Itinerary

Day 1 United States

We board our international flight this evening, setting off for South Africa's enchanting Cape Town.
Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4 Cape Town

Welcome to South Africa's coastal gem. We savour seeing one of Travel + Leisure's “Top 10 Cities” in the World, including a cable car ride up iconic Table Mountain, a visit to Cape Point Nature Reserve, and dinner at the home of our Micato hosts. We tour the area’s famed vineyards, sampling the exquisite vintages and enjoying lunch at one of the region's venerable estates. This lyrically lovely region, with vistas of majestic mountains and whitewashed Cape Dutch homes, will leave us breathless. We’ll stay at the stunning Mount Nelson hotel, set on nine acres of lush gardens at the foot of Table Mountain.
Day 5 - Day 6 Victoria Falls

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls truly astonishes. The sheer power of what natives call “the smoke that thunders” leaves us awestruck. We take a scenic flight over the Falls, and savour a relaxing sunset cruise along the upper Zambezi, the perfect venue to enjoy “sundowners” and watch elephants and giraffes drink at the edge of this romantic river.
Day 7 Johannesburg

After a leisurely breakfast, we fly to Johannesburg and overnight at the exclusive Westcliff Hotel—its enchanting gardens, beautiful fountains and panoramic views a welcoming setting for our first evening here.
Day 8 Nairobi

We fly to Nairobi, Kenya, where our home will be the celebrated Norfolk Hotel. The essence of luxury since 1904, the Norfolk is the legendary hotel from which every great safari traditionally embarked. The spirit of past adventurers like Teddy Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway linger romantically in the air here, particularly on the Delamere Terrace where explorers and locals alike have gathered for generations for drinks and safari tales.

Day 9 Lake Manyara

Today we take the quick flight to charming Lake Manyara. The mahogany forest, marsh, grass and scrubland are home to over 350 species of birds and lovely scenery—it’s no wonder Ernest Hemingway spent so much time here before writing The Green Hills of Africa. Later, we enjoy sublime dinner and accommodations at charming Lake Manyara Serena Lodge.
Day 10 - Day 11 Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro Crater

A Bush Walk is a magical way to begin our day in Manyara, while our guide points out the flora and fauna. Then we’re off to the stunning Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, spectacularly situated on the rim of the wildlife-rich Crater. Our descent into this unofficial “eighth wonder of the world” brings us into the largest concentration of animals in all of Africa, including a high density of lions and thousands of flamingos. The ever-changing vista in this, the world’s largest intact caldera, will enthrall us.
Day 12 - Day 13 Serengeti National Park

We fly to the fabled Serengeti—its far-reaching plains of endless grass and acacia trees create the quintessential image of untarnished Africa. Our lodgings are at the exquisite Kirawira Tented Camp, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. After two days in the heart of the Great Migration corridor, we will be passionate about this land whose nomadic rituals have spanned millennia.
Day 14 - Day 15 Maasai Mara

Our journey continues by air to the Maasai Mara, the Africa of our imagination. A pristine wilderness of haunting beauty and richly rolling grasslands, this region features a bounty of wildlife—among the most prodigious concentrations in the world, in fact. We will marvel at nature’s pageantry in this timeless place. Our expedition reaches a grand finale with a visit to a Maasai village and Bush Cocktails, returning to the cosseted comfort of Mara Explorer or Governors’ tented camps.
Day 16 Nairobi - Europe

Having traversed much of the continent, we fly back to Nairobi—where we can visit an AmericaShare site, which many guests mark as the life-affirming highlight of their journey. We are also welcomed by Felix and Jane Pinto and share a meal at their home. Always a warm and congenial gathering with fine food and good conversation, we feel as though the Pintos are already lifelong friends. Afterward, we proceed to the airport and bid farewell to this grand journey.
Day 17 Europe – United States

Arrive in Europe and connect to homebound flights.

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