Day 2: Cape Town
After breakfast pick up for a scheduled morning half-day Cape Town City and Table Mountain tour. No visit to Cape Town is complete without a half day tour of the mother city itself. After departing the hotel, we head for Table Mountain. Enjoy the crisp air and clear visibility as you reach the summit (weather permitting and cable car for own account). Our guide will point out the highlights of one of the world’s most famous views, and one of New 7 Wonders of Nature. After the descent we enjoy a scenic coastal drive through Camps Bay, Clifton and Sea Point. We drive past the Cape Town Stadium and through the V&A Waterfront to the city center where we visit Green Market Square. We stretch our legs with a walk through the Company Gardens. The tour continues with a drive past the Houses of Parliament, the City Hall, The Castle and Slave Lodge, before entering the "Bo Kaap", also known as the Malay quarter. Learn about the history of this area of brightly painted houses and quaint cobbled streets. We ascend Signal Hill to witness firing of the noon gun (except Sundays and Public Holidays). Join the fascinating Diamond and Tanzanite experience at Jewel Africa. Discover the secrets of Diamonds, Tanzanite and other authentic African Treasures. Return to the hotel, rest of day at leisure. [B]
Day 3: Cape Town
Enjoy a scheduled full day tour of Cape Point that takes us along the scenic Atlantic seaboard coastal road. We pass the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay with their soft white sand and assure blue water. The formidable 12 Apostles Peaks rise above the road on one side, while sheer cliffs and incredible rock formations drop into the icy Atlantic Ocean on the other side. There is no doubt the coast of the Cape peninsula offers magnificent scenery with its great biodiversity. We arrive at the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay with its imposing Sentinel. Visit Seal Island (own account) or shop for souvenirs at the craft market at the harbor. Our tour continues over Chapman’s Peak which offers amazing photo opportunities, and onto the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This area is home to magnificent ‘fynbos’, many different species of buck and birds, the Cape Mountain Zebra, and mischievous baboons. These creatures entertain guests enjoying lunch at the restaurant which has splendid views of False Bay. Take the funicular (Funicular for own account) to the lighthouse for an even better vantage point. We visit Boulders Beach to see the African penguins (own account) before arriving at the naval base of Simonstown, and then we venture inland to our last stop of the day at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. With the sun setting over the tall peaks of Table Mountain the last rays sparkle on the trees and flowers, and offer a fitting end to a day filled with all the Cape has to offer. Return to hotel. [B]
Day 4: Cape Town, Victoria Falls
It is time to leave South Africa and fly on to Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a Victoria Falls Hotel representative and transferred to the hotel. With dramatic views of the gorges of Zimbabwe’s spectacular Victoria Falls, The Victoria Falls Hotel, built by the British in 1904 (was originally conceived as accommodation for workers on the Cape-to-Cairo railway) and today it is a famous luxury brand and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Serene lily ponds, arched loggias and broad verandas – offering magnificent vistas – seem custom-built for a spot of high tea or a relaxed gin and tonic, while a private path leads to the falls, an idyllic 10-minute walk away. Some rooms offer stunning views of the gorges and bridge below. [B]
Day 5: Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and one of the greatest attractions in Africa, offers awe-inspiring views and unique attractions such as the Boiling Pot and Devil’s Pool. There is so much to do at the falls, you will need to visit at least twice. Activities include boat tours, white water rafting, bungee jump, kayaking, helicopter rides, micro-lighting, and swim in Devil’s Pool (from mid-August to mid-January). If you don’t fancy any high-octane activities, you can drive through the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park which is situated along the upper Zambezi River. It includes the Victoria Falls and stretches for about 7.5 miles up the Zambezi River above the falls. Although the park is small, only 16,300 acres, it is home to a wide variety of species including, antelope, zebra, giraffe, elephants and warthog. [B]
Day 6: Victoria Falls, South Luangwa
After your stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel, you will be transferred to Livingstone and fly to Mfuwe Airport, our gateway to South Luangwa National Park. [D]
Days 7: South Luangwa
South Luangwa National Park is known to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world: 60 different animal species and over 400 bird species living in a pristine environment.
Kafunta is a classic Zambian safari lodge where you will find the rest and peace you need after an exciting day of game drives. At Kafunta each of the luxury private chalets and the main lounge/dining area has fantastic views of the game rich flood plain [B/L/D]
Day 8: South Luangwa
The park supports large populations of Thornicroft’s giraffe, an endemic species to the park, and herds of elephants, Crawshay’s Zebras, Cookson’s wildebeest, both of which are endemic to the park, and Cape buffalos often several hundred strong. There are said to be at least 9 prides, however, the exact number of lions in the park is unknown. There is also a profusion of leopard, known as ‘the valley of leopards’ - experts say there are 3 leopards for every 500 acres in South Luangwa. The park isn’t only rich in big cats. The wild dogs, although more elusive than their feline counterparts, are prominent in the Luangwa Valley with multiple packs in the park, sometimes up to 40 members strong. South Luangwa also plays host to many other animals: antelope, 14 different species in fact, including kudu, impala, bushbuck, sable and puku, as well as warthogs, hyena, monkeys, baboons, porcupine and much, much more. Get close to the river and you will see ots of crocodiles and hippos, it is estimated there are 85 hippos per mile of river. South Luangwa is also somewhat of a birder’s paradise! The park welcomes more than 450 species each year and, in one day, you could see 100 species. The birdlife includes many species typical of southern Africa and those more usually known from East Africa. The Visitor favorites include the Carmine Bee Eater, Lilac Breasted Roller, and the rare African Pitta and Narina Trogon. [B/L/D]
Day 9: South Luangwa, Lusaka, USA
All good things must come to an end, and today after breakfast you will be transferred back to Mfuwe Airport for your connecting flight to Lusaka Airport and back to the USA. [B]
[B] = Breakfast | [D] = Dinner | [B/L/D] = Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
