Southern Africa Safari - Southern Explorer - 2013

Itinerary

Day 1, Cape Town, South Africa
With a warm welcome upon your arrival in Cape Town, South Africa's "Mother City," you will be whisked away to your luxurious hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
VINEYARD HOTEL & SPA [Dlx] | THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA [Lux]

Day 2, Cape Town
Spend a full day exploring the stunning southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. Drive past the sparkling beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno to Hout Bay, the heart of the local crayfish industry. As time permits, you may join an optional cruise to Seal Island. Keep your camera on hand to photograph the spectacular rocky seascapes when you visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Continue along the coastline to visit Boulders Beach and get up close to a colony of penguins.
VINEYARD HOTEL & SPA [Dlx] | THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA [Lux], (B)

Day 3, Cape Town
Today's sojourn explores the glorious winelands. Catch your breath with the view from the historical Taal Monument near Paarl. Learn more about the region's history and the process of winemaking when you visit a renowned winery. After lunch on your own in exquisite Franschhoek, continue onto the impressive Huguenot Monument and the charming university town of Stellenbosch. Stop in at two more wineries for informative wine-tastings. Tonight, enjoy the hospitality and delicious cuisine that is synonymous with South Africa as you are welcomed for dinner at the home of an influential Capetonian couple.
VINEYARD HOTEL & SPA [Dlx] | THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA [Lux], (BD)

Day 4, Kruger Private Reserve
With a couple of short flights, you'll be welcomed and on your way to your luxurious safari adventure within a private reserve bordering the famous Kruger National Park. Settle in and soak up the tranquility of the African bush before embarking on your late afternoon game drive. This superb sanctuary is home to zebra, giraffe, lion, elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, wildebeest, warthog and hyena as well as the cheetah and the endangered wild dog.
KAPAMA KARULA [Dlx] | SAVANNA PRIVATE GAME LODGE [Lux], (BLD)

Day 5, Kruger Private Reserve
Just as the wildlife awaken, meet your expert safari ranger and hop aboard your open safari vehicle for a thrilling game drive. Photograph away as you spot the "Big Five" and other wildlife while traversing the prolific reserve. On your late afternoon drive, pause for a "sundowner" as the sun dips below the horizon. Share the day's adventure with your safari companions over dinner.
KAPAMA KARULA [Dlx] | SAVANNA PRIVATE GAME LODGE [Lux], (BLD)

Day 6, Kruger Private Reserve
With your skilled ranger, explore the rarer sights and wonders of the bush during your game viewing activities today. Perhaps take a guided walk through the bush or arrange for a candle-lit alfresco dinner as the Southern Cross begins to twinkle in the endless skies.
KAPAMA KARULA [Dlx] | SAVANNA PRIVATE GAME LODGE [Lux], (BLD)

Day 7, Johannesburg
Set out early on your final safari in search of those hard-to-spot cheetahs and the Big Five. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast and relax until it's time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival, you are transferred to your ideally located hotel for overnight. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
DAVINCI HOTEL AND SUITES [Dlx] | 54 ON BATH [Lux], (B)

Day 8, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Fly off to the spectacular Victoria Falls, hailed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and settle into your distinguished lodging. Later this afternoon, you'll experience the other-worldly grandeur above the falls as you board a small boat for a "sundowner" cruise along the Zambezi River. As you maneuver through multiple river inlets which the larger boats simply can't reach, be ready with your binoculars to zoom in on the elephants, crocodiles, hippos and a myriad of bird species.
VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE [Dlx] | VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL [Lux], (B)

Day 9, Victoria Falls
Look out for rainbows as you walk the misty rain forest trail along the Zimbabwean side of the falls. Marvel at the thunderous noise of the millions of gallons of water swirling around the islets and tumbling over Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Rainbow Falls. Later, visit a local community for insights into the lives and customs of the resilient and ever friendly Zimbabweans. Tonight, you're in for a unique cultural and dining experience at the "The Boma - Place of Eating" within the gusu forest. Sample the delicious Boma braai - a selection of grilled game and meats - or try the potjies - traditional hunter's game stews. Ndebele performers will captivate you with their vibrant songs, dance and stories - a truly magical evening.
VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE [Dlx] | VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL [Lux], (BD)

Day 10, Depart
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight bound for Johannesburg and your connecting international flights. You may be leaving Africa behind but you’ll return home with fantastic photos and memories that will always live on in your heart.
, (B)