One of the most asked questions we get is “Where should I go?” For first timers, the task of trying to decide where to go and what to do for the first time can often be overwhelming. This is why in our initial conversations with clients, we ask all the questions to find out what they want to do and want to see and can help craft the perfect custom itinerary.
One of our favorite itineraries for first timers to Africa takes clients to Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and ends with a safari in either Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, or Zimbabwe. This type of itinerary allows the client to combine the most dreamed about wildlife game viewing on safari with an adventure that also includes culture, food, history, and activities – the best of both worlds.
CAPE TOWN
Frequently voted one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town is a very scenic and popular of South Africa. From its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture to the world-class cuisine and the activities available, there is something to offer for every traveler. Here are a few things clients can experience while visiting:
- Cape Town Eats Walking Tour – this tour is an essential introduction to the Cape on your first visit and allows you to literally taste who we are as a city. It is a walking tour, and we explore most of the city – the history, the people, their cultures, their cuisines, as well as contemporary Cape Town and its artisanal trends.
- Table Mountain – the most popular tourist attraction and one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, you can hike to the top or take a cable car ride up and down the mountain.
- Kirstenbosch Gardens – these botanical gardens are world renowned for their beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays
- Robben Island – tour the island, learn about the history, and view the prison cell of Nelson Mandela.
- Boulders Beach – it’s a must-see for visitors of all ages. The beach is home to a large colony of African penguins, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and families. You can even kayak or paddle board alongside them.
- Uthando Philanthropic Tour – visit a broad range of innovative, inspiring community development projects and charitable community organizations.
- Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour – Bo-Kaap is renowned as one of Cape Town’s most beautiful areas and boasts a mix of brightly colored homes. Partake in a cooking class and discover the secrets used in local and traditional recipes.
- The Winelands – there is no shortage of tours for wine lovers. From the winelands to the regions of Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl there are more than 400 wineries.
- V&A Waterfront – situated in the oldest working harbor in the southern hemisphere, the perfect place to visit if you want to do some shopping, grab a bite to each, or venture out on a sunset cruise.
- Adventure activities – there is absolutely no shortage of activities. You can choose from surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, shark cage diving, helicopter rides, private ocean safari, horse back riding, electric scooters, vinebikes, hot air balloon rides, golf, boat cruising, whale watching, and more!
VICTORIA FALLS
Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world, is the most iconic and largest waterfall in Africa and a must see when visiting. Many travel to Victoria Falls for its legendary waterfalls or the amazing game, but the bustling town of Victoria Falls also has an abundant amount of activities to do! It is undoubtedly known as the adrenaline capital for boasting some of the craziest, most extreme, adrenaline pumping activities in a single location. Here are a few things clients can experience while visiting:
- Walking Tour of the Falls – a guided walking tour of the falls will provide you with some valuable insight into the complex history that went into the name and story of the Falls. The mystic mist often fills the air so we suggest taking a raincoat or poncho to stay dry.
- Adrenaline Activities– white water rafting, the Gorge Swing, bungee jumping, ziplining, canopy tour, helicopter rides over the falls
- Art with Elephants – we know not everyone is Picasso, but what better way to let out your artistic flair than to do so with elephants! Not only do you get the chance to put your hair down, but you also get a close-up experience with one of the big five!
- A cocktail at the Lookout Café – with breathtaking views of the gorge and their extravagant cocktails, The Lookout Café is a must-see! Don’t forget they also stock the highly sought after Zambezi beer providing you with a taste of Africa!
- Community Engagement – the Zimbabwean culture is warm and friendly, with locals opening their homes and sharing their experiences with travelers. These trips are a great way to get to know the locals and their culture.
- Vulture Experience – With hundreds of vultures swooping in for the feeding experience provided by the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge! Studies are carried out on the endangered birds as they attend the feeding program to help ensure their futures are protected
- Sunset Cruises – what better way to end the day than to sip on a crisp Zambezi Beer or GNT and watch the sunset over the magnificent Zambezi River! The cruises make for a perfect ending to a day of adventure and fun!
SAFARI
Safaris – the most sought out after adventure to partake in Africa. The chance to get up-close and personal with animals that you have only ever dreamed about, be in the middle of their natural environment, to watch the circle of life in action, to hear the stories from the guides, and to immerse yourself in a world that cannot be found anywhere else, it’s truly indescribable. Past visitors can talk about the animals and the lodges and the people and tell their stories – but safari isn’t something you see or do; it’s truly something you feel. In this area you have the chance to encounter the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) during a game drive, but you can also experience:
- Bird Watching
- Walking Safari – A walking safari leaves the roads behind and takes you on paths less traveled, enabling you to encounter things you might miss from a vehicle. With a guide by your side, examine footprints on the ground and track them.
- Sundowner at a watering hole – the African “happy hour” – typically, a variety of drinks and snacks are served against the breathtaking backdrop of an African sunset, where guests are encouraged to simply sit back, relax, and soak in the ambience while listening to and watching the savanna’s wildlife. Many camps have their own unique and exclusive African sundowner place to see this magical occasion.
- Sleep out under the stars on a sleep out deck – one of the most unique experiences you can have in Africa is spending a night out under the stars in a star bed.
- Photographic Safari
- Horseback Riding Safaris – one of the most exhilarating ways to view Africa’s incredible wildlife, since the wildlife perceives horses as just another animal, you can fly under the radar and experience one-of-a-kind close-up encounters from a horse-eye view.
As surreal as the safari experience is, the experience back at camp is sometimes as surreal! From lazy afternoons, lounging in the cool room watching out the window, or reading on the patio – it’s the absolute definition of relaxation. Imagine eating your dinner while a herd of elephants walk by or to hear a roar of a lion in the distance. To experience all the rawness of nature in such simple ways is not a life experience to be missed.
When you are ready to experience everything Africa has to offer, contact us to let us create your dream African adventure!