Highlights of Southern Africa
Destination
South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana
Travel Period
January-December
Duration
14 days | 13 nights
- 1 800 414 3090
- info@africansafarico.com
Johannesburg, affectionately referred to by locals as “Jozi” or “Joburg,” is the largest city in South Africa and one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world. Though not traditionally a tourist destination, Johannesburg is a transit point for connecting domestic and international flights and has become a cultural hub, with museums, theaters, art galleries, and libraries. There are opportunities for shopping at upmarket shopping centers like Sandton City, the Mall of Africa, and Nelson Mandela Square and, for souvenirs and African art, at flea markets like Oriental Plaza and the Rosebank Flea Market.
Johannesburg is the home of the Constitutional Court, the highest court in South Africa, and tours to the Apartheid Museum often combine a visit to Constitution Hill. Other attractions include former townships like Alexandra and Soweto where visitors learn about South Africa’s apartheid history. The Mandela Museum, located in the former home of Nelson Mandela, is located in Soweto.
Experience a perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience at Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport. This modern hotel, located in gorgeous Kempton Park, Johannesburg, is an ideal landing point for ambitious business travelers as well as those seeking to explore the wonders of the city. Embark from O.R. Tambo International Airport via the free airport shuttle and arrive at the hotel lobby in minutes. Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport offers one of the premier event facilities in South Africa, with 10 state-of-the-art venues and ample space for conferences, exhibitions, and auto shows.
Rooms and Suites
You can sleep soundly in the aviation-themed guest rooms located near O.R. Tambo International Airport. All guest rooms and suites have marble bathrooms with rain showers and bathroom amenities to suit your needs, and the rooms are fitted with soundproof windows.
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve, named for the Sabie and Sand Rivers which flow through it, is renowned for its wildlife density and predator interactions; seldom will a visitor not see the Big Five. Although it shares a fenceless boundary with Kruger National Park, much of the wildlife in the Sabi Sand stays more or less in the reserve. Over the years, the animals have become used to the presence of safari vehicles, resulting in close encounters, particularly with the elusive leopards.
Roaming packs of African wild dogs, territorial lions, and large herds of elephants are also signature sightings. As well as having a consistently high density of wildlife, the reserve’s conservation ethos keeps vehicle numbers to a minimum at wildlife sightings. This offers a more exclusive safari experience while ensuring the welfare of the habituated animals. Being in the private reserve generally affords more flexibility with opportunities to off-road, enjoy night drives and bush walks, all of which make visiting this area a truly unique experience.
Notten’s Bush Camp is one of the last family run lodge’s in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. As one of the original game lodges in South Africa, Notten’s Bush Camp offers a truly authentic African safari experience. It is a destination that will truly touch your heart and soul. A magical atmosphere is created with the absence of electric lighting; the ambient candlelight and lanterns capturing a warm and enchanting spirit of romance. Splendid panoramic views, Notten’s is the perfect place for peace and relaxation while watching wildlife meander past.
The Rooms
The rooms consist of beautifully appointed suites with open plan bedroom and en-suite bathroom. All suites have both indoor and outdoor shower facilities. All windows and sliding doors are fitted with screens and insect coils are provided. Each suite at Notten’s Bush Camp leads onto a private wooden deck with a beautiful view of the bush. Paraffin lamps and candles replace electric lighting for ambience and all the rooms are cooled with air-conditioning. There are charging points for mobile phones, cameras and electronic equipment. A main line telephone facility is also available.
Safaris are led by experienced and professional rangers in open-top Landcruisers, offering an adventurous discovery of the region’s prolific wildlife, including Big 5 game viewing. Unique walking safaris are offered daily giving guests the opportunity of discovering the hidden treasures of the region. This can be followed by lazy hours spent in the pool or having a massage at the Nature Spa. Under the cloak of nightfall one can enjoy the sounds of the African night, while dining in the candlelit boma beneath a canopy of stars.
Notten’s also plays a large role in conservation of the area and providing employment which adds to the development of the local community.
The town of Victoria Falls lies on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western edge of the falls that it is named after. After David Livingstone set his eyes on the “smoke that thunders” in 1855, the settlement was later developed in 1901 when the possibility of using the waterfall for hydro-electric power was explored, and expanded when the railway from Bulawayo reached the town shortly before the Victoria Falls Bridge was opened in April 1905, connecting Southern Rhodesia (later Rhodesia; now Zimbabwe) to Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia).
Vic Falls, as it is affectionately abbreviated to, is known as the adventure capital of Africa, with any number of outdoor and adventure activities to choose from. As well as world-class white water rafting, there is one of the world’s highest bungee jumps, skydiving, swing slides, helicopter rides and more.
Although the town is small, it has a vibrant feel to it with lots of craft shops, pop up craft breweries and cafes, and relies heavily on tourism.
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight minute walk from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. The friendly and attentive staff of this welcoming hotel makes sure that guests’ visits are perfect in every way.
The award-winning Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel is famous for its delicious gourmet cuisine and attracts guests worldwide. Diners can see the spray and hear the sounds of Victoria Falls, locally known as the “Smoke That Thunders,” while they enjoy the al-fresco dining under the starry African skies that the Palm Restaurant offers. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime.
Standard Room
The Twin Standard Rooms are complete with two comfortable ¾ beds set within an expansive space, and an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower. The Double Standard Rooms are ideal for couples, as they have one cosy king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower.
Located on the Zimbabwean side of the mighty Zambezi River, Ilala Lodge Hotel is geographically the closest hotel to the magnificent Victoria Falls and is easily accessible to the town centre. Explore the lush wilderness surrounding the town on a game drive, surf the rapids on a Zambezi River white-water rafting expedition, bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge, or view the Falls from the exhilarating angle of Devil’s Pools on the edge of the plunging water.
Victoria Falls National Park
Victoria Falls National Park is a tiny piece of protected land surrounding Victoria Falls, one of the world’s three great waterfalls. Situated in western Zimbabwe in the town of Victoria Falls, the views are incredible and you can follow a path right along the edge of the gorge. The mighty Zambezi creates a roar and a huge spray of mist that can be seen from many miles away. The falls are also known as Mosi-oa- Tunya, an incredibly descriptive name that captures the essence of this very special place so well – translating to the “Smoke that Thunders.”
As a result of the spray from the falls, a mini rainforest exists in the surrounding area, creating a wildlife hotspot. Species such as lion and leopard occasionally come through while sightings of elephants are more common. Above the falls, hippo and crocodiles abound, amongst a large array of wildlife – an added bonus to a visit to this World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Ra-Ikane Sunset Cruise
There simply is not a better way to enjoy the dazzling African sunset than from the comfort of a Ra-Ikane boat on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Our ever-popular sunset cruise offers a unique way to explore the channels of the river and to get an up-close view of the pristine wilderness and African game along its banks. Enjoy an array of canapés, a full bar and a charming crew who can impart a bit of interesting Victoria Falls history with you on board the Ra-Ikane.
The Ra-Ikane I, II and III, offer a variety of cruises as well as private charters. Fashioned after David Livingstone’s exploration boat, the Ma-Robert, the Ra-Ikane boats are named after the instrumental guide, Lazarus Ra-Ikane, who accompanied and assisted Livingstone in his monumental discovery of the natural wonder, Victoria Falls. The monohull design of the Ra-Ikane boats enables them to navigate further up the Zambezi River and bring guests closer to the banks in the shallow water and, therefore, closer to all the action! With lots of space on the flat deck and a maximum of 16 passengers, there is plenty of room!
The well-appointed Ra-Ikane fleet was built to ensure that each guest is able to experience the wild beauty of the Zambezi River with ease and style. Our boats take a circular route around the islands to provide guests with a panoramic view of the upper and lower Zambezi River and the wildlife and birdlife it offers. Each Ra-Ikane boat has its own crew, made up of a friendly and knowledgeable captain, guide and waiter to ensure that you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Okavango Delta is the largest intact inland delta in the world, and is exceptionally rich in wildlife. Situated deep within the Kalahari Basin, the Delta is characterized by meandering deep water channels lined with papyrus reeds that open up into larger lagoons and islands; these in turn give way to seasonal floodplains and eventually large tracts of dry land where animals congregate. Fed by the Okavango River and rains from the highlands of Angola, the Delta can vary in size from 15,000 sq km (5,800 sq mi) during drier periods to a staggering 22,000 sq kms (8,500 sq mi) during wetter periods.
The game viewing depends on season, floodwaters and food availability but it is one of the most sought after wilderness destinations in the world. In addition to big game viewing, visitors come to experience the supreme tranquility and serenity of an untouched delta, and scenes of extraordinary natural beauty. It consistently produces very good predator action with considerable herds of ungulates and elephants, as well as a reintroduced (predominantly white) rhino population.
A hidden jewel on the Xudum River, Kanana is located in the southwest of the Okavango Delta. The area encompasses a necklace of islands dotted with palms, figs, ebony and knobthorn, and is home to a myriad of birds, plants and animals. The nature of the habitat means it is the perfect place to experience the diversity of species found within the Okavango Delta.
The annual floods transform parts of this concession into a true water paradise, offering guests the best of both worlds. Due to the camps location guests can experience magnificent game sightings during drives as well as the unique experience of exploring the delta’s beautiful waterways by boat or mokoro. You may actually enjoy the breath-taking spectacle of the water visibly rising around the camp’s raised teak decks. The Sleep Out Deck offers guests the opportunity to spend the night out under the magnificent African night sky.
Guests are accommodated in spacious, twin-bedded safari tents, each with en-suite bathrooms with shower, hot and cold running water and flush toilet. The tents are well spaced, affording privacy whilst remaining within comfortable distance from the main camp area. Double on request.
Situated in the Kanana Concession, the focus of activities at Kanana varies with the rising and falling levels of the Okavango Delta. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, with afternoon game drives often continuing into the evening. When out on game drives the window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount. Alternatively, you may explore the crystal-clear waterways by Mokoro or motorboat, and enjoy the magnificent variety of birds, plant and reptile species found in the area.
Birding is spectacular with Kanana hosting a seasonal heronry that is one of the largest in Southern Africa, a highlight that converts all visitors to avid ‘twitchers’. Guided bush walks are highly recommended as is fishing for tilapia, African pike and sharptooth catfish.
Kanana’s private concession location allows guided walks, Mokoro excursions and night drives in addition to game drives and motor boating. Wildlife is in abundance with frequent predator sightings such as lion, leopard and wilddog all making Kanana their hunting grounds.
Cape Town is a true fan favorite, with its exciting Mediterranean vibe, amazing culinary scene, beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, thriving art community, and successful sports teams – all set to the backdrop of iconic Table Mountain and the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is no wonder it is called The Mother City. This vibrant, trendy city has broad appeal. Local attractions include Table Mountain, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, boutique shops, numerous museums, wineries, and world famous restaurants. For those venturing beyond the city, the Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula are a day trip away.
Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage dates back more than 300 years and its diversity is evident in the city’s architecture, art, and food. It is the second most populous city in South Africa and sits at the southwest tip of Africa.
MORE’s collection of converted heritage townhouses with their entrances onto a cobbled lane adjoining the main hotel, create the feel of a secluded quarter in the suburb. Around the corner, the cafés, wine bars, boutiques and interior design shops of Kloof Street are giving our Gardens neighbourhood a fresh buzz.
More Quarters’ 27 rooms have been individually designed for a chic yet comfortable living space. The look and feel is understatedly polished, with a retro edge, and there is always fresh coffee and flowers, crisp linen, and luxurious bath products.
Luxury Room
Each of the 19 Luxury Rooms are individually decorated and have an en-suite bathroom, lounge and kitchen area. It’s simply impossible to choose a favourite, as each has a character and appeal of its own. Four of these rooms also have a sleeper couch.
From your home for the holiday, it is for you to decide how much or little to do. The MORE Family Concierge team is always available to assist, and the hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the city, surrounding beaches, mountains, and winelands… and to come back to, where you can kick off your shoes and flop on the couch.
Active Peninsula
The Cape Peninsula is a complete contrast to the more cosmopolitan city. With its wild national parks, artistic bohemian seaside villages and working fishing harbours this day will be about embracing the locals and spending as much time out of the vehicle as possible. Our first stop is for Cape Town’s coolest coffee spot at Muizenberg’s Surfers Corner the epicentre of South Africa’s surf culture. We head to Simon’s Town to find our own rogue penguins on a local beach. Snorkel and stand-up paddle in sheltered coves, getting a unique perspective of the penguins (weather permitting).
After visiting Cape Point, we’ll venture deeper into the Peninsula to explore secluded wild beaches, lesser-known coves, rock pools and shipwreck hiking trails away from the tourist crowds. This part of the Table Mountain National Park is home to ostrich, baboons, tortoises and mountain zebra. Our return journey along the Atlantic side is a story of amazing views, hidden local cafes and watering holes full of character. We stop en-route for a sundowner at a local hang-out, wrapping up our day out.
Please note: During your morning brief your guide may advise changing the route of your tour to allow for us to beat any pending crowds into certain areas during peak seasons, so that we can spend maximum time exploring outside the vehicle.
Quirky Cape Town
This is the grittier, real Cape Town. Edgy, artsy and bursting with culinary flavour and creativity. We don’t call Cape Town the ‘Mother City’ just because it is the highlight of SA. When you come into contact with some of our mesmerizing locals who take their skill set to outta-this-world levels of expertise and resourcefulness, you may well come to believe that “mother city” is code for “mother ship”. Our first point is the top of the mountain, the cable car spreading the city out before our eyes as we rise above the rest of the world.
Cape Town’s inner-city streets are a treasure trove of fashion and jewellery boutiques, studios, quirky home décor, atmospheric pubs, craft beers and concept stores. We’ll touch on some of the city’s lesser known historical facts, shipwreck stories and possibly meet a few of the captivating characters behind the roasteries, distilleries and workshops.
Craft beer and gin tasting at a local distillery or brewery, caps a well-rounded day!
Explore The Winelands
We explore one of the most scenically beautiful areas in SA, visiting fascinating towns and taking a look into off-the-beaten- track farms which revel in their old-world roots and influences. Are you super keen on bubbly or have a soft spot for reds and want to sample South Africa’s signature Pinotage? Let Julia know and we’ll pick your tastings accordingly!
Spend time in Stellenbosch, browsing through its wealth of appealing stores and museums and sip local coffee blends in tempting cafes. Your tasting experience will commence at one of the iconic wine estates, let the pairing of wine awaken your senses while enjoying breath-taking mountain ranges and lush gardens. Admire a collection of contemporary art, see the highest-growing vines and, from an elevated point, take in the stunning vistas over an old-world estate.
After lunch, we visit some of the smaller, boutique and family-owned wine estates for a more intimate wine tasting. Discover Franschhoek, established by the French Huguenots in 1688, this town retains its historic charm but has fused it with a contemporary vibe. It boasts gourmet restaurants, appealing boutiques and art galleries.
Let our Africa and Latin America travel experts start putting together the perfect itinerary for your next big adventure! Call or email us to schedule a meeting to discuss your dream safari or tour.
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