Duration:
34
Days
Group size:
Single supplement:
Destinations:
Departs From:
Ends In:
Travel Styles:
Booking validity:
–
Best Months to Visit
Upon arrival into Kigali, you will be met airside by an Alluring Africa representative who will assist you through immigration formalities, baggage collection, through customs to the exit. Here you will be met and transferred to Kigali Serena where you will stay for two nights.
*While we do our best to expedite through customs, if the airport requires, you may have to enter into the standard line. However, you will still be assisted throughout.
Location:
LocationKigali
Accommodation:
Accommodation Kigali Serena Hotel
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
You will be collected from your hotel for a Tour of Kigali with a visit to the Genocide Museum.
Stops include: a trip to the top of Mt. Kigali for views of the city and the countryside, a milk bar, a neighborhood market, a mural walk, a stop for a Rwandan lunch, and a neighborhood walk and ends at the Kigali Genocide Memorial for time to explore the museum on your own before continuing the tour.
Kigali’s art scene is on the rise. If you are interested in art, unique and contemporary Rwandan art can be found all over the city, and Inema Arts Center houses some of Kigali’s best and brightest talent. The gallery was founded by brothers Emmanuel Nkuranga and Innocent Nkurunziza and hosts the work of fourteen.
Time permitting you could visit the Presidential Palace, once home to President Habyarimana. The remains of the presidential plane are still visible on the grounds, and the crash is credited as the reason for the beginning of the Rwandan genocide. A visit to this museum is an interesting one, and few photographs are allowed to be taken onsite. Check out the Gaddafi Mosque, one of Rwanda’s most impressive mosques and structures. It was not actually constructed by Muammar Gaddafi, however, it was named as such, for the road that Gaddafi did build that runs parallel to the mosque. The mosque’s official name, though no locals refer to it as such, is the Islamic Cultural Center. Located in the Nyamirambo neighborhood, the mosque also serves as school, clinic, and community center for the surrounding area.
Location:
LocationKigali
Accommodation:
Accommodation Kigali Serena Hotel
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel/lodge by your Alluring Africa private driver/guide transferred to Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge where you will stay for three nights.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is Rwanda’s first ever community owned lodge. The lodge was built and is operated by Governors’ Camp Collection, but the ownership rests with a Community Trust, SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association) which uses rentals and community fees from the lodge to drive socio-economic and conservation initiatives in the communities adjacent to the National Park.
The lodge is located close to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park from where clients trek on foot to see the gorillas. Situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, the chain of 15,000 ft volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sabyinyo offers wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside.
Location:
LocationVolcanoes National Park
Accommodation:
Accommodation Wilderness Sabyinyo
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
At a time to be advised, you will be collected from your hotel for your gorilla trek. Gorilla trekking takes place from Volcanoes National Park headquarters where guests are allocated one of the twelve habituated gorilla groups to visit for an hour. After a briefing by Park rangers, the time of the trek varies depending which gorilla group is being visited – from 45 minutes to a few hours. Trekking is at a high altitude, but is well worth it; the time spent with gorillas has been described as “life changing!”
Twelve habituated groups can be tracked and observed in the Volcanoes National Park. While tracking expeditions do not necessarily cover enormous distances, they can range in length from 1-8 km (0.5-5 miles) over very steep country at high altitudes. The undergrowth can be thick, the ground beneath muddy, and, including the time spent with a gorilla group, excursions can last between 2 and 8 hours. Our exhilarating trek, in the footsteps of the rare and critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, the largest living primate on earth, starts in the cultivated foothills of the Virungas with stirring views in all directions. Upon entering the national park, her paths littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive buffalo and elephant, trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with colorful bird calls, butterflies, etc. Through gaps in the canopy, the magnificent Virunga peaks, among the highest in Africa yet easily accessible, are glimpsed, beckoning an ascent.
Weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate, our experienced trackers, they spent their entire lives in or close to this forest, soon bring us up close with the family. Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting; raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth.
Gorilla viewing protocol is based on the guidelines issued by the IUCN for great ape viewing. Such protocols are designed specifically to limit stress and behavioral impact and also potential disease transmission from humans to gorillas. They are critical for gorilla conservation.
Maximum viewing duration of any group is 1 hour per day.
Maximum number of guests per gorilla tracking excursion is 8.
No food or drinks can be consumed close to the gorillas.
Smoking is not allowed.
Do not litter.
Spitting in the Park is strictly prohibited.
While gorilla sightings and encounters are very reliable, viewing is dependent on variables such as weather and tracking conditions.
When with the gorillas, please keep your voice low. Do not make rapid movements that may alarm them.
Should you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
If a gorilla should charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s instructions.
Minimum age for gorilla viewing is 15 years – this is for reasons of safety but also for possible disease transmission, with children under this age more prone to infection.
Again, to minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7 meters (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. Guests that display cold, flu or other respiratory tract symptoms will not be allowed to track gorillas.
Gorilla trekking is perhaps one of the most dramatic, thrilling and poignant wildlife experiences possible. There are, however, plenty of other natural, cultural and social excursions on offer to help you make the most of your stay. At Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge we offer specialized massage treatments designed to relax refresh and rejuvinate you after a hike to see the mountain Gorillas. From the lodge we offer escorted bird watching walks, escorted walks and escorted mountain bike excursions in the local area.
Location:
LocationVolcanoes National Park
Accommodation:
Accommodation Wilderness Sabyinyo
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
SECOND GORILLA TREK
With the thrill of yesterday’s trek still fresh in your mind, head out once more in search of these amazing beasts! The second trek offers you enough time to put down the camera and appreciate the whole environment and setting as it unfolds in front of you without a viewfinder in the way. To begin to fully realize the special shared genetic history of our two species. To study and comprehend the social interactions of the family you are visiting. Take it all in.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkey trekking is a rare and delightful experience, not to be missed. These primates are highly endangered and are only found in this part of the world, living in the Virunga mountain ranges. Encountering golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park is a highly immersive experience as trekkers are surrounded by up to one hundred monkeys foraging in the forest and jumping from tree to tree. The monkeys live in bamboo vegetation close to the base of the volcanoes so the hike to find them is on fairly flat terrain and the distance is not far, making this an activity that is easily accessible to most.
Location:
LocationVolcanoes National Park
Accommodation:
Accommodation Wilderness Sabyinyo
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Transfer to Kigali for the scheduled charter flight to Serengeti, Tanzania. On arrival, you will be met by an Alluring Africa representative for your road transfer to Namiri Plains Camp where you will stay for three nights. Time permitting, enjoy lunch and an afternoon activity.
Namiri Plains is positioned along the Ngare Nanyuki River in the eastern Serengeti. The vast grassland plains are mostly open, aside from the occasional acacia tree. Ten spacious, stylish tented suites (including one family tent) overlook the Serengeti plains. Since our 2019 refurb, tents are bigger and have sliding doors running the width of each room and opening on to an expanded viewing deck. The walls are made from calcrete, a sedimentary rock created from the ashes of the Ngorongoro volcanoes, that helps to regulate the temperature. Interiors are all decorated in natural materials and tones. Each bathroom has a view over the plains and a standalone resin tub on your private deck for an al fresco bubble bath with a chilled glass of fizz.
Location:
LocationEastern Serengeti
Accommodation:
Accommodation Namiri Plains Camp
Type:
Accommodation Type Camp, Tented Camp
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Enjoy two full days of game viewing activities at Namiri Plains Camp.
Start the day bright and early with a wake-up call and tea or coffee. Enjoy breakfast before you depart for a morning game drive (or have it packed as a picnic to take with you). Arrive back at camp mid-morning, with a chance to freshen up before lunch. After a leisurely lunch, enjoy siesta time. Read a book or just relax and soak up the sights and sounds of the bush. Refuel with afternoon tea, then depart for an afternoon/evening game drive with sundowners. You’ll be back in time for drinks around the campfire and dinner — the perfect chance to unwind after a long day in the bush.
The Serengeti together with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Park form Africa’s most famous wildlife park. The image of acacia trees on an endless grass plain epitomizes Africa for many, and then add a Masai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. Namiri Plains, in the remote Eastern corner of the Serengeti, is located in an area that was closed for 20 years to create a safe haven for cheetah. This is big cat country and undoubtedly offers East Africa’s best cheetah viewing opportunities. Wildlife viewing and bird watching game drives within the central Serengeti are offered twice per day. Experienced guides encourage guests to see and experience the Serengeti through their eyes, sharing a world of small and large wonders that only they truly know, understand and can explain. Walking is the most intimate way to experience the bush. The pace is easy, your eye-level is that of the wildlife and your senses are more acutely aware of the sights, smells and sounds, from the small things close at hand to the giants at a distance.
Location:
LocationEastern Serengeti
Accommodation:
Accommodation Namiri Plains Camp
Type:
Accommodation Type Camp, Tented Camp
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
After breakfast you will be transferred to Seronera Airstrip for the scheduled charter flights to Masai Mara. Upon arrival you will be met by camp vehicle and transferred to Naboisho Camp where you will stay for three nights. Time permitting, enjoy lunch and an afternoon activity.
Set in the 210km² private Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Naboisho Camp offers spectacular game viewing, from the herds of antelope that dot the plains of this wilderness corridor throughout the year to the high concentrations of predators, including lion and cheetah.
But the real magic of Naboisho Camp is its sheer exclusivity – you’ll experience a level of safari solitude and serenity simply unheard of in the busy Serengeti and Masai Mara reserves. With just nine spacious tented suites, Naboisho is an intimate and elegant safari camp that balances your wilderness experience with discreet creature comforts. Even better, Naboisho Camp offers the options of fly camping, walking safaris, and night drives – activities not commonly available in most national parks. If you have a truly adventurous spirit, don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the African bush.
Our very own, and first-ever, Asilia Photographic Safari Vehicle has arrived at Naboisho, able to accommodate 3 photographers (and their equipment) as well as 1 additional guest. This experience is not to be missed for avid photographers and brings you closer than ever, you’ll be at eye-level, or even lower, with the wildlife – allowing you to get that dream shot.
Location:
LocationMara Naboisho Conservancy
Accommodation:
Accommodation Naboisho
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Enjoy two full days of activities at Naboisho Camp.
The Mara Naboisho Conservancy is not governed by the same rules as the national reserves, so there is the flexibility to see and experience something truly profound on safari at Naboisho. The activities at Naboisho Camp make the most of this unrivalled access to pristine wilderness: bush walks, off-road safaris, overnight fly camps, night drives and wilderness picnics are activities you could only dream of in the national reserves. The guides at Naboisho are adept at offering a deeper understanding of this complex ecosystem, making it an ideal choice for experienced safari travellers on their second or third visit to Africa, who are seeking a more profound experience.
Game drives
Twice daily game drives with passionate and highly knowledgeable guides are offered from Naboisho, as well as the chance to search for the elusive nocturnal creatures of the conservancy on a night drive. Off-road driving is possible on the privately owned land for once-in-a-lifetime sightings and excellent photo opportunities. Our guides take you in seven-seater open game-viewing vehicles or closed vehicles that seat five. All the vehicles have power points where you can recharge your devices, and are fitted with fridges to keep your drinks deliciously frosty. Game Drives are also possible in the adjoining Masai Mara Reserve (additional costs apply).
Walking safaris
Discover the smaller ecosystems that tend to pass unnoticed from a vehicle: explore the bush by foot, accompanied by an expert armed guide and Maasai tracker. Please note that walking safaris are at an additional cost of US per person.
Bush picnics
Leave camp with the rising sun at dawn and enjoy a packed breakfast or lunch to maximise your game-viewing time.
Fly camping
Spend the night in a simple fly camp in a quiet corner of the conservancy and enjoy splendid meals cooked over the campfire with only the sounds of the bush for company. (at an additional cost)
Children’s safari programme
Our bush guides are all family men who have themselves been raised on these plains. They share their childhood secrets, bush skills, animal tracking know-how, local folklore and incredible stories of life in the bush with your children during guided bush walks. Kids also get the chance to play traditional games and visit a nearby community or school to learn more about the customs of East Africa, make pen-pals and buy local handicrafts.
Cultural & community visits
Arrange a visit to one of the nearby Maasai villages to learn more about the magnificent culture that has defined this corner of Africa for centuries. Please note that cultural & community visits are at an additional cost of US per person.
Research projects
With Naboisho’s focus on conservation, a number of research programmes are conducted within the conservancy, and resident researchers can sometimes be available to share their exciting findings with guests in the camp.
Hot-air balloon safaris
This is a romantic and evocative way to experience the wilderness of East Africa. Nothing can beat the feeling of gliding silently over the game-filled plains on a balloon safari, as the early-morning sun rises over the horizon. (at an additional cost)
Photographic safari
Calling all passionate photographers! Join us for a photographic safari experience in our very first modified photographic vehicle. The vehicle allows you to get low, eye level photographs. Beanbags, foam camera rest and 360º swivel seats promise to make your wildlife photography experience a dream!
Location:
LocationMara Naboisho Conservancy
Accommodation:
Accommodation Naboisho
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
After a morning activity and breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for the charter flight to Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Sarara Tree Camp where you will stay for three nights.
Location:
LocationNamunyak Wildlife Conservancy
Accommodation:
Accommodation Sarara Treehouses
Type:
Accommodation Type Campsite
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Enjoy two full days of game viewing activities at Sarara Treehouses.
The emphasis at Sarara is on walking safaris or walking with camels but game drives are also available. It is also possible to arrange walks with fly camping at night. A unique experience of watching the local cattlemen at the singing wells is not to be missed.
Cutting through the reserve, the Uaso Nyiro River lures a large population of animals to the lush park and its banks are a hive of activity. An abundance of wily Nile crocodile can also be found in the river’s waters. Kaleidoscopic birdlife is as prolific as the wildlife in Samburu National Reserve and the reserve is home to over 350 different species of birds, including vultures, kingfishers, marabous, bateleurs, guinea fowl, Somali ostriches and others. Deriving its name from the Samburu people of Kenya, who have inhabited the area for many years, Samburu National Park was one of the two areas in which conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness. Their story gained popularity due to the bestselling book and award-winning movie “Born Free”.
CULTURAL IMMERSION: The Samburu are nomadic pastoralists and follow patterns of rainfall, seeking out lush pastures and water for their cattle, camels, goats and sheep. Clad in a striking red cloth wrapped like a skirt and a white sash, the traditional dress of the Samburu tribe is embellished with vibrant beaded earrings, bracelets, anklets and necklaces. The colourful, decorative jewellery reveals and represents the status of the wearer. A significant and essential part of their culture is the art of dancing.
FLY CAMPING: Hike along the banks of the river until the dusk sets and then enjoy an al fresco dinner around a blazing campfire in a comfortable fly camp before settling into your sleeping bag for the night. Fall asleep slowly as you gaze onto a kaleidoscope of constellations in the velvety dark sky. As you are falling into your slumber, savor the tranquil hush of the serene surroundings of your fly camp. Listen out for stealthy rustles, the alarm calls of the antelope, the grunts and calls of the predators and the rumble of elephants roused from their sleep. Samburu’s sweeping savanna and lush forests make for magnificent big game country. All the best known predator species reside here and it is a refuge for the rare wild dog and enormous herd of elephants. This is a stunning destination to see an abundance of incredible wildlife that you won’t see on other reserves in Kenya.
RETETI ELEPHANT SANCTUARY: Samburu is famed for its impressive elephant population. Go on game drives in search of these magnificent animals and for real enthusiasts a visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is an absolute must! Situated in the remote Mathews Range among Kenya’s second larger elephant population, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary takes in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with an aim to rehabilitate them for release back in the wild. The elephants are released back to herds near the Sanctuary so their progress and safety can be closely monitored. A visit to the Sanctuary allows you to have first-hand insight into the expanding grassroots movement of community-driven conservation across northern Kenya and will be an excellent addition to your safari. A donation of US per person per visit is payable direct upon arrival.
Location:
LocationNamunyak Wildlife Conservancy
Accommodation:
Accommodation Sarara Treehouses
Type:
Accommodation Type Campsite
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
After a morning activity and breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for the scheduled charter flight to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport where you will stay for one night.
Location:
LocationNairobi
Accommodation:
Accommodation Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Take the shuttle to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for the scheduled charter flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Victoria Falls River Lodge where you will stay for two nights. Time permitting, enjoy lunch and an afternoon activity.
Victoria Falls River Lodge is the first private game lodge to be built in the Zambezi National Park. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, the Zambezi Crescent Collection’s pioneer lodge is so close to the famous Victoria Falls that one can see the spray in the distance. Luxurious thatched tents constructed of canvas, glass and timber. Each suite extends out onto a private deck with its own plunge pool and boasts uninterrupted views of the Zambezi River and natural bush.
Location:
LocationVictoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Accommodation:
Accommodation Victoria Falls River Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Enjoy a full day of activities at Victoria Falls River Lodge. You have a choice of two scheduled activities.
MORNING GAME DRIVE:
For the ultimate Victoria Falls safari experience, head out in a game-viewer to explore the 150,000 acres that make up the Zambezi National Park. Armed with hot beverages and a delicious supply of traditionally baked ‘rusks’, be the first to catch the ‘bush telegraphs’ early broadcast of the previous night’s events.
AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE:
Alternatively, track a magnificent elephant herd as they move silently through the bush or admire stately giraffe as they effortlessly weave their way through spikey acacia thicket – stopping to enjoy the phenomenal sunset with sun-downers and a variety of scrumptious snacks – before returning to camp for dinner.
JUNIOR DISCOVERERS DRIVE:
Junior Discoverer Game Drives are available to children aged 4 – 7 who are accompanied by at least one parent. Junior Discoverers Drives times are seasonal and in consultation with management and take place outside standard Game Drive times. Families wishing to take children aged 4 – 7 years on a Game Drive during standard early morning / late afternoon Game Drive times (i.e. not Junior Discoverers Drive) will require a sole use game viewer. No children under the age of 4 permitted on game drives.
SUNRISE ZAMBEZI RIVER CRUISE
Watch – from the comfort of Victoria Falls River Lodge’s private river cruiser – as the world awakes and the sun’s first rays skip and dance across the shimmering surface of the mighty Zambezi. A truly revitalizing way to start any day!
SUNSET ZAMBEZI RIVER CRUISE
For the not-so-early-birds: sit back and let the gentle ebb and flow of the Zambezi lull and relax you. Join in on Mother Nature’s Happiest Hour by sipping on a sun-downer in whilst viewing her creatures, big and small, coming to the water’s edge to lap at its liquid life under molten skies.
GUIDED TOUR OF VICTORIA FALLS
Take a tour of Victoria Falls with experienced guides. A visit to the iconic Victoria Falls is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Reaching its apex in around May of each year, it remains a magnificent sight all year round. Nothing can quite prepare visitors for the shear splendor of the breath-taking spectacle which is one of Africa’s most famous landmarks. There is not much that can compare to the heady fragrance of drenched earth and sun-kissed Rainforest foliage; the intense power of the wall of water – its deafening rumble coursing through your veins – or letting the cooling and constant spray of “the Smoke that Thunders” saturate the senses…
Join your passionate and knowledgeable guide on an unforgettable tour of Victoria Falls. This excursion is included in the Victoria Falls River Lodge accommodation rate when forming a part of the optional trip into the town of Victoria Falls which is offered to in-house guests daily. Guests thus need only settle for the National Park fees upon entry into the Rainforest. En route, guests are often also be taken past the ‘Big Tree’ where they may stop and take photos.
With intimate knowledge of the local fauna and flora and other points of historical interest, coupled with advice on the best viewing spots (and an extra pair of hands to help get that ‘full’ family photo!), our guides will happily assist wherever possible to help ensure that the memories created at this World Heritage Site will last a lifetime.
Location:
LocationVictoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Accommodation:
Accommodation Victoria Falls River Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Chobe, Botswana. Here you will be met by a ZQ vehicle and transferred to Zambezi Queen, where you will stay for three nights.
After a welcome safety briefing enjoy an afternoon sail on either the main vessel or on tender boats (weather dependent).Guests embarking before 2:00 pm on Zambezi Queen will be served a buffet lunch on board. Guests embarking after 2:00 pm on Zambezi Queen will be served snacks on board.
7:30 pm: Enjoy a three-course set menu dinner on board.
10:00 pm: Generator shuts down and the inverter system kicks in (only reading lights & LED lighting available). Enjoy a quiet African night.
Location:
LocationChobe River Front
Accommodation:
Accommodation Zambezi Queen by Mantis
Type:
Accommodation Type Houseboat
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
6:00 am: Generator starts up and you are now able to charge your electronic devices. Coffee & Tea available in the dining / lounge area on the upper deck.
7:30 am: Breakfast commences on board the Zambezi Queen After breakfast you have the option of one of the following activities:
1:30 pm: Enjoy lunch on board Zambezi Queen. Enjoy the pool deck or spend time in the lounge as you view the river and the wildlife around you.
In the afternoon you have the option of one of the following activities:
7:30 pm: Enjoy a three course set menu dinner on board.
10:00 pm: Generator shuts down and the inverter system kicks in (only reading lights & LED lighting available) Enjoy a quiet African night.
Location:
LocationChobe River Front
Accommodation:
Accommodation Zambezi Queen by Mantis
Type:
Accommodation Type Houseboat
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
After breakfast you will be transferred to Kasane Airport for the scheduled charter flight to the Okavango Delta. Upon arrival you will be met by a camp representative and transferred to Little Vumbura Plains Camp where you will stay for three nights. Time permitting, enjoy lunch and an afternoon activity.
Little Vumbura is situated on a beautiful island in a private concession in the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta. Surrounded as it is by water and lying close to large rivers, both water- and land-based activities are as central to the overall experience, with both offering spectacular and diverse wildlife sightings.
Location:
LocationKwedi Concession
Accommodation:
Accommodation Wilderness Little Vumbura
Type:
Accommodation Type Luxury Tented Camp
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Enjoy two full days of game viewing activities at Little Vumbura Plains Camp.
Due to its location, Little Vumbura offers a number of ways to observe the spectacular wildlife of this diverse concession. Morning and afternoon game drives in open 4×4 Land Rovers allow you to get close to animals in the savanna areas where lion, leopard, elephant, sable and buffalo along with extensive plains game roam. While night drives with spotlights allow you to find those nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during the day. Porcupine, aardwolf, serval, large spotted genet and lesser bushbaby are just some of these.
Explore the Okavango by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) often providing up close and personal sightings of tiny frogs and exciting birdlife. Water-level dependent, boating is another idyllic form of water wildlife viewing. Sights of hippo and crocodile are common in the waterways.
A nature walk with a skilled, armed guide is a wonderful way of getting close to nature and observing the smaller creatures and plants you miss when traveling by vehicle. (on request and subject to availability of a qualified guide)
Visit one of the traditional villages of the Okavango Community Trust, meet the people and learn about the local culture. (additional cost)
Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment is on offer seasonally on a catch-and-release basis.
Location:
LocationKwedi Concession
Accommodation:
Accommodation Wilderness Little Vumbura
Type:
Accommodation Type Luxury Tented Camp
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
After a morning activity (time permitting) and breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip by camp vehicle for your scheduled charter flight to Maun, Botswana to connect with the scheduled flight to Johannesburg and further connect to Windhoek, Namibia.
Upon arrival, you will be met airside by an Alluring Africa representative who will assist you through immigration formalities, baggage collection, through customs to the exit. Here you will be met by an Alluring Africa representative for your private road transfer to The Olive Exclusive All-Suite Hotel, where you will stay for one night.
*While we do our best to expedite through customs, if the airport requires, you may have to enter into the standard line. However, you will still be assisted throughout.
The first ultra-luxurious sanctuary of its kind in the Namibian capital – is cool, contemporary and stylish but with a warm heart and authentic African soul. Its sleek, modern lines are complemented by organic textures, natural furnishings, an eco-friendly approach and dedicated personal service. The seven suites are individually decorated so each reflects a different region in Namibia, and each has its own lounge area with fireplace and dining room, for private dining. Wide glass doors open onto spacious decks where you can relax on a shady daybed, enjoy al fresco lunches or, if yours is a premium suite, take a dip in your own private plunge pool.
Location:
LocationWindhoek
Accommodation:
Accommodation The Olive Exclusive All-Suite Hotel
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be collected by an Alluring Africa representative for your private road transfer to Windhoek Airport for your scheduled charter flight to Sossusvlei. Upon arrival, you will be met by a lodge represenatative and transferred to &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, where you will stay for three nights.
Welcome to the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge! The lodge is situated within &BEYOND Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve, a vast 12,715 hectare (31,419 acre) expanse deep in the Namib, the world’s oldest living desert. Set amidst an ocean of dunes, rocky outcrops and gravel plains, the utter tranquility and extraordinary clarity of light makes this area one of Africa’s most compelling landscapes. The night skies are heavenly, with the concession bordering the International Dark Sky Reserve of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. A canvas of beauty that invites reconnection with yourself and nature.
Sustainability and uncompromised luxury go hand in hand at Sossusvlei. 10 beautifully appointed stone and glass suites, spread out along the curve of the escarpment, open onto ever-changing outlooks. Each spacious air conditioned suite offers a secluded, shaded veranda complete with private plunge pool, a living room with a fireplace, a large retractable skylight above the bed, and an en suite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower offering 180º desert views. The two-bedroomed Star Dune Suite is an ideal option for families or groups of friends.
The split-level guest area is an inspired masterpiece of glass, rock and steel. Large glass panels fold away to reveal unobstructed desert vistas. Inviting amenities include a central-island bar, comfortable sitting room, walk-in cellar, interactive kitchen and rim-flow pool. Other signature features include numerous shaded, private spaces; a sunrise-view gym and sunset-facing wellness center which offers both a treatment room with a private spa-bath, and a separate wet-room spa. The lodge’s Signature Shop showcases Namibia’s finest craft offerings.
Location:
LocationSossusvlei
Accommodation:
Accommodation andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Enjoy two full days at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.
Desert adventures abound here, and small-group, personalized guest activities are on offer. Options include a Sossusvlei Excursion to climb ‘Big Daddy’ and a visit to Deadvlei, exploring the secrets of the dunes on foot and quad bike (no children under 16) on the Desert Spirit Experience.
Discover the ancient San Bushmen era on the Desert People Experience and the fascinating geology in the area on the Desert Rock Experience. Sip sundowners on a Desert Drive, strap on your boots for the Big Dune Walk, an exclusive adventure with the only private reserve featuring the iconic star dunes of Namibia, go stargazing, hot air ballooning (additional charge), hiking, E-biking and unwind with Healing Earth Wellness Treatments (additional charge).
Location:
LocationSossusvlei
Accommodation:
Accommodation andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for the scheduled charter flight to Swakopmund. You will have an amazing view of the dunes from up above as you head towards the coast! Upon arrival at Swakopmund, you will be met and transferred to The Strand Hotel where you will stay for one night.
Set right on the ocean with easy access to this quaint German seaside town, the Strand Hotel Swakopmund is the perfect spot from which to explore on your own. Established by German colonists in 1892, the city’s colonial landmarks include the Swakopmund Lighthouse and the Mole, an old sea wall. Next to the lighthouse, the Swakopmund Museum documents Namibian history. Inland, the elegant Swakopmund Railway Station, now a hotel, also dates to the colonial era.
Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the hotel restaurants, or wander down to The Tug Restaurant, which takes you on a culinary journey, renowned for its home-made freshness, great locally sourced seafood, fresh produce, tempting desserts and a vast selection of South African Wines.
Location:
LocationSwakopmund
Accommodation:
Accommodation Strand Hotel Swakopmund
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be collected for a half day shared 4WD excursion to Sandwich Bay!
Sandwich Harbour, part of the Namib Naukluft Park, is a place many have heard of but very few have ever visited. The lagoon, salt pans and the bird sanctuary, which form the Walvis Bay Wetlands, are rightly heralded as the single most important coastal wetlands of Southern Africa. It is one of five Ramsar sites in Namibia. Giant sand dunes run straight into the ocean, creating breathtaking sceneries and unique landscapes, just waiting to be discovered!
Sandwich Harbour, a little less than 60km south of Walvis Bay in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, is one of Namibia’s most unique and dramatic sites. Here some of the world’s highest dunes descend into the cold Atlantic Ocean to form a picturesque lagoon. Once a commercial fishing and trading port, Sandwich Harbour is now a RAMSAR site (Site no. 743) with magnificent wetland wilderness and devoid of any human settlement. Wedged between the sea and the Namib Dunes, this is one of Namibia’s most important coastal wetlands, and is home to eight endangered species among the large numbers of wading birds.
Early evidence of human life is preserved, and the site includes several archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. In this extremely arid environment, early inhabitants were all hunter-gatherers who survived near fresh water and from hunting various small animals and collecting fruits, bulbs and melons including the famous !nara melon. Closer to the ocean, onwards from about 2,000 years ago, archeological sites contain mussel and marine shells indicating that seafood became an important element of substance for early coastal dwellers. There is further evidence that seals, sea birds and even the odd whale -dead and washed on-shore – added diversity to hunter-gatherer diet. For the last 1,000 years inhabitants of this unique area are pastoralists.
* Due to weather conditions and tides it is not always possible to reach the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon
After the tour you will be transferred to Walvis Bay Airport for the scheduled flight to Cape Town, South Africa. Upon arrival, you will be met airside by an Alluring Africa representative who will assist you through immigration formalities, baggage collection, through customs to the exit. Here you will be met by an Alluring Africa representative and transferred to One&Only Cape Town, where you will stay for four nights.
*While we do our best to expedite through customs, if the airport requires, you may have to enter into the standard line. However, you will still be assisted throughout.
Welcome to the doorstep of Africa, where One&Only Cape Town takes pride of place in the city’s most coveted location. Draw back the blinds in one of the city’s most capacious rooms to reveal a sprawling private terrace with majestic views over Table Mountain or the glittering marina. Relax in private accommodations where signature touches provide an elevated residential experience. Inspiring interiors artfully display both contemporary and traditional African aesthetics for a distinctive sense of place.
Location:
LocationCape Town
Accommodation:
Accommodation One&Only Cape Town
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
You will be collected from your hotel by your private Alluring Africa driver/guide for Full Day City Tour including Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Gardens.
On seeing Cape Town for the first time in 1580, the great explorer, Sir Francis Drake, wrote that, “this Cape is the most-stately thing and the fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the Earth.” Hundreds of years later, the sites, sounds and tastes of Cape Town continue to mesmerize and enchant those fortunate enough to visit its shores.
This tour is designed to give you a taste of the rich cultural heritage of the Cape while enjoying the most expansive views of the City. The day commences with a trip by cable car to the peak of Table Mountain, one of the new 7 wonders of nature- where you can explore the unique fauna and flora while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Cape Peninsula below.
After making your way down by Cable Car, enjoy an informative drive around our vibrant City. Highlights include the National Parliament, Castle of Good Hope and the City Hall where Nelson Mandela gave his inaugural speech upon his release from prison in 1990.
Our next stop is District Six – an area that was once home to thousands of colored people and described as the “Soul of Cape Town”. Today, this almost barren land serves as a testament to the devastating effect of Apartheid and its forced removals. Our guides will bring District Six alive again with stories of this vibrant community and the struggles faced by their offspring today in trying to reclaim this land.
We then take a trip through the most iconic neighborhood in Cape Town- the Bo-Kaap (Malay/slave Quarter). With its colorful houses and cobble-stone roads, there is no better place to take Instagram-worthy pics. By now you may be feeling peckish – our guides will show you where to purchase the most authentic Cape Malay delicacies- from samosas to koeksisters, everything in the Bo Kaap is made the traditional way- delicious! Your Guide will then accompany you to the vibrant Greenmarket Square fleamarket – famous for its traditional curious and gifts.
From the city center we proceed to Kirstenbosch botanical gardens – one of the greatest Botanical gardens in the world. Here you can enjoy a picnic lunch or a sit-down meal (own account) in this tranquil garden setting before exploring the garden either at your leisure or via a guided tour by foot/golf cart. The 528-hectare garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has more than 7000 species of plants – this is mother nature in all her glory.
Location:
LocationCape Town
Accommodation:
Accommodation One&Only Cape Town
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel by an Alluring Africa representative for your Private Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour.
This awe-inspiring journey to the towering headland known as Cape Point passes magnificent beaches, breathtaking views, historic and picturesque coastal villages along the way. The Cape Peninsula is one of the world’s most scenic areas and stretches from the city center to Cape Point.
Travel along the Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay, stopping at a Llandudno look-out point before entering Hout Bay, a quaint village and fishing harbor with magnificent mountain views and beach. Continue along Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, to Cape Point, perceived to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The Good Hope Nature Reserve has magnificent fynbos vegetation, birdlife, endemic antelope species and zebra, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant (own account), head to historic Simon’s Town – a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base and a large penguin colony at the beautiful Boulders Beach. The Boulders Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat and wander through the information center.
Then it’s time to meander back towards Cape Town via the scenic Boyes Drive overlooking the False Bay coastline or via the winding Ou Kaapse Weg mountain pass.
Location:
LocationCape Town
Accommodation:
Accommodation One&Only Cape Town
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel by your Escape to the Cape Guide for a Private Full Day Tour of the Cape Winelands.
This delightful drive winds its way to the heart of the Cape Winelands, through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Head to the highway as you travel to the heart of South Africa’s wine industry, Stellenbosch; boasting great beauty and culture that is steeped in South African history. Walk down the quaint avenues in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings. With the sheer vastness of wine estates on offer, one is truly spoiled for choice. Enjoy your first tasting of the day at the Waterford Estate for a chocolate & wine pairing.
Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschhoek, historically dating back to the 17th century when the French Huguenots arrived. Billed as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, this charming town, in a most picturesque valley, retains a French Huguenot style. We typically stop at Lunch Le Petit Ferme Restaurant (own account) soaking up their magnificent scenery. Post lunch you will have time to stroll the main road visiting its quaint boutiques.
Enjoy another wine tasting en route before reaching Babylonstoren where you will stay for two nights.
Location:
LocationFranschhoek
Accommodation:
Accommodation Babylonstoren Farm Hotel
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
The day is at leisure on the farm.
Breakfast is included in your stay and we feel that there can be no better start to the day than sitting down to an abundant breakfast table.
Devised according to what’s in season and ready for picking in the garden, you can expect the freshest of just-blended juices, seasonal fruit, homemade muesli with a twist, freshly baked bread from our bakery, thick farm-style yoghurts and our own farm honey.
Activities for kids
The farm is a paradise for children! Our beloved donkeys live opposite the Farm Shop. We invite our young guests to help feed the donkeys, to collect eggs and to help harvest fruit and vegetables from our garden, especially for the breakfast table. Children are also welcome to help our bakers knead and bake delicious farm breads. And don’t forget to go on the scavenger hunt.
Workshops
We hold regular workshops as we see it as an ideal opportunity to share what we’ve learned and also to learn from our community. Experts in their fields host these workshops in collaboration with our team. Starting with a walk through the garden, it is usually a full day affair with lunch included.
Specialist tour
In addition to our daily garden tour, hotel guests can take part in a guided walk to discover our special collections in the garden. Depending on the time of year, gardeners may take guests to see the succulent collection, the cycads next to the stream or for a walk through the Healing Garden.
Exercise
The gym is for the exclusive use of adults. We have a great selection of equipment to keep you fit. Private yoga sessions are available on request.
Walk or Run
Use the map in your room to explore the many walking or running trails on the farm.
Bicycles
We have bicycles available for adults as well as children to explore the farm.
Spa
Our two signature treatments are the hammam water ritual and the bamboo massage. In addition, we have a wonderful selection of classic treatments.
Garden tour
Our daily garden tour starts at the Farm Shop at 10h00. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat in summer, and wellies plus the umbrella provided in your room in winter.
Mountain drive
Guests who stay two nights or longer, can join our guided drive. Come and immerse yourself in the late-afternoon tranquillity of the farm and hear more about Babylonstoren’s history, our vineyards and orchards, and the fynbos and trees.
Wine & olive oil tasting
Join us on one of our daily guided cellar tours, which will take you through the whole winemaking process, past the vineyards, through the olive press, production cellar and maturation cellar, and includes a wine tasting. The tour starts at the Tasting Room (where our whole wine range is available for tasting).
Animals
You may come across our resident tortoises, our donkeys, the chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and squirrels that all roam happily, or maybe even a wild steenbok. Keep your eyes and ears open – you may be lucky enough to see or hear the fish eagle. We have spotted 78 bird species on Babylonstoren. Guests are welcome to use the bird book in the library for reference.
Swim
Our outdoor pool is not just another infinity pool! Take a plunge or relax afloat the tractor tube.
Fishing
Guided seasonal fly and bass fishing on weekdays.
Rowing at the dam
You can walk or cycle to the dam – the view from the dam is spectacular and you will be amazed by the abundant bird life.
Location:
LocationFranschhoek
Accommodation:
Accommodation Babylonstoren Farm Hotel
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
At a time determined the night before, you will be collected by an Alluring Africa representative for your private road transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your homebound flight.
Return home, taking with you the sights, sounds, and memories of an incredible African adventure!
Location:
LocationFranschhoek
Accommodation:
Accommodation Babylonstoren Farm Hotel
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Price Includes:
Price Excludes:
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