Essence of Southern Africa

Upon arrival in Cape Town, we'll greet you and transfer you to your hotel, affectionately known by locals and regulars as Mount Nellie. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, and within walking distance of Company's Garden, this exquisitely restored colonial hotel was painted its distinctive shade of pink in 1918. This evening, join your fellow travellers and APT Tour Director for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Stay Three Nights: Cape Town, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel (D)

After breakfast, head out to discover charming Cape Town. Take a guided tour of the Castle of Good Hope, which was built by Dutch colonialists from 1666 to 1679 and is considered to be the oldest surviving colonial-era building in South Africa. Visit the District Six Museum and immerse yourself in powerful exhibitions that shed light on the culture and deeply moving history of Cape Town during the Apartheid era. Afterwards, ride the aerial cableway to the top of Table Mountain, where panoramic vistas of the city and its surrounds await. Tonight, choose where to dine. (B/D)

Freedom of Choice Dining - Upper Union Tucked inside an impeccably restored heritage building in Cape Town's vibrant Kloof Street neighbourhood, Upper Union offers innovative, globally inspired fare. Its bold, boundary-pushing menu invites you to share small and large plates that are as refined as they are rebellious.

Freedom of Choice Dining - Baía Seafood Restaurant Savour flavourful cuisine with sweeping ocean views across Granger Bay and Robben Island at one of Cape Town's most renowned dining destinations. Indulge in the freshest Southern African seafood, including the restaurant's signature langoustines, as well as select cuts of premium meat, all expertly prepared.

After breakfast this morning, you'll embark on a breathtaking journey along Chapman's Peak Drive, widely regarded as one of the world's most scenic stretches of road. Soak up glorious views of the South African coast and catch glimpses of quaint villages en route to the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Point. Then, continue to Simon's Town for a delicious lunch. Nearby lies Boulders Beach, home to a vivacious colony of penguins. Enjoy observing these fascinating creatures before returning to your hotel. (B/L)

Today unfolds on your own terms with a range of Freedom of Choice sightseeing activities on offer. Afterwards, head to Stellenbosch, known for its picturesque oak-lined streets, historic buildings and old-world charm. Settle into your luxurious accommodation, the opulent Lanzerac Hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the serene atmosphere of the elegant estate, set against the backdrop of magnificent mountains and lush gardens. Stay Two Nights: Stellenbosch, Lanzerac Hotel (B/D)

Freedom of Choice - Robben Island Tour Learn about the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated from 1964 to 1982, as well as life on the island.

Freedom of Choice - V&A Waterfront with Brundyn Arts and Culture Enjoy a stroll along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront after visiting Brundyn Arts and Culture - a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts, featuring contemporary paintings, sculptures, photography and installations. Conclude your experience with a rooftop drink at the iconic Silo Hotel.

Freedom of Choice - Heritage Tour Embark on a Heritage Tour, where you will discover the colourful neighbourhood of Bo‑Kaap (formerly known as the Malay Quarter).

After your Signature Experience in Stellenbosch this morning, the rest of the day is dedicated to enjoying the array of amenities your accommodation has to offer. Surrounded by mountains and wine farms, take the opportunity to relax or partake in the activities available at the property. Whether you take a stroll through the grounds or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment (additional expense), there are a range of options to suit your preferences. (B/L)

Signature Experience - Historical Walking Tour Explore historic Stellenbosch on a fascinating walking tour. Admire the beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and learn about the colonial history of the area. Delve into the town's storied past, remarkable culture and inspiring artwork before tasting traditional South African dishes, such as savoury Bobotie and sweet Amarula mousse.

Fly to Kruger today and transfer to your private lodge, nestled within the sprawling 15,000-hectare Kapama Private Game Reserve in Kruger National Park. Your luxurious safari accommodation for the next three nights offers many opportunities to seek out the local inhabitants. With around 40 different mammal species, including the spotted hyena and greater kudu, along with over 300 bird species, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife.

This evening, unwind with a round of sundowners as you bask in a breathtaking African sunset, followed by a sumptuous dinner. Stay Three Nights: Kruger National Park, Kapama River Lodge or similar (B/D)

Begin today with a Signature Experience, where you'll set out on an incredible early morning game drive. Afterwards, return to your luxurious lodge and enjoy time to relax and reminisce about the morning's adventures before embarking on another thrilling game drive in the afternoon. Cap off the day with another sensational Signature Experience beneath a starlit sky. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Early Morning Game Drive Rise early for a morning game drive, which presents the perfect opportunity to spot animals such as giraffes, birdlife and the Little Five (the elephant shrew, antlion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and leopard tortoise) roaming in the wild.

Signature Experience - Boma Dinner After an exhilarating day of game drives in Kruger National Park, enjoy a mesmerising boma dinner under the stars. A candle-lit outdoor space with a crackling fire and thatched side fences creates an extraordinary atmosphere, where you'll savour barbecue meats, salads and traditional desserts. Soak up the unique ambience of open-air dining in the heart of the African bush, accompanied by traditional song and dance.

This morning, you may like to join your experienced guides for an enthralling bushwalk. Immerse yourself in the wild and unspoiled landscape as you are taught how to look out for animal tracks and learn about some of the local fauna used for numerous medicinal purposes. Later, enjoy another exhilarating game viewing experience from the comfort of a vehicle, followed by a sundown toast to all the incredible sights you have encountered throughout the day. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a final morning game drive, then board a flight to Johannesburg, where you will stay overnight in preparation for your flight to Livingstone tomorrow morning. Stay: Johannesburg, Peermont D'oreale Grande (B)

Fly to Livingstone and, upon arrival, set out on a tour of Victoria Falls from the Zambian side. Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders). As the world's largest sheet of falling water, this striking natural wonder cascades over 1,700 metres in width and plunges 108 metres into the gorge below. Learn about the history of the Falls and its significant geological features.

In the late afternoon, embark on a breathtaking sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Savour sundowners and canapés served against the backdrop of a magnificent African sunset. Stay Three Nights: Royal Livingstone Hotel (B)

You may like to wake early this morning and take advantage of your hotel's direct access to the Falls, enjoying the tranquillity of this breathtaking location before indulging in a delicious breakfast. How you'd like to spend today is up to you with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer. Round off the day with a delectable dinner at your hotel. (B/D)

Freedom of Choice - Cultural Village Tour Embark on a cultural tour of an authentic local village in Livingstone, then visit the vibrant Maramba Market.

Freedom of Choice - Mosi-oa-Tunya Walking Safari Take part in a walking safari along the Zambezi River in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Delight in a unique opportunity to experience the natural world from a different perspective.

Freedom of Choice - Victoria Falls Tour and Lunch in Zimbabwe Set out on a guided tour of the breathtaking Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, followed by lunch overlooking the spectacular gorges and Falls (Zimbabwean visa is at an additional expense).

Perhaps rise early once again to make the most of your hotel's direct access to the Falls, soaking up the serene beauty of the morning mist and cascading waters. Afterwards, savour breakfast in this spectacular setting. Later, enjoy a Signature Experience, where you'll marvel at the spectacular sight of Victoria Falls and the surrounding plains from a helicopter flight. Tonight, another unforgettable Signature Experience awaits. (B/D)

Signature Experience - Helicopter Flight over Victoria Falls Embark on an exhilarating helicopter flight and admire extraordinary aerial views of majestic Victoria Falls from above. The sheer beauty of this natural phenomenon will leave you spellbound.

Signature Experience - Royal Livingstone Express Steam Train Step aboard the luxurious Royal Livingstone Express steam train for a sumptuous five-course gourmet dinner, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Victoria Falls and its majestic surroundings. Upon reaching the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, you'll have the opportunity to disembark and marvel at the breathtaking views, as the radiant African sun sets behind the cascading Falls.

After breakfast, your spectacular journey comes to an end. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)