14 Day South Africa - Botswana

Day 01

Arrive and onto Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, Cape Town

On arrival at the Cape Town International Airport, South Africa, you will make your way through customs and immigration, collect your luggage and be met by your driver who will transfer you to The Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, situated in the heart of Cape Town City. The hotel has a unique old world charm about it and is only a stone’s throw away from some of Cape Town’s best beaches and the V&A Waterfront.

You will be spending (3) nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel. This hotel will be your base for exploring the beautiful Mother City during your time in Cape Town. The afternoon is yours to rest after your long flight or take a walk on one of the nearby beaches.

Day 02

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, Cape Town

This morning after breakfast, you get to embark on an exciting adventure around the southwestern most point of the African continent- the Cape Peninsula. Known for its rocky outcrops rich in biodiversity, the Cape Peninsula is a scenic route off the Cape’s beaten path, dotted with charming towns and stunning beaches.

Stop off for a chat with the local fishing folk in the coastal gem of Kalk Bay, or enjoy a special visit to Boulder’s Beach in Simons Town. This is the only place in the world where you can interact with a colony of African Penguins whilst roaming around the beach’s shore or snorkelling, kayaking and SUPing in the shallow waters that surround it. For lunch, head off on a secluded gourmet picnic along this wild peninsula, taking in the panoramic views and natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 03

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, Cape Town

After a delicious breakfast, it is time to wander 140km towards the beautiful seaside town of Hermanus, in the Overberg area. Nestled amongst the coastal nature reserve of Walker Bay and the Kleinrivier Mountain Range, Hermanus is one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations. The picturesque bay acts as a breeding ground for the majestic Southern Right Whales who can often be seen frolicking off the shoreline with their calves from May to November.

Your morning in Hermanus is spent from the decks of a whale-watching cruise, trailing the Marine Big 5 (Southern Right Whale, Shark, Dolphin, Seal and Penguin). Once back on land, you get to explore the unspoiled hiking trails of the vast Stanford Mountains followed by an elegant, fine-dining lunch experience at The Tasting Room in the Stanford Hills Estate.

Day 04

Rovos Rail Journey to Pretoria

After your final breakfast at the Cape Grace, you are transferred to the Cape Town Station to set off on a three (3) night, all-inclusive trip to Pretoria on the luxurious Rovos Rail. Celebrated for its world-class service and authentic Edwardian-style design, the Rovos Rail prides itself on transporting guests back to the bygone era whilst allowing them to admire the beautiful passing scenery in style.

Day 05 & 06

On Board Rovos Rail

The most popular journey on Rovos Rail is this 3-night trip that runs both ways between Pretoria and Cape Town. It showcases South Africa as a world in one country. This journey departs weekly, rolling through Highveld grasslands, the semi-desert Karoo, dramatic mountain ranges and the picturesque vineyards of the Cape Winelands.

Off-train excursions include Kimberley’s Diamond Museum and the ‘Big Hole’, the world’s largest hand-excavated hole, as well as the historic settlement of Matjiesfontein.

Day 07

Castello di Monte, Pretoria

Your train is scheduled to arrive at the Pretoria Station at 12h00, from where you will be greeted and transferred to the enchanting Castello di Monte located in the Jacaranda City. Conveniently close to the station, the Castello Di Monte offers a touch of Italy in the suburb of Waterkloof, a leafy suburb in South Africa’s administrative capital of Pretoria. Tranquil gardens, elegant décor and top-notch service are what you will receive at Castello de Monte. You will be staying here for one (1) night on a bed and breakfast-basis.

Day 08

Pretoria to Zambezi Queen. Chobe River

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Here you will board your flight to Kasane, Botswana. On arrival you will be met and transferred by road and motorboat, via the Kasane Immigration onto the Namibian side of the Chobe River and finally, on the magnificent Zambezi Queen Houseboat where you enjoy (3) nights on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 09 & 10

Enjoying a Safari aboard the Zambezi Queen

Safari activities on offer to the guests can be divided into two types, either activities conducted from the boat or activities in the surrounding area. Game viewing safaris from one of the tender boats is a very popular pastime and guests get amazing views of herds of elephants coming down to drink as well as other game. During season fishing is a great way to spend the morning or afternoon, and tiger fish and bream are the fish of choice.

Bird watching in this region is prolific and can be arranged. Getting off the boat for a few hours allows guests to take game drive safaris into the Chobe National Park. Cultural visits to a local African village give guests a deep and real insight into another way of life and are often one of the most cherished experiences for people, especially if they come from one of the bigger cities in the world.

Day 11

Zambezi Queen to Little Vumbura, Okavango Delta

After breakfast and a farewell to the crew of the Zambezi Queen, you are transferred by motor boat & road, via the Namibia Immigration on Impalila Island back into Botswana and onto the Kasane Airport. Here you board a light aircraft for a flight transfer deep into the Okavango Delta. You land at Little Vumbura Camp and here you spend the next (3) nights on a fully inclusive safari in this never to forget wilderness. Nestled on a peaceful island within the Delta, the Little Vumbura’s welcoming hospitality and prime location is a great way to encounter the natural splendour of the Okavango.

Situated in the northwestern section of Botswana, the Delta is a magical oasis of interwoven waterways and crystal clear lagoons studded with water-lilies and papyrus plants. Several species call this flourishing area home, including lion, rhino, leopard, hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, as well as an array of bird species, making it an optimal place for wildlife enthusiasts.

Day 12 - 13

On Safari at Little Vumbura, Okavango Delta, Botswana

Before the sun rises this morning, you will head out via helicopter on a doors off scenic flight experience, taking in the spectacle of wildlife and varying vegetation below. Your arrival back on land is met with an impressive breakfast spread back in camp, you then have the rest of the morning for some relaxation time.

Today provides you with more time to venture into the pristine beauty of the Okavango Delta. Submerge yourself in the tranquillity of this area through several exciting safari-based activities. Many of these include fishing, birding and game-viewing, as well as authentic guided Mokoro excursions in traditional dugout canoes- all of which show off this unique area’s alluring environment.

Day 14

Okavango Delta to Johannesburg, South Africa

Sadly, today your 14-day Luxury Safari comes to an end. After an early morning safari (if time allows) you will board your light aircraft flight back to the Maun Airport. From here you connect to your outbound flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, followed by your late afternoon /evening outbound flight back home (at your own arrangement).