South Africa

Overview:

South Africa is located on the southern end of the African continent and is a beautiful, geographically diverse country. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and to the north lies Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique making it an ideal gateway for numerous itinerary combinations encompassing a wide variety of experiences. With everything from renowned wildlife reserves to breathtaking coastal experiences to cities like Cape Town where art, history, food, culture, and nature all blend into making South Africa like a world within one country. Victoria Falls, known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the Smoke that Thunders”, (considered to be the world’s largest waterfall by volume) is easily accessed making this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one the Seven Wonders of the World, a natural add-on to a South Africa itinerary.

Itinerary Summary:

Days 1 – 4 Victoria Falls

Zambezi River Cruise / Scenic Helicopter Tour / Guided Falls Tour / Shopping / Optional High Adrenaline Adventures – river rafting, bungy jumping, gorge swing, & Devil’s Pool

Days: 4 - 6 Port Elizabeth Nature Reserve

Unique Accommodation - Private Retreat / Marine Safari / Walks & Hikes / Nature Tours

Days: 6-9 Eastern Cape Big Game Safari

Game Drives / Guided Bush Walks / River Cruises / Canoeing / Beachcombing

Days: 9-13 Cape Town
Table Mountain / Colorful Bo Kaap / Kirstenbosch Gardens / Wine tasting / Cape Peninsula – penguins, SUP or kayak, hiking, farm visit / Fabulous Food

Day: 13 Depart

The Essentials:

Seasonality: Year Round – best time of year for the combination of areas is September – December
Boutique 3-4 star accommodations and lodges, most meals, guided tours and activities, internal flights and private transfers would be part of this customized itinerary
Highlights: Big Game Safari / Victoria Falls / Variety of Activities / Great Guides / Beautiful Landscapes / Beaches / Marine Wildlife
Cost: from $$$

NOTE: This itinerary can be customized to be longer, or shorter, and fine-tuned based on ages of travelers, specific interests and time of year

Tell Me More!

Itinerary:

**Victoria Falls– 3 Nights**

Welcome to Victoria Falls!
You’ll begin your adventures with a sunset river cruise this evening Floating along the Zambezi River as the sun is setting is the perfect introduction to Africa and is the time when most wildlife comes to the river. Crocodiles, hippos, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, and waterbuck are all possible sightings, not to mention the array of about 460 splendid bird species.
Your next full days will include private guided tour of the falls and a scenic helicopter flight. You will also have time to explore town with its artisan workshops and plenty of photographic opportunities. There are many fun activities to add to your itinerary, but some are seasonal, others age restricted and of course, based on your level of adventure.

**Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha – 2 Nights**

Transferring to South Africa via a connecting flight from Victoria Falls to Gqeberha your next base is a private beachside retreat located in a marine reserve just a short distance from the airport but a world away from the city. Enjoy the privacy of exploring this untouched and little known 900 acre stretch of wild coastal space. You will be the only guests with a dedicated staff to organize your activities and prepare your meals. Endless hours can be spent exploring the intertidal zones, and sand dunes in the company of the offshore resident whales and dolphins. Or explore the diverse flora native to this coastline, with trained botanical gurus eager to share their knowledge.

**Eastern Cape, Big Game Safari – 3 nights**

All too soon, it will be time to depart, but another adventure awaits. Your Eastern Cape games safari experience is a conservation success story that began over 30 years ago. In partnership with like-minded neighbors, the goal is to restore the land and expand the territory to protect critical tidal estuary and carrying capacity for elephant and rhino and apex big cats. It is a renowned Big Five game reserve with beautiful and varied landscapes from rolling grassland, to euphorbia bushveld, Cape fynbos, woodland, and riverine life that flows to the mouth of the Kenton-on-Sea. There are near guaranteed sightings of plains game such as zebra, tsessebe, wildebeest, and impala. The reserve has an impressive volume of giraffe, and iconic species such as elephants, rhinos, and lions are very well represented. Cheetah are a newer introduction and the topography is conducive to leopard though they remain elusive. Birding is excellent with nesting crowned eagles, martial eagles, and fish eagles to name a few. This malarial free reserve offers a family friendly safari with experiences for all ages.

**Cape Town / Cape Peninsula – 4 Nights**

One of the world's great cities, Cape Town lovingly nicknamed the Mother City, is a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. It has been a favored human settlement for 15,000 years based on archaeological findings. Its two UNESCO World Heritages Sites, Table Mountain and Robben Island, symbolize the legacy of outstanding connection to nature and important human history. A thriving arts scene, desirable lifestyle, fabulous restaurants, and endless access to nature makes this a dynamic city for all types of travelers of all ages. You’ll enjoy two full days of guided touring throughout the city and nearby surrounds, and a day free to explore on your own.
With multiple flight options, including direct Cape Town – USA flights, connecting to South Africa and back home is easier than ever!

Please call us on +1 720 494 1530 or email us at the link below to discuss this trip further with a travel expert. We would be happy to discuss ways to tailor this itinerary to your personal preferences.