South Africa and Zambia
Programme Overview
Duration: 21 days
The ultimate group itinerary combining beach and bush - stay in luxurious camps and lodges in some of South Africa and Zambia's most remote national parks and private game reserves. The programme also includes a stay on the coast.
Highlights: Johannesburg, Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, George, Knysna, Hermanus, Phinda Private Game Reserve, Royal Malewane Private Game Reserve.
Arrive Johannesburg
On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, please clear customs and immigrations and collect your luggage. Proceed through into the Arrivals Hall, where a representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel. The transfer is approximately 45 minutes.
Nestled in the exclusive Sandton suburb of Sandhurst, Saxon makes a world-class statement of ethnic African elegance, combined with attention to detail. Saxon was the home of Nelson Mandela after he was released from prison, and it was here that South Africa's former president edited his autobiography, "The Long Walk to Freedom".
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: The Saxon Hotel
Johannesburg - Lusaka
This morning transfer to OR Tambo International Airport for your scheduled flight to Lusaka.
On arrival at Lusaka Airport, clear customs and immigrations, after which you will be assisted to your shared charter flight to Mfuwe. The flying time is approximately 1 hour.
Kindly note, however, that all inter-camp flights are subject to multiple pick ups and drop offs en route to your destination which may affect the flying time.
On arrival at the Mfuwe Airstrip, you will be met by a camp representative and transferred to the camp. The transfer time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Puku Ridge Tented Camp is situated in a remote wildlife rich area in South Luangwa National Park. Named after the elusive Puku antelope which never strays far from water, this beautiful camp among the trees overlooks a sweeping expanse of the fertile Kakumbi dambo (valley).
Puku Ridge Tented Camp is small and intimate , built unobtrusively close to the wild. Each of the seven comfortably furnished safari tents has its own private bathroom which provides the option of taking a shower with the sun on your shoulders. Well-lit pathways, cleared of undergrowth, connect the tents to the main bar/lounge.
Game viewing includes elephant, lion, wild dog, buffalo and a wide variety of antelope in addition to endemic species such as Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest. This is also an excellent area for leopards. There is time for two game activities per day. There are wonderful opportunities for walking safaris and night drives in this area of Zambia. Guided walks by a professional guide and an armed national parks scout. There is a full range of game drives and night drives in South Luangwa National Park using open four wheel-drive vehicles driven by a knowledgeable guide.
The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer.
Overnight: Puku Ridge Tented Camp
Meal Plan: B,L,D
South Luangwa National Park
The day is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer.
Overnight: Puku Ridge Tented Camp
Meal Plan: B,L,D
South Luangwa National Park - Lower Zambezi National Park
Enjoy an early morning game viewing activity. After breakfast a camp representative will transfer you to the Mfuwe Airstrip for your shared light aircraft charter flight to Kulefu. The flying time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Kindly note, however, that all inter camp flights are subject to multiple pick ups and drop offs en route to your destination which may affect the flying time.
On arrival at Kulefu Airstrip, you will be met by a camp representative and transferred the short distance to the camp. The transfer time is approximately 15 minutes by boat.
The Lower Zambezi was for many years a forgotten wilderness, lying along the northern banks of the Zambezi River opposite Mana Pools National Park. Enjoy the beautiful riverbank setting at Kulefu which offers excellent game viewing opportunities as the wildlife is concentrated in the land corridor between the steep escarpment and the river.
The camp is located on the banks of one of the permanent channels of the Zambezi River in a lovely sheltered and shady area, and provides a sophisticated and luxurious atmosphere. The camp boasts a riverside lounge nestled under the enormous acacia trees, a swimming pool and an evening fire pit. The camp offers eight tents with bathtubs overlooking the river.
Activities include guided game drives in open 4x4 vehicles and guided night game drives in open vehicles to enable guests to see nocturnal animals. Guests can also enjoy exciting boat and canoe excursions or enjoy the variety of bird species available in the area. Fantastic walking safaris are also a highlight at Kulefu as well as relaxing fishing activities.
The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer.
Overnight: Zambezi Kulefu Camp
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Lower Zambezi National Park
The day is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer.
Overnight: Zambezi Kulefu Camp
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Lower Zambezi National Park
The day is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer.
Overnight: Zambezi Kulefu Camp
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Lusaka - Johannesburg
Enjoy an early morning game viewing activity. After breakfast a camp representative will transfer you to Kulefu Airstrip for your shared light aircraft charter flight to Lusaka. The flying time is approximately 50 minutes. Depart Lusaka on a scheduled flight to Johannesburg.
On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, please clear customs and immigrations. Proceed through into the Arrivals Hall, where a representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: The Saxon Hotel
Meal Plan: B
Johannesburg - George
This morning transfer to the airpirt for your scheduled flight to George.
On arrival at George Airport a representative will meet and transfer you to Pezula Resort. It is the first luxury resort estate in Africa, located on dramatic cliffs overlooking four kilometres of spectacular coastline and rolling sea near Knysna on the Garden Route.
Pezula Resort's 18 hole golf course offers an exciting challenge to keen amateurs and world-class professionals. Activities also include horse-riding, tennis, cricket, cycling, mountain biking, jogging, outdoor or indoor aquacise, hiking, yachting, kayaking, diving and fishing.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa
Meal Plan: B
Knysna
Your day is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful area and to take advantage of the many activities on offer at the resort.
Overnight: Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa
Meal Plan: B
Knysna
Your day is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful area and to take advantage of the many activities on offer at the resort.
Overnight: Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa
Meal Plan: B
Knysna
Your day is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful area and to take advantage of the many activities on offer at the resort.
Overnight: Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa
Meal Plan: B
Knysna - Hermanus
This morning transfer to Hermanus. The transfer time is approximately five hours.
Perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus and overlooking Walker Bay, Birkenhead House is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxury holiday by the sea.
Rolling lawns, which are ideal for picnics, surround the hotel and sundowners can be enjoyed from the terrace that overlooks a number of beautiful beaches. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay at Birkenhead House including golf, whale watching, bird watching and nature walks along the scenic coastline or the fynbos covered mountains. A good selection of beaches are on your doorstep including Nanny’s or Karma Bay Beach, Voelkop which is great for bathing, and Grotto beach which is the largest and longest in Hermanus.
Overnight: Birkenhead House
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Hermanus - Durban
This morning transfer to Cape Town Airport for your scheduled flight to Durban.
On arrival at Durban Airport, please make your way to the Federal Air Lounge to board a shared Federal Air light aircraft charter flight to Phinda Vlei. The transfer takes approximately one hour.
Intimate and elegant, Phinda Vlei Lodge comprises six thatched suites with en suite bathrooms, dressing rooms, private plunge pools and decks which overlook the vlei where you’re likely to observe herds of grazing antelope, zebra and a dazzling variety of birdlife.
Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served to you on the game-viewing decks, or in a dramatic bush setting near the lodge. Phinda is renowned for its unforgettable bush banquets in beautiful, remote settings.
The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer.
Overnight: Phinda Vlei Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Phinda Private Game Reserve
The day is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer.
Overnight: Phinda Vlei Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Phinda Private Game Reserve
The day is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer.
Overnight: Phinda Vlei Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Phinda Private Game Reserve - Royal Malewane Private Game Reserve
Enjoy an early morning game viewing activity. After breakfast a lodge representative will transfer you to the nearby airstrip. Depart Phinda on a shared Federal Air light aircraft charter flight to Royal Malewane. The flying time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The joys of a bygone era await you at Royal Malewane, situated within the greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Accommodating a maximum of 20 guests in the utmost colonial splendour, Royal Malewane is an exclusive getaway for those who value privacy, personalised service and the best game viewing Africa has to offer. As the suites are set deep in the African bush - this unspoilt paradise may not suit those who seek a tame, sterile environment. Rather, it suits the more adventurous traveller who wants to experience true Africa.
Stretching out majestically in the shade of Acacia thorn and boasting panoramic views, the Royal Malewane suites are the pinnacle of refinement and opulence and are the largest in Africa at 210 square meters. These ultra luxurious private hideaways accommodate four guests each in two en-suite rooms, private lounge and dining facilities. Complimentary services include a private butler and chef, private game drives and up to four complimentary massages per suite per day.
Game viewing at Royal Malewane provides guests with the best opportunities for seeing the natural abundance of big game on the 12,000 hectare reserve, home of the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Over 250 recorded bird species are also to be found in the Reserve. Game viewing is tailored to guests’ individual needs, either by open Land Rover or on foot. Our expert ranger and master tracker (one of only two in South Africa) accompany the guests.
This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activity on offer.
Overnight: Royal Malewane
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Royal Malewane Private Game Reserve
Today is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer.
The order of the day is typically: Early morning game drive followed by a leisurely breakfast. Thereafter, guests can enjoy the luxury of the camp before lunch is served. An afternoon game drive and sundowners follow the sumptuous high tea, culminating in a night drive in search of exciting nocturnal game. Dinner is served under the African sky or in the dining areas.
Overnight: Royal Malewane
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Royal Malewane Private Game Reserve
Today is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer.
The order of the day is typically: Early morning game drive followed by a leisurely breakfast. Thereafter, guests can enjoy the luxury of the camp before lunch is served. An afternoon game drive and sundowners follow the sumptuous high tea, culminating in a night drive in search of exciting nocturnal game. Dinner is served under the African sky or in the dining areas.
Overnight: Royal Malewane
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Royal Malewane Private Game Reserve
Today is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer.
The order of the day is typically: Early morning game drive followed by a leisurely breakfast. Thereafter, guests can enjoy the luxury of the camp before lunch is served. An afternoon game drive and sundowners follow the sumptuous high tea, culminating in a night drive in search of exciting nocturnal game. Dinner is served under the African sky or in the dining areas
Overnight: Royal Malewane
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Royal Malewane Private Game Reserve - Depart Johannesburg
Time permitting enjoy a morning game viewing activity at the lodge. After breakfast transfer to the nearby airstrip. Depart Royal Malewane on a scheduled Federal Air light aircraft charter flight to Johannesburg.
On arrival in Johannesburg at the Federal Air Hangar, a representative will meet and transfer you the short distance to the OR Tambo International Airport, for check in for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: B