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Luxury Southern Africa Itinerary

Southern Africa Explorer

Meerkats in the Makgadikgadi, Botswana
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Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
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Southern Africa conjures up so many images from mighty waterfalls to vibrant cities, from lions hunting in the bush to elephants fording vast water systems and meerkats thriving in deserts. This itinerary is designed to take you through as many of the beautiful and varied landscapes this magical part of the world has to offer.  

Starting at the Victoria Falls gets the trip off to a thunderous start, watching, hearing and feeling 100’s of thousands of cubic meters of water tumble over the 100 meter drop is spellbinding. Yet there is so much more to see and do, we suggest you stay in one of the more remote lodges away from the town where elephants may wander past to the water’s edge while you relax with a sundowner.

 

Heading deeper into Zimbabwe and the Hwange National Park the wildlife really explodes into life as lions hunt our on the plains filled with zebra, giraffe, rhino, buffalo and antelope graze. This is the perfect introduction to safari as you imagine it with the incredible guides that Zimbabwe is so well known for.

Moving on from here you will fly to the Okavango Delta, giving you a different experience every day in the world’s largest inland delta. You will explore by mokoro (canoe), in an open top safari vehicle and maybe even by helicopter. You will stay in luxurious, yet authentic small camps with amazing guides to tailor every experience for you. There will even be a chance to sleep out under the stars with the sights, sounds and smells of Africa all around you.

The next stop could not be more different as you enter the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans where the wildlife has adapted to live in a much harsher environment. For the adventurous there are also options to explore on foot or horseback.

The final stop of this epic journey is another massive scene change as you land in Cape Town. Known for the famous Table Mountain and stunning coastline, this city is also home to a thriving restaurant scene, amazing art galleries, fascinating museums and proximity to some incredible wineries.

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KEY FACTS

PEAK TIME

May-October

PRICE

From £15,500 $19,000 pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

24 days

FLIGHT TIME

13 hours from London
17 hours 30 mins From NYC

CURRENCY

Botswana Pula
South African Rand

LANGUAGE

English

Where you'll go
Okavango Delta - Nat Selections

Okavango Delta

Makgadikgadi, Botswana

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Cape Town

Cape Town

Victoria Falls from above

Victoria Falls

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park

When to go

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DID YOU KNOW?

The Okavango Delta is home to 130 species of mammals, 480 bird species, thousands of plants and countless fish and inspect species.

Itinerary Highlights

Explore Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, offers exceptional safari experiences, especially from a luxury lodge. Home to elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs, it provides private game drives, walking safaris, and night drives for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

By staying at one of our luxury lodges you can add elegant suites, infinity pools, and gourmet dining, often overlooking waterholes teeming with wildlife to the experience. Enjoy bush sundowners, watch animals from private decks, and unwind in serene surroundings. Whether tracking wildlife on foot or relaxing in comfort, a Hwange luxury safari combines adventure with indulgence in one of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas.

Explore Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls from above

Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, offers an unforgettable adventure on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. Known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” its powerful cascade creates breathtaking views, misty rainbows, and a roaring soundtrack.

Visitors can explore scenic viewpoints, walk across the Knife-Edge Bridge, or take a helicopter flight for a bird’s-eye perspective. Thrill-seekers can experience white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or Devil’s Pool at the waterfall’s edge. Sunset Zambezi River cruises provide a serene contrast, offering wildlife sightings and golden panoramas.

Maun

Maun, Botswana

Maun, often considered the gateway to the Okavango Delta, serves as the hub for travellers exploring this remarkable wilderness. With its strategic location on the delta’s edge, Maun provides essential services, including charter flights, and local crafts. It’s the perfect launchpad for both land and water-based safaris, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Botswana’s vibrant culture and its breathtaking natural landscapes.

Explore the Delta by mokoro

Mokoro
Exploring the Okavango Delta by mokoro offers you a quiet, immersive perspective of this iconic African landscape. Guided by experienced local polers, you’ll drift along calm waterways, surrounded by flourishing water lilies and vivid birdlife. The silent glide allows you to observe wildlife in a more intimate, relaxed manner—elephants grazing, lechwe bounding through the shallows, or a kingfisher perched nearby. This peaceful experience highlights the region’s tranquillity and beauty, creating a lasting connection to the delta’s unique environment.

Helicopter over the Okavango Delta

Flying in a helicopter above the Okavango Delta provides a breathtaking perspective on one of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes. The patchwork of winding waterways, lush islands, and open floodplains unfolds beneath you, revealing patterns and shapes invisible from the ground. Wildlife sightings take on a new dimension, as elephants wade through the shallows and herds of red lechwe leap across channels. The constantly shifting light over the delta creates a palette of vibrant greens and golds. It really is a spectacular way to see this land.

Explore the Delta by Safari Vehicle

Exploring the delta by private safari vehicle offers an intimate and flexible way to discover one of Africa’s most remarkable ecosystems. With your own expert guide, you can tailor the experience to your interests, whether tracking big cats, pausing to observe a rare bird, or simply soaking in the vast, breathtaking scenery. The freedom to move at your own pace allows for more meaningful encounters, from watching a herd of elephants cross a floodplain to lingering at a lion sighting. This personalised approach not only enhances wildlife viewing but also deepens your connection to the delta’s unique environment.

Try your luck with a rod and reel

Fishing in the Okavango Delta is an experience that combines adventure with tranquillity in one of Africa’s most pristine environments. Casting a line into its clear waters, you may catch species like tigerfish and tilapia, while surrounded by the serene beauty of reed-fringed channels and sun-dappled lagoons. This catch-and-release approach allows you to engage with the delta’s aquatic life responsibly, ensuring the preservation of its delicate ecosystem. As you fish, you’ll also witness wildlife along the banks—elephants bathing, antelope grazing, and countless birds flitting above.

Discover the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

makgadikgadi pans

The Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world’s largest salt flats, offers a surreal and otherworldly safari experience in Botswana. During the dry season, the vast, shimmering landscape stretches endlessly, perfect for quad biking and guided walks with the San Bushmen. As the rains arrive, the pans transform, attracting thousands of flamingos, zebras, and wildebeest, followed by predators. Guests can encounter meerkat colonies, explore ancient baobabs, and experience the silence of this remote wilderness. This is also one of the best places to get on a horse or explore on foot. We have some incredible friends who can guide you so ask if you’re up for an adventure.

Find a home in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and fine dining, making it one of Africa’s most exciting destinations. Iconic sights like Table Mountain, Cape Point, and Robben Island provide breathtaking scenery and rich history. A visit to Boulders Beach allows up-close encounters with its famous African penguin colony.

The city’s vibrant art scene includes top galleries like Zeitz MOCAA and Norval Foundation, showcasing contemporary African works. Cape Town is also a culinary capital, boasting world-class fine dining, from Michelin-starred restaurants to acclaimed wine estates in the Cape Winelands.

Itinerary Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind
Accommodation

Where to stay

Nothing but the best. On this suggested itinerary these are our handpicked, tried-and-tested camps.

Tented Safari Camp

Verney’s Camp, Hwange National Park

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Tongabezi Lodge, Victoria Falls Luxury Lodge

Tongabezi, Victoria Falls

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Cha Cha Metsi, Okavango Delta, Botswana Luxury Safari Camp

Cha Cha Metsi, Okavango Delta

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Moela Safari Lodge, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana Luxury Safari Lodge

Moela Safari Lodge, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

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Dorp, Cape Town, South Africa Boutique Hotel

Dorp, Cape Town

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