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The Experience of a lifetime on the Continent of Dreams. We invite you to one of the world’s greatest journeys in some of the most spectacular settings on Earth. On this small group luxury gay journey, we will experience the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, exclusive luxury safaris in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and witness the thundering beauty of Victoria Falls. Our journey begins in Cape Town, known as “The Mother City,” to South Africans. It’s a city, yes. But one that is intimately connected with nature, shaped by the breathtaking beauty that surrounds it. There are amazing views, history, culture, and a thriving gay community. And underneath it, all beats the heart of Africa.
You’ve seen the pictures. Now, picture yourself with us enjoying cocktails at dusk, overlooking the watering hole. The Africa of movies and legend and childhood dreams. Together, we will go deeper into Africa as we fly to the private Sabi Sands Game reserve for safaris at one of the most exclusive luxury game lodges.
We will track majestic wildlife in their natural habitats. Dawn and dusk game drives and escorted bush walks bring us closer than any of us ever thought possible. During the day, there are options to take time to rest, swim and reflect. Evenings are for dining and conversation under the endless night sky and a canopy of stars.
We conclude our journey with the awesome sights and sounds of Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get ready to witness the thundering mile-wide cascade and experience the thrill of this adventure lover’s paradise.
Day 1 - Friday, August 30, 2024
We arrive in Cape Town and transfer to the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. Located in the heart of Cape Town, Mount Nelson provides us with easy access to the scenic and exciting city of Cape Town. From Mount Nelson, we will explore nearby local museums, eateries, and boutiques. It’s an authentic experience of the “Mother City”, with Table Mountain above us, the buzz of the neighborhood next to us, and the vibrancy of the city all around us.
Hotel: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
Day 2 - Saturday, August 31, 2024
Cape Town City Tour – Together, we will enjoy exploring the Mother City with a City Tour, including a cable car ride to the top of South Africa’s most iconic landmark: Table Mountain. We will visit the Company Gardens, the Castle of Good Hope, and the vibrant market of Greenmarket Square, where we can immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere and discover local crafts and arts. We also take a trip to Signal Hill with spectacular views, the V&A Waterfront, and a bustling hub of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Another highlight is the colorful and picturesque Malay Quarter known as Bo-Kaap, famous for its brightly painted houses and rich cultural heritage. After touring Cape Town, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. We will be hosting a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the heart of Cape Town where we will indulge in a delicious meal and connect with our fellow travelers.
Hotel: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
Day 3 - Sunday, September 01, 2024
After breakfast, we will be met by the guide for a stunning Cape Peninsula Tour, beginning by traveling along the Atlantic Seaboard past Clifton to Hout Bay along one of the most scenic drives in the world.
We will take a cruise to the seals on Seal Island, and continue over Chapman’s Peak to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, a declared Natural World Heritage Site. From the Cape of Good Hope, we’ll enjoy lunch at a scenic seaside restaurant followed by a visit to the adorable penguins of Boulders Beach. Then we continue to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which is South Africa’s world-famous national botanical garden, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak, and home to more than 22,000 indigenous plants, including rare and endangered species. We return to our luxury hotel in the late afternoon.
Hotel: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
Day 4 - Monday, September 02, 2024
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart with the guide for a full-day tour exploring the fabled Cape wine region with wine tasting at several wine estates. As we journey through the picturesque Cape Winelands, you’ll be captivated by the lush mountains and historic homesteads that dot the landscape. We will have the opportunity to taste the finest offerings at wine estates along the way. As the day unfolds, we’ll learn about the winemaking process, explore the vineyards, and take in the breathtaking vistas that surround us. During the tour, we’ll enjoy a delectable lunch at one of the charming wine estates, where we will savor the local cuisine and soak up the tranquil ambiance of the vineyards. After lunch, we’ll stroll together through quaint Cape Dutch towns like Franschhoek, known for its picturesque streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
Hotel: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
Day 5 - Tuesday, September 03, 2024
In the morning, our guide will meet us for our transfer to the airport for the flight inland and transfer to Lion Sands River Lodge. This Lodge is one of the most beloved bush properties, located in the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Get ready for days filled with luxurious comforts and spectacular game viewing. Waking in the pale light of morning with a cup of coffee in hand…you’ll know you’ve arrived in the heart of old Africa. All our travelers will congregate in the late afternoon for “high tea” before embarking on our first open-vehicle game drive under the guidance of our experienced ranger and tracker team in search of Africa’s famous wildlife. At sunset, we will stop for sundowners to toast the end of another day in Africa. Finally, we will continue the safari after dark with the aid of powerful spotlights to, hopefully, glimpse some of the elusive nocturnal game.
Hotel: Lion Sands River Lodge, Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Day 6 - Wednesday, September 04, 2024
Enjoy a full day of safaris. Our twice-daily safaris take place at dawn and dusk when the bush is at its most active and chances of spotting game the best. Our experienced ranger and tracker team will help us make the most of our time on a safari through their extensive knowledge of the African savanna. The reserve is home to a wide variety of African games, including the “Big Five”, which are Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, and Buffalo. One of the highlights of our safari experience at Lion Sands River Lodge is the chance to enjoy sundowners in the bush. As the sun sets over the savanna, we will stop at a picturesque spot, where we can toast to the beauty of the African wilderness with a refreshing drink in hand. Here, we will listen to the sounds of the bush, watch the changing colors of the sky, and create lasting memories of this magical moment.
Accommodation: Lion Sands River Lodge, Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Day 7 - Thursday, September 05, 2024
During our game drives, our expert guides will share their knowledge and insights about the African bush, its ecosystems, and the unique behaviors of its inhabitants. We will learn about the complex interactions between animals and their environment, and gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that exists in this pristine wilderness.
After our exhilarating game drives, we return to the comfort of Lion Sands River Lodge, where we can relax and unwind in the luxurious surroundings. This is when we can lounge by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment or simply take in the breathtaking views of the Sabie River and the surrounding bushveld from the lodge’s expansive decks.
With ample leisure time at the lodge, everyone has the option to choose to join additional activities such as guided bush walks, birdwatching, or cultural experiences to further enrich your safari experience. These excursions are designed so we can capture the beauty of the African landscape with a camera, or simply revel in the sights and sounds of the African bush as we soak in the magic of this pristine wilderness.
Hotel: Lion Sands River Lodge, Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Day 8 - Friday, September 06, 2024
After a delicious breakfast at our lodge in Sabi Sands, get ready for an exciting day as we embark on our journey to Victoria Falls, known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
As we soar above the African landscape, anticipation builds for the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. No words can truly prepare you for the scale and grandeur of this mighty cascade, which spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls, our expert guide will be waiting to welcome us and accompany us to the luxurious Royal Livingstone Hotel. This award-winning 5-Star hotel, located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, exudes romance and colonial glamour, offering a truly enchanting stay.
In the late afternoon, we get ready for a magical experience as we embark on a spectacular Sunset Zambezi River Cruise on the African Queen. We will cruise along the Zambezi River, savoring the golden hues of the African sunset, while enjoying refreshing drinks and taking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
Hotel: Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, Victoria Falls
Day 9 - Saturday, September 07, 2024
After breakfast, we will be met by our guide and escorted over the border to Zimbabwe for a Tour of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side. Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. The local people call it “Mosi-oa-Tunya” the smoke that thunders. The Victoria Falls is 1,708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. July through September offer powerful views of the falls with less mist, so we’ll be witnessing the falls at the ideal time. This is when we will enjoy visiting an elephant sanctuary of rescued elephants, go on a helicopter ride over the falls, or just enjoy quiet moments on the hotel’s veranda with its breathtaking views.
Hotel: Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, Victoria Falls
Day 10 - Sunday, September 08, 2024
Now that our remarkable South Africa journey has ended, this is when we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home. However, some our travelers will extend their stay and continue the journey to our Botswana Extension. If you would like to join us on this small gay group experience, please don’t hesitate to inquire.
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• Take one of the world’s most scenic drives to the Cape of Good Hope, The Southwestern tip of the African continent
• Visit the playful colony of African Penguins in Simons Town on Boulder’s Beach
• Enjoy 5-Star luxury accommodations in Cape Town, Sabi Sands & Victoria Falls
• Take a cable car up Table Mountain to enjoy breathtaking views of Cape Town
• Visit Stellenbosch & Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands for wine tasting & enjoy a gourmet wine lunch
• Private safari game drives at dawn and dusk and bush walks to witness the Big Five and other wildlife sightings
• Experience a Traditional Boma Dinner under the stars at Sabi Sands
• Scenic sunset cruise along the Zambezi River
• Witness the majestic mile-wide cascade of Victoria Falls and take in the stunning panoramic views of the falls and its surroundings
• Spectacular nature hike on the Zimbabwe and Zambia side of the Victoria Falls
• Welcome Dinner in Cape Town
• Daily Breakfast
• Lunch & Wine Tasting during the tour of the Winelands
• Sunset River Cruise in the Zambezi River
• Victoria Falls tours in both Zimbabwe and Zambia
• All Luxury Accommodations throughout
• All Tours & Excursions as indicated in the Itinerary
• All land transfers throughout the journey
• Meet & Greet Airport transfer
• All safari games drive and wildlife activities
• All meals at Lion Sands River Lodge
• Spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks at Lion Sands River Lodge
• Laundry services at Lion Sands Game Reserve
• Fully escorted gay group tour
• International Flights
• 3 Internal Flights within South Africa ($1,499)
• Upgrade Accommodations upon request
• Meals not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Post Journey extension to Botswana
• Travel insurance – Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended
• Gratuities for guides and Safari ranges
• Personal Expenses
• Visas Expenses
• Covid Test (If required)
• Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
The iconic pink lady, Belmond Mount Nelson, has been captivating star-studded visitors since 1899 and is the beating heart of Cape Town. Nestled between the slopes of Table Mountain and the vibrant city, when you step through the gates, you enter a world of relaxation and glamor countless other luxury gay travelers have enjoyed. The hotel’s city-center setting belies the tranquility that awaits inside, with its plush interiors, warm hospitality, and magical garden.
The grand entrance hall is inviting and abuzz with activity, and the mouth-watering aromas of freshly baked treats lure you further in. In the distance, you can catch a glimpse of the pristinely kept nine-acre garden, with the fragrance of sweet roses wafting through the terrace doors. Take a timeless afternoon tea on the terrace or have a swim in one of the infinity pools.
Each wing of the hotel has its own character, with private gardens and facilities. Enjoy the elegance of your guest room with a marble bathroom and specially designed furniture that makes each room an exclusive retreat after a long day.
Lion Sands River Lodge, Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Staying at Lion Sands River Lodge revolves around its location: right on the banks of the Sabi River. River Lodge is the very heart and soul of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. You will immediately feel at home upon arriving at the lodge. The setup of the lodge is very spacious, and each communal area is a welcoming invitation to wind down in one of Africa’s prime game areas.
Wooden walkways lead off to a spa, gym, and pool, and back to the main lodge, where the deck’s connected water features give the impression of floating on the river. Whether you enjoy your time together socially or quietly, the running theme here is simple and natural luxury living. The setup of Lion Sands River Lodge is very spacious, and each communal area is a welcoming invitation to wind down in one of Africa's prime game areas. Sit back and relax in the comfortable lounge and soak up the sounds of the bush.
The luxury guest rooms are spaced along a path to reveal splendid river views. You may not need to leave the privacy of your own wooden viewing deck to see wildlife roaming around River Lodge.The Sabi Sands, and especially the surroundings of the Sabi River, is famous for its record number of leopard sightings. Your luxury suite features a king-sized bed and large en suite bathroom.
Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, Victoria Falls
Bask in graceful safari style only steps from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Sweeping Zambezi River and savannah views stretch from every veranda as you relax in elegance. Perched almost on the lip of Victoria Falls, this earthy Eden provides a secluded haven.
From close by, guests will hear the deafening roar of the falls and see the cascades of billowing mist rising up into the heavens. Luxuriate in the sophisticated harmony of antique and ethnic décor, superb cuisine, and personalized service. Every detail of this 5-star luxury hotel captures the opulence and elegance of times gone while echoing the stunning diversity of the African bush.
The guest rooms have their own private veranda, stretched nymph-like along the river bank in a series of private villas. This unique river frontage is perfect for LGBTQ+ guests sipping sundowners and enjoying the view that stretches to the great river and beyond.
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