Essence of Southern Africa

Arrive in Cape Town, where we'll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel, affectionately known by locals and regulars as Mt. Nellie. At the foot of Table Mountain, and within walking distance of Company's Garden, this exquisitely restored colonial hotel was painted its iconic shade of pink in 1918.

This evening, meet your fellow travelling companions and Tour Director at a welcome reception. Stay Three Nights: Cape Town, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

After breakfast, head out to discover the charms of Cape Town. Built by Dutch colonialists from 1666 to 1679, stop at the Castle of Good Hope for a tour of this historic pentagonal fortress, which is the oldest existing building in South Africa. Visit District Six Museum and, through its informative and thought-provoking presentations, learn about the culture and sobering Apartheid-era history of Cape Town and South Africa.

Afterwards, board the aerial cableway to the top of Table Mountain, where panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding landscape await.

Tonight, dine at a local restaurant and savour Cape Town's fabulous cuisine. (B/D)

After breakfast this morning, you will journey along the spectacular coastal Chapman's Peak Drive to Cape Point. En route, take in South African beach scenery, glimpses of quaint villages and stop at the ‘tip' of Africa, Cape Point, before continuing to Simon's Town for lunch. Nearby is Boulders Beach, where you will see a colony of penguins before returning to your hotel. (B/L)

• Perhaps visit Robben Island and learn about the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated from 1964 to 1982, and life on the island. Or discover the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront with a visit to Zeitz MOCAA, the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. Alternatively, take part in a Heritage Tour, where you will discover the colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap.

• Today you'll explore historic Stellenbosch, and admire its beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and colonial history. You will experience the town's storied past, remarkable culture and inspiring artwork on a walking tour, before tasting traditional South African dishes such as savoury Bobotie and sweet Amarula mousse.

Fly to Kruger today and transfer to your private lodge, set on 15,000 hectares within Kruger National Park. Your home for the next three nights will offer ample opportunities to seek out the local inhabitants: some 40 different mammal species, including the Big Five (the lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant and African buffalo), along with over 300 bird species.

This evening, enjoy a round of sundowners as you soak up the magnificent African sunset before a delicious dinner. Stay Three Nights: Kruger National Park, Kapama River Lodge (B/D)

• Rise early for a morning game drive, which presents the perfect opportunity to spot animals roaming in the wild.
• This evening, savour a culturally rich boma dinner under the stars.

This morning, you may like to join your experienced guides for an enthralling bushwalk. Immerse yourself in the wild and unspoiled landscape as you are shown how to look for animal tracks and learn about some of the local fauna used for numerous medicinal purposes. Your day rounds out with another vehicle-based game viewing, with a sundown toast to all that you have seen. (B/L/D)

Today, after a final morning game drive, you will fly to Johannesburg, where you will stay overnight in preparation for our flight to Livingstone in the morning. Stay: Johannesburg, Peermont D'Oreale Grande (B/D)

Fly to Livingstone and enjoy ample time to explore your hotel, with the company of free-roaming zebras. Your hotel boasts direct access to Victoria Falls from dawn till dusk. In the late afternoon, you will embark on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, with sundowners and canapes served against the backdrop of a magnificent African sunset. Stay Three Nights: Royal Livingstone Hotel (B)

Head for a tour of Victoria Falls. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders), Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water, with a total width of over 1700 metres and a drop of 108 metres. Learn about the history of the Falls and some of the significant geological features.

This afternoon, marvel at the spectacular sight of thundering Victoria Falls from a helicopter flight. A delicious dinner is included this evening. (B/D)

• Today presents a variety of exciting activities to choose from. You might like to embark on a Cultural Tour to a local village, followed by a visit to the vibrant Maramba Market. Alternatively, enjoy a game drive in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which runs alongside the Zambezi River. Or tour the Zimbabwean side of the Falls for a different perspective, with an included lunch.

• Step aboard the luxurious Royal Livingstone Express steam train for a five-course gourmet dinner amid breathtaking views of the Falls and surrounding scenery. Once the train reaches the Victoria Falls Bridge, you will be invited to step off the train to watch as the sun sets behind the Falls.

After breakfast, your southern Africa journey comes to an end. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home. (B)