February 2025


Looking for something a little different, why not try an escorted tour in 2025? These tours offer a unique blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, all while being guided by knowledgeable experts.


Whether you’re interested in exploring the ancient ruins of Greece, wandering through the vibrant markets of Morocco, or marvelling at the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, there’s an escorted tour to suit every traveller’s taste.


You’ll enjoy the convenience of having all the logistics taken care of, allowing you to focus on soaking in the experience and making memories. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded travellers and share stories along the way, adding an enriching social element to your journey.


Under African Skies – From Victoria Falls to the Cape the


Experience Africa’s beauty with Zimbabwean safaris, wine tasting in the Western Cape, and visits to Victoria Falls. Enjoy private access at Hwange National Park’s Ivory Lodge for intimate wildlife encounters. Start with a three-day safari in Greater Hwange, tracking wildlife and learning about conservation, then tour Victoria Falls, and finish in the Western Cape, exploring the renowned Winelands and Cape Town


KICK off your escape to


the African south with an overnight flight to Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, meet your guide and tour group before embarking on a scenic drive to Hwange, where you’ll stay for three days. Enjoy views of national parks and rural landscapes, with a lunch stop along the way. Visit the Painted Dogs Conservation Centre to learn about conservation efforts for the


and meet the animals. After this, settle


endangered into


your


safari lodge by the Amalinda Safari Collection,


eco-friendly which


emphasizes responsible wildlife experiences. Enjoy refreshments, then head out for wildlife spotting before returning for a welcome dinner at the lodge. Start Day Three early with coffee,


tea, and biscuits as


you venture into Hwange’s stunning private concession at sunrise. Witness active wildlife, including herds of wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra, and possibly catch a glimpse of big cats. After breakfast and leisure time at the lodge, enjoy a refreshing swim or share wildlife sightings before lunch. In the afternoon, embark on another game drive to explore watering holes frequented by elephants and buffalo. As sunset casts golden light


over the


bushveld, enjoy a hearty dinner at the lodge under the stars, with the possibility of a thrilling night drive to hear the roars of big cats. On Day Four, experience an exciting day of wildlife sightings in


Hwange National


starting with a scenic morning game drive to spot native antelopes,


elephants, and big


cats. Look for the impressive presidential herd of over 500 protected elephants. After lunch and a brief rest, embark on a final game drive during the cooler evening, when many animals gather at watering holes. Enjoy a sundowner in the bushveld with local snacks,


followed


by dinner at the lodge and storytelling around the campfire about wildlife encounters and conservation insights.


painted dogs


Start Day Five with breakfast at the lodge before visiting a local village in Hwange to explore its diverse cultures and efforts to manage human-wildlife conflict. Engage with the community and learn about the lion-proof bomas built by the Amalinda Safari Group. After bidding farewell, enjoy a scenic coach ride to Victoria Falls,


where you’ll


check into Shearwater Explorers’ Village. Spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring nearby cafés,


markets,


restaurants, or visit


local microbreweries for a taste of regional produce.


Start Day Six with breakfast at the lodge before exploring Falls, as


Victoria also known


or ‘The Smoke that


These impressive


waterfalls, fed by the Zambezi River, are part of a unique biosphere and offer stunning


views.


In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise on the Zambezi River, home to hippos, crocodiles,


and


diverse bird species, including the African fish eagle. Relax with a sundowner while taking in the river’s beauty. the evening,


In you Park,


can choose to attend the


award-winning ‘Simunye: Spirit of Africa’ performance at the Victoria Falls Theatre, supporting local artists as you enjoy a vibrant display of puppetry, dance, and music. On Day Seven, prepare for a captivating of


day


exploration with a leisurely before


historical breakfast


visiting


‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ Thunders.’


and craft


Victoria Falls Bridge, an Edwardian engineering marvel built in 1904 by Cecil Rhodes as part of a railway project. An expert guide will narrate the bridge’s fascinating history, and adventurous visitors can walk along catwalks beneath the bridge for stunning views, though an umbrella may be useful due to the sprays from the falls.


After lunch at the lodge, enjoy a relaxed afternoon. If you missed


the waterfalls’ views,


you can visit the Lookout Café overlooking the Zambezi’s Batoka Gorge. Alternatively, opt for an excursion to see Victoria Falls from Zambia, where you can visit Livingstone Island and enjoy high tea amid breathtaking views of the falls and nearby pools.


Begin Day Eight with a flight to South Africa’s Western Cape, landing in Cape Town by afternoon. Enjoy a scenic drive to Stellenbosch, known for its


rich colonial history and wine- making tradition. Explore


the


town’s vibrant center, featuring Cape Dutch architecture, boutiques, and cafés, and visit a wine bar to taste acclaimed local wines. to


Stellenbosch,


After an introduction check


into


a chic hotel for the evening, conveniently located near local eateries, shops, and botanical gardens.


Start Day Nine with a grab- and-go breakfast at the hotel or nearby cafés before exploring the Cape Winelands. Travel to Franschhoek for a ride on the open-air Wine Tram, enjoying scenic views and learning about the region’s wine culture with complimentary tastings. Visit Rickety Bridge Estate, a historic winery,


for a two-


course meal and premium wine tasting.


Afterward, return to Stellenbosch and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. On Day Ten, your final hours in Stellenbosch will include


a guided morning tour of its historic landmarks, such as the university,


botanical


gardens, and wine estates. You’ll learn about the town’s Dutch colonial influences and wine production secrets, highlighting


Stellenbosch’s


status as a top wine destination. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive back to Cape Town, where you’ll check into a convenient upscale hotel in the city center.


An enthralling tour of vibrant


Cape Town awaits


after breakfast on Day Eleven, showcasing its diverse cultural influences and most iconic sights. Starting on the artistic Victoria & Alfred waterfront. As you pass through the


city’s bustling streets, you’ll also


view its impressive


Edwardian City Hall, with its intricate limestone facades, ahead of a gentle morning stroll through the manicured Company Gardens.


First


founded by sailors of the Dutch East India Company, the park now houses the country’s oldest garden and boasts a mesmerising assortment of exotic plants.


Continue north to colourful Bo-Kaap, rife with its pastel- painted buildings and Malay communities. After


a busy morning


exploring Cape Town’s most intriguing landmarks, venture to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain.


Nestled against jutting mountain landscapes,


Cape


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ESCORTED TOURS | 45


Town boasts a number of other natural landmarks and you’ll be perfectly placed to spot them. Look to the left of the city for the jagged Lion’s Head Mountain and Signal Hill, which used its coastal lookouts to usher in passing ships, or to the right for the Devil’s Peak. Perhaps treat yourself a drink or a snack at one of the peak’s charming cafés as you take in the sunset from the mountain’s unique vantage points. Back at street level, reconvene with your tour group for an evening at leisure in the ‘Mother City’.


Enjoy breakfast on Day Twelve, before an escorted tour of the stunning Cape Peninsula. Experience a scenic drive around Chapman’s Peak, known for its breathtaking views, and take time to admire the striking 180-degree perspectives of the wild Atlantic coast. On Day Thirteen, continue your journey to the Cape of Good Hope, where rugged cliffs offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Although not the southernmost point, the scenery is breathtaking, including the colorful fynbos of the UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Region, home to much of Africa’s plant life.


On your return trip, stop at Boulders Beach to see the endangered African penguin colony, which has grown from just two breeding pairs to over 3,000 due to conservation efforts. This site provides both an educational experience and a great photo opportunity. Conclude your day with a three- course meal at Belthazar restaurant on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, known for its extensive wine


selection and contemporary


dining. Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner before your last night in the city. Finally, on Day Fourteen, have your last breakfast at the hotel before getting ready for the journey back to the UK. Depending on your departure time, you might even have the morning at leisure to tick off any remaining spots that you haven’t had the chance to see yet before your flight back to the UK.


For more information contact your local travel agent and ask about Newmarket Holidays’ safari escorted tours.


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