Compare 12 Day South Africa, Vic Falls & Botswana Across Africa Safari by Ker & Downey Africa vs Travel from Cape to Cairo by Great Plains Conservation

Days 1 - 3: Cape Town

We may be biased but we can think of nowhere better to start your dream African safari than Cape Town. Offering the very best in cuisine, culture, entertainment, art and adventure and framed by the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is riding high right now as one of the world’s best cities.

After arrival at Cape Town International Airport, where you will be met by your Ker & Downey local representative, you will be transferred to the Clarendon Bantry Bay, situated in an exclusive suburb of Cape Town on the Atlantic Seaboard.

Our Cape Town based travel team is standing by to help plan your perfect Cape Town experience. From the perfect afternoon picnic in Kirstenbosch Gardens to a half-day helicopter tour of the Cape Peninsula, insider tips on the latest pop-up markets and stores to which of Cape Town’s award-winning restaurants we frequent ourselves, we love nothing more than showing our guests the best the city has to offer and incorporating those small details into your tour planning.

Activities And Services

Cape Malay Cooking

Recommended

Cape Point Tour Half Day

Cape Winelands

Included

Accommodation, Breakfast, Transfers to and from Cape Town International Airport and your luxury boutique hotel.

Meals other than mentioned, sightseeing and activities other than specified, transfers other than mentioned, gratuities, visa costs, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature.

Days 4 - 6: Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

On your fourth day you will be transferred from your hotel in Cape Town to Cape Town International Airport where you will depart on the internal flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (the cost of this flight is not included in the tour price).

Hidden among a cluster of indigenous trees on the banks of the Msuthlu River, Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp offers its guests superior exclusivity in an intimate environment. This enchanting camp is found in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, who's gates open onto the unsurpassed wilderness of the Kruger National Park. It is the smallest of the Sabi Sabi lodges, providing you with a homely ambiance in a fairy-tale setting of seclusion.

Explore the plains that surround you on a morning and evening game drive, where you stand the chance to see the Big 5 among an assortment of other safari animals. A nature walk through the park led by a professional guide will give you a different prospective of the wilderness.

Activities And Services

Sabi Sabi Game Drives

Optional

Birdwatching at Sabi Sabi

Recommended

Starlight Bush Dinner

Included

Accommodation, all meals, beverages (only local house brands), scheduled activities (game drives and guided walks), emergency medical evacuation cover and all inter-camp transfers via scheduled air transfers (KMIA - Lodge - JNB(Incl)).

Excluded

Meals other than mentioned, beverages (Private collection wines, premium brands), sightseeing and activities other than specified, transfers other than mentioned (Flight: CTIA - KMIA (Excl)), gratuities, laundry, curio shop purchases, visa costs, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature

Days 7 - 8: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

On the 7th day you will be transferred back to the Sabi Sabi lodge airstrip for you scheduled flight (cost included) to OR Tambo Intl for your flight to Victoria Falls Intl (cost excluded).

Once landing at Victoria Falls Intl you will be met and transferred to Victoria Falls River Lodge. Built on raised wooden decks, the 13 luxurious tents all boast beautiful views of a river and the African bush and come with their own private plunge pools. The luxuriously furnished rooms are a fusion of European and African decor and make for an excellent location to explore the quaint town of Victoria Falls and the impressive Falls themselves.

Included in your stay is a rain forest canopy tour. This memorable canopy tour consists of 9 different slides that will take you through thick riverine vegetation over the Zambezi River. Zip over gorges and above the trees as you explore this beautiful region in a thrilling and breathtaking way.

Activities And Services

Rainforest Canopy Tour

Optional

Wild Horizons Elephant Back Safari

Recommended

Victoria Falls Bridge Tour

Included

Accommodation, breakfast, road transfer from VFA to the lodge and to your next lodge on the day of departure.

Excluded

Meals other than mentioned, sightseeing and activities other than specified, transfers other than mentioned, gratuities, visa costs, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature.

Days 9 - 11: Chobe River Front

On your ninth day, you will be collected from The Royal Livingstone Hotel and transferred by road to Chobe Game Lodge, situated on the banks of the Chobe River, inside the Chobe National Park.

All of the rooms at Chobe Game Lodge are river-facing, with spacious decks and air-conditioning, as well as a complimentary mini-bar. And because Chobe Game Lodge is located within the Park, you will get to set off just as the gates to the park open, which means you are out and about before any of the other visitors to the park.

The Chobe area is famed for its big population of elephants, and this is where you will be sure to tick off the first of the big five safari favourites. You will have the option of enjoying a boat cruise on the Chobe River, as well as daily game drives, guided nature walks and tours of the local community. Accept the warm and jovial human touch that Africans are so well known for, through the professional staff and the vibrant communities.

Activities And Services

Chobe Game Lodge game viewing

Optional

Chobe Game Lodge birding experience

Recommended

Chobe Game Lodge boat cruises

Included

Accommodation (As per Itinerary), All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), Beverages (Refreshments, local spirits and house wines (Excl: Premium Brands)), Scheduled activities (Morning and afternoon game drives, mid-morning and sunset cruises on a safari boat), Laundry service, Emergency medical evacuation insurance, National Park fees, All transfers to and from the lodge.

Excluded

Meals other than specified, Premium brand drinks, Gratuities, Sightseeing and activities other than specified, Visa fees, Travel insurance, Flights and transfers other than specified, Any items of a personal nature.

Day 12: Departure

On your last day of the tour, you will wake early for your final game drive and African bush sunrise, before returning to camp. You will be collected and transferred the short distance to Tubu airstrip before flying on to Maun airport for your onward journey orinternational flight home.

Included

Transfer back to Tubu airstrip and air transfer to Maun international airport for your onward journey.

Exclude

International flight & departure taxes.

Day 1– 4: Ellerman House, Cape Town

Ellerman House Private Chauffeur will meet you at Cape Town International Airport. An easy transfer to the Hotel will allow you time to absorb the beauty of the City that is sheltered by the majestic Table Mountain. Once checked in you can enjoy a light lunch on the Terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 3 nights at Ellerman House in a superior house room, on a bed and breakfast basis.

Ellerman House is Cape Town’s most luxurious grand hotel. Situated in the prestigious Cape Town suburb of Bantry Bay (only 10min from the bustling city centre), this Cape Edwardian mansion demands your attention with its terraced lawns, outstanding art collection, unparalleled service and unique experiences. For over a quarter century, Ellerman House has been at the forefront hospitality innovation while embracing the classic elegance of the regal building. Prepare to be immersed in the rich South African culture while enjoying a leading South African art collection, tasting local flavours, enjoying the sounds of local musicians in one of countries most exclusive addresses.

With only 11 rooms, 2 suites and 2 three-bedroom villas, the property boasts two lounges, library, dining room, three dining terraces, spa, fitness centre, heated swimming pool, brandy lounge, Wine Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery and champagne cellar – all exclusive to its guests.

Day 4– 6: Mpala Jena Camp, Victoria Falls

Transfer from Ellerman House to Cape Town International Airport for flight to Victoria Falls. Mpala Jena staff to collect you at Victoria Fall Airport and transfer you to Mpala Jena Camp.

2 nights at Mpala Jena Camp in a double luxury tent, with plunge pool, on a fully inclusive basis.

Mpala Jena camp is an exquisite and exclusive canvas tented camp, located on a private concession within the Zambezi National Park, just outside Victoria Falls.

The camp is named after the natural spring-line which runs through the centre of the concession, and also means “White Impala”, following regular sightings of a “ghost-like” albino impala in the late 1970’s.

Healthy and ever-increasing population if wildlife species abound, with higher concentrations of buffalo and elephant during the months June through to October. The area is good for bird watching throughout the year, with a higher diversity during the months November through to April. This is the most environmentally and innovative camp within Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park.

The property is conveniently located 16 kilometres inside the Zambezi National Park which makes for easy access to Victoria Falls town and the wide range of activities there, but far enough away for the hustle and bustle that guests can relax and enjoy the incredible setting and wild habitat of the Park.

Day 6– 7: The Emakoko, Nairobi National Park

Transfer from Mpala Jena Camp to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Nairobi Jomo Kennyata International Airport. You will be met by the The Emakoko Team and transferred to the camp through Nairobi National Park to Camp.

1 night at The Emakoko in a double suite on a full board basis.

The Emakoko is a small, all-suite lodge of 10 rooms on the edge of Nairobi National Park, perched alongside a verdant river valley. It is the perfect base to explore the Nairobi National Park, renowned for its healthy rhino population, as well as a very convenient, traffic-free (other than wildlife blocking the tracks) base for those transiting between JKIA and Wilson airports.

Day 7– 10: Ol Donyo Lodge, Chyulu Hills National Park

Transfer from The Emakoko, to connect with a morning light aircraft flight from Nairobi Wilson to the Chyulu Hills (40-minute flight). 20-minute transfer from airstrip to lodge.

3 nights at ol Donyo Lodge in a pool suite on a fully inclusive basis with twice daily activities.

ol Donyo Lodge is a Relais & Châteaux and National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World member property with seven suites located on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro. Choose between day and night game drives, walking, exploring lava tunnels, horse riding, mountain biking, sleeping under the stars on your roof-top bed, watch the big tusker elephants drink from the waterholes below the lodge, or just relax in your pool suite.

Set on the Mbirikani Group Ranch – 275,000 acres of immaculate, private wild Africa bordering the foothills of the Chyulu Hills National Park– ol Donyo Lodge blends contemporary design with the rich culture and history of the people of this area, the indomitable Maasai. This is an area rich in wildlife, where some of Africa’s last giant elephant bulls roam freely, where the haunting calls of leopards interrupt the night and where lion are being pulled back from the brink of annihilation.

The lodge itself was rebuilt in 2008 and sits in thick woodland on a gently sloping hillside with views out over the plains to a distant Kilimanjaro. Designed to merge your outdoor and indoor living, a series of unique suites and villas (no two are the same) appears to emerge from the arid landscape on either side of a palatial lounge and dining area. Six pool suites plus 1 two-bedroom family unit offers a harmonious blend of contemporary and rustic accommodation, merging the landscape into each suite. All of the rooms have their own plunge pool and enjoy roof terraces where intimate “star beds” can be set up, allowing guests the thrill of sleeping in style under a canopy of endless stars while connecting with their sense of place and self.

Days 10- 13: Mara Plains Camp, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife parks. The image of acacia trees on endless wildlife filled grass plains epitomises Africa for many, add Maasai warriors and the conversation need go no further.

3 nights at Mara Plains Camp in a luxury tent on a fully inclusive basis with twice daily activities. The greater Maasai Mara Reserve offers unparalleled game viewing opportunities; large prides of lions, elephants and giraffes in grasslands, gazelles and eland to mention but a few. Aside from traditional open game drive vehicle safaris and hot-air ballooning over the Maasai Mara plains has become almost essential and you can even do a horseback safari.

Mara Plains Camp is a one-of-a-kind, seven tented camp located in the private 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, just on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This intimate camp blends the finest wildlife viewing with outstanding hospitality and guiding. No other camp offers the extensive traversing area of Mara Plains Camp, with access to a total of 100,000 acres of private conservancy land as well as the world-renowned Maasai Mara, home to the Great Migration. Each of the seven tents has deep canvas canopied ceilings, rough-hewn wood floors and accents of East Africa’s rich safari history. The well-appointed en-suite facilities (including a deep copper bath) plus the extensive private veranda complete what is genuinely a stunning concept. Each guest tent has a set of professional Canon camera and lenses available for guests to use on a complimentary basis. Add in a pair of Swarovski binoculars, and it is impossible not to see and capture the region’s incredible wildlife scenes.

The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is reputed to have the lowest vehicle density in the Maasai Mara region, while also having the highest concentration of big cats anywhere in Africa. There is only one guest bed per 350 acres, leaving the land unadulterated for the wildlife to roam and thrive, as nature intended.

By day and night, the camp is a sanctuary for resident animals, including many of the Maasai Mara’s 300 bird species. After dark, larger mammals frequent the camp and Maasai warriors escort guests to and from their rooms. Hippos snorting and leopards barking often provide the night’s chorus.

Mara Plains also offers walking safaris and day & night game drives. Hot air ballooning is available and should be booked in advance and is subject to availability and additional cost. Departures are very early in the morning to allow time to transfer to the nearest launching point. Night drives are particularly prolific in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and while they take patience, sightings commonly include lesser known nocturnal mammals and even lion and hyena hunts.