Day-by-day itinerary

• Day

  01

  Cape Town, South Africa

  Welcome

  Touch down in Cape Town, South Africa! Once through customs and immigration, you'll receive a warm VIP welcome from Born Free Safaris' host.
  
  From the vibrant hues of the homes in Bo-Kaap to the poignant echoes of its apartheid past, the Cape region is an area of stunning contrasts. With the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain, Cape Town anchors a landscape defined by lush valleys and dramatic, rugged coastlines. It remains, quite simply, one of the most breathtaking cities on the planet.
  
  Located only 40 minutes from Cape Town City and the airport, start your journey in historic Stellenbosch. Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this town invites you to a laid-back start surrounded by stunning 18th-century Cape Dutch architecture, granite peaks, and lush green landscapes. Beyond its world-class vineyards, Stellenbosch serves as a vibrant cultural hub where you can explore premier art galleries and indulge in a diverse culinary scene, featuring artisanal chocolates, local cheeses, and world-class wine and fine brandy.

  Dinner
• Day

  02

  Cape Town

  Sleep in a bit, have a leisurely breakfast, and then head out with your specialist guide to explore the region. Your trip is designed around your interests and tastes - wine, cheese, art galleries, or just the historic culture of the area.
  
  Tonight, reservations will be made in one of the top local restaurants – Born Free includes a discounted dinner voucher.

  Breakfast / Dinner

  Includes 3 tastings.
• Day

  03

  Cape Peninsula & Historic Towns

  Penguin Beach, Stellenbosch

  Your private guide will pick you up after breakfast for a full day's tour of the Cape Peninsula. This is the most spectacular coastal drive in South Africa. Travel over Chapman’s Peak, stopping at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Visit Boulders and Foxy Beach, the home to African penguins. Head through charming fishing villages, stopping for a seaside lunch, and then visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens during blooming season. South Africa has many indigenous species such as the magnificent protea, orchids, and the African Daisy.
  
  Arrival back in Cape Town in the late afternoon.

  Breakfast
• Day

  04

  Cape Town

  TABLE BAY, CITY HIGHLIGHTS

  This morning, your introduction to the Cape region will be from the top of Table Mountain. Ascend via rotating cable car for views of the city, coast, surrounding mountains, and across the water to historic Robben Island.
  
  Discover Cape Town up-close on your private tour with expert guide. Each city tour is designed to your interests, but top sites include the colorful Cape Malay art district, Greenmarket Square, public buildings, House of Parliament, City Hall, and The Cape Castle.
  
  Born Free's Concierge Service will be more than happy to assist in making dinner recommendations and reservations. Top restaurants require reservations with deposit months in advance.

  Breakfast
• Day

  05

  Cape Region

  À la Carte Touring

  Spend today on your choice of "À la carte" touring. Select from a wide range of excursions that are already included in the price of the trip. Discuss your interests with a Born Free Safaris Specialist who will then create your personalized private tour.
  
  Ideas for À la Carte Touring:
  
  1) ARTS OF AFRICA - Visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and wander around Cape Town's arts district.
  
  2) WINE & CHEESE - Spend a full day in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Not only known for wine and gourmet restaurants but a magnificent area surrounded by granite peaks and dotted with stark white Cape Dutch architecture. Arrangements can be made for touring with a wine specialist guide.
  
  3) APARTHEID - Journey to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
  
  4) ADD 2 Days - SAFARI in GREATER KRUGER-SABI SAND
  
  5) SOWETO - Add a day in Johannesburg.

  Breakfast

  Optional: Greater Kruger Safari
  Although you will be visiting East Africa on this trip, we do offer the option of 2 days in Sabi Sands.
• Day

  06

  Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

  This morning, board your intercontinental flight north to Victoria Falls. Your hotel lies within walking distance of the Zambezi River or shuttle depending on your selected hotel.
  
  The waterfalls are known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders). There's a magic about the area with the towering columns of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, and the deep dark gorges. The falls are 5,604 feet wide, the largest curtain of water in the world! Late afternoon visits can sometimes give you views of the rainbow that often arches over the canyon.
  
  In the late afternoon, relax on a Sunset Cruise down the Zambezi River.

  Breakfast / Dinner
• Day

  07

  Victoria Falls - Nairobi

  David Livingstone was the first European to visit the area and named the falls after Queen Victoria. Your guide takes you on a scenic path through the rain forests where you will get to the best vantage points of both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides. Approach the heart-pounding views of Devil's Cataract and Knife Edge Bridge. The sound is loud as the water plunges 310 feet over a mile-long gorge.
  
  Take a small boat day trip on another segment of Zambezi, this time for a bit of possible wildlife and bird viewing. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may get to see lurking crocodile or hippo. The area is also a birder's paradise, with numerous jewel-like birds, as well as mighty fish eagles.
  
  Optional: Helicopter flightseeing - the best way to get the true impact of Vic Falls.
  
  You have a full day today in Vic Falls, to save two city overnights. We schedule the flight from Vic Falls to East Africa tonight with an overnight in Nairobi. This is the best connection to Kenya.
  
  If you want additional time in Vic Falls, speak to your Born Free consultant and an extra day can easily be added.
  
  Upon arrival in Nairobi, you are met and escorted to your hotel.

  Breakfast

  Optional Activities:
  Scenic Helicopter Tour
  The best way to get the full impact of Victoria Falls is by this stunning 13-minute flight. Cost from $175 per person.
  
  Devil's Pool, Zambia
  This natural pool has been created by erosion on the lip of the falls, where the water is only a few feet deep. This allows guests to sit in the pool and not get swept over the edge. Seasonally available. Cost from $180 per person.
• Day

  08

  Nairobi - Karen

  Visit the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife/Giraffe Center, where local children learn about their precious natural resource - the wildlife. A raised platform will bring you eye level with the friendly giraffes. You will also be able to view Giraffe Manor from the center.
  
  Continue to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This is a haven for elephant and rhino orphans. The organization is one of the world's most successful elephant rescue and rehabilitation programs. They nurture baby elephants that have been abandoned or orphaned until they are strong enough to be reintroduced into the bush.

  Breakfast
• Day

  09

  Amboseli National Park

  Shadows of Mt. Kilimanjaro

  A short flight takes you to the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Amboseli National Park. You are met at the airstrip and escorted out on your first game drive. The park is the home to large herds of elephants, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and Cape Buffalo to name just a few.
  
  Amboseli is a place of stark contrast, the name meaning “salty dust” in Maasai. Amboseli, despite its sometimes dry and dusty appearance, has an endless supply of water filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock from Mt. Kilimanjaro’s snow melt. These underground streams converge into clear freshwater springs in the heart of the park. If you are lucky, you may get to see the shimmering dry lakebed with false mirages of populated horizons.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

  Flight time: 40 minutes
• Day

  10

  Amboseli National Park

  Up at dawn – the Amboseli plains are golden with the new day’s sun. Head out for some game viewing to one of five main swamp areas where elephants & hippos gather.
  
  This is the time that the lions go on their hunts. Every turn will bring a new wildlife surprise. Herds of zebra and wildebeest are easily seen. Amboseli is also the home to Cape Buffalo, hippo, eland, giraffe, as well as lion and cheetah.
  
  Return to the lodge for a delicious buffet lunch and then out again for an afternoon game drive.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  11

  Maasai Mara Game Reserve

  The adventure continues as you fly to the northern extension of the Serengeti Plains - the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s premiere game reserve.
  
  Sweeping views of rolling grasslands studded with acacia trees, rivers, and forests offer plentiful opportunities to see a wide range of animals, including the "Big Five," cheetah, crocodiles, and birds of prey.
  
  Your base for exploration will always be selected to maximize game viewing during the time you travel.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

  Special Activities:
  Private Guide and Vehicle
  This allows for full day game drives during your stay in the Maasai Mara.
• Day

  12

  Maasai Mara Game Reserve

  Optional: start the early morning with a Hot-Air Balloon Safari with a bush breakfast.
  
  For the next two days, explore the vast reach of the Mara in search of that elusive "favorite" species you may not have seen. Be sure to take time and put your feet up at the lodge - realize just what a fabulous world we live in.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

  Optional:
  Hot Air Balloon Safari
  We highly suggest the balloon safari at dawn over the Maasai Mara with a champagne bush breakfast, from $575 per person.
• Day

  13

  Your Journey Onwards

  Flight to Nairobi

  Bid a fond farewell to the bush and the friends you have made at camp as you take a short flight back to Nairobi. A dayroom has been provided for you to relax and pack before you are transferred to the airport to connect to your international flight.
  
  Take with you the memories of a truly magical African experience.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner