Grand African Journey

Start your tour in Cape Town, where we’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel, located close to the tourist-friendly V&A Waterfront precinct. This evening, meet fellow guests and your Tour Director at a Welcome Reception.

Be ready to fall in love with Cape Town, a vibrant city teeming with creativity, with its rich cultural heritage, flourishing art scene and diverse culinary traditions. Ride the cableway up to the flat-topped summit of Table Mountain, one of South Africa's most iconic sights. Then, discover the city in depth on an informative guided tour. Afterwards, you may like to enjoy one of our Enhance Your Journey experiences. In the evening, a special Insider Experience awaits.

Enhance Your Journey – Robben Island Visit Robben Island and tour the site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Set in Table Bay, this World Heritage Site has a fascinating history. 

Enhance Your Journey – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Wander through this world-renowned botanical garden, which is nestled on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Spanning across 1,305 acres, the garden is home to more than 7,000 plant species, many of which are unique to the region. 

Enhance Your Journey – African Heritage Tour Embark on an immersive, interactive tour of Cape Town, the vibrant heart of South Africa—also known as the ‘Rainbow nation,’ in celebration of the country’s multifaceted diversity. Gain a deeper insight into the colourful city’s rich cultural heritage and storied history. 

Enhance Your Journey – Constantia Wine Valley Explore the picturesque Constantia Wine Valley, which is one of the oldest and most renowned wine regions in South Africa, with a history that dates back to 1685. Visit two wineries and sample some of the best wine in the Cape. 

Insider Experience – Welcome Dinner in Cape Town Try your hand at African drumming before enjoying a Welcome Dinner of Cape Malay cuisine. A vibrant fusion of flavours that is unique to the Cape Malay community in South Africa, taste authentic regional fare, including rich curries, pickled fish, sambals and more.   

Today, embark on an incredible Insider Experience. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely evening to independently explore the lively V&A Waterfront.

Insider Experience – Cape Peninsula Tour Discover the breathtaking Cape Peninsula during a full-day tour. A scenic journey along Chapman’s Peak Drive takes you to Cape Point, the most south-westerly tip of Africa. Home to picturesque bays, pristine beaches and rolling green hills, the rugged terrain is covered in endemic fynbos. Savour a light lunch before observing the penguins at Boulders Beach. Then, venture to historic Simon’s Town. 

Farewell Cape Town this morning and travel through the Karoo region, taking in the unique scenery of this well-preserved semi-desert ecosystem. Later, arrive at your hotel for a delicious dinner of local produce, including ostrich.

This morning, discover the subterranean limestone formations of the Cango Caves. Afterwards, take part in a memorable Insider Experience. Then, join the Garden Route towards the charming coastal town of Knysna, where you will revel in a free afternoon to spend however you please.

Insider Experience – Garden Route Ostrich Farm Tour an ostrich farm and come face-to-face with Africa’s enormous flightless bird. You may wish to take the opportunity to feed an ostrich by hand. 

This morning, you may like to enjoy our Enhance Your Journey experience on offer. Later, visit Featherbed Nature Reserve during an incredible Insider Experience. Then join a park guide for a 4WD journey to the top of Western Head. Take some time to immerse yourself in the stunning view and afterwards, perhaps embark on a bushwalk into ancient sea caves (additional expense).

Enhance Your Journey – Ocean Encounter Cruise Set off on a boat tour from Plettenberg Bay for the opportunity to view dolphins (April-May) or whales (June-October), as well as other wildlife native to the area. 

Insider Experience – Featherbed Nature Reserve Travel to Featherbed Nature Reserve, a pristine slice of paradise on the Western Head of Knysna that is only accessible by ferry. Discover its lagoon, nature trails and beautiful surroundings. 

Depart Knysna and continue along the Garden Route near Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy an Insider Experience, then continue along the Storms River Mouth and through the Tsitsikamma Forest on the way to Port Elizabeth. Later, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Insider Experience – Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary Visit the world’s first free-roaming, multi-species primate sanctuary and wander along the canopy walkway to see lemurs, gibbons and more. Learn about the reserve's various species of primate and the challenges that these furry creatures face. 

This morning, board an included flight to Kruger National Park via Johannesburg. Then travel to Shishangeni Private Lodge, where you will enjoy an Insider Experience. This premium accommodation is located on a private designated area of land within Kruger National Park. Excitement reaches an all-time high as you head out on your first game drive through the lodge’s private concession. Experience the thrill of searching for Africa’s untamed wildlife in one of the continent's greatest game parks. Enjoy sundowners amid the breathtaking African bush, before having dinner back at your lodge this evening.

Insider Experience - Shishangeni Private Lodge Settle into your own thatched chalet at Shishangeni Private Lodge, your personal sanctuary for the next two nights. Set within the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the lodge offers a unique and intimate stay in the heart of the South African bush. Unwind on your private game-viewing deck, relax by the pool, and enjoy warm hospitality. 

An exhilarating morning game drive delivers the chance to track down Africa’s iconic wildlife from rhinos and elephants to giraffes and lions plus a host of other animals that call the park home. Then, during your leisure time perhaps relax by the pool or sit on the deck listening to the peaceful sounds of the bush. Afterwards, embark on an afternoon game drive. In the evening, an Insider Experience awaits.

Insider Experience – Boma Dinner Experience an authentic outdoor boma dinner amid Kruger National Park’s incredible landscapes. Savour delicious game meat and fresh local vegetables cooked to perfection under the starlit sky. 

Today, enjoy your final early morning game drive in Kruger National Park. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg. Settle into your accommodation for the night and enjoy an evening at leisure. You may choose to go out and explore the complex or relax in the hotel.

Take an included flight to the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. This afternoon, set off on a walk, where your guide will enlighten you on the history and culture of the local area. Then, transfer to your hotel and settle in for the night.

With a full day at leisure, perhaps choose one of our exciting Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer. Alternatively, take time to relax at your lodge and soak up the sweeping views of the vast landscape and nearby waterhole. Be on the lookout for visits from the local inhabitants, including elephants, impalas and warthogs to name a few.

Enhance Your Journey – Microlight Flight Soar over Livingstone and mighty Victoria Falls on a 15-minute microlight flight (weather permitting). 

Enhance Your Journey – Helicopter Flight Set off on a 15-minute helicopter flight over stunning Victoria Falls (weather permitting). 

Enhance Your Journey – Sunset Cruise Take to the Zambezi River for a leisurely sunset cruise, marvelling at the scenery along the way. 

Cross the border into Botswana and travel into the heart of Chobe National Park, home to one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa. As the sun begins to set, head out on a sunset game-viewing cruise through the waterways. Journey into the wilderness at the best time of day for the opportunity to see large herds of elephants, as well as a plethora of other animals that flock to the banks of the Chobe River. Later, retreat to your modern bush-style accommodation, which is situated near the intersection of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

This morning, embark upon a thrilling game drive adventure through Botswana's iconic Chobe National Park. Here, ensure you have your camera ready as you delight in the many chances to spot Africa’s famous mammals, thanks to the park’s high density of elephant herds and lion prides. Afterwards, return to your lodge and enjoy time at leisure. Perhaps relax by the pool before dinner.

Return to Victoria Falls once more and take an included flight to Nairobi. This evening, you’ll meet your friendly East African Tour Director, who will provide you with an introduction to the next chapter of your spectacular adventure.

It’s time to explore the incredible country of Kenya. Your first stop is Amboseli National Park. The signature attraction here is spotting hundreds of elephants, set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Bird watchers will also delight in knowing that 370 bird species can be spotted in the area. Arrive at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge in time for lunch. Located in the heart of this world-famous national park, the lodge offers you the perfect base from which to embark on your safari. After lunch, set off on an afternoon game drive to look for iconic African wildlife, including hippos and a variety of waterfowl, found near the park’s wetlands. Sundowner drinks at Observation Hill round off a perfect first day in Amboseli National Park. Return to the lodge to relax and savour a delectable dinner.

Wake early, then enjoy tea and a snack in preparation for another exciting day. The morning, visit a local Maasai village for an incredible Insider Experience. During this afternoon’s game viewing, your expert game driver/tracker will be on hand to ensure that you are presented with the best possible opportunities to see the animals of Kenya. While travelling in smaller groups today, you’re able to get up close to this fabulous wildlife show. In between game drives, you’ll return to the lodge to relax and indulge in delicious meals.

Insider Experience – Visit a Maasai Village Discover the vibrant culture and lifestyle of the Maasai people on a visit to a village in Amboseli National Park. Wander about the dried-mud huts that the Maasai have built with their own hands and interact with the villagers to learn about their daily life. You’ll be awed by their intricate beaded jewellery and colourful crafts. 

It’s onto the next adventure as you take a short flight to Nairobi. Continue by 4WD to Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, situated on a stunning range of hills that form the western limits of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Arrive just in time for lunch. You may also wish to take advantage of the lodge’s beautiful surrounds and embark on a stunning nature walk around the property. This afternoon, spot rhinos, leopards, hippos and more on a game drive. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at your lodge.

A day of game drives at Lake Nakuru National Park offers yet another window into life in Africa’s animal kingdom. On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by wooded and bushy grassland, this beautiful park will leave you spellbound. This morning, look for rare white rhinos around the soda-encrusted lake at the centre of the park. Keep your eyes locked on the grassy plains in search of zebras, buffalos and graceful Rothschild’s giraffes. If you’re lucky, you may even spot an elusive leopard. Return to your lodge for lunch and enjoy time to relax before an afternoon game drive. This evening, savour a delicious dinner at your lodge.

Awake to the sounds of the African bush as you prepare to travel to your next destination. Soak up the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, which stretches from the Middle East all the way to Mozambique. As you continue onwards, you’ll be greeted by the endless plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is famous for its big cat population, including leopards, lions and cheetahs. The vast open spaces provide excellent game viewing, which is why this reserve is one of the most well-regarded for wildlife spotting in all of Africa. At certain times of the year, you may see enormous herds of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra travelling to and from the Serengeti in search of food during the seasonal Great Migration. You can also witness the predators who follow them. This afternoon, head out on an exhilarating game drive, noticing how different these landscapes are compared to those that you experienced in Southern Africa. At the end of a thrilling day of exploration, perhaps enjoy a drink before sitting down to dinner this evening at your lodge.

Perhaps choose our unique Enhance Your Journey experience on offer this morning. On another captivating game drive, the Masai Mara delivers those quintessential safari scenes of endless grassy plains, peppered with acacia trees and powerful predators who stalk unsuspecting prey. Thanks to your expert game driver/tracker, you’ll enjoy a remarkable morning on the sprawling savannah in search of wildlife. Return to the lodge for a delicious lunch and then enjoy the chance to relax and unwind during a free afternoon.

Enhance Your Journey – Hot Air Balloon Safari Drift over the Masai Mara as the sun rises over Kenya on a magical hot air balloon ride (weather permitting). There is simply no better way to view these vast landscapes. 

Experience the beauty of an African sunrise and discover the morning rituals of the local wildlife over tea and snacks before today’s first game drive. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast before spending the rest of the morning at leisure. This afternoon’s game drive once again brings you plenty of chances to catch a close-up look at the animals that call the Masai Mara home. This evening, an unforgettable Insider Experience awaits. 

Insider Experience – Bush Dinner in the Masai Mara Guaranteed to be a highlight of your stay in Kenya, this unique bush dinner in the Masai Mara will see you enjoy succulent meats and aromatic spices under the star-studded sky. 

Relish your final morning in the Masai Mara, then transfer to the airstrip and board your scheduled flight to the border between Kenya and Tanzania. From here, embark on a connecting flight to the Serengeti and then be transferred to your tented camp. Relax by the campfire before dinner, then retire to your tented room with an ensuite. Situated in an idyllic spot with the national park on your doorstep, delight in sleeping under the starry African sky.

Serengeti National Park is known for its predators who spend their days pursuing impalas, zebras, buffalos, gazelle and more. This morning, head out in search of these local inhabitants, ready to soak in all that appears before you. Return to your camp for lunch before your afternoon game drive. Perhaps you will see some of the unique wildlife which may have been hiding this morning.

Journey to Olduvai Gorge to explore one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, commonly referred to as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’. The site gained World Heritage status in 1979, after fossils and artefacts from some of our earliest human ancestors were discovered here. Then, continue to your charming accommodation, set on a farm and coffee plantation. Enjoy breathtaking vistas of sprawling farmland and the Oldeani Volcano in the distance.

Marvel at the lush, green scenery as you descend from the high crater walls of World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact caldera. Enjoy a picnic lunch and go on a search for the wildlife that roam this unique place, with most never leaving the crater floor.

Today, embark on a memorable Insider Experience. Afterwards, explore Lake Manyara National Park, which is famous for its colourful flamingos and baboons. As you head off-road, keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions, which are also known to inhabit the park. Continue to Arusha and settle in at your accommodation for the night, nestled between the Usa River and a wildlife sanctuary. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your lodge. 

Insider Experience – Mto wa Mbu Travel to the tiny village of Mto Wa Mbu to visit a local school. You’ll meet the charming students and hear about what their daily life is like. Travelmarvel and our OneTomorrow charitable fund have provided ongoing support to the school to aid in conservation and environmental education. The tour concludes at a local restaurant, where you can try a range of flavourful East African dishes. 

Today, your tour through Africa draws to an end. After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight home.