African Bucket List Experience: Cape Town & the Winelands (Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls and Antarctica)

Cape Town arrival

If you're traveling from Sydney, Australia on Qantas or New York, USA on United, you'll likely arrive in Cape Town in the early to late evening. The flight takes approximately 18–20 hours, with a stopover in Johannesburg or Washington, respectively.

After you land, a 20-minute private transfer will take you to your luxurious accommodations in either Mouille Point or Bantry Bay. (Choose between a boutique hotel or a private villa, both of which offer stunning 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and unforgettable sunsets.)

After your long journey, you can relax and recharge, ready to start your African adventure.

Enjoy a leisurely morning. Your private tour guide will arrive in a luxury air-conditioned SUV or minibus. It is equipped with Melville & Moon, gear and plenty of refreshments, a daily picnic lunch or traditional Braai (BBQ) in a jaw-dropping setting. (Alternatively, you can indulge in the city's many foodie hotspots ...the list is very long).

Start with brunch at Hemelhuijs, known for its amazing dishes and innovative cocktails. Then, explore the art and street art scene in Woodstock and the city center. Visit Truth or Espresso Lab for a caffeine boost, and explore museums, ceramic studios and Shweshwe fabric jewelry making on vibrant Kloof Street.

Immerse yourself in South Africa's rich cultural and political history by visiting District 6 and Bo-Kaap. Enjoy dinner in the iconic Bo-Kaap, where you can roll samoosas and learn about Cape Malay history in the colorful capital.

If you're feeling energetic, your private guide will fast-track you to the front of the queue for sundowners at the top of Table Mountain. Alternatively, if the timing is right, hike Lion's Head under the full moon — a popular activity with locals.

Private Cape Peninsula tour

• Art, Fynbos nature, picnics and braais (BBQ's).

• Cape Point, the southernmost tip.

• Kalk Bay's quaint and funky town.

• Boulders Beach penguins.

• Scenic Chapman's Peak drive.

Cultural day

• Private Robben Island tour with your ex-convict guide.

• Dining at the Timeout Market (South Africa's finest chefs do pop-ups) or Oranjezicht City Market at V&A Waterfront.

• Langa township tour.

Winelands day

• Dining at De Eetkamer, Tokara Deli or The Werf at Boschendal.

• Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden visit.

• Wine tastings in locations that will move you.

If you time your bucket list trip between November & February, you'll not only experience the best summer weather and a lively Cape Town atmosphere (think DJ sets on the beach and days that never end with limitless options for cocktails & views) you also get the opportunity to upgrade your bucket list adventure — (in fact, you launch it into the stratosphere).

During this short window of time, you can experience Antarctica with a fly-in experience from Cape Town International direct to Wolf's Fang.

The night before your 5-hour flight, you'll receive a full briefing about the white continent. Then depart as the sun sets the following day from Cape Town. As you fly, experience night turning to day, an endless 24 hours of sunlight at this Southern-most location on the planet. Once on the ground, you'll have three hours to explore this untouched, pristine wilderness and enjoy a luxurious champagne picnic before your return flight to Cape Town.

(There is the option to stay longer and experience a journey to the geographical south pole. Baby bird season in emperor penguin colonies 20,000 birds strong, ice cave, mountaineering, fat bike riding, yoga in the wellness dome, saunas and cold plunges and more).

Fly from Cape Town to Maun via a premier local airline, where a helicopter awaits to whisk you away on a 7-day Okavango and Botswana Big 5 safari adventure. Enjoy luxurious game drives, serene mokoro experiences and scenic helicopter transfers.

Stay in a mix of opulent camps with private pools and a more rustic, yet still lavish, tented camp. These accommodations are nestled in secluded locations, offering unforgettable Big 5 game viewing opportunities.

Your final night stop takes you north to Chobe or Savute in Botswana. This entails either a short flight or road transfer (from Kasane to Victoria Falls) that seamlessly connects you into Zimbabwe (and Zambia, just across the river).

Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, is a must-see destination. The world's largest curtain of water offers a multitude of activities. Swim in Devil's Pool. Soar above the falls on the Flight of Angels helicopter ride. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting or relax in your private riverside pool and take in the breathtaking views.

Other add-on options include horseback riding, quad biking, a lunar rainbow boat cruise (when timed for a full moon, you'll witness this unique phenomenon), an elephant experience with rescue elephants at Zambia's best restaurant and high tea at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel.

From Vic Falls, it is homeward-bound.