Fall in Love with Southern Africa

Upon arrival to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport you will transfer by hotel shuttle to the nearby Holiday Inn Airport for a two-night stay.

The Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport, located just ten minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, is the perfect place to take time to relax and unwind before or after a long journey. Stay stress free with a complimentary airport shuttle service. The hotel has 151 comfortable rooms equipped with all modern amenities and Wireless Internet. For leisure, work out in the in-house gym overlooking the outdoor pool, where you can take a swim or soak up the sun. At the end of the day, dine in at their restaurant or order room service and put your feet up.

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.

SOWETO, acronym for South Western Township, is home to over 2 million people, who, despite living in crowded and chaotic conditions, have a tangible sense of community, one which ironically, the ordered, walled, elitist northern suburbs lack. Inside Soweto, guests visit the Kliptown Open Air Museum where delegates met in 1955 to adopt the Freedom Charter, now the cornerstone of the Bill of Rights and the South African Constitution. This journey continues to Regina Mundi Church, site of many secret underground meetings of the then banned political parties. The next stop is the Hector Pieterson Memorial, and discover the cause of the tragic riots which led to his death; guests will pass Mandela House, and give you time to visit this fascinating little museum (own account). Finally we take you past the largest stadium in Africa, Soccer City, host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. Soweto is unlike a suburb you’ve ever seen or been to, yet the history of struggle encapsulated here is a cornerstone of the South African Story. Your experience highlights: Kliptown Open Air Museum Regina Mundi Church Hector Pieterson Museum Mandela House (own account) Soccer City, host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.

Shuttle from the hotel back to Johannesburg’s airport for your scheduled flight to Victoria Falls. On arrival in Victoria Falls, you’ll be transferred to Explorers Village Lodge.

Explorers Village offers the modern pioneer a perfect haven from which to investigate Victoria Falls, widely recognized as the adventure capital of the African continent. Located merely 400m from the Victoria Falls, 100m from the epicenter of the Victoria Falls town with its craft and curio markets, bohemian cafes and overlooking natural African bush panorama, the Explorers Village is the perfect Base Camp. Comprising of 5 bespoke Overland camping sites, modern ablution facilities and 42 private rooms, the village represents budget accommodation at its finest – clean, cool, relaxing, elegant, excellent traditional food, ice cold drinks and exceptionally friendly hosts ready to welcome you and guide you through your Vic Falls experience.

A late afternoon private guided tour of the falls has been arranged.

The Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. David Livingstone was the first European to visit the Falls, and named it after Queen Victoria. To the locals, it is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya The Smoke that Thunders an accurate description of what happens when the waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the 1700 metre wide and 100-metre deep chasm, creating a shower of spray and a deafening noise. From February to May each year, the Victoria Falls are in full flood and 500 million litres of water tumble over the edge into a series of gorges each minute!

A variety of local activities are available as optional tours such as river walks, cultural village tours, helicopter tours over the falls and for the adventurers zip-lining or bungee-jumping. Or simply choose to sit with a nice, cool drink and take in the spectacular views. Pre-booking is recommended.

Zambezi River Cruise: As the sun begins its descent, step on board our floating restaurant for an exceptional evening on the Zambezi River. Like the exquisite bird after which it was named Malachite is one of the Zambezi River’s crowning gems. Powered by two 60HP four stroke marine motors, this beautifully crafted double deck vessel silently slices across the surface of the river.  On the upper deck, guests are offered a glass of sparkling wine to sip as they settle into the plush cushioned furniture and relax before the journey along the Zambezi River begins; all the while looking out for the various birdlife and animals there are to be seen and then watching as one of Africa’s famous sunsets erupts in the sky.   After the sun has sunk below the river line, dinner is served on the lower deck of the vessel exemplifying the hallmarks of exquisite cuisine prepared on board by two Chefs. The rich aroma of locally sourced, fresh ingredients wafts around diners as the dishes are plated.  Time seems to stand still as the boat gently glides along to the sound of water lapping up against her sides. Far removed from the glare of city lights and noise, the moon and stars shine brightly in the sky and an atmosphere of mystery and romance envelopes the evening’s experience. A captain completes the crew and their combined experience promises an insightful and memorable evening.

Circuit Flights: The light aircraft, circuit flights are subject to weight restrictions based on the aircraft used, weather conditions and season, passenger and luggage weights, routing and fuel required. Some routes may require en-route stops which may involve changing aircraft. Total baggage allowance on these inter-camp flights is 20kg total per person (includes checked bag as well as all carry-on items).

The camp is comprised of eight custom-designed tents with unique mosquito net wall, allowing an unobstructed flow of cooking breezes and stunning views. Each spacious text has its own viewing deck, bathroom and luxurious double, outdoor shower. The main area of the camp includes a small swimming pool, a communal fire place and dining room, a curio shop, bar and lounge area and small library. Private, outdoor dinners can be arranged by the poolside or fireplace for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and honeymoons.

Three-night stay on an inclusive basis: accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks excluding premium imported brands and champagne.

Lebala means “wide open spaces” and the camp is located in the Kwando Reserve’s 232,000 hectares of private, un-fenced wilderness. Here the southerly flowing Kwando River disappears into the vast marshland to the east. Lebala sits in the floodplains of the Kwando River and the special ecosystem is home to a wide variety of Africa’s plains game such as zebra, wildebeest, impala, giraffe and tsessebe. The wonderful variety of wildlife also includes elephant, hippo, buffalo and the ever-present predators of lion, cheetah and hyena. Lebala’s location away from the dense mopane woodland to the east of the reserve facilitates the ease of traversing the concession looking for big game.

While staying at Lebala Camp, you will be taken on daily game drives (day, night or offroad) in Land Cruises with 3 rows of 3 seats, max. 6 people per vehicle;  guided walking safaris and have time to spend relaxing by the pool or on your own deck, watching the landscape for wildlife.

Pom Pom Camp consists of nine luxury safari tents in true traditional safari style, furnished with en-suite, semi-open ablutions. The tents are uniquely positioned under the shade of the surrounding trees that overlook the Pom Pom lagoon. Our family safari tent, which is close to the main lodge, accommodates four (two adults and two children), with en-suite facilities.

The Camp is set in the tree line overlooking Pom Pom lagoon and each tent has stunning, private views. The camp also boasts a dining room, lounge, bar and swimming pool.

Morning and evening game drives with our qualified guides are an opportunity to view the ‘big game’ and night life that this breath-taking environment can offer. A mokoro trip is a fantastic way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Okavango’s waterways and wildlife. Although seasonal, boating and fishing are possible at Pom Pom and our guides will be happy to take you to their secret spots to try for African pike and a variety of bream species. Mokoros, boat cruises & fishing are water level dependent.

Three-night stay on an inclusive basis: accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks excluding premium imported brands and champagne.

The mokoro trip is the quintessential delta experience. There is nothing more relaxing than poling along the lagoon and channels with your guide, soaking up the atmosphere and seeing things from a totally different perspective.

There is a boat available to go out for a short sunset cruises, the perfect way to spend an afternoon, meandering the waterways

It is also possible to do guided walks year round. An area is chosen at the guide’s discretion and in keeping with safe distances from large herds of elephant and buffalo. The distance and area for each walk may vary seasonally at the guides’ discretion

We are happy to be able to offer, at an additional cost, a guaranteed heli/mokoro excursion from Pom Pom Camp. This epic adventure combines the thrill of a spectacular helicopter ride above the wilds of the Okavango with the serenity of the Delta’s most iconic activity, a mokoro safari. Departing at dawn, the trusty pilot from Helicopter Horizons will whisk you across the waking animal world of Botswana’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a fifteen-minute flight , the chopper lands on the southern fringes of the wetland.

Out here, there’s always water and coming down from sky-high beginnngs, you’ll then experience the Okavango Delta in detail accompanied by a poler in Daonara. But first, coffee! Tucked under the pilot seat, a secret flask of coffee reveals itself. Your Motswana poler will glide the craft gently past waterlily pads, upon which African Jacanas lightly tread. They expertly (and safely) skirt the distant hippo pods, spot Openbill Storks strutting their stuff and if you’re lucky, perhaps even seek out an elephant crunching on the river reeds. Two blissful hours are over in a flash and before you know it, you’re heading back to the helicopter.

Light aircraft transfer to Maun Airport. Scheduled commercial flight to Cape Town.

The modern City Lodge V&A Waterfront is situated centrally in the city of Cape Town and is at the entrance of the premier V&A Waterfront. This is where you will find exclusive shops, restaurants and bars as well as the Two Oceans Aquarium, a fascinating insight into ocean life.

Situated at the entrance of this iconic mixed-use precinct, the 207-room City Lodge Hotel Victoria and Alfred Waterfront allows guests easy access to this great Cape Town attraction, as well as the Cape Town International Convention Centre and colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood.

A nautical theme runs through the property in keeping with its seaside location.

The hotel features the #Café restaurant serving Full English and Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; sundowner bar and spa pool with views; uncapped WiFi, 12-seater meeting room; and fitness room.

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breath-taking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

Cruise along Millionaires Paradise from Clifton to Camps Bay and on to Llandudno before an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise. Wind along Chapmans Peak Drive with lunch (own account) at Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park before meandering back along the coast, visiting Simons Town and ending your day at the penguin colony at Boulders Beach where you get to watch these entertaining, waddling characters.

Your experience highlights: Seal Island Cruise (optional and for own account), Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simons Town, Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach (own account).

Free Day to explore Cape Town. We suggest Robben Island, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Park, Two Oceans Aquarium, and the many beautiful beaches in the area.

Robben Island: Robben Island is most famous as the place where Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in jail. The island has since become a symbol of the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression.

V&A Waterfront: The V&A Waterfront is one of South Africa’s most visited destinations, with 24 million visits annually. Situated in the oldest working harbour in the southern hemisphere, the property boasts the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop and extensive views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks.

After breakfast you will depart on your half day Winelands tour. Explore the beautiful Boland region in South Africa’s breath-taking winelands. Visit wine estates that suit your preferences, and taste delicious wines while enjoying stunning views. Relax over lunch at one of the local, award- winning restaurants (lunch is included) and soak up the rich history and culture of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Enjoy your free day before departing Cape Town.