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 This journey through Southern Africa combines vibrant city life, one of the world's greatest natural wonders, and some of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth. From the dramatic coastline and culture of Cape Town to the thundering Victoria Falls and the wildlife-rich landscapes of Botswana's Chobe National Park, this itinerary culminates in the Okavango Delta - one of the most remarkable places on the planet.
Unlike any other delta, the Okavango flows not into an ocean but inland, fanning out across the Kalahari sands into a vast labyrinth of lagoons, channels, and palm-fringed islands.
The journey is an experience in itself, with a light aircraft flight from Kasane offering sweeping views of the wilderness before touching down at a private airstrip deep in the bush. A UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs, the Delta is one of Africa's last truly pristine wildernesses, explored here by mokoro canoe, on foot, and by game drive.
This journey is our most off-the-beaten path trip. Safari lodges are designed with comfort and care, but it's worth noting that you'll be staying in genuinely remote wilderness. The experience is intentionally immersive, which means that wildlife, nature sounds, and the occasional insect are all part of it. If you're the kind of traveler who embraces that, you'll love every moment.
• Explore Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world
• Ride the Table Mountain cable car and explore the Cape Peninsula
• Visit the Cape of Good Hope and see the penguins at Boulders Beach
• Experience a Cape Malay cooking experience in Bo-Kaap
• Visit Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
• Sunset luxury river cruise on the Zambezi River
• Safari in Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Africa
• Stay in a luxury safari lodge on the Chobe River
• Fly by light aircraft into the Okavango Delta
• Stay at a remote safari camp in the Delta with game drives, mokoro excursions, and walking safaris
• Luxury accommodation throughout
• Daily breakfast and dinners and select lunches
• All on tour flights and transfers
• Cape Malay cooking experience dinner in the historic Bo-Kaap district
• Full-day Cape Peninsula Tour with driver & local guide
• Flying Dutchman Funicular at Cape Point (return)
• Private Ra-Ikane luxury river cruise on the Zambezi (including park entry & transfers)
• Private guided tour of Victoria Falls (park fees & transfers included)
• Choice of 2 activities per day at Chobe: boat safari, game drive, fishing, spa, sundowner & more
• Chobe National Park entrance fees for included activities & laundry
• All Delta activities: motorised boat safaris, mokoro excursions, guided bush walks & game drives
• All government levies, national park fees & Chobe Impact Levy
• International flights
• Travel Insurance
• Tips and personal expenses
Days 1, 2, and 3
We begin in Cape Town, a city often considered one of the most beautiful in the world, where dramatic mountains meet the ocean and the culture is as rich as the scenery.
With Table Mountain rising above the city and two oceans meeting along its coastline, Cape Town offers a perfect mix of nature, history, food, and culture.
During our time here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace, whether that means visiting the V&A Waterfront, riding the revolving cable car up Table Mountain, visiting Robben Island, relaxing on the beaches, or exploring the city's vibrant food and wine scene.
One evening, we experience Cape Town's cultural side through a Cape Malay cooking experience in the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Hosted in a local home, this hands-on experience introduces the spices, flavors, and stories of Cape Malay cuisine, ending with a shared dinner together.
Another day is dedicated to exploring the Cape Peninsula, including the spectacular Chapman's Peak Drive, the Cape of Good Hope, and Boulders Beach, where a protected colony of African penguins lives among the granite boulders along the shore.
Day 4
From Cape Town, we fly to Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is a massive curtain of water plunging into a deep gorge below, creating mist that can be seen from miles away.
During our stay, we explore the Zimbabwean side of the Falls, walking through rainforest pathways and stopping at the many viewpoints that overlook the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, and the dramatic gorges below.
In the afternoon, we board the Ra-Ikane for a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Named after one of the guides who first led David Livingstone to Victoria Falls, this intimate luxury boat is fitted out to evoke the atmosphere of a bygone era, with period décor, historic memorabilia, and a level of comfort and grace that feels perfectly suited to the setting. High tea, snacks, and imported drinks and wine are served on board as the sun drops over the river. It's common to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide variety of birdlife along the riverbanks, making this a perfect introduction to the wildlife of Southern Africa.
Days 5, and 6
Next, we travel to Botswana and Chobe National Park, one of Africa's premier safari destinations and home to the largest concentration of elephants on the continent, with over 120,000 animals roaming the park and its surroundings.
Our lodge sits on the pristine banks of the Chobe River, just a short drive from the park entrance, and near the remarkable point where four countries meet: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Staying along the Chobe River gives us the unique opportunity to experience both land-based game drives and water-based safaris. This combination allows for incredibly diverse wildlife viewing, from elephants and buffalo to lions, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife.
Each day includes a choice of safari activities such as game drives in Chobe National Park, boat safaris along the river, fishing excursions, guided walks, or relaxing at the lodge.
One of the highlights here is the sunset river safari, where elephants often gather along the riverbanks in large numbers, creating one of the most iconic safari scenes in Africa.
Days 7, 8, and 9
From Chobe, we fly by light aircraft into the Okavango Delta, a truly unique ecosystem and UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible only by air, which has helped preserve its untouched beauty and extraordinary wildlife populations.
Our camp at Mapula Lodge sits on an island surrounded by floodplains and waterways, where the sounds of the bush are your constant companion and the wilderness begins right at the edge of camp.
During our time in the Delta, activities include walking safaris, mokoro (traditional canoe) excursions through the water channels, boat safaris, and seasonal fishing.
The Delta offers a completely different safari environment from Chobe, with a mix of water and land ecosystems that attract an incredible variety of wildlife.
Evenings are spent back at camp, with dinner and drinks as the bush settles into night around you.
After one final morning activity, we fly out of the Okavango Delta to Maun and begin the journey home. By the end of this trip, most travelers feel like they have experienced several completely different worlds in one: a world-class city, one of the planet's greatest natural wonders, and two of Africa's most iconic safari destinations.
An additional night in the Okavango Delta is available as an add-on for purchase. Please email us if you're interested.
This journey features a collection of premium boutique hotels throughout the trip:
Cape Town, South Africa
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel by Newmark, 4*
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel by Newmark holds the distinction of being the very first hotel to open in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, housed in a beautifully converted 1904 warehouse that has retained its original character and heritage charm. Following a 2024 refurbishment, the hotel combines this historic character with freshly updated interiors. With a rooftop terrace, poolside bar, spa, and the energy of the Waterfront right outside the door, it makes for a thoroughly enjoyable first stop on the journey. Its position right in the heart of the Waterfront places guests within steps of Cape Town's best restaurants, shops, and attractions, in one of the most coveted and well-managed precincts in the city: a vibrant, safe harbour destination with world-class dining and sweeping views of Table Mountain forming the backdrop to daily life.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The Victoria Falls Hotel, 5*
The Victoria Falls Hotel is one of Africa's most iconic and historic hotels, known affectionately as the Grand Old Lady of the Falls and operating continuously since it first opened its doors in June 1904. It was originally built by Rhodesia Railways to house engineers working on the construction of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the ambitious Cape-to-Cairo railway, beginning life as a simple iron and timber structure before being rebuilt in brick and expanded into the grand Edwardian property that still forms its core today. Set on beautifully maintained grounds overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge and the distant spray of the falls, the hotel reflects classic colonial-era elegance, with wide verandas, manicured gardens, and traditional afternoon high tea overlooking the surrounding landscape. Staying here feels like stepping back into a different era of travel, while still being just a short distance from one of the greatest natural wonders in the world.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe Safari Lodge
Located on the banks of the Chobe River, the Chobe Safari Lodge offers one of the best locations in the region for wildlife viewing, sitting at the heart of an area that is home to the largest elephant population in Africa. The lodge combines the feel of a classic safari lodge with modern comforts, and its riverside setting allows for both land-based game drives and boat safaris directly from the property. The Mawari group is accommodated in river-facing rooms, placed front and center for the remarkable wildlife activity that unfolds along the Chobe's banks. Between safari activities, guests can relax by the pool, enjoy sundowners at the bar, or simply watch elephants and hippos along the riverbanks from the property.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Mapula Lodge
 Mapula Lodge sits on a private island in the northern Okavango Delta. It is a genuinely special location, where mopane forests open into vast floodplains, palm islands rise from marshy channels, and grasslands give way to acacia woodland, creating a mosaic of habitats that supports an extraordinary range of wildlife. Unlike much of the Delta, this concession balances both wetland and woodland in equal measure, making for a remarkably diverse safari experience. Having undergone a full restoration, Mapula reopens in March 2027 and our May departure will be among the very first groups to experience the camp in its new chapter. The camp offers the full range of activities available in the Delta — game drives, mokoro excursions, walking safaris, motorboat safaris, fishing, and birding — all from one beautifully situated base. With 12 safari suites, each featuring a private viewing deck and en suite bathroom, and communal spaces including an elevated fire pit, swimming pool, and bar, Mapula provides an intimate and immersive introduction to one of Africa's last truly wild places.
*Please note that due to availability, these exact hotels may not all be available during all our trips. However, we will always replace these with similar hotels.
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Arrival & Departure
Your journey begins at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), well-served by direct and one-stop flights from major European, Middle Eastern, and select North American gateways.
The trip concludes at Maun International Airport (MUB), the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
Visa requirements are minimal for most travelers: South Africa is visa-free for many passport holders, Zimbabwe issues visas on arrival (the KAZA UniVisa, which covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia, is the most useful option for this trip), and Botswana is visa-free for most. We'll send detailed visa guidance based on your nationality before departure.
The Climate
May is one of the best months to travel in Southern Africa. The rainy season has ended, days are mild to warm, nights are cool, and wildlife concentrates around shrinking water sources which are exceptional conditions for game viewing.
Cape Town leans into autumn: crisp mornings, warm afternoons in the low 70s°F (20s°C), and the occasional rainy day. Bring layers and a light raincoat for the city.
Victoria Falls and Chobe are warmer and reliably dry, with daytime highs in the mid- to high 70s°F (20s°C) and cool early mornings on game drives. The Falls themselves still produce significant spray in May; expect to get misted on viewing walks.
The Okavango Delta has the widest temperature swing. Sunny, warm afternoons and chilly pre-dawn mornings that occasionally drop near freezing on the open savanna. Open game vehicles in the early hours mean a fleece, beanie, and even gloves are welcome. By mid-morning you'll be peeling layers off again.
The People and LGBTQ Friendliness
South Africa is the most LGBTQ+-progressive country on the continent. It was the first nation in the world to constitutionally protect sexual orientation (1996) and the fifth to legalize same-sex marriage (2006). Cape Town has a long-established community centered around De Waterkant, with bars, restaurants, and an annual Pride that draws travelers from across Africa and beyond. You will feel entirely at home.
Botswana decriminalized same-sex relationships in 2019, and the safari industry is professional, internationally trained, and well-accustomed to welcoming LGBTQ+ travelers. Lodge staff and guides are warm and respectful. Public displays of affection are less culturally common in town settings, but the lodges themselves are private and entirely welcoming.
Zimbabwean cultural attitudes remain more conservative, but the tourism environments on this trip - the Victoria Falls Hotel, the Ra-Ikane cruise, our guides - are focused on delivering an excellent experience and have hosted same-sex couples and groups for decades. Your Trip Leader is briefed on this in advance, and every property and partner on this journey has been chosen with our community in mind.
Meals
All breakfasts and dinners are included throughout the trip, along with most lunches during the safari portion. In Cape Town, you'll have flexibility to explore the city's exceptional food scene independently. The V&A Waterfront alone offers dozens of standout restaurants. Complemented by curated experiences like the Bo-Kaap Cape Malay cooking evening, which is one of the trip's culinary highlights.
Safari dining is part of the experience itself: bush breakfasts after morning game drives, lavish midday meals at the lodges, and dinners in unforgettable settings. Expect fire-lit bomas and communal tables under the stars. South Africa in particular has a rich wine culture; thoughtfully curated lists accompany most lodge dinners.
High tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel is a tradition we love and is part of your stay. If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, let us know in advance. Remote bush camps source ingredients on a long lead time, so the more notice we have, the better the experience.
Packing Advice
Pack for a range of environments. We'll walk you through this in detail before departure.
For safari, neutral tones are essential. Khaki, olive, beige, soft brown. Avoid bright colors (which can disturb wildlife), white (gets dusty quickly), and dark blue or black (which attract tsetse flies in some areas).
Bring layers: A fleece or light jacket plus a beanie for early game drives, lightweight long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun and bug coverage, closed-toe shoes (sneakers or light hiking shoes), a wide-brim hat, polarized sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. A light scarf or buff is useful for dust on game drives.
Beyond that: a swimsuit (every lodge has a pool), strong insect repellent, a small daypack, and a power bank. Binoculars are provided on safari vehicles, but personal pairs elevate the experience considerably. For cameras, bring what you'll actually use; the dust is real, and a dust-resistant bag is worth packing
Money / Tipping
You'll encounter three currencies on this journey: South African Rand (ZAR) in Cape Town, Botswana Pula (BWP) in Chobe and the Delta, and US Dollars in Zimbabwe (which the country uses as its primary tourism currency). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and at all of our lodges; American Express is less consistent. Carrying some cash in small denominations is helpful for market vendors, casual stops, and tipping.
A note on USD in Zimbabwe: bring crisp bills printed in 2009 or later. Older or damaged notes are sometimes refused.
Tipping is customary throughout the region and an important part of the local economy. We'll send detailed guidance pre-trip, but as a general framework: safari guides typically receive in the range of $15–20 per guest per day, trackers $5–10, and most lodges have a communal staff tip box for the broader team. Tipping guidance for your Trip Leader will be included in your pre-departure materials. ATMs are reliable in Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Maun if you'd like to top up cash along the way.
Trip Leaders
Your Trip Leader is with you from beginning to end. They will be handling logistics, smoothing transitions between countries, and making sure the journey holds together as one continuous experience.
In each destination, expert local guides take the lead on the experience itself: in Cape Town, a guide versed in South African history and culture; in the safari portions, professional naturalists and trackers whose knowledge of wildlife behavior, ecology, and bush craft.
Your Group
Our journeys are intentionally capped at 16 travelers. Small enough to feel personal, large enough for a vibrant social dynamic. The number is deliberate: it splits cleanly across two safari vehicles (typical capacity is 8–9 per vehicle), lets the lodges we work with host us with warmth, and creates real room for conversation.
Most guests come as solo travelers, couples, or pairs of friends. Ages typically range across the 50s to 60s, with a mix that skews toward the curious, well-traveled, and socially engaged.
Solo Travelers
Solo travelers do particularly well on our journeys. The shared rhythm of safari vehicles, meals, sundowners, evening fires creates connection naturally. A meaningful portion of every group typically travels solo, and the small group size means no one stays a stranger.<
Solo travelers will need to book into a single supplement for the duration of the trip.
Electrical Outlets
Plug types vary across the region. South Africa uses the distinctive Type M (large three-pin) most prominently, with Types C and G also common. Botswana primarily uses Type G (the British three-pin), and Zimbabwe uses Types D and G.
A universal adapter, ideally one that explicitly includes Type M, should cover you everywhere on this trip.
Most lodges have full power, but Mapula Lodge in the Delta operates partly on solar with limited overnight generator hours. Charging is reliably available in communal areas during daylight; bringing a power bank is a small thing that makes a real difference.
Staying Connected
Wi-Fi is reliable throughout Cape Town and at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Chobe Safari Lodge has functional Wi-Fi in public areas. Mapula Lodge has limited connectivity by both design and geography.
If you need to stay reachable, an international roaming plan or a local SIM (Vodacom in South Africa, Mascom or Orange in Botswana) provides reasonable coverage in cities and along main routes. Cell signal drops significantly in remote safari areas. For genuine emergencies, every lodge maintains satellite communication and your Trip Leader is reachable throughout the trip.
We gently suggest setting expectations with anyone back home before the Delta portion. Letting go of the phone is part of what makes the place feel like the place.
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