A Family Adventure in Southern Africa
Southern Africa is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, diverse cultures, and thrilling adventures waiting to be explored. From the bustling and culturally-rich cities like Cape Town in South Africa to the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and the pristine landscape of Namibia, this region is a dream destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable travel experience.
Dec 22 – 27, 2024:
Cape Town, South Africa (5 nights)
Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025:
Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa (5 nights)
Jan 1 - Jan 3, 2025:
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (2 nights)
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met at the aircraft door with a paging board displaying your name. If your aircraft arrives at the apron instead of the terminal, a bus will transport you to the terminal where your Meet and Greet service will be waiting. You will then receive assistance with immigration, baggage claim, customs, and your onward journey.
Booked by Scenset
Meet your private driver for a transfer to your hotel in Cape Town for check-in.
Booked by Scenset
Cape Town is a true fan favorite, with its exciting Mediterranean vibe, amazing culinary scene, beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, thriving art community, and successful sports teams – all set to the backdrop of iconic Table Mountain and the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is no wonder it is called The Mother City. This vibrant, trendy city has broad appeal. Local attractions include Table Mountain, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, boutique shops, numerous museums, wineries, and world famous restaurants. For those venturing beyond the city, the Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula are a day trip away. Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage dates back more than 300 years and its diversity is evident in the city’s architecture, art, and food. It is the second most populous city in South Africa and sits at the southwest tip of Africa.
The 5-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa is situated in what is known as “Cape Town’s Vineyard” – the historical Constantia Valley, a short 15-minute drive from Cape Town’s city center and V&A Waterfront. This proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Traveller Made boasts 51 elegant guest rooms and suites with breath-taking views of South Africa’s iconic Table Mountain range and the property’s extraordinary gardens. The on-site restaurant, The Conservatory, takes guests on an unforgettable culinary journey. To ensure the most comfortable of stays, the hotel further features a ‘Fresh Wellness Spa’, two pools, gym and tennis court.
The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
2x Luxury Double Rooms with Verandah
Individually decorated in a classic style, these rooms are ideal for the perfect romantic getaway. Relaxing outside on private sun loungers, guests can enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sun rise, or a glass of wine during that most enchanting time of day, sunset. On chillier days, the views can be admired from the cosy lounge area inside whilst clear days offer panoramic views over the Constantia Valley all the way to False Bay.
Inclusions: Daily breakfast
Booked by someone
- Aubergine Restaurant: Aubergine has been featured as a top restaurant numerous times and has a loyal following. Owner and Chef Harald Bresselschmidt uses classical techniques, and both European and Asian influences appear through the degustation, à la carte and winter bistro menus. Menus change regularly, and you’re encouraged to mix and match items. This historic old house, which used to be the home of the first Chief Justice of the Cape, dates back to 1830 and is packed with character. Aubergine is sophisticated but not stuffy.
- Belly of the Beast: This online-bookings-only fine-dining restaurant sprang up rather quietly on Harrington Street in August 2018. Owner-chef Neil Swarts sold his wildly popular Arugula Bistro in Welgemoed to pursue dreams of unhindered culinary creativity, which he has done with co-owner Anouchka Horn in their secret daily set menu. The industrio-mod eatery serves a maximum of 20 guests per service, which Neil explains: “Cooking dishes on a smaller scale enhances the depth of flavour of each element.” An entirely exposed kitchen lines one side of the small space, with a street-facing window on the other. The food is exceptional!
- Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantina: In a sleek dining room overlooking the Constantia wine valley, this is laidback, refined dining at its best from one of Cape Town’s most influential chefs, Liam Tomlinson, in partnership with co-owner and head chef, Ivor Jones. The glass cube that houses the restaurant is a welcome dash of modernity in a suburb where most restaurants are houses in 100-year-old Cape Dutch buildings. The menu changes weekly and features nine plates to share, from local line-fish sashimi to venison, all with ingredients grown on the on-site farm - about which the staff know every last detail.
- Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo: Dining at the incredible seaside setting of Tintswalo Atlantic on Chapman’s Peak Drive, is unlike any other, with the Atlantic Ocean lapping below your table - and like with Liam Tomlinson’s other projects, this Chefs Warehouse (CW) is steered by a young and talented team of chefs. Head Chef, Braam Beyers from CW Beau Constantia has taken over the reins here under the guidance of Liam and Chef Patron Ivor Jones. The contemporary tapas is a set menu of small plates for sharing over 4 courses with an emphasis on fresh, local and sustainable that pays homage to its ocean setting. The restaurant and deck have been completely revamped to incorporate the Chefs Warehouse signature style and personality, ranging from furniture and décor to tableware.
- Foxcroft: The food at Glen Foxcroft Williams’ bustling fine-dining restaurant (which he co-owns with feted La Colombe chef, Scot Kirton) is inspired and utterly sensational. Scot is known for his rigorous attention to detail, immaculate plating and boundary-pushing dishes, while Glen - who is behind the restaurant’s name and inspiration - is a patisserie whiz. The menu, remarkably simple at first glance, delivers bold, thoughtfully put-together dishes and the wine list is comprehensive but not overwhelming.
- La Colombe: Perched atop the Silvermist Estate against the slopes of Constantia Nek, La Colombe is one of the country’s exemplary beacons of culinary mastery. Long likened to a treehouse, due to its unique eye-level views of the tree canopies, the restaurant is an inviting, airy and superb designer dining room with an adjacent al fresco seating area. Executive chef Scot Kirton’s philosophy and approach lies in the fusion of Asian and French cuisine and the pursuit of excellence and perfection on each plate, resulting in numerous local and international awards. The freshest seasonal produce, uncomplicated clean flavors and classical elegance are the essence of his inspiration and passion for food. Impeccable service and an award-winning wine list.
- Salsify at The Roundhouse: Salsify burst onto the Cape Town scenset with its exciting, juxtaposed décor, elegant food and sensational Camps Bay views. Perched on the lower slopes of Lion’s Head, the Roundhouse building looks out over Camps Bay’s leafy glen to the ocean and Twelve Apostles mountains. The space overlooking the incredible view has been kept beautifully classic - featuring white tablecloths and Persian rugs - but the entrance room and back lounge have been given an electric shock with some more modern graffiti.
- Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro:The ever-changing seasonal tapas has the same Mediterranean-inspired flavors as sister restaurant La Boheme, only at Bouchon the dishes are more elegantly plated and are served in smaller, refined portions. Owner Faisal Khakoo and co-owner and winemaker Christophe Durand are a hands-on duo, often present and happy to chat about the food and wine offering. This inner-city restaurant capitalises on the earthy, industrial charm of its urban wine cellar setting. A glass wall that separates the working cellar from the restaurant space lends the feeling of being in a quaint winery in the heart of the winelands. If you’re looking for an intimate venue for a truly special occasion, reserve the exclusive cellar table - between the wine tanks and barrels!
- Kloof Street House: Buzzing Kloof Street House is often packed to the rafters over weekends with locals setting in for long social gatherings and the menu here can best be described as a bistro-style eatery, with a showcase of Mediterranean and Moroccan-style dishes. The wine list is impressive, and the service is friendly and swift, even during the busier periods. The interior oozes glamour with a dark color palette, chandeliers and beaded lamp shades, combined with a touch of Moroccan mystery. Attracting both beautiful young things and well-to-do middle-aged patrons, the space is divided into several dining areas, including a busy bar.
These days are at your leisure to explore the beautiful coastal capital of Cape Town.
An exciting trip up Table Mountain in a cable car provides panoramic views over the "Mother City" and other attractions include the Social History Center, Zeitz Mocaa, the Castle of Good Hope, and the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Greenmarket Square's local crafts markets and the Bo-Kaap's colourful Cape Malay buildings add a sense of authenticity to your trip, and Long Street's vibrant restaurants, bars and clubs come alive after dark. Perhaps wander around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a working harbour and hub of entertainment and shopping opportunities.
Head to the Table Mountain Cable-way station on your own. This does a full rotation enabling guests to enjoy 360 degree views of Cape Town, Lions Head and the Mountain itself. Once on top we get away from the groups and meander along to Maclears Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain. This pleasant walk across the flat-topped Table plateau overlooking the city passes through some marshy frog breeding areas with interesting vegetation.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy walk from Cableway station on Western Table to Maclears Beacon
The hike up Lion’s Head spirals round the 670 meter high mountain peak, which is part of the Table Mountain National Park. Spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the City Bowl can be seen as you climb up to the peak. Once at the top you can admire the full expanse of Table Mountain from Devil’s Peak, all along to the Twelve Apostles which forms part of a dramatic backdrop to the city of Cape Town. There is no better way to end the day watching the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean and the panoramic views of the greater Cape Town.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike
Embark on a spectacular journey around the Cape Peninsula taking in all the highlights and breath-taking beauty of this world-renowned region. Travel through historic suburbs, charming fishing villages and awesome viewpoints on your way to Cape Point, where the mighty Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet in harmony.
Highlights include the Atlantic Seaboard, Ou Kaapse Weg Scenic Drive, Kalk Bay, Simon's Town, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, funicular ride at Cape Point to view Cape of Good Hope from the apex of steep cliffs where the Old Lighthouse stands, and a mainland penguin colony as penguins are only found in the Southern hemisphere. The return journey will drive over Chapman’s Peak and through extraordinary scenically beautiful landscapes.
This is a suggested activity and is not included in your itinerary. This experience can be arranged through Scenset or independently.
A short boat cruise to Robben Island, just over seven km's from Cape Town harbour, you can experience a sense of hopelessness inside the prison cell where South Africa's most beloved legend spent 27 years hard labour. It is difficult to imagine how anyone could rise above the horror of incarceration to become arguably the most iconic and compassionate leader of our era.
You may confirm this experience independently on this website.
The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
2x Luxury Double Rooms with Verandah
Individually decorated in a classic style, these rooms are ideal for the perfect romantic getaway. Relaxing outside on private sun loungers, guests can enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sun rise, or a glass of wine during that most enchanting time of day, sunset. On chillier days, the views can be admired from the cosy lounge area inside whilst clear days offer panoramic views over the Constantia Valley all the way to False Bay.
Inclusions: Daily breakfast
Booked by someone
After breakfast and check-out, meet your private driver for a transfer to the Cape Town Airport for your onward flight.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: To be determined
Booked by Scenset
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve, named for the Sabie and Sand Rivers which flow through it, is renowned for its wildlife density and predator interactions; seldom will a visitor not see the Big Five. Although it shares a fenceless boundary with Kruger National Park, much of the wildlife in the Sabi Sand stays more or less in the reserve. Over the years, the animals have become used to the presence of safari vehicles, resulting in close encounters, particularly with the elusive leopards.
Roaming packs of African wild dogs, territorial lions, and large herds of elephants are also signature sightings. As well as having a consistently high density of wildlife, the reserve's conservation ethos keeps vehicle numbers to a minimum at wildlife sightings. This offers a more exclusive safari experience while ensuring the welfare of the habituated animals. Being in the private reserve generally affords more flexibility with opportunities to off-road, enjoy night drives and bush walks, all of which make visiting this area a truly unique experience.
Idube Game Reserve is a lush oasis in the bush and from the air, looks like a forest. You are welcomed at reception and curio shop. Your luxury suite is complete with wi-fi, air-conditioning, hairdryer, mosquito nets, safe and private deck. The luxury suites also have their own swimming pools and two larger pools are available to other visitors.
Guests like to gather at the fully-stocked bar during the day or evening, and at the gazebo, with its glass walls offering a view on three sides, often overlooking the resident nyala or abundant bird life. At night, the fire pit and boma also offer a hospitable place to meet other guests and discuss the sightings from your evening safari. Breakfast is served on the deck alongside a dry riverbed and the hide is accessed via the Shadulu Swing Bridge.
Idube Game Lodge
1x Leadwood Suite & 1x Safari Chalet
Inclusions: All meals and snacks, drinks (excluding premium brands), 2 safaris daily in open game drive vehicles and a safari/bush walk. Safari activities are with qualified and well-trained Guides and Trackers.
Booked by someone
Traversing almost 25,000 acres of pristine wildlife area, Idube Game Reserve is home to the Big Five — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo — and many other fascinating animals, large and small. Leopard sightings draw safari guests from all over the world, and Idube visitors are enthralled by the abundant wildlife they can view from their suite patios, especially the resident family of nyala. Idube is an oasis in the wilderness with established trees and verdant lawns. Guests love the feeling of serenity the wonderful environment evokes.
Step into your open safari vehicle with your experienced FGASA*-trained ranger and tracker for your daily morning and evening drives. At sunrise you’ll traverse the bush for about three hours and witness wildlife awakening to a beautiful new day. Your trained guide and tracker will share their knowledge of the habits and personalities of the animals and birds encountered, and are able to follow wildlife tracks to ensure you riveting, adventurous and close-up-but-safe sightings. A mid-drive stop will be provided.
One of the highlights of a day in Africa is the sunset in a big, open sky. Three-hour evening drives are topped by a stop in the bush for sundowners, overlooking magical settings such as a river or pan, a dry riverbed or amongst granite boulders, listening to the sounds of the evening. As the environment darkens, we use spotlights to discover nocturnal animals like lion, leopards, hyaenas, civets and also smaller species such as night jars and chameleons. Blankets and hot-water bottles will be provided on cold evenings or mornings.
You’ll feel both comfortable and excited in this often off-road adventure where you can expect the unexpected.
Idube Game Lodge
1x Leadwood Suite & 1x Safari Chalet
Inclusions: All meals and snacks, drinks (excluding premium brands), 2 safaris daily in open game drive vehicles and a safari/bush walk. Safari activities are with qualified and well-trained Guides and Trackers.
Booked by someone
After a quick morning game drive and breakfast, meet your driver for a transfer to the Nelspruit-Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) for your flight to Mozambique.
This is a drive of approximately 2 hours.
Meeting Point: Main Lodge
Meeting Time: To be determined
Booked by Scenset
Upon arrival, proceed through immigration and baggage claim before meeting your private driver in the arrivals hall for a transfer to your hotel.
Booked by Scenset
When you wander through the lush rainforests above the Victoria Falls, newly baptised in the mist, your ears holding the echo of thundering waters, it isn't hard to imagine that this is where it all began. Eden. As the land cuts away beneath the ancient Zambezi River, the waters plummet dramatically into the Batoka Gorge, over 100 metres below. The angrily churned up spray shoots skyward, painting the landscape in billowing clouds. This striking "smoke that thunders" can be seen for miles, a geographic pointer summoning visitors into its presence.
Situated just 1.3 miles from the majestic mighty Victoria Falls, Batonka Guest lodge is set in lush gardens, a tranquil haven away from the bustle of town but within walking distance of the main attractions. The main lodge offers indoor and outdoor dining, a cosy lounge and beautiful verandah opening out onto the surrounding gardens. The facilities include a swimming pool, activities desk and curio shop. The lodge offers 27 well-appointed rooms with elegant, contemporary style décor encompassing Victoria Falls’ colonial past and African flavor.
Batonka Guest Lodge
2x Standard Rooms
Inclusions: Daily breakfast
Booked by someone
Celebrate New Year's Eve at your hotel in Victoria Falls.
Today is at your leisure to explore the falls and surrounding Zambezi National Park. You can read all about what is on offer during your stay at Batonka Guest Lodge here.
The Zambezi river is the fourth longest river in Africa, stretching over 2500km and flows through five different countries. The river is home to an abundant amounts of wildlife.
Explore the might Zambezi on a river cruise of your choice, relax and enjoy the beauty of the river. There are three types of cruises we do recommend, a lunch cruise, a sunset cruise and also a dinner cruise.
The lunch cruise starts off by getting picked up at midday from the lodge and taken to the jetty to board a luxurious vessel, enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by one of Victoria falls top chefs.
The sunset river cruise is a superb way to wind down a day in Africa, These cruises include finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets.
The dinner cruise which starts off like a sunset cruise and followed with a 4-course dinner while drifting down the Zambezi. A unique and memorable experience.
This is a suggested activity and not included in your stay.
Victoria Falls is located among diverse National Parks with abundant amounts of flora and fauna.
Climb onto a game drive vehicle and try spot the big five while relaxed in your seat with a qualified and experienced guide that will get you up close and personnel with wildlife.
There are options of a morning and afternoon game drive or enjoy the benefits of a later afternoon game drive and end off with a mouth watering three course dinner under the African stars.
This is a suggested activity and not included in your stay.
The Zambezi National Park is home to a wide array of mammals inclusive of elephants, zebra, giraffe, herds of buffalo, impala, kudu and many more; and even the potential to see leopard or lion. The half day walking safari is lead by one of Victoria Fall’s professional guides and offers the opportunity to walk through an area of amazing natural beauty amongst wildlife and birds of all sorts with a focus on the flora of the park as well. Often these walks give one an opportunity at a more intimate, peaceful wildlife experience with some of the most knowledgeable safari guides in the area.
This is a suggested activity and not included in your stay.
A unique opportunity to spend the day in Botswana’s most biologically diverse national park – Chobe National Park. A guide will meet guests at the Kazungula border. From there, they proceed to the river for a morning game viewing session along the Chobe River. The morning cruise concludes around midday, and guests are then taken to a riverside hotel for lunch. After lunch, guests embark on an afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park, where they can enjoy abundant wildlife. Afterward, they return to the Kazungula Border, where a guide will be waiting to take them back to Victoria Falls, arriving in the evening.
This is a suggested activity and not included in your stay.
Batonka Guest Lodge
2x Standard Rooms
Inclusions: Daily breakfast
Booked by a guest
After breakfast and check-out, meet your private driver in the hotel lobby for a transfer to the airport.
Booked by Scenset
South Africa
- No tourist visa is required for visits of 90 days or less. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your departure date, and you will need at least 2 consecutive blank visa pages per entry (excluding endorsement pages).
- Please see up-to-date information here on the U.S. State Department's website.
Zimbabwe
- You need a passport, visa, return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover your stay to enter Zimbabwe. If traveling for tourism, business, or transit, you may obtain a visa at airports or other border ports-of-entry. Currently, there is no option to obtain a Zimbabwean tourist visa in advance through the Zimbabwean Embassy in Washington.
- If you are planning to arrive in Zimbabwe via South Africa, ensure you have at least 6 blank pages in your passport. South Africa requires two consecutive blank pages for each transit. South African officials strictly enforce this requirement. Additionally, South Africa has updated its laws regarding minors. See the country information page for South Africa for details.
- Please see up-to-date information here on the U.S. State Department's website.
For safari, we recommend layering your clothing. Game drives take place early morning and evenings and it is quite cold before the sun rises and after it sets. The day-time temperatures can be warm and sunny and it can get quite hot. Light, natural fabrics like cotton and linen are recommended for during the day (shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses around the lodge) and in the evenings, layer up with long trousers, long sleeve vests and a warm jacket. Formal wear is not required at any of our lodges – you are free to come straight from game drive into dinner.
- Long trousers or denim jeans
- Long sleeve vests/t-shirts
- Shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses
- A warm jacket, fleece or windbreaker
- Woolen hat/beanie, gloves and scarf for morning drives
- A good pair of walking shoes
- Longer socks to wear with walking shoes – especially if you plan on going on Bush Walks
- Sandals or flip-flops for during the day at the lodge and some closed shoes or sneakers for evenings
- Wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses and a good sunscreen
- Bathing suit
- Camera, video camera, binoculars, spare memory cards and charging equipment. Some lodges do provide spare sets of binoculars on game vehicles and at the lodges if you don’t have your own.
- A small flashlight or headlamp for walking around camp
- Anti-allergen medication such as Zyrtec
- Insect Repellent with DEET
- Lotions, tissues, moisturizers, chapstick
- Personal cosmetics, toiletries
- Money belt or fanny pack for cash and travel documents
- Power bank for charging of phone on safari drives
- A good book to read during down time at the safari lodge
- Passport
- Cash for personal expenses
Check-in is 1 ½ hours prior to departure for domestic flights and 3 hours prior to departure for international flights.
Some scheduled regional and inter-lodge flights may involve multiple stops before reaching the final destination. Many flights are operated as air shuttle transfers and therefore departure times may vary up to one hour.
On light aircraft transfers there is a 20kg per person limit to luggage. This is for safety and space reasons. Please note that this 20kg includes any cameras, camera bags and associated equipment. No additional hand luggage is allowed.
The luggage limit is taken very seriously by charter companies and all luggage needs to be in soft bags.
If you exceed these limits you will be responsible for any delays and/or additional costs incurred to upgrade the flight(s).
If you cannot abide by these restrictions it is possible to purchase an extra seat on each flight.
Tips are always appreciated and enthusiastically received. Tipping is only recommended if you are satisfied with the service you have received and is entirely at your discretion. Tipping guidelines are as follows:
- Airport or hotel porters: per bag
- Transfers: tips not expected
- Day Tours: per person for full day tour
- Restaurants: 10% - 15% of total value of bill depending on service
- Car guards and filling stations in South Africa: tip for fuelling attendant or ‘donation’ for car guard (in urban areas you’ll find formal and informal characters offering to watch your vehicle)
On Safari: For rangers between per person per day and trackers between per person per day. General lodge staff gratuity is between per day. All tips can be paid over by credit card as opposed to cash
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.