An 11-day journey through some of southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes, from the harbour city of Cape Town beneath Table Mountain to the wild riverbeds of the Timbavati and the thundering waters of Victoria Falls. Each day unfolds at an unhurried pace, from wine tastings in the Cape Winelands and penguin sightings at Boulders Beach to twice-daily game drives, guided bush walks, and sunset cruises on the Zambezi.
Southern Africa is a region of extraordinary contrasts, where mountains meet the ocean, private reserves border the Greater Kruger, and one of the world’s great rivers plunges into a gorge of mist and spray. This journey brings together city, safari, and the Falls in one compact route, guided by local experts and hosted at some of the most celebrated lodges in the region.

ITINERARY

• DAY 1 | Arrival in Cape Town
• DAY 2 | Table Mountain & the Cape Peninsula
• DAY 3 | The Cape Winelands
• DAY 4 | Into the Timbavati
• DAY 5 | A Day on Safari
• DAY 6 | On Foot & by Firelight
• DAY 7 | Overnight in Johannesburg
• DAY 8 | Arrival at the Zambezi
• DAY 9 | The Smoke That Thunders
• DAY 10 | Matetsi at Your Pace
• DAY 11 | Departure

DAY ONE: ARRIVAL IN CAPE TOWN

You arrive at Cape Town International Airport, where you are met and transferred privately to Cape Grace, an elegant hotel set on the V&A Waterfront with views across the harbour. Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the waterfront, with the option of dinner at one of its many restaurants.

DAY TWO: TABLE MOUNTAIN & THE CAPE PENINSULA

Begin the day with a cableway ride to the top of Table Mountain for sweeping views over the city and coastline. Continue south along the dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive to Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins, before reaching Cape Point at the southwestern tip of the peninsula.

DAY THREE: THE CAPE WINELANDS

Spend a full day in the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch valleys, visiting two renowned wine estates for private tastings. Enjoy a farmhouse lunch surrounded by vineyards, then return to Cape Town as the late afternoon light settles over the mountains.

DAY FOUR: INTO THE TIMBAVATI

A short flight takes you from Cape Town to Hoedspruit, followed by a scenic drive through the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park. Check in at Tanda Tula Safari Camp in time for your first afternoon game drive.

DAY FIVE: A DAY ON SAFARI

Rise early for coffee before setting out on a long morning game drive in search of the reserve’s wildlife. Return to camp for brunch on the main deck and an afternoon at leisure, then head out again as the light fades, ending the day with dinner under the stars.

DAY SIX: ON FOOT & BY FIRELIGHT

Experience the bush from a different perspective on a guided walk with an armed tracker, learning to read tracks and signs along the way. In the evening, gather around the fire for a traditional boma dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the Timbavati.

DAY SEVEN: OVERNIGHT IN JOHANNESBURG

After a final morning in the bush, transfer to Hoedspruit for a short flight to Johannesburg. Check in at the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, located steps from the terminal, for a restful night before continuing north.

DAY EIGHT: ARRIVAL AT THE ZAMBEZI

Fly from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, where a transfer takes you to Matetsi Victoria Falls River Lodge, set along a private stretch of the Zambezi River. Settle in with drinks on the deck as the river flows past.

DAY NINE: THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS

Enjoy a private guided tour of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, walking along the rim and feeling the spray of one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Return to the lodge for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi.

DAY TEN: MATETSI AT YOUR PACE

Shape the day as you wish, with twice-daily game drives through the Matetsi private concession, a morning of fishing on the river with an expert guide, or a guided nature walk alongside a ranger.

DAY ELEVEN: DEPARTURE

After breakfast, a transfer takes you to Victoria Falls Airport for your departure.