Stay and play high up in the branches of thousand-year-old marula and baobab trees at Tarangire Treetops Lodge. Go in search of tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara—one of only two places in the world where they live. Explore “Africa’s Eden,” Ngorongoro Crater and experience the thundering of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and antelope running the maze of predators as they migrate around the Serengeti. These are a few of the highlights along this incredible journey that starts in Cape Town where you’ll spend three nights before flying north to Victoria Falls and transfer to the Namibia/Botswana border to begin your four-night wildlife cruise through the Chobe National Park. Travel to Victoria Falls for two nights and then Johannesburg for two nights before flying to Tanzania. Spend two nights each at ultra-luxurious accommodations: Tarangire Treetops, The Manor at Ngorongoro and the luxury-tented Serengeti Migration Camp or Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Day 1-Situated amidst majestic mountains and lined with pristine beaches, Cape Town has a rich cultural heritage with extraordinary attractions. Enjoy a Welcome Reception and get to know your tour group.
Day 2-Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world’s most stunning routes, taking you southeast along the Atlantic seaboard past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak. Stop at Cape Point, located in the nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. You’ll also visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking False Bay—one of the world’s most beautiful bays. (B,L)
Day 3-You have a choice of two excursions, depending on your interests. Take a cableway up to Table Mountain for spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas, followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands, which comprises the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl valleys. South African wine is world-renowned, and you’ll get to visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A sumptuous lunch will be included along the way. Or choose to explore another side of Cape Town at famous Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. You’ll ferry over to the island where you will take a tour led by a former inmate. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch, and then visit the colorful historic Bo Kaap neighborhood before boarding the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit. (B,L)
Day 4-In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Victoria Falls. Here, you will be transferred to the Chobe River that forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Then board tender boats that will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom, enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, and in the evening, be treated to a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. (B,D)
Day 5-Embark on an exhilarating morning boat safari. Return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. Later in the day, enjoy another thrilling boat safari. (B,L,D)
Day 6-Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic. (B,L,D)
Day 7-Visit a typical African village spending time with the village children as well as its elders followed by lunch on board. During the afternoon, you can go on a boat safari, bird watch or fish, and then cap the day off with a festive African-themed dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 8-Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast and be on the lookout for wildlife. Afterward, transfer to the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel. Later this afternoon, join a cocktail reception with appetizers aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls. (B)
Day 9-A local guide will take you on a tour of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. You’ll learn about its history, and the flora and fauna that make this area so unique. In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Relax on board as you observe a variety of game while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks, followed by a special dinner with live local entertainment at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 10-After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Transfer to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel with its parklike setting and wonderful Spa. (B)
Day 11-Take a fascinating tour of Johannesburg and Soweto. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, visit Mandela’s former home at Sanctuary Mandela, savoring one of Mandela’s favorite meals cooked by his former at-home chef for lunch. In the evening, enjoy a multi-course dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 12-Fly to Kilimanjaro where you will be transferred to the Arusha Coffee Lodge.
Day 13-Journey to Tarangire National Park, where you'll go on an adventurous safari before checking into Treetops Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 14-Experience the wonders of Tarangire with a full day of activities, including a morning bushwalk, an afternoon safari and a sunset drive. This is home to the highest number of breeding bird species in the world along with thousands of elephants, huge herds of buffalo, stately fringe-eared oryx and the towering kudu. (B,L,D)
Day 15-Visit a local village before enjoying a game drive through Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions, giraffes, cheetahs, monkeys, impalas and baboons. Be treated to a picnic en route to The Manor at Ngorongoro. (B,L,D)
Day 16-Go on a full-day exploration to the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater. Once a gigantic volcano, it’s the world’s largest intact caldera offering a unique environment virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. The nearly three million years old caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth. Deep within the crater, some 25,000 large mammals wander the plains, lakes and forests. A picnic will be served on the crater floor, followed by further exploration before heading back to The Manor. (B,L,D)
Day 17-Fly to the Serengeti and in the afternoon, go on a game drive to see the “Big Five.” (B,L,D)
Day 18-Explore the vast Serengeti via an open safari cruiser during the morning and after lunch. It is not possible to say with any accuracy where the Great Migration of the Wildebeest will be located at any one time. There are several determining factors; however, one can be assured that if there is a good chance of seeing it, then this can be accomplished from the Pioneer Camp or Migration Camp. (B,L,D)
Day 19-Take your final safari drive in the morning, and then transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. Lunch will be served in the gardens of the lodge before your final transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or extend your journey with four nights in magical Rwanda. (B,L)
These African Safaris book up YEARS in advance so save your spot now! Exclusive pricing is available for my group. Prices start at $24,640 per person which includes exclusive extra savings of $500 per person if you reserve by September 30, 2025. You can save your spot with a deposit of $2400 per person and have until July 2027 to pay in full.
*International Airfare and insurance not included