$8,151 to $8,966 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa
Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa
You will arrive at Cape Town International Airport and be greeted by one of our local guides—Garth, Glen, Keith or Tim. As you travel into the city, you'll fall under the watchful eye of Table Mountain and can look across Table Bay to Robben Island and beyond. Our guest house is located in the chic inner-city neighborhood of Gardens, one of the oldest parts of the city and within a short, safe walking distance to vibrant and trendy Kloof Street and its southern extension, Long Street. All along, you’ll find restaurants, coffee shops and bistros along with a wide range of shops and markets peddling creative and authentic wares. Your time in Cape Town can be totally customized to your wishes, wherever you want to go, your guide will take you there (any/all entrance fees are already included in your cost; evenings excluded). Depending on your arrival time, your guide will be most happy to commence your exploration this afternoon should you wish.
- Main Destination:
- Cape Town (City, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Parker Cottage
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
“History & Heroes” city walk, Table Mountain & Robben Island
Today we show off our fair city with an insightful and enjoyable walk through the city’s historical heart followed by the dramatic ascension by cable car of Table Mountain. (Cableway closed for two-week annual maintenance in late-July to early-August). This is followed by a trip to Robben Island, which departs from the V&A Waterfront. For nearly 400 years, Robben Island was a place of exile and imprisonment for those regarded as outcasts and troublemakers—the most famous being Nelson Mandela who spent 18 years of his life here. The 3½ hour tour includes a return ferry trip across Table Bay, a visit to the Maximum Security Prison, interaction with an ex-political prisoner and a 45-minute guided bus tour of the island. Your return to the V&A Waterfront affords an opportunity for some quality souvenir shopping and fine dining.
This is just our suggested itinerary for the day and it can be customized to your wishes.
- Main Destination:
- Table Mountain (Cape Town, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Parker Cottage
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Peninsula, Cape Point & the Cape of Good Hope
A relaxing day awaits you today on a meander around the scenic Cape Peninsula with our Compass Odyssey guide. Leaving the city behind, you will first visit the eclectic fishing village of Kalk Bay, the historical naval town of Simon’s Town and its resident colony of African penguins at nearby Boulder's Beach. You will then venture further south to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where many legends and shipwreck stories that abound at the “Cape of Storms” are brought to life. After visiting both Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, you'll travel back to the city via the Atlantic coastline and the dramatic and picturesque Chapman’s Peak Drive.
This is just our suggested itinerary for the day and it can be customized to your wishes.
- Main Destination:
- Boulder's Beach (Penguins, South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Parker Cottage
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Winelands
South Africa’s Cape Winelands region isn't just internationally famous for its exquisite wines but is also highly valued for its extraordinary beauty and diversity. Set in soaring mountains and sweeping valleys amidst the carefully preserved, natural bounty of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the Cape’s vineyards are rich in fascinating tradition, history and unique Cape-Dutch architecture, as well as exceptional wines and cuisine. Today offers a meaningful and inspirational visit to a number of vineyards, allowing you to enjoy the fine wine and good food on offer with the peace of mind that our hosts are committed to both the environmental and social welfare of this scenic and historical region.
Should the theme of this day not be of interest, you may prefer instead to visit the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and/or the many museums within the city. Or go on a shark dive (additional expense), or travel south to the scenic whale-watching region around Hermanus.
- Main Destination:
- Cape Winelands (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Parker Cottage
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Greater Kruger, South Africa
Greater Kruger, South Africa
Our guide takes you this morning to Cape Town Airport for your direct flight to South Africa’s wildlife-rich Lowveld. Here you are met by one our local drivers, Thuli or Inecto, and embark on your first game drive on the way to your lodge. Have your camera handy as they will stop for any wildlife encountered en-route. This afternoon and over the next two days, you can anticipate quality wildlife viewing within this “Big Five” reserve adjoining Kruger National Park. The 600sq km (230sq miles) Klaserie Private Nature Reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger and is one of the largest privately-owned reserves in South Africa. It's one of the most undeveloped and pristine wilderness areas of the Greater Kruger, animals migrate freely between Klaserie and Kruger National Park, creating an incredible biosphere and one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
- Main Destination:
- Greater Kruger (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Senalala Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6-7
Greater Kruger, South Africa
Greater Kruger, South Africa
Located in a remote and private location within Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and managed by James and Corlia Steyn, Senalala Safari Lodge offers a truly authentic bush safari experience. Set on the banks of the seasonal Ntsiri River, guests can expect an abundance of quality wildlife viewing while at Senalala, with the camp itself overlooking a watering hole that draws a constant flow of wildlife. Every morning and evening, experienced ranger James and his team of guides lead a game viewing outing in search of sightings that will provide that unforgettable experience guests to this wild area are hoping for. The “Big Five” is regularly spotted plus the birding is superb. Guests can choose a game drive or bush walk. The latter enables guests aged 16 years and over to experience the smaller intricacies of nature that aren’t always noticeable from a vehicle.
- Main Destination:
- Greater Kruger (South Africa)
- Accommodation:
- Senalala Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Zambezi River, Zambia
Zambezi River, Zambia
Mike, Stuart or Thuli now transfer you to Kruger-Mpumalanga Nelspruit Airport for your flight to Livingstone, Zambia. Here our local guide, Mortimer provides your private transfer to your tranquil camp on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Later this afternoon, you will embark on a complimentary sunset cruise on this famous river.
Chundukwa River Lodge boasts a secluded spot on the banks of the Zambezi River yet it is only a 45-minute drive from the bustling town of Livingstone. Staying here enables simple logistics for tomorrow's rhino walking safari and Elephant Cafe lunch, which are both located close by. Dotted alongside the river are six tented chalets with spacious and tastefully furnished interiors, en-suite bathrooms and a private balcony. The main lodge area includes a popular bar as well as a restaurant overlooking a large swimming pool and the river. It's from here where you depart on this afternoon's sunset cruise.
- Main Destination:
- Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia)
- Accommodation:
- Chundukwa River Lodge
Wildlife in Mosi-oa-Tunya NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia
You arise early this morning and travel to the nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for a rhino walking safari, viewing the only surviving population of white rhino in all Zambia. This is followed by lunch with the resident herd at the Elephant Café. You are then transferred by speed boat down the Zambezi towards the bridge/border with Zimbabwe, where you disembark and Mortimer transfers you across to Zimbabwe and your lodge in the town of Victoria Falls.
Supporting a herd of ten rescued elephants, the Elephant Café is a combination of three exclusive experiences—a close encounter with the world’s largest land animal, gourmet dining in a salubrious setting, and an epic boat trip down the Zambezi River.
NOTE: It’s possible to include the Livingstone Island “afternoon high tea” Tour (seasonal, subject to water levels) after you disembark from your Elephant Café boat transfer.
- Main Destination:
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
- Accommodation:
- 528 Victoria Falls
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia
We are pleased to offer you a complimentary guided visit to the Victoria Falls during your stay (Zambian & Zimbabwean sides; includes entrance fees). Your safari also includes a Zambezi River cruise, rhino walking safari and Elephant Café lunch during your stay on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River. The plethora of other activities on offer includes white-water rafting or canoeing, birding and horse-back safaris, helicopter and microlight scenic flights, African township and village tours, adrenaline activities like bungee jumping and zip sliding, and much more. We especially recommend “Tour the Township” with our local guide, Mortimer who introduces you to his home turf and often invites our travelers to lunch with his wife and family. Dining options include African-style feasts with accompanying tribal entertainment at The Boma or Jungle Junction restaurants, as well as an afternoon high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
- Accommodation:
- 528 Victoria Falls
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Today you'll travel to Botswana and Garden Lodge, located in the small safari town of Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River. The private road transfer from Victoria Falls passes through bushveld that is home to wildlife such as elephant and giraffe, sightings of which often occur during the drive. You are again accompanied by Mortimer who will assist with the cross-border formalities. This afternoon, you will embark on a private boat safari along the Chobe River. The accompanying sunset on the river often provides a truly memorable moment of your African safari. From your riverside accommodation, you are usually ‘serenaded’ to sleep tonight by the grunts coming from nearby pods of hippo as they venture out of the water to graze on the lodge's lush lawn.
- Main Destination:
- Chobe National Park (Botswana)
- Accommodation:
- Chobe River Lodge
Wildlife in Chobe NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Your day revolves around morning and afternoon private game drives within the Chobe National Park. You’ll also enjoy delicious home-style meals and have time for some quality lazing by the pool and perhaps even a midday siesta.
Note: You have the option today of a half day private game drive that ventures further into the park. To make your safari extra special, Compass Odyssey travelers are provided with a private vehicle and boat during your stay in Chobe. Other companies typically offer game drives with up to 10 passengers and boat safaris with 10-50+ travelers on board.
During your game drives, be on the lookout for predators such as lion and hyena, and iconic herbivores such as buffalo, zebra, giraffe, warthog and wildebeest. On your boat safaris along the Chobe River, you will encounter all manner of wildlife, including Nile crocodile and the Chobe’s great herds of elephant as they come to the river’s edge to drink and frolic in the fresh water.
- Main Destination:
- Chobe National Park (Botswana)
- Accommodation:
- Chobe River Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 13
Chobe River and Farewell
Chobe River and Farewell
This morning’s private boat safari on the Chobe River offers a serene and tranquil end to your safari. After a hearty brunch, we will say tsamaya sentle (“goodbye and go well” in the local Setswana language) as you are transferred the short distance to Kasane Airport for your further travel arrangements. There is a daily flight to Johannesburg that departs Kasane at 2:00 pm, arriving at 3:45 pm. If you wish, we can also arrange for Mortimer to return you to Victoria Falls or Livingstone (2½-3 hours).
- Main Destination:
- Chobe National Park (Botswana)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
