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Essence of Southern Africa

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Operated by APT
Tripcode: AFS13
Overview
Destination:
South Africa
Zambia
Start:Cape Town, South Africa
Finish:Livingstone, Zambia
Duration:13 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Style:
Small Group Tour,
Travel Period
June 2025 - April 2026
Cape Town → Livingstone

This is the ultimate discovery of Southern Africa. Explore vibrant Cape Town, and soak up the serene atmosphere of the Lanzerac Hotel in historic Stellenbosch. Experience game drives and a boma dinner under the stars during a three-night stay at a private lodge in the heart of Kruger National Park, and enjoy a three-night stay at the Royal Livingstone Hotel with exclusive access to Victoria Falls from dawn till dusk.

Highlights
  • In South Africa, delve into the history of Stellenbosch and admire the beautiful Cape Dutch architecture. Experience the town’s storied colonial past, remarkable culture and inspiring artworks on a walking tour before tasting traditional South African dishes, such as savoury Bobotie and sweet Amarula mousse.

  • Rise early for a morning game drive in Kruger National Park in South Africa, which presents the perfect opportunity to spot animals such as giraffes, birdlife and the Little Five (elephant shrew, ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and leopard tortoise) roaming in the wild.

  • Enjoy a mesmerising boma dinner under the stars in South Africa's Kruger National Park. A candle-lit outdoor space with a crackling fire and thatched side fences creates an extraordinary atmosphere, where you'll savour barbecue meats, salads and traditional desserts. Soak up the unique ambience of open-air dining in the heart of the African bush, accompanied by traditional song and dance.

  • Embark on an exhilarating helicopter flight in Zambia and admire spectacular aerial views of majestic Victoria Falls from above. The sheer beauty of this natural phenomenon will leave you spellbound.

  • Step aboard the luxurious Royal Livingstone Express steam train for a sumptuous five-course gourmet dinner, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Victoria Falls and its majestic surroundings. Upon reaching the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, you’ll have the opportunity to disembark and marvel at the magnificent views, as the radiant African sun sets behind the cascading Falls.

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Standard inclusions
  • Freedom of Choice inclusions in two locations
  • A total of 24 meals
  • Services of an expert APT Tour Director
  • All internal flights as per itinerary; transfers, porterage and gratuities
  • Take a fascinating cultural walking tour through historic Stellenbosch and savour a traditional lunch
  • Spot animals roaming in the wild on game drives through Kruger National Park
  • Savour a culturally rich boma dinner under the stars in Kruger National Park
  • Dine aboard the luxurious Royal Livingstone Express steam train amid breathtaking views of Victoria Falls
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrive Cape Town

Upon arrival in Cape Town, we’ll greet you and transfer you to your hotel, affectionately known by locals and regulars as Mount Nellie. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, and within walking distance of Company’s Garden, this exquisitely restored colonial hotel was painted its distinctive shade of pink in 1918. This evening, meet your fellow travelling companions and Tour Director at a welcome reception.

Day 2 - Cape Town

After breakfast, head out to discover charming Cape Town. Take a guided tour of the Castle of Good Hope, which was built by Dutch colonialists from 1666 to 1679 and is considered to be the oldest surviving colonial-era building in South Africa. Visit the District Six Museum and immerse yourself in powerful exhibitions that shed light on the culture and deeply moving history of Cape Town during the Apartheid era. Afterwards, ride the aerial cableway to the top of Table Mountain, where panoramic vistas of the city and its surrounds await. Tonight, savour Cape Town’s delectable cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 3 - Cape Town, Cape Peninsula

After breakfast this morning, you’ll embark on a breathtaking journey along Chapman’s Peak Drive, widely regarded as one of the world's most scenic stretches of road. Soak up glorious views of the South African coast and catch glimpses of quaint villages en route to the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Point. Then, continue to Simon’s Town for a delightful lunch. Nearby lies Boulders Beach, home to a vivacious colony of penguins. Enjoy observing these fascinating creatures before returning to your hotel.

Day 4 - Cape Town, Stellenbosch

Today unfolds on your own terms with a range of Freedom of Choice sightseeing activities on offer. Afterwards, head to Stellenbosch, known for its picturesque oak-lined streets, historic buildings and old-world charm. Settle into your luxurious accommodation, the opulent Lanzerac Hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the serene atmosphere of the elegant estate, set against the backdrop of magnificent mountains and lush gardens.

Freedom of Choice – Robben Island Tour

Learn about the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated from 1964 to 1982, as well as life on the island. 

Freedom of Choice – V&A Waterfront with Brundyn Arts and Culture

Enjoy a stroll along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront after visiting Brundyn Arts and Culture – a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts, featuring contemporary paintings, sculptures, photography and installations. Conclude your experience with a rooftop drink at the iconic Silo Hotel.

Freedom of Choice – Heritage Tour

Embark on a Heritage Tour, where you will discover the colourful neighbourhood of Bo‑Kaap (formerly known as the Malay Quarter). 

Day 5 - Stellenbosch

After your Signature Experience in Stellenbosch this morning, the rest of the day is dedicated to enjoying the array of amenities your accommodation has to offer. Surrounded by mountains and wine farms, take the opportunity to relax or partake in the activities available at the property. Whether you take a stroll through the grounds or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment (additional expense), there are a range of options to suit your preferences.

Signature Experience Historical Walking Tour

Explore historic Stellenbosch on a fascinating walking tour. Admire the beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and learn about the colonial history of the area. Delve into the town's storied past, remarkable culture and inspiring artwork before tasting traditional South African dishes, such as savoury Bobotie and sweet Amarula mousse.

Day 6 - Stellenbosch, Kruger National Park

Fly to Kruger today and transfer to your private lodge, nestled within the sprawling 15,000-hectare Kapama Private Game Reserve in Kruger National Park. Your luxurious safari accommodation for the next three nights offers many opportunities to seek out the local inhabitants. With around 40 different mammal species, including the spotted hyena and Greater kudu, along with over 300 bird species, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife. This evening, unwind with a round of sundowners as you bask in a breathtaking African sunset, followed by a sumptuous dinner.

Day 7 - Kruger National Park

Begin today with a Signature Experience, where you'll set out on an incredible early morning game drive. Afterwards, return to your luxurious lodge and enjoy time to relax and reminisce about the morning’s adventures before embarking on another thrilling game drive in the afternoon. Cap off the day with another sensational Signature Experience beneath a starlit sky.

Signature Experience – Early Morning Game Drive

Rise early for a morning game drive, which presents the perfect opportunity to spot animals such as giraffes, birdlife and the Little Five (the elephant shrew, antlion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and leopard tortoise) roaming in the wild.

Signature Experience – Boma Dinner

After an exhilarating day of game drives in Kruger National Park, enjoy a mesmerising boma dinner under the stars. A candle-lit outdoor space with a crackling fire and thatched side fences creates an extraordinary atmosphere, where you'll savour barbecue meats, salads and traditional desserts. Soak up the unique ambience of open-air dining in the heart of the African bush, accompanied by traditional song and dance.

Day 8 - Kruger National Park

This morning, you may like to join your experienced guides for an enthralling bushwalk. Immerse yourself in the wild and unspoiled landscape as you are taught how to look out for animal tracks and learn about some of the local fauna used for numerous medicinal purposes. Later, enjoy another exhilarating game viewing experience from the comfort of a vehicle, followed by a sundown toast to all the incredible sights you have encountered throughout the day.

Day 9 - Kruger National Park, Johannesburg

Enjoy a final morning game drive, then board a flight to Johannesburg, where you will stay overnight in preparation for your flight to Livingstone tomorrow morning. 

Day 10 - Johannesburg, Livingstone

Fly to Livingstone and, upon arrival, set out on a tour of Victoria Falls from the Zambian side. Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders). As the world’s largest sheet of falling water, this striking natural wonder cascades over 1,700 metres in width and plunges 108 metres into the gorge below. Learn about the history of the Falls and its significant geological features. In the late afternoon, embark on a breathtaking sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Savour sundowners and canapés served against the backdrop of a magnificent African sunset.

Day 11 - Livingstone

Wake early this morning and take advantage of your hotel’s direct access to the Falls, enjoying the tranquillity of this breathtaking location before indulging in a delicious breakfast. How you'd like to spend today is up to you with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer. Round off the day with a delectable dinner at your hotel.

Freedom of Choice – Cultural Village Tour

Embark on a cultural tour of an authentic local village in Livingstone, then visit the vibrant Maramba Market. 

Freedom of Choice – Mosi-oa-Tunya Walking Safari

Take part in a walking safari along the Zambezi River in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Delight in a unique opportunity to experience the natural world from a different perspective. 

Freedom of Choice – Victoria Falls Tour and Lunch in Zimbabwe

Set out on a guided tour of the breathtaking Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, followed by lunch overlooking the spectacular gorges and Falls (Zimbabwean visa is at an additional expense). 

Day 12 - Livingstone

Rise early once again to make the most of your hotel’s direct access to the Falls, soaking up the serene beauty of the morning mist and cascading waters. Afterwards, savour breakfast in this spectacular setting. Later, enjoy a Signature Experience, where you'll marvel at the spectacular sight of Victoria Falls and the surrounding plains from a helicopter flight. Tonight, another unforgettable Signature Experience awaits. 

Signature Experience – Helicopter Flight over Victoria Falls

Embark on an exhilarating helicopter flight and admire extraordinary aerial views of majestic Victoria Falls from above. The sheer beauty of this natural phenomenon will leave you spellbound. 

Signature Experience – Royal Livingstone Express Steam Train

Step aboard the luxurious Royal Livingstone Express steam train for a sumptuous five-course gourmet dinner, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Victoria Falls and its majestic surroundings. Upon reaching the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, you’ll have the opportunity to disembark and marvel at the breathtaking views, as the radiant African sun sets behind the cascading Falls.

Day 13 - Depart Livingstone

After breakfast, your spectacular journey comes to an end. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Departure dates

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Travellers

Operator
APT

APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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Essence of Southern Africa
12 nights
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