South Africa & Botswana May 2023

Indulge in a spectacular taste of Africa with a handcrafted two week expedition leading you through the highlights of South Africa and Botswana! After some cultural time in Johannesburg, your safari journey begins in the Greater Kruger National Park located in the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Next, you will head to Cape Town, discovering the beauty of the famous Winelands and Cape Peninsula plus getting a feel for the local culture before being whisked away to the wilds of Botswana to embark on another unforgettable safari experience in the famous Okavango Delta. Admire the scenic landscape and track herds of animals in their natural habitat. You will leave Africa with the memories of a lifetime and the photos to prove it!

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg Arrival

Johannesburg Arrival
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Meet & Greet
  • Accommodation: The Peech Hotel

Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will be greeted by a local representative in the arrivals area, who will be holding a sign with your name on it for easy identification. The representative will assist you through immigration, baggage collection and customs. You will then be assisted to the nearby hotel, for a smooth and easy start to your adventure! (This service is on a private basis.)

Johannesburg

Welcome to the City of Gold. Johannesburg is the pulsating heart of South Africa's industrial and commercial life, where more than a mile below the bustling city traffic, miners still dig for the world's most precious metal. This city may not be known for its natural beauty, but there is certainly enough to keep you entertained. From its botanical gardens, picturesque lakes, historic museums, art galleries and variety of cultural excursions to Soweto, Lesedi, Pretoria or the Cradle of Humanity, the possibilities are endless. Johannesburg is also known for its world class design in gold and diamond jewelry, ethnic fashion, arts and crafts.

Day 2: Johannesburg

Johannesburg
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Soweto & Apartheid Museum Tour
  • Accommodation: The Peech Hotel
  • Meals: B

Soweto & Apartheid Museum Tour

This tour seamlessly combines two of Johannesburg’s most popular attractions and will give you an opportunity to take a closer look at South Africa’s turbulent past. Beginning with a visit to Soweto (South Western Township), a sprawling “city within a city” which is home to many who work in various parts of the greater metropolitan area of the Witwatersrand before a visit to the Apartheid Museum where you will embark on a historical voyage of discovery, a personal exploration of the past that examines the story of apartheid right up to the first democratic elections held in 1994.

Your time in Soweto will include a panoramic view of Soweto from the footbridge of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital before a visit to the Mandela House Museum, formerly the home of Nelson Mandela, and an interesting stop for those keen to take in some of the history relating to the world's most famous former prisoner. You will drive past the mansion where Winnie Madikizela-Mandela lived before making your way to the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Orlando West. This memorial was built in memory of the students who died during the 1976 Soweto Youth Uprising and is a somber reminder of the role that the youth played during this turbulent era.

After a stop for lunch (on your own account) you will proceed to the Apartheid Museum. Here you will embark on a self-guided of the complex, with your guide on hand to assist you with insight and information relating to the exhibits which detail the rise and fall of apartheid, through a variety of media including graphic film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts. Your tour will then end with a transfer back to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 3: Johannesburg - Skukuza - Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Johannesburg - Skukuza -  Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Daily Summary
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
  • Meals: B, D
Domestic Flight
Johannesburg - Skukuza Airport
Flight #: 4Z861
Departs: 10:05 AM
Arrives: 11:05 AM

This morning, you'll be picked up at your hotel after breakfast and transferred to the OR Tambo International Airport in good time for your flight to Skukuza in the Greater Kruger area. Upon arrival in Skukuza, you will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp to transfer you to the Camp.

Days 4 - 5: Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Camp Activities
  • Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Camp Activities

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp is situated on the banks of the Msuthlu River in the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This Private Game Reserve is legendary for its breathtaking wildlife encounters and unrivaled safari experiences.

Game viewing activities at the camp are conducted by experienced guides and resident trackers. Epic game drives in open 4x4 vehicles are scheduled according to the best chance of wildlife activity. Take off first thing in the morning after a cup of coffee, or venture out in the evening by spotlight, making time for a special sundowner experience in the bush. One of the most extraordinary features of this reserve, is that vehicles are authorized to traverse off-road, promising exceptionally close encounters and sightings. Guided daily bush walks are also available, for a different kind of thrill! Between activities, you can enjoy your luxurious spa bath on your private deck.

Your fully inclusive stay at Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp covers breakfast, lunch, boma dinner, selected house beverages, open vehicle safaris, environmental awareness walking safaris and transfers from the Sabi Sabi Airstrip.

Day 6: Sabi Sands - Skukuza - Cape Town

Sabi Sands - Skukuza - Cape Town
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Tour: Dinner with Christo Brand
  • Accommodation: Cape Cadogan
  • Meals: B
Domestic Flight
Skukuza - Cape Town
Flight #: 4Z652
Departs: 11:40 AM
Arrives: 2:25 PM

Today, it's time to say goodbye to the Kruger as you continue onto the next leg of your adventure to cosmopolitan Cape Town. You will be transferred from Sabi Sabi to the airport in good time for your flight.

Welcome to Cape Town! Upon arrival at the Cape Town Airport, pass through Immigration and Customs. In the arrivals area, you will be greeted by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it, for easy identification. You will then be transferred directly to your hotel, for a smooth and easy arrival.

Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and historical interest, while it's unique cultural blend of part African, part European and part Asian, makes for a cosmopolitan dining experience. Take the cable car or walk up Table Mountain, visit the colorful Malay quarter or meander through the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Browse through the vibrant Greenmarket Square, take a boat trip to Robben Island or simply relax on the beach. When you want to explore further, the Cape Peninsula offers one of the finest coastal drives in Africa to the Cape of Good Hope. Here, you might see whales breaching just off the bay or quirky African penguins on Boulder's beach. With so much to do and see in Cape Town, adventure truly awaits!

Dinner with Christo Brand

Join Christo Brand for dinner and hear Christo share his story and insights into his life with Nelson Mandela. During the course of the meal, Christo will share his unique story from when he grew up on a farm, moved to the city at the age of 12, joined the prison service after Matric, was sent to Robben Island at the age of 19, and met Nelson Mandela for the first time. Then how their relationship grew and developed through a mutual respect and trust for each other. He will share fascinating insights into the life of Mandela from Prisoner to President – and how the two men stayed in touch right until Mandela passed away and Christo was a guest of the family at his funeral. It is a unique story of a young, white, Afrikaans speaking warder who befriended an elderly, black, Xhosa speaking prisoner. Two men who should have hated each other but instead became close friends.

Please note that transfers to the restaurant are not included nor is dinner. You will also be responsible for paying for Christo and his partners meals. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 7: Cape Town

Cape Town
Daily Summary
  • Other: Robben Island Excursion
  • Tour: Uthando Project Experience
  • Accommodation: Cape Cadogan
  • Meals: B

Robben Island Excursion

Today, you will be provided with entrance tickets to Robben Island. This intriguing excursion begins at the Clock Tower, also known as the Nelson Mandela Gateway, in the V&A Waterfront. You will need to meet at least 30 minutes before the ferry is scheduled to depart.

This Island was once a training and defense station in World War II and has also served as a place of banishment, isolation, and imprisonment. Ultimately, it became world-famous as the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. Today, Robben Island is a World Heritage Site and museum, which acts as a focal point of South African heritage. As your ferry arrives, you will be joined by a local guide, someone who actually spent time here during the Apartheid years. They will offer their very own personal and moving account of their experience. You will also see the cell where Nelson Mandela spent a large part of his life. At the end of your tour, the ferry will take you back to the V&A Waterfront.

*Please note that any amendments made to your Robben Island ticket bookings prior to the tour are subject to an R50.00 administration fee. Weather permitting, the ferries depart at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM.

Uthando Project Experience

Uthando South Africa is an inspiring charity that serves as an umbrella for a wide range of highly effective community projects across the country. In order to showcase these projects and demonstrate their dedicated work to uplift the disadvantaged in South Africa, daily excursions are offered. These visits include trips to the sprawling townships around Cape Town, with a particular emphasis on at least three of the social development projects that are funded through Uthando.

Tours organized by Uthando provide a unique and authentic introduction to the social problems confronting so many millions of South Africans. Not only do they shine a spotlight on the problems, but they also illustrate the innovative ways in which these problems are being addressed by these destitute communities. Most importantly, the projects are not treated as tourist attractions. The Uthando tours are designed in such a way to educate, inform and inspire you, while respecting the dignity and privacy of the people involved. The projects are, after all, places where real people live, work and in most cases, just survive. A portion of this tour cost will go directly to Uthando charities, so you even you will be helping to make a difference. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 8: Cape Town

Cape Town
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Cape Town Foodie Tour & Table Mountain
  • Accommodation: Cape Cadogan
  • Meals: B

Cape Town Foodie Tour & Table Mountain

Today's tour explores Cape Town from all sides. It aims to climb under the skin of the city so that by the end of the day, you understand the pulse of the city - the history, the people, their cultures, their cuisines, as well as contemporary Cape Town and its artisanal trends. Cape Town is a city that has been changing at a rapid rate over the last ten years - it feels like a butterfly that is emerging from a city that was once a run-down area that was purely a business district into a city where we now live and play. Today, you will walk the city flat to explore and taste the city. Be sure to eat a very light breakfast or no breakfast and to wear comfortable shoes. Please note that the food your cannot accommodate vegans or celiacs.

After exploring the city on foot, you will then hop back into the tour vehicle and make our way to Table Mountain Cableway Station. Here you will ascend Table Mountain to enjoy the views of the city from a different perspective. (Weather dependent). Today's touring will last from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, this will be dependent on the queues on Table mountain. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 9: Cape Town

Cape Town
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Explore The Winelands
  • Accommodation: Cape Cadogan
  • Meals: B, L

Explore The Winelands

Today you will explore one of the most scenically beautiful areas in SA, visiting fascinating towns and taking a look into off-the-beaten- track farms which revel in their old-world roots and influences.
Spend time in Stellenbosch, browsing through its wealth of appealing stores and museums and sip local coffee blends in tempting cafes. Your tasting experience will commence at one of the iconic wine estates, let the pairing of wine awaken your senses while enjoying breathtaking mountain ranges and lush gardens. Admire a collection of contemporary art, see the highest-growing vines and, from an elevated point, take in the stunning vistas over an old-world estate.

After lunch, you will get to visit some of the smaller, boutique and family-owned wine estates for a more intimate wine tasting. Discover Franschhoek, established by the French Huguenots in 1688, this town retains its historic charm but has fused it with a contemporary vibe. It boasts gourmet restaurants, appealing boutiques and art galleries. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 10: Cape Town

Cape Town
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Quirky Cape Peninsula Tour
  • Accommodation: Cape Cadogan
  • Meals: B, L

Quirky Cape Peninsula Tour

Today get ready for a fun road-trip along the Atlantic Seaboard, salty breezes and stunning views all the way. Leather jackets. Check. Tank helmets. Check. Climb into your vintage WWII sidecars for this stylishly retro experience, and wind your way down to Hout Bay, passing trendy suburbs and exquisite beach locations along the way. Enjoy a short boat ride with a knowledgeable guide to Duiker island where you jump into the water to experience an underwater adventure. Dive into crystal blue waters and snorkel alongside some curious Cape Fur Seals (please note that this activity is seasonal and weather dependent).

Continue on to the oak-lined village lanes of Noordhoek, with its glorious mountain backdrop and thriving hub of shops and restaurants settled around a village green. This afternoon, choose between the option to hike and explore Cape Point OR visit Boulder's Beach to experience the penguins and enjoy a local sundowners. (In May there is only time for ONE of these activities).

Cape Point: Head to the Cape Peninsula, where you can admire panoramic vistas from the Southwestern tip of Africa. Hiking along the trails, learning about indigenous flora and fauna, and explore some of the rock pools, shipwreck beaches and sheltered coves of this historic region.

Boulder's Beach: You can go in search of a colony of rogue penguins, away from the crowds, taking the opportunity to stand-up paddle (time-permitting) across kelp beds and viewing these fascinating creatures from a different vantage point. Explore the harbor town of Kalk Bay, chatting to the fishing folk and browsing through bohemian and arty shops. After a busy day outdoors, enjoy sampling craft beer and local gin at Muizenberg, soaking up the atmospheric vibe, surrounded by surfers and interesting locals on your way back to Cape Town.

Please note: During your morning brief your guide may advise changing the route of your tour in an effort to avoid crowds at certain areas during peak seasons. (This service is on a private basis.)

Day 11: Cape Town - Maun - Okavango Delta

Cape Town - Maun - Okavango Delta
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfers
  • Transportation (Air): International Flight
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Accommodation: Kwara Camp
  • Meals: B, D
International Flight
Cape Town, South Africa - Maun, Botswana
Flight #: 4Z314
Departs: 10:20 AM
Arrives: 12:55 PM
Domestic Flight
Maun - Kwara Camp
Flight #: Mack Air
Departs: TBA
Arrives: TBA

* Please note that the maximum luggage weight allowed is 20kg per person including checked and hand luggage. Soft sided bags are required.

After breakfast this morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the Cape Town Airport. Upon arrival, you will board an international flight to Maun, Botswana.

Once you have landed, you will transfer to a light aircraft flight to Kiri Camp for your safari experience! Please note that there may be up to four stops for lodge hops and departure times will be communicated the day prior.

Days 12 - 14: Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Camp Activities
  • Accommodation: Kwara Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Camp Activities

Set in one of Botswana’s prime concessions, Kwara camp is located in the vast Kwara concession on the north eastern edge of the Okavango Delta. This area boasts year round water and superb game viewing. The massive 175,000 hectares is shared with only three camps, ensuring a highly exclusive safari. The concession shares a 30km water border with the iconic Moremi Game Reserve and benefits from the flow of wildlife between these areas. Kwara is a smart and luxurious camp set on an island in a seasonal lagoon under the shade of towering ebony and mangosteen trees with pleasant views of the floodplains. Importantly, Kwara is situated in an area of permanent water ensuring land and water activities are offered all year round, a huge advantage over many camps.

Kwara Camp offers a wide variety of activities. The camp is renowned for being a camp that offers an all year round delta experience and a diverse range of activities including mokoro trips, guided walks with armed guides and motor boating trips through the waterways. In addition game drives are taken to explore the area which offers spectacular scenery with scattered herds of plains game and ever-attendant predators. With the luxury of staying in an exclusive and private concession, comes the privilege of off-roading and late night driving. The camp also organizes game walks and mokoro trips, as well as power boating and fishing excursions (spinning equipment is provided, but fly fisherman would need to bring their own equipment).

Included during your stay: all meals, selected beverages, 2 scheduled safari activities daily and laundry. Camp activities at Kwara: morning, afternoon & night game drives, bush walks, boat and mokoro excursions and fishing (season and water level dependent).

Day 15: Okavango Delta - Maun - Johannesburg Departure

Okavango Delta - Maun - Johannesburg Departure
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Transportation (Air): International Flight
  • Meals: B
Domestic Flight
Kwara Camp - Maun
Flight #: Mack Air
Departs: TBA
Arrives: TBA

* Please note that the maximum luggage weight allowed is 20kg per person including checked and hand luggage. Soft sided bags are required.
International Flight
Maun, Botswana - Johannesburg, South Africa
Flight #: 4Z301
Departs: 2:15 PM
Arrives: 3:50 PM

After an unforgettable safari expedition in the Okavango Delta, you will be transferred from the lodge via light aircraft flight to Maun. Upon landing in Maun, you will connect with your onward flight to Johannesburg where you will connect to your international flight home.

We hope you had an incredible journey and we wish you safe travels onward!

Accommodation

The Peech Hotel

The Peech Hotel

The Peech is an eco-chic boutique hotel situated in Johannesburg’s upmarket suburb of Melrose. 16 attractive rooms and suites overlook lush, landscaped gardens and some rooms boast private patios or balconies. Contemporary décor, clean lines and modern art, style the spacious interiors equipped for comfort. Delicious meals are served in the bistro and patio, and you can select your vintages from within the well-stocked wine cellar. The hotel offers gym access to the local fitness center, or perhaps you may wish to use of the outdoor pool during hot summer days. Proud of its progressive policies, The Peech keeps an eye on minimizing its environmental impact and participating in responsible community involvement.

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp

Intimate and secluded, the Little Bush Camp is located in a private concession within the Sabi Sands Private Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park. Nestled under the shade of indigenous trees, the camp overlooks a peaceful riverbed. The property boasts just six free-standing luxury suites, which each feature irresistible bush views from private decks. The romantic rooms are luxuriously furnished with traditional safari-style decor, earthy tones and an African flair. Private heated spa baths can be enjoyed on each deck. Main areas of the camp include viewing decks and a comfortable lounge warmed by blazing fires. Meals are served in the dining room, or in the boma beneath star-studded skies. Soak in the pool between game drives, or doze off in a sun lounger on the terrace.

Cape Cadogan

Cape Cadogan

The Cape Cadogan is an elegant and luxurious double-storied Georgian and Victorian building that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. It was originally a single story Georgian farmhouse, which was ‘Victorianized’ in the later part of the century. A second floor was added by the owner in 1912, Mr Heinrich Becker, using a renowned architect and builder of this era. The building was awarded national monument status in late 1984. On property are 12 luxuriously appointed en suite bedrooms, decorated with an eclectic mix of antique and contemporary furniture, for the utmost comfortable and enjoyable stay. The public areas in Cape Cadogan include an inviting lounge with sofas and an open fireplace, gardens and a swimming pool, as well as a library with complementary computer access. A delicious breakfast is served in the dining room, overlooking the courtyard garden and pool. Located just off of Kloof Street, the property is surrounded by charming restaurants and boutique shops. It is also within easy walking of some of Cape Towns city center sights, such as the Company Gardens, National Museum and Art Gallery, parliament buildings and Greenmarket Square.

Kwara Camp

Kwara Camp

Kwara is located in the remote northern part of the stunning Okavango Delta within the private Kwara concession. The camp fronts onto a huge floodplain, adjacent to the permanent water of the Delta and is backed by extensive bush. It is a magnificent wilderness area in excess of 1,700 square kilometres, bordering the Moremi Reserve. The nine luxury safari-style tents are built on raised decks, within a grove of huge and ancient African Ebony trees. Resident hippos will generally serenade you year round from the water on the floodplain in front of the camp. The tents are canvas, and each has a deck with a superb view over the lagoon, ensuite bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower and bath with a view over the floodplains. The rooms all have a ceiling fan and mosquito nets to surround the beds.

Pricing and Details

Starting from $ 149,500 per person

*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.

Price Includes

  • Full support before, during & after your trip
  • Meals as mentioned
  • Accommodation as mentioned
  • Tours/activities as mentioned
  • Transport as mentioned

Price Excludes

  • International & domestic flights
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Entrance visas when applicable
  • Other services not mentioned
  • Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers
  • Taxes and fees

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