Price: $14,425 Per Person

Price is Per Person based on Double Occupancy.

Does not include airfare, travel insurance or anything not specifically stated.

Highlights

• 3 Nights at BELMOND MOUNT NELSON HOTEL in Cape Town.
• 3 Nights at BELMOND SAVUTE ELEPHANT LODGE in Chobe National Park
• 2 Nights at BELMOND EAGLE ISLAND LODGE in the Okavango Delta
• 2 Nights at ILALA LODGE at the glorious Victoria Falls.
• 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners, including special dining venues and a welcome dinner.
• VIP Meet and Greet service on arrival into Cape Town, South Africa.
• Private vehicle transfers to and from airports, hotels and lodges.
• Private and professional English speaking guides.
• Scenic cable car ride up Table Mountain and private half day tour of the winelands in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. 
• A full day private excursion to Cape Point including a visit to the Boulders Beach penguins.
• Light aircraft transfers between Botswana game lodges, affording exciting opportunities for aerial game viewing: Maun to Savuti   Savuti – Eagle Island   Eagle Island - Kasane
• Private road transfer from Kasane, Botswana to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. • Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River including snacks and drinks.
• Privately guided tour of Victoria Falls.
• Thrilling morning and afternoon activities at 3 different Belmond Botswana Camps, including game drives, mokoro canoes, boating, walking safaris and more!
• Steam train dinner run in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls.
• Airport and Hotel / Lodge porterage’s. • Bottled water on board transfers and activities in Cape Town.
• All park fees, entrance fees and river usage fees. 

Itinerary

October 15 - ARRIVE CAPE TOWN 

Your exciting adventure begins today, as you touch down in Cape Town. On arrival you will receive a VIP meet and greet at the door of your aircraft with your name on a paging board. Should your aircraft be directed to the apron and not the terminal building, you will be transported to the terminal by bus where you Meet and Greet will be waiting for you as you step off the bus. You will then be assisted through immigration, baggage collection and customs and on to your vehicle for your private transfer to the hotel. 

The Mother City has a peculiar habit - once a day Capetonians check their watches. Now, this in itself is not very unusual. The strangeness comes into the fact that everyone looks at their watches at exactly the same time without consciously thinking about it. At 12pm every day, a loud bang fired from cannon on Signal Hill announces to the city that midday has arrived. 

The Cape was established by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a halfway house along the trade route between the East and Europe. This became a place to mend ships, rest and heal weary visitors and most importantly to collect fresh produce grown by farmers in the area in order to feed famished sailors and soldiers before heading off again for the second leg of their arduous sea voyage. Cape Town grew quickly and soon earned the reputation as the ‘Tavern of the Seas’. Today Cape Town is still a thriving port and never ceases to enthrall visitors with its unique beauty, ethnic diversity and energetic vibe. 

With its iconic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. An eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects both the area’s history and the more pragmatic realities of the 21st century. The city’s Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been carefully preserved, and many excellent examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found in the city and its environs.

Being a coastal town, the ocean plays an important part in everyday lives, beyond the calming effect for which it's famous. There is an incredible diversity of marine life to be discovered and many fun-filled activities can be planned to make use of the bountiful Atlantic and Indian Oceans surrounding Cape Town. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: BELMOND MOUNT NELSON HOTEL – Deluxe Room – Welcome Dinner at the Observatory at Planet Restaurant. 

October 16 - Cape Town

After breakfast at the hotel, join your private vehicle and guide and depart for Table Mountain. It is wise to enjoy the mountain during the early morning hours, when the clouds have not yet gathered over the mountain top (or, as the locals say, before the “white tablecloth has been spread over Table Mountain”.) Ascend the mountain by cable car that provides you with a 360-degree view of the Cape during this 5 minute ride. Explore the ‘flat’ mountain top and appreciate the views of the ocean and Robben Island in the distance. 

Following the mountain tour, the day continues by visiting some of the Cape’s top winelands near Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Nestled between towering mountains of the Cape, in South Africa’s prime wine-growing regions of the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. This is the food and wine heartland of the country. Franschhoek – a gorgeous village surrounded by majestic mountains and often called the ‘gourmet center’ of South Africa – has some of the country’s finest restaurants. 

Enjoy a spectacular drive through beautiful mountain scenery to the Cape's World Famous Wine Estates. You will stop at a popular winery where guests can sample some of the esteemed vintages and enjoy a cellar tour. Visit the lovely town of Stellenbosch, with its tree lined streets and historical architecture. The Stellenbosch University is the oldest college in South Africa! 

Enjoy lunch at a desirable destination restaurant during the day in the winelands (drinks excluded). 

Return to the hotel late afternoon, still enough time to spend at leisure at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Explore the multiple shops with local art, dine at a restaurant at the waterfront and emerge yourself in the Cape Culture – that is very relaxing way of living. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: BELMOND MOUNT NELSON HOTEL – Deluxe Room – Breakfast

October 17 - Cape Town

After breakfast at the hotel, join your private tour of the Cape Peninsula. You will travel via the 12 Apostles and Hout Bay to Chapman’s Peak. This is one of the region’s most dramatic mountain drives and offers amazing panoramic views over the city and environs. Descend the mountain pass and continue on to the coastline. This strip of the peninsula’s shoreline, commonly known as the Atlantic Seaboard, stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western coast to the nature reserve at Cape Point. The exceptional beaches and rugged mountains along this coastline not only make this a popular drive, but also provide outstanding views across the Atlantic Ocean, with some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. 

The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve comes to an end at majestic Cape Point. Situated at the junction of two of earth’s most contrasting water masses – the cold Benguela current on the West Coast and the warm Agulhas current on the East Coast, the Cape of Good Hope is popularly perceived as the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans. Take the funicular (included) to the vantage point from where you will be able to witness the “meeting of the two oceans” is included.  

Today’s attractions also include Boulders beach, which is home to a colony of endangered jackass penguins in Simonstown. Technically, these are African penguins, but early settlers thought that their braying sound was more like a four-footed pack animal than a 2 footed bird!  

Enjoy lunch at the famous Foodbarn Restaurant in Noordhoek. Franck, owner and chef, was born in France (Cannes) and born into food. By his early teens, age 15, he started at the Nice Hotel School, and by age 18 he started working at Michelin 3-star restaurants in Southern France. He moved to South Africa, and in 1996 Franck created La Colombe restaurant on Constantia Uitsig farm. It is no surprise that during his ten years there, La Colombe was voted restaurant of the year six times. He was placed 28th on the list of the world’s best restaurants in 2006. Franck is humble though, and despite his achievements, numerous awards and an elevated status with a huge fan base and following, for him the pleasure revolved around the enjoyment of cooking and having happy patrons. (excluding drinks)  

On your way to the hotel conclude the day with a stop at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home of some 3,500 species of Southern African fauna and flora. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: BELMOND MOUNT NELSON HOTEL – Deluxe Room – Breakfast 

October 18 - CAPE TOWN to BELMOND SAVUTE ELEPHANT LODGE 

Bid farewell to Cape Town this morning, as you are transferred in a private vehicle to Cape Town International Airport for your non-stop flight to Maun in Botswana. 

Upon arrival in Maun you will be met by our representative, assisting you with your connecting flight to Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge. Your first glimpse of Botswana’s interior bush is from a bird’s eye view; a delightful introduction to the flora and fauna that has earned Botswana the reputation of ‘African’s Last Wildlife Refuge’. 

Upon arrival at your first safari camp, you will be warmly greeted by the staff and escorted to your luxurious tented accommodation. You will have some leisure time to enjoy the camp facilities or espy game from the comfort of your veranda. Later in the afternoon guests will congregate for refreshments as the guides prepare for the afternoon / evening game activity. 

Return to camp just after sundown, when the nocturnal species emerge and the big cats start the nighttime prowl. Enjoy a delicious dinner and the camaraderie of other travelers, as game rangers regale guests with stories and tales of the African bush.  

Your first night in the bush is serenaded by the sounds of Botswana’s wildlife – both big and small – as they eat, hunt and sleep under star-studded African skies.

ACCOMMODATIONS: BELMOND SAVUTE ELEPHANT LODGE – Luxury Tented Room (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) – local drinks and laundry 

October 19-20 - SAVUTE – CHOBE NATIONAL PARK 

Botswana's Chobe National Park is a dynamic wilderness. A sweeping expanse of savannah is dotted by rocky outcrops surrounding a marsh and the Savute Channel. Unpredictable wet and dry cycles shape the landscape and wildlife. The Savute Channel began to flow after nearly 30 years of lying dormant, but has since dried up again. The channel can change without warning, becoming one of Northern Botswana’s greatest mysteries. 

During your morning and afternoon game drives, you can expect to see elephants, but guests are still amazed when they see a dust cloud appear on the horizon that eventually turns into a thundering herd. The range of animals and birds here is outstanding. Savute is home to the famous lion pride, the only pride in the world, that has mastered the skill to hunt elephants. Close to the lodge is a Hyena den, and if in luck you might just see the pups. 

The Gubatsa Hills shelter leopard and klipspringer, with rare rock paintings drawn by San Bushmen depicting early man's animal encounters. Enjoy a sunset drink behind giant baobab trees, also known as the upside-down tree.  

ACCOMMODATIONS: BELMOND SAVUTE ELEPHANT LODGE – Luxury Tented Room (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) – local drinks and laundry 

October 21 - SAVUTE to OKAVANGO DELTA 

After breakfast, enjoy a short scenic flight to Belmond Eagle Island Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta - the ultimate luxury safari paradise. Situated on the remote Xaxaba Island among a web of waterways and lush vegetation, rooms overlook a delta lagoon that attracts a breathtaking variety of big game and exotic birds. Explore the region by local canoe, set out on a game drive or roam on foot. 

Arrive in time for lunch, relax and get ready for your first afternoon activity. Water levels dependent, but if could be a boat ride, mokoro canoe on the delta or game drive. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: BELMOND EAGLE ISLAND LODGE – Luxury Room (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) – local drinks and laundry 

October 22 - OKAVANGO DELTA 

An exciting day awaits, and activities will be planned by the Lodge Manager. Go on a guided walking safari through the delta where you are totally enveloped in nature. This enables you to see amazing insects, animal tracks, game droppings, and learn the secrets from the bush. These small, unexpected aspects of life often make the biggest impression. If a game drive is like reading a book: a walking safari is actually becoming a character in that book.

Tranquility is best experience on a mokoro ride, floating soundlessly on the waterways. A mokoro, or traditional dugout canoe, takes you over shallow waters to areas inaccessible by regular boat. Luminous dragonflies hover with whirring wings. Game such 12 as red lechwe antelope, reed bucks and giraffes come to drink. For many it is the birds that truly dazzle - egrets, storks and even fishing eagles swoop overhead. 

An optional activity is a 35-minute helicopter ride over the delta with a qualified pilot that will also be your guide during this aerial tour (not included). See wildlife in their natural habitat and explore some of the most remote place in this UNESCO world heritage site.  

ACCOMMODATIONS: BELMOND EAGLE ISLAND LODGE – Luxury Room (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) – local drinks and laundry 

October 23 - OKAVANGO DELTA to VICTORIA FALLS 

After breakfast, leave the beautiful Okavango Delta behind and enjoy your last scenic flight over Botswana’s prime wildlife areas to Kasane Airport, Botswana. Upon arrival, our representative will meet and assist you, followed by a private transfer to Ilala Lodge in Zimbabwe – it is a fascinating 1h20m drive. Assistance will be provided when crossing the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe. The current visa fee for Zimbabwe is USD 30 per person (make sure to have the right amount, as change is sometimes a problem) 

Upon arrival at Ilala Lodge, you will be warmly welcomed by the staff with a cold drink in hand. Unpack, relax and get ready for your sunset cruise on the Zambezi river.  

During your premium two hour guided sunset cruise, guests can look forward to five-star service on board. A variety of game is consistently spotted, such as elephant, hippo, crocodiles on the riverbank as well as a vast plethora of bird species.  

The Ra-Ikane boats represent the grace of a bygone era and honour the rich history of Victoria Falls and its explorers, adventurers and heroes. The Ra-Ikane fleet is owned and operated by Ilala Lodge Hotel and provides unique and unsurpassed river cruises on the mighty Zambezi River. 

Relive the historical journey taken by David Livingstone by exploring of the natural wonder, Victoria Falls, the mighty Zambezi aboard the Ra-ikane. Named after his guide, the boats are full of old world charm, setting a romantic and intimate setting whilst you sit back, relax and take in the surrounding views. After the boat cruise, enjoy a transfer to the lodge.  

ACCOMMODATION: ILALA LODGE – Deluxe Room – Breakfast 

October 24 - VICTORIA FALLS 

The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. There is a magic about them manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and tranquil lagoons upstream in which hippo and deadly crocodiles lurk. 

It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic meters of water plummet over the edge every minute. Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860's. The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialization.

After breakfast at the lodge, depart on a private guided tour of Victoria Falls through the Rainforest. The guide will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird, wildlife and other points of interest as you walk along the ravine. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed, though it is recommended to take a small poncho with you.  

Enjoy a two course lunch at the Lookout Café. If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant menu with traditional as well as new flavors like local game meats then the Lookout Cafe is the place for you. (excluding drinks)  

Return to your lodge to relax and get ready for the Train Dinner Run in the late afternoon at 5:30pm. This beautiful classic steam locomotives and carriages have been lovingly restored, the carriages combine vintage luxury with a modern fine dining experience to recreate moments of bygone romance. During this journey enjoy a delicious five course meal (excluding drinks). You will be transferred to the lodge around 9:30pm. 

ACCOMMODATION: ILALA LODGE – Deluxe Room – Breakfast 

October 25 - VICTORIA FALLS to JOHANNESBURG to US

Enjoy your last breakfast in Africa before heading out to the Airport with a private transfer to the Airport, for your flight to Johannesburg and onwards back to the US with memories and photos to last a lifetime.