Essence of Southern Africa

Overview

Mother Nature's delights are abundant throughout Africa. Embark on a journey to a destination simply bursting with experiences and sights that will leave you spellbound at every turn. It's hard to find something that Africa doesn't offer - incredible wildlife, iconic landscapes, local villages, and beautiful beaches can all be discovered! 

The APT Travel Group

APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and awe-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys.

Signature Experiences

Designed Exclusively for APT guests

These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options

Inclusions

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

Departs May 2025- April 2026

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Cape Town

Arrive in Cape Town, where we’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel, affectionately known by locals and regulars as Mt. Nellie. At the foot of Table Mountain, and within walking distance of Company’s Garden, this exquisitely restored colonial hotel was painted its iconic shade of pink in 1918.

This evening, meet your fellow travelling companions and Tour Director at a welcome reception.

• Stay: Three Nights, Cape Town, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Day 2 - Cape Town

After breakfast, head out to discover the charms of Cape Town. Built by Dutch colonialists from 1666 to  1679, stop at the Castle of Good Hope for a tour of this historic pentagonal fortress, which is the oldest existing building in South Africa. Visit District Six Museum and, through its informative and thought provoking presentations, learn about the culture and sobering Apartheid-era history of Cape Town and South Africa. Afterwards, board the aerial cableway to the top of Table Mountain, where panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding landscape await. Tonight, savour Cape Town’s fabulous cuisine.

• Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Cape Town, Cape Peninsula

After breakfast this morning, you will journey along the spectacular coastal Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point. En route, take in South African beach scenery, glimpses of quaint villages and stop at the ‘tip’ of Africa, Cape Point, before continuing to Simon’s Town for a delightful lunch. Nearby is Boulders Beach, where you will see a colony of penguins before returning to your hotel.

• Daily: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Cape Town, Stellenbosch

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps visit Robben Island and learn about the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated from 1964 to 1982, and life on the island. Or discover the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront with a visit to Zeitz MOCAA, the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. Alternatively, take part in a Heritage Tour, where you will discover the colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap. After your Freedom of Choice activity, head for the oak-shaded streets of Stellenbosch and spend the afternoon at the Lanzerac Hotel. Here, let your luxury accommodation’s tremendous history, character and charm unfold before you, amid a backdrop of magnificent mountains.

• Stay: Two Nights, Stellenbosch, Lanzerac Hotel
• Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – Stellenbosch

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Today you'll explore historic Stellenbosch, and admire its beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and colonial history. You will experience the town’s storied past, remarkable culture and inspiring artwork on a walking tour, before tasting traditional South African dishes such as savoury Bobotie and sweet Amarula mousse. After exploring Stellenbosch, spend the rest of the day at your accommodation’s estate. Surrounded by mountains and wine farms, you can relax or partake in the activities offered within the property.

• Daily: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - Cape Town, Kruger National Park

Fly to Kruger today and transfer to your private lodge, set on 15,000 hectares within Kruger National Park. Your home for the next three nights will offer ample opportunities to seek out the loca inhabitants: some 40 different mammal species, including the Big Five (the lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant and African buffalo), along with over 300 bird species. This evening, enjoy a round of sundowners as you soak up the magnificent African sunset before a delicious dinner.

• Stay: Three Nights, Kruger National Park, Kapama River Lodge
• Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Kruger National Park

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Rise early for a morning game drive, which presents the perfect opportunity to spot animals roaming in the wild.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

This evening, indulge in a culturally rich boma dinner under the stars. Soak in the unique atmosphere of open-air candlelit dining in the heart of the African bush. Savour traditional dishes including kebabs, steak and a variety of salads and bread accompanied by authentic song and dance.

After your exhilarating game drive, return to your luxurious lodge for time to relax and reminisce about the morning’s adventures before you embark on another thrilling game drive in the afternoon. Cap off your day with a mesmerising Signature Experience beneath a starlit sky.

• Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 shown how to look for animal tracks and learn about some of the local fauna used for numerous medicinal purposes. Your day rounds out with another vehicle-based game viewing, with a sundown toast to all that you have seen.

• Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Kruger National Park, Johannesburg

Today, after a final morning game drive, you will fly to Johannesburg, where you will stay overnight in preparation for our flight to Livingstone in the morning.

• Stay: Johannesburg, Peermont D’Oreale Grande
• Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Livingstone

Fly to Livingstone and enjoy ample time to explore your hotel, with the company of free-roaming zebras. Your hotel boasts direct access to Victoria Falls from dawn till dusk. In the late afternoon, you will embark on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, with sundowners and canapes served against the backdrop of a magnificent African sunset.

• Stay: Three Nights, Royal Livingstone Hotel
• Daily: Breakfast

Day 11 - Livingstone

Take an included helicopter flight and witness a spectacular aerial view of thundering Victoria Falls from above.

Head out on a tour of Victoria Falls, situated on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders). Victoria Falls is the world’s largest sheet of falling water, spanning over 1,700 metres and a drop of 108 metres. Learn about the rich history of the Falls and remarkable geological features. This afternoon, delight in an extraordinary Signature Experience. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner this evening.

• Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 – Livingstone

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Step aboard the luxurious Royal Livingstone Express steam train for a five-course gourmet dinner amid breathtaking views of the Falls and surrounding scenery. Once the train reaches the Victoria Falls Bridge, you will be invited to step off the train to watch as the sun sets behind the Falls.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Today presents a variety of exciting activities to choose from. You might like to embark on a Cultural Tour to a local village, followed by a visit to the vibrant Maramba Market. Alternatively, enjoy a game drive in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which runs alongside the Zambezi River. Or tour the Zimbabwean side of the Falls for a different perspective, with an included lunch.

With direct access to the Falls, perhaps rise with the sun and capture some more special moments before breakfast. How you'd like to spend today is up to you with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer. Tonight, savour an unforgettable Signature Experience.

• Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 - Depart Livingstone

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

• Daily: Breakfast