Splendors of Southern Africa

Meander down a seemingly endless river canyon during a visit to the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. This awe-inspiring stretch of landscape showcases some of South Africa’s most stunning vistas. The Bourke’s Luck Potholes mark the beginning of the canyon and boast fascinating geological formations at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers.

Continuing to Makalali Game Reserve, we arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. The reserve is located west of the Kruger National Park to offer guests an ethnic-style retreat within 26,000 hectares of bushveld. This afternoon, venture off on a 4×4 game drive through the reserve to view some of the incredible wildlife. As the day concludes, we head back to the lodge to relax and enjoy dinner.

Makalali is a Big Five game area and home to various antelope species such as impala, nyala and kudu, as well as predators like hippo and crocodiles. Its bushland borders the banks of the Nbesi River that are not only wildlife rich, but also support an astounding variety of indigenous flora. Rise early this morning for sunrise 4×4 game drive when the game is most active. Take the rest of the morning for breakfast and lunch to relax at the lodge before another 4×4 game drive late this afternoon.  We return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Embark on a final sunrise 4×4 game drive this morning before we board our flight in Hoedsruit for Johannesburg. On arrival we are met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel for a light lunch. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the hotel amenities.

Spend some time in the vibrant city of Johannesburg. Begin with a visit to the thought-provoking Apartheid Museum and get a glimpse into the history of racial segregation. This fascinating museum is dedicated to recounting the history of the rise and fall of apartheid in 20th-century South Africa. Then, tour the iconic township of Soweto, made famous for its role in the struggle against apartheid, end the day with a visit Nelson Mandela’s former home, now a National Heritage Site and museum.

Following breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. On arrival your Journey Manager takes care of your visa formalities and we are met by our local guide and driver and transfer to our hotel.

This evening, embark on a serene river cruise on the Zambezi River. The immense, calm waters of the Zambezi River lend themselves to leisurely boat cruises amongst the peace and tranquility of the surrounding wilderness. As you peacefully drift along the river, watch the wildlife that congregates along the riverbanks in the coolness of the late day.

Marvel at one of the world’s natural wonders, as we reach Victoria Falls. Shared by two countries, Zimbabwe to the south and Zambia to the north, Victoria Falls is the only waterfall in the world with a length of more than a kilometre and a height of over one hundred metres. Originally called Mosi-oa-Tunya “the smoke that thunders” by the local tribes, the falls were renamed after Queen Victoria by famous explorer David Livingstone in 1855. Following lunch at a nearby restaurant, take to the air with a stunning ‘Flight of the Angels’ over these magnificent, thundering falls followed by a visit to a local craft market to admire the handiwork of local artisans.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or take in the view of Victoria Falls from the hotel property before we enjoy dinner.

Venture out on a wonderful full-day excursion to Botswana’s Chobe National Park, one of the best locations for game viewing. Famed for having the highest concentration of elephants found anywhere in Africa, it is also known for hosting the densest population of game on the continent. Cruise along the Chobe River this morning, and savour a tasty buffet lunch at the Chobe Safari Lodge, which sits idyllically on the riverbank. Then, we venture further into Chobe National Park on a game drive to enjoy the abundance of wildlife.

This morning guests flying home bid “chionekedzo” and make their way to the Victoria Falls airport, to board our flights to Johannesburg and back home.