Day 1

Depart San Francisco for Chicago where you will connect to your ongoing flight for Johannesburg and then onto Cape Town on South African Airways.

Day 2

On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport, go through Customs & Immigration before connecting to your scheduled domestic flight to Cape Town.  Upon arrival in Cape Town you will be met by a VISIT SOUTHERN AFRICA representative and transferred to your hotel.

The Commodore Hotel is a 5-star hotel situated in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town’s center of activity, with a variety of stores, restaurants and bars. The hotel offers superb service and excellent cuisine in a secure, friendly environment and most rooms have wonderful views of Table Mountain, Table Bay and Signal Hill. The Clipper Restaurant offers superb dining in a tranquil setting, from a mouth-watering buffet breakfast to a diverse A la Carte menu and devilish desserts!  And to delight the palate further, indulge in a large selection of sherries, brandies and fine cognacs, or explore The Commodore House Wine Collection. Alternatively, relax to the nostalgic melodies played by the piano man over a light meal or high tea at The Admiralty Bar & Lounge.  

Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel

Day 3

After breakfast at the hotel you will take part in a half day Table Mountain and Cape Town city tour.  Take the cable car to top of Table Mountain to witness spectacular views of Cape Town. 

Then visit Cape Town highlights such as the Malay Quarter, the city centre, the Company Gardens, District Six Museum and the Castle of Good Hope. Your afternoon will be at leisure to explore the many interesting shops in the waterfront or to take another optional tour to Robben Island where Mandela was incarcerated.

It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society.

During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. You will be escorted around the island by an ex-political prisoner, and given insight into the past and how the human spirit triumphs.

Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (B)

Day

4

After Breakfast at the hotel, you will take part in a Full day Cape Peninsula Tour.

The tour starts early a drive along the Atlantic Ocean en route to Hout Bay. Once a fishing community, now it is one of the most popular residential areas.

There will be a chance to join the M.V.Circe for a half-hour cruise to the "Seal Island" (own account) or for the less adventurous the possibility of a stroll through the fish market at the "Mariners Wharf". The tour continues to the Indian Ocean to Fishhoek for lunch.

After lunch, the tour guide will take the passengers for a visit of the Jackass Penguins at Boulders Beach near Simonstown. Then to the Cape of Good Hope Reserve & the Cape Point, said to be the romantic meeting place of the Indian & the Atlantic Oceans. 

Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (B)

Day 5

Breakfast will be served at your hotel.  Day at leisure to perhaps explore Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with its array of wonderful shops, restaurants and bars.

Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (B)

Day 6

Today you will be transferred to Cape Town Airport in time to catch your scheduled flight to Johannesburg.  On arrival at Johannesburg Airport connect with flight to Kruger Mpumalanga.

On arrival at Kruger Mpumalanga Airport you will be met and transferred to your lodge at Sabi Sabi.

At each of our lodges, you will luxuriate in uncompromising high standards of service, efficiency and personalised attention - all in an informal atmosphere of warmth and hospitality.

The all suite Bush Lodge is nestled beside the Msuthlu River in the heart of the Sabi Sabi bushveld overlooking a water-hole and an African plain. Each air-conditioned thatched suite features exquisite ethnic décor in keeping with the bushveld environment. The lodge features artistically designed open courtyards with spectacular wooden carvings by renowned South African sculptors, created from wood salvaged from the bushveld. The lodge is unobtrusive and blends perfectly with the surrounding bushveld.

Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 7-8

Morning and afternoon/evening game viewing activities.

With its cavernous bath and an interior and exterior shower, the bathroom offers open views to the river plains beyond. Glass bottles containing high quality cosmetics and a crystal decanter of sherry are just some of the special touches designed to delight the senses and ensure a memorable stay.

Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 9

Another morning to enjoy this fabulous lodge with early morning game viewing in search of game that may have eluded you. Later, you will be transferred to Sabi Sabi Airstrip in time for your scheduled Federal Air flight to Johannesburg.

On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation: Centurion Lake Hotel (B)

Day 10

Today you will be transferred by road to Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport in time for your scheduled flight to Victoria Falls.

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your lodge.

The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is set high on a plateau, which forms a natural boundary to the unfenced Zambezi National Park, and is just four kilometers from the majestic Victoria Falls. This deluxe 72-roomed African Lodge prides itself on hospitality and food rivaled only by uninterrupted views and magnificent sunsets. 

Created with a keen eye for detail; hardwoods, thatch, vibrant colours - the effect is awe inspiring. Each bedroom has its own balcony, air-conditioning and modern bathroom. 

In the Buffalo Bar, Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant and pool deck you will enjoy not only the wonderful views, but excellent service from friendly Zimbabwean staff renowned for their warmth and understanding of the needs of international visitors. An on-site waterhole attracts a wide variety of game, including elephants, buffalo, impala and kudu.  

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (B)

Day 11

Today you will be taken on a guided tour of the Victoria Falls. Later you will be taken on a Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi River.

The Victoria Falls are situated on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. They are approximately 1.7km (1 mile) wide and 128m (420 feet) high. They are considered a remarkable spectacle because of the peculiar narrow slot-like chasm into which the water falls, so one can view the falls face-on. David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer, visited the falls in 1855 and renamed them after Queen Victoria, though they were known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya – “the Smoke that Thunders”.

The Falls are part of two national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe, and are one of Southern Africa’s major tourist attractions, with visitors from all over the world. The Victoria Falls is the largest single sheet of water in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The great Zambezi River starts in northwest Zambia and meanders for 1700 miles through several countries and empties into the Indian Ocean at Mozambique. This great river affects thousands of people and animals along the way.

The sheer volume of water that flows through this planetary vein and manifests it’s grandeur at the famous Victoria Falls, cannot keep from stirring an emotional response from all who visit. The Guide has a wealth of information about the river’s attributes, pointing out everything of interest as you cruise along the river. His keen eye will spot a variety of wildlife and important highlights. You’re likely to see Hippo, other animals, birds of prey, and even some elephants, along the riverbank or on one of the many islands that occupy this wide river.

The highlight of this cruise is the Sunset view. You will not be disappointed, for words and photographs cannot adequately describe the spectacular view you will experience.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (B)

Day 12

After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to participate in an Elephant Back Safari.  An elephant back safari is not just a ride on the largest animal in Africa, it's an unforgettable experience where clients get to interact with the elephants as well as enjoy a ride through wilderness areas and beautiful riverine scenery.

Whilst on the ride, clients may see other wild elephant as well as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a host of other plains game. 

Along the Zambezi River, hippo and crocodile are common and there is a wide variety of bird species. 

Each elephant has its own handler and clients will leave having witnessed the elephant's incredible skills, intelligence and willingness to respond to instruction. 

You will then spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (B)

Day 13

Today you will be taken by road transfer from the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge  to Chobe Safari Lodge, Botswana.

Chobe Safari Lodge is your gateway to a truly unique African wildlife experience. The lodge is ideally situated for exploration of the surrounding areas. It is only 80km (49.7 miles) from the Victoria Falls, 5km (3.1 miles) from the Kasane International Airport, adjacent to the village of Kasane and situated at the entrance of the world famous Chobe National Park.  

The lodge offers comfortable accommodations from which you will experience unforgettable sunsets. The staff is professional and eager to meet your every requirement. The property includes a swimming pool, squash court, restaurant and bar, beauty salon, Internet facilities and a curio shop.

Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 14

Morning and afternoon/evening game viewing activities.

Chobe Safari Lodge offers a variety of game viewing activities. Daily-guided game drives are available into the Park.  The drives follow the routes along the Chobe riverfront, which supports the greatest abundance of wildlife in the game park. You can also experience a relaxing sunset cruise on the 'Fish Eagle' - a double decker boat with bar facilities, offers a unique and exciting African game viewing experience.

Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 15

After an early morning game drive and breakfast, you will be transferred by road to the nearby Kasane Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg.

Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will connect to your transatlantic flight back to the United States. (B)

Day 16

Arrive in Chicago and connect to your ongoing flight to San Francisco.

Arrive home with a lifetime of memories!