Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town Family Fun

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Beth and her daughters were met by a YPO representative and transferred to their hotel where they connected with a tour guide.

From the Apartheid Museum to a walking tour of the colourful Maboneng Precinct, the mother-daughter group had the opportunity to shop for top quality, locally designed African goods including fashion, jewellery, lifestyle and decor items.

Day two of their trip was dedicated to a full-day tour of the Cradle of Humankind. From visiting the spectacular Nirox Foundation Sculpture Park to an exploration of the Cradle of Humankind with a junior paleontologist, the women could view human ancestor fossils and take in the rare and endangered birds, animals and plant life before visiting the famous Sterkfontein Caves.

The family then joined the YPO AFSE Programme for game-viewing safaris before returning to Johannesburg for their transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls (Zambia), the mother-daughter group was met and given a guided tour of Victoria Falls, followed by a boat transfer to the Elephant Café for an elephant encounter and lunch.

From sunset cruises on the Zambezi River to afternoons languishing at the hotel, The Royal Livingstone is located within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the mighty Victoria Falls, less than a ten-minute walk away.

The daily traditional high tea is a treat for which the hotel is well-known.

The ladies could indulge in a treatment at The Royal Spa, take a dip in the refreshing pool or wander down to the Livingstone river deck to take in the magnificent view while sipping a sundowner.

On day 12 of their journey, the family was transferred to the Livingstone Airport for a light aircraft shuttle to Kasane Airport, where they then caught another flight to Delta Airstrip for their road transfer to Kwetsani Camp for three nights.

A combination of water-based mokoro (canoe) and boat excursions and land-based day and night game drives (subject to water levels) gave them the opportunity to spot iconic species including red lechwe, sitatunga antelope and perhaps even the odd otter alongside elephants, hippos, crocodiles, various plains game and accompanying predators.

The camp’s five luxurious treehouse-style canvas wood and canvas chalets comprise en-suite facilities, lounge areas and decks within the leafy canopy.

After a beautiful immersion in one of Africa’s most precious wildlife viewing spots, Beth and her girls made their way to Cape Town, where a driver transferred them to their Lawhill Luxury Apartments accommodation.

Just a stone’s throw from Cape Town’s shopping mecca, the V&A Waterfront, the family could explore some 400 shops, a cinema, art galleries and its array of restaurants and pubs to satisfy even the most finicky of foodies. They could also visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, take a tour of Robben Island or pop in at the One&Only Hotel’s luxurious spa.

After a day to settle in and relax, day 17 of their trip was dedicated to kayaking with the penguins and a tour of the Cape Peninsula. Some highlights of the tour included a visit to the iconic Boulders Beach, popping in at the quaint, seaside town of Kalk Bay for a local lunch and ending the day with a visit to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve & Cape Point.

Day 18 was dedicated to a bespoke wine tour. Starting the day with an internationally acclaimed Bordeaux blends and olive tasting at Morgenster Wine Estate, Beth and her daughters visited the famous Fairview cheesery and goat tower followed by a wine and cheese tasting, followed by a wine and chocolate pairing at a well-known Stellenbosch estate.

Day 19 and their final day in Cape Town was left to the family to relax and spend their time at leisure.

After a mid-morning check out, the family left for a tour of the city, visiting the Company Gardens, the Diamond Museum and the brightly coloured houses of the Bo-Kaap, finishing off with a drive through Signal Hill to take in majestic views of the city, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. All that remained was for them to head to the airport after a wonderful trip for their journey home.