Depart *Toronto, Pearson International Airport (*other airports on request)
This is where the shift begins—from everyday routine to something completely different.
For many of my travellers, this is a long-anticipated journey, and I make sure everything is clearly mapped out ahead of time so you can simply settle in and enjoy the experience from the moment you leave home.
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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,” a place I’ve always loved for its slightly different rhythm—equally wild, but calmer, more expansive, and quietly spectacular.

If elephants had a favourite holiday destination, it would almost certainly be Chobe National Park—home to the highest concentration of elephants in Africa, along with buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and an incredible variety of antelope.

Chobe Safari Lodge will be ready to welcome us, a place I return to again and again because it consistently delivers exceptional wildlife experiences without losing that relaxed, welcoming feel.

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. Elephants gather along the banks, crocodiles linger in the shallows, and the light turns that perfect golden hue that seems to exist only in Africa.  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. This is when the bush is truly alive, and every turn feels like it might reveal something extraordinary.

Highlights include 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.  Simple, atmospheric, and a reminder of just how far removed you are from everyday life.

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. By this point, most travellers start to feel it—that subtle shift where Africa begins to get under your skin in the best possible way.

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 noticeable shift into something wilder, more raw, and completely removed from everyday life.

This is a place that’s deeply personal to me, and where my own connection to the African bush really took shape growing up.  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. This is where the pace shifts and you begin to settle into the natural rhythm of the bush.

Expect exceptional game drives with top-tier local guides, early mornings, quiet bush, and long golden afternoons that many travellers tell me become their favourite part of the trip.  In between, we’ll experience a walking safari—one of the most underrated parts of a safari, where you begin to understand the bush rather than simply observe it. 

Evenings are around the campfire under vast star-filled skies.  This is where conversations deepen, laughter comes easily, and something slows down in a way that’s hard to replicate back home.

Meals are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and served by warm, welcoming Zimbabweans—people whose connection to this land goes back generations, and whose hospitality I’m always proud to share.

The pool offers relief on hot afternoons—though the local elephants occasionally seem to think it belongs to them!

This is the part of the journey where many people truly disconnect—and begin to feel something they didn’t realize they needed.  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.  And by arriving here at the end of the journey, rather than the beginning, it tends to land in a completely different, more powerful way.

We’ll settle in for three nights at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, an award-winning favourite just minutes from town. This is a place I’ve chosen very intentionally for this final chapter. Rooms look out on 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. It’s not just something you see—it’s something you feel.  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,  a spot I’ve chosen not just for the food, but for the setting—because it delivers one of those “this is Africa” moments that tends to stay with you.  After lunch there will be 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. This part matters to me. It’s not just about souvenirs—it’s about supporting local people and communities. 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 keeper.  It’s one of those rare moments where time slows down a little and you realize just how special it is to be here.  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 to Canada from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  By now, Africa likely won’t feel quite so far away or unfamiliar anymore—and that’s always something I hope for every traveller who joins me.

  You’ll head home with incredible memories, new connections, and a very different understanding of a place that, for a little while, became part of your world.