Thanks for visiting and allow me introduce myself. … Read More...

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CTCLogo Elite Cruise Counsellor Luxury Cruise Specialist

Contact Me:

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(604) 836-8192

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1-877-543-8182

Email:
linda@balconytravel.com

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