The Essence of Southern Africa
Botswana Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls South Africa
11 days
Find yourself in the essence of luxury and refinement, hosted by properties known for their intimate size and exceptional service. Discover a secluded island retreat in the Okavango Delta and the exclusivity of the Selinda Reserve, topped off with a leisurely stay at Victoria Falls. This is southern Africa at its best.
Highlights
Explore the Selinda Reserve, one of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas, with staggering wildlife populations year-round.
Experience the essence of luxury, refinement and exceptional service at the elegant Ellerman House.
Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the unreachable, wilderness regions of the Okavango Delta, a World Heritage Site.
Accommodations
1. Ellerman House
South Africa, Cape Town
For over a quarter century, Ellerman House has been at the forefront of hospitality innovation. With shaded verandas, tiered gardens, and beautiful interiors, guests from all over the world love the combination of luxury and service this serene getaway offers. Attention to detail ensures that no two rooms are alike. Daily a la carte menus feature modern, classically inspired cuisine with a South African twist. A highlight is the owner’s extensive South African art collection spanning original works from the turn of the century to current contemporary art. Additional facilities include a gym, heated swimming pool, rejuvenating spa, library, brandy lounge, champagne cellar and wine gallery. A stay at Ellerman House is an immersive experience embracing South Africa’s culture, art, music and cuisine.
2. Belmond Eagle Island Lodge
Botswana, Okavango Delta
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge enjoys a privileged position on a secluded island in the heart of the lush Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland water systems. The elegant and light interior décor of the lodge reflects the region’s natural beauty and the adventures of early explorers. The spacious deluxe tented rooms include oversized beds with views of the delta, large outdoor decks with a vista, private plunge pools, a reading nook and walk-in closets. Each en suite bathroom features an indoor shower and a walled outdoor shower with a window looking onto the delta. In-room amenities include a day bed, large desk, fully-stocked mini bar and air conditioning. The public areas feature a stylish dining area with a pizza oven, a lounge area with an artisan-style bar, a library, a campfire area and the Fish Eagle Bar, which is located directly on the water. There is internet access from the main lounge. The lodge offers a variety of water-focused safari activities including motorboat safaris, barge cruises, mokoro safaris (a local canoe), fishing, as well as, walking safaris and the ultimate air safari experience by helicopter.
3. Zarafa Camp
Botswana, Selinda Reserve
Zarafa Camp is an intimate tented camp located on the private Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana. The perfect balance between luxury, romance and adventure, the tents are set on raised decking, under flowing canvas. Entering through a heavy wood Lamu door guests are transported into a lavish space. Each bedroom is connected to a full lounge with gas fireplace, and open layout bathroom complete with cooper claw-foot bath and indoor shower. Decking around the tent leads to the private plunge pool and outdoor shower. The camp’s main lounge includes a library, dining area, bush boutique and an outdoor gym. In-room massages are available. Only recycled hardwoods and canvas were used in the construction. All the camp’s electricity comes from its solar farm and a bio-gas system converts vegetable waste into usable cooking gas. Few camps rival the location of this little gem, overlooking the crystal waters of Zibadianja Lagoon.
4. Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls
The Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel is situated within the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. Set on spectacular grounds, with landscaped gardens and uninterrupted views of a waterhole, the hotel guarantees an environment of peace and tranquility. Inspired by a contemporary take on colonial style, the hotel pays homage to its rich heritage. Natural light and quirky features create spaces that are engaging and inspiring. Each luxury suite features a private terrace, en-suite shower and bath, air conditioning, minibar, satellite television and telephone. The gourmet restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with an elevated terrace overlooking the waterhole. There is an extensive wine cellar favoring South Africa’s finest wines. The gymnasium has state-of-the-art equipment and a swimming pool is set within the landscaped gardens, overlooking the waterhole. The hotel has a spa and steam room and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Cape Town, South Africa
With a warm welcome upon your arrival you will be transferred to Ellerman House, one of Cape Town's most exclusive hotels. Step into a world of classic elegance and unparalleled service.
Ellerman House
Day 2. Cape Town
Today's agenda includes privately guided touring of the stunning Cape Peninsula. Drive past the sparkling beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. Wind your way along legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive to the rocky seascapes of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Continue along the coast to the delightful penguin colony at Boulders Beach. (BL)
Ellerman House
Day 3. Cape Town
Today’s private sojourn takes you to the beautiful Franschhoek winelands valley. This is the food and wine capital of South Africa. Discover wine farms and estates dating back 300 years to the French Huguenots, each with their own story to tell. Stroll through the picturesque little village, and enjoy lunch on a wine farm surrounded by oak trees. (BL)
Ellerman House
Day 4. Cape Town
The "Mother City" has so much to offer with its rich history and incredible beauty. An array of experiences and attractions are at your doorstep, from galleries and museums, to gardens and markets. The day is at your leisure to explore and indulge. (B)
Ellerman House
Day 5. Cape Town / Okavango Delta, Botswana
Continue by air to Botswana’s pristine Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will have a front row seat to the greatest wildlife drama ever told. (BLD)
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge
Day 6. Okavango Delta
Set off each day on a new safari adventure into the wilderness. Today’s highlight is sure to be a helicopter flight to spot the remote, otherwise inaccessible lakes and islands and the abundance of wildlife that call them home. (BLD)
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge
Day 7. Okavango Delta / Selinda Reserve
Fly to the Selinda Reserve, one of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas, boasting staggering wildlife populations year-round. Guided walks and game drives regularly reveal elephant, buffalo, zebra and giraffe. (BLD)
Zarafa Camp
Day 8. Selinda Reserve
Grab your camera and explore the nearby forests and grasslands, surrounding the Zibadianja Lagoon. Will you find the elusive leopard, regal cheetah or the endangered African wild dog? After a busy day on safari be lulled to sleep by the sounds of Africa. (BLD)
Zarafa Camp
Day 9. Selinda Reserve / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
This morning fly to your boutique hotel in the private Victoria Falls Game Reserve. Enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding gardens with uninterrupted views of the waterhole. (B)
Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel
Day 10. Victoria Falls
Look out for rainbows as you walk the misty rain forest trails of the Victoria Falls. Later this afternoon board your sundowner cruise, and sail upstream on the Zambezi River. Sit back, relax and have your camera ready to capture the evening's golden moments. (B)
Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel
Day 11. Victoria Falls / Depart
Your safari draws to its conclusion today. You may be leaving Africa behind, but you'll return home with fantastic photos and memories that will live on in your heart, until your next visit. (B)
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
**Surcharges Apply Jan 01-10.
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
Cape Town - Maun, - Victoria Falls - Johannesburg
Similar Trips
Ultimate South Africa with Victoria Falls
11 days from $19,495 per person
Zambia & Victoria Falls South Africa
Sightseeing
Safari
Food and Wine
This journey combines contemporary design and exclusivity with beautiful settings and spectacular wildlife viewing to create the ultimate sensory wildlife safari.
13 days from $30,595 per person
Botswana Zambia & Victoria Falls South Africa
Sightseeing
Safari
Food and Wine
From the World Heritage treasures of the “Fairest Cape” and Victoria Falls to the unmatched wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta and the exclusive Singita Sabi Sand, this collection of adventures delivers the ultimate connoisseur’s safari experience.
Add-Ons
Mozambique Island Getaway - Azura Benguerra Island
5 days
Mozambique
Active
Romance
Retreat to an island of great beauty with beaches of powder white sand that extend for miles. Azure seas crisscrossed by local dhows, bewitching coral reefs and rare tropical fish make this the ultimate destination for the ocean-lover.