South Africa & Victoria Falls - A Luxury Small Group Journey (2023)

Arrive in Cape Town, a breathtaking harbor city where old and new converge in history, architecture, cultural pursuits and the essence of its people, all overlooked by towering, flat-topped Table Mountain, set on a peninsula of rocky heights and lush valleys. An A&K representative transfers you to your luxurious hotel, ideally located on the waterfront in the heart of the city.

One&Only Cape Town

Today, ascend Table Mountain via cable car, as you Ride Like a Local to take in an inspiring panorama of the city. Proceed to the colourful and distinctive neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap for a walking tour. Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, its origins date to 1760, when rental houses were built and leased to slaves brought from Malaysia. After lunch, discover the Castle of Good Hope; built by the Dutch East India Company and completed in 1679, it is the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa. Learn its history and also view St. George’s Cathedral, the Parliament building and the Company Gardens. Continue to the District Six Museum, which chronicles Cape Town’s apartheid past in a poignant yet ultimately uplifting way. This frames a discussion of the newest chapter in South Africa: freedom and democracy, as you receive an overview of key historical role players, including Nelson Mandela. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.

One&Only Cape Town | Meals: BLD

Discover Cape Point, the scenic promontory at the southwestern tip of the continent. Journey past the “bikini beaches” at the base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, along bucolic Hout Bay with its bustling fishing harbor and over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Explore the stunning Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to rare bonteboks and chacma baboons. Ride the “Flying Dutchman” funicular to the great pinnacle at blustery Cape Point, which presides over treacherous reefs and sandy beaches. At Boulders Beach, visit its colony of endangered African penguins; accustomed to humans, they provide endless photo opportunities. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps exploring the city’s harbor front or dining in one of Cape Town’s world-class restaurants.

One&Only Cape Town | Meals: BL

Fly to a privately owned, wildlife-rich game reserve in renowned Sabi Sand, bordering Kruger National Park, an area offering the very finest game-viewing safari experience. This afternoon, once you are settled into your elegant accommodations, set off in search of the Big Five — elephants, lions, rhinos, Cape buffalo and leopards — and other wildlife. To enhance your game-viewing experience, each game drive is led by two safari professionals: a driver guide, trained to safely manoeuvre you up close to South Africa’s iconic wild residents as well as brief you on any given species’ characteristics, and a tracker, an expert at identifying animals, who follows their signs and predicts where they are likely to be found.

Lion Sands River Lodge | Meals: BLD

Begin two days of immersion in your private game reserve, embarking on game drives in open safari vehicles for optimal viewing and exploring on early morning game walks with your ranger. One morning here, enjoy a bush breakfast, prepared fresh in the midst of the wilderness. This region of Africa is noted for its high density of wildlife, which often appear just steps in front of you. As you explore, learn about the flora and fauna as well as basic tracking skills. In between safari activities, participate in an A&K Chef ’s Table culinary experience, preparing a traditional South African dish. At dusk, stop for a Scenic Sundowner, and then search for nocturnal animals. Return to your lodge for dinner.

Lion Sands River Lodge | Meals: BLD

Today, fly to Livingstone, Zambia, and then transfer to your hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Once you’re settled in, set out on a guided walking tour of breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, and explore the surrounding rainforest. See rainbows and clouds of spray as the mile-wide Upper Zambezi plummets into the Lower Zambezi. Tonight, before dinner, enjoy hearing from a special guest speaker who shares tales of celebrated explorer David Livingstone — an A&K-exclusive experience.

Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel | Meals: BD

Cruise the Zambezi, viewing hippos and elephants on shore. Disembark for an interactive animal adventure, when you visit an elephant sanctuary near Victoria falls to meet the gentle giants living there. View the elephants up close in the bush, and watch them eat and socialize, during an unforgettable hands-on encounter led by a naturalist. Afterward, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

• Learn About Traditional Zimbabwean Cuisine and enjoy a cooking demonstration at a local restaurant.
• Privately Tour the Ndau Collection Studio to meet the artisans who design their opulent jewellery.
• Privately Bike the Area, cycling the town of Victoria Falls and stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.

Return to the hotel for some time at leisure. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner.

Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel | Meals: BLD

Fly to Johannesburg, where you enjoy access to the Premier Lounge before boarding your flight home.

Meals: B

Internal air included: Cape Town/Kruger/Livingstone; Victoria Falls/Johannesburg
Minimum age is 10 years.
Each guest on this journey will receive an A&K Safari Duffel.
First group event: welcome briefing at 8:00 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: airport arrival at 3:30 p.m. on Day 9.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.

Please note: Table Mountain may be unavailable due to weather conditions or cableway maintenance. In such an instance, alternative sightseeing will be provided.

Please note: Proof of COVID-19 full vaccination is required for this program.

Included with every Luxury Small Group Journey

• English-Speaking Resident Tour Director and Local Guides
• Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations
• Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
• Travelling Bell Boy Luggage Handling
• Breakfast in Bed on Select Days
• Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
• Your Choice of Activity on Design Your Day
• Traveller’s Valet Laundry Service
• Internet Access
• Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
• Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.