World Explorer Safari to
South Africa, Botswana &
Zambia
As a world explorer, isn't it time you discovered the magic of Southern Africa? Beginning in South Africa, explore scenic Cape Town, and taste the "fruits of the vine" at some of the best vineyards in the world. Travel aboard one of the world's most luxurious trains, the Rovos Rail. Experience exciting wildlife viewing in open Land Rovers and on foot in the world-renowned MalaMala Private Game Reserve and by mokoro (dug-out canoe) in beautiful Botswana where adventure is wrapped in the luxury of exclusive, tented camps. Then, rinse off that safari dust in Zambia, as you witness the splendor of Victoria Falls and the world from the top of an elephant.
Days 1/2/3/4 - Atlanta or New York/Cape Town
Board your South African Airways overnight flight from Atlanta or New York to Cape Town. The next morning arrive in South Africa’s “Mother City,” one of the loveliest cities in the world. Your elegant hotel has the prime location on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with its neighboring yachts, restaurants and trendy shops. Ascend Table Mountain by cable car for a panoramic view before strolling through the beautiful terraced lawns, landscaped gardens and scenic walks in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Take a coastal drive to the Cape of Good Hope, surrounded by spectacular mountains, rugged shorelines, and the blue sea. See African penguins on Boulders Beach and visit the informal settlement of New Rest. Your township guide will show you how life has improved since apartheid, but the transition is slow and hard. Enjoy the classic Cape Dutch architecture of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, as well as wine-tasting in the vineyards. The last evening, a ten-course gourmet meal and great local company awaits you at Lavender Hill, a private home in one of Cape Town's trendy areas. CAPE GRACE (B & L Daily, Welcome D)
Days 5/6 - Rovos Rail
All aboard the Pride of Africa! The classic trains of Rovos Rail were restored to offer discerning travelers the elegance and grandeur of a bygone era. The sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world and are the epitome of luxury. They also offer every modern comfort and convenience. Sit and gaze upon Africa from the observation car. Along the way, visit the historic village of Matjiesfontein and the next afternoon the town of Kimberley including the Mine museum for a history of its diamond-rush days. In the evenings enjoy sumptuous dinners in the exquisite dining car, and excellent South African wines and liqueurs. ROVOS RAIL. (B,L,D Daily)
Days 7/8/9 - Pretoria/MalaMala Game Reserve
Upon arrival in Pretoria, fly to the legendary MalaMala Game Reserve. Located in the Sabie Sands region of Mpumalanga adjacent to Kruger National Park, it straddles the perennial Sand River. Along with being one of the leading private game reserves in the world, MalaMala boasts the largest privately-owned tract of “Big Five” country in Southern Africa. Enjoy dawn and dusk wildlife viewing conducted in open four-wheel drive vehicles, accompanied by a highly qualified game ranger and his skilled Shangaan tracker. At night, enjoy a spotlit night drive, where a leopard hunt may be your reward. Your lodge is one of the best in the world and has won numerous international awards. MALAMALA MAIN CAMP. (All Meals Daily)
Day 10 - Mala Mala/Johannesburg
A last game run this morning before flying directly from the Mala Mala airstrip to Johannesburg, where you will be escorted to your hotel. Nestled in the exclusive suburb of Sandton, The Saxon makes a world-class statement of ethnic African elegance and welcome. It has witnessed history within its walls as it became home to Nelson Mandela for nine months after he was released from prison. SAXON. (B)
Days 11/12 - Maun/Okavango Delta/Moremi Game Reserve /Jao Concession
Fly to Maun, Botswana, and board your light aircraft to one of the world's most distinctive regions, the Okavango Delta, the earth's largest inland water system. The activities at Jao include mokoros (small dug-out canoes), boats, day and night game drives in open 4-wheel vehicles and guided walks. The lagoons are home to hippo and crocodile and the permanent waters attract large numbers of waterfowl. Lion, cheetah and leopard are plentiful, while tsessebe, red lechwe, zebra and wildebeest dot the floodplains. Your luxury tented camp has the finest in amenities and décor. JAO CAMP. (All Meals Daily)
Days 13/14 - Okavango Delta/Moremi Game Reserve/Mombo Concession
Wing your way to the secret paradise of Mombo. Sometimes an island of its own, sometimes linked to Chiefs Island, the region is constantly modified by the ebb and flow of the Delta's waters. Mombo Camp is situated deep within Moremi Game Reserve, beneath huge trees on the edge of a broad floodplain. Large concentrations of wildlife, including all of the large predators, occur in this remote wilderness region. Because of its great wildlife, several award-winning wildlife documentaries have been filmed. While here, Dr. Tico McNutt may join you to discuss his work with the Botswana Wild Dog Project. You may also be able to meet with Grant Woodrow, the project manager of Wilderness Safaris for the reintroduction of rhinos in the Okavango. MOMBO CAMP. (All Meals Daily)
Days 15/16 - Livingstone/Victoria Falls
After your morning game run, fly to Kasane, where you clear customs into Zambia. Resume your flight to Livingstone, flying over Victoria Falls, more than twice the size of Niagara Falls, for a bird's eye-view of this marvel of nature. Your visit will include a tour of the falls on the Zambian side. An afternoon sundowner cruise on a private boat will be a highlight as you glide along the Zambezi River. Explore the area from the top of an elephant and visit a local village to see a way of life that remains virtually unchanged through the ages. Your 5-Star hotel is located on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River with a view of the falls. ROYAL LIVINGSTONE. (B,D Daily)
Days 17/18 - Livingstone/Johannesburg/Atlanta or New York
Morning is free to enjoy as you choose. This afternoon you are escorted to the airport for your flights home. (B, Meals Aloft)
Your Safari Includes:
- Roundtrip air transportation from Atlanta or New York via South African Airways.
- All local flights within Southern Africa as specified.
- Superior accommodations throughout as specified.
- All meals as specified. Welcome dinner in Cape Town and special dinner at Lavender Hill. All wildlife viewing by private 4X4 open vehicles, driven by professional driver/guides.
- Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks in vehicles, all beverages while on safari in Botswana except for imported spirits.
- Lecture by Tico McNutt on wild dogs and Grant Woodrow on the reintroduction of rhinos in the Okavango while at Mombo.
- Gratuities for baggage handling, hotel tips and taxes.
- All game park entry fees.
- Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.