Southern Africa Odyssey

Depart U.S. for Johannesburg, South Africa.

Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel in the suburb of Rosebank, where our rooms will be ready for our early check-in. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities planned. B

We meet our fellow travelers today as we embark on a tour of the Soweto district of Johannesburg. Here we see the home of former Archbishop Desmond Tutu; visit the home, now a museum, of the late Nelson Mandela; and tour the moving Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, where we learn more about apartheid and the Soweto uprising of 1976. Then we hear fascinating stories from a local Sowetan who was present during the uprising, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner together. B,L,D

We fly this morning to Victoria Falls, first “discovered” by explorer David Livingstone and claimed for Great Britain’s Queen Victoria in 1855. With its 300-foot-deep gorge and thundering spray, “Vic” Falls is a wonder of the natural world. This afternoon we see it for ourselves on a guided walk. B,D

This morning we visit a local school where we have the opportunity to interact with the children and teachers, then spend some time exploring the town of Victoria Falls. Late this afternoon we embark on a Sundowner dinner cruise on the Zambezi River. B,D

This morning we set off on a rhino safari in open-top safari vehicles. This afternoon is at leisure; this evening we attend a talk on David Livingstone’s travels, trials, and travails. B,D

Known for a diverse terrain that attracts an exceptional array of wildlife, Chobe National Park in nearby Botswana boasts one of the largest concentrations of game in all Africa, including the world’s largest elephant population (some 120,000), as well as zebra, lion, hippo, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, buffalo, and more. We’re sure to see some of them on today’s full-day excursion to Chobe, where we take a morning game drive and an afternoon game cruise. B,L,D

Today we fly via Johannesburg to the Namibian capital of Windhoek, arriving late this evening. B

After a brief tour of Namibia’s largest city, we set out through the central Namib Desert of vast gravel plains and rocky mountains. Isolated and immense, tranquil and romantic, this endless expanse offers a glimpse of a land before time. Late this afternoon we reach our lodge in the heart of the dune desert. B,L,D

We rise with the sun to see the world’s highest crested dunes at Sossusvlei, their red-orange hues constantly changing in the early morning light. Here we have the opportunity to climb the velvet-like sand of Big Mama, as the locals call the largest dune. B,L,D

We travel to­day through the Namib desert en route to Swakopmund, Namibia’s largest port. B,L,D

From Walvis Bay this morning, we take a cruise along the storied Namibian coast, getting a mariner’s perspective on this striking region known by local tribespeople as “the land God created in anger.” Along the way we’ll see Cape fur seals and sea birds, including petrels. We enjoy lunch on board before disembarking and returning to Swakopmund, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. B,L

We fly today to Cape Town, the “Mother City” and South Africa’s oldest. After time at leisure to explore as we wish, we dine together tonight at a local restaurant. B,D

Today we tour the Winelands, South Africa’s renowned wine-growing region just 45 miles east of Cape Town. Amidst the beautiful scenery, we visit a winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch. We return to Cape Town mid-afternoon; dinner tonight is on our own in this cosmopolitan city. B,L

This morning we travel to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to more than 250 species of birds, and where we ride a funicular to the summit for stupendous views. After a seafood lunch in historic Simon’s Town, we visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of enchanting African penguins up close. Then we return to Cape Town, where dinner tonight is on our own. B,L

Our tour of Cape Town this morning features a visit to the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, the city’s historical center of Cape Malay culture. We also pay a visit to acclaimed Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. One of the world’s great botanic gardens, Kirstenbosch champions South Africa’s rich biodiversity as it cultivates only native plants. Then we enjoy glorious bird’s-eye views of Cape Town as we ride by cable car 3,500 feet to the flat top of the city’s signature Table Mountain. This afternoon is at leisure; tonight, we celebrate our southern Africa odyssey at a farewell dinner. B,D

We transfer to the airport today for our return flights to the U.S. B

We arrive in the U.S. today and connect with our flights home.