11-day LGBT+, all-inclusive African adventure including Victoria Falls, Safari, and Cape Town!
From exotic game drives to wine tours, enjoy the finest luxury accommodations as Brand g Vacations explores Zimbabwe’s acclaimed Victoria Falls, Lion Sands Private Game Reserve and vibrant Cape Town, South Africa!
If you have ever had an interest in an African Safari, now is the time! Lion Sands Game Reserve is known for frequent sightings of all of the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard), as well as exotic birds and other wild life rarely found in other places.
No trip to Africa would be complete without a visit to Victoria Falls, which you’ll have the opportunity to explore by water, land, and helicopter. You’ll also have a free morning to take part in an optional adventure tour such as swimming in Devil’s Pool, zip lining or the infamous Victoria Falls Gorge Swing. Here we will overnight at the internationally acclaimed Victoria Falls Hotel.
Once in Cape Town, you will be amazed by the beauty of the city, with its gorgeous beach scene, great restaurants and cosmopolitan nightlife. Included is a visit to Cape of Good Hope and a trip to South Africa’s wine country. Includes free time for an optional tour such as a visit to Table Mountain, cage diving with sharks, or a visit to Robben Island.
Luxury Level: ***** Five Star
Activity Level: Low to Moderate
Highlights:
- Breathtaking helicopter ride over Victoria Falls
- Adrenaline pumping optional excursions over the Victoria Falls Gorge
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
- Four days at the luxurious Lion Sands Private Game Reserve
- The opportunity to see the “Big Five” – Elephant, Leopard, Lion, Cape Buffalo and Rhino and many more exciting species
- Four days in Cape Town at the beautiful and luxurious One and Only Hotel
- Stunning day trip along the Cape Peninsula including a visit to the Cape of Good Hope
- A full day to enjoy the Cape Winelands and taste some of the local vintages
- A full day on your own in Cape Town to take in an optional tour to Robben Island, Table Mountain or to go Shark Cage Diving
Victoria Falls Hotel
The internationally-acclaimed Victoria Falls Hotel is set in acres of private gardens, and was established in 1904. For over 90 years, visiting members of Royal families, Heads of State, celebrities, authors, journalists and poets have preferred to stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel, where they are assured of total privacy, comfort and care.
All rooms are well-appointed, cool and comfortable – each room is air-conditioned, with every modern amenity. The beautifully appointed Edwardian swimming pool, surrounded by lush gardens and exotic trees, gives total privacy.
Dates of Stay: November 25-27
Lion Sands River Lodge
Lion Sands River Lodge is a classically-styled 5-star safari lodge. Designed to bring guests as close to the wild as possible, this exclusive lodge offers an unforgettable safari experience with big game and the Big 5. Each of the eighteen, thatched en-suited air-conditioned bedrooms is a large, stylish and tranquil space with its own wooden viewing deck and luxuries like indoor and outdoor showers.
Dates of Stay: November 27- December 1
One & Only Cape Town
Nestled within a natural amphitheater shaped by the vertical cliffs of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head sits Cape Town in all of its coastal glory. Here, commanding an enviable spot in the city’s fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is One & Only Cape Town, overlooking the marina with panoramic views of Table Mountain. An urban chic waterfront resort with unprecedented levels of luxury, One & Only is a place of friendly calm and gracious hospitality for all. All rooms have expansive views of the private Marina or the surrounding mountains.
Dates of Stay: December 1 – 5
Additional post program nights available upon request.
Johannesburg: Airport Pre-program Hotel Intercontinental OR Tambo Airport
November 24-25, 2022
Intercontinental OR Tambo Airport Hotel, including breakfast and all taxes.
$287 per person/per night based on double occupancy
$439 per night based on single occupancy
If your flight arrives late on the 24th and you want an easy place option for a one night stay, this hotel is on the airport property within walking distance of the terminal.
Contact us for availability
Johannesburg: Pre-program Hotel – Peech Boutique Hotel in Melrose Arch
November 23-25, 2022
Peech Boutique Hotel in Melrose Arch, including breakfast, all taxes and roundtrip airport transfers.
$286 per person/per night based on double occupancy
$438 per night based on single occupancy
If you’d like to arrive a full day or two early to explore Johannesburg on your own, prior to the official start of the trip, this boutique hotel is the perfect option in the fashionable Melrose Arch neighborhood. The pricing includes meet and greet upon arrival to the Johannesburg airport, transfer to the hotel, one or two room nights, breakfast, all taxes and your transfer back to the Johannesburg airport to meet up with the group for the included flight to Victoria Falls for the official start of the program.
Contact us for availability
Victoria Falls: Devil’s Pool & Livingstone Island
$212 Per Person (may combine with zip line, canopy and gorge swing)
Dr. David Livingstone was paddled in a dugout canoe through swift rapids towards the roar and rising cloud of mist suspended above a cliff over which the whole of the Zambezi River plunged.
The Makololo paddlers skillfully landed him on ‘Goat Island’ (now Livingstone Island) right on the lip of the chasm. A few steps through the small rainforest and, on the 16th November 1855, he gazed upon one of the most spectacular sights in the world – ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ (The Smoke that Thunders) which he named after his Queen as The Victoria Falls.
Livingstone Island is a 5-8 minutes boat ride from the Royal Livingstone Hotel and is located in the middle of the Zambezi River, touching the lip of the Victoria Falls, where the water thunders down the 103m (338 foot) drop. Access to this unique Island is seasonal and depends entirely on the water level in the Zambezi River. All visits to the island are during the ‘low water’ season, which usually begins in mid July and goes through to the end of January.
The trip includes a short guided tour of the island, an incredible view from the lip the Victoria Falls, a dip in Devil’s Pool and an al fresco breakfast.
(Water shoes or shoes that can get wet are recommended. Excursion requires walking over uneven, rocky terrain and moderate to high physical activity, ability to swim not required, but must be comfortable in the water.)
Victoria Falls – Zipline
$71 per person (may combine with Devil’s Pool, canopy and gorge swing)
Not for the feint of heart, this is the longest zip line ride in the world, and such an incredible experience that you can’t help wishing it could be longer.
The cable, which is suspended across 425 meters, (1,394 feet) plunges between the lips of the gorge and up the other side in an enormous U shape. A safety guide will gently ease you off the platform so that you sit in the harness and let your legs dangle over the raging river. It is a moment of intense anticipation and expectation. Then, your guide will count you down to one of the most memorable adventures of your life. When your harness is released, you will whiz through the air at 106 km per hour (66 mph). As you pick up speed, the world becomes a green and blue blur, while every cell in your body screams with excitement.
When the initial rush is over, you will hang in the chasm of the gorge, surveying the zig zag of the rapids below, the brilliant blue sky above, and the dark gorge flecked in green on either side of you. A safety guide is winched down to secure your harness to his and take you back to the platform. One ride is all it takes to be hooked for life.
Victoria Falls – Gorge Swing
November 26, 2022
$88 per person (may combine with zip line, Devil’s Pool, and canopy tour)
This is only for the bravest among us with absolutely no fear of heights and is akin to bungee jumping.
It is amazing how the things that make our hearts skip a beat, are the things that make us feel most alive. If you have done the gorge swing, you know this better than anyone. The moment you find yourself on a wooden platform that peers into the chasm of the gorge, is the moment you realize that fear doesn’t shut you down; it wakes you up. The gorge swing is a 70 meter (230 foot) free fall that ends with an almighty swing 120 meters (394 feet) above the powerful Zambezi river.
The Gorge Swing will literally take your breath away as you soar through the air, leaving your fears and trepidation on the platform far behind you. A pulley will slowly pull you back to reality, giving you time to wrap your head around the exhilarating experience while you appreciate the immense beauty of the gorge, the river, and the life within it.
Though the fall lasts three seconds, the memory of falling through open African air lasts a lifetime.
Victoria Falls – Canopy Tour
November 26, 2022
$54 per person (may combine with zip line, Devil’s Pool and gorge swing)
The canopy offers amazing views of Zambezi rapids, Victoria Falls Bridge & the spray of the Falls. Observe the forest from a variety of different vantage points – from above, below and within the canopy itself. Experience forest bird-life, which can include the Knysna and Purple crested Turaco (Lourie) and Peregrine Falcons. This tour offers a network of slides, trails and rope bridge walkways within the canopy of the hardwood forest of the Zambezi gorges.
This experience is suitable to most everyone with unique birds-eye view of one the seven natural wonders of the world. The tour consists of nine slides, varying in length and 1 cable bridge walkway. The longest slide is about 85 meters (279 feet) long and the shortest 40 meters (131 feet) in length. The friendly and experienced staff will give you a detailed safety briefing before, taking you step by step through your upcoming adventure. There are two guides on each tour and the activity lasts for between two to two and a half hours.
Cape Town – Shark Cage Diving (full day)
$258 per guest
(Departure time for tour is weather dependent and is set the day prior to the tour. In the event the tour is canceled due to poor weather you will received a refund)
Going Great White Shark Diving in South Africa and more specifically a trip on the Slashfin, is a combination of goosebump thrills, education and relaxation on a luxury boat in the company of experienced experts and researchers! They will show you how to distinguish between a male and female shark and how to identify a specific shark by its unique dorsal fin and scars. The 20 – 25 minute boat trip to where the activity is to take place, is by itself an exhilarating adventure. On any given day, we also usually see at least two or more members of the Marine Big Five – sharks, dolphins, whales, seals and penguins, as well as several bird species.
Named after a legendary 3,3 m male shark with a very distinctive dorsal fin, the Slashfin is a unique, multi-million rand aluminium boat custom designed for speed, stability, safety and space and can comfortably accommodate 40 passengers and the crew at a time.
Cape Town – Robben Island Tour (half day – Transfer Not Included)
$45 Per Person
(Note this tour is weather dependent)
From the 17th to the 20th centuries, Robben Island served as a place of banishment, isolation and imprisonment. Today it is a World Heritage Site and museum, a poignant reminder of the price paid for freedom. The excursion includes a return ferry to the island, a bus tour on the island and of the prison.
CAPE TOWN – TABLE MOUNTAIN * (HALF DAY)
$165 Per Person (minimum 2 guests)
The panoramic views from the top of Table Mountain’s 3,563-foot (1,086-meter) peak are well worth the climb—though you won’t have to break a sweat thanks to the mountain’s two cableways, each with a revolving car ferrying passengers to the summit. Once at the top, a series of hiking trails show off Table Mountain National Park’s geographic features. Includes round trip transportation from the hotel as well as round trip cableway tickets. This is an unguided visit, you will be on your own to explore and will coordinate your return pick-up with the transfer driver.
*Cable way may not operate due to high winds. In this event you will have two more opportunities to use the tickets. Considering the Brand g trip ends on the next day, you therefore may not be able to participate unless you have extended your trip. No refunds will be provided for unused tickets.
The tour officially begins at the Johannesburg Airport, where we will take flight BA6285 (or similar) from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (this flight is included in the
cost of the trip). The flight departs Johannesburg at 11:25am and arrives to Victoria Falls at 1:05pm.
Your international arrival may dictate an overnight in Johannesburg in order to make this morning flight to Victoria Falls. When making your flight arrangements, please consult flight options in the FAQ section and if necessary, hotel options for Johannesburg in the
optional add on section.
Upon arrival to Victoria Falls you will experience a breath-taking helicopter flight over the falls, and a guided walking tour of the falls. Your overnight accommodations at the Victoria Falls Hotel include a group dinner at the hotel’s Jungle Junction restaurant. (D)
Tour of Victoria Falls:
Difficulty Level: 2/5: Easy walking required which may include stairs and uneven surfaces. Duration Approx: 2.5 Hours
This morning is your opportunity to take part in an exhilarating optional adventure tour. Check out the Add-Ons section for details and pricing of Devil’s Pool, zip line,
canopy tour, or the infamous gorge swing. Or, spend the morning relaxing at the hotel.
After lunch at the Lookout Café overlooking the Victoria Falls Gorge your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hotel, or do some shopping at the local crafts market.
Tonight enjoy the Zambezi River in a new way, aboard a luxury all-inclusive dinner
cruise. (B, L, D)
After a leisurely morning at the hotel, we transfer to the Livingstone Airport in Zambia for an included flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Nelspruit,
from where we will take a 2hr transfer to your luxury private lodge from where you will enjoy your first game drive, followed by a delicious welcome dinner*. (B, D)
Game Drive:
Difficulty Level: 1/5: Very easy walking required which may include stairs and uneven surfaces. Duration Approx: 2.5 Hours
*Your stay at Lion Sands includes all meals, teas/coffees, snacks, selected beverages and laundry.
Enjoy a sunrise game drive followed by a buffet breakfast. Today might be a good day for a walking safari with your guide. Enjoy some free time before a late lunch before heading out again to spot some of the Big 5. This evening recount your sightings with your fellow Brand g guests in our private lodge and continue conversations over a
delicious dinner complimented by local South African wines. (B, L, D)
Sunrise/Afternoon/Sunset Game Drive:
Difficulty Level: 1/5: Very easy walking required which may include stairs and uneven surfaces. Duration Approx: 2.5 Hours
Walking Safari – Ad Hock during your stay:
Difficulty Level: 3/5: Moderate walking required which may include stairs and uneven surfaces. Duration Approx: 2.5 Hours
Another day in your luxury private lodge starts with an early safari today, ask your guide about the Small Five. Return to the lodge for a sumptuous breakfast and perhaps an opportunity to visit a local village. Today at the lodge enjoy the pool, or perhaps a spa treatment, a delicious late lunch and an afternoon siesta, followed by a
sunset game drive. (B, L, D)
Sunrise/Afternoon/Sunset Game Drive:
Difficulty Level: 1/5: Very easy walking required which may include stairs and uneven surfaces. Duration Approx: 2.5 Hours
Today is our last full day to enjoy our beautiful accommodations at the Lion Sands River Lodge. Take full advantage of your knowledgeable guides and challenge them to help you check off the final Big or Small Five off your list. Of course, you’ll be delighted by a delicious breakfast, lunch and a festive farewell dinner with
wonderful wines. (B, L, D)
Sunrise/Afternoon/Sunset Game Drive:
Difficulty Level: 1/5: Very easy walking required which may include stairs and uneven surfaces. Duration Approx: 2.5 Hours
Today we transfer to Skukuza Airport for an included flight to Cape Town to begin our stay in this beautiful city. Upon arrival you will visit Signal Hill for an incredible view of Cape Town and the bay as well as enjoying a city orientation en route to the luxurious One and Only Hotel, located in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
After some time to settle in, we will transfer by coach to the Green Point neighborhood for some interactive drumming and a delicious set-menu dinner featuring some of the favorite foods from across Africa and local cultural entertainment. (B, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day tour of the stunning Cape Peninsula, including the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and a funicular ride to the summit, as well as a delicious local lunch. After we visit Boulders Beach and Simons Town. We’ll return to the One and Only hotel late afternoon. and the evening is at your leisure to explore Cape Town’s fantastic restaurants and nightlife, including the Victoria and Alfred waterfront. (B,L)
Tour Of Cape Peninsular:
Difficulty Level: 2/5: Easy walking required which may include stairs and uneven surfaces. Duration Approx: 7 Hours
Today is at your leisure. Sleep in, enjoy the hotel’s spa, or explore some of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Alternatively, take part in one of the optional tours
of Table Mountain, Robben Island or for the brave, enjoy diving with sharks. See the Add-Ons section to book these optional tours.
Late this afternoon we transfer by coach to the award-winning wine estate of De Grendel for a beautiful sunset cocktail and dinner. (B, D)
After another delicious breakfast at the hotel we depart for a full day tour of the Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Participate in wine tastings and enjoy an incredible luxury picnic lunch at the Warwick Wine Estate. We return to the hotel late afternoon, where you’ll be at your leisure for dinner and another chance to enjoy the nightlife of Cape Town. (B, L)
Tour Of Cape Winelands:
Difficulty Level: 2/5: Easy walking required which may include stairs and uneven surfaces. Duration Approx: 6 Hours
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your included transfer to the Cape Town Airport for your outbound flight. (B)
River Suite on Safari
- Units 1-3, 19
Upgraded accommodations on land: Deluxe Level Suite at the Victoria Falls Hotel and Marina Suite at One and Only Hotel in Cape Town.
River Suite at Lion Sands during safari (883 sq ft) – Outside shower (129 sq ft) – Private viewing deck (377 sq ft) – Private plunge pool (140 sq ft). Featuring: all meals; teas/coffees; minibar in room; inclusive drinks and selected snacks (all soft drinks, and selection of beers, spirits and house wines); two game drives daily with accredited field guide and tracker; game drive refreshments and snacks; specified inclusive safari activities; wifi in public areas. Accommodations on safari: Suite size *One of the River Suites is a family suite with 2 bedrooms and one bath. Inquire about 3rd and 4th person options and rates.
Superior Luxury Room on Safari
- Units 4-9
Accommodations on land: Signature Stable Wing Room at Victoria Falls Hotel and Marina Room at One and Only Hotel in Cape Town.
Superior Luxury Room at Lion Sands during safari: (839 sq ft) – Private viewing deck (215 sq ft). Featuring: All meals; teas/coffees; minibar in room; inclusive drinks and selected snacks (all soft drinks, and selection of beers, spirits and house wines); two game drives daily with accredited field guide and tracker; game drive refreshments and snacks; specified inclusive safari activities; wifi in public areas. Room includes Outdoor Shower.
Luxury Room on Safari
- Units 10-12, 14-18
Accommodations on land: Signature Stable Wing Room at Victoria Falls Hotel and Marina Room at One and Only Hotel in Cape Town.
Luxury Room at Lion Sands during safari:(581 sq ft) – Viewing deck (130 sq ft). Featuring: All meals; teas/coffees; minibar in room; inclusive drinks and selected snacks (all soft drinks, and selection of beers, spirits and house wines); two game drives daily with accredited field guide and tracker; game drive refreshments and snacks; specified inclusive safari activities; wifi in public areas.
