Botswana, Victoria Falls and Beyond

No sooner than touching down in Johannesburg, you will be whizzed away to Victoria Falls. Hop onto a short 1 hour 45-minute flight to Zimbabwe. Take a moment to let that glorious African heat wash over you before a final 20-minute transfer to your hotel. Chances are the effects of a red-eye flight are setting in, so take the afternoon to relax. Snooze on a soft bed, plunge into the pool, or head out to see the striking Victoria Falls - known locally by the Kalolo-Lozi people as 'the smoke that thunders'.

This evening you are invited on a sundowner cruise along the Zambezi River. Nibble on high tea delights and keep your eyes peeled along the riverbanks for elephants, yellow eyed crocs and hungry hippos.

Take the chance to relax over breakfast; white water rafting on the lower Zambezi is not for the faint of heart. The rocky walls of the Batoka Gorge and the blasting power of the river create Grade Five rapids that will have you clinging tight as you slice through surging waters. A great way to start the day. If you prefer not to get your hair wet, opt for a fishing trip along the Zambezi, a scenic helicopter flight or a bungee jump .This afternoon, Victoria Falls is served at a gentler pace, with a high tea experience at Stanley's Terrace. Dollop cream on your scones as you gaze across the rising mist of the falls.

Today head into the heart of the wild as you begin your two-day safari in the Chobe National Park. Beautiful Botswana is an elephant lover's paradise and Chobe has the highest density of African elephants in the world. Journey by road, and arrive just in time for a delicious lunch before your afternoon game drive. Nothing can compare to witnessing a mother elephant hose down her young in a waterhole, or seeing these gentle giants roam the grasslands. Look for lions slinking in the shadows, watch a herd of buffalo make their way to the banks for a morning cool off. After admiring a savannah sunset, sip a cold beer and share stories beneath a sky illuminated by thousands of stars.

This morning it's an early start with tea/coffee and snacks at dawn before departing on a game drive to see more of Chobe's big game. You'll be back at base in time for breakfast and time to relax. Enjoy a hearty lunch and more time for R&R before a late afternoon game drive, timed to coincide with the heat of the day dissipating and when the animals are on the move again.

Share drinks and stories around the campfire this evening before another delicious dinner.

After breakfast, head to Kasane airport for a quick flight over the winding waterways of Botswana to touch down in the Okavango Delta. On landing, a private transfer will take you to drop your bags at the safari lodge. This afternoon, head out and discover the Eden-like aquatic gardens that make up this extraordinary delta. Game drive pathways are dependent on rising and falling water levels, but throughout the year this is an area where life teems. Africa's Big Five can be found wallowing in waters or trundling across the lush grasslands. Leopards stalk the periphery, leggy giraffes munch leaves from tall trees, and elephants, buffalo and lions are all feeding, wandering or napping in these wild and untamed lands.

For the next two days the Okavango Delta is yours to explore. The best way to navigate these carved out channels, rich reed beds and floating sand islands is to travel by mokoro dugout canoe. Locals know these streams and channels like the back of their hand, as you drift downstream their expert eyes are best for spotting hooting baboons, wild dogs, curious otters, striped zebras and even miniature dwarf mongoose. When you aren't animal spotting in the reeds, tracking lions on game drives, or fishing for African pike and bream, there is no better way to spend those sundowner hours than kicking back and watching the changing skies.

Bid farewell to the Okavango Delta as you take an early flight to Maun to connect for your 2.5-hour flight to Cape Town. It's worth trying to bag the window seat for this one to catch a glimpse of the fabled Table Mountain. Upon arrival a private transfer will carry you to your hotel. The natural playground of Cape Town is all about fragrant botanical gardens, salt whipped air and a melding of African and European cultures that makes for a super-sophisticated city.

Spend the afternoon relaxing, or enjoying a surf lesson, city tour or visit to the Pan-African Market, before hitting the town for dinner. We suggest The Pot Luck Club for myriad sharing plates and mesmerising city views.

Make sure to take a big breakfast on board as today is about to get a little boozy. Your guide will be waiting to take you through the winding mountain roads to the tangled vines of the Cape Winelands. Starting in Stellenbosch you can sample wines and chocolate in the picture book Dutch colonial town. Next stop Franschhoek - where renowned wines like The Little Rock Cabernet Sauvignon can be sampled at Mont Rochelle. Finish at the scenic town of Paarl, to crush a final cup beneath the smouldering granite domes. Duck into the local farm shop of Babylonstoren and leave with armfuls of fresh biltong and thick glugs of olive oil to take home.

Nothing will clear a hangover quicker than a brisk walk up the crowning glory of Table Mountain. After being collected from your hotel you can start from the lower cable car station with your guide. Anyone with a decent level of physical fitness can ascend the winding trails past near vertical faces and heart stopping ledges. Drink in the fresh air and lap up lush views of the city. Intrepid walkers can push on to the top of Maclear's Beacon before riding the cable car back down.

From the mountain to the sea, the afternoon is yours. Hit the rolling surf of Clifton or peek into the chic boutiques on Kloof Street. For your final evening, indulge in a seriously good tasting menu at La Colombe, Constantia.