The Experience
Journey across South Africa’s many different landscapes, experiencing Cape Town and stunning Cape Point, game drives in Sabi Sands and Lion Sands Game Reserves and a tour of legendary Victoria Falls. Day 1: Arrive Cape Town, South Africa Arrive in Cape Town, a breathtaking harbor city where old and new harmoniously converge in history, architecture, cultural pursuits, and the essence of its people. Warmed by the African sun, the city is dominated by the towering, flat-topped Table Mountain, set on a peninsula of soaring, rocky heights and lush valleys. An A&K representative meets and transfers you to your luxurious hotel, located in the heart of the fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. One&Only Cape Town Day 2: Cape Town | Mountain in the Sea Wind your way through the scenic, shrub-dotted landscape to Table Mountain; ascend to its sky-high plateau by cable car (weather permitting) for dazzling views of city and sea. Next, drive through old Cape Town with views of notable buildings, including Groote Kerk (South Africa,™s oldest church), City Hall and the Grand Parade. Later, wander through the tranquil, lush Company Gardens, continuing to the pentagonal Castle of Good Hope. Built by the Dutch East India Company as a maritime refreshment station, it later became the center of military life in the Cape. Your afternoon is at leisure before you gather tonight for a welcome dinner and A&K Chef’s Table, where the resident chef or sommelier guide you through a progressive, contemporary feast. One&Only Cape Town | Meals: B D Day 3: Cape Town | Spectacular Cape Point Today, discover Cape Point, the mountainous and scenic promontory at the southwestern tip of the continent. Embark on a journey past the bikini beaches, at the base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountains, bucolic Hout Bay with its bustling fishing harbor and over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Explore the stunning Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to rare bonteboks, chacma baboons and several endemic plant species not found elsewhere. Ride the Flying Dutchman, funicular to the great pinnacle at blustery Cape Point, which presides over treacherous reefs, sandy beaches and an untold number of shipwrecks below. The views are amazing, and during the winter months, you may also see Southern right whales. At Boulders Beach, visit its colony of endangered African penguins; accustomed to humans, they provide endless photo opportunities. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying your hotel, including the expansive, African-inspired One&Only Spa Cape Town. You may also wish to continue exploring the city on your own, walking the harborfront, shopping in the boutiques or dining in one of the city’s world-class restaurants. One&Only Cape Town | Meals: B L Day 4: Sabi Sands Game Reserve | Africa’s Big Five, Fly via Nelspruit to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where you find the privately owned Lion Sands Game Reserve and your lodge, located at a spot along the banks of the Sabie River where trees date back 800 years. Facing due east, the lodge catches the sun as it rises over Kruger National Park. Hosted by the fourth generation of a family that makes it feel like home away from home, the lodge embodies spirit, warmth and nature. This afternoon, set off in search of the Big Five, elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo and leopards as well as a wide variety of other species. Lion Sands – River Lodge | Meals: B L D Days 5-6: Lion Sands Game Reserve | Timeless Wilderness Spend two days immersed in this private game reserve, the only reserve in South Africa to offer safari adventures in both the Sabi and Sand rivers ecosystem. Embark on game drives in open Land Rovers for optimum viewing and go on early-morning game walks with your ranger. Lion Sands Game Reserve is known as one of the finest in Africa for its high densities of wildlife, which often appear just steps in front of you. Whether on a game drive or walk, you learn about the local wildlife, flora and fauna, as well as basic tracking skills. In between safari activities, participate in an A&K Chef’s Table cooking experience, where you prepare a traditional South African stew of potjiekos. At dusk, stop for a sundowner, and then continue your search for nocturnal animals before returning to your lodge for dinner. Lion Sands – River Lodge | Meals: B L D Day 7: Victoria Falls | The Smoke That Thunders Today, fly to Livingstone, Zambia, and then transfer to your hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1904, this original colonial Edwardian hotel delivers the romance and elegance of old world travel while surrounding you in modern luxury. This evening, if you wish, enjoy a private cycling tour through the colorful town market and a nature trail. The Victoria Falls Hotel | Meals: B D Day 8: Victoria Falls | Zambezi River Cruise Take a guided walking tour of the breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, and explore the surrounding rainforest. See rainbows and the cloud of spray where the mile-wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet into the lower Zambezi; this same mist can be seen from miles away. Later, take a leisurely sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River, looking for hippos, elephants and buffalo that have come to drink at the water,™s edge. This evening, gather with your fellow guests for a farewell dinner. The Victoria Falls Hotel | Meals: B D Day 9: Depart Johannesburg Fly to Johannesburg, enjoying access to the Premier Lounge before boarding your international flight home. Meals: B Winelands Pre-Tour Extension 3 days, priced from $1,695 Available on the Feb 13, Jun 19, Jul 17, Aug 14, Sep 4, Sep 25 and Oct 9 departures. DAY 1: Arrive in Cape Town, where you transfer to your Winelands hotel. Your afternoon is at leisure. La Residence DAY 2: Today explore historic Stellenbosch with an expert guide who reveals the town’s modern wine industry. Experience Bordeaux blends at Morgenster Estate, chocolate and wine at Waterford Wine Estate, and lunch and an art exhibition at Muratie Wine Estate. La Residence Meals: B L DAY 3: Head to quaint Franschhoek and the 300-year old Grand Provence wine estate, visiting Haute Cabriere Wine Estate and the Huguenot Museum en route. Return to Cape Town to begin your main program. Meals: B L