Southern Africa

£7,995.00£9,195.00 per person

Small Group Journey

With Avventura you’ll get the opportunity to see the big five in their natural environment, marvel at the grandeur of Victoria Falls and swim with seals.

Capacity 12 guests (minimum 4 guests)

With Avventura you’ll get the opportunity to see the big five in their natural environment, marvel at the grandeur of Victoria Falls and swim with seals.

Just choose your preferred dates from the drop-down below. You can pay a 20% deposit on booking with the balance being payable 90 days before the departure date. We will send you a reminder for balance payment at least two weeks before payment is due. If you are booking within 90 days of departure, we will need full payment on booking.

Single supplement prices are available on request, please call us on 01604 961931 to discuss, or alternatively please complete the form below.

Tour Highlights

11 nights/12 days from £7,995 per person (excluding international flights)

Day 1 – Arrival Cape Town
Your Avventura Representative will meet you in the Arrivals Hall at Cape Town International Airport to introduce you to your driver, ready to start your Southern African adventure. A little over half an hour later you will be at your first resting place, the MORE Quarters Apartment Hotel. Located within Cape Town’s city bowl, MORE Quarters Apartment Hotel provides the privacy of apartment living with the service and hospitality of a hotel. Settle in and relax or take a stroll into the city centre where the boutique shops and restaurants of Kloof Street are a few steps away.

Day 2 – Cape Town
After breakfast, meet your Avventura Tour Concierge and head off to the Table Mountain Cable Way to make your way up to the top of the famous peak by cable car. This is your opportunity to hike around the hidden dams and valleys usually not seen by visitors to Cape Town’s most famous landmark. From here you will walk down to the wine farms of the Constantia Valley, through the low pass called Constantia Neck to Klein Constantia. Wine has been made here since 1685. Set among ancient trees on the foothills of the Constantiaberg Mountain, this must be one of the most beautiful wine farms in the world. Find out why soil type has such a significant impact on taste and how the vines are looked after before heading off by bike for stunning views of the valley en-route for Groot Constantia, another of the country’s oldest wine estates. Your Avventura Tour Concierge will then select a mystery wine farm where you can taste the fruits of their labours for yourself.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an evening to explore the area more or just to relax.

Day 3 – Cape Town
After breakfast you will travel along the coast to take a boat to Seal Island. Put on your wetsuit and swim with these enchanting and friendly animals in their natural Atlantic Ocean environment. Sitting a little under six kilometres (three and a half miles) off the northern beaches of False Bay, Seal island is home to upwards of 60,000 Cape fur seals, all crowded in to just 800 metres by 50 (approximately 2,600 by 160 feet). Look closely at the rocks and you’ll see names carved into the island’s granite by seal hunters almost a hundred years ago or just watch the seals weaving in and out of the kelp forest beneath the waves.

If the weather is poor or the swell too great there will be a hike to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the reserve is home to more than 250 species of birds as well as otters, baboons, steenbok and Cape mountain zebra.

You will then be taken along the spectacular coastal route of Chapman’s Peak for incredible views of where the mountains meet the sea. Lunch will be at the Noordhoek Farm Village where you can enjoy some taste sensations courtesy of the food-pairing experts at the Foodbarn Restaurant. Renowned chef, the aptly named Frank Dangereux, will delight you with his seafood inspired six-course wine-paired menu.

After lunch you’ll follow the coast to Simon’s Town where an expert local conservationist will share their insight on the African penguin colony that has settled at Boulders Beach. If the weather allows, mount a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to get closer to these adorable birds. If you prefer to stay on dry land, take a conservation walk to see if you can find a penguin splinter colony away from the crowds.

Leaving the penguins behind you’ll move on to Kalk Bay Harbour to see the seals and meet the local fishermen who work from the harbour. Enjoy a sundowner either in Kalk Bay or one of the neighbouring beaches before returning to your hotel.

Day 4 – Cape Town
Take today to enjoy the pleasures of Cape Town in your own time. The city nestles in a natural bowl with the harbour to one side and Table Mountain looming on the other. Also known as the Mother City, Cape Town is an extraordinary place with so much to see from riotous street art and the brightly painted frontages of the Bo-Kaap to the bathing chalets of Muizenberg. You could take a trip to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned or stroll along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. From nature at her most serene to man at his most intense, you will be captivated by this remarkable city and its inhabitants.

Day 5 – Cape Town to Marakele National Park
After breakfast you will be driven to Cape Town Airport for your scheduled flight to Johannesburg where you will be met for a four hour drive to Marakele National Park. Your home for the next three nights will be Marataba Safari Lodge which borders the park, sitting at the foot of the stunning Waterberg Mountains in Limpopo province.

Spend your afternoon relaxing at the lodge or enjoy game viewing activities.

Days 6 and 7 – Marakele National Park
For the next two days you will experience the delights of the Marataba Game Reserve, a malaria-free, private section of the Marakele National Park. This is your chance to see the “big five” as they should be seen. The lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo were given this title because they were the most challenging beasts to track.

On one of the days you will explore the reserve on foot. Expert Field Guide Association of South Africa accredited guides will lead you through hiking trails discovering different eco-systems. Look out for the critically endangered black rhino, and rare plant species of yellowwood and cycad trees. Marakele is also home to one of the world’s largest colonies of endangered Cape vultures.

The guides have many years of experience in leading hiking trails within ‘big five’ territories. As well as their extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna, safety is their first priority and they will carry first-aid kits and satellite telephones at all times.

The Iron Age past of this area is only just beginning to yield its secrets, but the 67,000 hectares (260 square miles) of the park is all about the wildlife. This area is known as the Waterberg Biosphere and is recognised by UNESCO as being of global importance.

Day 8 – Marakele National Park to Johannesburg
After three exhilarating days enjoying the wildlife of Marakele, today you will hit the road, making the trip to Johannesburg to stay at the award-winning Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa in the exclusive residential suburb of Morningside Manor.

After lunch at the hotel, you will visit the fascinating Apartheid Museum which tells the story of South Africa’s struggles from tyranny to freedom. The path through the museum leads you on a journey beginning with the racial segregation introduced in 1948 which formed the cornerstone of apartheid. It takes you back through the history of the various cultures converging during the pre-apartheid era, the years of race classification and the detentions and oppression of the nationalist regime.

After the museum tour you will return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 9 – Johannesburg
This morning you will take a private guided graffiti walking tour. This tour focuses on the street art and graffiti of Johannesburg’s Inner City. Johannesburg has a unique graffiti culture with artwork brightening up the city. The walking tour will be run by a specialist guide and will include art by local and international artists who have contributed to this unique industry.

Once a byword for violence and poverty, Soweto is an area on the up and, after lunch, you will take a bike ride though the streets and neighbourhoods, exploring the sights including Nelson Mandela’s house. A young and vibrant community emblematic of the new South Africa, Soweto sets the fashion, dance, music and political agenda that much of the country now follows. This is the perfect opportunity to meet some local people and learn more about the area’s pivotal history in the Apartheid struggle.

Return to the hotel with the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Day 10 – Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
Today you will fly from South Africa to Zimbabwe where you will be met and driven to the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel in the middle of a private game reserve, a stone’s throw from Victoria Falls. You will be staying in one of only sixteen luxury garden suites in the heart of the parkland. The 6,000¬ acre (24 square kilometres) Victoria Falls Game Reserve borders the Zambezi National Park where you are only ever feet away from the rich wildlife of Africa. The intrepid Victorian explorer, David Livingstone, gave the Falls their name which in the local Tonga dialect means, “the smoke that thunders.”

In the afternoon you’ll be taken on a sundowner cruise along the legendary Zambezi River before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Day 11 – Victoria Falls
After breakfast, you will be taken for your guided tour of Victoria Falls. These are the largest falls in the world being one and a half times wider than Niagara Falls and twice as high. Parts of the adjacent rainforest have the distinction of being the only place on earth where it rains all day, every day. This is due to water vapour rising from the Falls immediately turning to rain. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, a staggering five million tonnes of water crosses the Falls every minute. To really appreciate the scale of this enormous geological feature you need to see them from the air. You will now experience the “Flight of Angels,” an unforgettable helicopter ride over and around the Falls. The title for this experience of a lifetime comes from the words Livingstone wrote on first seeing this unique place. He said it was, “a sight so wonderful that Angels must have gazed down on it in flight.” Your highly skilled pilot will fly you round the Falls from both sides so you can film or photograph them from every conceivable angle.

The rest of the day is free so you might also consider a tour round the jungle canopy or a guided visit to a local village. Depending on water levels there may also be the chance to go white-water rafting on the mighty Zambezi.

This evening there will be a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 12 – Depart Victoria Falls
After breakfast you will be driven to Victoria Falls Airport for a scheduled flight to Johannesburg for your international flight home.

Location

Accommodation

MORE Quarters Apartment Hotel

MORE Quarters Apartment Hotel combines apartment living with the service and hospitality of a hotel and is perfectly situated within Cape Town’s city bowl. The hotel comprises a collection of converted heritage townhouses each with their own individual character and with their own convenient street entrances. Furnishings are of a classic contemporary style of clean lines adorned with pure linen and cotton fabrics in shades of natural stone and sea green. Wood floors, marble fireplaces and crystal chandeliers all help to accentuate the grandeur of the hotel.

The alluring restaurants and boutique shops of Kloof Street and the surrounding city centre are in easy walking distance and the hotel is a perfect base from which to explore the mountains, beaches and wine farms of the city.

Marataba Safari Lodge

It is rare to find such luxury so close to the wild as at Marataba Safari Lodge. With fifteen comfortable and elegant tented suites, it borders Marakele National Park at the foot of the Waterberg Mountains in Limpopo. Painstakingly constructed from stone and canvas, the suites are wonderfully indulgent with carefully chosen furnishings and decor and a king-size bed. Even this close to nature the en-suite stone bathrooms are equipped with indoor and outdoor showers and roll top bath as well as double basins and a dressing room. The suites all come with their own private deck with stunning views over the plains and the winding river below.

At Marataba Safari Lodge there are plenty of opportunities to lay back and unwind. There are a number of hammocks set among the trees, a communal swimming pool, a stylish colonial-style library and access to spa treatments in your suite. Food is locally sourced and prepared on site and can be taken in the tastefully appointed dining room or in the wild on the dining veranda.

As the Lodge is check-by-jowl with the Marakele National Park guests will never be far from the wildlife so many people come here to see. The big five are all to be found in the local area along with cheetah, hippopotami, hyena and many more species.

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa is a multi award-winning hotel boasting highly individualised, world-class luxury suites. Originally a family home, Fairlawns is a grand Palladian style property comprising highly individual and uniquely decorated suites giving a sense of gracious living. There is a very European feel to the hotel with high ceilings, tall doors and elegant fabrics. It is set in elegant parkland filled with mature trees, perfect for a stroll or to watch the ample bird life.

Fairlawns boasts a large fully equipped gym and a Balinese spa offering a range of delicious treatments. The hotel has an exceptional a la carte restaurant providing an exciting modern international menu. The hotel goes to great lengths to be environmentally responsible including powering suites with solar energy for heating and using a full grey water recycling system to minimise waste. Organic, local produce is procured wherever possible and the hotel only serves provably sustainable seafood.

Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel

The Stanley & Livingstone is a luxury boutique hotel nestling within a private game reserve minutes away from Victoria Falls.

The big five are well represented in the 15,000-hectare (6000 acres) Victoria Falls Game Reserve which borders the Zambezi National Park. Pleasantly secluded from the tourist town of Victoria Falls itself, the hotel is set in beautiful safari country.

Sixteen luxury lodges overlook the reserve and there are bountiful views across the dense grassland and meandering rivers. The suites are approached by walkways set in lovely gardens with comfortable and relaxing private furnished terraces. Features include canopied king-size beds, air conditioning, lounge with satellite TV and en-suite bathroom. The swimming pool is surrounded by lush green gardens.

The menu offers a delicious selection of European and African-fusion dishes relying heavily on fresh local ingredients and has an enviable selection of wines.

At a Glance

Duration:
12 days / 11 nights

Departure Dates:
16th Sept 2023, 8th Nov 2023, 8th Feb 2024, 1st Mar 2024.

Day 1 – Cape Town

  • Arrive Cape Town International Airport and welcomed by your Avventura Representative.
  • Private transfer to MORE Quarters Apartment Hotel, a journey time of approximately thirty-five minutes.
  • Remainder of day at leisure.
  • Overnight MORE Quarters Apartment Hotel in a Luxury Room.
  • No meals included.

Day 2 – Cape Town

  • After breakfast, meet your guide and depart to the Table Mountain Cable Way.
  • Ascend Table Mountain by cable car and hike down to the wine farms of the Constantia
    Valley via Constantia Neck to Klein Constantia.
  • Leisurely bike tour to Groot Constantia and wine tasting.
  • Late afternoon return with your evening at leisure.
  • Overnight MORE Quarters Apartment Hotel in a Luxury Room.
  • Meals included – Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 3 – Cape Town

  • Snorkeling with Seals *

* Please note this activity is subject to local weather conditions and the swell of the water at the time of departure. If the boats are unable to go out, there will instead be a hike in the Cape Point Nature Reserve.

  • Explore Noordhoek Farm Village and six course food-pairing lunch.
  • Visit to Simon’s Town with a local conservationist. Weather permitting, join penguins in their natural habitat by hopping on board a SUP or kayak.
  • Explore Kalk Bay Harbour.
  • Sundowners on the beach.
  • Overnight MORE Quarters Apartment Hotel in a Luxury Room.
  • Meals included – Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 4 – Cape Town

  • A full day at leisure to explore Cape Town at your own pace.
  • Overnight MORE Quarters Apartment Hotel in a Luxury Room.
  • Meal included – Breakfast.

Day 5 – Cape Town to Marakele National Park

  • Private transfer to Cape Town Airport for your scheduled flight to Johannesburg.
  • Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Marataba Safari Lodge in Marakele National Park. The transfer time is approximately four hours.
  • The afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy game viewing activities.
  • Overnight Marataba Safari Lodge in a Luxury Tented Suite.
  • Meals included – Breakfast and Dinner.

Days 6 and 7 – Marakele National Park

  • Two full days to experience the Marataba Game Reserve both via 4×4 vehicles and on foot. All activities are accompanied by two senior FGASA-accredited trail guides.
  • Overnight Marataba Safari Lodge in a Luxury Tented Suite.
  • Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8 – Marakele National Park to Johannesburg

  • Private transfer to Johannesburg, a journey time of approximately four hours, to the award-winning Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa.
  • Visit to the Apartheid Museum.
  • Evening at leisure.
  • Overnight at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in a Grand Chateau Suite.
  • Meal included – Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 9 – Johannesburg

  • Private guided graffiti walking tour.
  • After lunch in a local restaurant, private transfer to Soweto for a cycling tour.
  • Return to the hotel with rest of evening at leisure.
  • Overnight at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in a Grand Chateau Suite.
  • Meals included – Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 10 – Johannesburg to Victoria Falls

  • Private transfer to the airport for a flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
  • Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to The Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel.
  • Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River.
  • Overnight at Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel in a Luxury Room.
  • Meals included – Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 11 – Victoria Falls

  • Guided tour of Victoria Falls.
  • Helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls.
  • The rest of the day is free to choose any of activities available from a canopy tour, a village tour or if water levels permit, white-water rafting. These activities will be at your own expense.
  • Farewell Dinner.
  • Overnight at Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel in a Luxury Room.
  • Meals included – Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 12 – Depart Victoria Falls

  • After breakfast you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for a scheduled flight to Johannesburg for your international flight home.
  • Meal included – Breakfast.

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