Visit the stunning city of Cape Town before flying to Durban and embarking on your incredible Zululand experience. Travel to Kenya and explore the national parks then conclude with 2-nights in Tanzania.
Day 1. Arrive Cape Town
On arrival in the South African city of Cape Town, be met at the airport and transferred to your five-star hotel.
Day 2. Cape Town, Freedom of Choice Touring
A tour of Cape Town today includes a cableway ride to the top of Table Mountain, a visit to Good Hope Castle and a walk through the charming Company’s Garden. In the afternoon, ride a ferry to Robben Island; visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens; take an African Heritage Tour; or tour the Cape Winelands. Tonight, enjoy a drumming session, a meal of African and Cape Malay cuisine and live entertainment.
Day 3. Cape Town, Cape Peninsula
Discover the Cape Peninsula today on a full-day tour. This picturesque journey takes you along Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point, where the two Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. After stopping here, continue to historic Simon’s Town and see penguins up-close at Boulders Beach before returning to Cape Town.
Day 4. Cape Town, Oudtshoorn
Setting off along the Garden Route, travel through coastal and forest landscapes and stop to explore the subterranean formations of the Cango Caves. Then continue to the town of Oudtshoorn and enjoy a meal of regional produce.
Day 5. Oudtshoorn, Knysna
After a hearty farm breakfast, visit an ostrich farm then continue along the Garden Route to Knysna.
Day 6. Knysna, Featherbed Nature Reserve
Ride a ferry to Featherbed Nature Reserve today and join a 4WD tour to Western Head. Then perhaps join an optional bushwalk before lunch on the edge of a lagoon. This afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure.
Day 7. Knysna, Port Elizabeth, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today choose from a visit to Monkeyland Primate Reserve or explore the world’s largest aviary dome at the Birds of Eden sanctuary. Then continue along the Storms River Mouth to Port Elizabeth.
Day 8. Port Elizabeth, Zululand
Fly to Durban (flight included), then travel to Zulu Nyala Game Lodge, which overlooks a conservation reserve. Watch for wildlife on the first of several game drives this evening
Day 9. Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, Zulu Village
Set off today on a game drive in the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, home to the rare White Rhinoceros. Then head for a Zulu village, where residents still practise the centuries-old Zulu traditions of their ancestors. This afternoon, enjoy a game drive and sundowner drinks before a special outdoor Boma dinner by the fire.
Day 10. Zululand, Swaziland
On your way to the tranquil Ezulwini Valley in Swaziland, stop at the Swazi Candle Factory and the Ngwenya Glass factory to watch Swazi artisans at work.
Day 11. Swaziland, Kruger National Park
Back in South Africa, travel to the five-star Tinga Private Game Lodge, set on the banks of the Sabie River. Take an afternoon game drive and stop for sundowner drinks at dusk, before enjoying dinner back at the lodge.
Day 12. Kruger National Park, Freedom of Choice Touring
Morning and afternoon game drives today offer you the chance to spot one or all of Africa’s Big Five as you travel through an exclusive concession of land in Kruger National Park. During the day, attend a wildlife lecture, take in a birdlife presentation or go on a bushwalk. This unforgettable day ends with an intimate outdoor bush dinner under the stars.
Day 13. Kruger National Park, Johannesburg
After a final game drive, travel the Panorama Route, stopping at God’s Window for views of Blyde River Canyon. See The Three Rondavels then arrive in Johannesburg.
Day 14. Johannesburg, Livingstone
Fly to Livingstone in Zambia today (flight included). Settle in to your hotel on the banks of the Zambezi River, then walk to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Day 15. Livingstone, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, perhaps trace the steps of Dr Livingstone on Chief Mukuni’s Village Cultural Tour, then visit the Maramba Market; take an Elephant Back Safari along the Zambezi River; go fishing on the river’s upper reaches; or take a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls. Later, watch for wildlife and enjoy a drink during a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
Day 16. Livingstone, Johannesburg
This morning depart Zambia on a flight back to Johannesburg in South Africa (flight included).
Day 17. Johannesburg, Nairobi
Fly to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya (flight included). Here, head to the Kenya National Theatre for a Welcome Reception and a short concert by the Kenyan Boys Choir, followed by drinks and a chat with the choir. Tonight, join one of Africa’s best photographers for a fascinating and useful lesson on wildlife photography.
Day 18. Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Freedom of Choice Touring
Travel to Amboseli National Park, near Mt Kilimanjaro. After lunch, enjoy a massage or a nature walk. Later, take off on a game drive.
Day 19. Amboseli National Park, Masai Village
Watch for elephants and other wildlife on a morning game drive, then visit a Masai village to learn of Masai culture and lifestyle. During an afternoon game drive, enjoy sundowner drinks at Observation Hill and take in views of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Day 20. Amboseli National Park, Lake Manyara National Park
Cross into Tanzania and enjoy lunch at River House Shanga in Arusha, then visit the Shanga workshops, which help the disabled to develop various skills. Afterwards, journey to your lodge in Lake Manyara National Park, set on an escarpment overlooking the lake.
Day 21. Lake Manyara National Park, Mto wa Mbu Village
After breakfast, drive to the village of Mto wa Mbu for a cultural walk and a lunch of local specialities. Return to Lake Manyara for a game drive, looking out for a range of wildlife including the park’s famous flamingos.
Day 22. Ngorongoro Crater
Travel to World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area today and enjoy a game drive to the crater floor. Then enjoy dinner at your lodge, which is set on the edge of the crater rim, affording superb views.
Day 23. Olduvai Gorge, Serengeti National Park
Today, visit one of the world’s most important prehistoric sites, Olduvai Gorge, for a private tour and lecture. Learn how the gorge was vital in establishing the African origin of humankind and, in turn, why it is referred to as ‘the Cradle of Mankind’. Watch for wildlife as you then travel through World Heritage-listed Serengeti National Park.
Day 24. Serengeti National Park
Enjoy a full day to discover what is arguably Africa’s most famous national park. On morning and afternoon game drives, chances to spot Africa’s famous mammals abound, thanks to the park’s high density of both predators and prey.
Day 25. Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara
Travel by 4WD to the border of Tanzania then fly to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya (flight included). Stretching more than 1,500 square kilometres along Kenya’s southwest border, the reserve is home to the Masai people, who have lived here for several centuries. On arrival, check in to your luxury tented camp, which overlooks the Mara River.
Day 26. Masai Mara
After breakfast, explore the Mara North Conservancy, a private expanse measuring more than 74,000 acres. During free time after lunch, perhaps partake in a ‘chair safari’ by the pool, watching for the pod of hippos in the river next to the camp. Absorb the beauty of the park during another game drive this afternoon and enjoy sundowner drinks overlooking the Mara plains.
Day 27. Masai Mara, Freedom of Choice Touring
Head in to the Masai Mara National Reserve for a game drive this morning followed by a picnic lunch. Back at your camp, you may choose to learn about the ecology of the park on a nature walk or embark on a eco-camp tour. Alternatively, gain further insight into the Masai way of life during a unique cultural experience. Ladies will learn first-hand how Masai beadwork is created, while men will join Masai elders to learn about their rituals, spear-making and life as a Masai male. This evening, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable bush dinner under the stars, accompanied by a performance of Masai dance.
Day 28. Masai Mara, Nairobi, Johannesburg
Say farewell to the Masai Mara this morning and fly to Nairobi (flight included). From here, fly back to Johannesburg in South Africa (flight included), where your luxury hotel awaits.
Day 29. Depart Johannesburg
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
