Africa dazzles with an untamed brilliance that stirs the soul. Stand before the thunderous Victoria Falls, where mist rises like breath from the earth itself. Drift along the Chobe River as elephants wade through molten-gold sunsets. In Sabi Sabi, the rhythm of the wild unfolds—silent leopards, ancient trees, and stars bright enough to guide dreams. Onboard the Zambezi Queen, we will glide softly along the river, where each dawn paints a new masterpiece. Here, nature isn’t just observed—it’s felt, lived, and forever remembered.
That’s just the introduction, as you see below this privately hosted tour with me “The Travellingguy” is full of adventure, excitement and enlightenment. There are only 10 spots available for this life changer, so don’t hesitate and secure your position NOW
Monday 19th April 2027
Transfer to Sunrock Lodge on arrival.
Day 1 & 2 – Flight and Overnight in Johannesburg
On arrival to Johannesburg Airport, we will proceed through customs to the collection point (approximately 40 metres from the exit of the airport) for our transfer to our overnight stay at the delightful Sunrock Guesthouse for our overnight stay in Johannesburg. The hotel provides a complimentary return airport shuttle service. Relax and unwind from the flight with a little welcome to South Africa drink at the bar. Dinner at the hotel is always delicious and an early night to recover from a big flight. Tomorrow we start the real deal!
Sunrock Guesthouse
Included: Dinner
Day 3 – Joberg – Chobe Princess Namibia
Let’s get straight to the good stuff!
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Kasane Airport Botswana and onto our adventure on the Chobe Princess for 2 nights all-inclusive on the Chobe River.
Game viewing on the Chobe River is most exceptional from March to November when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile as they search for food and water. Autumn offers particularly dramatic sightings, and that’s right where you will be!
On arrival we will sort out our visas and be ready to transfer onto our boutique house boat where we will be served lunch. We will then have a little time to settle in before we’ll go in search of some big game by tender boat. This is a perfect time of day to make the most of the golden glow of the African sunset by getting shots of the animals as they gravitate towards the river before nightfall. On your return to the Chobe Princess freshen up before meeting on the upper deck for a welcome drink or two. After taking in the spectacular scenery, enjoy a 3-course dinner along with an excellent choice of paired wines. Finish off with a nightcap or 3 at the bar before retiring to the night sounds of Africa in the distance. Welcome to Africa my friends.
Chobe Princess
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · All inclusive
Day 4 – Chobe Princess River Cruise
We know that some guests like to watch the sunrise as they sip on their coffee while others like to take a more leisurely approach. That’s why we let you choose your morning activities, depending on the type of holiday you are searching for.
Perhaps you want to enjoy another water – based safari or a village tour on the Namibian side of the river or simply remain on board and relax, a spot of fishing? – the choice is entirely yours. I’m voting safari and village visit!
After your morning activities, enjoy lunch on board while using your unique vantage point to spot wild animals. The afternoon sees another opportunity for a water- based safari where you can get close up to some more amazing wildlife.
After a delicious dinner, settle down for a restful and tranquil night in your luxurious suite, or then again, it’s a holiday so let’s have a drink at the bar!
Chobe Princess
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · All inclusive
Day 5 – Chobe Princess – Botswana
There’s more African brilliance ahead!
Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast as you do your last bit of animal spotting and take some memorable photographs.
Bid the crew a reluctant farewell and then make your way via tender boats to the Namibian Immigration Office and once all documents have been stamped, you’ll be transferred via tender boats to Kasane Immigration Office, where you will have your documents stamped before entering Botswana.
We will then be transferred riverside to The Cresta Mowana for one final evening in the Chobe. Settle in for the afternoon with a visit to the Spa, (at own cost) which I highly recommend or test out the pool for the correct temp! This evening we will enjoy a little sunset cruise, (because you can’t have enough of them) and then dinner at the restaurant. It’s been an amazing first few days, right? I know you are in love with Africa already!
Cresta Mowana
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Botswana – Vic Falls
It’s time to move on down the road and set up camp at our new digs at Mbano Manor. Discover the luxurious and intimate Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls, a 5-star boutique hotel nestled in an ancient teak forest and within minutes for the UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. With 18 Luxury Suites and a Villa, restaurant, and a swimming pool, experience rich cultural history and world-class hospitality. Family-owned and founded by a dynamic African woman, Mbano offers an authentic and exclusive luxury experience, perfect for discerning travellers.
Mbano Manor Hotel is located on the Old Kazungula Road, only four kilometres from the entrance to the Victoria Falls Park, in the heart of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and is adjacent to the Zambezi National Park, providing guests with easy access to the region’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Decades ago, a young African girl embarked on her first trip to Victoria Falls. As she posed for a photo with her father and sister against the backdrop of the thundering waterfalls, never could she imagine what was to come. That moment sparked a dream in her heart. That dream is now Mbano Manor Hotel, a bespoke luxury five-star hotel, proudly black female-owned business, at the Victoria Falls.
Now a Mother, Grandmother, Businesswoman & Hotelier – Dr Matifadza Martha Nyazema is our inspiring Founder and Owner.
Tonight we will be delighted with a Boma Dinner and Drum show.
Stemming from the Swahili word for enclosure, a Boma is an event where the tribesmen protect and provide for their community. Get amped up as a tantalising Zambian feast is prepared with barbecued meats and spiced dishes. Enticing scents fill the air as the specialities of the area smoke slowly on the grills. Live music and traditional dancing immerse you in the colourful customs of the land. Bring your drumming skills.
Mbano Manor and Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Vic Falls
After breakfast, we will make our way to one of the planets most impressive waterfalls. “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or Victoria Falls as the English named her. We will have a private tour and discover how they were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them. The tour undertakes a scenic route and is led by an expert local guide. Learn how Livingstone in 1851, first heard of the great waterfall, but it was only in 1855 that he set out to visit it. He landed on the biggest island on the lip of the falls, now called Livingstone Island and from there obtained his first view of the Falls.
After the tour of the Vic Falls, we will have lunch at Baines Restaurant, a beautiful riverside location that is just perfect after our falls discovery walk.
After lunch we will head back to the hotel for some leisure time before some of you are picked up from our hotel for your amazing chopper flight over Vic Falls.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure above the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls with our exclusive helicopter rides (at own expense). Picture yourself soaring high above the falls, the Zambezi River, the Batoka Gorge, and the National Park, capturing breath taking views like never before. Our helicopters boast specially designed bubble windows, ensuring you enjoy unparalleled vistas. Plus, no middle seats are sold, guaranteeing you uninterrupted panoramas throughout the journey.
Back to the hotel to revel in your experience and have a few celebratory bevies!
Dinner tonight is at your leisure, Hotel or you can venture out.
Mbano Manor and Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Vic Falls – Johannesburg
Early breakfast this morning in preparation for our flight out of Central Africa to make our way south. More brilliance awaits, don’t you worry about that!
Enjoy another mouth-watering breakfast and take that begrudgingly packed bag to reception.
On arrival at Joberg we will be transferred to our hotel.
The Houghton Hotel and Spa
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Johannesburg
After breakfast today we will be collected at our hotel for a day tour of Soweto and Joberg including the Arts Precinct, Nelson Mandela’s home Soweto township and more. The tour will provide you an insight to the history of South Africa and is an eye-opening experience. It is a great way to get some understanding of the country’s history, political struggles and a sense of the local way of life. It will be a rewarding experience for both your heart and soul. Back to the hotel for a beverage and dinner before retiring in anticipation of what awaits? Time to take you to another level!! I mean the top of the pops!!
The Houghton Hotel and Spa
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 – Johannesburg – Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Private Game Reserve
Let’s go big!!
An early breakfast today, the hotel’s airport shuttle service will transfer us to the airport for our flight to Skukuza Airport – I will have booked the departure time at the hotel reception. Upon arrival we will be met by your new friends and transferred to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Look out for your first sightings!
From the architecture to the décor and the cuisine, every aspect of Bush Lodge is inspired by its natural surroundings. Our culinary team will take you on a sensory journey of exceptional settings, gourmet meals and premium wines in the spirit of future-forward luxury African safari.
Sabi Sabi is based on 3 pillars: conservation of the pristine natural wilderness and its environment; uplifting and upskilling the community and cultures of those whom they share the region with and who play an integral role in Sabi’s success; and finally, their hospitality. This includes not only luxury accommodation and holistic safaris, five-star dining and any and every beverage you desire, (well nearly). The connections you will make with the Sabi Sabi team members will be real and never forced.
On arrival you will be treated to a delicious lunch then shown to your luxury lodge accommodation before we head out for our first taste of a Sabi Sabi Safari. This will be followed by a time honoured South African tradition know as ‘Sundowners’. Drinks and delightful canapes served as the sun sets across the African sky blue.
Back to camp to freshen up for an amazing dining experience in the indoor/outdoor area overlooking the waterhole and unending bushveld.
Who has the best safari story to tell?
(B) (L) (D) All Inclusive
Day 11 – Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Wake to the sounds of the African bush and if you are keen (you will be) we head out for an early morning safari, which is often a great time to get personal with Sabi Sabi and its inhabitants.
You may decide to take a morning guided bushwalk, as there is much more to see than the big game? (Yes, the rangers are armed, just in case)!
Breakfast to follow, then you have the choice to just hang out and relax or maybe hit the gym (well you never know) then again, some indulgent treats in the Amani Spa might be what is in order. (This and wine from the private cellar collection are the only extra charges here at Sabi Sabi).
Once again lunch will be served to you with love and affection before you have the afternoon to yourself. You may be surprised by the visitors that turn up at the waterhole during the day as well.
An evening safari is a must do. As the animals venture out of their shaded daytime protection new scents fill the air and as the sun dips behind the horizon your Ranger will choose a spot where you can stretch your legs and enjoy sundowners alongside the vehicle. Watch in awe as the sky turns to the sensational vibrant reds, golds and oranges typical of an African sunset. There is a lull as the animals sense the transition into a time of increased danger. It is during evening safaris that the nocturnal hunters start stirring, and their prey need to be on alert for survival through the night.
After another eventful safari we will return back to home base for another sumptuous dinner and drinks as we regale on our days adventures.
My shout for the Big 5, this one’s a drink….
(B) (L) (D) All Inclusive
Day 12 – Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Wake to the sounds of the African bush and if you are keen (I will be) you can head out for an early morning safari, which is often a great time to get personal with Sabi Sabi and its inhabitants.
You may decide to take a morning guided bushwalk, as there is much more to see than the big game? (Yes, the rangers are armed, just in case)!
Breakfast to follow, then you have the choice to just hang out and relax or maybe hit the gym (well you never know) then again, some indulgent treats in the Amani Spa might be what is in order. (This and wine from the private cellar collection are the only extra charges here at Sabi Sabi).
Once again lunch will be served to you with love and affection before you have the afternoon to yourself. You may be surprised by the visitors that turn up at the waterhole during the day as well.
An evening safari is a must do. As the animals venture out of their shaded daytime protection new scents fill the air and as the sun dips behind the horizon your Ranger will choose a spot where you can stretch your legs and enjoy sundowners alongside the vehicle. Watch in awe as the sky turns to the sensational vibrant reds, golds and oranges typical of an African sunset. There is a lull as the animals sense the transition into a time of increased danger. It is during evening safaris that the nocturnal hunters start stirring, and their prey needs to be on alert for survival through the night.
After another eventful safari we will return back to home base for another sumptuous dinner and drinks as we regale on our days adventures.
(B) (L) (D) All Inclusive
Day 13 – Sabi Sabi – Cape Town
Yes, it’s a tragedy that we have to leave the grand statement that is Sabi Sabi, but I have a feeling she will never ever leave you. We will possibly have time for one last safari, but that will be reliant on our flights. Our next destination, Cape Town, we will be met by one of my representatives for our transfer to South Africa’s premium wine country and our hotel The Devon Valley Hotel. Enjoy the rest of your night at your leisure. It’s been a day, might be a room service night or a bar and snack kind of evening.
The award-winning Devon Valley Hotel (4 Star) is tucked away in a tranquil corner of the Cape Winelands, boasting some of the most breathtaking views of hotels in Stellenbosch, and you will see why it is one of my favourites. Most of the fifty stylishly furnished rooms offer simply spectacular views across vineyards and olive groves towards the Heidelberg mountains in the distance. This charming Stellenbosch Hotel is well-known for its authentic ‘handmade hospitality’, with a history dating back to 1943 when the main building was constructed from Canadian Cedarwood. The truly unique original design remains part its appeal.
Devon Valley Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 – Stellenbosch – Franschhoek
After a leisurely morning breakfast, we will head into Franschhoek for a little quaffing and consumption activities. We will be collected at the hotel after breakfast for the Wine Route Tour of Franschhoek. A combination of bus and tram – will transport us around a loop of chosen stops to hop off at and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply stroll through the vineyards. So many terrific wineries and a few surprises as well. We will be transferred back into Stellenbosch for a debrief before dinner on me at one of my favourite dining options.
Devon Valley Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 – Stellenbosch – Cape Town
Time to escape wine country.
Wake at your leisure and enjoy a country styled breakfast. Then maybe a stroll around the vineyards before we make our departure.
We will take private transfer to The President Hotel, departing at 11am.
We will be collected at our hotel and transferred to the amazing “Mother City”, Cape Town. We will be at our staying beach front location in the delightful Bantry Bay. After check in, the rest of the day is yours to explore. I encourage you to come chat with me and I can give you plenty of options! There are some great restaurants available as lunch options.
President Hotel
Included: Breakfast
Day 16 – Cape Town
Today is a free day and I have a few options for us to look at. If you are keen for a round of golf, or a hike up Table Mountain, maybe a day of pampering or a day just discovering more of the Mother City it can be arranged. The Hop on Hop Off Bus is also a great way to discover more of Cape Town. Take the walk to V&A Waterfront for shopping and bars and restaurants. These options are at your own cost. Let’s meet for Sunset Drinks on the deck of another one of my favourite restaurants in Bantry Bay, it’s a short walk from the hotel and we will wander down together to catch the magical sunset.
President Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17 – Cape Town
This morning after breakfast, we will be collected at our hotel and embark on a Full Day scheduled Cape Peninsula Tour of Cape Town. The tour includes a trip to Cape Point at the southern western tip of the Cape Peninsula with the most spectacular views. The Cape Point Nature Reserve comprises of 17300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora. Here you can see wildlife that includes baboon’s, rhebok, Cape Mountain Zebra, Ostrich and the elusive eland. Bird watches will also find many fine species to observe. Light Lunch at Simons Town and then a visit to the Boulders Beach to view those super cute penguins. This awe-inspiring tour to the towering headland known as Cape Point encompasses magnificent beaches, breathtaking views, and picturesque coastal villages. After the tour, we will be dropped off at our hotel.
Dinner is all yours tonight. Ask for suggestions.
President Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18 – Cape Town
Enjoy a sleep in and your breakfast, then we will have an optional visit to Afrogem. Enjoy a tour of their amazing diamond, tanzanite & gemstone factory, specialising in the rich mineral heritage of the African continent. The tour is approximately 30 minutes and concludes in their showroom where you can view their range of jewellery, loose gems and curios.
A representative from Afrogem will transfer us to the Table Mountain cableway.
We will ascend to the top (weather permitting) by the revolving cable car. Here, you will see wildflowers and the famous silver tree, and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and its beaches. On a cloudless day it is even possible to see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on one side and Cape Point on the other.
After the trip to Table Mountain and feeling on top of the world we will make our own way to the V&A Waterfront for a late lunch. You are then are free to have a little further inspection of the precinct, or grab an Uber back to the hotel and chill. The walk back to the hotel is actually beautiful.
Ubers are very safe here.
Dinner is at your leisure tonight and if you are still hungry I can suggest a few dining options.
President Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 19 – Cape Town
Today is a good day to totally relax and take a moment or two recalling all the magnificent moments you have been a part of over the last few weeks. Then again, if you do want to get out and about again, just ask me for a few suggestions. Might be nice for us to have a final night dinner and a few drinks together as well. We can discuss.
President Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast
Day 20 – Home Time
Sadly, it’s time to bid farewell to the Rainbow Nation.
After breakfast, around 11am, will be collected from our hotel for the transfer to Cape Town International Airport for our homeward flight to Australia.
I am hoping that you have had a wonderful experience discovering the beauty and unique wildlife encounters of your intimate African adventure. If you did, please tell all your friends about The Travellingguy Small Group Tours.
If you didn’t, just tell me…
(B)
Day 21 – Arrive home
Securing your place
Early Bird — save $450 per person if you book before 30 November.
A 30% deposit secures your place and there are only 10 spots available for this private and exclusive next level African adventure!
What’s Included
- 3 Nights Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Private Game Reserve all-inclusive! (except French Champagne and All Cellar Wines)
- 2 Nights all-inclusive on our private houseboat, the Chobe Princess all-inclusive!
- Water based safaris on Tender Boats
- Chobe National Park Land Safari
- Victoria Falls Tour
- Cape Peninsula Tour
- Boma Dinner and Cultural Dance and Drum Show
- Wine Tram day trip in Franschhoek
- Table Mountain Cable Car
- Return Airport and land transfers in Africa
- Meet and Greet services
- All 4- and 5-star hotels
- All listed accommodations and meals as stated 21 (B) 11 (L) 12 (D)
What’s Not Included
- International Flights (I can assist with your flights and Insurance)
- Any suggested vaccinations
- Personal expenses
- Chopper Flight
- Tipping and gratuity
- Travel Insurance and Visas
- Optional Tours
- Meals not listed
This itinerary has been collated by The Travellingguy and cannot be copied.
Subject to changes.
A moderate physical ability is required for this holiday of a lifetime.
Welcome to the family!
Scotty McRae
