Best of East & Southern Africa

20 days

This safari begins in a chic residential area of Johannesburg. Two days later you are refreshed and ready to meet the rare white lions of Timbavati within their stunningly biodiverse habitat before departing for the foot of Table Mountain. From here, you can explore the fairest Cape to your heart’s delight and indulge your taste for fine wines and world class cuisine in the famous Franshhoek Village. A lush palm island in the Okavango Delta of Botswana is the next stop on your Safari. Before you visit the magnificent Victoria Falls and the mighty Zambezi River. Leaving Southern Africa behind, a flight to East Africa will deliver you to bustling Nairobi and then, the Mara River, teeming with bird life, hippo and crocodile…

Long after you leave, Africa will remain as familiar as the features of a friend.

Highlights

  • Explore the beauty of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula
  • Wine taste at some of the finest wineries in South Africa
  • Tour the spectacular Victoria Falls
  • Big 5 Game viewing
  • Game drives in national parks and private reserves
  • Bush walks
  • Mokoro excursions
  • The Great Migration

Itinerary

DAY 1 – YOUR EAST AFRICA & OKAVANGO DELTA SAFARI

Johannesburg

Welcome to Africa. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to The Residence in a lush neighborhood of Johannesburg. Enjoy dinner at the fabulous on-site restaurant before retiring for the evening.

DAY 2

Explore Johannesburg

After breakfast, set out for a full day exploration of Johannesburg. Visit the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill before heading to Joziburg Lane, a market located in a magnificent art deco building. Browse artists’ studios, graze on cheese platters, curries and traditional African food in the hip eateries and sip on good coffee and craft beer before returning to the hotel for a restful evening.

DAY 3

Timbavati Reserve

Today your safari begins. After breakfast, drive to the Timbavati Reserve in the famed Kruger National Park, arriving at Tintswalo Safari Lodge in time for lunch. This afternoon, set out with your guide for a game drive, exploring the area around camp which teems with wildlife, including possible sightings of the Big 5, White Lions, Wild Dogs, Cheetah, Hippo, and Crocodile. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4

Kruger National Park

Today, set out early and head into the Kruger National Park. As the sun rises, stop for a hot breakfast set up right in the bush. Take your time enjoying the wildlife all around, heading back to camp in time for a late lunch and afternoon rest. This evening, enjoy a game drive in the vicinity of camp, stopping for sundowner cocktails and taking in the sun setting over the dramatic landscape, before returning to camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5

Timbavati Reserve Walking Safari and Bush Dinner

Getting out into the bush on foot is perhaps one of the most thrilling ways to experience Africa on Safari. This morning, drive a short distance from camp before setting out on foot with an armed guide. Learn to read wildlife tracks and discover some of the smaller elements of the African bush, which can not be seen nor appreciated from the safari vehicle. Return to camp for lunch and spend the afternoon enjoying the on site spa and pool. This evening, head out on a short game drive ending with a spectacular bush dinner under the African sky.

DAY 6

Cape Town

This morning, transfer to Cape Town, one of the most beloved cities in the world. Arrive at Labotessa, a boutique hotel in the heart of Cape Town. After settling in, walk towards Kloof Street and enjoy dinner at one of the many fantastic local restaurants.

DAY 7

Cape Town Cableway, V&A Waterfront and Robben Island

After breakfast, set out with your guide for a full day exploration of Cape Town. First, head to the Cableway, a fun way to reach the top of Table Mountain, taking in the dramatic views of the city and ocean below. Continue on towards the Victoria & Alfred waterfront, stopping for lunch at the Greenmarket Square. Hop on a boat to visit Robben Island before heading back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8

Cape Town Beaches

Today, explore some of Cape Town’s most epic beaches, including Boulders Beach, Camp’s Bay, and Clifton Beach. Finally, head to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Extending south from Cape Town is the Cape of Good Hope, the peninsula that divides the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay. Cape Point, a jagged, narrow strip of land that juts out into the Atlantic and is the continent’s southwestern-most point. Standing here will leave you feeling like you’ve reached the edge of the world.

DAY 9

Cape Winelands

After breakfast, drive into the rolling hills of the Cape Winelands.  Arrive at La Cotte in time for lunch.  Spend the afternoon exploring the area’s wineries, boutiques and galleries. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 10

Franschhoek

Today, get active in the Cape Winelands. After breakfast, set out to explore the charming village area before a series of afternoon wine tastings.

DAY 11

Botswana, Okavango Delta

This morning the wildlife continues deep into Okavango Delta safari! Fly to Botswana, arriving at Shinde Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta late in the afternoon. Your guide will pick you up at the airstrip and on the way to camp you can enjoy your first game drive in Botswana. Nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Shinde is an intimate, classic camp located on the edge of Shinde Lagoon, which simply teems with animal and birdlife. Settle in and enjoy dinner and overnight in camp.

DAY 12

Okavango Delta Safari Game Drive and Mokoro Safari

This morning head out for an early morning game drive.  After lunch and an afternoon rest, hop into a traditional wooden canoe, called a Mokoro, for a game experience on the water. As you glide silently through the waterways, watch elephant drink, birds fishing for their dinner and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a predator on the banks.

DAY 13

Okavango Delta Walking Safari and Night Game Drive

Today experience the thrill of walking in the bush. Accompanied by an armed guide, walk slowly from camp, learning more about tracking the wildlife and big game that surrounds camp. After lunch and an afternoon rest, head out for an early evening game drive, stopping for sundowner cocktails. Take a moment to appreciate the pristine wilderness as the sky turns a fiery orange before nightfall. Return to camp in the dark, using a spotlight to see nocturnal creatures as they emerge for the evening.

DAY 14

Zambezi River Cruise

This morning, fly onward to Victoria Falls. Arrive at The Victoria Falls Hotel in time for a late lunch. This evening, sit back, relax and take in the surrounding views of the great Zambezi River aboard a small boat. From this unique vantage point, view birdlife and wildlife up-close on the islands along the river.

DAY 15

Victoria Falls Scenic Flight and Tour

Today, explore the largest sheet of falling water in the world. Board a helicopter for a scenic flight of the falls. Viewing the spectacular Victoria Falls from the air is one of the most breath-taking and exhilarating activities in Africa. Afterwards, enjoy a private guided tour of the mighty ‘Smoke That Thunders.’ Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 16

Nairobi

Today continue north, flying to Nairobi, Kenya. Transfer to the Four Points Sheraton, a hotel close to the airport. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 17

Maasai Mara Game Reserve

After breakfast, head to the most iconic wildlife destination on the planet; the Maasai Mara. Arrive at Olonana, a luxury lodge set on a private stretch of the Mara River, in time for lunch. This afternoon, set out on a game drive in the national park with one of their amazing guides. These guides are intimately in tune with the wildlife in and around camp, so in addition to spotting wildlife they will share stories of specific prides of lion, the elusive local leopard and resident elephant with you as well. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 18

Maasai Mara Game Reserve Game Drive and Sundowners

Wake up early to experience the vast number of wildlife species in the area. Return to camp for lunch, served on the wooden deck overlooking the plains. Relax this afternoon before heading out for an early evening drive, stopping to watch the sun set over the plans while enjoying a sundowner cocktail. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 19

Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Game Drive & Hot Air Balloon Ride

This morning, wake early for a once in a lifetime experience; a hot air balloon ride over the Mara plains. After silently gliding over Africa’s big game for an hour, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush. Spend the afternoon relaxing, reading and resting in camp before heading out on an afternoon game drive along the Mara River, teeming with life and activity. Return to camp for a late dinner and overnight.

DAY 20

Travel home

Your epic African adventure and Okavango Delta safari has come to an end. After breakfast, fly back to Nairobi and transfer to the international airport for your flight home.