Depart from New York or Washington, DC for your flight to Johannesburg, South Africa on South African Airways.

On arrival in Johannesburg, you are welcomed by a SAA Vacations representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

The Westcliff, situated in the peaceful northern suburbs of Johannesburg, offers visitors an elegant retreat amid lush hillside terraces overlooking the Zoological Gardens.

At the Westcliff, guests will enjoy a wide range of superb amenities, including an intimate restaurant, convivial cocktail bar, lounge, a pool terrace with a magnificent view over the Zoological Gardens and boutique. Within the Hotel grounds, you will find first-class tennis courts, two large heated swimming pools and a health and beauty salon. Also within easy access of the Hotel, you will find the Houghton Golf Course and several health, tennis and squash clubs.

Each of the 120 luxury bedrooms and suites are individually decorated and have all of the conveniences of home, including, air-conditioning, satellite television, touch-dial telephone and mini-bar and key-card access.

Accommodations: The Westcliff Hotel

You will be met at your hotel this morning and transferred to the airport in time for the departure of your South African Airways flight bound for Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

On arrival in Victoria Falls, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your reserved hotel for the next two nights.

Late in the afternoon you will be transferred to the Zambezi River above the Falls for the "sundowner" cruise. Livingstone first wrote about this "Crimson Heart of Africa bleeding over the Kandahar Rapids" and sunset on the Zambezi has captivated travellers since. To add to your enjoyment, a cash bar is provided on board for that famous African "sundowner".   

Situated on a plateau which forms a natural boundary to the 198,000 acre Zambezi National Park, the westward facing, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge enjoys uninterrupted views and spectacular African sunsets. With game to be seen on the property throughout the year, the carefully preserved bush environment and the mighty Victoria Falls just 5 minutes away by courtesy minibus, this deluxe lodge has an undeniable appeal and a character all of its own.

Thatch, rustic finishes, vibrant fabrics and extensive use of local hardwoods and clay tiles are key elements in the creation of a distinctly African ambience. The 66 bedrooms and 6 split level suites boast a high level of amenity and comfort. Every bedroom has a bathroom with corner bath and pressure shower, hairdryer, telephone and safety deposit box. In addition, each bedroom has its own balcony and nature books provided to enhance your enjoyment of the surrounding habitat. The Lodge, with state-of-the art equipment, offers same-day laundry service and special facilities for the disabled.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge prides itself on an excellent kitchen and on the professionalism of its friendly Zimbabwean staff. During the day, relax around the pool where drinks and light meals are offered. Come sundown, enjoy a cocktail and review the day’s activities in the congenial Buffalo Bar. For dinner, move upstairs to the candlelit Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant – à la carte menu and fine wines. All of these areas overlook the park and the water hole. There is also 24-hour room service available.

Accommodations: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (B)

During your sight-seeing excursion this morning, you will visit the Craft Village which depicts scenes of traditional African life. The Victoria Falls Craft Village is a curio hunter's paradise. With five to six football fields of curio in any shape, size and budget, you are sure to get that something special. Feel free to negotiate prices. Afterwards, continue on a conducted tour of Victoria Falls. Your guide will lead you through the natural rain forest to selected vantage points from where you will see the five main cataracts that comprise the Falls. Your afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration of this scenic area.

This evening you are about to embark on a journey combining excellent cuisine, served traditionally in breathtaking surroundings. Nestled amidst the indigenous Gusu forest and partially open to the African night skies lies "The Boma - Place of Eating". This is not just another ethnic restaurant, but a unique cultural experience that bombards the senses with the tastes, sights, sounds and smells of Africa - together with the warmth and hospitality of Zimbabwe and its people.

The decor has an emphasis on traditional Ndebele colors and style. An ethnic-style bar, open to the forest and African sky, welcomes guests with icy-cold drinks and the Boma's own traditional cocktail.

Your gastronomic journey begins with a succulent range of Ivula Mphimbo (starters), after which you are invited to help yourself to The Witchdoctor's Grotto - our campfire stockpot soup. Then be enticed with the Emawoseni Weboma - Boma braai - a selection of game, beef, pork and chicken. Top up your plate with a mixture of salads from the buffet or ask your waiter about our potjies (traditional hunters stew) which include game stews, the famous Mopani worms and Kapenta or try the Hunter's Spit - game served with bush vegetables and Badonga sauce. Quiche, stir fry and a variety of fish dishes are some of the vegetarian meals offered. Prepared in true traditional fashion, the foods have been gathered from the African soils and customs, such as local beer tasting and pre-dinner handwashing, are observed.

The sights and sounds of the evening are accentuated by Ndebele performers who captivate you with their vibrant and energetic songs and dance.

Steeped in mystery, a witchdoctor adds a touch of drama by predicting the future. After dinner, guests are invited to wile away the evening with the restaurant's very own sangoma - a traditional story teller - to learn more about the country's folklore, culture and heritage.

Accommodations: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (B,D)

Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus very large and varied birdlife.

The Park is situated on the main road between Bulawayo and the world famous Victoria Falls.

Hwange National Park covers just over 9,000 square miles. The Park carries 105 mammal species, including 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores. Elephant make up the largest proportion of the biomass.

All of Zimbabwe's specially protected animals are to be found in Hwange and it is the only protected area where gemsbok and brown hyena occur in reasonable numbers. The population of wild dog to be found in Hwange is thought to be of one of the largest surviving groups in Africa today.

The landscape includes desert sand to sparse woodland as well as grasslands and granite outcrops. Due to the lack of water, man-made waterholes were introduced to sustain the animals through the dry season. The Park has an interesting variety of landscapes with one part running alongside the North-eastern end of the Kalahari desert. The south is sandy with extensive forests and open grassland. A feature of the area is ancient fossil dunes - ancient sand dunes held together by vegetation.

To travel through Hwange National Park today is to see what much of the interior of Africa might have been like more than 150 years ago.

Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. Somalisa is an authentic bush camp, a blend of old African charm and elegance together with an exclusive safari experience. Its stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain gives it breathtaking views of the savannah plains of the famous Kennedy Vlei line.

Only six elegantly furnished canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms, flush toilet and romantic alfresco bush shower make up this camp. The décor echoes of an old era, from Colonial to the ancient tribes of Africa, telling the story from all corners of this magnificent continent. It’s stunning main area and pool lends to complete relaxation, whether it be with a cup of tea or a refreshing cocktail; overlooking the pan where the herds of game congregate in large herds, offering rare moments of outstanding nature.

Your senses will be awakened and you will feast on sumptuous cuisine, a balance of organic produce and innovative gourmet meals complemented by a choice of South African and Australian wines. Meals are inspired by the Far East, Europe and Africa. You will discover new and seasonal flavors, which the imaginative chef will present you with.

The use of solar lighting ensures your comfort without interfering with the environment and the area's natural surroundings. The lounge and dining area is at the forefront of the Camp, tucked under a soaring canopy of trees. Wide and well-traversed elephant paths make up the paths connecting your room to the main area.

Activities include guided walks lead by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you, game drives and spot lighting as well as game viewing from hides. Walking and game drives will allow you the opportunity to observe elephant, kudu and sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, white rhino, lion, leopard, hyena, and many other wildlife species. The Kennedy vlei is littered with flamboyant colors from all of its seasonal wild flowers that emerge as the first rains begin; and as the grass dries out, the large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant are in abundance.

At Somalisa Camp, you will experience the heightened romance of the African Bush in one of the most natural environments in Africa. This is the way Africa was meant to be explored.

Accommodations: Somalisa Camp (B,L,D)

Enjoy two full days of game viewing activities. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see most of the large mammals. You can enjoy an early morning game drive as well as a late afternoon game drive, or perhaps you might enjoy a game walk during your stay. Animals which are mostly seen in the early morning include rhinos, lions, leopards and giraffes. Lions are very active in the early morning and this is when you may see a pride on a kill or moving around with their young. As the day progresses, the animals usually retire to the shade of a tree or bush and may spend the better part of the day sleeping, only to emerge in the late afternoon or evening.

Accommodations: Somalisa Camp (B,L,D)

You will be transferred back to Victoria Falls by scheduled flight in time to connect with your South African Airways flight bound for Cape Town, via Johannesburg.

On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to your reserved hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for independent exploration, shopping or just relaxing.

When Jan van Riebeeck arrived at the Cape in 1652, the territory was occupied solely by nomadic Hottentots and Bushmen, eking out a living from the land. Van Riebeeck’s first undertaking was to establish a settlement and a means of supplying passing merchant ships with fresh supplies. The settlement soon earned the title “Tavern of the Seas”. To this day, Cape Town maintains a reputation for friendly hospitality.

With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. An eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates of the past – and the more functional demands of the 20th century. The city’s Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved, and many outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found in the city and its environs.

Cobblestone streets, mosques and the flat-roofed pastel homes of the Malay Quarter enhance a cosmopolitan ambience, and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront evokes images of the seafaring activities of the 19th century. For a closer look at life at the Cape in earlier times, interesting historical collections are on display in several museums.

Cape Town’s shopping options invite you to endlessly browse – and buy. At the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Victoria Wharf Shopping Center caters for most shopping needs, from designer clothing boutiques and fashion accessory shops to gift stores and food outlets. The Waterfront Craft Market is one of the largest indoor craft markets in South Africa with quality crafts including pottery, leatherwork, furniture, educational toys, clothing, glass art and African arts and crafts. Situated adjacent to Victoria Wharf, The Red Shed Craft Workshop offers a unique interaction between shoppers and those making the wares. Here, you can order a custom made item and watch 23 specialty crafters at work.

The Mount Nelson Hotel’s Prince of Wales archway, built in 1924, is synonymous with the Cape’s tradition of hospitality. Set at the foot of its private, palm-fringed avenue, this famous landmark stands as a welcome not only to the Mount Nelson Hotel, but also to the beautiful beaches, Winelands and mountains of the Cape.

For almost 100 years, visiting members of Royal families, international and local statesmen, celebrities and businessmen have preferred to stay at the Mount Nelson, where they are assured of privacy, comfort and care. Each of the 28 suites and 131 bedrooms are individually furnished and provided with fully appointed private bathrooms and air conditioning. In addition, each is equipped with a television, refrigerator and international touch-dialing telephones.

The superb variety of fish, fruit and wine from the abundant ocean, valleys and vineyards of the Cape constantly inspire our chefs. Add the exotic touch of traditional Malay cuisine, with its French, Dutch and Eastern influences, and experience the true taste of the Cape. Enjoy the young, international style and inspired cuisine of the Cape Colony or the tropical fruits which are a feature of the buffet breakfasts at our Oasis Restaurant with its lavender-bordered terrace overlooking the swimming pool and magnificent gardens.

Accommodations: Mount Nelson Hotel (B)

See for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became known as the ‘Fairest Cape’. Drive past the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno – currently the hottest real estate in the world – to Hout Bay, a functioning harbor and heart of the local crayfish industry (optional Seal Island cruise, time permitting).

Drive along the breathtakingly scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive, around the Atlantic Seaboard. After a stop for lunch (own account), it’s on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and its scenic viewing point. The spectacular sea and mountain views are reason enough to make the 41 mile trip from Cape Town. Amid the rocky landscape – home to mountain zebra, eland and ostriches - blooms magnificent Cape flora. Continue along the coastline to the beautiful Boulders Beach where you can sit among a colony of penguins. Our last stop is the naval port of Simonstown, the country’s third oldest European settlement.

Tonight you will be guests in a private home and will enjoy the hospitality and delicious cuisine that is synonymous with South Africa.

Accommodations: Mount Nelson Hotel (B,D)

Enjoy the full day at leisure. You might wish to take the cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain offering a scenic panorama of the city or spend a little time shopping and wandering around gazing at the mixture of Cape Town architecture and eventually find a spot to relax over coffee and "Koeksisters" (a delicious local delicacy). Or you may enjoy a tour of the beautiful Cape Winelands and a taste of some local wines.

Accommodations: Mount Nelson Hotel (B)

Enjoy the morning at leisure for last minute shopping, packing or just relaxing. You will be transferred to the airport in time for the departure of your South African Airways flight to Johannesburg.

On arrival in Johannesburg, you will connect to your ongoing flight back to the USA on South African Airways. (B)

Arrive in New York or Washington, DC with a lifetime of memories!