Private: Africa 2021

Australia – Johannesburg

Johannesburg - Victoria Falls

Fly from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, arriving just after midday. Transfer to the Kingdom Hotel, spectacularly located within walking distance of Victoria Falls. Replete with grand colonnaded balconies, waterways and meandering bridges, the hotel will have you thinking you’ve stumbled upon the lost city of the Shona Kingdom. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before boarding a boat mid-afternoon for a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. Spot hippos, crocodiles and flocks of waterbirds and keep your eyes peeled for herds of elephants as the sun sinks into the African wilderness.

Victoria Falls

Full day conference session at the Kingdom Hotel.

Victoria Falls

Set your alarm and don your walking shoes, today we’re exploring Victoria Falls in prime viewing time–early in the morning. Our guided walk takes us along pathways squeezed through mist-dripping rainforest. Spot monkeys and bushbuck before arriving at the falls, where you’ll be mesmerised by the cascade’s colossal force. Stare into the abyss as the falls–known as ‘the smoke that thunders’–throw up a curtain of spray, tinged orange in the early-morning light. See up to 500 million litres of water gush down the falls every minute from various viewing platforms and peer into Zambia. Be prepared to get wet. Dry off back at the hotel and enjoy breakfast before heading back to the river. Walk through the underbelly of Victoria Falls Bridge, built 128 metres above the Zambezi, and learn about the history of the century-old landmark. Tear yourself away from the river to visit a traditional African village. Meet the villagers, learn about tribal life and see locals tending their fields. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Hint: a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls is unmissable.

Victoria Falls - Johannesburg

Fly to Johannesburg in the morning and check your bags in at the hotel near the airport, before joining a tour of Soweto. Once a district of forced habitation, Soweto–meaning South West Townships–is today a lively showcase of black African culture and pride. Visit FNB Stadium (Soccer City), hub of the 2010 SoccerWorld Cup, and indulge in some retail therapy at Diepkloof. Visit Vilakazi Street and see the homes of freedom fighter Nelson Mandela (now a museum) and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Learn about the shooting of 12-year-old Hector Pieterson and how his death kick-started the liberation of South Africa.

Visit shanty towns and interact with locals to gain insights into the real South Africa. See Johannesburg University’s Soweto Campus and one of the world’s largest hospitals, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, before stopping at a local restaurant for dinner.

Johannesburg - Kapama Private Game Reserve

Fly to Hoedspruitin Limpopo province, arriving in the late morning. Transfer to Kapama River Lodge, set within a spectacular 13,000-hectare private game reserve. Enjoy lunch overlooking the reserve while you get acquainted with your extraordinary home for the next three nights.

Two-hour afternoon conference session

In the late afternoon, it’s time to get out and explore the reserve on our first safari. We’ll need sustenance, so the experience begins with a decadent high tea. We’ll then set out in open-top jeeps with a ranger and expert tracker who can help us spot the big five–lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. See how many of the 350 species of birds you can spy and keep a lookout for nyala antelope and vervet monkeys. Return to the lodge at 7.30pm and freshen up for dinner, before enjoying your first night tucked up in your luxurious suite overlooking the reserve.

Kapama Private Game Reserve

The early bird catches the…lion, so don’t be dismayed when you receive your 5am wake-up call. After a quick cuppa, we’ll join an early-morning game drive as it’s one of the best times to see animals in the wild. Was that a lion slinking in the shadows? We’ll make a pit-stop for hot drinks and snacks midway through the drive, before returning to the lodge at 9am for a hearty breakfast.

10am-3.30pm conference session

In the afternoon, join another evening safari. By now you should be an expert at spotting and identifying wildlife. Learn how to track a lion and see the tell-tale tracks made by rhinos. Is today the day you spy an elusive leopard? Return to the lodge and recount the day’s thrilling adventures over dinner.

Kapama Private Game Reserve

You know the drill–we’ll be up at 5am to join the wildlife on their morning rituals in the reserve. After breakfast, explore the Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species and learn about the organisation’s mission to conserve rare, vulnerable and threatened species. See cheetah, African wild dog, lion, African wild cat and sable antelope. Learn about the centre’s breeding programs and anti-poaching initiatives and see how orphaned and maimed rhinos are cared for and rehabilitated.

Afternoon conference session

In the late afternoon, join an afternoon game drive for one last evening wildlife-spotting expedition. Afterwards, pull up a chair at a table under the stars for our very special farewell Bush Dinner.

Kapama Private Game Reserve - Johannesburg - Australia

Make the most of today’s morning game drive–it’s your very last opportunity to spot the big five. Wave the wildlife farewell as we head back into camp for our last breakfast at the lodge.

Morning conference session

In the early afternoon fly from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg and board a connecting flight back to Australia.

OR

Join our post-conference tour of Cape Town.