Our first stop will be a very unique, privately owned wine estate, Hazendal, for a tasting and personal tour through the cellars. The uniqueness of this estate is that the Russian immigrant / owner has on display a collection of Faberge eggs, Russian Orthodox Church Icons and Russian art. Notwithstanding the art, the award wining wines, panoramas and architecture on this estate are all equally spectacular.

Here I will introduce your guests to our dry white wines of the region and also take them through a tutored wine tasting.
Our next stop will be an award wining “Méthode Champenoise” or “Cape Sparkling wine” estate. Villiera is a family owned exclusive estate, not visited by large coaches. Here we can taste Cape Bubbly as well as a substantial range of Red and White varietal as well as Port. If you want, we can also walk through the barrel maturation vaults and sparkling wine making cellars.

For lunch, the guide will discuss with you your requirements to ascertain the most appropriate venue to stop for lunch. (Not included, but easier for clients to settle directly and their guide assist, as they may want to have their own choice and not a set menu.) Usually this is the Relais Gourmand Bosman’s restaurant in the Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl. Bosman’s has been voted as one of the world’s top 10 restaurants and enjoying the gastronomic experience of this elegant restaurant is always a memorable experience. If not this venue we also consider La Couronne in Franschhoek a wonderful lunch venue.

Our last stop of the day will be one of the iconic red wine estates in South Africa, Rust en Vrede, which means rest and peace. Again the number of estates and places of interest can be tailor made to suite your needs, and the guide will discuss with the clients. Return to Cape Town to your hotel at around 1700.
 

Day 3               CAPE TOWN

Full day Peninsula tour with private guide and private vehicle. Program is flexible but the highlights are as follows:-

Our first stop is the seaside village of Muizenburg where you will be able to take in the breathtaking views of False Bay. From here we follow the incredibly scenic route along the False Bay coast through the fishing villages like Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek on the way to Simonstown. Simonstown having been a British naval town until as recent as 1957, normally comes as a pleasant surprise to everyone visiting the Cape Peninsula as encountering such a ‘British Town’ in Cape Town is unexpected.

We can also arrange a cruise to Seal Island for the clients on one of the local boats that offer this trip from either Simonstown or Hout Bay. Again the guide will discuss with the clients where appropriate.

Cape Point reserve is a magnificent floral wilderness at the foot of Africa. For the nature loving person it is a truly fantastic experience traversing such a unique floral kingdom. Who knows, if we are lucky enough we might even see some antelope, ostrich or baboon. If we are really fortunate we might even see the elusive Burchell Zebra that makes an appearance on the reserve infrequently.

From the Cape Point reserve we head back up the Western side of the peninsula along the treacherous Atlantic coast through the amazingly beautiful seaside hamlet of Misty Cliffs and then over the Peninsula Mountains. You should return to Cape Town at about 17:30pm.

Day 4               KHWAI RIVER LODGE – 3 nights, Moremi Delta, Botswana

Following breakfast transfer on private basis with private guide to Cape Town Airport. Depart on flight to Maun. On arrival in Maun, you will be met by Orient Express Safaris staff and escorted through immigration and customs formalities before boarding your light aircraft for the short flight to Khwai River Lodge. Botswana offers many beautiful and incomparable wilderness areas.

Over 1100 species exist in the varied ecosystems which comprise the Delta and the Moremi Wildlife Reserve. Wise use of natural resources is the watchword here and the Delta is a treasure house to satisfy even the most ardent enthusiast. Few people in this busy world are privileged enough to visit this inaccessible area and the abundance of wildlife and utter tranquility of the camps are proof enough of this.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Luggage is restricted for this section in Botswana to max 20kgs of luggage ,hand luggage / photo equipment packed in soft bags only. 3 nights at Khwai River Lodge in luxury tented accommodation with air con, private en-suite facilities on a full board basis including scheduled activities and park fees, all drinks (excluding premium brands)

On arrival at Khwai River Lodge’s own private airstrip, transfer by open 4x4 vehicles to the Lodge.

After a light lunch, welcome drinks and a safari briefing by one of own on site environmentalists you will be offered some time to settle in to your tents before your first game viewing activity. Return to the camp for your welcome dinner.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:    KHWAI RIVER LODGE – Bordering Moremi Game Reserve

Khwai River Lodge nestles on the edge of a Leadwood and fig tree forest, overlooking the vast Khwai River floodplains and beyond into the Moremi Wildlife Reserve. The exceptional location of Khwai makes it’s a regular host to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs. Birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with fantastic sightings of wildfowl and raptors near the lodge.

Accommodation is in 15 luxury tents on raised wooden platforms offering great views and shaded by a traditional African thatch roof. The large private decks are furnished with outside fan, easy chairs and a hammock, ideal for viewing wildlife, or for enjoying dinner in complete privacy. The tent interiors are luxuriously appointed with such comforts as a four poster bed complete with mosquito netting, air conditioning, electric overhead fan (24 hours use), heater, in-room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer and an intercom system to reception.

Recent additions are a small gymnasium and health spa offering aromatherapy massages and various treatments. Morning and afternoon game drives into Moremi Game Reserve provide excellent sighting opportunities while night drives, conducted outside the reserve, will reveal a variety of nocturnal creatures hunting and foraging for food. For guests wishing to stay at the camp and relax, there is a hide overlooking the Khwai floodplains. Star gazing presentations are conducted after dinner.

Day 7               ROYAL LIVINGSTONE 5* – Livingstone, Victoria Falls (1 night)

After a leisurely brunch on the decks of the main lodge, depart via scheduled charter to Livingstone, Zambia, stopping in Kasane to clear immigration / customs formalities. On arrival in to Livingstone (clear customs and immigration in to Zambia). Continue by private road transfer to the Royal Livingstone Hotel 5* for overnight on bed & breakfast basis in Standard  rooms.
 

Other activities at an additional cost:

Elephant back safaris, tours of the Victoria Falls, sundowner cruises on the Zambezi River, abseiling, bungi-jumping, jet boating and white water rafting to name a few.



 

Day 8               Johannesburg – Westcliff Hotel 5*

Following final breakfast, departure transfer by private road transfer to Livingstone Airport (LVI). Depart with onward flight (not included).

On arrival met by a private vehicle for transfer with English driver to your hotel for overnight.

Note:-

No connection possible for onward flight to Vilanculos in Mozambique, so an overnight is required in Johannesburg. Overnight at The Westcliff Hotel in luxury rooms on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 9 - 13         Indigo Bay Resort 5* - Bazaruto Island, Mozambique (4 nights)

Breakfast at your hotel. Private transfer with English driver to Johannesburg Airport. Check-in for onward flight with Pelican Air / TTA (included in the quote by dmAFRICA) direct to Vilanculos.

On arrival at Vilanculos (pay locally US$25 pp for VISA locally). Met and transferred by a representative from Indigo Bay Lodge, and continue with short air transfer to the Resort. Baggage allowance for the flight to Vilanculos: Baggage allowance 20kgs checked luggage. 4 nights Indigo Bay Resort (Standard Beach Chalets)

Rates include Lunch, Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Return island transfer from Vilanculos Airport to the Resort. Rates exclude, domestic and international airport departure taxes US$10 pp, beverages, motorized water-sport, island excursions, any personal expenses and Marine National Parks fee of US$10.00 per person per stay (payable locally)

Bazaruto  Island, Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of small islands situated approximately 40 kilometers off the Mozambique coast. Bazaruto is the largest (approximately 37kms long and up to 7kms wide) and northern most of the five islands. Indigo Bay is situated +/- 600 kms north of Maputo on the western side of Bazaruto Island. The diverse ecosystems contained in the archipelago cater for a wide range of interests. The squeaky white beaches and protected reefs surrounding the islands support dolphin, dugong, game fish and giant lobster.

The shallow, crystal clear waters with dazzling soft corals, starfish, anemones, seahorses and a bewildering range of beautiful fish, extends to dive sites featuring creatures such as green turtles, manta ray, sailfish and a variety of sharks. Big game fishing, including marlin and barracuda, is truly spectacular. Fauna and flora on the island abounds. Flamingos on tidal flats; endemic butterflies, hundreds of bird species in wetland, savannah grassland and thicket. Freshwater lakes, home to many large crocodiles and in total contrast, the eastern strip is composed of huge bare and vegetated sand dunes.