St Helena, Vic Falls, and Botswana Safari

Land in Cape Town this morning where a local representative will be waiting to help you through immigration and baggage collection before passing you on to a driver for the trip into the city where you will be spending the night at the Ridgemor Villa Guest House. The day is yours to do as you please, but if you would like then we can help to arrange a guide to take you around Cape Town or the nearby winelands and tell you more about the area.

You will be collected early this morning and transferred back to the airport to catch the weekly Cape Town service to St Helena. On arrival you will be met by your guide, Aaron, and transferred to the Mantis St Helena, where you will stay for the next four nights, passing through some of the small villages en route. The volcanic nature of the island is immediately apparent in the rugged coastline scenery. Enjoy an afternoon walk through the island's capital of Jamestown, and discover the stories that this historically rich Georgian-styled town has to offer. Visit the Castle with its tropical gardens, St James Church (the oldest Anglican Church in the Southern Hemisphere), the famous Jacob's ladder which ascends 699 steps above the town, and the Court House.

Today you'll explore the island by 4x4. Stop at Deadwood Plain, which was the campsite of Boer prisoners of war during the Anglo-Boer War of 1900-1902 before a short walk to Flagg Staff which gives you wonderful panoramic views across the island. Visit Fisher's Valley where Napoleon rode his horse during his exile on the island and Levelwood, home to the Bell Stone - a rock which when struck rings like a bell. Wind your way to the southwest point of the island for incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean, which stretches unbroken for 2700 kilometres in every direction.

This morning, after breakfast, a highlight of the island awaits as you join your skipper for a boat cruise off the island. Home to huge schools of Pan-Tropical, Bottlenose, and Rough-Toothed dolphins, as well as turtles, Devil Rays, and Whale Sharks (in season January - March), the deep blue waters are teeming with life. The tour gives you a scenic view of St Helena's coastline and allows you to view a few of the old fortifications and outposts that still stand. Return to port and enjoy lunch at a local coffee shop.

Set off this afternoon, with Aaron, for the St Helena Coffee Plantation to follow the process of roasting the 200-year-old Arabica bean, one of the World's most sought-after coffees.

Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to St Helena in 1815 and died on the island six years later. This morning, visit Longwood House, owned by the French government, where he lived and died. It is one of the best Napoleonic museums in the world, with original furniture and over 900 artifacts.

Have your picnic lunch on Longwood Green and after lunch take a fifteen-minute stroll to see Napoleon's tomb and the beautiful heart-shaped waterfall, before stopping at the St Helena Distillery on your return.

After breakfast, you will have time for a last look around Jamestown before your transfer back to the airport and onward flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you will stay overnight. The evening is yours to wander around Johannesburg.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, arriving in the early afternoon. After arriving at the airport, a comfortable transfer will whisk you away to Ilala Lodge, an exquisite boutique hotel nestled in a serene corner of the town, your home for the next three nights. This afternoon is yours to unwind by the pool, immersing yourself in the delightful ambiance of the hotel. Feel free to explore the nearby walking trails leading to The Falls, offering various viewpoints for a captivating experience.

Victoria Falls stands proudly as the adventure hub of Africa, offering a plethora of captivating experiences. Exploring The Falls is a definite highlight, and don't miss the chance to embark on Zambezi River cruises. Ilala Lodge even provides its exclusive boat for highly sought-after sunset cruises. For the thrill-seekers, there are options like helicopter and microlight flights, bungee jumps, gorge swings, and, when conditions allow, the exhilarating opportunity to swim in the Devil’s Pool right on the edge of the precipice

Naturally, you'll desire some leisure time to savor the surroundings, and Ilala Lodge is an ideal retreat. The inviting swimming pool area, accompanied by a shaded veranda, provides the perfect setting for basking in the sunshine. For a sneak peek into the upcoming wildlife experiences, consider arranging game drives in the Zambezi National Park. Alternatively, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea on the lawns of the world-famous Victoria Falls Hotel, where the waterfall provides a breathtaking backdrop

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a transfer to Kasane in Botswana. There, a light aircraft will fly you to the Moremi Game Reserve, your haven for the next three nights. Take a moment to settle in before indulging in an alfresco lunch on the lodge's deck. The afternoon invites you to unwind by the swimming pool or in the comfort of your suite. Later, venture out on a late afternoon game drive, where you can begin to spot the abundant wildlife that graces the area.

The untamed beauty of Camp Moremi provides an ideal setting for immersive game drives. Your knowledgeable guide ensures you get up close and personal with a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, wild dogs, elephants, buffalos, and giraffes, among others. The day is thoughtfully divided between early morning and late afternoon game drives, allowing for moments of relaxation in between. Take the opportunity to unwind, soak in the extraordinary surroundings of the lodge, and appreciate the remarkable wildlife. Camp Moremi stands as a truly exceptional destination, remaining one of the most coveted camps in the country.

While your primary focus will be on exploring and wildlife viewing, there will be ample opportunities to relish the camp itself. The pool area, a favorite among guests, offers a perfect retreat for relaxation. Additionally, the lounge and bar area, both boasting views of the enchanting Xakanaxa Lagoon, provide excellent spaces to unwind between game drives. The culinary experience at the camp is exceptional, complemented by the attentive and friendly staff who ensure you lack nothing throughout your stay.

Conclude your adventure with a memorable morning game drive followed by breakfast on the lodge's scenic deck. Shortly after, you'll be collected and transferred back to the airstrip for a flight deep into the Okavango Delta. Your destination is Xugana Island Lodge, situated in the heart of a permanent lagoon within a broader private concession of the Delta. This location is considered the epitome of a 'wet' Okavango Delta experience, offering an extensive array of water-based activities right from the lodge.

Embark on a water-filled adventure with your guide from Xugana and immerse yourself in the wonders of this incredible part of the Delta. Relaxing boat trips navigate the intricate network of channels and islands within the concession, while more adventurous guests can explore by canoe. Guided walks, as well as day and night drives (conditions permitting), offer additional ways to discover the beauty of the surroundings. For those who enjoy fishing, seasonal opportunities abound, and for an extraordinary experience, helicopter flights over the Delta can be arranged for an additional cost.

Full days of exploration in the Delta, witnessing the majestic presence of wildlife including lions, leopards, and elephants, along with a diverse array of birdlife, will undoubtedly immerse you in a profound connection with nature. Take breaks in between to unwind and savor the tranquil atmosphere of Xugana. The secluded pool area offers a perfect retreat for basking in the sunshine, while the floating deck on the lagoon in front of the lodge sets the stage for a romantic farewell dinner on the last night of your safari.

Conclude your Xugana experience with a final morning activity and a delightful farewell breakfast. Subsequently, you'll be escorted back to the airstrip for a flight to Maun, connecting onwards to Johannesburg. From Johannesburg, catch the overnight British Airways flight bound for London Heathrow, with an anticipated arrival tomorrow morning.