Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa
Welcome to Africa. You are met and escorted to your hotel. Known to the locals as “E’Goli” or City of Gold, Johannesburg is the pulsating heart of South Africa’s industrial and commercial life where gold mining still continues. If your holidays require an overnight stay here, there are fascinating activities such as cultural visits to Soweto, the Apartheid Museum or even a working diamond mine. Sterkfontein in the Cradle of Humanity World Heritage Site is well worth a visit. Arts and craft galleries abound and this is a very good place to buy diamonds.

Tonight, your five-star airport hotel is superbly positioned a few meters walk from the Domestic Arrivals Terminal. Each of the 138 rooms is decorated in luxurious African style and is soundproofed with full black out curtains. Marble bathrooms feature bath, double shower and separate toilet. Hotel facilities include a rooftop health and fitness center – aromatherapy massage by appointment, an indoor heated swimming pool, a complimentary hospitality lounge for early and late arrivals with shower facilities and 24-hour room service. The restaurant, Quills, offers cuisine which fuses African food concepts with flavors from around the world. Late night and a la carte dining are also available. Intercontinental O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel – Deluxe Room (B) 

Day 2: Johannesburg / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
This morning, you return on your own to the air terminal in time for check in for your scheduled flight to Victoria Falls. On arrival there, you obtain your visa and clear immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs, where our representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel. On the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of the falls, the town of Victoria Falls began in 1901 when the possibility of using the waterfall for hydro-electric power was first explored, and expanded when the railway from Bulawayo reached the town about four years later. This popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travelers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the vast Victoria Falls. About two thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities with activities including scenic flights over the falls by helicopter or micro light, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, whitewater rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art. You have the remainder of the day at leisure. The Victoria Falls Hotel sits in the Victoria Falls National Park, and is a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group. It is one of only three IS0-accredited hotels in Zimbabwe. The Edwardian-style, five-star hotel combines the charm of the old world with the convenience of the new. Set in lush tropical gardens with lily ponds, palm trees and semi-tropical shrubs, it provides tranquillity and seclusion. The famous Victoria Falls are just a ten-minute walk using the hotel’s private pathway, and “the smoke that thunders” or “Mosi-O-Tunya” in the local dialect, is clearly audible and visible from this luxurious landmark. Victoria Falls Hotel – Deluxe Stable Wing Room (B)

Day 3: Victoria Falls
Take the path of David Livingstone to discover the Victoria Falls he encountered. A noted guide and historian talks about the dynamic history of the area beginning with the story of David Livingstone’s first encounter with the waterfall, the building of the bridge and the many colorful characters that passed this way. This is a fascinating insight into Africa’s history that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the continents past, present and future set against the backdrop of the one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You have the remainder of the day at leisure for other optional activities in and around Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls Hotel – Deluxe Stable Wing Room (B)

Day 4: Victoria Falls
You have time for optional activities in and around Victoria Falls. This afternoon, you go to the jetty on the Zambezi River for a ride on the Zambezi Royal, the latest addition to the Wild Horizons river cruise fleet. Meander slowly upstream, game spotting along the way. The luxurious, 28-seat, single-level cruise boat offers a unique and intimate way to view the Zambezi River. Relax in the lush furnishings of this modern and contemporary vessel, enjoy lavish snacks, wine, cocktails and sparkling wine as you coast upriver. The boat is the first of its kind, custom built to maximize comfort, style, practicality and service. Guests relax in the lush furnishings of this modern and contemporary vessel, enjoying lavish snacks, wine, cocktails and sparkling wine, as they coast up-river taking in the stunning scenery and surrounds of the upper Zambezi River. The Victoria Falls Hotel – Deluxe Stable Wing Room (B) 

Day 5: Victoria Falls / Hwange National Park
Today, you are transferred to airport for your scheduled, 40-minute charter flight to Somalisa Camp’s Manga airstrip. (Please note: Luggage allowance is strictly 44lbs per person in soft bags.)

Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s biggest reserve. Nestled in a stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain, the camp boasts breath-taking views of the plains across the famous Kennedy Vlei Line, and recently upgraded its level of accommodation to that of complete comfort and luxury. Consisting of seven elegantly furnished Sail Tents with gauze sliding doors, a glass wood-burning fireplace for the cold winter nights, and an overhead fan for the hot summer days. Each tent has en suite bathroom facilities including flush toilets, an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a copper slipper-style bathtub. The main decking area includes split level decking with a separate lounge and dining area, as well as a small splash pool for guests overlooking the “Elephant Pool” and a natural waterhole where herds of game congregate to drink and where guests can relax whilst soaking in the African bush. Terrain ranges from desert dunes and savannah to rocky outcrops and sparse forests. After the first rains, the Kennedy Vlei is alive with flamboyant colours from the seasonal wildflowers that emerge – making it one of the prettiest areas in Hwange National Park. Somalisa Camp – Tent (B,L,D)

Days 6/7: Hwange National Park
You enjoy the daily activities on offer by your camp. Activities include guided walks lead by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you, 4×4 game drives as well as night drives and horseback safaris. Wildlife sightings include kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, white rhino, lion, leopard, hyena, and many other wildlife species, including about 40,000 elephants. It provides sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species, including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent. Somalisa Camp – Tent (B,L,D)  

Day 8: Hwange National Park / Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
Today you fly by scheduled charter from Somalisa’s Manga airstrip to Singita Pamushana, about a two-hour flight. One of Africa’s best-kept secrets, Singita Pamushana Lodge is in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in south eastern Zimbabwe. Nestling beneath trees, the lodge incorporates the natural environment. The unique forest-like architecture enhances views of the pool, the lush gardens and the lake below. Singita Pamushana Lodge comprises six luxury suites and one 5-bedroom villa, each offering a private pool and panoramic views of the Malilangwe dam. The air-conditioned suites all have a double-sided fireplace in both the bedroom and lounge, air-conditioning, safe, telephone, minibar and large bathroom with bath and shower. Outside is a private viewing deck with an outside shower, private plunge pool and a Swarovski spotting scope. The main lodge area features two swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, a spa and a gym. Other facilities include a Bush spa with a range of treatments on offer, yoga space, wireless internet access, satellite television in the main lodge and two tennis courts so Pamushana really does offer a stunning place to relax. Singita Pamushana Lodge – Suite (B,L,D)

Days 9/10: Malilangwe National Park
You enjoy the daily activities on offer by your lodge. In this remote, undiscovered area of Zimbabwe, Singita has succeeded in protecting a great diversity of species within a varied and unique environment. The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is teeming with birds and wildlife including rare, endangered species such as the Roan and sable antelope, and black rhino. It also offers over 100 ancient rock art sites dating back more than 2,000 years as well as the majestic and eccentric baobab trees-known as ‘upside-down’ trees. As well as morning and evening game drives, enjoy visiting some of the rock art sites with a knowledgeable guide. Game fishing throughout the year for tiger fish, bass or catfish is also on offer as is tracking black rhino. Singita Pamushana Lodge – Suite (B,L,D)

Day 11: Malilangwe National Park / Harare / Depart
Your final morning game drive ends at the local airstrip where you board your charter flight to Harare from where you connect with your scheduled flight home. (B)

Land price, per person, double occupancy: From US$1600 per person per day. Internal air (Johannesburg-Victoria Falls & Harare-Johannesburg) additional.