8-Nights South Africa and Victoria Falls - Small Group Journeys from $11,295

1 Arrive Cape Town, South Africa

Arrive in Cape Town, a breathtaking harbor city perched on the southwestern tip of the African continent, where old and new converge in history, architecture and cultural pursuits. Afro-chic decor graces the city’s trendy restaurants and bars, while art and design studios imbue the atmosphere with a hip, creative vibe, all overlooked by towering, flat-topped Table Mountain.

Ascend to the top of Table Mountain via cable car and walk the summit, taking in an inspiring, 360-degree panorama of the city and bay. In the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, formerly known as the Malay Quarter, stroll cobblestone streets amid charming multi-colored buildings and spice shops. Listen as your expert guide explains the rich local history and sample some Cape Malay food as you go. The afternoon is yours for exploring on your own, gathering tonight for a welcome dinner.

Discover scenic Cape Point, journeying past the “bikini beaches” at the base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, along bucolic Hout Bay and over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Explore the stunning Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to rare bonteboks and chacma baboons. The “Flying Dutchman” funicular takes you to the great pinnacle at blustery Cape Point. At Boulders Beach, visit its colony of endangered African penguins. The rest of the day is yours.

Fly to a privately owned, wildlife-rich game reserve that shares an open boundary with Kruger National Park, an area renowned for game viewing. The Greater Kruger area sprawls across an unfathomably vast expanse of bushveld, granite hills, mountains, savanna and tropical forests comprising an extraordinarily biodiverse habitat for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, hippos and zebras. After settling into your elegant accommodations, set off in search of the Big Five, accompanied by two safari professionals: a driver guide, trained to safely maneuver you up close to big game, and a tracker who follows their signs and predicts where they’re likely to be found.

Begin two days of immersion in your private game reserve, embarking on game drives in open safari vehicles for optimal viewing and exploring on early morning game walks with your ranger. In between safari activities, participate in a chef-led culinary experience, sampling South African cuisine.

Head out for another full day of exploration that includes morning and afternoon game drives, learning fascinating details about the flora and fauna as well as basic tracking skills. At dusk, toast your adventure with a refreshing cocktail, and then search for nocturnal animals.

Fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, settle in to your hotel and enjoy some free time. This evening, cruise on the Zambezi River, viewing hippos, crocodiles and exotic birdlife. After an unforgettable African sunset, as a magical charm settles over the river and lanterns are lit, a delicious dinner is served on board to the sounds of the African night.

Begin with a guided morning walk of breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. See rainbows and clouds of spray as the mile-wide Upper Zambezi plummets into the Lower Zambezi. In 1855, famed Scottish explorer David Livingstone named the falls in honor of his queen, but its unrestrained mist gave rise to the much older Kololo name of Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders). Afterward, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Privately Bike the Area, cycling the town of Victoria Falls and stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.
• Tour the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Headquarters and learn about their clinic, rehabilitation center and ongoing research.
• Meet with a Member of the Monde Community for a tour of a local homestead and visit their community school, supported by A&K Philanthropy.

Experience an interactive animal adventure as you privately visit an elephant sanctuary to meet the gentle giants living there. Watch them up close as they eat and socialize during a hands-on encounter led by a naturalist. Before your farewell dinner, a special guest speaker shares tales of celebrated explorer David Livingstone — an A&K-exclusive experience.

Fly to Johannesburg, where you enjoy access to the Premier Lounge, compliments of A&K, before boarding your flight home.