Your First Big 5 Safari

On arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Gaborone.

You’ll be staying at the Protea Hotel Gaborone Masa Square, located in the city’s vibrant New CBD. The hotel offers a comfortable and contemporary base to relax after your flight, with excellent facilities including an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and several dining options.

Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore some of Gaborone’s nearby attractions. Within easy reach of the hotel are local craft markets, the National Museum, or even a short visit to the Gaborone Dam or Nature Reserve — peaceful spots that offer a gentle introduction to Botswana’s natural heritage.

Tonight is at your leisure. Settle in, enjoy a quiet dinner at the hotel or one of the restaurants in the Masa Centre, and rest up for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred across the border into South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve, one of the country’s largest and most diverse wildlife sanctuaries — and one of the few that is malaria-free. The journey takes you into vast wilderness, with changing landscapes that mark your transition from city to safari.

You’ll spend the next three nights at the exceptional Tuningi Safari Lodge, nestled deep within Madikwe’s 75,000 hectares of Big Five territory. Tuningi offers an ideal setting for first-time safari-goers, combining warm hospitality, intimate luxury, and an authentic connection to the wild.

Your stay here is on a Fully Inclusive basis, with twice-daily game drives led by professional guides and trackers. Mornings begin early, with the thrill of tracking animals at their most active, while afternoon drives often conclude with sunset drinks overlooking the bush — a moment of stillness and awe that never gets old.

Between drives, you can relax on your private deck, take a dip in your plunge pool, or enjoy the lodge’s beautiful shared spaces overlooking the waterhole. Wildlife often comes to you here.

Tuningi is especially known for its warm, family-friendly approach and its dedication to both guest comfort and conservation.

After a morning transfer to Gaborone Airport, you’ll take two connecting flights to reach Hoedspruit, the gateway to South Africa’s Lowveld safari region. On arrival, you'll be met and driven to RockFig Safari Lodge, located in the unfenced wilderness of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which shares an open border with Kruger National Park.

For the next three days, you'll be immersed in one of South Africa’s richest wildlife areas — a region renowned not only for Big Five sightings but also for rare species like cheetah, wild dog, and the famous white lions of Timbavati.

RockFig Safari Lodge offers a highly personalised safari experience, with just a handful of suites and a maximum of four guests per vehicle. The lodge blends sophisticated design with relaxed comfort, and its small size means the experience is intimate, flexible, and deeply connected to the rhythm of the bush.

Your days here will follow a classic safari rhythm: early morning and late afternoon game drives, expertly guided and often tailored to your interests. Between drives, unwind on your private deck, enjoy the views along the seasonal Ross River, or simply soak in the serenity of the lodge’s peaceful setting.

After a morning game drive and breakfast at RockFig, you'll be transferred eastward to Mdluli Safari Lodge, located inside the southwestern boundary of Kruger National Park. This region is known as the Southern Circle, famed for its high density of lions and rhinos, and for the dramatic sightings that unfold around the Crocodile River.

Set within a private concession, Mdluli Safari Lodge offers luxury tented accommodation that brings you close to nature without sacrificing comfort. The lodge operates within the boundaries of Kruger itself — not adjacent to it — so your wildlife experience begins the moment you arrive.

Your two-night stay here includes daily safari activities with expert local guides. Game drives venture deep into Kruger, while the lodge’s elevated decks and open-plan dining area provide relaxed vantage points for wildlife viewing without leaving the property.

This portion of the safari offers a unique contrast — blending the iconic landscapes and game-rich reputation of Kruger with the warmth and accessibility of a community-led lodge.

Day 10

After breakfast and a final morning at Mdluli Safari Lodge, you’ll be transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe — one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders.

On arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to the legendary Victoria Falls Hotel, affectionately known as the Grand Old Lady of the Falls. This Edwardian-era hotel, with its lush gardens and sweeping views, is steeped in history and elegance — just a short walk from the falls themselves.

This evening, you’ll enjoy a Planned sunset cruise on the Ra-Ikane, a beautifully restored riverboat named after David Livingstone’s guide. This intimate cruise offers a tranquil introduction to the Zambezi River’s upper reaches, with chances to spot hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the banks. Enjoy canapés, a full bar, and stories shared by the friendly crew as the African sun sinks behind the riverine horizon.

Day 11

Today is yours to explore the dramatic landscapes and cultural richness of Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders” — this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls on earth.

In the afternoon, we recommend a visit to the falls themselves. The natural rainforest that surrounds the falls is sustained year-round by the spray, and the well-maintained pathways lead you to several breathtaking viewpoints. With roughly two-thirds of the falls accessible from the Zimbabwean side, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas and the unforgettable roar of water plunging into the gorge below.

In the evening, we recommend dinner at the Livingstone Room, the hotel’s iconic Edwardian dining hall. This elegant space offers à la carte and table d’hôte menus, accompanied by live music and a refined atmosphere — a nod to the golden age of travel. The dress code is relaxed, though the experience remains timeless.

Day 12

Today offers a balance of adventure and leisure, with opportunities to tailor the day to your interests.

For those seeking a thrilling aerial perspective, a 13-minute “Flight of Angels” helicopter tour is available as an optional activity. Departing regularly throughout the day, these scenic flights provide a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the falls, the Zambezi River, and the surrounding national park. It’s an unforgettable way to appreciate the scale and power of the landscape.

Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the town of Victoria Falls, which is compact and walkable. Discover vibrant markets, local art galleries, and cafés — or simply take the day to rest and soak in the ambiance of the hotel and its tranquil gardens.

In the evening, enjoy a Planned dinner at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, an unforgettable celebration of African food, music, and culture. On arrival, you’ll be dressed in a traditional chitenge and welcomed into a lively atmosphere filled with the aromas of local dishes and the sounds of drumming and dance. The feast includes game meats, vegetarian options, local delicacies, and interactive performances that invite you to join the rhythm of Zimbabwe.

Day 13

After breakfast and a leisurely morning, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls International Airport for your scheduled flight to Cape Town, one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world.

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to The Manor House, your base for the next three nights. Located in the leafy, wind-sheltered suburb of Higgovale at the foot of Table Mountain, this heritage property offers comfort, privacy, and sweeping views over the city and bay.

This evening, we highly recommend dinner at La Colombe, consistently ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Perched on the Silvermist Wine Estate in Constantia, La Colombe is renowned for its elegant and theatrical tasting menus, impeccable service, and serene setting overlooking the forested slopes of Table Mountain. A meal here is more than dinner — it’s an experience that many guests count among the highlights of their time in Cape Town. (Advance booking is essential.)

Day 14

Today you’ll venture into the heart of the Cape Winelands, a region celebrated not only for its world-class wines, but also for its stunning scenery, rich history, and warm hospitality. This Planned full-day tour takes you through the charming towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl — each offering a distinct blend of architectural beauty, culinary excellence, and viticultural tradition.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy guided tastings at award-winning estates, where you can savour bold reds, crisp whites, and innovative blends, often paired with artisanal cheeses or handmade chocolates. You'll also have time to explore leafy avenues, heritage buildings, and art galleries, with a break for lunch at a local restaurant (own account).

The landscapes are unforgettable — from rolling vineyards framed by mountain backdrops to sun-dappled estates with Cape Dutch homesteads. It’s a day of indulgence, discovery, and relaxed elegance.

You’ll return to Cape Town in the late afternoon with a renewed appreciation for South Africa’s wine culture and countryside charm.

Day 15

Your final full day in South Africa will be spent exploring the breathtaking Cape Peninsula — a region where rugged coastline, dramatic mountains, and charming seaside towns converge to create one of the world’s most scenic journeys.

This Planned full-day tour begins with a drive along the Atlantic seaboard through Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive, offering panoramic views of the ocean and cliffs.

You’ll visit Cape Point, the southwestern tip of the continent, where the cold Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans meet. From here, stroll or take the funicular to the old lighthouse for sweeping views over False Bay.

At the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, keep an eye out for baboons, antelope, ostriches, and coastal birdlife. Lunch can be enjoyed en route at one of the peninsula’s seafood restaurants (own account).

The afternoon includes a stop at Boulders Beach, home to a protected colony of endangered African penguins. Watch them waddling between granite boulders and swimming just metres away in the clear shallows — a delightfully unexpected highlight.

This tour also provides glimpses of local life in quaint towns like Simon's Town and Kalk Bay, adding culture and charm to the dramatic natural surroundings.