Day 1: Cape Town
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. With its stunning coastline, modern cityscape and nearby mountains, Cape Town is one of Africa's most exciting cities. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you family adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. After, you’ll have time to explore the colourful streets of the Cape Malay quarter before visiting Faeeza’s Home Kitchen in the heart of Bo-Kaap for a hands-on cooking class. Learn how to cook traditional Malay food while Faaeza shares stories about her life in Cape Town. Then, sit down to a three-course meal and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Day 2: Cape Town
After breakfast today, head to Boulders Beach for stand-up paddleboarding and a chance to see the region’s famous penguins. Known for its soft, white sand, turquoise waters and namesake granite boulders, this is the only place in the world you can get up close to the African penguin and get a peek into their waddling ways. Then, head back to Cape Town, where you’ll have the rest of the day to explore on your own. If you haven’t already, maybe venture up to Table Mountain for incredible views across the city.
Day 3: Cape Town
After breakfast today, drive to historic Franschhoek, known for its centuries-old vineyards, great dining and spectacular views. It's also a gorgeous place for a family bike ride, which is exactly how you’ll get to spend the day. Pedal through Franschhoek’s charming streets and past vineyards framed by rugged mountains. Stop at wine estates for tastings where the kids get their own special pairings. Along the way, pass the historic Huguenot Monument in honour of the French Huguenots who influenced Franschhoek’s heritage. Head back to the city, where the rest of day is free. Maybe head out to dinner tonight with other families in your group.
Day 4: Kruger
This morning, shift gears as you fly from Cape Town to Kruger. When you arrive, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation just outside Kruger National Park. Settle in, then head out this afternoon on your first 4WD wildlife safari. Tonight, maybe spend some time at the family pool – complete with a pop-up bar for the grown-ups, perfect for that first sundowner in Kruger.
Day 5: Kruger
After breakfast, embark on a full -day 4WD safari through Kruger National Park. One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park is home to over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including all your favourites from The Lion King – elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes and more! It’s home to many vulnerable species, including the southern ground hornbill, the blue crane and the endangered African wild dog. Spend your day on the lookout for wildlife and birds as you make your way across the savannah from viewpoints to waterholes. Tonight, sit down to dinner with your group and maybe share your favourite sightings of the day.
Day 6: Kruger
This morning, you’ll have the special opportunity to visit Chimp Eden – the Jane Goodall Institute located within the Umhloti Nature Reserve. At the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa, you’ll get a closer look at the rescued chimps who live here risk-free in semi-wild enclosures. After, you’ll have the option to head out on a final safari drive through Kruger National Park or to head back to the hotel to soak up the scenery and take a dip in the pool. This evening, come together for a farewell dinner with your group and toast an unforgettable adventure with new family friends.
Day 7: Victoria Falls
Set out early this morning for Kruger Airport, where you'll fly to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for the next leg of your family adventure. You'll be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in before your next welcome meeting at 4 pm. After meeting your trip leader and the new families joining your group, there will be time to grab some dinner. Then, join your group to watch the incredible Simunye show at Victoria Falls Theatre.
Day 8: Kasane
Wake up early to catch the sunrise on a guided tour of the Falls. Spanning about a mile wide and falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below, the spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from far away. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below. After, sit down for breakfast before travelling to Kasane in Botswana – the gateway to Chobe National Park, known for its herds of elephants that converge on the Chobe River in the dry season. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.
Day 9: Chobe NP
This morning, set off on a 4WD game drive adventure. Journey through the park, you’ll see wildlife up close, and with luck, you’ll spot lions and exotic birds. Botswana's first national park is known for its many elephants and hippos, so keep an eye out for herds walking by, too. They can also often be seen swimming in the Chobe River! The river also attracts buffalo, hippos and crocodiles who like to sun themselves by the water's edge. In the afternoon, take a sunset boat cruise along the river and gain a different view of these amazing animals and landscape.
Day 10: Makgadikgadi Pans
This morning is free for you to relax, swim in the pool or venture out to see more of the park’s diverse wildlife on another game drive. Later, you’ll travel to Makgadikgadi Pans – one of the world’s largest salt flats in the Kalahari Desert. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive, you'll have the rest of the evening to spend however you like.
Day 11: Makgadikgadi Pans
This morning is free for you to relax, maybe at the pool or with a book, before travelling to the edge of the Ntwtwe Salt Pan to see a local meerkat colony. Watch the social animals in their natural habitat as they play, then venture out across the Salt Pans to see the mighty desert covered in white salt crystals. Later, continue to your accommodation for the night – camping out in the middle of the salt flats under a blanket of stars.
Day 12: Maun
Wake up to the Kalahari sun and enjoy a hot drink before driving back to the edge of the Ntwetwe Salt Pan. Here you’ll spend some time exploring the surrounding area – be sure to look for the adapted desert species of bat-eared foxes, springbok and kori bustards. After a fun-filled adventure, you’ll stop back in at Planet Baobab for breakfast and to freshen up in the shared facilities before continuing on to Maun. On the way, stop at Shorobe Basket Co-operative, where you’ll learn about the craft firsthand. Here, a local artist will take you through the journey of basket weaving, including harvesting and dyeing. Hear the stories behind each pattern and how the organisation is working to empower female-headed households to support their families, before visiting Planet Culture Cafe for a traditional Botswana lunch. Enjoy sampling some delicious Setswana cuisine while learning and participating in some traditional Botswana games. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to relax or continue exploring Maun at your own pace.
Day 13: Okavango Delta - Maun
Today you'll set out on a drive through the Okavango waterways on a traditional mokoro (a dugout canoe steered by friendly local polers). With some luck, you might spot some of the delta's wildlife and birdlife. Explore the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams, then head out on foot with your tour guide. See plants, trees and animals from a different perspective and learn about the region’s distinct landscape and history. After, have lunch at one of the many secluded islands created by the Delta waterways. After your daytrip through the Okavango waterways, you’ll return to your accommodation in Maun.
Day 14: Maun
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast, but this doesn’t mean the adventure has to end! For those interested, there’s the opportunity to fly over the Delta in a helicopter for a bird's-eye view. This is a great way to appreciate the vast scale of this waterscape. Your local leader can give you more information on this activity and how to reserve a place. If you’d like to spend more time here, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
