Arabian and Scenic Southern Africa Adventure
Encounter glitz, glamour, and a sparkling coastline in Doha and set off on a sand dune safari before departing for Southern Africa where wildlife encounters, a sunset river cruise and spectacular natural wonders of Victoria Falls await. Explore glorious Cape Town in all its breathtaking beauty and go in search of “The Big Five” – buffalo, elephant, lion, Leopard, and rhino in Sabi Sands.
Trip Type: Adventure, Cosmopolitan
Day By Day
Day 1 – Welcome to Doha, Qatar
Welcome to Doha! Upon arrival at Doha International Airport a local representative will meet you as you disembark the aircraft. You will be assisted through passport and immigration to collect your luggage. You will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation.
Evening at LeisureDoha comes alive at night with a hive of live music venues, bars, and world-class restaurants. The thriving food scene features a melting pot of different flavors and influences and varies from Michelin-starred restaurants to delicious street food. With an evening at leisure there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Enjoy dinner or coffee at Al Hazm Mall or explore the many souqs and soak up the bustling atmosphere.
Starting Accommodation: Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl
Day 2 – Doha, City and Deserts
This morning discover the unique heritage of Downtown Doha as you wander through the vibrant labyrinth of alleyways of Souq Waqif. View modern day Doha’s towering iconic architecture and discover the Corniche, Doha’s iconic waterfront where the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf provides the setting to the city’s impressive skyline.
Late afternoon, discover the unique desert environment where sand dunes spill into the azure waters of the Inland Sea. In this exciting adventure, qualified desert drivers will take you through the dramatic sand dunes to Khor Al Adaid, a large tidal embayment recognized for its outstanding natural heritage value. The adventure starts once you reach the desert. Drive through the dramatic sand dunes until you reach Khor Al Adaid, or the Inland Sea. You will have an opportunity to take in the magnificent desert landscape before continuing to the desert camp. Here you will be treated to a private BBQ dinner overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Sea before being returned to your hotel.
Starting Accommodation: Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Doha to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Victoria Falls (not included). On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The Victoria Falls, affectionately abbreviated to Vic Falls by anyone who’s been there, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the locals refer to the Falls as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (the smoke that thunders). There is a magic about them manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and tranquil lagoons upstream in which hippo and crocodiles lurk.
Late afternoon, enjoy a Sunset Cruise. Put your feet up, sip a sundowner as the light gently fades, and let our tranquil wildlife cruise float you along the Zambezi River above the Falls. You'll have the finest vantage point from which to watch hippo, crocodiles and other animals which come down to the river's edge in the early evening, to slake their thirst. You're in the first-class seats, that's for sure, and while you're sipping your cocktail and enjoying snacks - no further movement required on your part - you'll be captivated by the sun's dying rays as they cast a burnt-orange glow which shimmers on the river. Take another sip in this golden setting - cheers!
Starting Accommodation: Victoria Falls River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Tour of the Falls
No surprise why Victoria Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World! You'll understand it instantly as we tour the Zimbabwean side, for there are numerous spectacular vantage points along the width of the Falls, and the sight of this astounding gift of nature, simply takes your breath away. Walk through the permanent, beautifully misty rain forest which flanks the Falls, stopping to marvel at the principal sites as it cascades to the depths below: the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island and Livingstone Island. Stand and watch, feel and listen to the spray and thunderous noise, as millions of gallons of water tumble over the Falls into a series of narrow gorges below. The seventh Natural Wonder of the World puts on the most dramatic show for you, and you'll be privileged to have watched it. This afternoon is at leisure to relax at the lodge or enjoy another optional activity.
Starting Accommodation: Victoria Falls River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Victoria Falls to Cape Town
You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport to connect with your flight to Cape Town (not included). Arrive in spectacular Cape Town where will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to soak up the atmosphere of Cape Town and the waterfront area. South Africa’s “Mother City” is indescribably beautiful, steeped in fascinating history and pulsating to a heady African rhythm. Indeed, few urban centers anywhere can match its setting along the mountainous Cape Peninsula spine, which slides into the Atlantic Ocean. A ride in a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, a ferry journey to Robben Island, or a meandering tour through the Winelands will leave you in no doubt that this place is an absolute highlight on any vacation to Africa. South Africa boasts incredibly good weather, gorgeous scenery and fantastic beaches and is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture offer visitors a unique and inspiring experience.
Starting Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – Cape Peninsula Tour
Travel along the Atlantic Seaboard, to Hout Bay. From Hout Bay, travel to Noordhoek and through Ou Kaapse Weg. Proceed to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, where you are able to ride the Funicular (for your own account) to the viewpoint where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The Cape Peninsula is the thin finger of land in the southwestern most corner of Africa with the city of Cape Town at its head. As you travel south towards Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, the land gets narrower until the great Indian and Atlantic Oceans combine into one vast southern ocean, with nothing beyond except Antarctica.
In 1578 Sir Francis Drake described it as 'The fairest cape in the whole circumference of the globe,' and it still is. The Peninsula can be divided into the Atlantic coast on the west (including the City of Cape Town) and the False Bay coast on the east. With nothing but water all around the peninsula, the weather can be a little unpredictable and the wind can whip itself up into a fury. Luckily when it is howling on one side it is normally quiet on the other, so you can always find a sheltered spot. On leaving the Nature Reserve, proceed to Simonstown, where you stop for lunch (for your own account), as well as a short stop at Boulders Beach. Nestled in historic Simon's Town in South Africa, Boulders Penguin Colony is part of the Cape Peninsula National Park. Almost 3000 African (jackass) penguins, so called because their call resembles the bray of a donkey, reign supreme amidst rounded rocks and fish-filled False Bay. These endangered, flightless birds are free to roam the seas and return to their private haven - Foxy Beach at Boulders.
Starting Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – Cape Winelands Tour
The Cape Winelands are amongst the most scenic in the world. A visual feast of lush green valleys, rugged mountains, fine cuisine, and world-class wine producing estates make up the Cape Winelands. Its many historic wine estates, characterized by classic Cape Dutch-style buildings with distinctive gables and thatched roofs, and massive vineyards, date back centuries. Wine estates are bordered by: the Hottentots, Holland; the Franschhoek Mountains; and in the North, by the Wemmershoekberg. The most popular and well-known are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. The Cape Winelands offers some of the finest wine tasting experiences, spend the day exploring premier wine estates and wines against a backdrop of magical landscapes.
Starting Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – Cape Town to Sabi Sands
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight (not included) to the Sabi Sands. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your Sabi Sands accommodation.
Undoubtedly the most prestigious game park in South Africa, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is known for having some of the best available Big Five game spotting in the country. Located on the southwest corner of the Kruger National Park, there are no restricting fences so the animals roam freely just as nature intended.
Starting Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – On Safari, Sabi Sands
The day will typically start with an early rise. Enjoy a light snack before departing on an activity, with a stop for a snack and tea/coffee en route. Upon return to camp (normally about three hours later) enjoy a sizeable brunch. Free time is them ample during the heat of the day to enjoy a siesta, or a dip in the pool. Mid-afternoon, tea, cakes and savories are served, before you depart on your afternoon activity, with a stop for cocktails en route. Return to camp and savor a sumptuous dinner.
Starting Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – On Safari, Sabi Sands
Enjoy another day of safari activities while at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.
Starting Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Depart Sabi Sands
Fly from Sabi Sands to Johannesburg to connect with your international departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing
Package Level: Luxury |
| Pricing for this package is on request. Please call a Swain Destinations Specialist to customize this journey. |
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Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions:
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