Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Johannesburg, the wealthiest province in South Africa
Welcome to Africa – a land as diverse as its scenery and people. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin getting acquainted with the unique culture of South Africa.
Your South African adventure begins with an orientation tour of the country’s largest city. See some of the major landmarks and important areas during this panoramic excursion. Continue on to Pilanesberg Game Reserve, where amazing animal adventures await! This afternoon, experience your first game-viewing drive as you traverse the reserve in open safari vehicles with your driver/guide. Meals: B, D
Today you have more opportunities to witness the majestic wildlife of Africa on your morning and afternoon open-vehicle, guided, game-viewing drives. Keep an eye out for the “Big 5” - lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros, and have your camera ready! Over 7,000 animals and 360 bird species can be found on the reserve. Lions basking in the sun, elephants roaming the vast expanse of the land, and perhaps an elusive leopard…your driver/guide will do his best to track them so you can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat! Meals: B, L, D
This morning, return to the Johannesburg airport by coach to board your flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival, after clearing Zimbabwe customs and immigration formalities at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day discovering the amenities of the hotel. Meals: B, D
The day begins with an up-close and personal interaction with some “locals”…the great African elephants! Visit the sanctuary where rescued and resident elephants live. Meet with their caretakers and learn all about the elephants’ behaviors and the amazing bonds formed between the keepers and these gentle giants. After free time back at the hotel for lunch, a remarkable experience is in store as you visit the spectacular Victoria Falls this afternoon and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of one of nature’s supreme masterpieces. A local guide will accompany you through the rainforest, detailing the history of the falls and the flora, fauna, bird and wildlife that abounds. After the tour, return to the hotel for relaxation and an included dinner. Meals: B, D
Botswana: It’s time to depart Zimbabwe and journey by coach across the border to Botswana where you’ll arrive in the town of Kasane and check in to the lodge. After an included lunch, depart on an afternoon cruise on the Chobe River. You’re sure to see elephants refreshing themselves in the water, hippos peeking out to see you, and perhaps crocodiles sunning themselves on shore. Return to the lodge for a relaxing dinner and evening at leisure. Meals: B, L, D
Experience the native wildlife of Chobe National Park on a morning safari in open vehicles. The reserve is home to giraffe, elephant, zebra, impala, sable, wildebeest, warthog and so much more. Keep an eye out for their predators which can include lion, hyena, jackal, bat-eared fox, the elusive cheetah and wild dog.
After lunch at the lodge, your afternoon safari can be by land in an open vehicle or by boat on a cruise. Gather with your traveling companions for the final dinner at the lodge. Meals: B, L, D
The safari experience comes to an end as you travel to the Victoria Falls Airport by coach for a flight to Cape Town and return to South Africa where a new experience awaits. After a short drive from the airport, arrive in Stellenbosch, the country’s second oldest town. Enjoy your free time to stroll along the oak-lined streets where Cape Dutch architecture, wine shops, cafés, and art galleries can be found. Known for its wine production, this area of the county is filled with wine farms. Sample the local product during a wine-tasting before this evening’s included dinner. Meals: B, D
On today’s excursion, relax as you discover the country’s winelands. After a morning refreshment stop, visit the charming village of Franschhoek, showcasing another of the area’s scenic treasures. Located in a breathtaking valley, surrounded by vineyards and mountains, it’s the perfect setting for your lunch. During an afternoon wine-tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the wines, how they are made, the various grapes, and of course sample plenty of vintages. After a lovely day in the country, return to the hotel in Stellenbosch. Meals: B, L
Departing the wine country, return to Cape Town where the local guide gives an orientation and provides details of the city’s history during the panoramic tour. See the highlights including historic monuments, landmarks, and buildings. Visit Cape Town’s most iconic destination…Table Mountain. Ascend to the summit via the aerial cableway and be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding oceans and city below. Returning to ground level, drive by the Malay Quarter and Milnerton Lighthouse before ending at the hotel for an evening at leisure. Meal: B
While visiting the famous Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern point of the African continent, discover the rich biodiversity of life – both flora and fauna. Baboons, Cape Mountain Zebra and other small animals and birds can be found, along with beautiful scenery. A highlight of the day may be the visit to Boulders Beach where you won’t find a better combination of beach and wildlife. Hundreds of Jackass penguins waddle freely on their white sand beach and are happy to pose for the camera! This evening, dinner is included at a local restaurant along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Meals: B, D
Enjoy a final morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight home. Memories and photographs of the special moments and unforgettable experiences are sure to last a lifetime! Meal: B
