Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, The Okvango Delta, Namib Desert, Table Moutain, the Big Five, a luxury cruise on the great Zambezi River...these are just a few of the highlights on this epic journey through Southern Africa. This itinerary visits Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa and can even be customized further by one of our destination experts. You'll explore the areas by foot, 4X4, dug out canoes, motorboats and even a hot air balloon. Lions, Leopard, Elephant, cheetah, Sable Antelope, both the Black and the White Rhinoceros, the water monitor, Plains (Burchell's) zebras, warthog, whales and chacma baboon are just a few of the animals that you`ll have the chance to see. The Okavango delta also includes over 400 species of birds, including the African Fish Eagle, the Crested Crane, the Lilac Breasted Roller, the Hamerkop, Common Ostrich, and the Sacred Ibis. This is the ultimate journey of Southern Africa. NOTE: Due to capacity constraints in Botswana, 20% of the deposit is nonrefundable. . This booking fee is paid to the lodges directly to secure reservations. This will be paid upon confirmation of your booking.

Johannesburg or Jo'burg, as the locals call the city of the gold, is the biggest metropolis in South Africa. With its 3.2 million citizens the city on the Witwatersrand is the predominant commercial centre and the economic motor of the Republic of South Africa. It is the international flight gateway for most of southern Africa.

Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met inside the airport and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues.

Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle

South Africa's first and only luxury hotel at an airport, the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport is situated within walking distance from the terminals at OR Tambo International Airport.

Overnight at Intercontinental Tambo Airport.

Victoria Falls, the world's largest falls cascade across a sheer rock face over 1km wide, mere meters away from visitors. The falls form the border between Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Livingstone features fine hotels and a broad array of adrenaline activities from ultra light and helicopter flights, white water rafting, river cruises, bungee, elephant-back safaris, and much more - it is a great spot to visit. Flight connections are limited to Lusaka.

Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle

Take your flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone today. The flight duration is approximately 2 hrs.

Meet your driver who will transfer you to your lodge.

You will have your choice of two activities per day. Activities include a tour of the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side, game drives within Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, river cruises, fishing excursions and guided nature walks. Tours of Livingstone town and museum and visits to Mkuni Market and Simonga Village are all outstanding ways of learning about the people and culture of this part of Zambia. Other activities on offer in the area at an additional charge include sunset cruises, helicopter flights, micro-lighting, canoeing, jet boating, and white water rafting.

Toka Leya overlooks the mighty Zambezi River and some of its islands is Toka Leya Camp, consisting of 12 spacious en-suite safari-style tents. Wooden walkways snake between the units and main area, limiting our footprint on this pristine area. The eastern side and main area of camp is under a shady canopy of jackalberry, knobthorn and waterberry trees. The western side is in a more open setting - an ancient baobab tree is the focal point and panoramic Zambezi vistas. Family units are positioned to offer quiet seclusion.

Overnight at Toka Leya .

Chobe National Park, in northwest Botswana, has one of the largest game concentrations in Africa continent. By size, this is the third largest park of the country, after the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Gemsbok National Park, and is the most diverse. As one of the largest reserves in Southern Africa, the game at Chobe is varied and plentiful. Most travellers experience the Chobe waterfront in the north west, and the main attraction is the vast herd s of elephant which frequent the river. This is the largest elephant population in the world, with numbers of 45 000 in the immediate Chobe vicinity. This north west corner is also renowned for excellent hippo and Nile crocodile sightings, and large herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest migrating towards Savute are often trailed by prides of lion. Over 450 species of bird have been recorded in the reserve. The Chobe River is the meeting point of the three countries: Botswana, Namibia and Zambia and boasts dramatic skies over the expansive river, with palms dotting the islands that make up the three different countries.

Transfer between Livingstone and Chobe lodges. 

The Zambezi Queen is unique in that it's a sophisticated, elegant experience that has not lost the essence of all that is uniquely African. When looking at the design it is apparent that no expense has been spared in creating a house boat of a world class standard, and this is especially so, when one considers this boat was built on the banks of the Chobe River.

Overnight at Zambezi Queen.

After an early morning wake up call (approximately 6am), enjoy breakfast onboard and depart for a morning game viewing activity. Depending on weather, game viewing may be by boat or by 4x4 game vehicle. You will return back to the ship by noon for a hearty lunch onboard while we navigate to the next stop. Expect to arrive around 3pm.

Overnight at Zambezi Queen.

Try your luck out with fishing, maneuvre through the banks of the Chobe River for some more game viewing by boat, or visit a local village and experience some of the Botswanan culture.

Overnight at Zambezi Queen.

The Linyanti Marsh, located at the Northwest corner of the park and to the North of Savuti, is adjacent to Linyanti River. To the west of this area lies Selinda Reserve and on the Northern bank of Kwando River is Namibia's Mamili National Park. Around these 2 rivers are riverine woodlands, open woodlands as well as lagoons, and the rest of the region mainly consists of flood plains. There are here large concentrations of lions, leopards, wild dogs, Roan antelopes, Sable antelopes, hippopotamuses and above all enormous herds of elephants. The rarer red lechwe, sitatunga or crocodile also occur in the area. Birdlife is very rich here.

This short flight travels from the Kasane airport to Linyanti.

The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve has abundant wildlife in a wide variety of species, but is most noted for its very large elephant population which can reach enormous densities during the dry winter months. Other game is abundant, such as impala, lechwe, kudu, zebra, giraffe, buffalo and bushbuck, and their predators: lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyaena. Rarer species such as sable and roan antelope also emerge from the woodlands during the dry season.

Selinda Camp was completely rebuilt and re-opened in 2007 to acclaim. It is a small, wonderful, luxury tented safari camp that is situated on the banks of the eastern Selinda Spillway - a waterway that links Botswana's Okavango Delta to the Linyanti and Kwando marshes, rivers and floodplains. The shaded camp is raised a meter or so off the ground and offers extraordinary views over the floodplains, waterways and wide open savannas which are only broken by attractive palm islands. It is these views that are one of Selinda's most compelling features. Sit on your verandas while enjoying meals and gaze pensively over the floodplains of the Selinda, enjoy the passing wildlife as it has done for millennia. There is hardly a moment which goes by without animals in front of camp.

Overnight at Selinda Camp.

Apart from the simple appeal of watching the elephants at the water's edge from the luxury of the raised decks of Kings Pool Camp, spectacular wildlife viewing is available on day and night game drives and walks. Allowing for water levels, seasonal barge cruises along the Linyanti River are also on offer. The reed and papyrus swamps are ideal for numerous and diverse species of birds and are a magnet for game in the dry winter months.

Overnight at Selinda Camp.

While at the lodge you'll have daily activities to choose from. Your guides will give you all of the options when you arrive at the camp. The Selinda Reserve is a private wildlife concession that links the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti Swamps along the Selinda Spillway. The area is well known for its hippo-killing lions, cheetah, wild dog, and leopard, as well as excellent sightings of plains game such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, lechwe and elephant. On safari it is possible to see a tremendous diversity of species, from resident prides of lion to huge herds of elephant to packs of wild dog. And then there are the ungulates, from the rare roan to the ubiquitous zebra. Nocturnal wildlife is prolific as well, and there are frequent sightings of aardwolf and civet. Exploration of this vast area defies imagination. Explore the area by foot, 4x4, and canoe or quietly sitting in a hide, the sights and sounds of Botswana will come alive. It is an experience sure to expand the knowledge of even the most well traveled. Elephant are common around Selinda Camp, with densities during the dry season on a par with those of the Chobe National Park. At the peak of our dry winter months, we have counted around 9000 elephants in The Selinda Reserve. The lions that hunt hippos (the "surfing lions") are part of what has made this region famous. Their skill at hunting these huge animals is legendary. There is also the chance for the "spotted predators". The open plains are ideal habitat for cheetah while leopard viewing is rewarding when they are encountered. One of Africa's most endangered predators, the Wild Dog, is usually resident and the Selinda pack frequently dens in close proximity to our camps. Other common species include: buffalo (that sometimes congregate in huge herds numbering many thousand), giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, hyena, a variety of antelope including red lechwe, and the chance to spot a number of nocturnal species on our night drives.

Overnight at Selinda Camp.

The Okavango is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 17,000 square km and the largest inland delta in the world. Trapped in the parched Kalahari sands it is a magnet for the wildlife who depend on the permanent waters of this unique feature. Sometimes called a 'swamp', the Okavango is anything but. Moving, mysterious, placid, gentle and beautiful, from a wide and winding channel it spreads through tiny, almost unnoticeable channels that creep away behind a wall of papyrus reed, into an ever expanding network of increasingly smaller passages.

This short flight travels from Linyanti to Okavango, Botswana.

The best big game viewing experience starts on the veranda at Mombo Camp, with unbelievable concentrations of game occurring right in front of the camp. You'll often find animals wandering past, right under your room!

Chief's Camp is nestled in the Chief's Island bush, in the Moremi Game Reserve. Its 12 luxury pavilions are admired for their spaciousness and clean, plush quality. At the same time, the camp adheres to an African authenticity in bush camping. Chefs use their talents to the fullest, concocting tasteful delights from local produce and succulent meats. Friendly and ready service add to this enjoyable experience. Take part in game drives, and observe the interactions between animals of different species. This region plays host to the most carefree and unhindered wildlife.

Overnight at Chief`s Camp.

Activities at Mombo Camp include morning and afternoon game drives. Open 4x4s provide an exquisite vantage for viewing the high concentrations of plains game and all the predators - including the big cats. Lion sightings are frequent. While at Mombo Camp you can also expect to see leopard, wild dog, spotted hyena, large herds of buffalo, elephant, white rhino, southern giraffe, blue wildebeest and Burchell's zebra.

Overnight at Chief`s Camp.

Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is located in a basin between the Khomas Highland, Auas and Eros Mountains. Windhoek is home to approximately two hundred thousand people, an extremely small capital by global standards. Tourists comment on the cleanliness of the city, and often pronounce Windhoek to be a most un-African city. The Windhoek city centre is characterised by a proliferation of German style buildings, a lasting reminder of Namibia's early colonial history. It is a flight gateway to the rest of the country.

The Okavango Delta features some of the best game viewing in all of Africa. Drives are typically done very early and lasting for a few hours then returning to the lodge for breakfast. (shared with other guests at the lodge).

This short flight travels from the Okavango airstrip to Maun.

Take your flight from Maun to Windhoek today.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer in Windhoek.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

The Heinitzburg Hotel, is situated in and overlooks Namibia's capital city Windhoek. This beautiful castle was commissioned in 1914 and is renowned for it's attention to detail and personal undivided attention received from both hosts and staff, emphasized in it's four-poster beds and hand-made wooden furniture. There is a lounge and bar, meeting and conference rooms, restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. Lovers of authentic, historical artwork should head for the Knight's Room, situated in the original castle. Amenities include an outdoor dining and lounging area and valet parking.

Overnight at Heinitzburg Hotel.

The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world, and certainly one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia. Located in the Namib Naukluft park, the largest conservation area in Africa, and fourth largest in the world. The best time to view Sossusvlei is at sunrise; the colours are strong and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities. The midday heat is intense and best spent in the shade while sunset also offers excellent photo opportunities at Sossusvlei.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer in Windhoek.

While at the lodge all of your meals, activities, park fees, all local drinks (premium exported brands excluded), laundry (at camps which are able to provide this service) are all included. 

Kulala Desert Lodge boasts magnificent views of the famous red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, breathtaking mountain scenery and vast open plains. Set in the 37,000 hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, there is an abundance of space and silence to be found here.

Overnight at Kulala Desert Lodge.

Early this morning you'll meet up with other guests at the lodge for guided nature drive to the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei. You'll go through a private gate on the Tsauchab River. World-famous Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous red sand dunes that stand out starkly against the blue sky. These dunes have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously transforming the contours of this red sand sea. The 'vlei' itself only fills after rare heavy rainfall when, in a complete turn-around, it becomes a spectacular turquoise lake.

Overnight at Kulala Desert Lodge.

Activities at  Kulala start with morning guided drives to the spectacular towering dunes of Sossusvlei, through a private gate into the reserve. Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, which itself is part of the Namib Naukluft National Park that stretches 400km south of Walvis Bay and is sandwiched between the west coast and the escarpment that runs parallel more than 100km inland. Its huge dunes and flat valley floors make up the archetypical view of the Namib that is world famous.

Overnight at Kulala Desert Lodge.

Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Popular day activities include; Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison), Cape Point, Stellenbosch winery tour, diamond buying shops, and great white shark diving.

Take your flight from Sossusvlei to Windhoek today.

Take your flight from Windhoek to Cape Town today.

Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

Today you will be met by your guide for an exploration of Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa’s oldest building), lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain which will give you spectacular views over the city and Peninsula (cable car fee is not included as it is weather dependent). On our descent, we stop at the Bo Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses.

Kensington Place luxury hotel offers spectacular views of Table Mountain and is close to the National Park. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in the most contemporary style. Facilities include twin/king size beds, iPod docking facilities, safe and laptop and Skype phone facilities.Though in leafy suburbia, our luxury hotel is well placed for the city centre of Cape Town. Attractions include a wide variety of restaurants, Robben Island and beautiful beaches.

Overnight at Kensington Place.

Today we embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. We take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. From here we drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as have spectacular views over False Bay. We enjoy lunch near here (not included – own account) before continuing to Simonstown, the naval base, and visiting the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. En route back we stop at the world renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before returning back to your hotel.

Overnight at Kensington Place.

Today a resident Winelands guide will join you for a tailor made wine experience, exploring the best this area has to offer. Your day can include Paarl with its imposing Afrikaans Language Monument and estates such as Seidelberg and Fairview - and of course the Franschhoek Valley, including exceptional estates such as Haute Cabriere Moreson, La Motte and Grande Provence. You will delight in the cheese tastings in the 200 year old barn at La Grange Fromagerie, chocolate tasting at the Franschhoek Chocolate factory and lunch at one of the top estates (own account but wine tastings included). Return to Franshhoek town with some time to relax before heading back to your hotel.

Overnight at Kensington Place.

Hermanus is a town on the southern coast of South Africa and is famous as a place from which to watch whales during the southern winter and spring. It forms part of the Western Cape and is a popular retirement town. The whales can be seen from the cliffs in the town centre from as early as June. They were once hunted locally, but are now protected. The Old Harbour Museum contains several exhibitions which explain the whaling history of Hermanus. Grotto Beach is the largest beach in Hermanus and has also been proclaimed a "Blue Flag" beach which ensures its preservation as a world heritage site. Other beaches include Voelklip, Onrus, Kammabaai and Langbaai.

Private transfer from Cape Town to Hermanus

Grootbos offers many wonderful adventurous trips that weave throughout the majestic reserve; it is the perfect place to recapture one’s outdoor spirit through the panoramic and beautiful scenery. On a guided walk through the nature reserve trails, visitors are far more likely to encounter birdlife which they would not have been able to spot and discuss if they had been in a vehicle. The Grootbos hiking trails offer so much to explore above the obvious flora and fauna. Animal tracks, local insects, flower details and much more are far more easily observed on the pleasant guided walks and hikes through the Grootbos reserve.

Other activities incldue: forest walks, visit the historic Klipgat Caves, spend a day at the beach, or enjoy 4×4 reserve drives through the last of the Cape’s Milkwood forests and the beautiful floral Kingdom. On another day you could choose to go horseback riding. One of the most satisfying and enriching ways of exploring Grootbos Nature Reserve is by horse back. The horses at Grootbos are ideal for beginners and experienced horse riders alike. Experienced staff look after 18 horses at the Grootbos stables, and accompany guests on rides.

Grootbos Nature Reserve, with its two 5-star lodges is a jewel of Cape ecotourism and luxury accommodation. The reserve is spectacularly situated on the fynbos and forest clad hills overlooking the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay. Grootbos has carved a unique niche in the up market eco-lodge sector by specializing in the Cape region of South Africa’s world-renowned flora and marine biodiversity. This multi-award winning 1750 ha reserve is home to more than 750 different species of plants, offers warm hospitality, excellent cuisine, fine South African wines and is a nature lover’s paradise.

Overnight at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

Grootbos Nature Reserve has an exclusive boat trip, through Dyer Island Cruises, leaving every morning from Kleinbaai harbour. Besides seeing the amazing whales, this trip offers a complete experience of the Marine Big5, which includes the whales, dolphins, African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals and surface viewing of the Great White Shark. The boat comfortably accommodates 20 guests on its lower and upper decks, shelter from the sun, as well as snacks and drinks provided onboard. The boat also has specialized guides, who can provide all the facts about the whales as well as other interesting information about the magnificent marine life. As these gentle giants are very curious, they often swim right up to the boat to get a better view of the boat and the guests. This trip takes about 2 hours and is a marine experience not to be missed! 

Grootbos boasts the last of the Cape’s Milkwood Forests and the beautiful Cape Floral Kingdom. For those who wish to venture farther you can sign up for other activities as well.

• Whale Watching - By land, sea or plane (from June to December)
• Shark Cage Diving - By air, boat or cage diving
• Big 5 Marine Tour - By boat, enjoy sights such as penguins, seals, dolphins, sharks, or even whales
• Scenic Flights - View mountains, vineyards, shipwrecks and even sharks and whales. View the southern most part of the African land mass from this unique perspective.
• Birding Tours
• Bloom Beauty Salon
• Wine Tours - By land to Elim which means ‘place of God’, a wonderfully conserved little historical town that is home to several wineries

Overnight at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

Private transfer from Hermanus to Cape Town.

Depart from Cape Town international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.