For those arriving a day early to enjoy extra time in Cape Town, we’ve reserved rooms at The Mount Nelson, the city’s iconic hotel known for its plush interiors, exceptional service, and tranquil garden. This is the perfect spot to recharge before exploring the city.

Early arrivals can explore Oranjezicht City Farm Market, a trendy market featuring fresh local produce and artisanal goods, or visit The Old Biscuit Mill Market, a vibrant hub of gourmet food, art, and design. Both markets offer a chance to experience Cape Town’s local culture and creativity. The nearby V&A Waterfront offers ferries to the historic Robben Island & Museum, where Nelson Mandela and others were held prisoner during South Africa's struggle against apartheid.

After a leisurely day of exploration, return to the comfort of The Mount Nelson, where you can relax in the peaceful garden or enjoy the elegant surroundings before the adventure truly begins the next day.

Connoisseurs Tours offers an Airline Concierge Service to help with your reservations. Your dedicated reservation team will manage your airline reservations from the time you begin selecting flights until the day you return and will spend extra effort to find just the right airline schedule to suit your needs. This will alleviate any of the unexpected headaches that can arise in today’s travel environment with schedule changes and flight cancellations.

Please note, the 1-Night Pre Journey Extension includes private meet-and-greet transfers from the airport to The Mount Nelson Hotel, one night hotel stay, breakfast, all taxes and fees, and gratuities, and is available on a limited basis.

We start with a delicious breakfast, setting the stage for a day of exploration. Our first stop is the iconic Bo-Kaap, Cape Town’s colorful heart. With its brightly painted houses and cobblestone streets, this historic neighborhood—dating back to the 1760s—offers a unique blend of Cape Dutch and Edwardian architecture. As we wander through its lively streets, we’ll learn about the rich heritage and cultural traditions of the Cape Malay community.

Next, we’ll indulge in an immersive lunch at Faeeza’s Home Kitchen and Tea Garden, where we’ll savor the aromatic flavors of Cape Malay cuisine, rich in spices and bursting with vibrant colors. This cozy setting offers a true taste of the community’s heart and soul.

Afterward, we ascend Table Mountain via a private cable car, where stunning panoramic views await. From the summit, we’ll enjoy canapés and drinks as we take in sweeping vistas of the city and coastline—truly a view like no other.

In the afternoon, we return to The Mount Nelson for some relaxation before the evening’s official welcome dinner. It’s the perfect moment to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures, surrounded by great company and the warmth of Cape Town’s local flavors.

Overnight at The Mount Nelson.
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After another pleasant breakfast this morning, we embark on one of the most scenic drives in the world: Chapman’s Peak Drive. Stretching 5.5 miles between Hout Bay and Noordhoek on Cape Town’s western coast, the road is renowned for its breathtaking views. The towering mountains rise on one side, while the Atlantic Ocean crashes below on the other, offering a mesmerizing panorama with every turn. It’s a drive that’s as much about the journey as the destination, with countless opportunities for photos and moments of awe along the way.

Next, we’ll ascend to Cape Point aboard the Flying Dutchman Funicular. This iconic ride takes us up to the tip of the Cape Peninsula, where the views are nothing short of spectacular. Standing at Cape Point, it's easy to imagine being at the world’s edge, gazing out over the powerful ocean and rugged cliffs that make this place feel so isolated and unique. The fresh sea air and dramatic scenery leave an indelible mark on anyone who visits.

After this exhilarating morning, we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at Harbor House Restaurant, renowned for its exceptional seafood and beautiful coastal views. Savoring the fresh flavors while overlooking the ocean feels like the perfect way to soak in the essence of this special place.

Post-lunch, we will head to the iconic Boulders Beach, home to a charming colony of African penguins. Unlike many other penguin colonies in colder climates, the penguins at Boulders Beach thrive in the warm waters, making it one of the few places to observe these delightful creatures up close. The large granite boulders provide shelter as we stroll along the beach, creating idyllic coves for the penguins to nest and swim. The warmth of the water contrasts beautifully with the chilly Atlantic elsewhere in Cape Town, offering the perfect mix of wildlife observation and relaxing beach activities.

Today promises a perfect day of adventure and natural beauty!

Overnight at The Mount Nelson.
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After breakfast, we will depart for South Africa's renowned wine country. Our first stop will be the historic Vergelegen Estate, where we will enjoy a private tour of the gardens and Manor House, which dates back to 1700. Following the tour, we will have lunch at Vergelegen.

Next, we will visit a renowned vineyard and estate for a behind-the-scenes tour with the winemaker, including a curated tasting experience. In the afternoon, we will check into the exquisite Lanzarac Estate, our home for the next two nights.

This evening, we will indulge in an extraordinary culinary journey as we gather for a sumptuous seven-course tasting menu, expertly paired with exceptional wines from the estate's collection.

Overnight at the Lanzarac Estate.
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Today's private tour will take us to the Huguenot Memorial Museum and gardens, where we'll explore the history of South Africa's French Huguenots and their impact on the country.

Next, we'll enjoy a gardener's tour and lunch at Babylonstoren, a stunning garden recognized as one of the world's most beautiful. Situated in the Franschhoek wine valley, Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. Its fruit and vegetable garden is a marvel of beauty and diversity. The garden's design was commissioned in 2007 by owner Karen Roos and created by French architect Patrice Taravella, who drew inspiration from his work reconstructing a medieval cloistered garden at the Prieuré Notre Dame d’Orsan in France.

Following the tour of Babylonstoren's garden and its history, we'll have lunch in the enchanting spice garden.

In the afternoon, you have two choices: return to our hotel (for relaxation and the opportunity to indulge in a spa treatment), or enjoy free time in the charming village of Franschhoek.

Tonight, we'll dine at the world-renowned Eike Restaurant.

Overnight at the Lanzarac Estate.
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“Wilderness is the source of what we can imagine and what we cannot – the tap root of consciousness.”
– Terry Tempest Williams

Upon departing the wine region, we will fly to Kruger National Park and transfer to the Sabi Sabi private game reserve. Our accommodations for the next four days will be at the exclusive Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, reserved solely for our guests.

At Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, our guests will be led by highly trained and experienced guides possessing an intricate understanding of the wildlife and area. These guides will conduct morning and afternoon game drives, bush walks, and community visits. These experiences will allow us to respectfully interact with nature and closely observe the animals while remaining safe in the hands of our world-class safari team.

Located within the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge benefits from stricter conservation practices that protect the wildlife and their habitat. The limited number of guests creates a more personalized experience and exceptional uninterrupted wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for the Big Five. Due to the rich ecosystem of the Sabi Sands, it is considered one of the best places in the world to see the Big Five, with a high density of predators like leopards.

Sabi Sabi Game Reserve's ability to go "off the beaten track" increases the chances of spotting large predators like leopards, lions, and elephants. The reserve is located in a beautiful part of Africa, with stunning scenery and diverse vegetation.

The luxurious setting, excellent accommodations, service, and malaria-free status for over 22 years make it a top choice for a South African safari.

Overnight at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.

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Victoria Falls, situated on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is an awe-inspiring natural wonder, surpassing Niagara Falls in both height and width.

Our journey begins with a departure from Sabi Sabi to Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. Upon arrival at Nelspruit Airport, we will be transferred to the luxurious Victoria Falls Hotel, a historic landmark and the quintessential accommodation choice for visitors. Nestled amidst lush tropical gardens, the hotel offers Edwardian elegance and breathtaking views of the Batoka Gorge, the Victoria Falls bridge, and the majestic falls – all within walking distance of the Victoria Falls rainforest.

Our three-day, two-night stay in Victoria Falls promises an unforgettable experience, exploring the area by land, air, and water.

A highlight of our trip will be a helicopter flight, providing a unique aerial perspective of Victoria Falls and showcasing its grandeur and power from above. The panoramic views of the cascading waters, mist-filled gorges, and surrounding landscapes are breathtaking.

We will also embark on a private sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi River, where we will escape the crowds and enjoy an intimate experience on a smaller boat. As we navigate the islands and channels above Victoria Falls, we will have the opportunity to witness abundant birdlife and wildlife, all while basking in the warm African sunlight and the rising spray of the Falls. During this high-water season, our expert captain can maneuver the jet boat within 600 meters of the Falls, offering a perspective that may have mirrored Dr. David Livingstone's first glimpse of the Falls in 1855.

In addition to the helicopter tour and private Zambezi cruise, we will explore the charming town of Victoria Falls and enjoy an exclusive Bridge Tour. This historical and entertaining presentation will delve into the bridge's history and construction, granting us access to restricted areas and breathtaking views of the Falls and the Zambezi River.

For dining, we will indulge in the culinary delights of our hotel, including lunch and dinner, as well as the renowned Lookout Cafe.

Overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel.
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We travel from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park and our home for the next few nights Chobe Game Lodge.

Botswana is the “land of the water safari.” Just a handful of guests are allowed in national parks and game reserves at one time.

Chobe Game Lodge is a place full of history, hosting the British royal family and the second marriage (and honeymoon) of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Located inside Chobe National Park, this location provides guests with privileged access to embark on early morning game drives as soon as the park opens. This provides the best opportunity to track predators while they are most active. Depending on the season, afternoon drives depart in late afternoon and return at park closure time after sunset, allowing guests to either watch game until the last light, or enjoy sundowners in full.

Game drives along the banks of the Chobe River are one of Africa's most incredible wildlife viewing experiences. Abundant game are drawn to the cool waters of the river from the dry surrounding bush. Each day, different dramas unfold in the perpetual fight for survival, and each day brings the possibility of unexpected sightings.

Botswana, a southern African country, offers a more wild and untouched safari experience that is also more exclusive and elevated. Botswana's relative stability and prosperity are bolstered by its emphasis on low-impact tourism and strict environmental protections.

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We depart Botswana for Johannesburg for our last evening at the renowned Saxon Hotel.

When Nelson Mandela left prison, he retreated to Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, home to Johannesburg billionaire Douw Steyn and his family. The South African president edited his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom on those grounds.

After the private residence became one of the city’s most sought-after boutique hotels, Mandela continued to be a regular guest. Photos of the leader adorn the hotel, and Saxon even dedicated a room — the African-influenced Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite — in his honor.

It’s no wonder that Mandela was drawn to these surroundings. The luscious 10-acre gardens that wrap around Saxon Hotel make it hard to believe that it’s in Sandhurst, less than 10 minutes from central Sandton, Johannesburg’s economic heartland.

Saxon Hotel, Villas, and Spa’s carefully curated interiors showcase an extensive African art collection and ethically sourced local artifacts that once belonged to the private collection of owner Douw Steyn. Ghanaian fertility dolls, tribal masks, Benin bronze leopards and woven grass baskets give a true sense of Africa’s cultural diversity.

We will have time to explore the hotel’s artwork and beautiful grounds before celebrating our last evening together.
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Today, flights depart in the late evening, around 9:00 PM. Therefore, we have planned a thrilling day of sightseeing in Johannesburg, including Soweto and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. We will have lunch at a local restaurant and return to the hotel before departing for the airport.

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