Relais & Châteaux Southern Africa Luxury Vacation
13 days / 12 nights
South Africa, Botswana, & Zambia
The Best Safari in South Africa and Beyond
Embark on a South Africa luxury vacation designed for travelers who want comfort, wildlife, and culture in one journey. Over 12 nights, explore South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia and stay only at Relais & Châteaux properties known for their warm service and excellent dining. Along the way, you will enjoy city life, Big Five safari drives, and time beside the Zambezi River. Indeed, this journey blends the best safari in South Africa with a wider Southern Africa adventure.
Journey at-a-glance:
- Days 1 - 4: Cape Town
- Days 4 - 7: Kapama Private Game Reserve
- Days 7 - 10: Selinda Reserve
- Days 10 - 13: Livingstone
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Your South Africa luxury vacation first begins in Cape Town. This coastal city sits between the ocean and Table Mountain. Upon arrival, transfer privately to Ellerman House, a Relais & Châteaux hotel overlooking Bantry Bay.
First, take an entire day to relax after your international flight. Then, your South Africa trip begins as you drive along the Atlantic Seaboard with your private guide. Stop in Camps Bay and continue toward Cape Point for wide ocean views.
In addition, spend a day in the Cape Winelands, visiting Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. Taste local wines, and enjoy relaxed lunches at vineyard estates. Meanwhile, your guide shares stories about the region’s past and present.
Time permitting, also consider riding the cable car up Table Mountain, weather permitting. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the city and harbor. Afterward, visit the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood and learn about its history.
Throughout your stay, Ker & Downey World Travel will make reservations at some of the city’s top restaurants. As a result, Cape Town sets the tone for your South Africa luxury travel experience.
Next, fly to Greater Kruger National Park and transfer to Kapama Private Game Reserve. Upon arrival, settle into Jabulani, a Relais & Châteaux safari lodge known for its close ties to elephant conservation.
Now your South Africa safari experience truly begins. Each morning, rise early for a guided game drive and search for lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, wild dog, and buffalo. Meanwhile, expert guides share insights about animal behavior and conservation efforts. Later, return to camp for refined cuisine, spa treatments, and relaxation in your private suite.
In the afternoon, head out again as the light softens, when wildlife becomes more active. You may also see giraffe, zebra, and many antelope species along with nocturnal animals.
Indeed, this portion of your South African journey reflects the best safari in South Africa. It combines strong wildlife viewing with comfort and personal service.
After South Africa, continue north to Botswana. Fly into the Selinda Reserve, a remote and wildlife-rich area between the Okavango Delta and Linyanti River.
Here, check into Selinda Camp, another Relais & Châteaux property offering just a handful of suites. Therefore, the atmosphere feels private and deeply personal.
Game drives take place in open vehicles with skilled guides. You may see large elephant herds, powerful predators, and extraordinary birdlife. In addition, guided walking safaris offer a closer look at tracks, plants, and smaller creatures.
Seasonally, boating excursions along the waterways reveal hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Meanwhile, evenings bring fireside dinners and relaxed conversations under the stars.
Because of its location, Selinda adds depth to your South Africa luxury vacation. It also expands your safari beyond borders while keeping the same high standard of comfort.
Finally, travel to Livingstone in Zambia near Victoria Falls, one of the world’s great natural wonders. Transfer to Royal Chundu, a luxury river lodge set along a quiet stretch of the Zambezi River.
From your luxurious lodge, visit Victoria Falls with your guide, and walk along marked paths and feel the mist rising from the gorge.
Later, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi as hippos surface in the water and elephants wander the banks. In addition, consider canoe safaris or cultural visits to nearby villages.
Between activities, relax in your riverfront suite and swim in your private plunge pool. Enjoy open-air dining beside the water.
Consequently, your South Africa luxury vacation concludes with beauty and reflection on a grand scale.
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Plan a South Africa Luxury Vacation Today
This South Africa luxury vacation combines Cape Town, the Greater Kruger, Botswana’s Selinda Reserve, and Victoria Falls. It therefore offers the best safari in South Africa while also expanding into neighboring countries.
However, as with every Ker & Downey trip, you can customize it to your preferred pacing. For example, you may add the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, the Garden Route, the Okavango Delta, or the Kalahari Desert. Therefore, contact a Ker & Downey Travel Designer to personalize your own journey. We will manage every flight, lodge, and private guide so your journey runs smoothly from beginning to end.
In the meantime, explore the best seasons for wildlife viewing in Southern Africa. For even more travel inspiration, follow Ker & Downey World Travel on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
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