Depart Toronto, Pearson International Airport

We arrive in Cape Town late evening after our journey from Canada. Once luggage is collected, our driver will be waiting to whisk us off to The Commodore Hotel for a short transfer. Expect a late check-in (around midnight), so it’s straight to bed—adventure waits for no one. Feeling peckish? Room service has your back, 24/7.

We’re perfectly based at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (the “V&A” if you want to sound local), ideal for exploring, sightseeing, and a little retail therapy. Cape Town—aka The Mother City—is a spectacular mix of cultures, coastline, history, and drama, all watched over by the mighty Table Mountain.

On our orientation tour you’ll get your bearings and glimpse key landmarks, including Groote Schuur Hospital, where the world’s first heart transplant took place. Then we dive into the bucket-list hits: the Table Mountain cable car (heck YES), a visit to Robben Island, and time soaking up the beauty of the Cape Winelands.

Robben Island is deeply moving—once the prison of Nelson Mandela, now a powerful symbol of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit. History here doesn’t whisper; it speaks straight to the heart.

We’ll also explore the spectacular Cape Peninsula, travelling via Hout Bay, along the white-knuckle curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive, and on to Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve—jaw-dropping scenery guaranteed.

Penguin fans, don’t panic. We’re skipping the overcrowded hotspots and heading where locals go, so the penguins are relaxed, happy, and blissfully unaware of Instagram.

The Cape Winelands deserve a proper appetite. We’ll explore Stellenbosch, enjoy tastings en route to Franschhoek via the aptly named Helshoogte Pass, savour a local lunch, and finish with another tasting in historic Paarl. Tough day, I know.

To round out our time here, we’ll visit District Six and the Desmond Tutu Museum, reflecting on South Africa’s past and the journey toward reconciliation. It’s moving, meaningful, and a powerful reminder of why this country—and its people—leave such a lasting impression

It’s an early departure and we head by road to another bucket-list destination – the village of Hermanus, situated in the heart of the Cape Whale Coast surrounded by breathtaking scenery and home to the world’s only Whale Crier who sounds his kelp horn to announce where whales have been sighted. It will be close to out of season for whales, but we can hope.

You’ve heard the saying, ‘It’s not the destination that’s important, it’s the journey’ right? Today we have it all. En route to Hermanus we will experience a private Cheetah Encounter at their sanctuary when we visit the non-profit Cheetah Outreach! Our group is expected at 10:30am and you can anticipate a few minutes each to closely interact with a real live cheetah individually! We will also have a guided tour of this incredible sanctuary and learn about its goals and challenges which it would be a privilege to support.

The next day is a ‘free day’ where you can relax by the pool, stroll through this quaint village exploring, or do an additional activity $ like another wine tasting or discover your wild side by experiencing the cage diving with sharks in the ocean!

On our last night in Hermanus, as the African sun starts to retreat – we will together enjoy a delicious Farewell Dinner to Cape Town, surrounded by our new friends and the sounds of the ocean as we share unforgettable moments and experiences.

We’ll slip out of Hermanus while the world is still snoozing and head to Cape Town International Airport—because safari waits for no one. A quick stop in Johannesburg, then on to Kasane, gateway to Botswana’s “Land of the Giants,” where Chobe Safari Lodge will be ready to welcome us.

That afternoon we ease straight into safari mode with a sunset cruise on the Chobe River—bevvies in hand, wildlife all around, and hippos very much in charge. Dinner follows back at the lodge, and yes, we’ll be back on the river again later in the week (because once is never enough).

We’ll rise with the animals—early mornings and golden evenings are prime game-viewing time. Expect coffee, muffins, and a 3-hour sunrise game drive in open 4x4s, followed by a well-earned, hearty breakfast back at the lodge.

One highlight? A private boat cruise on the Chobe (just us), and on our final night an authentic braai under the stars at Sedudu Grill. Think river views, distant lights across the water, bush sounds all around, and food that tastes even better outdoors.

Downtime is yours to enjoy: wildlife-watching from your balcony (hello warthogs), poolside lounging, or keeping an eye on the resident monkeys and baboons—admire from a distance, please, they’re mischievous locals. Optional extras like fishing or additional game drives are available if you’re keen.

On our last morning, rise early for sunrise and a quiet moment to really take it all in—mental photograph recommended. After breakfast (and maybe a final swim), we board our coach and head off to our next adventure: Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and wildest playground.

After a quick bite in Victoria Falls, we head to Hwange National Park—just a 2.5-hour drive and a serious upgrade in wild. This is Zimbabwe’s largest and most iconic park, (roughly the size of Belgium!) famous for its massive elephant population, Big Five sightings, and excellent chances of spotting the elusive painted dog.

We’ll stay at Iganyana Tented Camp, an intimate safari hideaway on a private concession where animals roam freely—no fences, no crowds, just real Africa. Expect exceptional game drives with top-tier local guides, evenings around the campfire under star-filled skies, and meaningful connections with the nearby communities who have lived alongside this wilderness for generations. Wild, soulful, and unforgettable.

After breakfast we hit the road from Hwange to Victoria Falls—the grand finale of Zimbabwe and one of the world’s great show-offs. Think thunder, mist, and a very healthy sense of awe.

We’ll settle in for three nights at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, an award-winning favourite just minutes from town. Rooms overlook a busy watering hole, so wildlife often drops by for a drink while you relax with one of yours. Add a pool, spa, great food, and the warmest local hospitality (truly—Zimbabweans will steal your heart), and you’re set.

We’ll explore the mighty Falls on the Zambezi River—1.7km wide, 108m high, and spectacular even in the dry season. Locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), which makes perfect sense once you see it. A sunset dinner cruise follows, with wildlife spotting high on the agenda—binoculars encouraged, bragging rights optional.

Lunch with a view is a must at Wild Horizons Lookout Café, followed by time at the local markets to browse Shona stone sculptures and hand-carved treasures. Beautiful gifts, meaningful souvenirs—and you’ll be supporting local artisans. My people. Thank you. 💛

We’ll also get up close (but respectfully) with Africa’s gentle giants on an Elephant Encounter, observing them in the bush alongside their dedicated keepers—an unforgettable, heart-warming experience.

And for our final flourish: dinner at Boma Restaurant. Expect bold Zimbabwean flavours, drumming, dancing, storytelling, and an evening that’s equal parts cultural immersion and pure fun. Bring your appetite—and maybe your dancing shoes.

• Flight home from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia