Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa. 

 Voted as the best place in the world to visit by the prestigious New York Times, Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa. This vibrant multicultural city is a healthy mix of city and suburban living, vibey day and night spots, outdoor recreational activities and relaxation. Two oceans with their beautiful white sand beaches embrace this nature-saturated city. Ride the revolving cable car to the sky on Table Mountain; shop at the V&A Waterfront, one of Africas premier shopping destinations; stand on the edge of the world at Cape Point or delve into South Africas past at Robben Island, the prison that once held one of the worlds greatest heroes, Nelson Mandela. The Mother City, the "Green City", the "Tavern of the Seas"...whatever name you give it, this is a bucket list destination to be experienced and enjoyed.

On arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representative in the Arrivals Hall who will be holding a board with your name on it. Later, you will be transfered to your hotel.

Overnight: The Portswood  Hotel – Standard Room

Day at Leisure.

Overnight: The Portswood  Hotel – Standard Room

Meals: Breakfast

Pick-up (approx.) – Around 8:30am

Duration: 4 Hrs approx.

This morning depart on a tour of Cape Town city.  We will start by ascending Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting). The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) from side to side, edged by impressive cliffs. The plateau, flanked by Devil's Peak to the east and by Lion's Head to the west, forms a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town. This broad sweep of mountainous heights, together with Signal Hill, forms the natural amphitheater of the City Bowl and Table Bay harbor. The flat top of the mountain is often covered by orographic clouds, formed when a south-easterly wind is directed up the mountain's slopes into colder air, where the moisture condenses to form the so-called "table cloth" of cloud.

Once back at the base we explore the Mother City and enjoy a walk through the Company’s Gardens. Spend some time at the Green Market Square flea markets, the perfect place to buy curios and gifts for those back home. Enjoy a visit to the Castle of Good Hope, which is known locally as "The Castle". Its Dutch name is "Kasteel de Goede Hoop" and is a bastion fort built in the 17th century in Cape Town, South Africa. The Castle was originally located on the coastline of Table Bay but, following reclamation, the fort is now located a short distance inland within the Central Business District. The Castle was declared a historical monument (now a provincial heritage site) in 1936. Following restoration work in the 1980s, it is considered the best preserved example of a 17th century architectural structure in the entire world. Return to the hotel and enjoy afternoon at leisure.

Includes: Castle of Good Hope, Guide (English speaking), Vehicle (4 Hours), Table Mountain Tickets (weather permitting).

Overnight: The Portswood  Hotel – Standard Room

Meals: Breakfast

Pick-up: Around 8:30am

After breakfast at the hotel and you are met by your guide and driver for the Full Day Peninsula Tour.  Depart from your hotel and your tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing through the cosmopolitan suburbs of Sea Point and Camps Bay with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table Mountain range. We'll continue to the fishing village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets. Here there is an option to take a short boat trip to Duiker Island (for own account & time permitting) to view the Cape Fur Seals, which inhabit the island. From here we travel to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora. Here we can see a variety of wildlife that includes baboons, Reebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. The reserve is also one of the world's largest breeding grounds for tortoises. Bird-watchers, too, will find many fine species to observe.

The majestic coastline offers drama worthy of being called "Nature's Greatest Show." We'll be able to see the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans (as per legend), and may even feel the brisk wind that is dubbed the "Cape Doctor" for its presumed curative powers. Following the coastline along False Bay, we'll return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town, where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account) and Fish Hoek fishing village. Before our return, we'll stop for afternoon tea & cake and a visit to Rhodes Memorial, situated on the slopes of Table Mountain offering spectacular views across the city. We return to Cape Town, passing the University of Cape Town and the Groote Schuur Hospital.

Overnight: The Portswood  Hotel – Standard Room    

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel and you are met by your guide and driver for the Full Day Winelands Tour. Our day starts with a visit to Paarl where you will be struck by the beauty of the Valley, the pristine blue sky, the rolling vineyards and the Pearl of Paarl set high above the valley. Paarl made headlines when President Mandela was released from the Victor Verster prison, on the outskirts of the town, to freedom and the start of the new South Africa. We enjoy a wine tasting and cellar tour at one of the local estates. From Paarl, we will continue north-west to the beautiful village of Franschoek, near the Drakenstein Mountains founded in 1688 by French immigrants fleeing the Huguenot religious persecution in Europe. 

A memorial in the town commemorates the arrival of these early settlers who helped develop the wines sought after by Napoleon, Bismarck and royalty such as Edward V11, the Prince of Wales. 

Afterenjoy lunch at local restaurant (for own account).

After, we will head to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa and the historic heart of the country's wine region. In 1679, Dutch East India Company governor Simon van der Stel recognized the fertility of this long valley on the banks of the Eerste River, as perfect for vineyards.  The rest is history, which has been carefully cultivated in this town.  A gracious blend of 18^th-century Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings is evident on Dorp Street, where massive oaks still shade original water furrows. Next, we head to one of the well-known estates of the area for our final wine tasting.   Return to Cape Town in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.  You can try one of the many restaurants located in the Waterfront District and within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Includes: 3 Wine tastings, Guide (English speaking), Vehicle (8 Hours), 1 Cellar tour

Excludes: Lunch, All extras not mentioned, Any services not specified.

Overnight: The Portswood  Hotel – Standard Room    

Meals: Breakfast

Robben Island Museum - Robben Island Ferry Ticket - weather permitting

Departure time: 09:00, 11:00 & 13:00 ferry.

Operating every day except the 1st May and 25th December. In summer this tour is run at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00 and in winter that starts from May to August, the tour runs at 09:00, 11:00, and 13:00.

Today, make your way to the pier on the waterfront to board the ferry to Robben Island. Robben Island requires guests to produce a form of identification when they purchase a ticket and board a ferry when visiting the island. All visitors are required to provide either an identification document, passport, birth certificate or driver's license. Copies of these documents will be accepted.

Boats depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and head to one of the most famous prisons in the world. This is where South Africas father of the nation spent 18 years, the legend of a man, Nelson Mandela. Guests will disembark at Murrays Harbour on the east coast of the island and take a short walk to buses that will transport them to all of the historically significant sites. The tour guides inside the prison today, are former political prisoners and their knowledge of this island is unparalleled and adds a unique cultural layer to this experience. This tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandelas cell.

If Robben Island cancels the tour, they will not charge an administration fee.

Robben Island Museum reserves the right to cancel voyages or to change departure times without notice. This ticket is not subject to refunds except if the respective voyage is cancelled by Robben Island Museum or the passenger cannot attend due to hospitalization or mortality. Refunds will only be issued against the return of this ticket and proof of identification.

Overnight: The Portswood  Hotel – Standard Room    

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast check out of the hotel and you will be transferred The Portswood Hotel to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) for your flight to Hoedspruit in the Northern Kruger National Park.  On arrival at Hoedspruit Airport a driver from Kapama Private Game Reserve will meet you and transfer you to the Lodge and after you will check in and enjoy lunch.  Kapama is a private game Reserve located on the border of the Kruger National Park. You have some free time to explore the Lodge or relax at the pool prior to your first game drive.  In the late afternoon, depart on your first game drive.  In Land Rovers, you will set off into the bush on an exciting safari accompanied by a professional game ranger.  At sunset, your rangers will stop off in the bush, where you will have a chance to soak up the amazing silence and watch the sun sink into the dusty horizon. Continue on with the game drive after dark, using a powerful spotlight to point out nocturnal wildlife.

The chances are excellent that you will encounter lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah and many other species of game in their natural habitat. The vehicles go off the road, when necessary, to afford you the best possible viewing. The safari continues on into the dark when spotlights are used to follow the game. As most of the predators are nocturnal, this is the best time for viewing especially as most hunting occurs at night. Return to the Lodge where you will have a chance to freshen up prior to having dinner in the dining room.

Overnight: Kapama River Lodge - Spa Suite                      Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Kapama Reserve accompanied by our skilled ranger and tracker as they do their best to find the animals of South Africa for you to admire. Expect a wakeup call at between 5:00am and 5:30am and gather for tea or coffee and rusks before heading out at first light. If you are lucky, the big cats will still be around after their night of hunting.

This is Big 5 country (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo) all of which are possible to see during a two-day safari in the Modi Game Reserve. There are also many other species to be seen, large and small, as well as fascinating plants and colorful birds. Stop halfway through the morning game drive for hot drinks and rusks from the Land rover snack box and return at around 9am for breakfast. During the rest of the day, you are likely to see wildlife like nyala antelope and vervet monkeys around the lodges.

At about 3.30pm everybody convenes for high tea, before departing with the same ranger/tracker team for the day's second African bush safari. Enjoy a sundowner drink along the way and get out of the vehicle to stretch your legs and watch the sun go down over the distant Drakensberg Mountains.

 As darkness descends it's time to return to the safety of the Land rover and let the tracker scan the  Landscape with a spotlight picking out the glinting eyes of nocturnal animals. Return to the lodge at around 7:00pm; where there is time to freshen up before dinner.

Overnight: Kapama River Lodge - Spa Suite     

Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Kapama Reserve.

Overnight: Kapama River Lodge- Spa Suite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy a final morning game drive followed by breakfast.  After, check out of the Lodge  and embark on a day of exploring the mountainous escarpment of Mpumalanga that provides stunning views of the Lowveld. This wonderful tour includes sights such as God’s Window with its spectacular views across the Lowveld, Bourke’s Luck Potholes with its extraordinary rock formations, the Blyde River Canyon which is one of the deepest canyons in the World and the famous Three Rondavels.

Other highlights include the spectacular Lisbon Falls and unusual rock formations of Bourkes Luck Potholes. A light lunch with a soft drink is enjoyed halfway through the journey and there is a chance to explore the colourful craft markets en to route.

After the you will be dropped at Perrys Bridge Hollow.

Includes: Bottled water on board, 1 soft drink, Guide, Lunch.

Excludes: Gate Entry Fees, Excursions, Any services not specified.

Overnight:  Perrys Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel – Standard Room

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Enjoy breakfast. Later, you are transferred to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) airport for your flight to Victoria Falls.  On arrival at the airport our representative will meet you and assist you to your hotel located at the airport.

Canadian passport holders are required to have a visa to enter Zimbabwe and the current fee is US $75 per person (Payment has to be made in cash and this amount is subject to change).

After clearing customs and immigration you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Scheduled - Zambezi Explorer Sunset Cruise Deck 1 & 2

Includes: Pick up/Drop off Victoria Falls Hotels, Park Fees, Beverages, Canapes

Excludes: Gratuities, Any services not specified.

Later this afternoon you will be collected for your Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River, enjoy a cruise in the fading twilight hours, while sipping traditional cocktails and enjoying snacks. The Zambezi River is the 4th largest in Africa after the Nile, Zaire and Niger respectively. Its source is in North Western Zambia and flows approximately 2800km to its mouth in Mozambique into the warm Indian Ocean.

It is a wide, attractive River dotted with islands and sandbanks and the stretch of River preceding the Falls is bordered on the Zimbabwean side by the Zambezi National Park. The flagship Zambezi Explorer is a 140 seater boat and is the first of its kind on the Zimbabwe side of the falls. The vessel has two lower decks as well as the exclusive signature deck that seats 30 passengers. Facilities on the signature deck include a fully stocked bar, wheelchair, wheelchair toilet and Wi-Fi. It also houses a kitchen where fresh cooked food is prepared. The cruise rate includes canapés and beverages.

In the drier months, wildlife such as elephant and many antelope species can be seen grazing on the Riverbanks or swimming across to the smaller islands.  Cruise companies collect guests from their hotels for a short drive to their respective jetties to depart on the cruise. The total cruise time is approximately 3 hours.

Overnight: Ilala Lodge – Classic Room

Meals: Breakfast         

To prepare for your tour to the Victoria Falls tomorrow….

You may need a raincoat and/or umbrella and waterproof shoes.

Pack some Ziploc bags to protect your camera from the falls spray.

It is recommended you leave your valuables at the hotel.

Pack some petty cash to buy some souvenirs.

Pick-up: 9:00am

Duration: 4 Hrs. Approx

After breakfast, you will be picked up for a guided tour of the Victoria Falls, known as Mosi- oa- Tunya “The Smoke That Thunders on your own. There is a magic about the Falls manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and tranquil lagoons upstream in which hippo and deadly crocodiles lurk.  The Victoria Falls is 1708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic metres of water plummet over the edge every minute.  Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860's. You will return to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure. 

Includes: Park Fees, Pick up/Drop off Victoria Falls Hotels.

Excludes: Gratuities, Any services not specified.

Overnight: Ilala Lodge – Classic Room

Meals: Breakfast         

Pick-up: 7:30am

Today, you will be transferred with English-speaking driver from Ilala Lodge to Chobe Game Lodge.

Botswana is undoubtedly the home of the authentic safari, where the wildlife offers an unforgettable African experience. It is well known for its exclusive offerings of high calibre safari lodges that seamlessly blend luxury surroundings with a landscape of distinctive contrasts. Many of the regions within Botswana are considered iconic. Its no secret that Botswana is blessed with some of Africas best reserves. The Chobe National Park has been dubbed, the 'Land of Giants' because it has the largest single concentration of elephants on the African continent.

Overnight: Chobe Game Lodge - Standard Room

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives. Stays at Chobe Game Lodge are fully inclusive, so you are welcome to do as little or as much as you please.  Our morning safari starts with a cup of tea or coffee and a freshly baked muffin on the veranda with the mist rising over the river in the background. Bird calls echo around the gardens to herald the dawn. Because Chobe Game Lodge is situated within the Chobe National Park, we set off just as the gates to the park open, which means we are out and about before any other visitors to the park. We drive along the river looking out for fresh tracks – there is always evidence of predator activity in the early mornings and our experienced guides are able to interpret the bush signs and track the animals that left them.  The thrill of finding spoor and tracking game must be experienced to be appreciated and being the first observers at a special sighting is very exciting.

Elephant encounters are common and huge herds of buffalo abound. The ever-present impala and the majestic giraffe are everywhere. The peace and tranquility of game viewing in the early morning is a perfect way to start the day. After lunch and a rest there is a choice of afternoon game drives or sunset safari cruises. Game viewing reaches its peak as the heat of the afternoon draws the elephant and other wildlife to the river.

Overnight: Chobe Game Lodge - Standard Room

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy a final morning Game drive.

After breakfast this morning a driver will transfer you to Kasane Airport for your onward flight to Johannesburg. On arrival connect with your flight home.

Overnight:

Meals: Breakfast