Itinerary Details
Alexander+Roberts
Spectacular South Africa + Victoria Falls
Day 1: Welcome to Cape Town + The Winelands
On arrival at the Cape Town Airport, you'll be warmly greeted and escorted to the new luxurious Hazendal Hotel and Spa. Surrounded by vineyards of the Hazendal Wine Estate, our charming hotel embodies the true spirit and warm hospitality of the Cape Winelands. The rest of this day is free to enjoy and relax as you wish.
Day 2: Exploring the Winelands
After breakfast, your expertly guided, full-day excursion will reveal distinctive facets of this lovely region - where pastoral vineyards and historic towns are set against a beautiful mountain backdrop. In Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest city, you'll find handsome Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture - and the lively spirit of a university town. Founded in 1692, Babylonstoren is one of the region's oldest estates, with some of the buildings dating back to its founding days. Delight in the tranquil beauty of its gardens and vineyards, learn about their state-of-the-art winery and sample six of their finest vintages -both white and red.
After a delightful farm-to-table lunch at Le Petite Ferme, we'll spend time at a pioneering self-sustaining non-profit center dedicated to rehabilitating injured and rescued South African raptors. Focusing on conservation, education and reintroducing these magnificent birds back into the wild, Eagle Encounter was founded 20 years ago and offers a chance to see and learn about a variety of South African raptors including Martial Eagles, Black-Chested Snake Eagles, Harriers, and several Falcon species. This evening, we'll savor the fine cuisine of our hotel's kitchen, prepared with fresh produce sourced from nearby farms. Meals B+L+D
Day 3: The Cape Peninsula to Cape Town
An unforgettable day unfolds as you leave behind the pastoral landscapes of the Winelands to explore the wild coastal beauty of the Cape Peninsula. Travel along the Atlantic seaboard through the pleasant seaside suburbs of Sea Point, Bantry Bay and Clifton. The journey along Chapman's Peak 2,000 feet above the ocean is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world!
As you continue along the rocky shoreline, note the distinctive Fynbos vegetation; this unique eco-system is home to myriad bird species like African Black Oystercatchers and Cape Sugarbirds. Enter the Cape of Good Hope National Park and be on the lookout for native animals like Cape Mountain Zebra, Bontebok and inquisitive Baboons. From the iconic Cape Point Lighthouse, you'll have captivating views of False Bay.
After a seaside lunch, visit Boulders Beach for an up-close encounter with African penguins. The return journey up the Peninsula takes you through the charming naval village of Simon's Town and along the lovely fishing harbor at Kalk Bay. Cap off this delightful day with a stroll through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and then check in to the 5-star Queen Victoria Hotel. With only 32 guestrooms, our stylish boutique hotel is ideally located in the heart of Cape Town next to the lively and sophisticated Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Meals B+L
Day 4: Cape Town + Table Mountain
This morning's city tour begins with the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway... With its unique revolving cars, your ride to the top offers 360° views of Cape Town and Table Bay. From the summit you'll be able to see the Twelve Apostles, a mountain range with dramatic rocky buttresses that drop sharply to the coast. In the opposite direction, you'll have an equally impressive view of the 3,200-foot summit of Devil's Peak. Back in the city, your tour continues with a stroll through the Company's Garden - an erstwhile fresh produce garden for ships and city residents in the 17th century and now home to the South African Museum, National Gallery and St. George's Cathedral. Stroll among the bustling market stalls of Greenmarket Square and take in the Grand Parade where Nelson Mandela addressed the nation upon his release in 1990. At the District Six Museum, you'll learn about this historic area and the forced relocation of its resident during the Apartheid Era.
After lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Just across the street from your hotel, the V&A Waterfront invites exploration with its wide variety of cafes, boutiques, shops and galleries. This evening, you'll dine at the Gold Restaurant. Meals B+L+D
Day 5: The History + Heritage of Cape Town
Set against the flanks of Signal Hill, the pastel-hued homes and steep cobblestone streets of Cape Town's Bo-Kaap district offers fascinating insight into dramatic chapters of South Africa's history. After a leisurely breakfast, your tour begins at the Bo-Kaap Museum where you'll learn about some of the city's earliest inhabitant - slaves who where brought over in the1600's from Dutch colonies in Southeast Asia. From these tragic beginnings, the country's Cape Malay culture has emerged with unique traditions that are distinct from its Asian, African and Dutch influences. Experience more of this culture as you explore the neighborhood and the local spice market - a great place to learn about Cape Malay cuisine. Your tour ends at the home of a local family where our hands-on cooking class includes Cape Malay Samoosa, a delectably filled pastry similar to what you find throughout India and other parts of Southeast Asia. After dining on the dishes that you've helped to prepare, the balance of your afternoon and evening are free to enjoy and explore as you wish. Meals B+L
Day 6: We Fly to Our Private Reserve at Kruger
After breakfast, we'll escort you to the airport for your included flight to Hoedspruit, one of the main gateways to Kruger National Park. On arrival, you'll be met and escorted to the Motswari Private Game Reserve. Here within the highly regarded Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves next to Kruger National Park, you'll find just 15 spacious and ultra-private bungalows. This evening you'll dine with other guests here at our intimate safari camp. Meals B+D
Day 7: On Safari at Kruger
Our nature reserves share an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park and together with other privately owned reserves including Klaserie and Sabi Sands, the region comprises 5 million acres of open land that allows for the unfettered free movement of game - as close as you can possibly get to an authentic experience of the "real" Africa! Here within the esteemed Timbavati and Umbabat Reserves, the wildlife-viewing is indeed spectacular. Setting out in Land Rovers with our expert safari guide and sharp-eyed tracker, your morning and afternoon game drives offer thrilling chances to spot all of the Big Five - Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros and Cape buffalo. Back at camp, you might go for a refreshing swim, take in the views from your private deck, or join fellow guests in the main lodge. Delightful meals are attentively served and accompanied by fine South African wine. Meals B+L+D
Day 8: Another Day on Safari
Encompassing typical Southern African bushveld, watering holes and river beds, this sector of the Greater Kruger National Park is home to a remarkable variety of Big Game including Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Kudu and several other types of Antelope. In turn, these healthy populations of plains game attract a number of predators - particularly Hyenas and Lions. With sharp eyes and a bit of luck, you might also spot the African Wild Dog and the elusive Cheetah; together with the famous Big Five, these two animals comprise the Magnificent Seven!
Once again accompanied by our experienced safari guide, you'll set out today on morning and afternoon game drives to track these animals across our private reserve. Meals B+L+D
Day 9: More Big Game Excitement
Thrill to a final day of exciting and enriching activities with our expert safari guides. In addition to our morning and afternoon game drives, you might also join a guided safari walk - a terrific way to experience the smaller "details" of our Private Reserve - including insects and butterflies and the unique flora. Before your afternoon game drive, you might join our experienced rangers for an informal talk to learn more about the greater Kruger area - including its varied ecosystems and diverse wildlife. Meals B+L+D
Day 10: Onward to Victoria Falls
You'll be escorted to the airport today for your included flight to Zimbabwe. On arrival in Livingstone, you'll be met and escorted to the Royal Livingstone. Situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River with wildlife roaming the landscaped grounds, our luxury hotel offers elegant guestrooms with a private balcony or verandah. This evening's sunset cocktail cruise offers a chance to see hippos and crocodiles and other wildlife descending to the riverbank to quench their thirst. Meals B
Day 11: Magnificent Victoria Falls #WHS#
David Livingstone was the first European to visit the Falls and named it after Queen Victoria. But locals still call it Mosi-oa-Tunya - the Smoke that Thunders. As our expert guide takes you along scenic paths through the verdant rainforest, you'll hit all the best vantage points including Knife Edge Bridge and a heart-pounding view over the famed Devil's Cataract. By tour's end, you might agree that the local name best captures the dramatic spray and deafening roar of the mighty Zambezi River as it plunges more than 300 feet over a mile-wide chasm! The rest of this day is yours to delight in the idyllic setting and ambiance of your luxury hotel. Note: Water levels are lower from August to November and vantage points may differ. Meals B
Day 12: Depart Livingstone
After breakfast, you'll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey. Meals B
