Falls to Cape: Cruise, Walk & Safari from Victoria Falls to Cape Town 15D14N

Welcome to Mama Africa! Begin with a transfer from OR Tambo Airport to the historic suburb of Houghton, once home to iconic South African President, the late Nelson Mandela. You will be staying in a luxury Suite at the distinguished The Residence in Houghton, a stunning oasis in the heart of the bustling city. Stroll through the glorious gardens, play a game of tennis, work out in the gym or swim in one of this boutique hotel’s beautiful outdoor pools. If you prefer, enjoy a game of golf nearby at the Houghton Golf Club. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a private transfer to Johannesburg Airport. Fly to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (at your own expense) for a bucket list adventure of a lifetime. Enjoy a scenic 1 hour drive to your idyllic 5-star retreat at Matetsi Lodge, that runs along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.

Set on 136,000-acre wilderness area on Matetsi Private Game Reserve and an ideal base to discover the world’s largest waterfall, your exclusive adventure begins! Unwind at the family-owned lodge for a true sense of restorative experience combining the best of safari, river, relaxation and the Falls all in one.

Spend time relaxing in your River Lodge Suite complete with a deck overlooking a private section of the tranquil Zambezi and a personal butler to attend to your needs. Take a refreshing bath in your stand-alone bathtub or a swim in your private plunge pool with sweeping views of the river. Alternatively, get acquainted to your new home away from home. Whisk away in the privacy of the library with a good book, laze in the alfresco lounge areas or tantalise your tastebuds at the private wine cellar.

This evening, embrace the African bushveld with a traditional boma dining affair boasting fresh and regionally soured produce paired with inclusive wine.

Your next few days are yours to create! With 136,000 acres of private game reserve, explore the wildlife-rich paradise on foot, luxury safari or boat accompanied by experienced, conservation-minded guides.

Revel in twice daily game drives, guided walking safaris or birdwatching for an exclusive safari experience. From morning to afternoon game drives as well as night drives; keep eyes peeled for well-known breeding herds of elephants, lions, the elusive leopard, wild dogs and buffalos that call this place home.

With easy access to the majestic Victoria Falls, discover its many facets. From a guided walking adventure to a helicopter flight offering the renowned ‘Flight of the Angels’ aerial view of the largest sheet of falls water on Earth. For a different perspective, indulge in high tea on the terrace at the Victoria Falls Hotel offering a lovely view across to the Victoria Falls bridge with the spray of the falls in the background.

Take it to the waters with adventures out in the river. The lodge lies along 9 miles of private Zambezi River frontage. Indulge in seclusive river cruises including a stunning sunrise cruise and the renowned Zambezi River sunset cruise accompanied by a personal guide and tracker to share the wonders of wildlife on the river. Enjoy canoeing, fishing and more. For those in seek for more adventures, Vicotria Falls town is just a short journey away for authentic culture seekers to meet the people of the village tour as well as avid adventures including ziplining across the Batoka Gorge.

When you’re not busy exploring, unwind to ‘Life on The River’. Relax in the infinity pool that runs along the banks of the Zambezi, pamper yourself in the outdoor sala of the spa or simply soak in the pristine views from the spacious outdoor lounge areas.

This morning savour a delightful breakfast amongst the Zambezi River before a transfer to Victoria Falls Airport.

You’ll fly back to Johannesburg (at own expense) and enjoy a private transfer to The Residence Hotel where you’ll stay overnight. Take this time to simply unwind. Take a refreshing dip in the pool embraced by the tranquility of lush gardens or relax in the jacuzzi. Alternatively, reinvigorate your mind, body and soul at the serene Sky Spa, situated on the top floor, for spectacular views over the city skyline.

This evening, enjoy a leisurely pace with pre-dinner cocktails at the Piano Bar while being soothed to the sounds of the Residence pianist. Enjoy dinner at the local fine dining in The Dining Room restaurant or venture into town for a selection of dining affairs.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a private transfer to Johannesburg Airport. Fly to Hoedspruit (at your own expense) for a bucket list safari adventure of a lifetime. Transfer from the airport to Simbavati Trails Camp, a fabulous back-to-basics camp located in a secluded section of Timbavati Nature Reserve in the Kruger Park.

You will be one of only 8 guests to spend the next 2 nights in this exclusive camp staying in a Luxury Safari Tent. Life at Simbavati Trails is real bush living – there’s no electricity, meals are prepared over an open fire and your bucket showers are filled with warm water whenever you need it. Game viewing here is on foot, a unique immersive, authentic experience you will never forget. Of course, you’re still pampered with warm Simbavati hospitality, superb cuisine and every comfort in your Meru-style tent with its private al fresco bathroom.

Today, you are in for a treat! Simbavati Trails Camp offers a rare safari experience, an opportunity to live in luxury and in harmony with nature. Your day begins with a guided 4-hour walk with an expert armed guide through this unspoilt wilderness area. You will see, hear and smell more this morning than you ever imagined possible. This type of game viewing is unsurpassed and the leisurely pace at which life is enjoyed here is a privilege to experience. Your day is as relaxed or active as you wish. The camp borders on the Kruger Park without fences, so you’ll have access to 11,000 hectares in the famous park to enjoy. Aside from time to relax in your comfortable Meru-style tents at the camp, there’s dining under the stars to look forward to in a traditional Boma style affair.

Today you go from back to basics camping to ultimate luxury bush living. Transfer to another of Simbavati’s safari camps in the area, the luxury tented Hilltop Lodge, which offers a stunning vantage point. You don’t have to go far for wildlife encounters! Overlooking the open plains, Mbali Dam and the Nhlararlumi River, where elephants and other wild animals come to drink. Game viewing is exceptional here and you may even come up close to the Big Five on one of your twice daily game drives, especially leopard.

You’ve conquered your safari adventure, now it’s time to relax in style at this exceptional lodge with its opulent accommodation and superb cuisine. Spend the night here in one of its exclusive lodge’s boasting 8 spacious tented suites, each with a private bathroom and viewing deck. Your accommodation is connected to the main lodge via wooden walkways, so it’s very easy to get around.

Fly to Cape Town from Hoedspruit (at your own expense) and transfer to the magnificent Cape Grace Hotel on the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront, your home for the next 2 nights. Unwind in your custom-designed Luxury Room where french doors open to reveal breathtaking views of the city’s working harbour and the sea.

The V&A Waterfront boasts excellent shops, restaurants and entertainment to enjoy within walking distance of your hotel. Take views from above on a ferris wheel that offers a unique glimpse of your surrounds including the mighty Table Mountains. You can explore the nearby City Bowl by chauffeur transfer, another paradise of shops, sights and cafes. Alternatively, relax at the hotel and unwind to its premium onsite facilities. If you like, you can venture to the Library between 6-10pm for an introduction to Wines of the Cape, Port and Sherry.

Escape to a seaside paradise! Discover the beauty of the Cape Peninsula boasting numerous panoramic photographic locations along your route. Drive along spectacular Chapman’s Peak with the ocean on one side and the mountain on the other and stop off at vantage points for awe-inspiring views.

Travel along the Peninsula to visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, a breathtaking area that is a World Heritage Site and protected nature reserve. Continue on to the southwestern tip of the African continent, Cape Point.

On your way back to Cape Town, you will stop off at beautiful Boulders Beach with its unique penguin colony, visit Simons Town with its naval base and enjoy lunch at the charming seaside village of Kalk Bay. Cap off the best of Cape Town immersing into nature at the spectacular Kirstenbosch Garden and discover its exceptional flora and fauna unique to the region.

This evening, create your own adventure and discover Cape Town’s night life at your own leisure.

Today you head for the luxurious wellness retreat of Bushman’s Kloof, 270km from Cape Town, a natural paradise that offers a unique wilderness escape. This will be your home for the next 3 nights. Bushman’s Kloof is the perfect base from which to explore the exquisite surroundings – 7 500 hectares of private reserve which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it’s home to unique flora and fauna as well as 130 fascinating Bushman rock art sites.

This is a place to step outside and breathe deep, to inhale the freshest air and feel your pulse slow to the rhythm of the bush. Your days at this sumptuous retreat will be filled with nature drives and trips to see Rock art, some of which dates back 10,000 years. Find your bush escapade with an array of inclusive adventures from hiking, swimming, fly fishing, canoeing, archery to bird watching… the list is endless. The landscape is richly biodiverse and malaria-free, offering everything from hiking and biking through a carpet of wildflowers, to swimming and canoeing on clear rock pools. Wilderness experiences, led by intuitive guides that live and breathe the bush, are gentle and unique, allowing glimpses of rare gemsbok, black wildebeest, Cape zebra and leopards - some of the Cape's most rare species that we pride ourselves on protecting. Sundowners and picnics are ever-popular, served at scenic spots throughout the drive.

Set in the midst of these tranquil surrounds is the retreat’s famous healing spa, where you can refresh and rejuvenate mind and body with a selection of indulgent wellness and beauty treatments. You can also visit the enthralling Heritage Centre on the property and discover the organic herb and vegetable garden that supplies the kitchen.

Indulge in authentic Cape cuisine - indigenous fynbos adding a distinctly 'Cape' dimension to a fusion of innovative and traditional fare, all sourced from the reserve's organic garden. From the incredible breakfast served in the cosy Homestead, to showstopper, star-lit dinners in the natural splendour of Embers, sculpted into a rock amphitheatre, enjoy unforgettable dining experiences.

Today soak in a delicious breakfast, a perfect time to reflect an unmatched adventure. Leave Hermanus feeling inspired and rejuvenated as you journey to Cape Town International Airport for your onward journey

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.