Travel into the center of Cape Town along historic Adderley Street and see the Houses of Parliament and the brightly colored, centuries-old homes of Cape Town’s most historic and culturally interesting neighborhoods. Leaving the city behind, continue into the rugged landscapes of the southern Cape Peninsula where special arrangements have been made for you to join Baboon Monitors who are responsible for safeguarding the natural habitat of the few Baboon troops still remaining on the Peninsula. With your Monitors leading the way, you’ll explore through the mountainous vegetation to observe these highly social creatures in their home territory as they eat, play and socialize.
Continue to historic Simonstown on False Bay and on to Boulders Beach, home to African Penguins. Stop for lunch along the seacoast before driving to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Your journey takes you all the way to the tip of the Peninsula, home to the iconic Cape Point Lighthouse with spectacular views overlooking False Bay.
The road back toward Cape Town, along Chapman’s Peak 2,000 feet above the ocean, is considered to be one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world! Drive along picturesque Hout Bay and continue up the Atlantic seaboard, passing the charming seaside towns of Bantry Bay and Clifton. Return to your luxury Cape Town hotel for a free evening. Meals, B,L
Day 3 – A Day in the Winelands
Today’s specially-arranged full day excursion takes you along the Cape’s meandering wine roads to charming villages like Franschhoek encircled by spectacular mountains, picturesque Paarl along the Berg River and Stellenbosch, the second-oldest city in the country and one of the most historic towns in all South Africa with fine examples of Cape Dutch, Georgian, Victorian and Regency architecture.
Relax over lunch in a classic Winelands restaurant and then visit Boschendal Estate, known for its beautifully preserved Cape Dutch buildings and a breathtaking collection of priceless period furniture. It’s an enriching look into the lives of early settlers in the Cape. Of course, we’ve also arranged for wine tastings at some of the best vineyards in the area. At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Cape Town where the balance of your evening is free. Meals B,L
Day 4 – Free Day in Cape Town
Enjoy a day at leisure to relax, catch up on your correspondence and reading – or explore this captivating city at your own pace. Set in the historic heart of the city, your hotel offers the perfect base for discovering authentic Cape Town and its distinctive blend of history, exotic culture and a lively arts and entertainment scene. Meals B
Day 5 – Into Botswana… The Mashatu Private Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, journey overland into the remote southeastern corner of Botswana, a region famed for its spectacular big game and herds of elephants. Your destination is the Mashatu Private Game Reserve. Settle-in to your stylish suites at the Mashatu Main Camp where you have the balance of our day at leisure. Tonight’s dinner in the palm-enclosed African boma is served under the magnificent African night sky. Meals B,D
Day 6 – On Safari in the Mashatu Private Game Reserve
The experienced rangers and expert trackers of Mashatu have an intimate and seemingly instinctual knowledge of the bush and the behavior of its wildlife residents. Today, they’ll lead you on thrilling game drives in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles. This 75,000-acre private reserve is rich with spectacular wildlife including cheetah, leopard, lion, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, elephant and antelope… Your game viewing promises to be unforgettable!
Special advance arrangements have been made for you to enjoy one of Mashatu’s unique Adventure Excursions. During your stay, you can choose one of the following included activities:
Ivory Drive: Mashatu has one of the largest, free roaming elephant populations in southern Africa. Join resident specialist Jeanetta Selier on a morning drive for up-close encounters with these amazing beasts. Learn how to distinguish age and gender, and gain insight into their complex social structure and communication skills.
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Predator Drive: Join big cat specialist Andrei Snyman on a late afternoon drive to track leopards and lions. Learn about these amazing predators from our expert, and gain a researcher’s perspective on the land and its most famous animals.
Back at Camp, enjoy the view from your suite, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or sit back with a drink on the viewing deck of the Gin Trap Bar. Meals B,L,D
Day 7 – From Botswana to Kruger National Park
After breakfast, you set out on an unforgettable overland journey across the border back into South Africa. En route to Kruger National Park, you’ll travel through some of the most spectacular landscapes on the Continent. Coming to the Luvuvhu River, home to a large population of hippos, you arrive at your destination, Pafuri Camp, in time for High Tea and a thrilling evening game drive. This northern sector of Kruger is considered to be the most diverse and beautiful area of this sprawling National Park. Meals B,D
Day 8 – Wildlife in the Pafuri Triangle
The game-rich Pafuri Triangle in northern Kruger is home to all of the Park’s most famous species. The area is famous for its large herds of elephants, resident prides of lions, leopards, rare species of exotic birds and unique animals like nyala, eland, Sharp’s grysbok, Sable antelope and other game which rarely venture south of the Luvuvhu River.
Join your expert trackers and head out from Camp today on thrilling morning and evening game drives. In between, you can relax back at camp, go on a bushwalk with a ranger or join your expert guide for bird watching. Meals B,L,D
Day 9 – Onward to Victoria Falls
You’ll be escorted to the Polokwana Air Strip for your included light aircraft flight to Livingstone International Airport where your transfer awaits. Check in to Luxury Rooms at the landmark Royal Livingstone Hotel and refresh before a sunset cocktail cruise on the Zambezi River. Meals B
Day 10 – Experience Magnificent Victoria Falls
Locals call it The Smoke that Thunders! This morning, join your knowledgeable guide for in-depth exploration of the Falls. Your walking tour takes you to all the best vantage points like Knife Edge and Danger Point! Your afternoon and evening are free to enjoy as you wish. Meals B
Day 11 – Farewell to Southern Africa
Your tour program ends this morning after breakfast at your hotel. Meals B
