South Africa & Victoria Falls

Day 1: Arrive Cape Town, South Africa

Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town

Arrive in Cape Town, a breathtaking harbor city where old and new converge in history, architecture, cultural pursuits and the essence of its people. Warmed by the African sun, the city is dominated by the towering, flat-topped Table Mountain, set on a peninsula of rocky heights and lush valleys. An A&K representative transfers you to your luxurious hotel on the fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Day 2: Cape Town | Table Mountain and Historic City Sights

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town

Wind your way through the scenic, shrub-dotted landscape to Table Mountain; ascend to its sky-high plateau by cable car (weather permitting) for dazzling views of city and sea. Next, venture to old Cape Town with views of notable buildings, including Groote Kerk (South Africa’s oldest church), City Hall and the Grand Parade. Continue to the pentagonal Castle of Good Hope. Built by the Dutch East India Company as a maritime refreshment station, it later became the center of military life in the cape. Make a last stop at Streetwires for an artisan visit, where locals come together to craft unique, handmade wire and bead art, now successfully exported to over 15 countries worldwide. Your afternoon is at leisure before your welcome dinner tonight, where the resident chef or sommelier guides you through a progressive, contemporary feast.

Day 3: Cape Town | Spectacular Views from Cape Point

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town  

Discover Cape Point, the mountainous and scenic promontory at the southwestern tip of the continent. Embark on a journey past the “bikini beaches” at the base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountains, bucolic Hout Bay with its bustling fishing harbor and over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Explore the stunning Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to rare bonteboks, chacma baboons and several endemic plant species not found elsewhere. Ride the “Flying Dutchman” funicular to the great pinnacle at blustery Cape Point, which presides over treacherous reefs, sandy beaches and, from July to November, breathtaking views of Southern right whales. At Boulders Beach, visit its colony of endangered African penguins; accustomed to humans, they provide endless photo opportunities. You also visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden alongside a private local guide. Spend the remainder of your evening at leisure, enjoying your hotel, exploring the city’s harborfront and boutique shops, or dining in one of Cape Town’s world-class restaurants.

Day 4: Greater Kruger Area | Private Game Reserves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lion Sands River Lodge / andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge  

Fly to either the Lion Sands River Lodge located in Sabi Sands Game Reserve or andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge located in Timbavati Game Reserve. Both of these wildlife-rich properties are privately owned and each reserve borders Kruger National Park to offer you the very finest game-viewing safari experience. Lion Sands River Lodge lies on the banks of the Sabie River, where trees date back 800 years. Facing due east, the lodge catches the sun as it rises over Kruger National Park. Hosted by the fourth generation of a family that makes it feel like home away from home, it embodies spirit, warmth and nature. andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge offers a timeless, unhurried atmosphere, combined with the quaint traditions of a bygone era. The romance and mystery of Africa comes alive in its 20 thatched cottages tucked under a dense canopy of tamboti trees. This afternoon, once you are settled into your comfortable accommodations, set off in search of the “Big Five” — elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard — and other wildlife.

Days 5-6: Greater Kruger Area | Sighting Africa’s “Big Five”

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lion Sands River Lodge / and Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge  

Spend two days immersed in your private game reserve. Embark on game drives in open safari vehicles for optimum viewing and go on early-morning game walks with your ranger. This region is one of the finest in Africa for high densities of wildlife, which often appear just steps in front of you. As you explore, learn about the flora and fauna as well as basic tracking skills. In between safari activities, participate in an A&K Chef’s Table culinary experience, preparing a traditional South African stew. At dusk, stop for a sundowner, and then search for nocturnal animals before returning to your lodge for dinner.

Day 7: Victoria Falls | Beside “The Smoke that Thunders”

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: The Victoria Falls Hotel

Today, fly to Livingstone, Zambia, and then transfer to your hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe — an original Edwardian colonial hotel that delivers the elegance of old-world travel in modern, luxurious style. This afternoon, take high tea and enjoy a historical tour of the hotel, the first one built here in 1904.

Day 8: Victoria Falls | Zambezi River Cruise with Sundowners

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: The Victoria Falls Hotel

Take a guided walking tour of breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, and explore the surrounding rainforest. See rainbows and clouds of spray as the mile-wide Upper Zambezi plummets into the Lower Zambezi. Afterward, shop at the stalls of local artisans at the Falls Market. At sunset, cruise the Zambezi, viewing hippos and elephants at the shore, while sipping a cocktail for a delightfully relaxing Scenic Sundowner. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner.

Day 9: Depart Johannesburg

Meals: Breakfast

Fly to Johannesburg, where you enjoy access to the Premier Lounge before boarding your international flight home.