The Ultimate Southern African Journey: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Safari, & Winelands

Twelve Apostles hotel from nearby viewpoint.

An African Safari had been on my bucket list for years, and I am so happy that I selected Botswana for this. It somehow exceeded every expectation I had. As someone who loves nature, wildlife and beautiful scenery, I found myself constantly in awe at each new experience.

Chobe Lodge sunset cruise.

Cape Town was the perfect introduction. The dramatic coastline, mountains and ocean views make it one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. One day you can be exploring the Cape Peninsula and watching penguins at Boulders Beach, and the next you can be enjoying incredible food and wine with Table Mountain in the background. I only spent two nights here but would recommend at least three because there is so much to see and do.

One of many rainbows at Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls was another highlight. Photos simply do not prepare you for the scale of the falls. The mist is overpowering and created rainbows everywhere! A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River right outside of our hotel was one of my favorite experiences and offered our first sightings of elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and baboons before we even arrived on safari.

The safari portion of the trip was the experience of a lifetime. Chobe National Park offered some of the best elephant viewing and an upscale property within the park. However, Okavango Delta and andBeyond properties won our hearts. The private reserves there provided a completely different experience with waterways, remote landscapes and incredible concentration of wildlife. Seeing lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras and elephants in their natural habitat was unforgettable, but what impressed me most were the guides. Their ability to track animals and share insights about the ecosystem made every game drive feel like a private masterclass. The lodges and tents were luxury all the way and staff delivered personalized service perfection.

Luxury lodge at andBeyond Sandibe.

After the excitement of safari, ending in Franschhoek was the perfect finale. This area is stunning, with rolling vineyards, excellent restaurants and a slower pace. It was the ideal place to relax and taste some world class wine before heading home.

Turned a corner and saw this beauty.

I would recommend this itinerary for couples celebrating a milestone anniversary, retirees looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, honeymooners or anyone who wants to experience some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife on the planet. If someone asked me for one trip that combines luxury, adventure, wildlife and food and wine, this would be at the top of my list.

One of many lions we saw in Chobe and Okavango.

Plan for at least 3 nights at each location since travel between the lodges takes up much of your vacation time.

• Internal flights and transfers are an important part of the experience. Working with a knowledgeable travel advisor ensures the logistics are seamless.

• Safari camps in Botswana are often all-inclusive, including meals, beverages, game drives and many activities. This makes budgeting easier than travelers might expect.

• Safari laundry services are commonly included, allowing travelers to pack much lighter than they would for other trips.

• Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but Botswana consistently offers some of the most rewarding safari experiences in Africa. The reserves there allow for less jeeps and better quality safaris.

• Consider ending the trip in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch. After days of early-morning game drives, the relaxed pace, exceptional food and world-class wines provide the perfect conclusion to the journey.

For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our South Africa and Botswana pages.