About the Trip
NOVEMBER 22- DECEMBER 2, 2021
11-day LGBT+, all-inclusive African adventure including Victoria Falls, Safari, and Cape Town!
Please note, this trip has been rescheduled from 2020 due to the pandemic. Previously booked guests were given the opportunity to rebook, thus affecting the inventory available to new bookings. If your preferred accommodations are not available at the moment, we encourage you to waitlist as these spaces often open up at a later date.
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
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 22-24
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 24-28
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: November 28 – December 2
Additional post program nights available upon request.
Optional Add-Ons
Johannesburg: Pre-program Hotel Intercontinental OR Tambo Airport
November 20-22, 2021
$145 per person/per night based on double occupancy
$290 per night based on single occupancy
One or two nights accommodation at the Intercontinental OR Tambo Airport Hotel, including breakfast and all taxes.
Victoria Falls: Devil’s Pool & Livingstone Island
November 23, 2021
$200 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
November 23, 2021
$70 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 23, 2021
$90 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 23, 2021
$50 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)
December 1, 2021
$220 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)
December 1, 2021
$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)
December 1, 2021
$160 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.
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
Inclusions
- Flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls for start of program
- Two nights in 5-star accommodations at the Victoria Falls Hotel featuring daily breakfast
- Professionally guided walking tour of Victoria Falls
- 25-minute helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
- Dinner at the Victoria Falls Hotel
- Lunch at the Lookout Café with views of Victoria Falls Gorge
- Sunset dinner cruise on Zambezi River
- Flight from Victoria Falls to Nelspruit for safari program
- Four nights at 5-star, all-inclusive Lion Sands River Lodge
- 2 daily 4×4 game drives while on safari
- Open bar at Lion Sands highlighting South African wines, beers and spirits
- All gourmet meals while on safari
- Included laundry while on safari
- Flight from Nelspruit to Cape Town
- Four nights in 5-star accommodations at the luxurious One and Only Hotel in Cape Town
- Cape Town city tour including visit to Signal Hill
- Full day tour of the Cape Winelands
- Full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, including Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, a funicular ride to the summit as well as Boulders Beach
- Transfer to Cape Town Airport for outbound flights
The tour officially begins at the Johannesburg airport, where we will take flight BA 6285 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 with Brand g for best flight options and if necessary, hotel options in Johannesburg. We have space available at the Hotel Intercontinental OR Tambo Airport. Please contact us if you would like to reserve a room.
Upon arrival to Victoria Falls you’ll experience a breathtaking helicopter flight over the falls, as well as a guided walking tour of the falls. Overnight accommodations at the Victoria Falls Hotel and dinner at the hotel’s Jungle Junction restaurant.
This morning is your opportunity to take part in an exhilarating optional adventure tour. Check out the Add-Ons tab 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.
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, where we’ll be met for a land transfer to the lodge (approximately 2 hours). After settling in, enjoy your first game drive, followed by a delicious welcome dinner at the lodge. Your stay at Lion Sands includes all meals, teas/coffees, snacks, selected beverages and laundry.
Morning coffee and tea before a sunrise game drive. After the drive, we will return to the lodge for a buffet breakfast. Today might be a good day for a walking safari with your guide. Enjoy some free time before a late lunch, another chance to spot some of the Big 5 on your afternoon game drive. This evening, recount your sightings with your fellow Brand g guests in our our private lodge and continue conversations over a delicious dinner complimented by local South African wines.
Morning coffee and tea before embarking on another 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.
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.
Today we transfer to Skukuza Airport for an included flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival we’ll meet our local guide who’ll take us to Signal Hill for an incredible view of Cape Town and the bay. After, we’ll take a short city orientation tour en route to the luxurious One and Only Hotel, located in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
After some time to settle in, we’ll 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.
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.
After another delicious breakfast at the hotel we depart for a full day tour of the Cape Winelands. Enjoy a short scenic drive to South Africa’s famous wine-producing areas of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Two wine tastings will be included in addition to an incredible picnic lunch at the Warwick Wine Estate. Some free time will be provided in the wine village of Franschhoek, for those interested in some shopping. 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.
Today is at your leisure. Sleep in, enjoy the hotel’s spa, or explore some of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Or, take part in one of the optional tours offered on the Add-Ons page:
• Half-day Table Mountain Tour
• Half-day Robben Island Tour
• Full-day Shark Cage Diving Tour
Late this afternoon we transfer by coach to the award-winning wine estate of De Grendel for a beautiful sunset farewell cocktail and dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your included transfer to the Cape Town Airport for your outbound flight.
You can check full pricing Here
Please feel free to contact us for real-time availability and prices.
