African Safari: Luxury Edition
An incredible journey through the lower African region.
African Safari: Luxury Edition
An incredible journey through the lower African region.
Dates: TBD
On this journey through Zambia, Namibia and South Africa you’ll experience some of the most well renowned Safari Rides in South Africa if not around the world. Seeing the Big 5 wandering in their natural habitat is one of the most satisfying experiences I’ve ever had. This excursion will be filled with a never ending love of thrilling adventures, exploring nature and wildlife with multiple private safari game drives, hiking to the top of table mountain overlooking the pristine waters of cape town, having dinner at the Royal Livingstone above the spray of the magnificent Victoria Falls, whitewater rafting the Zambezi River, and hot air ballooning over the arid deserts of Namibia with world class luxury accommodations all along the way. This is just a snapshot of what will prove to be an incredible journey through this lower African region, detailed below. I hope you enjoy what’s taken years of thinking and months of preparation to guarantee this will be unlike any experience you’ve ever had before.
Welcome to Africa.
Detailed itinerary: (subject to change)
DAY 1: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
We start our journey in the picturesque city of Cape Town near the end of the African continent. Upon arrival, a car will collect you from CT International Airport and drop you off at our first hotel. This is a day for you relax from your long journey and to rest up for the activities that will follow. Suggestion: arrive as early as possible on that day to give yourself that extra time, there is plenty to do in the neighborhood and most are walking distance. We will spend three nights at the new Radisson Red Hotel at the waterfront in the Silo district. The architecture in this area is stunning and Zeitz MOCCA which sits right next door, is made from old concrete silo. This contemporary Art Museum features many African artists.
DAY 2 & 3: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Today, after a filling breakfast we will get our jet lagged bodies moving with a hike up Table Mountain with legendary 360 views of Cape Town. The afternoon is spent, lunching, shopping, walking around or maybe it’s massages, sunbathing or both. That evening dinner will be at one of my favorite spots. Because of our jetlag, some will want to continue the party while others peter out. But keep in mind the next morning is early so that we can jump into the ocean water for Great White Shark cage diving. This is a truly exhilarating experience. To be so close to these amazing animals in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean is something you will never forget.
DAY 4: PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa a World Heritage Site and 5 star lodge built on top of a mountain. I was able to visit the construction site recently of what will be the newly built Mountain Lodge. Everyones lodge is appointed with private verandas, plunge pools, outdoor showers and panoramic views of the Lembombo Mountain Range. Phinda Game Reserve sits on 35,000 acres with 7 distinct ecosystems. Safari game rides are scheduled twice a day at sunrise and sunset when all the animals are more active. During your days and time in between rides you’ll have ample time to relax, get pampered and take in the surroundings of this beautiful lodge.
DAY 5 & 6: PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
After our morning game drive, we’ll take a private ride to the Indian Ocean for the warm sandy beach of the Maputaland coastline. You will be able to relax, take leisurely walks up coastline, grab some snorkel gear to swim in Jesser Point, a diverse and colorful protected marine reserve. Lunch will be prepared at the beach by our staff. That afternoon we’ll be back for tea service before our evening game drive, a beautiful coursed dinner and late night star gazing (which is drinking with our heads laying back). The following day we’ll be up early for the sunrise game drive where our private animal trackers find the last remaining animals we wish to see. Upon coming back after a huge breakfast the rest of the day will be yours to do with as you please. Enjoy the sun or simply relax in your room, get pampered with a massage, visit the gym or your own pool drinking local gin and tonics.
DAY 7: ZAMBIA
We leave South Africa behind for the country of Zambia and 3 luxurious days= at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. This 5 star hotel and home to a family of wild zebras, and monkeys (one actually jumped on the reception desk to grab an apple). This resort is situated directly on Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. After settling in, the afternoon is yours to explore and relax. I suggest scheduling messages in the outdoor pavilions before arrival, the natural sounds and light mist from the falls elevate the experience to a new level of luxury.
DAY 8 & 9: ZAMBIA & ZIMBABWE
Today we will take a VERY wet walk to Victoria Falls or (Mosi-of-Tanya “The Smoke that Thunders”). Bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe lies Victoria Falls. These falls remain the world’s largest sheet of falling water, twice the height of Niagara Falls. After taking pictures of us getting soaked we’ll head to The Boiling Point hike trailhead which will take us into a gorge along the river where we can watch as people bungee off the bridge ahead of us over the roaring rapids. We will head back to our hotel to recover over a beautiful lunch. Use the afternoon to review your pictures, share them with friends or stay secluded and take a nature walk around the compound viewing animals. The following day is a full day of White Water Rafting along the mighty Zambezi River with some of the greatest white water rafting on the planet. The rapids on the Zambezi are officially defined as Grade 5 by the British Canoe Union (Grade 6 is class dangerous)! Hang on for a wild ride as the mighty Zambezi carves its way through one of the great river corridors of the world. This is the domain of the Nyaminyami, the River God of the Tonga people, and is now the highway for exhilarating rafting adventures.
DAY 10 & 11: NAMIBIA
The next morning we leave the Royal Livingstone for Zannier Hotel’s Sonop lodge the newest colonial style luxury tented resort. Check in and relax for the rest of the day and the following morning. The resort has plenty to offer from morning desert yoga, sunrise scenic routes by foot, electric bike or horse, massages and spa facilities, and a brand new absolutely gorgeous pool. At night we’ll catch up on some movies in the open air cinema. Relax on your own lounge chair while sipping cocktails in the middle of the Namibian desert gazing upon the Milky Way (sounds horrible, right?). On our last afternoon we’ll take a thrilling hot air balloon ride over this vast gorgeous desert at sunset. Instagram won’t be ready for this. A nice prequel to that evening farewell dinner, where we’ll eat and drink too much, laugh and enjoy every last moment of our vacation.
DAY 12: NAMIBIA
Seeing a trip come to an end is always hard, but I hope the new friends we made and memories we share will be strong enough to bring us together again for more excursions. From here our charter flight will take us back to Windhoek where you will each catch our international flights back home or to our next destination.
What is included?
- All accommodations for a total of 4 resorts and lodges
- All Transportation, chartered and domestic / international flights to and from trip destinations.
- All Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner for 12days).
- Local beer, wine and spirits included at Phinda Game Reserve and Sonop lodge).
- Laundry service included (at Phinda Game Reserve).
- Table Mountain Hike.
- Trip to Cape Point
- Great white shark diving.
- Phinda Game Reserve Drive for a total of six to seven, three to four hour rides.
- Indian Ocean Beach Day excursion.
- National parks, concession and landing fees where applicable.
- Hot air balloon ride over Namibian desert.
What is NOT included?
- nternational airfare to and from Africa. Arrival: Cape Town, South Africa Departure: Windhoek, Nambia
- Premium brand drinks, champagne, cognacs, cellar wines, cigars and cigarettes
- Tips and gratuities: suggestion will follow upon booking.
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees for arrival into South Africa. (please check visa requirements with the relevant embassies / consulates as it may vary according to your nationality.)
NOTE: Please make sure you have a valid passport for 6 months after intended stay with two to four consecutive visa pages blank.
Dates: TBD
To secure your spot a 25% deposit is due. The payment schedule will follow upon booking
Payment Options:
- Venmo
- Apple Pay
- Quickpay with Zelle (chrispuckett@gmail.com)
- Check / Money Order (payable to Chris Puckett) receipt upon request.
- PayPal (IMPORTANT: Use “Friends and Family” option if PayPal is linked to your checking account. If not 10% will be added to your bill)
- Wire Transfer (details upon request)
- Cash
Cancellation Terms:
Payments are divided into 3 easy installments which will be specified in the welcome email for those that are securing a spot. Please note that in the event of a cancellation an increasing percentage based on proximity to the date of departure and a booking fee of 1K is subtracted from returning deposit. Trip insurance is recommended.