The Southern Safari

Cape TownWarmed by the African sun, Cape Town is dominated by a towering, tableshaped mountain set on a peninsula of soaring rocky heights and lush valleys. Explore the Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Ride the funicular to the top of Cape Point for panoramic views of the landscapes below. Drive to Glencairn and participate in a walk with a troop of Chacama baboon in their natural mountain environment. Experience a day in the life of one of South Africa's award-winning winemakers, Middelvlei Wine Estate, in the Cape Winelands. The estate's wine farmer and vine master take you on an in-depth tour which includes a visit to the farm's private underground wine cellar. Taste some of the unique varietals and blend and bottle your own wine under a unique Marco Polo Club label. After lunch, wander through the local village before continuing to Spier Wine Estate and the Cheetah Center for a private cheetah interaction. If weather conditions permit, take a cable car ride to the top of breathtaking Table Mountain. Cape Grace B L D

Cape Town/Johannesburg/ Maun, Botswana/Kalahari DesertFly to Johannesburg and connect to Maun. Continue by light aircraft to your camp located deep in the heart of the Kalahari Desert on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. The largest salt pans in the world, Makgadikgadi was formed when Australia and South Africa separated five million years ago. At the time, it was a lake at the base of the Rift Valley, but the waters shifted north, leaving enormous salt pans (the size of Portugal) that look like a moonscape. While you are here, stay in Jack's Camp, a classic East African 1940s-style safari camp. Traditional canvas and wooden basins, copper water jugs, paraffin lamps, Oriental rugs and fine silver complement the ambience. Walk with traditionally dressed Bushmen (the nomadic hunter-gatherer people of the area) to view desert wildlife, including adorable meerkat. Venture onto the salt pans on four-wheel-drive ATVs to explore this vast, mysterious area. You have the option to spend an unforgettable night under the desert stars when your bed is placed outside for a night of slumber in the Kalahari. Jack's Camp B L D

Kalahari Desert/Moremi Game ReserveThe exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve, the "predator capital of Africa," is renowned for its resident prides of lion and the rare wild dog, and is home to Chief 's Camp, a luxury bush lodge located on Chief 's Island. This tented camp provides an oasis of comfort in the heart of the lush Okavango Delta, with 12 luxury en suite tents, each with its own private viewing deck that offers a panoramic view of the animal activity along the nearby Piajio Channel. Game viewing activities from Chief 's Camp include excursions in four-wheel-drive vehicles, secure hides for enthusiastic game watchers. Sanctuary Chief's Camp B L D

Moremi Game Reserve/ Livingstone, Zambia/Mosi-oa-Tunya National ParkTransfer to Livingstone in Zambia by light aircraft and coach. Drive to Sussi & Chuma Lodge, named after explorer David Livingstone's faithful friends. During your time here, you stay in one of the luxurious tree houses, built into the canopy of majestic ebony trees. Engage in activities that include river cruises and visits to the local fishing village. Tour the mighty Victoria Falls to see the thundering waters and take guided game drives to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Observe resident wildlife, including hippo and elephant, as they take advantage of their preeminent status at the park and wander the grounds as they please. There is also time to take a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River above the falls. Glide lazily down the river watching for hippo, elephant or buffalo coming to drink at the water's edge. The following day, embark on a scenic "Flight of the Angels," a helicopter excursion over Victoria Falls and a must for avid photographers. If you prefer, you can explore a nearby village or interact with semi-habituated elephant. Join Russell Gammon, an expert on David Livingstone, for a farewell dinner at your lodge. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma B L D

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park/ Livingstone/Johannesburg/USA or CanadaDrive to Livingstone for a flight to Johannesburg and a connection to your homebound flight. B