South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

Start in the "Mother City" of Cape Town, considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With iconic Table Mountain as her backdrop, Cape Town is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city surrounded by stunning mountains and a spectacular coastline. Visit the impressive Cape of Good Hope, see a lively penguin colony, sample fine wines in the Wine Region and ascend Table Mountain for a panoramic view of the Cape Peninsula. Fly to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Then, your safari continues in the mesmerizing Linyanti Wildlife Reserve and Okavango Delta, home to a wide variety of wildlife. Expert professional safari guides get you up close and personal with Africa's most impressive animals for a once in a lifetime safari.

Quick Summary

Day	Description	Accommodation
Day 1	Arrive Cape Town	V & A Waterfront Hotel
Day 2	Cape Town	V & A Waterfront Hotel
Day 3	Cape Town	V & A Waterfront Hotel
Day 4	Cape Town	V & A Waterfront Hotel
Day 5	Depart Cape Town to Victoria Falls	Old Drift Lodge
Day 6	Victoria Falls	Old Drift Lodge
Day 7	Depart Victoria Falls to Linyanti Wildlife Reserve	Kwando Lagoon
Days 8 - 9	Linyanti Wildlife Reserve	Kwando Lagoon
Day 10	Linyanti to Okavango Delta	Kwara Camp
Days 11 - 12	Okavango Delta	Kwara Camp
Day 13	Depart

Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Arrive Cape Town

Daily Summary

Transfer: Arrive Cape Town
Accommodation: V & A Waterfront Hotel

Upon arrival you will receive our V.I.P. Meet and Assist. As you exit the aircraft door, look for a representative holding a paging board with your name. You will be assisted through Customs & Immigration and then with baggage collection. You will then be escorted to the arrivals halls where you will meet your driver who will take you to your hotel by private vehicle.
NOTE: Should your aircraft park on the apron (not directly at the terminal building), you will be taken by bus to the terminal building. In this case you will be met as you enter the building off the bus.

About Cape Town

Scenically beautiful, Cape Town is a compelling mix of trendy modern and old-world elegance. Glamorous hotels, world-class dining and stunning vistas merge seamlessly with dynamic student suburbs and vibrant nightlife. Malay and African heritage are evident in the cuisine, traditions and entertainment while the architecture reveals a strong Dutch, German and English flavor and style. Contemporary art is proudly displayed in a variety of galleries and modern boutique hotels, and wine bars and brandy tasting lounges will appeal to the fashionable set. With its dramatic ocean vistas, sandy beaches and stunning stretches of hill and fynbos-covered mountainside, the coastal landscape of Cape Town and the Southern Peninsula are truly memorable. Side-walk cafes and vibrant promenades fringe glorious turquoise waters.

Day 2: Cape Town

Daily Summary

Tour: Full Day Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour
Accommodation: V & A Waterfront Hotel
Meals: B

Full Day Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour

Experience the best of Cape Town on a full-day sightseeing tour showcasing the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery. Explore the colorful Bo-Kaap, stroll through the historic Company’s Garden, visit some of Cape Town's most iconic landmarks, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. The highlight of the day is a ride aboard the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (weather permitting), where spectacular panoramic views of the city, Table Bay, Robben Island, and the surrounding coastline provide an unforgettable finale to this comprehensive introduction to the Mother City.

Day 3: Cape Town

Daily Summary

Tour: Cape Peninsula Tour/Full Day
Accommodation: V & A Waterfront Hotel
Meals: B

Cape Peninsula Tour/Full Day

Discover the spectacular beauty of the Cape Peninsula on this full-day excursion. Travel along the scenic Atlantic coastline through Clifton, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and the iconic Chapman's Peak Drive before exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Simon's Town to visit the famous African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Return to Cape Town via the picturesque False Bay coastline, completing one of South Africa's most scenic and memorable day tours.

Day 4: Cape Town

Daily Summary

Tour: Wine Region Tour/Full Day
Accommodation: V & A Waterfront Hotel
Meals: B

Wine Region Tour/Full Day

This full day tour visits the Cape Winelands consisting of several towns including Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. Gracious Cape Dutch homesteads set against a backdrop of mountains, forests, and rolling vineyards provide an unforgettable landscape. You will have the opportunity to sample and purchase noble vintages, to explore the realm of the winemaker and experience a rich historical and architectural tradition while you learn first-hand how this picturesque part of South Africa produces some of the world’s finest wines.

Day 5: Depart Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Daily Summary

Transfer: Depart Cape Town
Domestic Flights: Flight Cape Town - Victoria Falls
Accommodation: Old Drift Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Flight Cape Town - Victoria Falls

Regular scheduled flight Cape Town to Victoria Falls
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE

Today you are taken by private vehicle to Cape Town Airport.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

When you wander through the lush rainforests above the Victoria Falls, newly baptised in the mist, your ears holding the echo of thundering waters, it isn't hard to imagine that this is where it all began. Eden. As the land cuts away beneath the ancient Zambezi River, the waters plummet dramatically into the Batoka Gorge, over 100 metres below. The angrily churned up spray shoots skyward, painting the landscape in billowing clouds. This striking "smoke that thunders" can be seen for miles, a geographic pointer summoning visitors into its presence.

The vibrant town of Victoria Falls is known as the adventure capital of the world, and if your eyes light up at the thought of conquering the "Stairway to Heaven" or "The Terminator" in a raft, then this is the place for you. While the notorious Nyaminyami (Zambezi River God) watches from its mythical depths, and the majestic basalt cliffs allow your passage through the canyon's exquisite landscape, adventure seekers are assured of a good time. From Grade 5 white-water rafting,bungee jumping and abseiling the amusement never ends.

What makes this destination so memorable is the fact that it is perfectly combined with warmly hospitable people, exquisite scenery and an array of accommodation. Excellent game,historic ruins, fishing and luxury train travel are easily accessible from Victoria Falls, as are the neighbouring countries which border this fascinating town.

Day 6: Victoria Falls

Full day exploring the Victoria Falls area

Daily Summary

Accommodation: Old Drift Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Full day exploring the Victoria Falls area

Full day to explore the Victoria Falls area. Your lodge includes a variety of activities that can be scheduled when you are there. This will include a guided tour of the Victoria Falls.

Day 7: Depart Victoria Falls to Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

Daily Summary

Transfer: Road transfer Victoria Falls to Kasane
Domestic Flights: Light Aircraft Transfer to Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
Transfer: Transfer from airstrip to camp
Accommodation: Kwando Lagoon
Meals: B, L, D

Light Aircraft Transfer to Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

Flying time to Linyanti is approximately 1 hour. The aircraft may make stops at other camps en route.

This morning you are taken by road to Kasane Airport in Botswana (approx. 1.5 hours) for your light aircraft flight to your camp.

Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

The Linyanti Reserve is a vast tract of African bush (125,000 hectares) between the Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, characterized by open grassland, riverine forest and mopane savannas. The area is particularly noted for its very large elephant population and its regularly sighted predators including lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena and the vast herds of antelope in the area. The reserve also boasts a great variety of birds that can be seen along the river and in the papyrus swamps.

You are met at your airstrip and taken to your camp. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife en route!

Days 8 - 9: Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

On safari in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

Daily Summary

Accommodation: Kwando Lagoon
Meals: B, L, D

On safari in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

This special ecosystem is home to a wide variety of Africa’s plains game such as zebra, wildebeest, impala, giraffe, and tsessebe. The wonderful variety of wildlife also includes elephant, hippo, buffalo and the ever present predators of lion, cheetah and hyena. Your time is spent traversing this wild part of Africa looking for big game.

Day 10: Linyanti to Okavango Delta

Daily Summary

Transfer: Transfer from Chobe to Kasane
Domestic Flights: Light Aircraft Transfer to the Okavango Delta
Transfer: Transfer from airstrip to camp
Accommodation: Kwara Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Light Aircraft Transfer to the Okavango Delta

Flying time to the Okavango Delta is approximately 45 minutes. The aircraft may make stops at other camps en route.

Time permitting you will enjoy a final morning game viewing activity and breakfast before being transferred to the Kasane airport.

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is the best known and most visited tourist attraction in Botswana. It is situated deep within the Kalahari Basin, and is often referred to as the ‘jewel’ of the Kalahari. Shaped like a fan, the Delta is fed by the Okavango River, the third largest in southern Africa. It has been steadily developed over the millennia by millions of tons of sand carried down the river from Angola. The Delta has no outlet to the sea and as a result its water run into the Kalahari Desert. Each year, during and shortly after the rainy season, the Delta irrigates about 15,000sq km of desert. However, the high temperatures of the Kalahari causes much of this excess water to quickly evaporate. Floodplains and islands disappear under the rising water and then reappear in an ever-changing landscape at the end of each wet season. One of the most popular activities in the Delta, is to go on an enchanting mokoro ride, where a qualified guide silently poles you through the reed-lined waterways.

You are met at your airstrip and taken to your camp. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife en route!

Days 11 - 12: Okavango Delta

Daily Summary

Accommodation: Kwara Camp
Meals: B, L, D

On safari in the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a true Garden of Eden, with picturesque lagoons, lush forests, vast savannas, superb wildlife and over 400 bird species. Your experienced and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in a magical African wilderness as you discover Africa's most impressive wildlife.

Day 13: Depart

Daily Summary

Transfer: Transfer from camp to airstrip
Domestic Flights: Light Aircraft Transfer to Maun
Domestic Flights: Flight Maun to Johannesburg
Meals: B

Light Aircraft Transfer to Maun

Flying time to Maun is approximately 30 minutes. The aircraft may make stops at other camps en route.

Flight Maun to Johannesburg

Regular scheduled flight Maun to Johannesburg
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE

Time permitting you will enjoy a final morning game viewing activity and breakfast before being transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Maun. In Maun you will board your flight to Johannesburg and onward connection back home.

Accommodation

V & A Waterfront Hotel

Cape Town, South Africa

History and modern luxury merge to create ageless beauty at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, which was built in 1904 as the North Quay Warehouse. This iconic establishment was named after Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Alfred who played an intrinsic role in the establishment of the Breakwater Basin, now the V&A Waterfront.

Old Drift Lodge

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Upstream of the iconic Victoria Falls, on the banks of the Zambezi River, lies Old Drift Lodge. The lodge boasts luxury accommodation overlooking the pristine Zambezi National Park, a mere 7 kilometers from the mighty Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Old Drift Lodge is nestled within a wild paradise frequented by elephant, buffalo, herds of sable, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala. The main lodge area has 360 degree views, North facing onto the Zambezi and South facing onto a water hole. The Old Drift Lodge is the closest lodge within the National Park to Victoria Falls. Relax in the attractive main lodge, enjoying the majestic vistas and tranquil scenery, watching the world go by from a comfortable spot.

Kwando Lagoon

Kwando Concession, Botswana

Kwando Lagoon is perched on the banks of the Kwando River, overlooking the Mudumu National Park in the Namibian Caprivi strip. Raised on wooden platforms the 8 canvas and thatch tents are spacious and traditional, with Persian carpets and baths with views. Scenic lagoon vistas may be appreciated from private decks, or from the comfort of the open-plan main camp. Surrounded by natural beauty, attractive guest spaces include a lounge, dining area and bar, and a deck extends outwards to a pool.

Kwara Camp

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Overlooking a secluded lagoon in the northern Okavango Delta, Kwara offers the ultimate Delta experience. Its location allows access to the permanent waterways of the Delta as well as expansive dry land areas, admired for their quality game viewing. Kwara offers, within the exclusive concession in which it is located, a wide variety of activities. In addition to game drives, both day and night, the camp offers mokoro trips, as well as fishing (spinning equipment is provided but fly fisherman need to bring their own equipment). Boat trips are on a double-decker boat that visits the Godikwe Lagoon in the waters of the Moremi Game Reserve, which is known for the abundant varieties of birdlife especially during nesting season. Kwara is known for its consistent sightings of predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard and on rare occasion – white rhino! Herds of elephants also frequent the area, as well as giraffe, zebra, sitatunga, lechwe, impala and hippos.

Details

Price Includes

• All accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
• All transfers as indicated in the itinerary. All transfers are private unless otherwise indicated.
• Price is based on one transfer for all passengers on the itinerary. In the event people arrive/depart on different flights, additional transfers may be required at an extra cost.
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Morning and afternoon game viewing activities at safari camps - exact details arranged by the camp during your stay.
• Park fees unless specified otherwise
• All tours as indicated in the itinerary. All tours are private unless otherwise indicated. Standard entrance fees included.
• Internal light aircraft flights on safari as specified.
• 24/7 local assistance in all countries.

Price Excludes

• International and domestic scheduled flights unless shown as included.
• Gratuities.
• Any Covid or related testing required during the trip.
• Quarantine costs due to Covid-related issues.
• Optional activities offered by lodges and payable directly.
• Travel Insurance.
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless specified in the itinerary.
• Meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Items of a personal nature.
• Laundry unless specified in the itinerary.
• Visa fees.
• Airport departure taxes.
• Any items or services not specified in the itinerary.

Why Maxim Safaris & Journeys

Uncommon Safaris for Discerning Adventurers

Experience Matters

Since 1993 Maxim Safaris & Journeys’ passion for exotic destinations has made us a highly sought after Boutique Tour Operator for discerning travelers. After three decades we continue to exceed our clients' expectations. Our approach over these many years is simple; offer the very best service and travel experience at the most competitive prices while balancing the importance of sustainable tourism with a high quality travel product.

Premier Guides

Maxim Safaris & Journeys' guides have a reputation for being the best in the business. Experts in their fields, friendly and interesting, a good guide will bring the most out of every excursion while creating lifelong memories.

24/7 Support

At no time during your adventure will you be alone. Our local partners are available 24/7 in the event you need any assistance while traveling. We will monitor your progress and take care of any unexpected developments so that your trip continues unhindered.

Responsible Tourism

Responsible and sustainable tourism should be more than just a phrase - it has to be an ongoing and tangible commitment to balancing tourism with the upliftment of local communities and preservation of the natural environment. Maxim Safaris & Journeys actively supports camps and lodges whose business models reflect this commitment.