9 days

Southern Africa’s Finest: A 10-Day Safari, Wine & River Retreat

A streamlined journey through Botswana’s Okavango Delta, South Africa’s Cape Winelands, and Zambia’s Zambezi River.

Experience three distinct corners of Southern Africa in just 10 days—ideal for travelers seeking a condensed itinerary without sacrificing the highlights.

 

Embark on a luxury safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, savor top-rated wines and cuisine in the Cape Winelands, and then retreat to the tranquil banks of the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls.

Experience three distinct corners of Southern Africa in just 10 days—ideal for travelers seeking a condensed itinerary without sacrificing the highlights.

 

Embark on a luxury safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, savor top-rated wines and cuisine in the Cape Winelands, and then retreat to the tranquil banks of the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls.

Highlights

  • Exclusive Safari Camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta
  • Morning & Evening Game Drives amid iconic African wildlife
  • Cape Winelands Wine & Food tours with personalized cellar visits
  • Sunset River Cruises for close-up views of hippos and elephants
  • Optional Victoria Falls Excursion to see “The Smoke That Thunders”
  • Minimal Transfers to maximize time in each destination

Trip itinerary

3 days

Okavango Delta

Begin in Botswana’s UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta. Immerse yourself in daily game drives, walking safaris, and mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions while enjoying first-class service at a premier lodge.

Schedule details

Day 1: Arrival in Maun & Transfer to the Delta

  • Morning or Midday Arrival in Maun, Botswana.
  • Light Aircraft Flight over winding waterways and plains alive with wildlife.
  • Check-In at your Delta lodge, followed by an Afternoon Game Drive.
  • Overnight in a private tented suite, listening to the bush come alive after dark.

Day 2: Safari Immersion

  • Early Morning Drive to spot predators and plains game in their most active hours.
  • Brunch at the Lodge, then leisure time by the pool or in your suite.
  • Mokoro Excursion (conditions permitting) for a serene perspective of the Delta’s channels.
  • Evening Game Drive & Sundowners at a scenic vantage point.

Day 3: Final Delta Explorations

  • Optional Walking Safari to encounter the smaller wonders of the bush.
  • Bush Breakfast before packing and preparing for departure.
  • Late Afternoon Flight to South Africa’s Cape Town (via Maun), arriving in the evening.
  • Overnight near the Cape Winelands to rest before the next stage of your journey.

Featured hotels

Wilderness Vumbura Plains, Botswana

Wilderness Vumbura Plains, Botswana

Wilderness Vumbura Plains sits in a remote part of the Okavango Delta, offering an ultra-luxurious camp with modern safari comforts and expansive views. Its design focuses on bringing the outside in, with elevated decks and open living spaces.

Location
Nestled in the northern region of the Okavango Delta, within a private concession renowned for diverse habitats—from floodplains to woodlands.

Activities

  • Game Drives: Spot lions, leopards, elephants, and a variety of antelope in one of Africa’s most game-rich landscapes.
  • Mokoro & Boat Excursions: Glide through reed-lined channels in a traditional canoe or motorboat for a different wildlife perspective.
  • Birding: Encounter prolific birdlife, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and wattled cranes.

Best Time to Travel

  • June–October (Dry Season): Peak wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources.
  • November–April (Green Season): Lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching, and fewer tourists.

Recommended Dish & Drink

  • Dish: Seswaa, a traditional Botswana stew of slow-cooked, shredded meat served with pap.
  • Drink: A refreshing Rock Shandy, a mix of lemonade and soda water with a dash of bitters—ideal for hot safari days.

Useful Links

Official Website

Wilderness Little Mombo, Botswana

Wilderness Little Mombo, Botswana

Considered the “Place of Plenty,” Little Mombo is a smaller, more intimate extension of the famed Mombo Camp. It offers some of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in the Okavango Delta, with personalized service and panoramic floodplain vistas.

Location
Situated on Chief’s Island in the Moremi Game Reserve—the heart of the Okavango Delta—renowned for robust populations of predators and plains game.

Activities

  • Expert-Led Game Drives: Track Africa’s iconic big cats—especially lions and leopards—in this predator-rich area.
  • Photography: Capture striking images of wildlife against the Delta’s lush backdrops.
  • Nature Walks: Embark on guided walks for up-close encounters with smaller creatures and flora.

Best Time to Travel

  • June–October (Dry Season): Heightened game viewing and easier spotting of wildlife.
  • November–April (Green Season): Green landscapes, abundant birdlife, and newborn animals.

Recommended Dish & Drink

  • Dish: Morogo (leafy greens) paired with grilled or braised local meats—highlighting Botswana’s culinary staples.
  • Drink: St. Louis Lager, a popular local beer, perfect for sunset relaxation around the campfire.

Useful Links

Official Website

3 days

Cape Winelands

Journey into a world of award-winning vineyards, gourmet restaurants, and colonial-era towns nestled amid dramatic mountain scenery. Three days allow for immersive wine tastings, leisurely estate tours, and farm-to-table dining.

Schedule details

Day 4: Arrival in the Winelands

  • Check-In at your Winelands property.
  • Afternoon Wine Tasting at nearby estates, sampling robust reds or crisp whites.
  • Sunset Dinner highlighting regional ingredients and South African flair.

Day 5: Estate-Hopping & Culinary Delights

  • Guided Wine Tour visiting boutique vineyards with personalized cellar insights.
  • Gourmet Lunch in a vineyard setting.
  • Afternoon Leisure—explore the historic streets of Franschhoek or Stellenbosch, lined with art galleries and cafés.
  • Evening free to indulge in a multi-course wine-paired dinner or a relaxed braai (barbecue) experience.

Day 6: Culture & Relaxation

  • Morning Stroll through a local market or take a hot-air balloon ride (optional).
  • Cheese & Chocolate Pairing or a private cooking lesson with a local chef.
  • Late Afternoon Transfer to Cape Town Airport for an evening flight to Zambia (Livingstone) or Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), then a short drive to your Zambezi lodge.
  • Overnight at your riverfront accommodation.

Featured hotels

La Residence

La Residence

Located in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, La Residence is a sumptuous country retreat with opulent suites, surrounded by vineyards and dramatic mountain vistas. It is celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and top-tier service.

Location
Nestled among the Cape Winelands about an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the property is near acclaimed wineries, gourmet restaurants, and charming historic towns.

Activities

  • Wine Tasting: Explore world-class vineyards and sample award-winning South African wines.
  • Gourmet Dining: Delight in French-inspired cuisine at local restaurants or indulge in the hotel’s fine dining.
  • Leisurely Strolls: Wander through the estate’s orchards and gardens, or browse the boutique shops in nearby Franschhoek village.

Best Time to Travel

  • September–April (Spring & Summer): Warm, sunny days perfect for wine tours and outdoor dining.
  • May–August (Winter): Cooler weather with fewer crowds, plus cozy fireside wine tastings.

Recommended Dish & Drink

  • Dish: Cape Malay Bobotie, a sweet and savory baked mince dish, iconic to South African cuisine.
  • Drink: A glass of Pinotage, South Africa’s unique red wine variety, or a crisp Franschhoek Chardonnay.

Useful Links

Official Website

Leeu Estates, Cape Vineland's

Leeu Estates, Cape Vineland's

Leeu Estates is an exclusive boutique property in South Africa’s famed Cape Winelands, combining contemporary design with vineyard charm. Known for refined hospitality, art collections, and a serene setting ideal for wine enthusiasts.

Location
Nestled in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, surrounded by rolling vineyards and mountain backdrops, about an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

Activities

  • Wine Tasting: Explore the on-site winery and indulge in guided tastings of award-winning South African vintages.
  • Farm-to-Table Dining: Enjoy locally sourced cuisine at one of Franschhoek’s renowned restaurants.
  • Relaxation & Spa: Unwind with holistic treatments in a tranquil spa setting, overlooking manicured gardens.

Best Time to Travel

  • November–April (Spring–Summer): Warm, sunny weather perfect for wine tastings and alfresco dining.
  • May–August (Winter): Cooler, more intimate atmosphere with cozy fireplace evenings and fewer tourists.

Recommended Dish & Drink

  • Dish: Cape Malay Bobotie, a sweet-and-spicy baked mince dish often served with yellow rice.
  • Drink: A Franschhoek Sauvignon Blanc or Cape Blend from the estate’s own vineyard.

Useful Links

Official Website

3 days

Zambezi River

Spend three days in the serene environment of the Zambezi River, a short distance from Victoria Falls. Enjoy sunset cruises, optional Falls tours, and river-based activities like canoeing and fishing.

Schedule details

Day 7: Introduction to the Zambezi

  • Morning Arrival (if flying from Cape Town) or waking up at your lodge if you arrived the night before.
  • Sunset Cruise along the river, watching for hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the banks.
  • Dinner under the stars, sampling fresh local ingredients.

Day 8: Victoria Falls & Local Culture

  • Optional Guided Tour of Victoria Falls—walk the rainforest trails for spectacular views of the cascading water.
  • Community Visit to learn about local projects and daily life along the river.
  • Afternoon Leisure—relax with a spa treatment, try fishing for tigerfish, or lounge by the pool.
  • Evening with a candlelit meal overlooking the water.

Day 9: River Activities & Farewell Zambezi

  • Morning Canoe Safari or boat trip through hidden channels, spotting exotic birdlife.
  • Picnic Lunch on a secluded island (water levels permitting).
  • Afternoon Free to revisit the Falls, enjoy a second sunset cruise, or simply absorb the tranquil river setting.
  • Overnight at your lodge, reminiscing over your multi-country adventure.

Day 10: Homeward Bound

  • Private Transfer to Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Airport.
  • VIP Airport Services with expedited check-in and lounge access (subject to airline and availability).
  • End of Services—board your international flight or continue your African journey elsewhere.

Featured hotels

Royal Chundu

Royal Chundu

Set along the mighty Zambezi River in Zambia, Royal Chundu is a luxury river lodge offering tranquil island seclusion and authentic cultural experiences. With lavish suites, river views, and warm Zambian hospitality, it’s the perfect base to explore Victoria Falls and beyond.

Location
Located upstream of Victoria Falls, Royal Chundu provides a serene retreat away from the crowds yet within easy reach of the world-famous waterfall.

Activities

  • River Cruises: Glide along the Zambezi at sunrise or sunset, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
  • Victoria Falls Excursions: Experience the thundering falls with guided tours or helicopter flights.
  • Community Visits: Discover Zambian culture in nearby villages and support local community projects.

Best Time to Travel

  • June–September (Dry Season): Ideal for game viewing and moderate water levels at Victoria Falls.
  • February–May: High-water season at the falls, creating a spectacular spray and thunderous roar.

Recommended Dish & Drink

  • Dish: Nshima with relish, Zambia’s staple cornmeal porridge served with vegetables and meat stew.
  • Drink: A refreshing Mosi Lager, Zambia’s popular beer, or a gin-and-tonic with local botanicals.

Useful Links

Official Website

Tongabezi Lodge

Tongabezi Lodge

Tongabezi is a romantic hideaway on the banks of the Zambezi River, upstream from Victoria Falls. Offering boutique cottages and houses, it’s acclaimed for personalized service, breathtaking river views, and community-driven hospitality.

Location
Located near Livingstone, Zambia, just a short drive and boat ride away from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Activities

  • Victoria Falls Excursions: Tour the falls on foot or by helicopter for awe-inspiring views.
  • Zambezi Cruises: Enjoy sunset boat rides, spotting hippos and crocodiles along the peaceful river.
  • Cultural Visits: Engage with local villages and schools supported by Tongabezi’s philanthropic initiatives.

Best Time to Travel

  • June–September (Dry Season): Excellent for game viewing and moderate water levels at the falls.
  • February–May: High-water season at Victoria Falls, creating a powerful spray and thunderous roar.

Recommended Dish & Drink

  • Dish: Nshima (Zambian cornmeal) with relish and grilled fish from the Zambezi, reflecting local flavors.
  • Drink: A Mosi Lager, Zambia’s quintessential local beer, best enjoyed at sunset on the river.

Useful Links

Official Website

Locations

Price
Starting from $12,000 per person
Dates
April - August

Seasonal Considerations

  • Okavango Delta: Flood season (May–August) best for mokoro activities
  • Cape Winelands: Harvest (Feb–Apr) or spring blooms (Sep–Nov)
  • Zambezi River: High water levels for Victoria Falls (Feb–Jul)

Pricing

  • From US$12,000 per person (double occupancy)
  • Single Supplement on request
  • Group & Family Rates available
  • Customized Options based on lodge selection, season, and personal preferences

Reservation Process

  1. Initial Consultation
  2. Customization of Itinerary
  3. Deposit & Confirmation
  4. Pre-Journey Briefing
  5. Personal Concierge Contact

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