Grand Africa: Nairobi to Port Elizabeth

Day 1 Nairobi

Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya's capital. Meet your Peregrine representative and be driven to your hotel (approximately 45 minutes). There will be an important group meeting at 6 pm this evening. More details about this meeting can be found at the hotel reception. Spend free time today at your leisure.

Day 2 Lake Naivasha / Lake Nakuru

Depart Nairobi for Elsamere after breakfast and head north, driving along the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley (approximately 4 hours of driving in total). 'Elsamere' is the former home of the writer Joy Adamson, whose 1960 book 'Born Free' helped bring wildlife conservation into the mainstream. The house is a veritable museum that dedicated to the works of Joy and George Adamson, with many photos of Elsa, the lioness that started it all. You'll then embark on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, the highest of all lakes in the Great Rift Valley and home to many a hippopotamus. Later, enjoy lunch with the lake as a serene backdrop. After lunch, continue to your Lake Nakuru lodge, arriving in the early evening.

Day 3 Lake Nakuru National Park

This morning you will visit Lake Nakuru National Park by 4WD. Mornings can be cold so it's important to bring warm clothes. You might see why this great soda lake has been described as the world's greatest ornithological spectacle; it amazingly turns into a sea of pink on occasion. Flooding in recent years has unfortunately caused a decline in birdlife. The park boasts substantial numbers of other species, including waterbuck, reedbuck and gazelle. Leopards are also to be found here, and the chances of sighting one are significant. Keep your eyes peeled, too, for one of Africa's most endangered creatures, the elusive black rhinoceros (white rhinos are much easier to spot). 

Day 4 Masai Mara National Reserve

Today you will head southwest to the Masai Mara (approximately 6–7 hours), arguably one of the finest game reserves in Africa. Before you arrive, you'll first cross the Great Rift Valley, Africa's immense and spectacular great divide. Pass by the remote region of Loita Hills, home of the traditional Maasai people. Here you will make a stop to visit the Maasai, known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery, and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African Community. Meet your Maasai hosts and enjoy a fascinating talk, full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture, from a local elder. Enjoy being shown around a traditional Maasai home and their cattle enclosures. Afterwards, continue on your journey to ‘The Mara’, swapping into 4x4 jeeps. After checking into the park, take a short game drive on the way to camp. Set in what is considered Kenya's prime wildlife area, Mara Leisure Camp is located along the Talek River, on the northern boundary of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Facilities at the camp include a swimming pool, gift shop, bar and restaurant.

Day 5 Masai Mara National Reserve

Explore more of the park by 4x4 Jeeps today with further game drives in the morning and afternoon. Witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabits the area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful, and you might even spot predators keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephants, giraffes and elands are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, a black-maned lion, leopard or cheetah might appear, with some luck.  As dusk falls, a variety of animals might be visible in the vicinity of your camp also.

Day 6 Masai Mara National Reserve

Today is a free day. If you wish to continue your exploration of arguably one of the finest game reserves on the continent there are a number of optional activities you can choose from including half-day or full-day game drives, or walking safaris. A morning game drive involves waking at dawn for a light breakfast followed by an early morning game drive, setting off at sunrise and returning to the camp three to four hours later. An afternoon game drive departs around 4pm and returns after sunset. On returning to the camp, freshen up before joining other guests around the campfire for a pre-dinner drink. An optional balloon ride over the Masai Mara at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. If you have pre-booked this activity you will be picked up from camp before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing with your pilot. You then glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you'll ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds. Upon landing you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before rejoining your group.

Day 7 Migori

Say goodbye to the Mara and head to Migori (approximately 6.5 hours). On the way you will stop for lunch (at your own expense) and visit a local soapstone factory in Kisii. This town is home to the best soapstone carvers on the continent. Their products are quite popular around the world. It's a favourite stopover for travellers seeking a taste of the exquisite Kisii carvings.

Day 8 Serengeti National Park

Cross into Tanzania before heading to the Serengeti National Park (approximately 8 hours, not including time spent at the border). These 'Endless Plains' span some 14,700 square kilometres, but their main claim to fame is 3 million or so animals. The game most likely to be seen in the Serengeti are the wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, lion, cheetah, warthog, hyena, hippo and ostrich. You'll take a game drive en route to your camp and watch the landscape change within the park from the vast treeless central plains to thick scrub and forest in the north. Linking these areas is the savannah, dotted with acacia trees and magnificent rock outcrops. Pull up in the park and enjoy a refreshing sundowner and some nibbles before carrying on to you camp. The next two nights are spent at Kati Kati mobile tented camp, our feature stay on this trip. Meru-style tents are a great place to relax at the end of the day and have large beds, table, clothes rack, sink, 'bucket' showers and a toilet. The eco-friendly camp has a comfortable lounge area, and a cosy mess tent located in the centre of the camp where meals are served. The campfire is ready every evening for appetizers before dinner. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari camp experience with modern comforts.

Day 9 Serengeti National Park

Enjoy a full day of game drives in the truck in the magnificent Serengeti. Perhaps the ultimate way to go game viewing is on a hot air balloon safari over the great plains of the Serengeti National Park. Hot-air ballooning in East Africa can be an unforgettable experience, an exceptional way to see this part of the world. We strongly recommend booking this extra activity prior to departure if you're interested. Tonight we have a private dinner under the stars within our permanent tented camp while listening to the sounds of the Serengeti.

Day 10 Ngorongoro Highlands

After an early morning game drive, it's time to leave the park and travel to the Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 5 hours). It's one of Africa's most beautiful nature reserves and the world's largest intact caldera. Upon arrival you will check into your accommodation, which is located just outside of the crater. This small and exclusive lodge faces the Oldeani Volcano, and is located approximately 5 kilometres from the Ngorongoro Lolduare gate.

Day 11 Ngorongoro Highlands

In the morning, climb aboard the 4WD for your descent to the crater floor. Hopefully you'll see some or all of the 'big five' creatures that rule here. Animals within the Ngorongoro Crater are less shy of people and safari vehicles, so it's easier to see them up close. Views from the rim of the crater are sensational. On the crater floor, grassland blends into swamps, lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. The Masai are permitted to water their cattle at the permanent lake and can be seen leading their animals in and out of the crater. The most commonly seen animals are the lion, wildebeest, zebra, eland, bushbuck, cheetah, jackal, buffalo, Grant's gazelle, Thompson's gazelle and black rhinoceros. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please, perhaps with optional walking activities or a coffee tour.

Day 12 Zanzibar (East Coast Beaches)

After breakfast head to Arusha (approximately 4 hours) where some of the group may be leaving the trip, along with your tour leader from the East Africa sector. Those continuing to Zanzibar are transferred to Arusha Airport for a flight. You will be unescorted for the Zanzibar sector, but our local representatives will be on hand to look after you. Just the name Zanzibar conjures up images of a remote island paradise where the water is transparent and the air is filled with the heady scent of spices. On arrival you will be transferred to the east coast of the island and your wonderful resort situated along beautiful white sands. Here you can run your hands through the perfectly fine white sands and enter the warming embrace of the Indian Ocean – deep blue in colour, filled with marine life, and perfect for swimming and snorkelling. This is the perfect place to climb into a hammock with drink and a book, watch a gorgeous sun set and then relax underneath a blanket of glowing stars.

Day 13 Zanzibar (East Coast Beaches)

During your time on the coast you can enjoy swimming or simply relax on the beach. Or there are a number of optional activities to take advantage of, from full or half-day deep sea fishing expeditions, sailing trips on a dhow ship, snorkelling, or a visit to Prison Island (named for its former use but now home to giant land tortoises). There is a fitness centre at the accommodation for those who want to exercise to work off all the excellent meals that are served in the restaurant. There’s also a swimming pool, water sports, restaurants, bars and shopping bazaar. It's a perfect place for an unwind during your busy African journey.

Day 14 Zanzibar (Stone Town)

Your third day in Zanzibar will be spent in atmospheric and historic Stone Town (approximately 1 hour), and the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. explore Stone Town’s maze of narrow streets with whitewashed coral stone buildings, magnificently carved, brass-studded teak doors, quaint shops and bazaars that all reflect a unique blend of architectural traditions. The market and bazaars are fascinating and are ideal spots for topping up your spice collection at home or shopping for souvenirs. Zanzibar was also one of the headquarters for slave trading and the starting point for many of the famous explorers such as Speke, Livingstone, Burton and Grant. From here they ventured into the vast interior of east Africa. Perhaps learn more about the island’s history at the Old Fort, the Slave Markets, or at the House of Wonders (so-called because it was the first building on the island to have electricity and running water), which houses the Zanzibar National Museum of History and Culture. Alternatively you might like to join a highly recommended tour of the spice plantations, which can be easily arranged through your local operator, Zanzibar Unique. On this tour you'll have the opportunity to see and taste a variety of spices (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, etc.), as well as tropical fruits. Your guide may also introduce you to some rare plant species, including the henna bush and lipstick tree. Perhaps end your time in Zanzibar enjoying a dawa cocktail as you watch dhows sail along the Zanzibar coastline.

Day 15 Johannesburg

Today will be largely a transport day heading to Johannesburg. You will be transferred from your Zanzibar hotel to take a flight from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam. From here you will then take a flight south to Johannesburg - the largest city in South Africa. You will be unescorted during this portion of the tour. You can expect to arrive at the Peermont Metcourt Hotel Johannesburg by mid-afternoon. On arrival please make your way to the shuttle terminus located in the Parkade building, between the domestic & international terminals. If you are unsure on where to go please ask for directions at the Information Desk located within the arrivals area. At the shuttle terminus please wait for the black and gold Emperors Palace bus at the terminus. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes. Tell the driver you are staying at Peermont Metcourt. Peermont Metcourt is one of many hotels located within the Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention Resort, which is conveniently situated alongside OR Tambo International Airport. There are a number of facilities within the resort such as restaurants, entertainment and retail shops so you won’t need to venture out of the resort to have dinner - tomorrow you'll be flying direct to Victoria Falls.

Day 16 Victoria Falls

This morning you will take the courtesy airport shuttle from your hotel to Johannesburg International Airport, for your flight to Victoria Falls. The shuttle service departs from the hotel at 20 minute intervals. You will be met by a Peregrine representative and transferred to your lodge (approximately 45 minutes). The afternoon will be free to spend at your leisure. Take a stroll around town and book with local tour operators any optional activities that you’d like to do while you’re here. Victoria Falls is known as a centre of adventures and in free time tomorrow you could white water raft on the river below the falls on some of the best rapids in the world or take a leisurely cruise at sunset. For something a little more hair-raising there are rope-based activities around the gorge, or a jaw-dropping helicopter flight over the falls and the Zambezi Gorges. This evening at 6pm there will be a welcome meeting where you will meet your new leader and the rest of the group.

Day 17 Victoria Falls

This morning you will visit the magnificent Victoria Falls, named by Dr David Livingstone in honour of his English queen. One of the world's true natural wonders, Victoria Falls form the largest sheet of falling water in the world, when in full flow. Once inside the park, your guide will take you through the falls area, stopping at different vantage points along the way to explain the history of the falls and their surrounds. After your tour, you will return to your lodge, where the rest of the day will be at leisure.

Day 18 Chobe National Park

This morning you'll visit Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, one of The Intrepid Foundation projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the trusts role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Afterwards follow the Zambezi River to Botswana and make your way to Chobe National Park (100km approximately 2–3 hours, not including border formalities). You will arrive at your lodge at around midday. There you can relax by the pool or take an optional afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park. This can be arranged locally with your leader. You will spend the next two nights in a lodge located just outside Chobe National Park.

Day 19 Chobe National Park

This morning you will enjoy a game drive in Chobe National Park. You might see elephants drinking at the water's edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impala within the park. Then head back to the lodge for breakfast. In the afternoon, embark on a cruise along the picturesque Chobe River, an ideal location for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters as well as hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants. You will be joined by other travellers on the boat cruise which has a toilet and small bar to purchase drinks. Enjoy a G&T as the sun goes down on the river.

Day 20 Makgadikgadi Pans

Heading south, you will continue your journey (410km approximately 6 hours) to the Makgadikgadi Pans for an afternoon excursion. Witness the immensity of this sprawling salt flat, one of the largest in the world. Later you will head to Gweta Lodge, located near the edge of the pans. In the afternoon, leave the lodge in an open game vehicle to and travel out to the Nxaisini pan. Here you’ll sit out in the wild enjoy sundowners and snacks while observing the amazing scenery. With the aid of trackers you’ll spend some time in the company of the local meerkat colony, and look out for elephants that meander their way down to the watering hole to quench their thirst. Soak in this incredible place while the sun sets behind the old beautiful baobab. Back at the lodge, relax in the lounge area while you take in your surroundings and reflect on the day's adventure.

Day 21 Maun

After breakfast this morning, it's time to head to Maun, the gateway of the Okavango Delta (approximately 4 hours). For those interested, there is the opportunity to fly over the delta in a small plane for a bird's-eye view. This is a great way to appreciate the vast scale of this waterscape. Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to reserve a place. Otherwise, the afternoon yours to spend as you please.

Day 22 Okavango Delta

Venture to the Okavango Delta (350kms, approximately 6 hours) and board your speedboat. This will take you to your home for the next two nights, a houseboat in the Okavango Delta Panhandle. You will need to pack a small bag or backpack for this trip, as there won't be room for everyone's full luggage. The houseboat has twin-share cabins with bedding, towels and mosquito nets provided (however, no single supplement is available on these nights). There is also a dining area on the deck, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a small collection of books and board games. As evening falls, head to the deck, where your captain will serve dinner. Grab a sundowner, pull up a chair and witness the often breath-taking sunset. This is a unique and memorable way to experience the Delta – not really for what you do, but more for the absence of anything to do. The sounds of hippos breaching and grunting, cicadas trilling and a million mosquitoes seduce you blissfully into the night.

Day 23 Okavango Delta

This morning after breakfast you will take a speedboat and 4WD to a nearby poling station. From here you will experience the myriad waterways in a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro) with a local guide. Your guide will also take you on a short nature walk around one of the many Islands in the Delta. After a picnic lunch, return to the houseboat for some relaxation time. You might like to read a book or do some fishing. In the evening, enjoy a drink, pull up a chair and witness the often breathtaking sunset before your captain serves up dinner once again on the deck.

Day 24 Ghanzi – Central Kalahari

Travel on to Ghanzi, the 'Capital of the Kalahari' ( 400km approximately 7 hours). Your accommodation tonight is at a community project in Ghanzi and is a much more basic than what you will encounter throughout your journey. However, the concept and experience of the lodge is well worth it. The lodges we use here support the local San and San D'Kar community through employment. The San people are renowned as the most skillful trackers on Earth and have an extraordinary knowledge of the Kalahari for both plants and animal tracking. If time permits you may choose to do the optional walk. Here you will be shown the wide variety of both edible and medicinal plants, while also tracking a variety of animals and learning about their habits. Of course, you will also spend quality time with your guides to understand their very different world view. Later a traditional San/Southern African meal will be served in the communal lounge and dining area. You will then experience the ancient dance rituals of the San around the campfire. This is a real cultural experience and a great way to get to know the locals. On special occasions this could be a healing or trance dance, which can continue all night, and is an intense spiritual experience for both participants and visitors alike.

Day 25 Windhoek

Cross the border into Namibia and head to Windhoek (approximately 6 hours). On arrival, take a stroll around the town and visit some of its museums or perhaps take a township tour. Take in the German architecture evident in a number of buildings. The finest are the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus.

Day 26 Etosha National Park

Travel to our lodge located just outside Etosha National Park ( 400km approximately 7–8 hours including stops). On arrival the afternoon will be free to relax at the Lodge. Maybe cool off in the pool, read a book, or enjoy a sundowner by the bar. Be sure to charge your camera's tonight. Tomorrow we will have a full day in the Park. This is one of the world's premier game-viewing destinations; spotting animals in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to allow for sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores.

Day 27 Etosha National Park

Rise early and enjoy a full day of game viewing in the truck. Keep a close eye on the landscape for black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. The park is also home to some 340 bird species. Return to the lodge and reflect on the day's adventures with your fellow travellers over dinner.

Day 28 Damaraland

Enjoy a morning Game Drive in the Park then venture off the beaten track as you head into the heart of Damaraland (220km approximately 5 hours). Home to Namibia's highest peak, ancient rock paintings and petrified forests, the harshly beautiful and sparsely populated Damaraland region is a land of spectacular contrasts. Depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to see the desert elephants that roam the area.

Day 29 Damaraland

Spend the morning visiting the surrounding sights such as Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and the Petrified Forest. Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engraving in southern Africa and is a fascinating insight into the past. The Petrified Forest looks back into nature’s history, where 280 million-year-old fossilised tree trunks lie. Continue on to the Living Museum of the Damara, which aims to reconstruct and preserve the 'lost culture’ of the Damara. Learn about this fascinating traditional culture that is, along with the Bushmen, the oldest nation in Namibia. Their original culture was a mixture of an archaic hunter-gatherer culture and herders of cattle, goats and sheep. Due to their loose social structures, the Damara struggle to defend themselves against colonisation – one of the reasons that the culture faced extinction. Return to the lodge around 2pm, with the rest of the day free to relax by the pool, with a book or a nap.

Day 30 Swakopmund

Travel on through the Namib Desert today ( 330km approximately 6 hours with stops) to reach the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Take in the beautiful, diverse and colourful landscapes that stream past along the way; mountains, sand dunes, ocean waves and, shipwrecks. Your destination is the beachside town of Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast. Upon arrival at Swakopmund, you will check into your hotel and have free time to enjoy this interesting township of German-Namibian atmosphere. The accommodation is within walking distance of the town, and you can enjoy a walk on the beach, or visit the open-air markets or local museum.

Day 31 Swakopmund

With free time today, you may wish to take an optional trip north to Cape Cross, a breeding site for Cape fur seals. There can be in excess of 100,000 seals there at any given time, making for quite the spectacle. Quite a smell too, if the wind happens to change direction. Wander the coastline and attempt to document these beautiful creatures in a photo or two, and visit the large cross that sits nearby, left there by Diego Cao (the first European to arrive on Namibian soil in 1485). There are also a number of optional activities available here (at extra cost) for those who are interested.

Day 32 Sesriem

Depart your coastal retreat in Swakopmund and head south today towards Sesriem (300km approximately 6 hours). Walvis Bay is the hibernation area for thousands of migratory birds, most notably flamingos. If in season you may take quick detour to see these elegant birds. Continue on past moon valley; an eerie rocky granite valley, and the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop by the small settlement of Solitaire before arriving at your lodge. Scattered with abandoned trucks, cars, petrol pumps and cacti, it's the only place between Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei to feature a petrol station, post office, general dealer, and bakery! The local Apple Pie has earned itself quite a reputation too.

Day 33 Sossusvlei / Sesriem

Make an early-morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. This is a great opportunity for unsurpassed views of the surrounding area. Climbing to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with spectacular vistas of the surreal desert landscape. After breakfast, travel to Dead Vlei, a clay pan best known for the iconic postcard like images that many snap here. The pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, "Big Daddy" or "Crazy Dune" average about 350 metres in height. In the afternoon you will visit Sesriem Gorge, a tranquil natural corridor that you can walk through and explore. Return to the lodge for the evening.

Day 34 Fish River Canyon

Depart Sossusvlei early this morning and travel to Fish River Canyon (600km approximately 8-9 hours). Your accommodation for the next two nights is a gem hidden in this rugged environment. It's easy to see why the Canyon Lodge is a feature stay on this trip. A fusion of farmhouse flavour and natural splendour, walkways lead to 25 natural stone chalets nestled amongst granite boulders and perfectly landscaped gardens, making it really feel like an oasis in the middle of nowhere. After checking into the lodge you may like to cool off in the stunning pool, wrap up the day with a short excursion to our very own ‘local’ mountain, or simply have a drink and watch the sun go down.

Day 35 Fish River Canyon

Rise early and witness the colourful sunrise from the edge of Fish River Canyon. At 500 metres deep and over 160 km long, this gaping chasm is one of the largest canyons in the world, ranking close in size to Peru's Colca Canyon and the Grand Canyon in the USA. You will stop at various lookouts, which offer spectacular views and photographic opportunities. Keep an eye out for some of the birds that inhabit this area, including plovers, wagtails, hammerkops and herons. If you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of a baboon or antelope. After capturing all the photos you like, make your way to the main viewpoint and sit down to enjoy picnic breakfast with an unforgettable view over the canyon. Return to the lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. There are a number of optional activities that you might like to join: take a guided drive to the Fish River Canyon and be inspired by new perspective; meander along the 4x4 Wildebeest Drive watching plains animals; or celebrate sunset from a hillock, overlooking the spectacular scenery.

Day 36 Orange River

Farewell Fish River Canyon and head on to Orange River, just a short 2.5 to 3 hour drive away ( 200km ). You should reach your destination on the banks of the river by lunchtime. The Orange River is the longest stream in South Africa, running from high up in the Drakensberg mountain range and down into the Atlantic Ocean. This stream is significant for its role in transporting diamonds, which in turn leaves the deposits that are found along the Namibian coastline. Set off this afternoon on a 10 kilometre canoe journey down the Orange River. The canoe trip will be done in 2 man canoes with a local guide. It is a slow paced, easy trip, and you should be travelling simply down stream for most or all of the trip.

Day 37 Trawal

Leaving Namibia behind, you will cross the border and travel into South Africa (approximately 7 hours). The approximately 450 kilometres drive will be south of the Orange River to a wine farm in Trawal. You will arrive in the late afternoon or early evening (depending on border crossing formalities). Highlanders is a working wine farm nestled among the farmland of the Olifants River area, sitting at the foot of the Cedarberg mountain range. The farm uses water from the oldest irrigation scheme in South Africa and delivers its grapes to Klawer Cellars, a local cooperative wine cellar. Dutch settlers planted the first vineyards in the area in the late 1600s. However, the vineyards only flourished after the canal was built from Clanwilliam Dam during World War II, and have since won prizes both locally and internationally. This evening you’ll enjoy a unique wine tasting, taking in seven of the regions finest wines with your experienced and knowledgeable host ‘Sparky’.

Day 38 Cape Town

Continue on to the South African capital, Cape Town ( 300km approximately 5 hours). With its stunning coastline, dramatic surrounding mountains and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most appealing cities and a great place to end the trip. The rest of the day until the evening is at your leisure. The infamous Robben Island (Nelson Mandela’s prison for 18 years), vineyards, the V&A Waterfront, adventure activities and plenty of good restaurants and cafes are all at your doorstep. If time permits, you can take the cable car up to Table Mountain. This evening you’ll enjoy a memorable dinner with the group in the Bo-Kapp region of Cape Town. Known for its brightly coloured houses and situated at the foot of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap is the spiritual home of the Cape’s Muslim community. Bo-Kaap has a fascinating history. Many of the residents are descendants of slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia and various African countries, who were imported to the Cape of Good Hope by the Dutch during the 16th and 17th centuries. The slaves were (often mistakenly) known as “Cape Malays”, and the term has stuck, with Bo-Kaap known today as the Cape Malay Quarter. Get an insight into this history when you step inside the ‘purple house’ of Faldela and her family. Learn how to make samosas, before sitting down to an authentic home-cooked dinner. Taste some of the traditional dishes such as ‘Bredie’, ‘Chilli Bites’ and ‘Koesisters’. Learn about why the houses are painted in bright colours and how the community supports each other from your story-telling host.

Day 39 Cape Town

Today is a free day to enjoy all that Cape Town has to offer. Perhaps catch the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, or take a tour across to the fascinating Robben Island. Or if you'd prefer a relaxing day simply wander down to the V&A Waterfront and treat yourself to some of South Africa's finest food and wines.

Day 40 Cape Town

Today is another free day until the important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If the weather's nice perhaps take the City Sightseeing bus to the Cape Peninsula via Hout Bay.

Day 41 Stellenbosch

Depart from Cape Town after breakfast and head towards lovely Stellenbosch. Visit Vergenoegd winery, a unique estate where you’ll get to meet the waddling workforce of runner ducks used to assist in the control of the snail and pest population in the vineyards. This is a practice the estate have been refining since 1984, and a big part of why Vergenoegd proudly carries WWF biodiversity certification. You arrive in time for the 9:45 am duck parade, and enjoy a cellar tour and wine tasting. Also stop in at the Lanzarac Winery, the home of the first bottled Pinotage, and enjoy a wine and chocolate pairing. There will be time for lunch in either Vergenoegd or Lanzarac, and the evening is at your leisure once you arrive in Stellenbosch.

Day 42 Hermanus

Drive to Hermanus, a coastal town famous for southern right whale watching during the winter and spring. You travel there via Bettys Bay, stopping to visit the Penguin Colony at Stoney Point and the Harold Porter Botanical gardens where there is time to have lunch. Upon arrival in the coastal town of Hermanus, around mid afternoon, there will be a chance to visit the Heart of Abalone, a working abalone farm. This is a chance to not only taste this sought-after delicacy but also get a glimpse behind the scenes of the industry. The rest of the evening free for you to relax and unwind.

Day 43 Hermanus

Enjoy a free day in Hermanus. This town is considered to have the best land-based whale watching in the world. Perhaps enjoy one of the excellent walking trails along the coast. The 12-kilometre Cliff Path is perhaps the most popular of these. The views of Walker Bay and the Mountain Range are breathtaking, and during whale season the cliffs have the perfect spots to sit and watch the whales as they frolic in in the bay (season depending). The famous Whale Crier of Hermanus offers guided cliff path walks during the season. You could also climb aboard a boat to get a closer look at the magnificent sea creatures. Alternatively, tackle hiking trails in Femkloof Nature Reserve, or explore local markets.

Day 44 Oudtshoorn

Drive Route 62 to Oudtshoorn. For lunch, a great option is Clarke of the Karoo Restaurant in Barrydale, which offers Karoo cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, Karoo Oysters and Cape Malay Bobotie among other specialties. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine and port tasting at Boplass in Calitzdorp. Arrive in Outdshoon, which is known as the ostrich capital of the world. At the turn of the 20th century it was full of 'feather barons' that grew rich from the popularity of ostrich feathers.

Day 45 Oudtshoorn

Spend some time with some meerkats today. On a fun 2–3 hour excursion, head to the burrows of these cheeky meerkats, pull up a chair and sip coffee while the sun comes up and the meerkats climb out into the sunshine. Watch these habituated wild animals, which are never fed or handled by humans, go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. It's rare to get this close to them in the wild. Return to the Lodge and enjoy breakfast before driving to the Swartberg Mountains, climbing through the switchbacks of the pass of the same name, looking out across the unique folds of the surrounding rocks. Descend into the town of Prince Albert, a contender for South Africa’s most charming town, full of the architecture of the 18th to 20th centuries. Return to the lodge via the Cango Caves, where you learn about their formation and history from a local guide. Browse the weird and wonderful rock formations including ‘Cleopatra's Needle’.

Day 46 Knysna / Tsitsikamma National Park

On your way to Tsitsikamma, stop in Knysna for an afternoon boat cruise to Knysna Heads, sampling local oysters and wine along the way. Arrive in Tsitsikamma and take in its magnificent raw beauty. Protecting both land and sea, steep ancient forests meet the breakers of the Indian Ocean at this park. It's a spectacular place of deep gorges, tidal pools and empty beaches, perfect for walking and viewing wildlife.

Day 47 Tsitsikamma National Park

Enjoy a hike in Tsitsikamma National Park today. Your leader guides you on a beautiful walk along the boardwalk through a canopy of forest leading to the famous suspension bridge across the ocean. The narrow channel of sheer cliffs get its name, Storms River Mouth, from when the wind gets up and the water hurtles against the rocks, sending spray flying high into the air. After this you double back towards a waterfall. The return trek is approximately 9 kilometres and should take around half a day. However, there will be scenic options along the boardwalk for a shorter trek without the group if you are concerned about your fitness. Keep an eye out for fauna such as cape clawless otters, dolphins, tortoises, southern right whales (in season), baboons, monkeys and various birds.

Day 48 Addo National Park

Travel out to a private concession to the north of the Addo Elephant National Park (approximately 5 hours). Enjoy drinks and a finger-food lunch upon arrival. Take a game drive en route to tonight's superbly located accommodation, Kuzuko Lodge. While you are here, sunrise, sunset and night drives offer very different views of the landscape and animals – both diurnal and nocturnal. South Africa's third largest National Park lays the unique claim to the 'Big Seven' – not only lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino but also the Southern right whale and great white shark off the Algoa Bay coast. There are more than 700 elephants in the park. Adding to the wildlife collection are spotted hyena, leopard, antelope and zebra, as well as the Addo flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively here. After safari activities, retire to the accommodation which offers sumptuous cuisine and a ‘wilderness wellness centre’. End a memorable day with drinks on the deck.

Day 49 Port Elizabeth

Enjoy a morning game drive before departing to Port Elizabeth. Your trip comes to an end upon arrival in Port Elizabeth at around noon. In case of delays please do not book any flights until after 5pm