12 Day Highlights of Southern Africa Safari

DAY 1 : The PortsWood Hotel, Cape Town

Cape Town

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

Overnight: The PortsWood Hotel

The PortsWood is part of Cape Town's colonial history. The restaurant and lobby are built over the original well and holding cells for prisoners en-route to Robben Island some 300 years ago. Today the PortsWood is famous for its uniquely personal approach to service - catering to the international travellers every need and anticipating their every desire. Rich in South Africa's unique culture, the PortsWood is a must for any traveller.

Basis

• Bed and Breakfast

DAY 2 : The PortsWood Hotel, Cape Town

Hwange National Park

Situated in western Zimbabwe, the Hwange National Park is the country's biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides a sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species, including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent. The park’s magnificent terrain ranges from desert dunes, savannah lands and mopane woodlands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests. Visitors can look forward to game drives, guided walks or horse riding safaris. Other highlights include: the Bumbusi National Monument and the Nyamandhlovu Pan..

Activities

• Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour

Cape Peninsula

Extending into the Atlantic, the rugged Cape Peninsula marks the southwestern most point of the African continent. It features pristine white-sand beaches met by craggy mountains interspersed with quaint little coastal towns. Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope can be found along the southern end of this spectacularly scenic peninsula, while the northern tip is crowned by the world-famous Table Mountain which towers over the city of Cape Town. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities including: hopping on a boat ride to Seal Island from Hout Bay, exploring the magnificent Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and viewing the colony of African penguins on Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views from the top of Table Mountain.

Basis

• Bed and Breakfast

DAY 3 : The PortsWood Hotel, Cape Town

Activities

• Cape Town City Tour Half Day
• Cape Winelands Half Day Tour

Cape Town City Tour Half Day

On a clear day from the summit of Table Mountain you get spectacular views of the City, its Waterfront, Camps Bay, the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains to the East and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula all the way down to Cape Point to the south.

The Table Mountain cableway, a must for all visitors to the Cape, boasts revolving floors, giving passengers a 360 degree view. After descending the mountain, you will depart on a tour of the “Mother City” taking in Signal Hill – where the Noon Day Gun is fired at midday, every day except Sunday – through the colourful Bo-Kaap or Cape Malay Quarter, past the Grand Parade, City Hall and the Castle of Good Hope and South African Cultural History Museum.

Cape Winelands Half Day Tour

From Cape Town make your way out into the picturesque winelands visiting South Africa’s most famous wine regions – Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch. Aside from the excellent wines the area is renowned for its food and is steeped in history such as the Taal monument, various museums and the contribution of the French Huguenots. There are also many attractions you wouldn’t expect to find on a wine route, from butterflies to cheetahs and pretty much everything in between.

Basis

• Bed and Breakfast

DAY 4 : The PortsWood Hotel, Cape Town

Basis

• Bed and Breakfast

DAY 5 : Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park

Stretching over more than two million hectares, the Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Owing to its exceptional size, visitors are able to experience fantastic diversity – from changing scenery and ecosystems to an impressive array of animals, plant life and birdlife. The park is home to over 130 mammals and over 500 bird species. Visitors can look forward to learning about the area’s prehistoric past, enjoying a host of accommodation options, and viewing abundant wildlife including the famed Big Five. The diversity sheer density of wildlife makes Kruger National Park an unforgettable and potentially life-changing experience.

Overnight:Rhino Post Safari Lodge

A natural extension of the bush and landscape, Rhino Post Safari Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park. Experience responsible eco-conscious tourism, affordable, stylish accommodation, knowledgeable guides and staggering biodiversity, including the highly publicised big five. Enjoy our relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and let us show you Africa’s heartbeat.

Activities

• Activities as per lodge schedule

Basis

• Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
• All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

DAY 6 : Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

Activities

• Activities as per lodge schedule

Basis

• Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
• All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

DAY 7 : Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

Activities

• Activities as per lodge schedule

Basis

• Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
• All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

DAY 8 : The Kingdom Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Activities

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of the eponymous falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two-thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or microlights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.

Overnight:The Kingdom Hotel

Quatermains, The Rapid Pool, The Wild Thing and The Pit sound like titles of movies or books not quite suitable for all ages. They are in fact the names of the four bars in African Sun’s closest hotel to the Victoria Falls, The Kingdom at Victoria Falls. This is a fun-filled resort hotel aimed unashamedly at the tourist who wants to take in the majesty and excitement of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Complete with its own food court offering a wide choice of relaxing or quick meals, suiting all ages, The Kingdom at Victoria Falls also offers three swimming pools and a toddlers pool, a children’s play area and, for the ladies, planning a “night on the town” or a visit to the resort’s spa and beauty parlour.

The architecture draws on the ancient Kingdom of Munhumutapa, with great domes, pillars, and bridges over the many water features, The Kingdom’s fun-filled atmosphere gives guests a unique blend of African tradition and Western leisure.

Zambezi Reflections

Zambezi Reflections is a dedicated floating restaurant offering gourmet meals on the mighty Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls. Similar to is sister vessel, The Zambezi Explorer, it is quickly gaining the reputation as the premier dining experience on the river and is perfect for either group bookings or individual travelers. The Dinner Cruise, which combines a Sunset Cruise with dinner, has proved to be a popular option among guests due it its great value for money.

Basis

• Bed and Breakfast

DAY 9: The Kingdom Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Activities

• Time TBA A choice of White Water Rafting, a half day Canoe Safari, Afternoon Game Drive with Bush Dinner OR a 13 minute Flight of Angels Helicopter flight over the Falls.
• 1500hrs Guided tour of the Falls (Zimbabwe)

Guided tour of the Falls (Zimbabwe)

A view of the Victoria Falls is something you will never forget and the best way to see them is on a guided tour. Discover how the Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them. These tours are extremely informative and end with a visit to the local art and crafts centre.

Basis

• Bed and Breakfast

DAY 10 : The Kingdom Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Activities

• 0730hrs Chobe Day Trip
• 1900hrs The Boma Restaurant

Chobe Day Trip

The ultimate safari experience unfolds on a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, which boasts the world’s largest elephant population. The game cruise on the Chobe River brings you close to brilliant bird life, pods of wallowing hippos, primeval crocodiles and elephants in their sheer number. The afternoon land-based safari heads deeper into the Park to spot the elusive big cats that call Chobe their home.

The Boma Restaurant

The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show is a “must do” Victoria Falls dining and entertainment experience, specializing in traditional African food, drumming and dancing. The food is cooked and served in the style and quantity of a lavish feast, including irresistible desserts.

On arrival, you are dressed in a chitenge (traditional sarong) and welcomed into a vibrant atmosphere in which the tantalizing aromas of local dishes and game meat on the braai (barbecue) fill the restaurant, which is partially open to the star-filled African sky. Your meal begins with a mouth-watering platter of starters whilst the buffet includes soup from the campfire, a range of salads, game meat cooked on a braai (barbecue), followed by desserts. Vegetarian options are also available, as well as local dishes such as peanut butter spinach.

You can also look forward to outstanding performances by traditional singers and dancers, and enjoy an energizing interactive drumming show. A face painter, storyteller, hair braider and fortune teller also form part of this festive evening.

Basis

• Bed and Breakfast

DAY 11-12 : Johannesburg

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.

Overnight: DAVINCI Hotel & Suites Nelson Mandela Square

Located on Sandton's prestigious Nelson Mandela Square, the DAVINCI Hotel & Suites offers guests all the luxuries and comforts they have come to expect from Legacy's extraordinary portfolio of hotels and resorts. Boasting 166 en-suite hotel rooms, 50 one, two and three bedroom suites and four penthouses - the DAVINCI Hotel & Suites has something for every taste. Take time to relax in the gym, infinity edge swimming pool, or simply let our therapists pamper you in the wellness spa. Enjoy fine cuisine at Maximillien restaurant located in Legacy Corner Mall. Situated in the heart of the Sandton business and shopping district, the hotel offers direct access to Legacy Corner Mall, Sandton City shopping mall, and Nelson Mandela Square, as well as easy access to the Sandton Convention Centre.

Activities

• Travel SA - Half Day Apartheid Museum

Travel SA - Half Day Apartheid Museum

Ready to visit a city within a city? Ready to experience photo genetic, bustling Soweto? Let’s go!

On this half day tour your guide, who was born and raised in Soweto, will take you past all the hotspots in Soweto. The tour will take you deep into the township culture, so you can enjoy a personal experience of how vibrant and lively this part of Johannesburg really is.

Basis

• Bed and Breakfast

DAY 12 : End of Itinerary

Basis

• Bed and Breakfas