Cycle the Amalfi Coast
Jul 20, 2023 - Jul 27, 2023
Let's bike along the Amalfi Coast taking in the majestic scenery.
7 spots left
Hold onto your seats. We’re going to South Africa! And if you place your $500 deposit prior to May 20 2023, we’ll throw in round trip air from New York for free!
Come with us as we explore South Africa and Zimbabwe! Our 15-day journey begins with flying to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where we’ll spend 3 nights and experience a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River. Plus we will have time to visit the Elephants at the Sanctuary. Next, we will fly to Hoedspruit for our unforgettable safari experience in a Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger Park area for 3 nights. Game viewing here is fantastic and this lovely lodge will enhance your experience in this beautiful area of South Africa. See the Extensions tab for more details if you want the whole 15 day tour!
Day 1, Thursday, April 4: Overnight flight to South Africa
We begin our journey by meeting in New York for our flight to Johannesburg, arriving the next morning.
Day 2, Friday, April 5: Arrive in Johannesburg
We’ll arrive in Johannesburg the next morning and transfer to our hotel. The afternoon is for you to rest and recover, or to enjoy Johannesburg. That evening we’ll meet for a welcome dinner. (D)
Days 3-5, Saturday, April 6 – Monday, April 8: Western Hwange National Park
After breakfast, we will fly from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, home to one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. We will transfer to Dete Station of the Hwange National Park (a 2.5 hour drive) before meeting our guide/driver at the station for transfer to Nehimba Safari Lodge. Be sure to watch for game along the way!
We will be enjoying 3 days at Nehimba Lodge which includes a watering hold that attracts large herds of elephants and other game. We will participate in 2 game activities per day, including game drives, walking safaris, all day excursions, and night drives depending on the weather and movement of the herds.
Day 6, Tuesday, April 9: Transfer to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
After breakfast, we will leave Nehimba Lodge and head back to Victoria Falls Town, where we will check into Pioneer Lodge for a 3 night stay. In the late afternoon, we will transfer to the Zambezi River for an unforgettable luxury Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Malachite. Watch for abundant wildlife and enjoy the beautiful sunset while being served a 3 course meal and drinks.
Day 7, Wednesday, April 10: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Today we will tour the spectacular Victoria Falls followed by a visit to a local craft market. Then we will have the incredible opportunity to visit the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary, home to orphaned and injured elephants since 1982, where we will interact with the resident elephants and talk with the staff about their relationships with the elephants over lunch.
Upon our return to the lodge that evening, we will have the opportunity to listen to a presentation about the fascinating Life of David Livingstone, followed by dinner.
Day 8, Thursday, April 11: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
After breakfast, we go back in time with a railway tram ride aboard the Bamba Tram through the Zambezi National Park, watching for game along the way. We will stop for refreshments at the Historic Falls Bridge and enjoy a short tour of the bridge before heading to the Railway Museum to learn about the history of the railway museum and the building of this bridge.
Next, we are invited to a home-hosted lunch in the home of a local family. We will have the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and customs through conversations with our hosts. We will then have some free time to walk around the town with optional adventure activities like bungee jumping at the Gorge Swing and zip-lining at the Flying Fox. After a bit of relaxation at the lodge, we will go to the town of Boma for a festive evening with a traditional 4 course dinner and live entertainment before returning to the lodge for the night.
Days 9-11, Friday, April 12- Sunday, April 14: Karongwe Private Game Reserve
After breakfast, we will transfer to the Victoria Falls airport for our flight to Nelspruit (MQP) in South Africa. Then we will make the 2.5 hour drive to Shidulgi Private Game Lodge in the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, in the Limpopo Province and adjacent to Kruger National Park, for a 3 night stay. This magnificent wildlife sanctuary lies between four different rivers – the ideal riverine habitats for a diversity of flora, fauna, and prolific birdlife. We will have lunch and our first game drive that afternoon. We will have the chance to see the Big 5 – elephant, rhino, African buffalo, lion and leopard.
A typical day on the game reserve includes an early wake-up to head out at first light with the goal of catching some ‘big cat’ sightings, with a high chance of spotting the elusive leopard. Game drives are conducted in open game vehicles with rangers and trackers. Between our morning and afternoon game drives, we have free time to relax or be treated at the spa. After convening for high tea, we will depart for the day’s second African Bush Safari. Return to the lodge for dinner and bed.
Day 12, Monday, April 15: Fly to Cape Town
After an early morning game drive and breakfast, we will check out and transfer to the Hoedspruit Airport for our flight to Cape Town. We will meet our guide and transfer to Portswood Hotel, located on the waterfront. A welcome dinner will be provided.
Day 13, Tuesday, April 16: Cape Town
We will begin the day with the Table Mountain Tour in a cable car (weather permitting) or Signal Hill, known for is astronomical observatory. Then we are in for a treat with a diamond cutting demonstration at Diamond Works, where there is also exquisite hand-crafted jewelry, authentic African craft, decor, and gifts. Following a city tour of Cape Town, we will proceed to the Groot Constancia Wine Estate for a vineyard tour and wine tasting before heading back to our hotel.
A special dinner on Tuesday is scheduled with guest speaker Christo Brand, former prison warden to Nelson Mandela and author of “Mandela My Prisoner My Friend.” We will have the opportunity to ask him about his life and experiences with Mandela on Robben Island.
Day 14, Wednesday, April 17: Cape Town
After breakfast, we will have a private drive along the coast to Hout Bay to Chapman’s Peak and Cape Point, the most south-western point of the African continent. We will get to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean before visiting the local African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. After lunch overlooking False Bay, we will visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, we will head back to our hotel for some free time and then our final dinner together,
Day 15, Thursday, April 18: Fly Home
Today we transfer to the Cape Town airport for our flight to Johannesburg and then back to the U.S.
Highlights of the trip:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise
- Pioneers Victoria Falls
- Shiduli Private Game Lodge Karongwe Private Game Reserve
- Wild Horizons Lookout Café is a fusion of spectacular views and exquisite food
- The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage
- Curio Market– Batique fabric, tribal drums, marimbas, jewelery, bowls, chess boards, wooden and stone carvings, including the famous Soap Stone Carvings of the Shona Tribe
- Chance to spot the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, African buffalo, and rhinoceros)
What’s included in your trip:
- Accommodation for 3 Nights at Shiduli Private Game Lodge & Pioneer Victoria Falls
- Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast/L=Lunch/D=Dinner)
- Entrance fees as per activities on itinerary
- Activities as per itinerary
- Transfers and ground transportation mentioned in the itinerary
- Game activities as per itinerary
- Sunset Dinner Cruise
- Pioneers Victoria Falls
- Shiduli Private Game Lodge Karongwe Private Game Reserve
- Wild Horizons Lookout Café is a fusion of spectacular views and exquisite food
- The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage
- Curio Market– Batique fabric, tribal drums, marimbas, jewellery, bowls, chess boards, wooden and stone carvings, including the famous Soap Stone Carvings of the Shona Tribe
- Chance to spot the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, African buffalo, and rhinoceros)
South Africa Accommodations
City Lodge O.R.
Conveniently located at Africa’s busiest airport, the 365-room City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport, allows both business and leisure travellers a convenient and comfortable place to rest at the end of a long flight. The hotel is walking distance to and from the airport terminal buildings and is adjacent to the Gautrain Airport Station. Business travellers will appreciate the simplicity of staying at the airport for short visits, while leisure travellers won’t have to worry about where to stay for that one night between flights to their final destination.
Nehimba Safari Lodge Western Hwange National Park
An authentic safari Lodge remotely nestled away in one of the largest private concessions in the renowned Hwange National Park. Ideally situated in the central game rich section of the park, offering an all inclusive, immersive wildlife experience.
Centrally situated is the spacious lounge / dining area comprising a lower deck for intimate and romantic meals under the stars, overlooking a swimming pool frequented by elephants trying to quench their thirst. Evenings can be spend around a warm fire where tales of the days events are unravelled while the chef prepares a tasteful array of dishes.
The lodge boasts nine luxurious raised chalets under traditional thatch unobtrusively positioned around a waterhole. Each chalet has its own en suite slipper bath and adjoining outside shower.
The rooms are designed to be spacious, airy, intimate and safe. Each chalet has its own private balcony that allows an un-obscured view of the waterhole and its thirsty visitors.
Pioneers, Victoria Falls
Set in lush gardens with beautifully manicured lawns, this fifty room lodge is a great option for those who value comfort and elegance. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in a classic style, and each has a clear and open view of the garden. The heart of “Pioneers” Lodge is the centrally located main area. The layout and classic décor here is extremely welcoming with a serene and stylish lounge which is airy and comfortable, and the rich inside dining room is certainly nostalgic and inviting. The guests also have the option of relaxing and dining on the spacious and expansive terrace, overlooking lush gardens. There is a large saloon style bar area which serves a variety of cold and hot beverages, including local craft beer made from our very own Zambezi water. For the modern traveller, Wi-Fi is important and this is readily available throughout the lodge. Well placed in the lush gardens are two swimming pools for the guests to use at their leisure. In addition to these, a day spa is available.
King Rooms The rooms look out over manicured lawns to our two secluded pool areas. Each large, well-appointed room boasts a spacious en-suite bathroom with double basins and shower for our weary travelers Wild Horizons Zambezi Dinner Cruise As the sun begins its descent, step on board our floating restaurant for an exceptional evening on the Zambezi River. Like the exquisite bird after which it was named “Malachite” is one of the Zambezi River’s crowning gems. On the upper deck, guests are offered a glass of sparkling wine to sip as they settle into the plush cushioned furniture and relax before the journey along the Zambezi River begins; all the while looking out for the various birdlife and animals there are to be seen and then watching as one of Africa’s famous sunsets erupts in the sky. After the sun has sunk below the river line, dinner is served on the lower deck of the vessel exemplifying the hallmarks of exquisite cuisine prepared on board by two Chefs. The rich aroma of locally sourced, fresh ingredients wafts around diners as the dishes are plated. Time seems to stand still as the boat gently glides along to the sound of water lapping up against her sides. Far removed from the glare of city lights and noise, the moon and stars shine brightly in the sky and an atmosphere of mystery and romance envelopes the evening’s experience.
Shuduli Private Game Lodge Kerry
Welcome to Shiduli Private Game Lodge, The heartbeat of the African Bush. Shiduli Private Game Lodge offers an unrivaled African Safari experience where the warm atmosphere, friendly staff and fine cuisine compliment the excellent game viewing. Fringing the Karongwe Game Reserve, Shiduli Private Game Lodge embodies grace and elegance, yet exudes unsurpassed warmth and hospitality. Guests can step into the relaxed ambience of the lodge with its lush indigenous garden dappled in shade, lounges with Internet facilities, bar, huge sparkling pool and thatched dining areas punctuated with original South African art.
The PortsWood Hotel Cape Town
The PortsWood is part of Cape Town’s colonial history. The restaurant and lobby are built over the original well and holding cells for prisoners en-route to Robben Island some 300 years ago. Today the PortsWood is famous for its uniquely personal approach to service – catering to the international travellers every need and anticipating their every desire. Rich in South Africa’s unique culture, the PortsWood is a must for any traveller.
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