Itinerary

Day 1 Johannesburg

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.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues.

Upon arrival you will receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, Top Tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc).

Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle

Contemporary convenience at its best...the new 3-star Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace offers stylish and comfortable rooms as well as a "group-friendly" experience for corporate, convention and leisure guests.

Overnight at Peermont Metcourt.

Day 2 Livingstone

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.

Airport transfer with private vehicle.

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Royal Landing to meet the African Queen. She gracefully meanders slowly upstream along the length of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in search of a number of animals and a host of bird species which can be viewed from comfortable chairs on the cool wooden decks. Excellent hot and cold food is served on board and the bar is well stocked with spirits, good wines, beers and soft drinks. All food and drink is included in the price and served throughout the cruise by professional, friendly waiters making the whole experience probably the most luxurious cruise on the Zambezi River. The duration of the cruise is about 2 hours and you can expect to be back at your hotel by 19h00. Children under 12 are half price, and children under 4 are free.

Situated on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, in Livingstone, the Zambezi Sun is a 3 star quality hotel that is conveniently placed a 5 minute walk from the splash of water. The hotel has 212 rooms and a deliberate aged feel as it resembles a grand estate from times past. Dining is splendid, with the option of a pricey buffet or exceptionally fulfilling a la carte restaurant. The landscaped swimming pool and lounging area are definitely relaxing and worth some time, perhaps with a book or good conversation. Many choose to stay at this hotel for its proximity to the Victoria Falls, which are gorgeous and a must-see.

Overnight at Zambezi Sun.

Day 3 Livingstone

Victoria Falls are a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor who is prepared to brave the tremendous spray with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls. One special vantage point is across the Knife edge bridge, where visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include the Falls bridge and the Lookout Tree which commands a panoramic view across the Main Falls. Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences of the Falls region. Peak flood season is around March and April and the full power of the falls can be experienced in all its glory. As the floods abate the view of the falls gets better and better through the year, but at its lowest, around November and December the Falls become little rivulets running over the edge and in some places along the 1,7km width no water falls at all. Later this morning you'll visit the Simonga Village, home to approximately 3000 inhabitants – a mixture of the Lozi and Tonga tribes. The village was founded in 1958 and is situated approximately 20 kilometers from Livingstone Town, along the Kazungula/Sesheke road, which runs parallel to the Zambezi River as it flows down towards the Victoria Falls. This village is quite unique as it one of only three in the entire country of Zambia that is ruled by a Headwoman, Inonge Imusho Samachila, who was chosen by the Royal Family to rule in 1970, following the death of her father, Imusho Samachila. Upon arrival, guests are escorted through the village by a local resident, where they are introduced to the daily activities of an African village. You'll then be taken back to the Royal Livingstone Golf Club for lunch.

Sign up for optional activities at your hotel (not included in tour price); helicopter, ultra-light, Gypsy Moth flights, elephant-back or horseback safari, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, Chobe game park day trip, jet boat, cultural tours, and more.

Overnight at Zambezi Sun.

Day 4 Okavango

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.

Transfer between Livingstone and Chobe lodges.

Take your flight from Chobe to Okavango on Mack Air (light aircraft from Kasane) today. Includes departure tax.

Here in the Okavango Delta lives some of the most spectacular and varied wildlife on Earth. Famed for its big cat and bird population, the delta is a peaceful haven where animals have been protected for decades and know they will not be disturbed. You'll have the opportunity to see animals up close when expert guides accompany you on morning and evening game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles. A night game drive is the perfect means to see some of the nocturnal animals one wouldn’t see during the day time. The park also boasts a diversity of landscape with desert, dry savannah, lagoon and swamps in close proximity – cheetah, crocodile and elephant can also be seen on a game drive.

Stanley's Camp is situated at the edge of Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve, a secluded space in the wild. The camp offers 8 safari tents that are well-appointed and beautifully furnished for comfort. Rich bedding and high quality fabrics add to the allure of these accommodations. Private balconies and hammocks allow for privacy. Dine on meats and vegetable dishes prepared with local ingredients and influences. Mingle with other guests, and a hospitable staff. Be sure to take in the views from the camp's raised deck, or have a dip in the swimming pool.

Overnight at Stanley`s Camp .

Day 5 Okavango

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).

The Okavango Delta is of course flooded for much of the year and when it is, you can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow Delta channels. Just sit back and relax as they glide through lily ponds on local dugout canoes while they get eye to eye with a buffalo as it laps water from the river, watch crocodiles sunbathe on the banks or cruise past a pod of hippos as they lie in a pool. Fish eagles, frogs and fabulous lilies form much of this experience, but more frequently it is the quietness and gentle pace that makes its impression on you after a mokoro morning.

Overnight at Stanley`s Camp .

Day 6 Okavango

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).

The Okavango Delta is of course flooded for much of the year and when it is, you can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow Delta channels. Just sit back and relax as they glide through lily ponds on local dugout canoes while they get eye to eye with a buffalo as it laps water from the river, watch crocodiles sunbathe on the banks or cruise past a pod of hippos as they lie in a pool. Fish eagles, frogs and fabulous lilies form much of this experience, but more frequently it is the quietness and gentle pace that makes its impression on you after a mokoro morning.

Overnight at Stanley`s Camp .
    
Day 7 Cape Town

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.

Airstrip transfer with private vehicle and guide.

Enjoy a short flight to Maun today.

Take your flight from Maun to Johannesburg today via Gaborone. The flight duration is approximately 1 and a half hour.

Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues. You will then be assisted to meet up with your domestic or charter flight.

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

Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

The Cape Cadogan is a stately double-storeyed Georgian and Victorian building that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. It was originally a farmhouse which was ‘Victorianised’ in 1912 and declared a national monument in 1984.

Overnight at Cape Cadogan .

Day 8 Cape Town

Today you'll join a small group (max of 12) to 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 Cape Cadogan .

Day 9 Cape Town

You will be met this morning by your guide and small group and set off for the Winelands, a delightful drive which winds its way through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Our first stop is Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, with canal lined avenues, and magnificent examples of Cape Dutch architecture where we enjoy our first wine tasting, coupled with a chocolate and dessert tasting. Onward over the scenic Helshoogte Pass, to Franschhoek, founded by French Huguenots over 350 years ago, and widely regarded as the culinary capital of South Africa. Its beautiful setting and café lined streets will charm you and a further wine tasting is included at one of the renowned estates here. Our final stop is at the town of Paarl, at the foot of a cluster of remarkable granite domes where we enjoy our final wine tasting before heading back to Cape Town.

Overnight at Cape Cadogan .

Day 10 Cape Town

Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

Depart from Cape Town international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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