9/13 Depart USA JFK Airport for Cape Town via Johannesburg.
9/14 Arrive in Cape Town a/k/a The Mother City, South Africa’s oldest and most spectacular city, where you’ll be met and escorted to your hotel, ideally located near the vibrant V&A Waterfront. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner and briefing.
Depending on arrival time in Cape Town, the plan is to visit the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. George in Woodstock (fabulous murals), NGK Tafelberg (a Dutch Reformed Church with the most ornate pipe organ) and, if time permits, Streetwires Artist Cooperative and walk through Bo-Kaap (Malay Quarter).
9/15 Sheltered beneath the dramatic shape of Table Mountain, Cape Town is indeed one of the world’s most unique cities. This morning, a local expert leads you on a sightseeing tour to explore the charms of the city. Ride by cable car to the top of Table Mountain for glorious city and bay views. Descend and travel through the Malay Quarter and the city center for a chance to view and photograph impressive Table Mountain from a distance. Your tour ends at the vibrant V&A Waterfront where the balance of the day is at leisure. You may relax at one of the many cafes, stroll around and browse the craft and art shops or sample South Africa’s renowned wines.
Plan to see Groote Kerk, St. George's Cathedral and City Hall/Grand Parade during the lunch break after city tour.
Taking the Township Tour optional and then dinner at Gibson's Gourmet Burgers & Ribs at the Waterfront.
9/16 A memorable full day excursion to Cape Peninsula begins with a scenic drive passing steep mountains, secluded coves, and sweeping beaches enroute to Cape Point at the southern tip of the Peninsula. Stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay before arriving to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The reserve is rich with flora and fauna and you may see baboons, rheboks and Cape Mountain zebras. Savor the stunning views of the coastline where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. After lunch at a famous seafood restaurant follow the majestic coastline along False Bay and stop at Simon’s Town, where you’ll visit the Penguin colony. Lastly, visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and enjoy the magnificent display of indigenous South African flora before returning to Cape Town late this afternoon.
Dinner planned for Belthazar Restaurant at the Waterfront.
9/17 This is a leisure day, so instead of going to Robben Island like originally planned, and then opting not to take the day trip to Cape Agulhas – the southern-most tip of the African continent and where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, I'm staying in Cape Town to take in all the sights and shopping I might otherwise miss - Castle of Good Hope, Greenmarket Square, the Methodist Mission, Long Street, Scratch Patch, The Watershed and the Waterfront. Also going to brave the heights and test out the Cape Wheel.
Late lunch/early dinner at Anat Falafel & Schwarma at the Waterfront.
9/18 Cape Town / Zululand/ Hluhluwe - Board a morning flight to King Shaka International Airport on the Kwazulu Natal North Coast, just outside the bustling port city of Durban. Journey to the charming resort village of Westbrooke, where you may enjoy a stroll on the golden sands of the Indian Ocean shoreline. Later, travel northwards through cane fields and timber plantations to Zululand, home to one of the most famous of the African tribal peoples. Arrive at your hotel located near the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, renowned for saving the white rhinoceros from extinction.
9/19 Hluhluwe Game Reserve / Zululand - An exciting day begins with a morning game drive in open South Africa safari vehicles to explore the magnificent animals and species in the fascinating Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Later, visit Dumazulu Village and experience the everyday life of the Zulu tribe, renowned for its warrior culture. Witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and a ceremony of beer drinking. A special Zulu lunch will be served. The balance of the day is at leisure.
9/20 Hluhluwe / Swaziland - Today, continue your scenic drive north and cross the border into the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland. Shop for unique African souvenirs at the colorful markets and see basket weavers at work.
9/21 Swaziland / Kruger National Park - Drive through the beautiful countryside of the province of Transvaal to the world famous Kruger National Park. Encompassing some of the most stunning and diverse terrain, the park is South Africa’s premier game sanctuary. An unforgettable game drive in your own motor coach this afternoon takes you in search of the wild. Your upscale lodge is located near the park. Swaziland - Second country!!!
9/22 Your safari today includes a morning game drive, in open vehicles, in search of the parks many residents including the “Big Five”: Lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino and hopefully the more elusive leopard. You may also spot hippopotamus and crocodiles as well as zebras and giraffes. Plains game and bird life also abound. Have your camera ready! After a lunch break, return to the park for an afternoon open-vehicle safari.
9/23 Kruger Park / Mpumalanga / Sandton (Johannesburg) - Drive through Mpumalanga (formerly Eastern Transvaal) panoramic wild countryside and enjoy unparalleled views of densely forested mountains, valleys, rivers and waterfalls. Arrive in the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, one of the greatest spectacles of Africa. Proceed to Bourke’s Luck Pot Holes, a place of African legend containing bizarre holes cut into rock by powerful river erosion. Later relish sweeping views from God’s Window. Proceed to Sandton, a flourishing suburb of Johannesburg, the commerce and diamond mining center.
9/24 Soweto Excursion /Apartheid Museum - This morning learn more about South Africa’s turbulent past and its hope for the future on a fascinating tour to Soweto, a sprawling metropolis on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Peek into the past – hostels, Freedom Square and the struggle for liberty. Tread the paths to greatness by the late Nelson Mandela and visit his former house. This afternoon, visit the Apartheid Museum, the pre-eminent museum in the world exposing the rise and fall of apartheid and South Africa’s tumultuous journey through the 20th century. Tonight, celebrate with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner feasting on a traditional South African buffet.
9/25 Johannesburg / Victoria Falls - Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. You’ll be met and escorted to your deluxe hotel. Join a Sundowner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. Marvel at the vegetation on the river’s banks and the spectacular sunset
The plan right after arrival at the lodge is to walk across the Victoria Falls bridge into Zambia and see the falls from the Zambia side. Third and Fourth countries!!! Also picking up some jewelry ordered from The Ndau Collection.
9/26 Visit the craft village and observe the traditional way of life. Proceed to the Victoria Falls, often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. This afternoon you may return to the Falls on your own.
I have booked The Flight of Angels (a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls) to get an aerial view of this massive site – last flight of the day.
9/27 A day at leisure. You may join a fascinating optional excursion across the border to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Chobe boasts one of the largest populations of elephants in the world along with lions, hippos and zebras.
Taking the Chobe National Park optional in Botswana. Fifth country!!!!!!
9/28 Victoria Falls / Johannesburg, depart South Africa - Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Johannesburg connecting to your flight back to the USA.
9/29 Arrive in the good ole USA.
9/14 Arrive in Cape Town a/k/a The Mother City, South Africa’s oldest and most spectacular city, where you’ll be met and escorted to your hotel, ideally located near the vibrant V&A Waterfront. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner and briefing.
Depending on arrival time in Cape Town, the plan is to visit the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. George in Woodstock (fabulous murals), NGK Tafelberg (a Dutch Reformed Church with the most ornate pipe organ) and, if time permits, Streetwires Artist Cooperative and walk through Bo-Kaap (Malay Quarter).
9/15 Sheltered beneath the dramatic shape of Table Mountain, Cape Town is indeed one of the world’s most unique cities. This morning, a local expert leads you on a sightseeing tour to explore the charms of the city. Ride by cable car to the top of Table Mountain for glorious city and bay views. Descend and travel through the Malay Quarter and the city center for a chance to view and photograph impressive Table Mountain from a distance. Your tour ends at the vibrant V&A Waterfront where the balance of the day is at leisure. You may relax at one of the many cafes, stroll around and browse the craft and art shops or sample South Africa’s renowned wines.
Plan to see Groote Kerk, St. George's Cathedral and City Hall/Grand Parade during the lunch break after city tour.
Taking the Township Tour optional and then dinner at Gibson's Gourmet Burgers & Ribs at the Waterfront.
9/16 A memorable full day excursion to Cape Peninsula begins with a scenic drive passing steep mountains, secluded coves, and sweeping beaches enroute to Cape Point at the southern tip of the Peninsula. Stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay before arriving to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The reserve is rich with flora and fauna and you may see baboons, rheboks and Cape Mountain zebras. Savor the stunning views of the coastline where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. After lunch at a famous seafood restaurant follow the majestic coastline along False Bay and stop at Simon’s Town, where you’ll visit the Penguin colony. Lastly, visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and enjoy the magnificent display of indigenous South African flora before returning to Cape Town late this afternoon.
Dinner planned for Belthazar Restaurant at the Waterfront.
9/17 This is a leisure day, so instead of going to Robben Island like originally planned, and then opting not to take the day trip to Cape Agulhas – the southern-most tip of the African continent and where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, I'm staying in Cape Town to take in all the sights and shopping I might otherwise miss - Castle of Good Hope, Greenmarket Square, the Methodist Mission, Long Street, Scratch Patch, The Watershed and the Waterfront. Also going to brave the heights and test out the Cape Wheel.
Late lunch/early dinner at Anat Falafel & Schwarma at the Waterfront.
9/18 Cape Town / Zululand/ Hluhluwe - Board a morning flight to King Shaka International Airport on the Kwazulu Natal North Coast, just outside the bustling port city of Durban. Journey to the charming resort village of Westbrooke, where you may enjoy a stroll on the golden sands of the Indian Ocean shoreline. Later, travel northwards through cane fields and timber plantations to Zululand, home to one of the most famous of the African tribal peoples. Arrive at your hotel located near the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, renowned for saving the white rhinoceros from extinction.
9/19 Hluhluwe Game Reserve / Zululand - An exciting day begins with a morning game drive in open South Africa safari vehicles to explore the magnificent animals and species in the fascinating Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Later, visit Dumazulu Village and experience the everyday life of the Zulu tribe, renowned for its warrior culture. Witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and a ceremony of beer drinking. A special Zulu lunch will be served. The balance of the day is at leisure.
9/20 Hluhluwe / Swaziland - Today, continue your scenic drive north and cross the border into the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland. Shop for unique African souvenirs at the colorful markets and see basket weavers at work.
9/21 Swaziland / Kruger National Park - Drive through the beautiful countryside of the province of Transvaal to the world famous Kruger National Park. Encompassing some of the most stunning and diverse terrain, the park is South Africa’s premier game sanctuary. An unforgettable game drive in your own motor coach this afternoon takes you in search of the wild. Your upscale lodge is located near the park. Swaziland - Second country!!!
9/22 Your safari today includes a morning game drive, in open vehicles, in search of the parks many residents including the “Big Five”: Lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino and hopefully the more elusive leopard. You may also spot hippopotamus and crocodiles as well as zebras and giraffes. Plains game and bird life also abound. Have your camera ready! After a lunch break, return to the park for an afternoon open-vehicle safari.
9/23 Kruger Park / Mpumalanga / Sandton (Johannesburg) - Drive through Mpumalanga (formerly Eastern Transvaal) panoramic wild countryside and enjoy unparalleled views of densely forested mountains, valleys, rivers and waterfalls. Arrive in the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, one of the greatest spectacles of Africa. Proceed to Bourke’s Luck Pot Holes, a place of African legend containing bizarre holes cut into rock by powerful river erosion. Later relish sweeping views from God’s Window. Proceed to Sandton, a flourishing suburb of Johannesburg, the commerce and diamond mining center.
9/24 Soweto Excursion /Apartheid Museum - This morning learn more about South Africa’s turbulent past and its hope for the future on a fascinating tour to Soweto, a sprawling metropolis on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Peek into the past – hostels, Freedom Square and the struggle for liberty. Tread the paths to greatness by the late Nelson Mandela and visit his former house. This afternoon, visit the Apartheid Museum, the pre-eminent museum in the world exposing the rise and fall of apartheid and South Africa’s tumultuous journey through the 20th century. Tonight, celebrate with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner feasting on a traditional South African buffet.
9/25 Johannesburg / Victoria Falls - Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. You’ll be met and escorted to your deluxe hotel. Join a Sundowner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. Marvel at the vegetation on the river’s banks and the spectacular sunset
The plan right after arrival at the lodge is to walk across the Victoria Falls bridge into Zambia and see the falls from the Zambia side. Third and Fourth countries!!! Also picking up some jewelry ordered from The Ndau Collection.
9/26 Visit the craft village and observe the traditional way of life. Proceed to the Victoria Falls, often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. This afternoon you may return to the Falls on your own.
I have booked The Flight of Angels (a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls) to get an aerial view of this massive site – last flight of the day.
9/27 A day at leisure. You may join a fascinating optional excursion across the border to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Chobe boasts one of the largest populations of elephants in the world along with lions, hippos and zebras.
Taking the Chobe National Park optional in Botswana. Fifth country!!!!!!
9/28 Victoria Falls / Johannesburg, depart South Africa - Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Johannesburg connecting to your flight back to the USA.
9/29 Arrive in the good ole USA.
