With landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on earth, African safaris provide spectacularly memorable experiences to share with your family. On this premier two-week Southern Africa adventure, Wilderness Safaris takes you more than 1,200 miles, across three nations for a variety of all-ages excursions that showcase the wonders and delights of the African continent.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
Cape Town has a setting of astonishing drama and beauty, sandwiched as it is between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening waters of Table Bay. This cosmopolitan city boasts rich culture, a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene and stunning architecture. It also has an exquisite and easily accessible hinterland with some of the world’s most attractive vineyards. After arriving at the Cape Town International Airport, transfer to the Cape Grace Hotel nestled on a private quay in Cape Town’s bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
On day two, travel south from Cape Town to towering Chapman’s Peak, the mountain on the west coast of the peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Depending on the season, as you take scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive, you can catch a glimpse of whales off the Cape’s longest beach. Later, go on your first chosen excursion: either a 45-minute cruise on Hout Bay to Duiker Island, home to thousands of Cape fur seals and marine birds, or paddle a kayak to the quaint cove of Boulders Beach for a surfside view of the unique African penguin colony. Afterward stop for lunch at a coastal restaurant and enjoy the magical vistas of False Bay.
Family-friendly activities abound here. Children can hunt for tumble-polished gemstones, like tiger’s eye, rose quartz, crystals and amethysts, at Scratch Patch and Mineral World; view more than 40 reptile species at the Imhoff Snake & Reptile Rehabilitation Park; or experience the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary, Africa’s largest bird park, with more than 3,000 species of birds and small animals.
On day three, depart Cape Town for the winelands in the nearby Boland Mountains for a leisurely exploration of historic towns and tastings of world-renowned reds, whites and sparkling wines. Choose which estates to visit according to your preferences. Those traveling with children will be happy to know that some estates offer child-friendly activities including Blaauwklippen, which has a collection of historic carriages; Spice Route, which houses a glass-blowing studio and animal petting farm; and Fairview, whose goats provide endless amusement and great cheeses.
Stop for lunch at one of the many classic restaurants in the area before a final wine tasting. On your way home, visit Eagle Encounters at Spier Estate, a bird of prey rehabilitation and conservation center, with a rare opportunity to photograph some of Africa’s largest raptors at close quarters.
Spend your last day in Cape Town relaxing. Read a book next to the open fireplace in the Cape Grace library, take a swim in the heated pool or enjoy a day at the comprehensive spa on the property. Or explore the surrounding area on your own and use Mr. Harper’s Cape Town suggestions as a guide.
Depart Cape Grace Hotel and take your private transfer to Cape Town International Airport. From there, fly north to the floodplains of Botswana. Upon landing at Maun Airport, transfer by air to Vumbura and settle in to Vumbura Plains Camp, in the northern Okavango Delta.
Spend the next four days in the middle of the largest expanse of sand on earth that is Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most amazing, sensitive and complex environments supporting a spectacle of wilderness and wildlife.
Highlights at Vumbura Plains Camp include game viewing, birding and fishing. View the elusive Sitatunga antelope, which has found refuge in this pristine wetland ecosystem, or see the spectacular display of the African fish eagle, Pel's fishing owl and many others.
Depart from the Vumbura Airstrip and take a short 25-minute flight to the Chobe Airstrip. From there, transfer to the lush woodlands of the private game reserves in the Linyanti Concession.
The Kwando-Linyanti river system is home to a series of private game reserves, known for their exotic animal species and luxury safari options. An abundance of wildlife roams freely between the woodland habitats, ancient floodplains and forests that make up these lush, unfenced reserves. The big game in this area increases dramatically during the dry season when the area hosts large herds of impala, blue wildebeest, giraffe and buffalo as well as the world’s highest density of elephant. Big cat sightings are frequent, and night drives reveal fascinating nocturnal creatures.
Lodge at Kings Pool Camp, overlooking an oxbow lagoon in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve (on the western boundary of Chobe National Park).
Enjoy three days of day and night game drives, walks (depending on guide availability) and nearby hides, ideal for photographing birds and wildlife. In the dry season, guests can spend their siesta watching game come down to drink at the unique underground hide, where the water is at eye level. Seeing elephant feet and trunks almost within touching distance while safely inside is an experience that transcends that of an ordinary safari.
Depart Kings Pool and take two short flights to Livingstone Airport. Transfer by road to Toka Leya Camp.
Overlooking the Zambezi River and some of its islands is Toka Leya, comprising 12 raised, spacious en-suite safari-style tents in Zambia. Activities include a tour of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side, game drives within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, river cruises, back-of- house tours, fishing and rhino tracking (subject to availability). Tours of Livingstone town and museum and visits to Mkuni Market and a nearby village add cultural diversity.
Other activities on offer in the area at additional charge include helicopter flights, canoeing, jet boating and whitewater rafting.
Contact a travel advisor to book your custom itinerary. Fill out the form or call (630) 734-4610.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
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