Taste of Southern Africa: Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa

Daily Summary

This journey marries safari with city and includes a visit to the thundering Victoria Falls. Beginning in Botswana the journey takes you to the mysterious Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. The pans were once a super lake covering most of Botswana, and they shimmer seemingly never-ending all the way to the horizon, interrupted only by scattering of desert palms and baobabs. The beautiful nothingness brings with it a cathartic sense of silence, and there is truly nowhere else like this magical corner of Botswana. Next is the Khwai Private Reserve, one of Africa’s best kept secrets in which big game comes right through camp, and sightings of lion, leopard and wild dog are abundant, while sightings of other vehicles are rare. Last on the safari circuit is the Okavango Delta, a wonderful mix of dry savannah country, seasonal floodplains and permanent waterways. The rich variety of habitats ensures that there is a great variety of wildlife – everything from sitatunga antelope to sable and large herds of buffalo along with excellent sightings of big cats such as leopard, cheetah and lion and a healthy wild dog population. The concession includes a variety of channels, islands and wetlands which offer a variety of activities such as the mokoro boat excursions.
After a visit to Victoria Falls, the trip concludes in scenic Cape Town, a compelling mix of trendy modern and old-world elegance. Glamorous boutique hotel and guest houses, world-class dining and stunning vistas merge seamlessly with dynamic suburbs and vibrant nightlife. Malay and African heritage is evident in the cuisine, traditions and entertainment while the architecture reveals a strong Dutch, German and English flavor.

Days 1-3:
Arrive Botswana; Makgadikgadi National Park

Enjoy day, night and walking safaris to experience the desert wildlife. Unique to the camp is the Meerkat experience where you head out from camp just as the sun is rising, to be on the ground and ready as these little guys set off in search of their breakfast as you walk among them. There are also opportunities to interact with the local community: spend time walking with a group of Zu/’hoasi Bushmen for a glimpse into their ancient culture. You might also try your hand at quad biking or horse back riding across the lunar expanse of the pans.

Days 4-7:
Khwai Private Reserve

The day begins at dawn with an early wake up call, coffee and a small breakfast snack, followed by an early morning game drive. This is normally a three to four hour safari experience that ends in a lavish breakfast back at camp, timing depending upon what you find in the bush!
The option of daily bush walks is offered by field guides. This serves to highlight those aspects of nature one may miss on a drive and expose you to the energy and excitement of being immersed in the environment.
The excitement of another safari drive begins again after afternoon tea when the intensity of the African heat begins to subside. This game drive coincides with the close of business for daytime game and the emerging routines of nocturnal beasts on the prowl. There is nothing quite as enthralling as pursuing the hunt of the big cats. The excitement of each drive is interrupted by refreshment breaks, to accommodate any call of the wild and revitalize you with a sundown cocktail. In private concessions guests can opt to continue with a night game drive before or after dinner.

Days 8-9: 
Okavango Delta

Enjoy game drives through vast tracts of pristine wilderness in search of lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, hippo and the rare sitatunga antelope. View the wildlife at eye level on a boat or traditional mokoro safari through the lily-filled channels You can also opt to spend the night in the wild in the fly camp and sleep in a mosquito-net tent under the stars.

Day 10-11:
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Wander through the lush rainforests above Victoria Falls, in the mist, above the thundering waters plummeting dramatically into the Batoka Gorge, over 100 meters below. The angrily churned up spray shoots skyward, painting the landscape in billowing clouds. This striking ‘’smoke that thunders” can be seen for miles, a geographic pointer summoning visitors into its presence.
Explore the vibrant town and its adventure activities, which could include rafting, leaping off the cliff in a bungee swing or abseiling.
More mild activities include shopping the local craft markets, a river cruise down the Zambezi, and enjoying an evening oftraditional dancing performance at the lodge.

Days 12-15:
Cape Town, South Africa

Two full day privately guided tours are included in the itinerary, with plenty of time for exploring on your own. First is a tour of surrounding towns and Cape Peninsula.

 After a short drive through Cape Town your tour begins at Kalk Bay, best known for its working fishing harbor and bohemian feel. Browse the arts and crafts on offer, do a bit of shopping in the quirky fashion boutiques and enjoy the antiques and collectibles along the main strip. Next, head over to Simon’s Town to explore the rich history of this naval town, museums and monuments providing plenty of insight. Bringing this naval town to life is an insight into the shark diving industry and stories of Just Nuisance - Great Dane, WWII mascot and only dog ever enlisted in the Royal Navy.

Before heading into the Cape Peninsula search for rogue penguins - a splinter colony away from the crowded boardwalks over the main breeding site - on a beach known only to locals. The tour ends with a gentle hike in the Cape Peninsula Reserve, exploring secluded beaches, shipwrecks and this region’s unique wildlife. The return journey weaves back to Cape Town via Noordhoek Farm Village a food artisan hub of the Peninsula and wine tasting at Cape Point Vineyards, producer of some of South Africa’s finest Sauvignon Blanc.                             

Second tour is a City tour of Cape Town.

Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain and take in the incredible panoramas of the city and vast stretches of ocean. With a better understanding of the city layout, descend and wander through the inner city, soaking up the magical vibe of Cape Town as you visit neighborhoods that form the town's vital building blocks. Focusing on food, design, arts and crafts you’ll view historical sites, such as Company Garden, Green Market Square and St. George's Cathedral, all backdrops for memorable icons who changed the world.

Continue your exploration heading to the Bo-Kaap, with its brightly colored 17th century houses, cobble stone streets, Muslim shrines and beautiful mosques. Visit local upliftment projects which impact positively on the lives of artists and craftsmen and uncover the immense talent exhibited in galleries and street art installations.  Bree Street is a hotspot for artisans, fashion, jewelry and interior design - the air fragrant with the mouth-watering aromas from a variety of foodie gems.

End the day mingling with locals at a cool city haunt, rooftop bar or beach cove, sundowners in hand.

Day 16:
Depart For Home

Private Transfer to Airport and Assistance with VIP Check In