Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive in Johannesburg

On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport a representative will meet you, hand over your documents and then it's on to the hotel.

The transfer time is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Please NOTE that South Africa immigrations require you to have two completely blank visa pages in your passport per entry; without this you will be denied entry.

Please note that check in at the hotel is 14h00, an early check in has been requested but cannot be guaranteed, thus please store your luggage with the concierge until your room becomes available.

Located only 45 minutes from the bustling city of Johannesburg in the peaceful valley of Sterkfontein, South Africa, lies the Cradle of Humankind, home to the five star Forum Homini. The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage site and the world's richest hominid site.

The twelve luxury suites at Forum Homini are partly submerged by veld grass roots forming part of the view of the rolling landscapes. These rooms are like luxurious caves with shutter concrete roofs that open up onto the view beyond. These suites included handmade stalactite lights, magnificent fireplaces, a luxury king size bed, large oval baths and open air showers.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Forum Homini

DAY 2

Arrive in Livingstone

Please meet the representative in the reception area of the hotel for your transfer to OR Tambo International.

Depart Johannesburg on a scheduled flight to Livingstone. As you will be entering Zambia, a single entry visa will be required and is obtainable at the point of entry at a cost of  US $50 per person, payable in cash. The visa fee is subject to change at the discretion of the Zambian Government.

On arrival at Livingstone Airport a lodge representative will meet and transfer you to the lodge. The transfer time is approximately 25 minutes.

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma Camp is named after David Livingstone's faithful companions and consists of an intimate lodge and two exclusive houses, both of which are situated to make the most of the amazing views that the sweeping Zambezi River provides.

Guest accommodation consists of twelve luxury tree houses and two two-bedroomed houses, built into the canopy of majestic ebony trees, which shelter a stunning variety of bird life. Each unit has a private view of the Zambezi and is en suite with air conditioning, mini bar, mosquito nets, overhead fan and hairdryer.

The central lodge building features a raised bar/lounge deck, open air dining area, curio shop, swimming pool and a spa which provide incredible views of the mighty Zambezi. Meals are table d'hote with a wide variety of dishes available, served alfresco, often around a roaring fire in the evening.

Activities offered at the lodge include, game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where guests can see a variety of game, including white rhino, elephant, buffalo and giraffe. Tours of the incredible Victoria Falls, a World Heritage Site, are a must as they give guests an opportunity to experience one of the  seven great natural wonders of the world.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the activity on offer.

Overnight: Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma - Tree house

Meal Plan: B,L,D

DAY 3

Botswana’s wilderness - Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

Time permitting the morning is at leisure to enjoy an activity on offer. After breakfast a lodge representative will transfer you to Livingstone Airport. The transfer time will be advised to you locally.

Please note that there is a luggage restriction of 20kg per person including hand luggage and all camera equipment on all the inter-camp flights within Botswana. Should you have excess luggage there is a luggage storage facility at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Please settle all storage costs directly.

Depart Livingstone on a Mack Air shared light aircraft charter flight to Kasane Airport.  The flying time to Kasane is approximately 25 minutes.

Deep in the heart of the Botswana wilderness lies   Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, one of the most enchanting places on earth.

Relax in luxurious thatched cottages, with modern freestanding baths, indoor and outdoor showers, terrace and private garden with hammock overlooking the magnificent Chobe River. Enjoy thrilling guided game drives in open-sided 4X4 vehicles that bring you to the heart of Africa's largest concentration of elephants, as well as hippos, buffalos, puku, antelope, lions and other creatures that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. Or join one of the acclaimed guides on a wondrous water safari on specially adapted motorboats.

Accommodation is in 15 bungalows, 6 king and 9 twin. Each bungalow measures 61 square metres and has its own en suite bathroom with a modern bath, indoor and outdoor showers, private garden with hammock, "sala" or private balcony, mosquito nets, ceiling fans, air-conditioning, hairdryer, minibar as well as an in-room safe.

The main public area includes a lounge and dining room, which are linked to outdoor viewing patios. The wine cellar is temperature controlled and houses a large variety of the finest South African and European wines. The new Spa has opened and offers a range of spa and hydrotherapy treatments from both the Thalgo and Africology ranges. The lodge also boasts a split-level swimming pool, library, curio shop and a communications centre, which offers telephone, fax and internet access.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer.

Overnight: Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

Meal Plan: B,L,D

DAY 4

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

The day is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer.

Overnight: Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

Meal Plan: B,L,D

DAY 5

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero to Sanctuary Baines' Camp

The morning is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer.  After breakfast a lodge representative will transfer you to Kasane Airport. The transfer time will be advised to you locally by the lodge management.

Depart Kasane on a Mack Air shared light aircraft charter flight to Sanctuary Baines' Camp. The flying time to Sanctuary Baines' Camp is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Kindly note, however, that all inter-camp flights are subject to multiple pickups and drop offs en route to your destination which could affect the flying time. On arrival at the airstrip a camp representative will transfer you to the camp. The transfer time is approximately 45 minutes.

Sanctuary Baines' Camp is located on the Boro River, set amongst the shady trees and water of the Okavango Delta, on a 260,000 acre private concession neighbouring the Moremi Game Reserve. The camp, named after the famous 19th century explorer Thomas Baines, features five luxurious suites set on elevated platforms in the tree line with wooden decks that offer expansive views over the permanent water of the river and a lagoon teaming with life.

The elevated suites feature a luxury bedroom, en suite facilities and private viewing deck. The four-poster beds are fully mobile, giving guests the choice of slumber under star laden skies. Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe as well as a personally stocked minibar. Avid astronomers will delight in stargazing from the privacy of their own deck.

The main area features an oversized deck for outdoor dining and views over the permanent water of the lagoon. There is a rim flow swimming pool with two thatched salas on either side for refreshing sunbathing. The camp offers informative walking safaris with an armed professional guide, wonderful game drives in open-sided 4X4 vehicles as well as motorised boat and mokoro excursions, subject to water levels.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer.

Overnight: Sanctuary Baines Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

DAY 6

Sanctuary Baines Camp

This morning you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with three semi- habituated elephants, Jabu, Thembi and Morula on a morning walk.

Observe them up close in their natural environment as they feed, take mud baths and swim, whilst learning about them and discovering their unique personalities.

You are invited to discover the elephants from the ends of their bristled tails to the tip of their powerful yet sensitive trunks. Explore the astonishing kinship between the elephants and their guardians.

A delicate blink of Morula's long lashed reveals her sensitive yet powerful personality. Jabu, takes you trunk in hand, with his bold and generous nature and together you slowly uncover the age old secrets of Africa's Elephants. Tembi, cute boisterous and impossible to ignore, infatuates you and transforms your understanding of elephants to a deeper and more personal level.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer.

Overnight: Sanctuary Baines Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

DAY 7

Sanctuary Baines; Camp and Sanctuary Chie;s Camp 

The morning is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer. After breakfast a camp representative will transfer you to the airstrip. The transfer time will be advised to you locally by the camp management.

Depart Sanctuary Baines' Camp on a Mack Air shared light aircraft charter flight to Sanctuary Chief's Camp.  The flying time to  Sanctuary Chief's Camp is approximately 15 minutes.

Kindly note, however, that all inter-camp flights are subject to multiple pickups and drop offs en route to your destination which could affect the flying time.

On arrival at the airstrip a camp representative will meet and transfer you to the camp. The transfer time is approximately 10 minutes. Sanctuary Chief's Camp is a luxury bush lodge situated on Chief's Island in the exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve. This region is known as the "predator capital" of Africa and is considered to have the finest game viewing in Southern Africa including the Big Five.

 Guest accommodation comprises of twelve secluded, permanent luxury bush pavilions. Each unit features a thatched roof, spacious seating area, en suite facilities with indoor and outdoor shower as well as a private game viewing deck with hammock and deck chairs. Each unit boasts a generous mosquito net on a four-poster bed, two wardrobes, a book shelf, writing desk and mini bar. The main lodge complex houses the dining area, bar, curio shop, library and reception area. This structure has been built into the existing landscape, under a heavy canopy of mature Jackal berry, Sausage and Rain trees.

The main deck area is split-level and offers expansive views over the floodplain while the lower level of the deck houses an exquisite swimming pool. A range of spa treatments are offered in the treatment room.

Activities include game drives and seasonal mokoro excursions subject to water levels.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer.

Overnight: Sanctuary Chief's Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

DAY 8

Sanctuary Chiefs Camp

The day is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer.

Overnight: Sanctuary Chief's Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

DAY 9

Sanctuary Chiefs Camp

The day is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer.

Overnight: Sanctuary Chief's Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

DAY 10

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp to Cape Town

The morning is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer. After breakfast a camp representative will transfer you to the airstrip. The transfer time will be advised to you locally by the camp management.

Depart Sanctuary Chief's Camp on a Mack Air shared light aircraft charter flight to Maun Airport. The flying time to Maun is approximately 25 minutes.

Kindly note, however, that all inter-camp flights are subject to multiple pick ups and drop offs en route to your destination which could affect the flying time.

Depart Maun on a scheduled flight to Johannesburg.

On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport a representative will meet and assist you to your onward flight to Cape Town.

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport a representative will meet and transfer you to your hotel. This transfer time is approximately 25 minutes.

With its classically inspired exterior and gracefully elegant interior, Cape Grace is set on its own private quay on Cape Town's vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Cape Grace's charm lies in its intimate atmosphere, stylish décor and unique personalised hospitality.

Double-glazed French doors in all guest rooms open to beautiful views of the international yacht marina, Table Mountain or Waterfront harbour. Elegant in style and generous in size, the overall tone is warm and inviting, with care and consideration given to making guest rooms as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

Dine in the comfort of the hotel's award-winning restaurant overlooking the harbour and Signal Hill, savour a single malt from Bascule Bar's whisky collection (the largest in the southern hemisphere) or indulge in an African-influenced treatment in The Spa on the top floor. Treat yourself to a lazy day around the outdoor heated pool. Soak up Africa's warm sun, surrounded by trellised gardens and a private terrace.

The evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Cape Grace Hotel

Meal Plan: B

DAY 11

Cape Town City Tour

Please meet your representative in the reception area of the hotel from where you depart on a morning tour of Cape Town City.

You will be driven through the Cape Town suburb of Tamboerskloof ("Drummers' Ravine") to the lower cable car station on the slopes of Table Mountain. Weather permitting you will make the short and comfortable ascent to the top of the mountain by cable car. The panoramic view of the sea and city from the summit is magnificent.

Then you begin our tour of historic Cape Town. After the excitement of "summiting" Table Mountain, you may need some refreshments, so our first stop will be the Bo Kaap area for an exclusive, traditional Cape Malay tea experience. Our host will tell you about her life growing up in the charming Bo Kaap where bulbous minarets rise up above buildings festooned with cast-iron adornments from another age and cobble stoned streets lead into cosy squares.

  You will then take an easy walk through the tranquil Company Gardens (the remnants of the Dutch East India Company's fruit and vegetable gardens) with notable important buildings including the Houses of Parliament, the Tuynhuis ("Townhouse" or Cape Town's "White House"), National Art Gallery and National Library. From here we make our way to the Castle of Good Hope. Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort, built in 1652 by Commander Jan van Riebeeck, founder of the maritime replenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope. The Castle Military Museum depicts the military history of the Cape, the Castle and Cape Regiments. Also worth a visit is the William Fehr collection consisting of artwork reflecting many aspects of cultural life at the Cape from the early VOC days until the middle of the 19th century.

End your tour visiting the notorious dungeon. As a result of rising damp, the dungeon was not fit to store gun powder as intended and was later used as a prison for the accused awaiting trial.

The tour will end at the hotel or at the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, built around the old harbour. A hugely popular destination with tourists and locals alike (80% of visitors are from Cape Town itself) the Waterfront is unique in terms of being a working harbour while still boasting a varied selection of eclectic shops, restaurants and tourist attractions from scenic helicopter rides to boat cruises.

The remainder of the day is at leisure

Overnight: Cape  Grace Hotel

Meal Plan: B

DAY 12

Cape Point Tour

Please meet your representative in the reception area of the hotel and depart on a full day tour to Cape Point.

Hugging the Atlantic coast road we journey past the "bikini beaches" of Clifton and Camps Bay, beautifully located at the base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountains. We travel over the Suikerbossie ("Sugar Bush") Pass and descend into the bucolic Hout Bay valley, with its bustling fishing harbour and white sand beach.

From here we travel over the famous Chapman's Peak Drive (subject to road conditions) to join the sea again at the town of Noordhoek. This historic road, high on the mountainside overlooking the sea, was once considered "impossible to build", but Charl Marais (mining surveyor) rose to the challenge and made it happen at an estimated cost of £20 000 using 700 convict labourers. 

Our journey continues to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve at the end of the Cape Peninsula. The reserve, which covers 22000 acres of land, converges in the south at Cape Point, a great pinnacle of rock. You can climb the steps or ride a funicular railway - the "Flying Dutchman" - to the top from where you MAY see Southern Right whales in spring and early summer, dolphins and a variety of seabirds. The original lighthouse at Cape Point was built in 1860. The present lighthouse, one of the most powerful in the southern hemisphere, is closer to the point itself than the original.

We travel back through the reserve looking out for some of the animals that live here, including the rare Bontebok, Eland and Cape Mountain Zebra.

En route to lunch we visit Boulders, a lovely beach sheltered from the wind and famous for its colony of endangered Jackass Penguins on the coast of False Bay near Simon's Town. Boulders, had just two breeding pairs in 1982 but thanks to careful management the population has grown to about 3000 in recent years. This is a rare and rewarding experience.

Pass through Simon's Town, which was the Royal Navy's main base in the south Atlantic from 1815 until 1957 and has the feel of a small English seaside village with steep narrow streets and cobbled alleyways. You will learn about the famous hound called "Just Nuisance", the most renowned animal in the annals of the Royal Navy.

Continue to Kalk Bay a quaint fishing hamlet on the False Bay coast with a protected little harbour of brightly painted wooden boats. At around 1pm  the fishermen offload their catch and it is possible to buy your supper straight from the boat.

Travel back towards Cape Town passing through the attractive, upmarket suburb of Constantia, the cradle of the South African wine industry boasting famous estates like Klein Constantia. At Kirstenbosch the world-renowned National Botanical Garden, recently voted one of the Top Ten gardens in the World by the curators of Kew Gardens in London, a private, local guide ensures that you learn about some of the more fascinating aspects of the gardens and get as much as possible out of the visit. We return to the hotel passing interesting sites such as the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial and Mostert's Mill, a Dutch windmill dating back to 1797.

The evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Cape Grace Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L

DAY 13

Cape Town

The day is at leisure.

Overnight: Cape Grace Hotel

Meal Plan: B

DAY 14

Gourmet Tour of the Winelands

Please meet your representative in the reception area of the hotel from where you will depart on a full day gourmet tour of the Winelands.

The Western Cape is blessed with a climate, which enables world-class wines to be made here in the midst of scenery - and on historic estates - which even jaded eyes agree are breathtakingly beautiful.

The region is also an epicurean's dream with a host of top quality restaurants ready and able to seduce the palate with a myriad of taste sensations, which are both internationally classic and yet uniquely local. On this exclusive gourmet experience you will sample some of the award winning wines - and tastes - of the Western Cape.

Depart the hotel - and travel along the N1 National Highway to Anura Estate. Anura is situated in the foothills of the Simonsberg mountain range. Here you will be able to sample their wines - and award-winning hand crafted Forest Hill cheeses.

Continue on to Waterford Wine Estate via the picturesque historic town of Stellenbosch - the second oldest town in South Africa - and also known as the “town of oaks”. When you arrive at Waterford Wine Estate, you will have the opportunity to sample their award winning wines complimented by a chocolate tasting.

After the wine and chocolate tasting you will enjoy lunch on the Kleine Zalze Estate at the Cape Winelands restaurant Terroir, which scooped the year's most prestigious accolade on the gastronomic calendar. The Provencal-inspired chalkboard menu is dictated to seasonal, fresh and organic produce from the region accompanied by wines from the area.

Once you have relaxed after lunch, continue to Somerset West, which lies in the valley beneath the Hottentot's Holland Mountains. Visit Morgenster Estate for a wine, olive and olive oil tasting. Morgenster produces an extra virgin olive oil, which has been judged the best in the world at a prestigious competition in Italy. The wines are also top ranking.

After this day of gourmet experiences, return to your hotel in the late afternoon and the evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Cape Grace Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L

DAY 15

Depart  Cape Town

Please meet your representative in the reception area of the hotel for your transfer to Cape Town International Airport.

Depart Cape Town on an outbound flight.

Meal Plan: B