Day-by-day itinerary

• Day

  01

  Cape Town, South Africa

  Touch down in Cape Town! With the iconic Table Mountain framing the skyline, the city is a masterpiece of verdant valleys, dramatic coastlines, and granite peaks. Experience a unique blend of "Old World" charm and Victorian architecture, set against the powerful history of Nelson Mandela and the apartheid era.
  
  Upon arrival, a Born Free Safaris representative will escort you to your hotel for check-in. 

  Safari Consultants’ tip: Begin your journey in historic Stellenbosch, just 40 minutes away. Beyond its legendary vineyards, the area offers art galleries and artisanal tastings of cheese, chocolate, brandy, and gin. After soaking up the laid-back atmosphere, your private guide will take you through Cape Point and Penguin Beach before settling into the heart of Cape Town.
• Day

  02

  Cape Town

  Table Mountain - City Tour

  After a leisurely breakfast, you can begin an exciting day of exploration by ascending the 
  
  Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, where rotating floors provide a 360-degree aerial view. From the top, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramas of the mountainous coast, the Atlantic Ocean, and the sprawling city below. 
  
  Your journey continues into the historical heart of "Old Cape Town," starting with South Africa's oldest Christian church, bustling Greenmarket Square where you can discover local crafts. Listen as your expert guide explains the cultural history of the area. The tour then transitions to the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, formerly known as the Malay Quarter, where vibrant houses in shades of pink, blue, and lime green line the cobblestone streets. A walking tour through this district allows you to experience its rich Cape Malay culture, sample some of the local foods and stop at the local art collectives.

  Breakfast
• Day

  03

  Cape Point

  Penguin Beach, Cape of Good Hope, Kirstenbosch Gardens

  Today, meet your guide and drive out alongside the majestic Twelve Apostles Mountains and over b Your destination is the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Stop at the African penguin colony and then immerse yourself in the botanical splendor of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, these gardens are celebrated globally for their collection of indigenous flora, including vibrant proteas and fynbos. Born Free has coordinated several significant U.S. Botanical Garden tours to this iconic sanctuary.
  
  Conclude your day with a return to Cape Town, where you may enjoy dinner at your choice of the city’s world-renowned restaurants on your own account.

  Breakfast
• Day

  04

  Cape Historic Region

  À la carte Touring

  Spend today on your choice of "À la carte" touring. You'll select from a range of excursions that are already included in the price of the trip.
  
  Ideas for À la carte Touring:
  
  1) A full day exploring Cape Town on your own. Perhaps visiting the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art of Africa, which features stunning architecture as well as a collection of art pieces; and the Jewish Museum adjoining the oldest synagogue in South Africa.
  
  2) A full or half day visit to magnificent Stellenbosch and Franschhoek- an area dotted with Cape Dutch architecture, majestic granite peaks, fine wine, and cheese & chocolate tasting venues.
  
  3) A ferry ride takes you to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and is now a monument and museum dedicated to those who fought against oppression.
  
  4) A visit to the philanthropic Uthando Community Project- an amazing collection of innovative, inspiring and fun community development projects and charitable organizations across a broad spectrum of sectors.
  

  Breakfast

  Special Activity:
  Shark Cage Diving
  Get safely and exhilaratingly up close to these beautiful creatures of the sea. Cost from $300 per person.
• Day

  05

  Greater Kruger Private Reserve

  On Safari

  Rise early this morning for your flight to your safari in one of the excellent privately owned game reserves. The Greater Kruger area comprises an extraordinarily biodiverse habitat for all of the ´Big Five´: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape Buffalo.
  
  This afternoon, set off on your first game drive, accompanied by a resident professional driver-guide and a Shangaan tracker. Safaris are conducted in open 4 x 4 vehicles, and offer the opportunity to witness the sought-after ‘Big Five’. Additionally, professionally led bush walks are an exciting way to get closer to nature.
  
  Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner, exchanging stories of the bush with your fellow travelers.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Days

  06-07

  Greater Kruger Private Reserve

  Begin another two days of safari, looking for the creatures you didn't get a chance to spot the day before. This afternoon, you might want to take a nature walk or visit a local community. Then out on another game drive as you traverse the reserve. Spot trumpeting elephants, an elusive leopard, or a pride of lion. Around the corner, other wildlife surprises may await you.
  
  Tonight, adventure out on an evening game drive in search of nocturnal species such as bush babies, genet, porcupine, or perhaps a fascinating pangolin.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Days

  08-09

  Victoria Falls

  Zimbabwe & Zambia

  Wave goodbye to the bush as you board an early direct flight to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. Located on the Zimbabwe and Zambia border, everyone has their personal choice of which side of the Falls is better; but during your stay you will visit both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides.
  
  A guided walking tour takes you through the rainforest, stopping at the best vantage points. As the sun sets this evening, take a cruise on the Zambezi River.
  
  À la carte Touring Ideas:
  
  1) Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and learn about their rehabilitation center and ongoing research.
  
  2) Meet with the local community.
  
  3) Experience an adrenaline adventure such as rafting, bungee jumping, or Devil’s Pool swim.
  
  4) Add safari time by expanding your time and visit adjacent Botswana.

  Breakfast / Dinner

  Special Activity:
  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.
• Day

  10

  Departure

  Your Journey Onward

  We suggest rising early this morning and heading out for your last look at magnificent Victoria Falls. With a little luck, you may get to see the arching rainbow that often frames the Falls.
  
  Bid farewell to Africa, taking with you the memories of a journey that will last a lifetime.
  Fly to Johannesburg where you connect with your onward flight.

  Breakfast