Victoria Falls, Cape Town and Botswana Safari

Cape Town sits in the shadow of imposing Table Mountain and has a distinctly fresh, cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it an excellent place to begin our African expedition. As you arrive today, venture into the city to our hotel, where you can enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers. This evening, you are free to settle into your new surroundings and begin exploring the city's eclectic blend of modern and traditional offerings. Whether you wander along the harbor or explore the V & A Waterfront's exceptional dining and shopping selection, your first night here will leave an impression.

Overnight Cape Town.

Discover the commercial, historical, and natural sides of Cape Town as we explore its sites on a guided tour. Your guide points out landmarks as we venture through the city, allowing you to soak in all the beauty of the "Mother City." In addition to exploring on the ground, we are also treated to outstanding views over the city and the surrounding ocean from the Table Mountain Cable Car. The ride to the top is done over five minutes in a rotating car, so none of the scenery goes unseen.

The rest of the day is free to explore at your pace. Downtown Cape Town is a cultural epicenter, with art galleries, bars, restaurants, and museums showcasing local flavors. Several sandy beaches are located within minutes of downtown, and in the surrounding countryside, verdant vineyards produce delicious wine varietals. Regardless of where your interests lie, there is something for you in Africa's southwest tip,

Overnight Cape Town.

• Breakfast

Breathtaking coastal scenery lies ahead as we enter the Cape Peninsula today. We venture into the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and set out onto one of the world's most scenic roadways: Chapman's Peak Drive. This 5 1/2-mile byway is perched upon the mountainside and overlooks the tumultuous Atlantic below. Though short in length, the road includes an impressive 114 curves and some of the best views in South Africa. The journey continues south to Cape Point from here, and on arrival, we join the Flying Dutchman Funicular Railway for a scenic ride up the mountainside. The train climbs through the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site and dense green scenery to the upper lighthouse. Views over the Western Cape and the surrounding ocean abound from the viewing area at the top.

The day's final stop introduces us to some of Cape Town's cutest residents, penguins, at Boulders Beach. Thousands of African Penguins call this white-sand beach home, and visiting allows you to experience them up close. Look over the glistening water to spot them as they swim, and admire their waddles as they return to the beach after swimming.

Overnight Cape Town.

• Breakfast

A deluxe motorcoach picks us up from our hotel this morning so we can begin our journey toward the colorful, scenic Garden Route. This byway meanders along the southernmost tip of Africa to Port Elizabeth (now called Gqeberha) to unveil lush green landscapes and some of the world's best ocean views. Our route today just knicks at the surface of the beauty as we depart Cape Town, venturing along Table Bay with views of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and Devil's Peak in the backdrop.

Our first stop is Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World. While in this town, located halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, we visit a local ostrich farm to tour its grounds and learn how vital the giant birds are in the South African economy. We are treated to a barbecue lunch before hitting the road for Knysna on the sparkling Paradise Coast. The stretch of road we follow takes us along the Outeniqua Pass, with turquoise waters on one side and endless mountain views on the other.

Overnight Knysna.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Marvel at the contrasts of vibrantly hued waters and sandstone "Heads" as we cruise Knysna Lagoon. This calm haven is protected from the wild Atlantic by these heads, which flank the narrow channel and provide a dramatic element to the scenery. Watch for marine life and seabirds as we approach Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Head of Knysna. We disembark here for a nature walk through the coastal forests and native fynbos. Our specialist guide introduces us to the indigenous flora and fauna and tells us about the reserve's history as we explore. A picnic lunch under the canopy of the beautiful Milkwood trees is the perfect way to wrap up this outing. We are returned to Knysna and have the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy its allures. A stroll along the Kynsna Waterfront immerses you in the local culture, with boutique shops and restaurants built around the harbor.

Overnight Knysna.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Another day of awe-inspiring scenery is on the itinerary as we traverse the final miles of the Garden Route. Watch waves crash against the precipitous cliffs from the meandering course and look upon emerald mountains. En route, we pause at Plettenberg Bay, called Plett by the South Africans who vacation here. This town has sprawling sandy beaches and crystalline waters and offers access to stunning nature reserves and inland vineyards. We venture to one of these vineyards to taste local wines as we arrive. Because of the idyllic year-round climate and the rich soil, this region is ideal for developing varietals like Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and South Africa's own bubbly.

After skirting the byway's scenic bays and beautiful expanses, we arrive in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in time for lunch at a local restaurant. Join the group in transferring to the local airport following our meal to board an international flight to Durban on the Indian Coast.

Overnight Durban.

• Breakfast, Lunch

One of the pinnacles of our journey comes today as we begin our journey to Pretoria aboard the Pride of Africa. This train is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious trains in the world, with its gleaming 1920s Pullman carriages, rich teak wood accents, and opulent interiors that recall the heyday of railway travel. Step aboard surrounded by this luxury, and make your way to your private suite to get settled in as the train sets underway on its route through South Africa. Enjoy your first lunch in the train's Dining Car, where crisp, white tablecloths and fine china add a touch of elegance to your dining experience. We pause our journey in Lidgetton this afternoon to visit the famous Ardmore Ceramics Gallery. This high-end brand is inspired by the land and animals that call the continent home, and as such, many of the pieces reflect the beauty of Africa. Return to the train for an evening of diverse scenery and beautiful landscapes.

Overnight train.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We disembark the train in Estcourt this morning and drive to Spion Kop Lodge, where history and wilderness are within reach. You have the choice of two excursions here. Your first choice takes you on an escorted tour of the surrounding battlefields, where British and Boer Forces from 1899 to 1902. The guide introduces battle sites and burial grounds and tells the stories of the troops and the war itself. Alternatively, you can set out into the Spioenkop Reserve on a game drive. Its 11,000 acres are filled with giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, warthogs, antelope, and many bird species.

Once your chosen excursion concludes, rejoin your fellow travelers, and together, we head to Nambiti Reserve, a private retreat where Africa's "Big Five" roam amongst 23,000 acres of land. You have a chance to see some, or all if you are lucky, of the animals as we roam through the savannah and grasslands on a game drive. We return to the train this evening to continue our rail journey.

Overnight train.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gaze upon the changing scenery from the Lounge Car or Observation Car's open-air balcony as we continue our route toward Pretoria on the Pride of Africa. The Expansive Highveld Glasslands on the inland plateau provides incredible vistas. We arrive in Pretoria, the seat of South Africa's government and one of South Africa's three capital cities, later today. As the train stations at the Rovos Rail Station, we are greeted by a coach that transfers us to our hotel in the city center.

Overnight Pretoria.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Our day begins with a transfer to Johannesburg, with the course unveiling the urban side of Africa. See cities and suburbs - a stark contrast to the wild panoramas of the last few days - as we venture toward the town. On arrival, we board a short flight to Kasane in the Chobe District of Botswana. Botsawnwa is a first-class safari destination and a stunning haven of natural landscapes and abundant wildlife. We transfer to our resort on the banks of the Chobe River and have the afternoon to enjoy the serene surroundings. This establishment is near Chobe National Park and Chobe Game Reserve and offers tranquil grassland and water views.

Later in the day, we embark on a sunset cruise on the mighty Chobe River. This time of day is magical here not only for the glowing light and showy skies but also because sunset is when many of the park's animals make their way to the water. Watch for elephants, zebras, hippos, and birds like yellow-billed storks and giant kingfishers during the gentle voyage.

Overnight Kasane.

• Breakfast

Enjoy another chance to see Africa's most impressive creatures on a morning game drive in Chobe National Park. This park is lovingly called the "Land of Giants," as it is home to the largest population of elephants in Africa. We are boarded into special safari vehicles to explore the park's incredible terrain and magnificent animals. Enjoy views of the Chobe riverfront, and the animals that explore it, in the Serondala area and chances to spot big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards in the Savuti Marsh. Our route provides a front-row seat to animals in their natural surroundings. It is often possible to spot a lion lounging in the shade, herds of buffalo crossing the plains, and elephants bathing in the river. We return to our resort after the excursion with the remainder of the day to relax surrounded by nature.

Overnight Kasane.

• Breakfast

Leaving the wild surroundings of Chobe National Park behind, we cross the border into Zimbabwe today. Our home for the next two nights is a beautiful lodge alongside the Zambezi River, just beyond the iconic Victoria Falls. The property is as comfortable as it is scenic, with beautiful gardens and native trees lining the riverfront. Enjoy some time to settle in here, and then this evening, we join a boat on the Zambezi River for an atmospheric sunset cruise. The glowing, sherbet-colored sky reflects off the water, allowing you to experience an incomparable African sunset. Before the sun sinks below the horizon, watch birds flock to their nighttime homes and animals dip their heads into the water for a drink. You may even spot a crocodile gliding through the water if you are lucky.

Overnight Victoria Falls.

• Breakfast

One of the world's most extraordinary curtains of falling water and a sight that can be spotted from miles away thanks to its iridescent mist, breathtaking Victoria Falls awaits our exploration today. This natural attraction is called "Mosi-oa-Tunya," the smoke that thunders, by the local Kololo tribe, and as we visit today, you will see why. Experience the deep sound of water plunging dramatically over the wide basalt cliff, and feel the fine mist that clings to the air as a result. All around the falls, verdant forests and craggy basalt cliffs combine with the powerful falls to create something truly extraordinary.

We celebrate our unforgettable journey this evening with a traditional Boma dinner. This lively outdoor meal holds a special place in African bush culture and will in your heart, as well. Savor regional African cuisine while listening to drumming and music and watching dance performances.

Overnight Victoria Falls.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Two weeks of wildlife spotting and travel through the constantly changing terrain of Africa has opened your eyes to some of the world's most incredible sights, yet all good things must come to an end. Your journey concludes this morning where you are free to make your way to the airport for your onward journey.

• Breakfast