Southern African Highlights: Cape Town, Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls

Full Day: Vehicle & Guide

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway: Fast Track Ticket

Start the day on top! Table Mountain is the most prominent feature of Cape Town and the best place to see incredible views of the surrounding geography. Taka a self-guided gondola ride up Table Mountain to 3400 feet above sea level. There is plenty of time to walk around, explore the various nature trails to learn about the local flora or "fynbos" before descending back to the city.

Shared Half Day Bo Kaap Walking and Cooking Tour

Duration: 3.5 hours
Bo-Kaap is the oldest suburb in South Africa with its origins dating back to the Dutch colonists who brought with them slaves from Indonesia, Batavia, Malaysia, India and Africa. It is this mix of cultures that culminates in the unique and incomparable Bo-Kaap culture, custom and cuisines. Enjoy a walk on cobblestone streets that meander between the colorful houses and learn of the important history of these people to Cape Town's modern identity. Working your way towards Cape Town’s famed spice shop, Atlas, take in the heady aromas of spices used in everyday Cape Malay cooking which should pique your senses and prepare your next adventure.

At Zainie's home, learn the cooking techniques and integral role food plays in Cape Malay culture with a hands on activity. Learn how to mix your Masala make a delicious Chicken Curry, as well as Roti's, Samosa's and Daaltjies (Chili Bites). Sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor and take home slice of cape towns history.

Franschhoek Valley Boutique Wine Tour

Duration: 9 hours
Discover the very best of Franschhoek - from the history of the valley, to its fine boutique wine farms, craft breweries, galleries, heritage & architecture, gardens, shopping and more - your day can be uniquely crafted to your specific interests.

After a pickup from your hotel, we start the day with an orientation and introduction to the village, discovering the fascinating history of Franschhoek, and visiting some of the best local galleries on foot.

After a morning coffee stop at Terbodore coffee roasters, where they hand roast their coffee beans and create their own special blends unique to Franschhoek, the rest of your day can be tailored to your specific interest, be that fine wine, craft beer, art or gardens. If your focus is on great wine, you will visit up to three wine farms, or for beer enthusiasts, we have access to a selection of craft breweries. Art enthusiasts can delve deeper into the fantastic collections on three of the nearby wine estates, and there's something special for keen gardeners, shopping devotees and nature lovers too!

Wine enthusiasts will be treated to visits to some the finest, hand-picked estates - the small, exclusive, off-the-beaten-track wineries, producing exceptional wines, catering for those looking for something unique. Each one produces a variety of cultivars and depending on your preferences, can focus on those producing classic whites, such as chardonnay and Semillon, or the full-bodied reds, shiraz, merlot and cabernet sauvignon, or enjoy the wonderful Method Cap Classique's of the valley. (This service is on a private basis.)

Includes: Guests typically visit 3-4 wine estates tailored around their interests and preferred wine varietal. Lunch and all tasting fees, entry and attraction fees are included.

Free Day to Explore or Relax

Take the Day to explore the area on your own or simply relax and recharge. There is so much to do in the vicinity of Cape Town including the Cultural History Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Greenmarket Square's local crafts markets and Long Street's vibrant restaurants, bars and clubs come alive after dark. Perhaps wander around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a working harbor and hub of entertainment and shopping opportunities. With a short boat cruise to Robben Island, just over seven km's from Cape Town harbor, you can experience the prison cell where South Africa's most beloved legend, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years hard labor and learn more about his transcendent struggle to freedom and unifying South Africa.

Gardens to Cape Town Airport: Private Transfer

Transfer to the Cape Town Airport this morning for an international flight to Maun, Botswana (included in pricing). Upon arrival in Maun and clearing immigration, you'll be met and transferred to your light aircraft flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta.

Explore the Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta one of the world’s largest inland deltas and premier wildlife areas. High rainfall in the Angolan highlands during the summer months (Jan –Feb) surge into the headwaters of the delta from March – June. The flood peaks during Botswana’s dry winter months (Jun - Aug), swelling to three times its permanent size, attracting animals from miles around and creating one of Africa’s greatest concentrations of wildlife. When fully spread out it covers an area nearly 155mi by 95mi with 290 billion gallons of water. The elevation change over this huge area is only about 215 feet so that means the water slowly creeps in over months to reach its furthest extent. What would otherwise be flat Kalahari dessert is a rich mixture of grasslands, woodlands and papyrus swamps which consume some 60% of the waters with the rest mostly lost through evaporation. It’s heaven for wildlife and a real treat for any visitor.

Overnight at Shinde (Tent - Fully Inclusive)

Includes: All meals, selected local brand drinks, 2 scheduled safari activities daily, park fees, return Shinde airstrip transfers and laundry. Maximum 4 guests per vehicle.Camp activities: morning, afternoon & night game drives, bush walks, boat and mokoro excursions, fishing in season.

Okavango Safari

Enjoy two full days in the bush on safari. A vast area of swamps, occasional flooded areas and dry land, the Okavango Delta is one of the largest, most intricate and unpredictable wetlands in the world. Safari experiences depend on the season and presence of water, and may include game drives, mokoro, boat excursions or guided walks. Set off on an early morning activity as the sun starts to rise and animals are at their most active. A refreshing coffee stop warms you up and provides the chance to listen to the sounds of the wild. Spend some time resting back at camp during midday, then set off again in the afternoon. Late afternoons extend into evening activities, and spotlights come out to help find the fascinating nocturnal species hiding in the darkness. No day is the same in the wild and every encounter is precious.

Shinde Camp is a magical hideaway in the wildlife abundant Shinde private concession. Nestled within the shade of ancient jackal berries, water figs and knob thorns, the property was built in a remote setting on the edge of the permanent waters of the northern Okavango Delta. It is surrounded by clear waterways teeming with birdlife and game, which offers the full spectrum of safari activities (boat, mokoro, game walks and game drives).

Welcome to Victoria Falls...

When you wander through the lush rainforests above the Victoria Falls, newly baptised in the mist, your ears holding the echo of thundering waters, it isn't hard to imagine that this is where it all began. Eden. As the land cuts away beneath the ancient Zambezi River, the waters plummet dramatically into the Batoka Gorge, over 100 metres below. The angrily churned up spray shoots skyward, painting the landscape in billowing clouds. This striking "smoke that thunders" can be seen for miles, a geographic pointer summoning visitors into its presence.

The vibrant town of Victoria Falls is known as the adventure capital of the world, and if your eyes light up at the thought of conquering the "Stairway to Heaven" or "The Terminator" in a raft, then this is the place for you. While the notorious Nyaminyami (Zambezi River God) watches from its mythical depths, and the majestic basalt cliffs allow your passage through the canyon's exquisite landscape, adventure seekers are assured of a good time. From Grade 5 white-water rafting,bungee jumping and abseiling the amusement never ends.

What makes this destination so memorable is the fact that it is perfectly combined with warmly hospitable people, exquisite scenery and an array of accommodation. Excellent game,historic ruins, fishing and luxury train travel are easily accessible from Victoria Falls, as are the neighbouring countries which border this fascinating town.

Kasane to Victoria Falls: Private Transfer

A change of vehicle will be done at the Zimbabwe/Botswana border.

Overnight at Palm River Hotel (Deluxe Room - Bed & Breakfast)

Includes: Breakfast and complimentary shuttle between the hotel and Victoria Falls Town

At Leisure

Today you have the option to explore the area on your own or to simply relax, enjoying the facilities available at your accommodation. A free shuttle is provided to the falls and a tours desk is available at Palm River Hotel for any impromptu excursions. Or we can plan in advance, just ask!

Additional Options for Day 9

Victoria Falls Walking Tour

After meeting your 'local resident' guide, head to the Falls for breath-taking vistas and insight into the spectacular rainforest bathed in the mist from the waterfall. Meander into town center, visiting Elephant Walk, a hotspot of artisan shops and galleries, then perhaps try some bargaining at the colorful craft market. Lunch at the Lookout Café overlooking the dramatic Batoka Gorge (own expense). Lot of other excursions are possible at Victoria Falls, just ask!

Victoria Falls Town to Victoria Falls Airport: Private Transfer

Farewell, Totsiens, Hamba kahle

Today you say your fond farewells as you make your way back to the airport to begin your journey home or on to your next destination. We hope you’ve had a wonderful and unforgettable stay in Southern Africa!