Southern Africa Highlights

Itinerary

• South Africa

  South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa, and features one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town. A sublime location, great beaches, nearby vineyards, great food, and cheap diamonds - there is a lot of love about the city. The Garden Route is a short drive away, passing through the quaint towns of Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley. It is best experienced with an overnight in Knysna.  Kruger National Park is another top draw, and boasts some of the finest lodges on the continent.

• Cape Town

  Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Popular day activities include; Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison), Cape Point, Stellenbosch winery tour, diamond buying shops, and great white shark diving.

• Johannesburg

  Johannesburg or Jo'burg, as the locals call the city of the gold, is the biggest metropolis in South Africa. With its 3.2 million citizens the city on the Witwatersrand is the predominant commercial centre and the economic motor of the Republic of South Africa. It is the international flight gateway for most of southern Africa.

• Botswana

  Formerly known as Bechaunaland, a British protectorate, Botswana gained independence in September 1966. Botswana is most famous for its two sublime game parks, the Okavango Delta and Chobe reserve. The Okavango is the world's largest inland delta and has no outlet to the sea - baffling early explorers. It turns out that the massive volume of waters simply disappear into the Kalahari Desert, which covers 70% of Botswana's land surface. This unexpectedly lush swamp in the midst of scorching desert is a magnet for wild game and birds. Nearby Chobe reserve is famous for its elephants, the world's largest.

  Maun is the tourism hub of the country, with the capitol of Gaborone located on the southern border. Botswana is a rare country in Africa, with no civil unrest, balanced budgets, working democracy, and one of the world's fastest growing economies. It is also the world's largest producer of diamonds and is twice the size of the United Kingdom - yet only has a population of 1.9 million people. Since independence it has had one of the fastest growth rates in per capita income in the world. Botswana's people, truly unique landscapes and game are hugely impressive, it is well worth a visit.

• Chobe

  Chobe National Park, in northwest Botswana, has one of the largest game concentrations in Africa continent. By size, this is the third largest park of the country, after the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Gemsbok National Park, and is the most diverse. As one of the largest reserves in Southern Africa, the game at Chobe is varied and plentiful. Most travellers experience the Chobe waterfront in the north west, and the main attraction is the vast herd s of elephant which frequent the river. This is the largest elephant population in the world, with numbers of 45 000 in the immediate Chobe vicinity. This north west corner is also renowned for excellent hippo and Nile crocodile sightings, and large herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest migrating towards Savute are often trailed by prides of lion. Over 450 species of bird have been recorded in the reserve. The Chobe River is the meeting point of the three countries: Botswana, Namibia and Zambia and boasts dramatic skies over the expansive river, with palms dotting the islands that make up the three different countries.

• Okavango

  The Okavango is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 17,000 square km and the largest inland delta in the world. Trapped in the parched Kalahari sands it is a magnet for the wildlife who depend on the permanent waters of this unique feature. Sometimes called a 'swamp', the Okavango is anything but. Moving, mysterious, placid, gentle and beautiful, from a wide and winding channel it spreads through tiny, almost unnoticeable channels that creep away behind a wall of papyrus reed, into an ever expanding network of increasingly smaller passages.

• Zambia

  Zambia is has a relatively young tourist industry, growing with the volume of people visiting Victoria Falls on its southern border. With the troubles in Zimbabwe, Livinstone is the new gateway to the falls and its unexpectedly wide array of adrenaline activities, game parks, and scenic beauty. With the attention has come the discovery of pristine parks of Lower Zambezi. For the purists, this is one of the last untouched safari experiences on the continent.

• Livingstone

  Victoria Falls, the world's largest falls cascade across a sheer rock face over 1km wide, mere meters away from visitors. The falls form the border between Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Livingstone features fine hotels and a broad array of adrenaline activities from ultra light and helicopter flights, white water rafting, river cruises, bungee, elephant-back safaris, and much more - it is a great spot to visit. Flight connections are limited to Lusaka.

• • Johannesburg
  • Peermont Metcourt

  Day 1: Johannesburg

  Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met inside the airport and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues.

  Upon arrival you will receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, Top Tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc).

  Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle

  Accommodation: Peermont Metcourt

  Contemporary convenience at its best...the new 3-star Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace offers stylish and comfortable rooms as well as a "group-friendly" experience for corporate, convention and leisure guests.

• • Livingstone
  • The Royal Livingstone and the Victoria Falls

  Day 2: Johannesburg - Livingstone

  Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle

  Airport transfer with private vehicle.

  You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Royal Landing to meet the African Queen. She gracefully meanders slowly upstream along the length of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in search of a number of animals and a host of bird species which can be viewed from comfortable chairs on the cool wooden decks. Excellent hot and cold food is served on board and the bar is well stocked with spirits, good wines, beers and soft drinks. All food and drink is included in the price and served throughout the cruise by professional, friendly waiters making the whole experience probably the most luxurious cruise on the Zambezi River. The duration of the cruise is about 2 hours and you can expect to be back at your hotel by 19h00. Children under 12 are half price, and children under 4 are free.

  Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone

  The Royal Livingstone is one of the most exquisite hotels in Zambia, set quietly on the edge of the Zambezi river belt and within walking distance of the Victoria Falls. With 173 rooms set in 17 colonial-style buildings, the century architecture of the hotel lends to its cool, refined atmosphere. Refreshing, with lounging areas and terraces overlooking the misty waters, the hotel is shielded with privacy by the indigenous trees and plants. One may take meals at High Tea in the lounge, in elegance, or dine comfortably on the veranda with a view of the gardens. Relax in one of the lounging areas of the hotel or test your limits with white water rafting along the river.

• • Victoria Falls
  • micro flight Vic Falls

  Day 3: Livingstone

  Victoria Falls are a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor who is prepared to brave the tremendous spray with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls. One special vantage point is across the Knife edge bridge, where visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include the Falls bridge and the Lookout Tree which commands a panoramic view across the Main Falls. Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences of the Falls region. Peak flood season is around March and April and the full power of the falls can be experienced in all its glory. As the floods abate the view of the falls gets better and better through the year, but at its lowest, around November and December the Falls become little rivulets running over the edge and in some places along the 1,7km width no water falls at all.

  Later this morning you'll visit the Simonga Village, home to approximately 3000 inhabitants – a mixture of the Lozi and Tonga tribes. The village was founded in 1958 and is situated approximately 20 kilometers from Livingstone Town, along the Kazungula/Sesheke road, which runs parallel to the Zambezi River as it flows down towards the Victoria Falls. This village is quite unique as it one of only three in the entire country of Zambia that is ruled by a Headwoman, Inonge Imusho Samachila, who was chosen by the Royal Family to rule in 1970, following the death of her father, Imusho Samachila. Upon arrival, guests are escorted through the village by a local resident, where they are introduced to the daily activities of an African village. You'll then be taken back to the Royal Livingstone Golf Club for lunch.

  Sign up for optional activities at your hotel (not included in tour price); helicopter, ultra-light, Gypsy Moth flights, elephant-back or horseback safari, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, Chobe game park day trip, jet boat, cultural tours, and more.

  Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone
• • Chobe
  • Muchenje Lodge

  Day 4: Livingstone - Chobe

  Transfer between Livingstone and Chobe lodges. 

  A game cruise on the Chobe River is one of the finest game viewing experiences in Africa. With over 80 000 elephant in the park alone they are a very frequent sighting. Hippo, water birds, buffalo, crocodile and puku are also viewed from the river.

  Accommodation: Muchenje Safari Lodge

  Last Eden of Chobe, Muchenje is a magnificent lodge in a stunning location. Muchenje sits on an escarpment with wonderful views of the Chobe River, and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and seasonal flood plains. Enjoy game veiwing and exceptional views from the convenience of their private veranda, the pool deck or one of the viewing decks. Owner run, your genial hosts offer a truly relaxed, homely atmosphere, where nothing is too much trouble. Just 20 guests are accommodated in intimate exclusivity. Each thatched, stone built cottage has private, panoramic views. The main Lodge area is extensive, and has been built to allow for excellent vistas, comfort and charm. Guests can relax in and its many quiet areas; from the viewing platforms and decks, the dining area and bar. Retail therapy is also at hand at the curio shop.Close by is the swimming pool, complete with deck and more excellent views where you can relax in the afternoon, and soak up the sun. The perfect base for your Chobe safari.

• • 

  Day 5: Chobe

  Game viewing in the Chobe National Park with your skilled guide. You'll have a great chance to view the abundant elephant and other big game species up close.

  Accommodation: Muchenje Safari Lodge
• • Okavango
  • Stanley's Camp

  Day 6: Chobe - Okavango

  Airstrip transfer with private vehicle and guide.

  Take your flight from Chobe to Okavango on Mack Air (light aircraft from Kasane) today. Includes departure tax.

  Here in the Okavango Delta lives some of the most spectacular and varied wildlife on Earth. Famed for its big cat and bird population, the delta is a peaceful haven where animals have been protected for decades and know they will not be disturbed. You'll have the opportunity to see animals up close when expert guides accompany you on morning and evening game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles. A night game drive is the perfect means to see some of the nocturnal animals one wouldn’t see during the day time. The park also boasts a diversity of landscape with desert, dry savannah, lagoon and swamps in close proximity – cheetah, crocodile and elephant can also be seen on a game drive.

  Accommodation: Stanley`s Camp

  Stanley's Camp is situated at the edge of Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve, a secluded space in the wild. The camp offers 8 safari tents that are well-appointed and beautifully furnished for comfort. Rich bedding and high quality fabrics add to the allure of these accommodations. Private balconies and hammocks allow for privacy. Dine on meats and vegetable dishes prepared with local ingredients and influences. Mingle with other guests, and a hospitable staff. Be sure to take in the views from the camp's raised deck, or have a dip in the swimming pool.

• • 
  • Mokoro Safari

  Day 7: Okavango

  The Okavango Delta features some of the best game viewing in all of Africa. Drives are typically done very early and lasting for a few hours then returning to the lodge for breakfast. (shared with other guests at the lodge).

  The Okavango Delta is of course flooded for much of the year and when it is, you can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow Delta channels. Just sit back and relax as they glide through lily ponds on local dugout canoes while they get eye to eye with a buffalo as it laps water from the river, watch crocodiles sunbathe on the banks or cruise past a pod of hippos as they lie in a pool. Fish eagles, frogs and fabulous lilies form much of this experience, but more frequently it is the quietness and gentle pace that makes its impression on you after a mokoro morning.

  Accommodation: Stanley`s Camp
• • Cape Town
  • Kensington Place

  Day 8: Okavango - Maun - Johannesburg - Cape Town

  Airstrip transfer with private vehicle and guide.

  This short flight travels from the Okavango airstrip to Maun.

  Transfer from your Maun accommodation to the airstrip.

  Enjoy a direct flight today between Maun and Johannesburg. Flight time is approximately 1 hour and 40 min. Flight scheduled to depart Maun at 2:50 pm and arrive into Johannesburg at 4:30 pm. Please Note: Flight times may vary

  Take your flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town today. The flight duration is approximately 2hrs.

  Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

  Accommodation: Kensington Place

  Kensington Place luxury hotel offers spectacular views of Table Mountain and is close to the National Park. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in the most contemporary style. Facilities include twin/king size beds, iPod docking facilities, safe and laptop and Skype phone facilities.Though in leafy suburbia, our luxury hotel is well placed for the city centre of Cape Town. Attractions include a wide variety of restaurants, Robben Island and beautiful beaches.

• • Penguins

  Day 9: Cape Town

  Today we embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. We take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. From here we drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as have spectacular views over False Bay. We enjoy lunch near here (not included – own account) before continuing to Simonstown, the naval base, and visiting the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. En route back we stop at the world renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before returning back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Kensington Place

• Day 10: Cape Town

  Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Cape Town international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Culinary Moments

  Imagine settling in after a thrilling evening game-drive, to enjoy a delicious alfresco banquet of Pan-African cuisine in the boma illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns.

• Natural Wonders

  In a country, which is approximately 80% arid, the Okavango Delta is a permanent life giving water source. It is a rather bizarre phenomenon in which a major mountain fed river reaches the vast tracts of the Kalahari and disperses into the floodplain in a maze of delta channels which are eventually consumed by the desert. Within the desert, the channels of the delta attract an abundance of animal and bird life.

• Wildlife Encounters

  Did you know? Elephants live in a highly organized social structure referred to as a matriarchal herd. The herd is typically composed of up to ten females and their young. Males beyond the age of maturity are with the herd only during mating. In Botswana, there is an estimated elephant population of over 120,000 - we are sure to see a few along the way!

• • Peermont Metcourt

  Peermont Metcourt

  Contemporary convenience at its best...the new 3-star Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace offers stylish and comfortable rooms as well as a "group-friendly" experience for corporate, convention and leisure guests.

  • More information
• • The Royal Livingstone and the Victoria Falls

  The Royal Livingstone

  The Royal Livingstone is one of the most exquisite hotels in Zambia, set quietly on the edge of the Zambezi river belt and within walking distance of the Victoria Falls. With 173 rooms set in 17 colonial-style buildings, the century architecture of the hotel lends to its cool, refined atmosphere. Refreshing, with lounging areas and terraces overlooking the misty waters, the hotel is shielded with privacy by the indigenous trees and plants. One may take meals at High Tea in the lounge, in elegance, or dine comfortably on the veranda with a view of the gardens. Relax in one of the lounging areas of the hotel or test your limits with white water rafting along the river.

  • More information
• • Muchenje Lodge
  • Room

  Muchenje Safari Lodge

  Last Eden of Chobe, Muchenje is a magnificent lodge in a stunning location. Muchenje sits on an escarpment with wonderful views of the Chobe River, and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and seasonal flood plains. Enjoy game veiwing and exceptional views from the convenience of their private veranda, the pool deck or one of the viewing decks. Owner run, your genial hosts offer a truly relaxed, homely atmosphere, where nothing is too much trouble. Just 20 guests are accommodated in intimate exclusivity. Each thatched, stone built cottage has private, panoramic views. The main Lodge area is extensive, and has been built to allow for excellent vistas, comfort and charm. Guests can relax in and its many quiet areas; from the viewing platforms and decks, the dining area and bar. Retail therapy is also at hand at the curio shop.Close by is the swimming pool, complete with deck and more excellent views where you can relax in the afternoon, and soak up the sun. The perfect base for your Chobe safari.

  • More information
• • Stanley's Camp

  Stanley's Camp

  Stanley's Camp is situated at the edge of Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve, a secluded space in the wild. The camp offers 8 safari tents that are well-appointed and beautifully furnished for comfort. Rich bedding and high quality fabrics add to the allure of these accommodations. Private balconies and hammocks allow for privacy. Dine on meats and vegetable dishes prepared with local ingredients and influences. Mingle with other guests, and a hospitable staff. Be sure to take in the views from the camp's raised deck, or have a dip in the swimming pool.

  • More information
• • Kensington Place

  Kensington Place

  Kensington Place luxury hotel offers spectacular views of Table Mountain and is close to the National Park. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in the most contemporary style. Facilities include twin/king size beds, iPod docking facilities, safe and laptop and Skype phone facilities.Though in leafy suburbia, our luxury hotel is well placed for the city centre of Cape Town. Attractions include a wide variety of restaurants, Robben Island and beautiful beaches.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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