Premium South Africa: Kruger & Victoria Falls

Your premium African safari holiday begins this evening at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and travel group ahead of our overnight flight to Cape Town.

The oldest city in South Africa, Cape Town boasts a scenic location on the Cape Peninsula and is renowned for its beautiful coastline, vast vineyards and the rugged peak of Table Mountain. Aside from its dramatic landscapes, Cape Town is loved by visitors for its award-winning gastronomy, vibrant mix of cultures, bustling art scene and thriving wildlife, recognised as one of the world's most biodiverse urban areas.

Touching down in Cape Town around midday, we transfer to our scenic hotel, boasting an enviable location along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.   

After checking in, we are treated to a welcome drink before some free time to unwind or explore the local surroundings. With direct access to the city's leading shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, our hotel is the perfect base from which to start our discovery of South Africa.    

This evening, we enjoy our first dinner together in the hotel restaurant. Overlooking the harbour, it provides a wonderful setting as luxury yachts and boats create an ever-changing waterfront scene.

• Dinner

The iconic sights of Cape Town await today as we set out on a guided tour after breakfast.

Travelling by coach, we pass some of the city's notable landmarks, including City Hall, Parliament and the Castle of Good Hope, before exploring the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, where brightly painted houses line the streets. We then ascend Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting), enjoying spectacular panoramic views across the city and coastline. At the summit, there's time to follow trails, explore the unique flora and perhaps spot some of the mountain's wildlife, including rock hyraxes, a small mammal which resembles a large guinea pig.

Returning to the hotel later this afternoon, we enjoy dinner together in one of the hotel's restaurants.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we embark on a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, discovering its breathtaking coastal scenery as we travel along the spectacular Chapman's Peak Drive and through the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

At Cape Point, we take a short journey aboard the Flying Dutchman funicular, travelling through lush greenery to just below the lighthouse. From here, admire sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean, False Bay and the dramatic Cape Peninsula coastline. Continuing along the shores of False Bay, we reach Boulder's Beach, where a colony of African penguins can be seen nesting among the dunes, swimming in the sea and basking on the rocks. Afterwards, we enjoy lunch at a local seafront seafood restaurant, where you can savour some flavours of the coast.

Returning to our hotel in Cape Town, there's time to unwind before we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we leave Cape Town and head to the airport for our flight to Skukuza, the gateway to Kruger National Park. On arrival, we transfer by coach to our unique hotel, where an unforgettable three-night stay awaits.

We check in to Kruger Shalati, also known as the 'train on the bridge', a five-star hotel unlike anywhere else in Africa. Our luxury carriage rooms are set within a historic train permanently stationed on the iconic Selati Bridge above the Sabie River; the hotel occupies the very spot where early visitors to Kruger National Park stayed in the 1920s. After lunch in the hotel restaurant, overlooking the bridge and river below, we set out on our first game drive into the park. Accompanied by a skilled local ranger, we explore the wilderness in search of its remarkable wildlife, with our guide's expert knowledge helping us spot even the most well-camouflaged animals.

Returning to Kruger Shalati, we enjoy dinner at the hotel, reflecting on our first taste of the incredible wilderness that surrounds us.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The vast landscapes and spectacular wildlife of Kruger National Park await today as we embark on two game drives led by local rangers, with plenty of opportunities to seek out the Big Five in their natural habitat. As we explore the open savannah, keep watch for the park's remarkable variety of wildlife, from graceful antelope and playful monkeys to more elusive creatures such as genets, civets and warthogs.

After our morning game drive, we return to the hotel for lunch before heading back into the wilderness this afternoon. With a different time of day bringing new sights and sounds, there's always the possibility of another memorable wildlife encounter.

Returning to our hotel later this afternoon, enjoy some time to relax and freshen up before dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With another full day to discover the wonders of Kruger National Park, we head out on morning and afternoon game drives in search of more unforgettable wildlife encounters. Each journey through the park offers something different, whether it's watching a herd of elephants move through the bush, seeing a pride of lions resting in the shade or spotting smaller animals hidden among the vegetation.

Between our game drives, we return to our hotel for lunch before venturing out again this afternoon. As the safari unfolds, keep your eyes peeled for colourful birds perched in trees or flying across the sky. Kruger's plant life is also fascinating, with an array of trees, plants and flowers decorating the semi-arid terrain.

After another rewarding day of wildlife watching, we return to the hotel for dinner and time to unwind.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rising early for one last wildlife drive through Kruger National Park this morning, we enjoy a final opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the African bush before transferring to Skukuza Airport for a flight to Johannesburg.

On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and check in. Known as the 'City of Gold', Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and a bustling centre of culture and history, shaped by its fascinating gold-mining heritage.

There's time to relax at the hotel after our journey before we come together this evening for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we fly to Livingstone in Zambia, the gateway to the magnificent Victoria Falls. On arrival, we transfer to our five-star hotel, where a memorable stay awaits in a spectacular setting.

The Royal Livingstone Hotel sits just steps from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and offers a unique connection to the surrounding wilderness, with resident zebras and a giraffe roaming the grounds. Our rooms overlook the Zambezi River, setting the scene for this evening's experience.

As the sun begins to set, we board a boat for a tranquil river cruise, enjoying refreshments as the African landscape is bathed in a warm, golden light. Keep watch for wildlife along the riverbanks, with the possibility of spotting hippos and crocodiles in the water, or elephants coming to drink at the shore. As dusk falls over the Zambezi, we return to the hotel, with the unforgettable sights of our first evening in Zambia fresh in our minds.

• Breakfast

Today, we discover the majesty of Victoria Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides. Known by its original name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning 'The Smoke That Thunders', the falls are a spectacular sight as the mighty Zambezi River plunges through a series of basalt gorges, sending clouds of mist high into the air. Experiencing this UNESCO World Heritage site from two different perspectives reveals the sheer scale and power of the natural wonder.

Returning to our hotel, the afternoon is free to relax and make the most of our spectacular surroundings. Perhaps take a refreshing dip in the riverfront pool overlooking the Zambezi, unwind with a spa treatment or simply relax on your private balcony.

This evening, a truly unforgettable experience awaits aboard the luxurious Royal Livingstone Express, a dedicated fine-dining train where the journey itself is part of the occasion. Step back into the golden age of rail travel as we journey through the African bush in beautifully restored vintage carriages toward the iconic Victoria Falls bridge. As the sun sets over the falls, enjoy a sumptuous five-course farewell dinner, providing the perfect conclusion to this luxurious exploration of South Africa.

• Breakfast, Dinner

There's some time to relax after breakfast this morning. Watch the hotel's resident zebras roaming the grounds while lounging by the pool or enjoy a coffee on your room's balcony or terrace as you take in the last views of the mighty Zambezi.

We are then transferred to Livingstone Airport for a flight back to Johannesburg, where we connect with an overnight flight home to London Heathrow.

Throughout this unforgettable holiday, we have experienced the very best of South Africa, from searching for the Big Five across the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park to staying in the extraordinary 'train on the bridge'. We have marvelled at the mighty Victoria Falls, travelled in vintage luxury aboard the Royal Livingstone Express and discovered the vibrant city of Cape Town, creating memories to treasure long after our journey ends.  

Landing at London Heathrow early this morning, your luxurious African safari holiday comes to an end and you are free to continue your onward travel home.