Trip summary statistics
12days
Best of Southern Africa
Cape Town, Skukuza, Sabi Sands, Nelspruit (KMIA), Livingstone, Chobe, Kasane, Okavango, Maun, Johannesburg
Explore the diverse ecosystems of Table Mountain on a private guided tour of Cape Town.
Meet Boulders Beach’s penguin colony as you explore the gems of Cape Peninsula’s coastline.
Encounter the Big 5 on thrilling game drives through Sabi Sands with your expert tracker.
Cruise the Zambezi at sunset, feeling the mist from Victoria Falls as the sky glows.
Glide the Okavango Delta in a mokoro on an expedition planned by your Destination Expert.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
Cape TownThe Adventure Begins
- VIP Meet & Greet
- Welcome to Southern Africa
- Private Airport Transfer
Cape TownGet a Lay of the Land
- Half Day City & Table Mountain - Private Tour
- Victoria & Alfred Waterfront At Leisure
- Restaurant Recommendations
Cape TownA Dazzling Drive
- Cape Point and Peninsula (with Lunch) - Private Tour
Cape TownA Bit of Time on Your Own
- Optional Activities
Cape Town to Skukuza to Sabi SandsEn Route
- Private Airport Transfer
- Cape Town - Skukuza
- Skukuza Airport to Sabi Sands (15-40 min) - Shared
- Lunch (Included)
- Afternoon Game Drive
- Dinner (Included)
Sabi SandsNurtured by Nature
- Morning Game Drive
- Lunch (Included)
- Afternoon Game Drive
- Dinner (Included)
Sabi SandsVenture into the Outdoors
- Morning Game Drive
- Lunch (Included)
- Afternoon Game Drive
- Dinner (Included)
Sabi Sands to Nelspruit (KMIA) to LivingstoneThe Journey Continues…
- Sabi Sands to Nelspruit Airport (2 hrs) - Private
- Nelspruit (KMIA) - Livingstone
- Airport (Town Lodges) - Vehicle/Driver
- Lady Livingstone Sundowner Cruise (2 hrs) - Shared
LivingstoneJust a Walk in the Park
- Exploring the Mighty Victoria Falls - Private Tour
- Optional Activities
- Private Dinner on the Jetty
Livingstone to Chobe to Kasane to OkavangoA Change of Scenery
- Livingstone to Chobe (2 hrs)
- Kasane - Okavango [Seat in Plane] - Mack Air: Area A,B
- Activities at Shinde
- Lunch (Included)
- Dinner (Included)
- Kanana Camp Sleep-Out
OkavangoA Change of Scenery
- Morning Game Drive
- Mokoro Water Safari
- Lunch (Included)
- Dinner (Included)
Okavango to Maun to JohannesburgBon Voyage
- Okavango - Maun [Seat in Plane] - Mack Air: Area B
- Maun - Johannesburg
CAPE TOWN
The Adventure Begins
Upon arrival to Cape Town, you will be welcomed at the door of your aircraft by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. Alongside your assistant, you will be directed through immigration, baggage collection and customs.
Meet your private driver for an airport transfer.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Room
CAPE TOWN
Get a Lay of the Land
Beat the crowds and start the day early with your private guide by visiting Cape Town’s most iconic landmark, Table Mountain. One of the most spectacularly bio-diverse places on Earth, an estimated 1,500 unique species of plant-life are found on Table Mountain alone, many of which are endemic and found nowhere else on the planet. Ascend by cable car as the mist from the clouds open up to the main plateau while striking views of Cape Town come into crystal-clear focus. Now with a better understanding of the city’s layout, walk past Cape Town’s storied past as your guide recounts the colorful histories of the Houses of Parliament, the Castle of Good Hope (South Africa’s oldest building) and the well-tended Company Gardens. Bargain your way through the lively Greenmarket Square in search of souvenir while meeting local artisans along the way. As you enter another one of Cape Town’s famed stop at Bo-Kaap, learn how the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly colored houses became one of city’ most vibrant neighborhoods. There’s no better way of understanding local history than through your Capetonian guide. From here you have the choice of being dropped off at the V&A Waterfront to experience this landmark at your own pace, with its many shops, restaurants and pubs - or at your hotel to end the tour. Should you choose to visit the waterfront, please speak to your Destination Expert for a range of recommendations for lunch.
The V&A Waterfront is surely one of the top attractions in Cape Town no matter your age, interests or group dynamic. To name a few highlights, the Two Oceans Aquarium is home to an incredible array of exotic, seemingly other-worldly creatures from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Behind the aquarium, a small colony of Cape fur seals are almost always found on the docks, ready and waiting to pose for your camera. Chavonnes Battery, Cape Town’s first fortification, is now a museum with artifacts from centuries past. At the heart of the waterfront lies the Clock Tower of Cape Town. For your shopping needs, a visit to the Victoria Wharf Shopping Center is the perfect stopover for designer items and authentic Cape souvenirs.
From street-side tapas to award winning cuisine, let our Destination Experts help you find the right dining option for your appetite. Some of our favorite spots include; Chef’s Warehouse, Bistro Sixteen82, The Foodbarn, Potluck Club, Plant, Shortmarket Club, Harbour House and Black Sheep Restaurant. To arrange reservations at any of these restaurants, speak to your Destination Expert. Please note: Reservations are subject to availability.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Room
CAPE TOWN
A Dazzling Drive
After meeting your expert local guide in Cape Town, begin the day with a visit to one of the more popular leisure hubs for locals – the glorious beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, where impressive white sand beaches hug the shoreline with the Twelve Apostles as a stunning backdrop. Learn about the fascinating history of this breathtaking land from your Capetonian guide as you begin the spectacular sea-side drive to the quaint village of Hout Bay. After a stop in the village, you will track along the extraordinary Chapman’s Peak Drive, known as one of the most picturesque roadways world-wide. With the flexibility to spend as little or as long as you would like in this region crammed with incredible panoramic lookouts, the benefits of having a private vehicle and guide truly come into play. Further along you will reach the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where, at Cape Point, you will board a funicular or walk up the stairway that leads to the Cape Point Lighthouse; it is here that you will observe dramatic coastal scenery and fantastic views of False Bay. Departing from Cape Point, head northward to Simon’s Town to enjoy lunch (included). Although the city is host to a number of tasty dining options, consider indulging in fresh-caught fish & chips, the town’s specialty. After a refreshing lunch and a bit of time to learn about Simon’s Town, set off with your camera ready to visit Boulders Beach, a nearby nature preserve that is home to a colony of African penguins. Wrapping up your day’s adventure, tour the idyllic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a sprawling park brimming with rare and exotic plant-life that is surely one the finest examples of botany the world over, before being returned to your hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Room
CAPE TOWN
A Bit of Time on Your Own
Spend some time at leisure to relax and soak in the incredible sights, sounds and culture of the Mother City. Alternatively, considering arranging optional activities while in Cape Town. Dive with great white sharks (in a cage!), head out on a whale watching expedition, ferry over to Robben Island for an informative lesson on the history of Cape Town’s infamous prison, discover the near-unfathomable biodiversity on Table Mountain, explore the townships near the city including the famed Winelands, or cycle through the city to explore the many outstanding beaches, bays, quays, shops, restaurants and bars that make Cape Town famous.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Room
CAPE TOWN TO SKUKUZA TO SABI SANDS
En Route
Meet your private driver for an airport transfer.
Board a flight in Cape Town with service to Skukuza. Approximate flight duration is two hours and 30 minutes.
Transfer from Skukuza Airport en route to your lodge in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. Transfer time ranges from 15 to 40 minutes based on your arrival camp.
Spectacular, untamed and coveted by outdoor enthusiasts, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is revered for good reason; it is one of the best locations in the world to spot game, including the Big 5. On the Sabi, massive elephants roam as families, black and white Rhinoceros graze the grasslands, Cape buffalo cautiously track along riverbeds, leopard’s prowl, and lions roar. Discover this unbound land for yourself as you head out on your first afternoon game drive alongside your ranger, tracker and other guests of the lodge. Explore this incredible land for a few hours with a camera in hand, gaining insights into the region as the sun sets. Before long you will find yourself back at the lodge, just in time to prepare for an outstanding safari dinner under the stars.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Suite
SABI SANDS
Nurtured by Nature
Before first light, gear up and head out to further explore Sabi Sands. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active; in particular, herds of elephants roam the expanses of the Sabi in the morning hours as the glow of dawn radiates. Although the largest living mammal is well-known to most, there is nothing quite like seeing a herd of up to a hundred elephants freely wandering through the open plains; it is sight few people will get to enjoy and that none will forget. After a few hours out in the reserve you will be returned to your lodge to enjoy a satisfying and well-earned breakfast.
With the afternoon in full-swing, it is time to head out on an open 4x4 vehicle for another afternoon of game viewing. With the sweltering sun on the decline, nocturnal animals begin their nightly routines. Along well-marked roads or entirely off the beaten path, your tracker will bring you into the heart of the Sabi in search of both predator and prey. On the trail of the king of jungle, perhaps you will be fortunate enough to witness a pride on the hunt. Sit back and relax, always with a hand ready to snap photos of your favorite animals, as you explore the land for a few hours before returning to camp to freshen up ahead of another incredible dinner.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Suite
SABI SANDS
Venture into the Outdoors
As in mornings past, you will rise before the sun to explore the African savannah to head out on another game drive. Sabi Sands is the oldest private game reserve in South Africa. Named for the Sand and Sabie rivers that run through the reserve, it is home to many endangered species such as the wild dog, honey badger, ground hornbill and the oxpecker. Who knows what rare animals you will spot today as you explore the Sabi reserve ahead of another exceptional breakfast?
Following lunch, venture back into the bush. Both the rare Black (hook-lipped) and White (square-lipped) rhinos wander the reserve and the afternoon is fantastic time to spot these powerful, beautiful and endangered creatures. If you are lucky enough, you may spot a crash of rhinos grazing as the sun dips below the horizon. After a few hours, you will return to the lodge to refresh before a freshly-prepared dinner.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Suite
SABI SANDS TO NELSPRUIT (KMIA) TO LIVINGSTONE
The Journey Continues…
Transfer from your lodge in Sabi Sands to Nelspruit Airport (KMIA). Approximate travel time ranges from one hour and 30 minutes to three hours based on the location of your lodge. Delays may occur during the rainy season.
Board a flight in Nelspruit with service to Livingstone. Approximate flight duration is one hour and 55 minutes.
A private transfer between the airport and your accommodation is provided.
Lady Livingstone cruises along the boundary of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, providing guests a chance to appreciate the scenery from one of three decks. Meandering along the river, as the sun dips below the horizon, you will notice a buzz - nature preparing for the close of day. Sip beverages and savor the hot and cold snacks while viewing croc, hippo and an array of birdlife, in addition to animals that come down to the water’s edge to drink. An experienced guide imparts their wealth of knowledge on wildlife and the local history of the area. Upon the conclusion of your cruise you will be transferred back to your accommodation.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Zambezi River Balcony Room
LIVINGSTONE
Just a Walk in the Park
Victoria Falls are a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor who is prepared to brave the tremendous spray with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls. One special vantage point is across the Knife edge bridge, where visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include the Falls bridge and the Lookout Tree which commands a panoramic view across the Main Falls. Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences of the Falls region. Peak flood season is around March and April and the full power of the falls can be experienced in all its glory. On the Zambian side water levels start dropping in September and by the end of Sept early Oct there is next to no water flowing over the edge. Water levels start to rise again in December. The tour of the Falls lasts about 90 minutes.
Sign up for optional activities at your hotel (not included in tour price); helicopter, ultra-light, horseback safari, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, Chobe game park day trip, jet boat, cultural tours, and more.
Enjoy uninterrupted views of an African sunset on the Zambezi River, surrounded by nature at its finest during a private dinner on Royal Livingstone’s jetty. Toast to a great day of adventures and snack on delectable tapas dishes prepared just for you.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Zambezi River Balcony Room
LIVINGSTONE TO CHOBE TO KASANE TO OKAVANGO
A Change of Scenery
A transfer between Livingstone and Chobe is provided. The approximate travel time is two hours.
Board a flight with service from Kasane to Okavango. The duration of your journey will depend on the number of stops along the way.
Please note that strict luggage restrictions apply for this flight. Passengers are allowed 20kg (44lb) of luggage, inclusive of carry-on. Luggage dimensions must not exceed: 30cm (11.8 in) wide, 35 cm (13.8 in) high, and 70 cm (27.5 in) long. Soft baggage is recommended.
Courtesy of its location, Shinde can offer both water and land activities year-round. Motorboats or Mokoro provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta. Game drives are conducted by a personal guide in comfortable, specially designed game drive vehicles. When out on game drives, the window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount. For the more adventurous, guided walks are also available while fishing enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for a variety of species such as tilapia and tigerfish. Shinde’s excellent location in the Okavango Delta ensures a combination of permanent water access for year-round water activities and large dry areas for game drive routes. This blend of environments provides the habitat for a consistently wide variety of wildlife, including the elusive sitatunga antelope and a healthy population of leopards.
Kanana Camp provides you with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Botswana. Spend the night on the camp’s beautiful sleep-out deck, tuning in to the sounds of the bush. Get cozy in your comfortable bed and witness a magnificent sunset and sunrise over the Delta. Out of reach of the wildlife, and with an experienced guide nearby you can sleep soundly, and safely enjoy this ultimate African adventure.
Where you’ll be staying
Tent
OKAVANGO
A Change of Scenery
The Okavango Delta features some of the best game viewing in all of Africa. The best way to experience it is from the comfort of a safari vehicle and in the company of an experience guide, who boasts a wealth of knowledge about this fascinating ecosystem. Early this morning, enjoy an aromatic cup of coffee and a snack before venturing into the bush in pursuit of thrilling wildlife encounters. A vast variety of beasts, both predator and prey, roam this sublime environment. You are bound to come face to face with mammals big and small, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera handy! Don’t forget to also scan the sky and tree branches for the diversity of resident and migratory birdlife. After this thrilling adventure in the bush, return to your lodge just in time for a delicious breakfast.
The Okavango Delta is flooded for much of the year and when it is, you can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow Delta channels. Just sit back and relax as you glide through lily ponds on a local dugout canoe; perhaps, get up close and person with a buffalo as it laps water from the river, watch crocodiles sunbathe on the banks, or cruise past a pod of hippos as they lie in a pool. Fish eagles, frogs and fabulous lilies form much of this experience, but more frequently it is the quietness and gentle pace that makes its greatest impression on you after a mokoro morning.
Where you’ll be staying
Tent
OKAVANGO TO MAUN TO JOHANNESBURG
Bon Voyage
Board a flight with service from Okavango to Maun. The duration of your journey will depend on the number of stops along the way.
Please note that strict luggage restrictions apply for this flight. Passengers are allowed 20kg (44lb) of luggage, inclusive of carry-on. Luggage dimensions must not exceed 30cm (11.8 in) wide, 35 cm (13.8 in) high, and 70 cm (27.5 in) long. Soft baggage is recommended.
Board a flight in Maun with service to Johannesburg. Approximate flight duration is one hour and 35 minutes.
CAPE TOWN
One Kensington
One Kensington is a refined retreat in the heart of Cape Town, offering unmatched privacy and sophistication. Established in 1903, this landmark villa is one of the city’s original guest houses and a treasured piece of its heritage. With timeless charm, the property boasts double-volume ceilings, sweeping staircases, lush, landscaped gardens, and elegant terraces. Featuring ten guest rooms, a suite, and a luxurious penthouse apartment, each space is thoughtfully designed with spacious layouts and a blend of modern comforts and classic elegance. Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast in the charming dining area. Unwind by the serene pool and garden terrace, adorned with stylish sun loungers, romantic umbrellas, and cozy shaded seating. As the evening sets in, relax with a glass of local wine in the chic bar lounge. Perfectly located in one of Cape Town’s most prestigious neighborhoods, One Kensington offers an intimate and memorable experience.
SABI SANDS
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Ranked by National Geographic as one of the “Unique Lodges of the World,” Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge has earned it reputation as a luxury home in the heart of the bush over 35 years of service excellence. The conventional safari style showcases a vibrant and eclectic mix of furnishings and dÉcor garnered from all corners of the African continent. Sensitively designed to allow ample space to relax, unwind and savor the tranquility of the bush, the two swimming pools and large covered viewing decks overhanging the Msuthlu riverbed where guests can spot game while enjoying a delightful refreshment. An exquisitely furnished lounge, atrium and intimate bar area are perfect meeting places for friends old and new. As an extra indulgence, the Amani Spa at Bush Lodge offers the ultimate African Spa experience.
LIVINGSTONE
Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara
Stretching along the banks of the Zambezi River just upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls, the elegant Royal Livingstone Hotel beckons. Located within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Wildlife Park in Zambia, this sanctuary offers a harmonious blend of graceful safari style and timeless elegance, mere steps from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Each en-suite room and suite, adorned with Victorian-style decor and impeccable furnishings, promises a serene retreat with sweeping views of the Zambezi River and savannah from every veranda. Wake up to the once-in-a-lifetime sight of wildlife roaming freely just beyond your window. Surrender to relaxation at the spa, where skilled massage therapists soothe your senses. Indulge in authentic feasts at one of the dining venues, offering local culinary delights and international gastronomy. Engage in travel stories with fellow guests or enjoy an aged whisky at the bar. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by the pristine beauty of the African wilderness. The Royal Livingstone Hotel invites you to experience the majesty of Zambia in unparalleled elegance.
OKAVANGO
Kanana Camp
Located in the private Kanana concession in the south-western Okavango Delta overlooking the Xudum River is relaxed Kanana Camp. The eight deluxe luxury style tents are built on stilts to insure a good view of the floodplains for all guests. The common facilities of the camps are also built up on stilts overlooking these floodplains. There is a sandy fire pit and jetty, and a short walk from there leads you to a lovely swimming pool and deck. Kanana Camp is built among spectacular shade trees of ebony, knob thorn acacia, and the sausage tree. Protected by a mix of jackal berry, acacia and sausage trees, Kanana is surrounded by a necklace of islands dotted with palm, fig, ebony and knobthorns and home to a myriad of birds, plants and animals.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.








