Our supplier will include one airport to hotel transfer for our group. We will gather flight information and schedule this included transfer when the majority of the group can take advantage of it. If your flight arrives outside of that schedule, Alt Esc can assist you in arranging a transfer - possibly with other group members to share the expense. 

Upon your arrival, you will go through customs, immigration and then baggage claim. Just outside of baggage claim you will meet your guide/driver and they will escort you to the van for your transfer to the Premier hotel. 

The Premier Hotel is nestled at the base of Signal Hill and Table Mountain in Sea Point. The area is alive with a 24-hour cosmopolitan vibe as well as closely located to some of the Cape’s natural wonders – perfect for those wanting to step out and explore the city. 

A great location to enjoy wonderful evenings out in Cape Town or indulge in your favorite drink on the deck while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Some local attractions near Premier Hotel Cape Town include Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Green Point Stadium, and the beautiful Camps Bay and Clifton beaches.

Rest of the afternoon is at leisure - to explore or rest.

Early this evening, join the rest of the Alt Esc group at our hotel for a Sundowner (Happy Hour) to get to know your fellow adventurers. Great opportunity to meet up with others and make dinner/evening plans!

Evening and dinner on own.

Overnight: Premier Hotel or similar 

Enjoy your international breakfast buffet (Afrikan, American and even kosher options) at our hotel prior to departing for our Peninsula tour.

The Fairest Cape…and it surely is! You’ll soon see for yourself where and why it earned its name. Sit back and relax, we’re going to cruise along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Camps Bay and Clifton to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbor of Hout Bay; embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise (weather permitting). 

Back on terra firma, we wind along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breath-taking ocean views: the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. 

Next we take a ride up on the funicular for magnificent views. Enjoy lunch at Bertha’s Restaurant in Simon’s Town (own account) before we meander back along the coast towards the City, visiting the endearing penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach.

Rest of day is at leisure. Dinner on own.

Overnight: Premier Hotel or similar (B)

After breakfast we head out to the V&A Waterfront and walk to the ferry terminal with our guide. We board the ferry and cross Table Bay to Robben Island, where you will have the opportunity to interact with an ex-political prisoner. 

We will join a public tour; a 45-minute bus ride with a guide providing commentary. You will have the opportunity to explore the Murray's Bay Harbour precinct attractions, such as the Muslim shrine, or kramat, and the Museum Shop. Formerly a political prison and a leper colony before that, the historic landmark of Robben Island was recently established as a museum, national monument and world heritage site. 

Experience the conditions of incarceration - view Nelson Mandela's maximum-security prison cell (Cell 5) and see the lime quarries. In the one, hard labor was served, in the other prisoners discussed strategy, freedom and the future. Later, many would develop eye problems as a result of the sun's reflection off the lime surfaces. This well-preserved landmark is a monument to the triumph of freedom, dignity and determination over humiliation and oppression. (While on Robben Island, visitor's movements are restricted by regulation to the bus and a Robben Island specialist guide. Tours of the island are conducted in large buses.)

Return to the mainland by ferry and have time for lunch on your own.

No visit to Cape Town is complete without a tour of the "Mother City." You will be drive by the Houses of Parliament, the Castle, the South Africa Museum, and a few other historical sights. Next we take a cable car ride up the magnificent Table Mountain (weather permitting), for a breathtaking view over the city and its surroundings. If you choose not to go up the mountain, the guide will provide other activity.

Once those that go up the mountain have descended, you will visit the picturesque Malay Quarter with its spicy bobotie and curry aromas filling the air. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is your last stop, where you will be able to explore this exciting development or be dropped back off at your hotel. 

NOTE: Both Robben Island and Table Mountain are weather dependent tours and may be cancelled at the last moment due to inclement weather.

Rest of Day is at leisure. Dinner on own.

Overnight: Premier Hotel or similar (B)

Have your breakfast buffet at the hotel before you head out to enjoy a full free day for independent activities. With SO MANY activities to be experienced in Cape Town, you can customize your visit to your exact interests and desires. Go deep sea fishing, swim with sharks, take a train tour to the region’s wineries, take a hike for even more amazing views. Or, dig deeper into some of the museums, art galleries and historical locations of this uber-interesting culture.

Top of your adventurous day with a fun-filled  dinner and interactive drumming show at the famous Gold restaurant. We had so much fun at this in 2022, we included it in the 2023 itinerary!

GOLD Restaurant is an authentic African experience. So much more than just an African restaurant, a night at GOLD is an immersive experience that will take you on a 14-dish taste-safari paired with traditional Mali puppets and entertainment. Includes round trip transfer.

Overnight: Premier Hotel or similar (B)

This morning you transfer to the airport for the flight to Kasane, Botswana via Johannesburg (flight not included, but required). 

On arrival in Kasane, you will be met and transferred to our home for the next three nights – Chobe National Park - home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa! Ellies! 

On the banks of the mighty Chobe River lies the Chobe Safari Lodge. In these tranquil surroundings you will come to experience true comfort, superb accommodation, magnificent African buffets and only the best in personalized ‘African-style’ service.

Welcome to the park with some of the highest game density in all of Africa. Later in the afternoon, you will embark on a Sunset Cruise in the Chobe River cruising in the Chobe National Park. 

This is by far one of my favorite activities in the world! Not just because it’s on a boat and there are animals, BUT it is the Lion King in-real-life! Just before the sun is setting, animals of all shapes and sizes head to the water’s edge for a drink of water, a universal need, that drives them all to co-exist for that moment in time. It’s one of the best experiences to watch the game from the boat where you will get closer to the animals then on land.

You can see hundreds, even thousands of animals congregating; elephants, kudu, crocodile, hippos, cape buffalo, jackal, wildebeest and so many more. A site that has brought me to tears and I re-see in my dreams and pictures over-and-over again. Truly life-changing!

Dinner after cruise at the lodge.

Accommodation:  Chobe Safari Lodge (B, D)

Your Group Leader and local guide will advise you about this as we are traveling.

Important – When you arrive in Botswana, each guest must ask for the KAZA UNIVISA. The Kaza Visa covers Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The cost is USD$50.00 (CASH) and allows tourists to obtain one visa to visit the countries multiple times. (Visa cost and requirement is subject to change without notice.)

After breakfast, you will depart from the hotel jetty at approximately 8:00 a.m. and travel up river to the Namibian island of Impalila Island to visit Impalila Village. You will then walk on foot to the village. 

During your village visit, you learn about the local culture. This uniquely positioned island straddles the intersection where four African countries meet. This meeting point was formerly known as The Caprivi Strip and is now called The Zambezi Zone. When guests arrive at this uniquely-positioned Impalila Island they feel that time has stood still - the Masubia tribe has lived here for time immemorial. Observe what they eat and where they sleep…whilst still ploughing (seasonal) their lands with teams of oxen. They live basic lives, cooking over open fires, carrying water and goods on their heads from the Chobe River. As this is a living/working village, the chief is the only one who can grant permission for travellers to visit. Therefore, you should feel honored to be invited to visit Impalila Village. After your visit, you will walk back to the boat for the return ride to the hotel. Note: The village is across the border in Namibia and a visa for Namibia is required and covered by the Kaza Visa. 

We begin our full-blown safari experience with an afternoon game drive. After driving a few meters along the impressive Chobe Riverfront, your guide suddenly stops. An elephant family slowly wanders across the road, planning to take a bath. As you gaze at this amazing scene, you can hear the dull sound of heavy feet in the sand, the breathing and whiffing, and occasional trumpeting from these beautiful, mighty creatures.

If this is your first safari trip (we feel your excitement!) you probably have been swiping through countless breathtaking pictures online, but you still might wonder what your safari day will actually look like. Although this can vary a bit from location to location, there is generally a day-plan most lodges/camps follow, simply because the rhythm of wildlife and weather conditions are changeable. 

Be prepared to start the day early. Don’t worry if you are not much of a morning person; there is plenty of time for napping later in the day. We can also guarantee that the minute you are awakened by the sound of birds and hippos calling, you will become an early bird yourself. If you still don’t feel like waking up early, you can simply enjoy the view from your own deck and wait for the afternoon game drive. It is all about doing it at your own pace, in the end.

Rest of day at leisure. Dinner at the Lodge.

Accommodation:  https://www.chobe-safari-lodge.net/ (B, D)

We begin our day with an early morning (approximately 6:00 a.m.) game drive in the Chobe National Park Tea and coffee is served before or during the game drive. After game drive at around 9:30am to 10am, you will have your full breakfast. We go out early because this is the best time to see the big cats like lions, leopard and cheetah. One of the most awe-inspiring safari experiences is the up-close and personal meetings with wildlife at Chobe National Park, and we can assure you will have them frequently during your visit. 

Late in the afternoon we visit the LION KING via boat once again! This is by far one of my favorite activities in the world! Not just because it’s on a boat and there are animals, BUT it is the Lion King in-real-life! Just before the sun is setting, animals of all shapes and sizes head to the water’s edge for a drink of water, a universal need, that drives them all to co-exist for that moment in time. It’s one of the best experiences to watch the game from the boat and you will get closer to the animals.

You can see hundreds, even thousands of animals congregating; elephants, kudu, crocodile, hippos, cape buffalo, jackal, wildebeest and so many more. A site that has brought me to tears and I re-see in my dreams and pictures over and over again. Truly life-changing!

After the sunset cruise, we will have dinner at the lodge.

Accommodation:  Chobe Safari Lodge (B, D)

After our breakfast we say good-bye to Chobe National Park and make our way by land to Livingstone Zambia. The sites and sounds on the way are an adventure on their own – with no Superhighway, our 62 mile journey takes us through interesting villages for a glimpse of how the locals live – sometimes we even see wildlife during the ride. 

We arrive at the Avani – Victoria Falls Resort, located in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to one half of the Mosi-oa-Tunya — 'The Smoke Which Thunders' — known worldwide as Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. The river forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, so the falls are shared by the two countries, and the park is 'twin' to the Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side. Our resort reflects the local culture, decorated in Zambian artworks and accessories, located at the top of Vic falls and a sister property to the Royal Livingstone. This property is an adventure on its own. Teeming with wild animals like zebras, monkeys, giraffes and more. How cool to stroll by a zebra on your way to the front desk or a giraffe as you head to breakfast!

  This evening (approximately 7:00 p.m.), you are invited to join in an important cultural tradition: a Boma Dinner beneath open skies. Boma, or “enclosure” in Swahili, comes from the days when tribesmen would cook and protect their communities. 

Sit back by the fire and let your senses stir with a delicious Zambian feast, from barbecue meat to spiced delicacies, and a live band and traditional dancing. Make yourself cozy in the charismatic scenery of the Mukuni Boma Village, on the banks of the majestic Zambezi River. Please note this event location is subject to weather conditions.

Overnight: Avani Victoria Falls Resort (B)

Breakfast is served in the open-air restaurant overlooking the resort grounds. Keep an eye out for the colorful birds, warthogs and especially the monkeys – that are quite fond of the sugar packets served with your coffee.

Today, we start with a walking tour of the Falls Zimbabwe Side. This afternoon we learn why it is no surprise that Victoria Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World! You’ll understand it instantly as we do a walking/hiking tour of the Zimbabwean side, for there are numerous spectacular vantage points along the width of the Falls. The sight of this astounding gift of nature, simply takes your breath away. Walk through the permanent, beautifully misty rain forest which flanks the Falls, stopping to marvel at the principal sites as it cascades to the depths below: Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island and Livingstone Island. 

We’ll stand and watch, feel and listen to the spray and thunderous noise, as millions of liters of water tumble over the Falls into a series of narrow gorges below. The seventh Natural Wonder of the World puts on the most dramatic show for you, and you’ll be privileged to have watched it.

Next we head out to one of the highlights of our African Adventure: The Elephant Café. Located approximately 10 kilometers upriver from the Victoria Falls at Zambezi Elephant Trails. The guest experience begins by boarding a jet boat (weather & water levels permitting) to cruise upriver from the Falls, as we go watch for wildlife in the national parks that border each side of the Zambezi River. 

The boat ride is awesome but the magic really begins on your arrival. You are greeted by elephants of all ages. You can pet them, feed them, pose for photos with them - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact this closely with elephants. 

Zambezi Elephant Trails is home to a very special family of elephants, who were originally rescued from drought or culls decades ago. Guests are then invited onto a beautifully appointed deck suspended over the Zambezi River and handed a champagne cocktail at the exclusive restaurant. Here only wild and locally sourced fresh ingredients are used, so it's fine dining menu changes according to the seasonal produce that is available at any given time.

Rest of day at Leisure. Dinner on own

Overnight: Avani Victoria Falls Resort (B)

Enjoy your breakfast at the resort prior to your full free day for independent activities! 

Take a swim in the famous Devil’s Pool, bungee jump down a canyon, white water rafting, the BIG Swing, fly in an ultralight over Vic Falls (see, the sky IS the limit), and so many more options – way too numerous to list. Whether you want to do the X-Games activities, take a relaxing float trip or just chill at our resort - there IS something for everyone at this fun-filled, action-packed, natural park area.

Alt Esc can help you determine which activities would be best for you and help you book them – you should plan on booking those right after the beginning of the year!

In the late afternoon enjoy an African Queen Sundowner Cruise (approximately 4:00 p.m.). A great way to end the day is with a tranquil wildlife cruise on the Zambezi River, above the mighty Victoria Falls. One has a unique vantage point to watch hippo, crocodile and various animals that come to the river's edge to drink. Sip a sundowner as the light fades - a gorgeous burnt-orange glow on the river - spectacular. Tasty snacks and local drinks are included. (Duration: approximately 3 hours)

Rest of day at leisure. Dinner on own.

Overnight: Avani Victoria Falls Resort (B)

After a final breakfast buffet at the Avani Resort, we head out to the Livingstone airport to catch our flights home…or, onto other African Adventures. Alt Esc can help with a pre or post trip if you would like to extend your adventure – just ask us!

Overnight: N/A (B)