SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE

October 28 2020 – 08 November 2020

• Visit Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
•  Enjoy a Sunset cruise down the Zambezi River
• Walk with the Rhinos
• Experience Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred’s waterfront area
• Kayak to see penguins on the beach
• Visit the infamous Robben Island
• Safaris to look for the Big Five and many other amazing animals
• and much more…

Day 1: Depart from USA

Day 2: Arrive into Johannesburg for an overnight 

 Day 3:

AVANI Victoria Falls Resort, Livingstone (Victoria Falls) Victoria

Located a few kilometres from the Zambezi River in southwestern Zambia, the bustling town of Livingstone is famous as the home of the magnificent Victoria Falls. One of the original natural wonders of the world, the World Heritage Site is known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. This spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and is an ideal place to combine game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial whitewater rafting in the world. Visitors can hike around the falls or try ziplining or the bridge swing. Those seeking more leisurely activities can take sunset cruises along the river, with champagne and snacks included, meander through the vibrant local Livingstone Market, or discover the region’s history and archeology at the Livingstone Museum. 

Transfer from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone) to Avani Victoria Falls 

Visit an orphanage and interact with local children.  We will have the opportunity to bring supplies they need

Sunset Cruise on the Lady Livingstone Wilderness Safaris Zimbabwe 

Highlights · Drift along the mighty Zambezi in peace and luxury while spotting the abundant wildlife. · Absorb the hospitality of the exclusive-use Lady Livingstone river cruiser. The Lady Livingstone is based on a private jetty off the David Livingstone Safari Lodge. She is a 144-seater, 3-deck river cruiser. The lower deck accommodates 92 people, middle deck accommodates 40 and the upper exclusive deck accommodates 12 people. The boat caters for the individual travellers as well as groups and conferences alike. The boat is suitable for private functions and can be booked on an exclusive basis on request. The 2½-hour cruise takes place along the river boundary of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offering you the opportunity of sighting elephant, giraffe, buffalo and antelope coming down to the river to drink. There are also an abundance of hippo, crocodile and bird life. The cruise includes a complimentary bar and freshly baked snacks. An experienced guide accompanies each cruise and has good knowledge on the wildlife and local history of the area. 

NB. Park fees are included. 

Overnight: AVANI Victoria Falls Resort 

AVANI Victoria Falls Resort connects the wild side of travellers to Zambia’s wondrous landscapes and big game thrills. With iconic Victoria Falls on its doorstep, a contemporary vibe and essential comforts give roaring adventures a comfy den in dramatic nature. 

The resort’s biggest draw is its impressive location, just a five-minute stroll from Victoria Falls, with all guests enjoying free unlimited access to this famous attraction – ranked as one of the Seven Natural Wonders and the world’s largest waterfall. 

The resort’s extraordinary setting is easily accessible. Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (formerly Livingstone Airport) is a swift 25-minute drive away, made even more seamless by a transfer service. AVANI Victoria Falls stands apart for its natural beauty and vibrant local style. 

Day 4: AVANI Victoria Falls Resort, Livingstone (Victoria Falls) (Sat, 31 October)  

Tour of Victoria Falls Zimbabwean & Zambian Side Wilderness Safaris Zimbabwe 

Highlights · Explore the rainforests of the Victoria Falls with its abundance of birdlife. · Learn about the geographical formation of the Falls. · Amble along the scenic pathway, stopping at spectacular vantage points along the way. 

Guests will start off in Zimbabwe going through the Rainforest with one of our qualified Guides who will give a brief history of the Falls, as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Then you will cross the border and enter the Zambian Rain Forest. From here, you will meet up with a Zambian Guide who will escort you around the Zambian Falls sharing some facts & history along the way. 

The Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. David Livingstone was the first European to visit the Falls, and named it after Queen Victoria. To the locals, it is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya The Smoke that Thunders an accurate description of what happens when the waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the 1700 metre wide and 100-metre deep chasm, creating a shower of spray and a deafening noise. From February to May each year, the Victoria Falls are in full flood and 500 million litres of water tumble over the edge into a series of gorges each minute! 

NB. The tour is approximately 4 hours long. Includes transfers to and from your hotel. 

Please kindly note that during the period September to early December there is normally no water on the Zambian side of the falls. We therefore recommend a tour on the Zimbabwean side of the falls or both so that guests can have both experience. September to December are hot months here and we therefore highly recommend that guests start tour of the falls early so that they get back to their hotels in time for breakfast. This can be discussed with the guests and their guide a day before the tour. Rhino Walking Safari 

Highlights · An informative guided three-hour walk in the Zambezi wilderness · Track white rhino on foot · See the big game of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park 

The Rhino Walking Safari starts with an early pick-up from your hotel, and transfer to the National Park. Tea, coffee and muffins are served during the pre-walk briefing from your guide after which your group is escorted by an armed scout on the short drive to the start of the walk. The guide sets a leisurely pace and you can stop as frequently as you wish, to ask questions and discuss any aspect that particularly interests you. Your guide will find the white rhino and also track as much of the other large game as possible. Refreshments in the form of home-made iced lemon juice, cake and cookies are served half-way. At the end of the walk ice-cold soft drinks are served before your transfer back to your accommodation. The entire excursion takes between four and four-and-a-half hours. 

The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show Wilderness Safaris Zimbabwe 

Highlights · Dine under the African stars and lose yourself in the spectacular entertainment. · Enjoy delicious Zimbabwean fare. 

Set in Gusu Bush near the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, this is not just another ethnic restaurant but a rather unique cultural experience. Partially open to the African skies, the restaurants menu specialises in a range of traditional Zimbabwean dishes as well as a barbecue buffet. You will also have the opportunity to try local delicacies such as delicious mopane worms, game stews and traditional beer. All of this is accompanied by entertainment from Shangaan dancers and singers, the Sangoma (story teller) and a local witchdoctor who is available for fortune telling. 

NB. Dress is casual. Includes transfers. 

DAY 5

Depart from AVANI Victoria Falls Resort Scheduled road transfer from AVANI Victoria Falls Resort to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone). 

Please kindly note that pick up times for the following day s transfer or activity will be advised through the hotels or driver/guide between 16h30 and 17h00. 

Private road transfer in a 32 seater coach from Cape Town International Airport to The Commodore Hotel, including a Guide for the transfer, water on the coach and porterage (airport and hotel). City Orientation Tour, Kirstenbosch Gardens and Sundowners on Signal Hill (including a Lunch pack). 

Highlights · City Orientation Tour – See the rich history and culture of Cape Town 

· Kirstenbosch Gardens 

· Sundowners on Signal Hill 

· Lunch pack 

Arrive at The Commodore Hotel 

Overnight: Commodore Hotel 

Overlooking the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean is the Commodore, Legacy’s flagship hotel in Cape Town. Stylish living, quality service and a tranquil setting have ensured that our guests return year after year, be it as businessmen or tourists excited to experience all that is the Mother City. 

Day 6: Commodore Hotel, Cape Town 

Private Full Day Peninsula and Sea Kayaking Tour 

Highlights · Travel through many famous coastal suburbs of the Cape and traverse one of the world’s most spectacular passes Chapmans Peak. · Navigate the False Bay coastline on a sea kayak (weather dependent) and visit the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. · Spot wildlife in the Table Mountain National Park, and explore the rocky coastline, the Cape fynbos vegetation and the south-westernmost point of Africa Cape Point and its lighthouse. · Catch a glimpse of Southern right whale (seasonal) off the Capes longest beach. · Lunch at an a la carte coastal restaurant. 

Our first port of call will be in Simonstown where you will meet your sea kayaking guide for a safety briefing and gear up for a few hours easy paddling in twin kayaks (scheduled basis) along the False Bay coast. Pass the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach and view them from the ocean as they swim around the quaint cove. 

A sumptuous lunch will replenish your energy before we enter the Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park with its unique Cape fynbos vegetation and home to birds like African black oystercatchers and Cape sugarbirds as well as to very special fauna including Cape mountain zebra, bontebok (both endemic) and the charismatic Cape baboon. Climb (or ride the world’s first environmentally friendly funicular) to the famous Cape Point Lighthouse to capture the magical vistas of False Bay. 

We then head home along the dramatic Atlantic seaboard and navigate the 114 curves of 600m high Chapmans Peak Drive passing the picturesque fishing hamlet of Hout Bay, Llandudno and Bakoven (with their ghostly shipwrecks),the towering Twelve Apostles, and on through Camps Bay and Bantry Bay. 

NB. Our sea kayaks safe and comfortable and require almost no balance or skill. 

Day 7 

Private Full Day Robben Island and Constantia Winelands 

Highlights 

– Visit the historic prison of Robben Island, which for some 450 years incarcerated convicts, slaves, exiled Eastern princes, lepers, the insane and political prisoners including Nelson Mandela. 

– Absorb the rich history and culture of the prison, now a World Heritage Site. 

– Experience a guided bus tour of the island with breathtaking views across the Bay. 

– Experience a guided walk through the prison, pausing at Nelson Mandela’s cell. 

– Wilderness Touring guide accompanies the guests for additional commentary and/or necessary translation. 

– Visit wine estates according to your preferences. 

– Explore Africa’s oldest wine producing region, only 20 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. 

– Absorb the spectacular scenery of the Constantiaberg Mountains. 

Depart from Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront by ferry for a scenic 25-minute trip across Table Bay to Robben Island. 

This World Heritage Site, which is one of South Africa’s most revered national monuments, was once a prison. Among its more famous inmates was the 19th century tribal chief, Makana, who lost his life attempting to escape by boat across the Bay, and South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela. He spent two decades of his life on the island, along with some 3 000 other political detainees, many of whom were icons of the resistance and became leaders of the new South Africa. 

This stirring tour is led by experienced island guides (some of whom were once inmates) and includes a visit to the Prison Block and the infamous Limestone Quarry, where prisoners toiled, as well as a drive around the island 

N.B. The advantage of this option is that, at a relatively insignificant cost (1 x Robben Island ticket), the Wilderness Touring guide is available to offer additional commentary, guide guests through queues and provide translations where necessary. 

The Wilderness Touring guide will organize and facilitate alternate touring should the Robben Island tour be cancelled due to weather (regular occurrence) as the vehicle and guide remain at the disposal of the guests. 

Head south along the Peninsula towards Constantia, where we enjoy a tour of the famous Constantia Wine Ward. 

The historic valley, with vineyards clinging to the eastern slopes of the Constantiaberg Mountains, was home to 17th century Dutch governor, Simon van der Stel’s wine farm. Its legendary dessert wines graced the tables of the European monarchy in the 18th century. 

There are now numerous cellars in this premier ward, and we will taste wines at some of these estates, which continue the tradition of producing wines from classic European noble varieties. The area is celebrated for its Sauvignon Blancs, Semillons and Chardonnays, from the Steenberg, Constantia Uitsig and Buitenverwachting estates. However, wonderful Merlots, Cabernet, Shiraz and red blends in classic Bordeaux styles are also made at Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and High Constantia, but the area’s famed signature wine is still the exquisite Vin de Constance from Klein Constantia. 

Day 8-11: Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Private Game Reserve (Wed, 4 November) 

Kapama Private Game Reserve 

Stretching across 13 000 hectares, towards the Kruger area in South Africa, Kapama Private Game Reserve provides an authentic African safari experience. The reserve provides a range of stylish accommodation across four refined lodges and bush camps. Offering a wide range of options, from a traditional African safari camp to top-notch luxury suites. Kapama is home to the Big Five and is known for its diverse wildlife experiences which can be enjoyed on one of many game drives offering fascinating encounters with plentiful wildlife. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities including: excellent game viewing, enjoying a relaxing spa experience and stargazing after a lamp-lit dinner under the African night sky. 

Arrive at Kapama River Lodge 

Kapama Game Reserve is located in close proximity to Eastgate Airport with the lodge providing open vehicle transfers. Kapama’s location in the central Lowveld region creates the perfect base from which to explore the numerous nearby attractions. 

The northern Drakensberg mountain range provides a majestic backdrop to this contemporary private game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park region. River lodge is situated within Kapama Game Reserve, and presents the perfect blend between luxurious accommodation and with 64 bedrooms, generous bed capacity. 

Each of the spacious rooms features a full en-suite bathroom and enjoy uninterrupted views of this game rich, big 5, reserve. The central guest entertainment areas include a swimming pool, lounge, bar, library, curio shop, multifunctional function venue and boma. Meals are of a buffet style and offer a variety of freshly prepared pan-African dishes. 

Considered one of the finest safari spas in Africa, the Spa situated at River Lodge has six sumptuous treatment rooms in a setting surrounded by stillness and sweeping bushveld. Arranged around a generous central lap pool the spa evokes a sense of calm. 

We will enjoy 2 safari trips a day- early morning and evening when the animals are at their most active.  In between exciting safaris, you can enjoy the pool, spa, excercise room or just relax. all meals are included at Kapama River Lodge.

Cost for land portion and regional air within Africa:

$7495 pp-  $5995/land   $1500 regional air*subject to change untill booked and paid for,

** the rooms we have available at Kapama now are upgraded, larger suites and this room upgrade is reflected in the price.

Single supplment -$1330 pp

*International Air to be booked separately- RT Johannesburg. We can assist with internationla air if needed.

Spots are limited and a non refundable deposit of $2500 pp is due by Oct 1, 2020 (or until sold out) this is for land deposit and internal air bookings

Checks may be made to Andrews Travel and mailed to:

3704L Estes Rd. / Nashville, TN 37215

Call 615 479-7340 with questions

Fully hosted by Carol Andrews and Melva Moore