South African Safari Splendour

Day 1 - Monday 4 September 2023

Melbourne - Sydney - Johannesburg

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.  Join your tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne airport for our flight to Johannesburg.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airlines as we head towards South Africa.

Upon arrival into Johannesburg, we'll transfer to our hotel to relax and refresh.

Dinner tonight at leisure.

Overnight - Peermont Mondior Johannesburg (or similar)

Day - 2 Tuesday 5 September 2023

Johannesburg - Kasane - Chobe National Park (B,D)

This morning transfer to the airport for check in and fly to Kasane where upon arrival we'll be transferred to the game lodge for our two night stay including all meals and two game activities per day

Chobe National Park is undoubtedly one of the best safari destinations in the world.  This land is famed for its gentle giants, the African elephant and Chobe has one of the largest concentrations of them in Africa.  The abundance of wildlife in this reserve is truly prolific and it’s all centred around the Chobe River and, in Africa, where there is water, there is life.  The Chobe National Park also affords a unique way to experience the African wilds on a river safari.  The river is populated with hippo and crocodile and an overwhelming amount of birdlife that has photographers from all over the world itching to get a shot of the many rare species.  When on land, sightings of lion and leopard are commonplace.  This is the ideal location for an authentic and soul-stirring safari adventure.

This afternoon enjoy a river cruise along the Chobe River with sundowners.

Overnight - Chobe Marina Lodge 

This property is set at the water’s edge in Kasane, Botswana, and is a showcase of authentic Africa in its wild splendour. Chobe Marina Lodge in Kasane has an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. 

Day 3 - Wednesday 6 September 2023

Chobe National Park (B,L,D)

This morning we enjoy our first game drive into Chobe National Park.  This is the land where the Big Five are missing one player, rhino, but where encounters with lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard are commonplace.

We return to the lodge for breakfast and time at leisure until lunch.  After lunch rest and relax at the lodge until the afternoon game viewing activity or river cruise.

Dinner is included at our lodge tonight.

Overnight - Chobe Marina Lodge

Day 4 - Thursday 7 September 2023

Kasane - Victoria Falls (B, AT

This morning another game drive to enjoy in Chobe National Park before we travel to Victoria Falls crossing the border into Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls, where the “Smoke that Thunders” inspires all that stand in its regal glory.  The area is renowned for its activities that include white water river rafting, canoeing, helicopter flights, zip-lining, bungee jumping and fishing.  Other local attractions include golf and guided game safaris.

This afternoon we enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Victoria Falls Hotel.

This evening we'll experience a Boma Dinner.  Indulge in both a cultural as well as culinary experience at the boma dinner.  The menu comprises a range of traditional Zimbabwean dishes complemented by a delicious barbeque buffet.  The ambience is created by local Shangaan dancers and singers that provide entertainment during the meal – face painting is an optional extra!  A traditional story teller adds that extra element of intrigue and drama to the evening.  The sound of the drums reverberates through the stillness of the African night.

Overnight - Ilala Lodge (or similar)

Ilala Lodge Hotel is in the heart of the town Victoria Falls, where the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ inspires all that stand in its regal glory.  The lodge is idyllically situated on the Zimbabwean side of the mighty Zambezi River boasting impressive views of the natural wonder of the world. The hotel features the award-winning Palm Restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of traditional cuisine.  There is also a large azure swimming pool and trendy sociable cocktail bar where you can while away leisure hours.  This area is renowned for its activities that include white-river rafting, canoeing, helicopter charters, bungee jumping and fishing.  

Day 5 - Friday 8 September 2023

Victoria Falls (B,D)

This morning, we'll enjoy a half-day guided tour of Victoria Falls and Mpisi Village.  The tour exposes us to not only one of the seven natural wonders of the world – the incredible Victoria Falls, plunging more than 1000 metres into the Zambezi River, but also to the surrounding rainforest, home to a diverse range of plants and wildlife.  Following that, continue onto Mpisi Village, a typical 19th century hamlet, home to several ethnic groups.  Experience their way of life.  The tour is an immersive experience and totally unforgettable.

Afterwards, we'll enjoy a Home Hosted Lunch where meals provide valuable income to local providers.  This initiative aims to empower local people by providing income and allowing them to have a fun interaction with visitors while teaching them about local culture and traditions.  Family’s welcome visitors into their homes for a fee and provide them with a traditional meal.  This has proved highly successful and greatly beneficial to the individuals involved.  Guests are able to gain an insight into Zimbabwean rural life.  This enables visitors to understand the cultural aspect of this lifestyle and allows them to interact with a local family.

This afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise.  There is simply nothing more romantic than cruising down Africa’s famed Zambezi River in the stylish Ra-Ikane.  The small luxury cruiser epitomises the glamour and sophistication of a past era and is named after one of David Livingstone’s original guides.  Guests on this bespoke vessel can look forward to fine cuisine and quality refreshments while indulging in utter comfort provided by the historic memorabilia and period décor.  This is a graceful and unsurpassed river cruise experience that will provide an unforgettable African experience. It’s an ideal way to watch the African landscape transform in beautiful hues.  Cruising along the Zambezi River is an experience that creates lasting memories and includes sightings of hippo and crocodile and any other species that congregates on the banks to quench their thirst.  

Overnight - Ilala Lodge (or similar)

Day 6 - Saturday 9 September 2023

Victoria Falls - Mpumlanga - Hazyview (B,D)

Today, we transfer to the Victoria Falls airport for our flight to Mpumlanga where upon arrival we'll be met and transferred to our hotel for check in and dinner.

Overnight - Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate (or similar)

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate is right on the banks of the Sabie River and is only a few hundred metres away from the iconic Kruger National Park, where Africa awaits to be experienced in all of its wild splendour.  The hotel itself has blended seamlessly into the natural bush and has a range of accommodation to suit every taste and budget.  The hotel features its own restaurant, Kudyela, where traditional African and international fare can be enjoyed as well as a unique viewing deck and sundowner bar that overlooks the river.  There is also the Lapa Restaurant where dining under the stars is encouraged to the sound of African drumming.

Day 7 - Sunday 10 September 2023

Hazyview - Kapama Game Reserve (B,L,D)

Today we depart for Kapama Game Reserve via the Panorama Mountain route.  Explore one of South Africa’s most picturesque routes in an area of many natural wonders.  See God’s Window, one of South Africa’s most famous vantage points (on clear days you can see as far as Mozambique), Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and at the Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels, massive spirals of dolomite that rise from the far wall of the canyon.

Arriving at the Kapama Game Reserve for a two night stay on a fully inclusive basis.  Includes: All meals, teas and snacks, all local and select premium drinks, two daily safari activities, bush walks and Conservation levy per person per night.

Overnight - Kapama River Lodge

Combining an upmarket safari experience with luxury accommodation, the Kapama River Lodge is set on a bend of the Kapama River within the largest reserve in the Kruger National Park.  A game-rich area, you can expect to see the Big 5 and more on daily game drives and guided bush walks.  Even from the decks of this luxury lodge, game can be spotted at the nearby watering hole and along the dry riverbed.  Cool off in the beautiful swimming pool, relax in the spacious lounges and look forward to decadent bush dining in a variety of venues from the riverbed itself to the Pan-African cuisine of the Rhino Boma and the fresh seasonal dishes of the Siyatla Lounge.  An excellent wine cellar provides fine wines to accompany meals.

Day 8 - Monday 11 September 2023

Kapama Game Reserve (B,L,D)

Today we have morning and afternoon game drives offered by Kapama Game Reserve. 

The Kapama Game Reserve is a slice of African paradise, a 13,000 hectare slice.  It consists of savannah and riverine forest and is where the mighty Drakensberg Mountains can be seen in the distance and the icon that is the Kruger National Park is to the east.  Kapama Game Reserve is home to Africa’s most famous wildlife, the Big Five, lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard and both game drives as well as bush walks are offered.  This reserve doesn’t only offer a chance to get well acquainted with the wild spirit of Africa.

Lunch and dinner at our Lodge.

Overnight - Kapama River Lodge



 

Day 9 - Tuesday 12 September 2023

Hoedspruit - Cape Town (B)

This morning, we have the option to enjoy our very last game drive before saying good bye to Kruger National Park and heading to the airport for our flight to Cape Town.  Upon arrival we'll be transferred to our hotel for our 3 night stay.

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight - Commodore Hotel (or similar)

The Commodore Hotel is an iconic hotel in the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.  It’s in the centre of all of the city’s greatest highlights including the famous Table Mountain cable car.  The interior of the Commodore Hotel is a nautical theme that can be seen throughout and is somewhat fitting, being in close proximity to the harbour and the Atlantic Ocean.  The Clipper Restaurant at the hotel serves fresh seafood as well as a mixture of both local and international cuisine, all with South African flair.  There is a beautiful terrace in a courtyard with a fishpond water feature.

Day 10 - Wednesday 13 September 2023

Full Day Table Mountain, City & Robben Island Tour (B)

This morning depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and head to one of the most famous prisons in the world, Robben Island.  This is where South Africa’s father of the nation spent 18 years, the legend of a man, Nelson Mandela.  Disembark at Murray’s Harbour on the east coast of the island and take a short walk to buses that will transport you to all of the historically significant sites.  The guides inside the prison today, are former political prisoners and their knowledge of this island is unparalleled and adds a unique cultural layer to this experience.  The tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell. 

Please note:  Robben Island requires guests to produce a form of identification when boarding the ferry to visit the island.  All visitors need to present a passport, birth certificate or drivers licence.

Later, we take a trip to the top of the world, high above the clouds on the famous Table Mountain (weather permitting).  Table Mountain is an icon in Cape Town and is most likely the most photographed landmark in the country.  Table Mountain has been named as one of the seven wonders of nature and attracts millions of visitors from across the globe, in fact, since the opening of the aerial cableway in 1929, more than 22 million people have taken the trip to the top.  At the upper cable station, guests will find a restaurant and a curio shop as well as some footpaths for exploration.

Explore South Africa’s exciting “Mother City” on a guided tour of the historical and cultural sights of Cape Town.  Step into the rich history of the city passing by key historical monuments and places of interest, such as the impressive Castle of Good Hope and Cape Town City Hall.  Stop at the beautiful St George’s Cathedral, pass through the lush Company Gardens, and explore a cultural hub of Cape Town, the Bo Kaap, also known as the Cape Malay Quarter.  A tour of this vibrant city, home to street markets of every kind, cosmopolitan and rustic eateries, and a host of cultures is an unforgettable experience.

Overnight - Commodore Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 - Thursday 14 September 2023

Cape Peninsula Full Day Tour (B,D)

Today we head off on a Peninsula Full Day Tour including Hout Bay Harbour, Chapman’s Peak (weather permitting), Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point Funicular, Boulders Beach (Penguins) and Kirstenbosch Gardens.

The famous Cape of Good Hope nature reserve, a World Heritage site, is set at the end of Cape Town’s south peninsula.  Take a trip via funicular to the lighthouse at 286 metres above sea level (built to which warns ships they are approaching the feared “Cape of Storms”), stroll along the cliff paths or venture down the steep slopes to the stunning white-sand beaches below.  

The reserve is home to a variety of small wildlife and is a favoured picnicking, fishing (with a permit) and hiking destination with its rich plant biodiversity and inspiring landscapes.

Return to Cape Town via Boulders Beach, home of the endangered land-based colony of African penguins, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

This evening, we'll enjoy dinner and inter-active drumming performance at Gold Restaurant.

Day 12 - Friday 15 September 2023

Cape Town - Stellenbosch - Franschoek (B,D)

Today we travel to Stellenbosch which is often described as the crown jewel of the Cape Winelands.  It is a world class wine, art and hospitality destination and has exceptional examples of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture along its oak-lined streets.  It is the second oldest town in South Africa and was founded in 1679; it also boasts being the oldest wine route in the country. Stellenbosch also has a youthful exuberance thanks to the prestigious University.  Today, it has a wealth of wine estates that beckon with the promise of pleasing palates as well as art galleries, designer boutiques and fascinating museums.  Gastronomy is an art form in Stellenbosch and plates are usually masterpieces of passion and creativity. Stellenbosch is an aesthetic beauty and there are a number of hiking trails in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve for those that want to immerse themselves in the landscape. Enjoy a tour of the town.

Waterford Estate or Lanzerac Estate Wine & Chocolate Experience.  The Wine and Chocolate Experience is for everyone whether you are a wine novice or master.  It is a unique flavour experience.  The wine make and chocolatier have paired up to create a series of dark and milk chocolates, that when paired with the estates Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon and natural sweet wine, results in a flavour sensation.

Franschoek translates to French Corner and this is where you will find the finer things in life that include soul-stirring scenery, exceptional cuisine and century old wine estates that produce award winning wine.  Franschoek has been described as South Africa’s food and wine capital and there are more award winning restaurants in this town than anywhere else in the country.  Vineyards over these mountain slopes have been nurtured and grown for over 300 years when the French Huguenots settled here in their escape of persecution.  In the village you will find crafts, art and antique shops and galleries, and a visit to the Huguenot Memorial is a definite when visiting Franschoek.

We enjoy two other wine tastings throughout the day.

We return to Stellenbosch for our overnight stay and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at our hotel.

Overnight - Southern Sun de Wagen (or similar)

Day 13 - Saturday 16 September 2023

Cape Town - Johannesburg - Sydney (B)

This morning we farewell South Africa and treasure all the memories of a fabulous South African Safari as we head to the Cape Town airport for our flight back to Australia via Johannesburg. 

With a long transit stop in Johannesburg, there is an included City Orientation Tour with a visit to Sandton Square where there are many shops and restaurants as well as the iconic statue of Nelson Mandela situated at the square.

Later, we'll head back to the Johannesburg airport for our flight back to Australia.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airlines as we head towards home.

Day 14 - Sunday 17 September 2023

Sydney - Melbourne (Meals Inflight)

Welcome Home!  Thank you for joining us for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back.