Compare Botswana, South Africa & Zambia 2023 by Tauck vs Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari by Ker & Downey Africa

Day 1 Welcome to Zambia

Tour begins: 5:00 PM, The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara. Transfers are included from Livingstone Airport to The Royal Livingstone Hotel in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone, Zambia, named for 19th-century missionary and explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, the first European to document the region. Settle in at The Royal Livingstone Hotel, a colonial-style luxury hotel on the Zambezi River in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park; the hotel's lounges and shaded verandahs evoke the elegance of a bygone era. Join us this evening for our welcome reception and dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara

PORTOFCALL : Livingstone, Zambia

Day 2 Rhino Walking Safari & Victoria Falls

A guided walking safari through a rhino sanctuary offers you a chance to see the great horned animals in their natural habitat. Then follow the sound of roaring water on a walking tour to Mosi-oa-Tunya – "The Smoke That Thunders" – which Livingstone named Victoria Falls. The site where the mile-wide Zambezi River plunges powerfully into a chasm more than 350 feet deep, sending billowing clouds of spray skyward like inverted rain, is sure to leave you speechless.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara

PORTOFCALL : Livingstone, Zambia

Day 3 Across the Zambezi to Botswana

A ferry transports you across the Zambezi River from Zambia to Botswana this morning, where you'll embark on a motorboat safari on the Chobe River. After lunch, hop a flight to a game reserve on the Okavango River, in the world's largest inland delta, and settle into your lodge on the Khwai River. During seasonal flooding, the delta swells to three times its size, becoming an oasis in an arid country and attracting wildlife – and predators, including lions and leopards. You'll have a unique chance to view the wildlife after dark on a night safari before dinner this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Belmond Khwai River Lodge

Day 4 On Safari in Moremi Game Reserve

Between morning and afternoon game drives in the bush for even more exciting wildlife viewing today, return to camp for lunch and leisure. Enjoy the spa, or watch the passing parade of wildlife on the floodplains from the comfort of your own private deck, before embarking on another game drive this afternoon. Enjoy dinner under the stars in a Boma on the lodge grounds this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Belmond Khwai River Lodge

Day 5 The Heart of the Okavango Delta

Begin the day with a game drive and an optional walking safari. Today you'll fly from Khwai further into the Okavango Delta to Eagle Island Camp; situated on remote Xaxaba Island among a web of waterways and lush vegetation, it overlooks a lagoon that attracts a breathtaking variety of big game and exotic birds. This afternoon take a motorboat safari along the intricate waterways of the Okavango Delta in search of elephants, hippos and exotic birds. With incredible views cross the Okavango Delta and delicious food to match, the dining experience at Eagle Island Camp tonight will be one to remember.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

Day 6 Okavango Delta by Canoe & Helicopter

First up this morning – a game drive exploring the Okavango Delta by motorboat – and helicopter. The parallel views you'll experience by helicopter are truly stunning; hovering over the delta, you'll be treated to amazing wildlife sightings, water and land contrasts and a visual kaleidoscope of nature. Following lunch, you're off for a mokoro canoe safari excursion aboard a traditional dugout canoe that takes you gliding over shallow, clear waters past brilliant water lilies and papyrus grasses to areas inaccessible by boat. Listen to the gentle, rhythmic splash as you are poled along and then attune your ears to other sounds. Long reed frogs will be out enjoying the sun: tiny as your fingertip, they emit extraordinarily loud croaks that resemble Oriental wind chimes. Spiders spin glistening webs above the water; luminous dragonflies hover with whirring wings; game such as red lechwe antelope, reed bucks and giraffes come to drink. But for many, it is the birds of this ornithological paradise that dazzle. Stately egrets, storks, cormorants and even fishing eagles swoop overhead... but for pure drama, the magnificent malachite kingfisher steals the show. End the day with another memorable dinner at Eagle Island Camp.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

Day 7 Makgadikgadi Pans / The San Bushmen

Fly from Okavango to Makgadikgadi Pans, the salt plains at the edge of the Kalahari Desert, and arrive at Camp Kalahari. A parched wasteland most of the year, seasonally the plains come alive with water and grass, drawing spectacular herds of wildebeest and zebra, as well as springboks, vultures, eagles, flamingoes, and hyenas. From your deluxe tented camp, venture out on a walking safari with the local San Bushmen, learning how they use their legendary hunting and survival skills in this usually inhospitable environment. Learn how scorpions and roots are used for medicinal purposes as well as hydration in the desert. This evening, join us for a special sundowner overlooking the Pans complimented with a guide providing an introduction and insight into the geography of the area. Please note: Camp Kalahari is a classic, traditional safari camp where air conditioning, Internet and cell phone service are not available; illumination is provided by gas lanterns, and showers are heated by solar power. While there are no electrical outlets in the tents, a charging station is available in the main reception area.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Camp Kalahari

Day 8 Meet the Meerkats / Salt Pan Adventure

"Meerkat" is Dutch for "lake cat," which seems odd, since the meerkat is not a cat and it lives in a desert. But you'll find the name somehow suits these hyperactive, charming creatures as you encounter them on their daily routine, digging for termites, frolicking, and standing at attention, forever on the lookout for predators. The meerkat families you'll meet today have no fear of humans; in fact, they've been known to climb on visitors' heads for a better vantage point (one of many potential photo ops on these Botswana and South Africa tours). Enjoy free time at camp in the afternoon before a trip out to the salt pan in a 4-wheel-drive all-terrain vehicle (ATV)* for sundowners and a breathtaking African sunset.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Camp Kalahari

Day 9 Arrive Cape Town, South Africa

Fly today from the Makgadikgadi airstrip to Maun, then on to Cape Town, South Africa, where you'll spend three nights at the One&Only Cape Town. Your aptly-named hotel is one of a kind, an urban oasis designed around a series of artificial islands, offering contemporary glamour with an African accent and stunning views of Table Mountain and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where the evening is free to spend as you please. 

MEALS : B

LODGING : One&Only Cape Town

PORTOFCALL : Cape Town, South Africa

Day 10 Cape Town is where it's happening

Cape Town nestles in a setting of spectacular natural beauty, between the crashing tides of an azure sea and towering Table Mountain. But its real fascination is in its contrasts – modern towers beside ornate colonial architecture, and the mix of cultures (Dutch, French, English, African, Afrikaans, Malaysian, Indian and more) that blend in the vast enclave known as the City Bowl. Visit the Cape Malay quarter (also known as Bo-Kaap), a colorful neighborhood of cobbled streets, spice shops, and brightly painted houses; the original residents were slaves from Dutch colonies in Southeast Asia, and their legacy thrives in Bo-Kaap's Muslim culture, artisan skills, and spiced cuisine. Visit the District Six Museum, chronicling the effects of apartheid and forced removals in Cape Town's District Six. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you please; return to your hotel, or perhaps explore the maritime heritage of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a promenade of shops, tall ships and historical buildings along the working harbor. Join us this evening at a private home for a traditional braai (barbecue) under a stunning Cape Town sunset.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : One&Only Cape Town

PORTOFCALL : Cape Town, South Africa

Day 11 Seals, Sharks & The Cape of Good Hope

This morning, arrive at Cape Point Nature Reserve – home to antelope, zebra, ostrich, baboons, and breathtaking seascapes; later, a funicular will carry you up to the Old Lighthouse that watches over the ironically-named Cape of Good Hope – the Portuguese explorer who first navigated these treacherous waters where two oceans converge originally named it "the Cape of Storms," a warning validated by the many shipwrecks strewn along its coast. Following lunch overlooking False Bay, set sail for an eco-tour to Seal Island, a rock off the coast that is home to thousands of fur seals and other diverse wildlife including great white sharks that may visit adjacent waters throughout the year. Join us this evening for a farewell reception followed by dinner in the hotel's signature restaurant.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : One&Only Cape Town

PORTOFCALL : Cape Town, South Africa

Day 12 Journey home

Tour ends: Cape Town. Fly home anytime. Transfers to Cape Town International Airport from One&Only Cape Town are included. Allow at least 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Cape Town, South Africa

Day 1-5: Arrive Cape Town International Airport

Check in: 21 Nettleton

Your Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you, assist you through immigration and accompany you to 21 Nettleton. Located in one of the city’s most exclusive suburbs in Cape Town, on the slopes of Lion’s Head, this luxury boutique hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and ensures absolute privacy. Your time at 21 Nettleton can be enjoyed lounging by the pool, unwinding with a personalised on-site spa treatment, and indulging in sunset canapes, fine-dining and picnics in the garden. Discover the Mother City’s breath-taking surroundings on a half-day private tour or venture further afield to the Cape Peninsula to experience Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach – home to one of the largest African penguin colonies in South Africa.

Where you’ll stay: 21 Nettleton

Located in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after neighborhoods, 21 Nettleton offers guests an exclusive stay with an uninterrupted view of Cape Town’s pristine beaches, Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. The clifftop mansion boasts only 6 luxurious and spacious suites, each deck out with bespoke art and furnishings.

Experiences:

Your time at 21 Nettleton can be tailored to suit you. Enjoy time at leisure by the pool, unwind with a personalised on-site spa treatment and indulge in sunset canapes, fine-dining and picnics in the garden. Explore the city on a full-day guided tour to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

Day 6-7: Transfer Cape Winelands

Check in Delaire Graff

After a refreshing breakfast overlooking the magnificent Atlantic Ocean, your driver will meet you for your transfer to the Cape Winelands. Located along the scenic Helshoogte pass outside of Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Estates offers luxury accommodation, each fitted with a private sundeck and heated plunge pool where you can admire the views of the vineyards and the valleys below. Spend the day at leisure or explore the working wine farm on an estate and cellar tour before enjoying a drink at the lodge bar before a world-class dinner at one of the two restaurants – the Delaire Graff restaurant offering bistro chic cuisine, or Indochine – a bespoke Asian inspired eatery. You can also visit the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, known for their art, museums, shopping and award-winning wineries. End off your day in the Winelands with your favorite film in the private cinema.

Where you’ll stay: Delaire Graff

Located just outside of Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Estate offers luxury living in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Each lodge on the estate has a private sundeck and heated plunge pool where you can admire the views of the vineyards and the valleys below.

Experiences:

You can enjoy the estate’s world-class spa or explore the working wine farm on an estate and cellar tour to sample award-winning wines followed by a unique fine dining experience at one of the two restaurants – the Delaire Graff Restaurant or Indochine.

Day 8-11: Transfer Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Check in The Motse

After breakfast in the tranquil Cape Winelands, you will be accompanied to Cape Town International Airport for your light aircraft flight to Tswalu Kalahari. On touch down, your dedicated guide will meet you and transfer you to The Motse. With a private guide and tracker, your time at Tswalu Kalahari can be tailored exactly to your unique interests. There are an array of unique experiences available for you to enjoy, from day and night game drives and bush walks to horseback safaris and meerkat encounters. You Kalahari Safari will allow the opportunity to participate in conservation-management experiences during your stay alongside the researchers at the Tswalu Foundation. In the evening, you can enjoy the culinary delights at Klein Jan prepared by South Africa’s first Michelin Star Chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen followed by a world-class guided stargazing experience. A highlight of your time here will be a night under the stars at the luxurious Malori Star Bed, an outdoor deck kitted out with all the creature comforts you desire.

Where you’ll stay: Tswalu The Motse

Located in Tswalu Kalahari, The Motse features just nine luxurious suites, each fitted with a private deck, star-bed and open fireplace. Guests who stay at The Motse can enjoy the lodge’s outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym and photographic studio, as well as wine cellar, National Geographic library and gallery.

Experiences:

The Motse offers a completely private experience to its guests leaving you to design your day according to your mood. Join the conservation-management activities with the Tswalu Foundation and enjoy private game drives and bush walks alongside your dedicated guide and tracker, meerkat encounters and horseback safaris.

Day 12: Transfer Cape Town

Depart Cape Town International Airport

Day 12 marks the final day of your Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari. Your guide will meet you after breakfast and transfer you to the reserve’s airstrip for your flight to Cape Town and onward journey home.