An African Trilogy

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An African Trilogy

Duration15 days

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Aerial view of Victoria Falls Bridge at Victoria Falls, Livingstone with helicopter

Sunrise over the Maasai Mara, with a pair of low-flying hot air balloons and a herd of wildebeest below in the typical red oat grass of the region. In Kenya during the annual Great Migration.

Destinations

Days 1–2

Cape Town

Fifteen days, three countries and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Experience an unforgettable safari and selection of sub-Saharan Africa’s highlights in luxury and style on this two-week journey from Kenya to Victoria Falls and Cape Town.

Trip highlights

Spend four truly memorable nights on safari in Kenya's Maasai Mara
Take time to explore both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of Victoria Falls
Work up an appetite and enjoy an in-depth culinary exploration of Cape Town
Sample some of the finest wines the famous Cape Winelands have to offer
Spot hippos wallowing in the Zambezi on a sunset river cruise
Visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Cape Town

Evening in the Maasai Mara

The mighty Victoria Falls

A traditional South Africa dish, bobotie

Explore the Cape Winelands

A wallowing hippo in the Zambezi

The penguin colony at Boulders Beach

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips and safaris include:

Exclusive luxury camps, lodges and hotels
Curated experiences and privately guided tours
Skilled guides and local wildlife experts
Decades of combined safari expertise from our team
Full support from your concierge in Africa

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–2

One night in Nairobi

Once you’ve cleared customs and immigration, your Jacada representative will meet you at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The capital city of Kenya is a busy one, and can be slightly overwhelming at first, but your private guide is the perfect person to introduce you to the country as you drive to your hotel. Away from the city centre, suburbs such as Karen, named after Karen Blixen, are wonderful places and there are a variety of interesting attractions such as The Daphine Sheldrick Rhino and Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre, and the Nairobi National Park. Tomorrow you’ll take a light aircraft flight to the Mara.

Where you could stay

Nairobi

Hemingways Nairobi

Set between the Ngong Hills and Jamhuri Park, the Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel far removed from the bustle of the capital. Expect excellent service and delicious food in this all-inclusive establishment. Choose from one of 45 lofty rooms furnished in a classic style; vaulted ceilings and balconies are complemented by exposed timber, cotton drapes and neutral tones. The two, 240 square metre themed-suites improve upon this with well-appointed living rooms, study and dining areas, opening to large terraces. All rooms have views either of the rolling hotel lawns or the Ngong hills in the distance. Dining at The Brasserie, you can enjoy a contemporary European menu boasting some of the best steak in Kenya and a relaxed ambiance. Head to The Dining Room for a more formal atmosphere and modern cuisine of local providence.

Nairobi

Eden Hotel

A nine-bedroom former family home, Eden is set on a four-acre property in the quiet suburb of Langata on the outskirts of Nairobi. The hotel borders the Giraffe Sanctuary forest, and the building has been transformed into a living museum and gallery space. Wander through the rooms and public spaces and you’ll find the original designers and builders Tonio and Anna Trzebinski’s own artworks and creations, as well as artefacts that they have collected from all over the continent over the years.

Eden lends itself to longer stays, and there is even an artists residence that can be booked for seven nights. Time spent at Eden is all about enjoying a fully immersive cultural experience and it gives guests the opportunity to experience the modern side of Nairobi in a memorable way. Children under 12 are only allowed when making exclusive use of the main house or Tonio’s Studio Annex. The interiors in the eight rooms and cottage have all be carefully styled by renowned fashion designer Anna. The entire property is a journey of Kenyan art, style, culture and fashion. Exposed wood is complimented by bold, expressive colours and textiles. Dappled sunlight spills through windows onto inviting furniture, perfect for curling up with a boom from the owners’ collection. Enjoy lunch and dinner in the hotel’s stunning restaurant and bar area which overlooks the garden and pond. And spend time exploring the four acres of gardens which lead into a 100-acre forest which is perfect for guided nature walks. Eden is just a short drive from Giraffe Sanctuary and Giraffe Manor.

Nairobi

House of Waine

Situated in an upmarket, peaceful and quiet residential area of Nairobi named after Karen Blixen, this property is ideal for travellers who need to spend a night in Nairobi pre- or post-safari. With only eleven uniquely designed en-suite rooms, based in 2.5 acres of green gardens, this city hotel offers a comfortable base from which to explore the city. You can venture out on your own to visit the Giraffe Centre, Daphine Sheldrick Orphanage or any one of the city’s many markets and museums including the famous Karen Blixen museum. The journey from the airport can be quite an adventure, with a real experience of the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city. Interestingly, the name of the house bears all the initials of the family who own and run this boutique hotel, in age order. The private home was originally built in the 1970s and was carefully refurbished over the course of nearly three years to make the property well suited for guests passing through the capital.

Days 2–6

Into Big Five territory

Home to the Great Migration, where each year between July and October millions of wildebeest thunder across the plains in search of fresh pasture, the Maasai Mara is one of the most famous game reserves in the world. From Novemeber to June, the Maasai Mara still has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa so the Big Five can all be ticked off your list on a visit here, and you’ll also get to see huge pods of hippos basking in the rivers, cheetahs racing across the savannah and giraffes ambling between the acacia trees.

Where you could stay

Positive Impact

Maasai Mara

Sala’s Camp

Location is everything at Sala’s Camp. Nestled in the Maasai Mara National Park, but in a very remote southern-central corner of it on the tranquil banks of the Sand River, Sala’s boasts the most private of safari experiences within the reserve’s borders.

Positive Impact

Mara Conservancies

Angama Mara

Towering high on the Rift Valley’s Oloololo Escarpment with direct and private access to the Mara Triangle, this lodge's name was inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in mid-air’. It's not only its location that makes it stand out, but also its commitment to education, health and conservation in the region.

Positive Impact

Maasai Mara

Governors’ Il Moran Camp

Right on the Mara River in the heart of the reserve, Governors’ Il Moran Camp has just ten very spacious safari tents, upping the the exclusivity and privacy compared to other camps on the Mara.

Maasai Mara

Mara Expedition Camp

Set in a glade of beautiful acacia trees, Mara Expedition Camp, boasts six tents designed around the expedition theme with large public areas, including a show kitchen. The tents offer plumbed-in hot and cold water for showers. The camp is located on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, with access to both the National Reserve and Mara North Conservancy. Because the camp is set on private land, you can enjoy fantastic guided walks as a unique option. Spend your days on safari in some of Africa’s richest game country, following the annual wildebeest and zebra migration in both the Maasai Mara and private Mara North Conservancy on game drives , seeking out leopards in the ebony woodland along the river or soaring over the plains in a hot air balloon. Return to camp after sunset for a refreshing shower before a lantern and candlelit dinner in the dining tent, and a night listening to the sounds of the bush. The whole camp has a tiny footprint and, if it were to be deconstructed, would leave almost no trace. All materials used in its construction are green or recycled from elsewhere and all of the energy is solar, with solid waste being sent to Nairobi for recycling. Paper and combustibles are used in the lighting of fires for the wood heaters when needed.

Mara Conservancies

Mara Plains Camp

Just north of the Maasai Mara Reserve, in the 30,000 acre private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, this Relais & Châteaux camp offers you outstanding game experiences without the restrictions that the reserve itself imposes on other lodges. Each guest’s stay helps to contribute to various conservation and community projects. This conservancy adds a huge plus factor due to the privacy and minimal vehicle traffic within it. You can easily access the Maasai Mara Reserve, but the game in the conservation area is just as excellent. Leopard are regularly spotted passing through the camp and lions can often be heard in the distance. Stroll along walkways that wind their way through the forest between the tented suites that are built on high stilts offering you stunning views onto the Ntiakitiak Riverr or across the Mara plains. Each suite has deep canvas canopied ceilings, rough-hewn wood floors and accents of East Africa’s rich safari history. Expect thick Lamu wood doors, deep purples, and brass accents. The raised library looks down onto hippos wallowing in the river, while the wine cellar is the perfect place to unwind and sample a selection of excellent South African and French wines. You can also choose to enjoy a private dining experience here. A highlight of the camp is the family suite, the Mara Plains Jahazi Suite, which is an exclusive-use, two-bedroom tented villa with its own team of dedicated staff. The game drive vehicles are all completely open which helps you get some phenomenal photographs. In addition to the game, you mustn’t forget that you also have a community nearby that you can visit and witness a genuine working village. A truly marvellous experience.

Mara Conservancies

Richard’s River Camp

This is one of Kenya’s ultimate safari experiences for authentic tented luxury. Positioned on the banks of the Njageteck River in the Olare Orok Conservancy for extra seclusion, the nearby Ngoyanai springs provide permanent water, drawing in large numbers of animals to the area around camp. This camp is also particularly known for its resident lion pride. In the arena of the Maasai Mara, a stay here provides the equivalent of VIP seats and service for one of the best wildlife spectacles in the African bush. Five incredibly inviting tents sit open to the bushveld scenery and wildlife sights of the nearby hippo pool. Appointed with warm high-quality linens and antique furnishings the tents also include modern comforts and en suite (outside) bathrooms with 24-hour hot running water.

Hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara

A rainbow striped hot a air balloon drifting over a river and forest

A highlight of your time here is certain to be a stunning scenic hot air balloon flight over the Maasai Mara. It’s the perfect way to really appreciate its scale and gain a unique bird’s-eye view of the game below. A champagne bush breakfast awaits you upon landing. At the end of your stay in the Maasai Mara you’ll take a light aircraft flight from the Mara Airstrip to Wilson Airport.

Days 6–7

Overnight in Nairobi

Spend another night in the Kenyan capital before your flight to Zambia in the morning.

Where you could stay

Nairobi

Hemingways Nairobi

Make it mine

Out of Africa

Freshly brewed

Karen Blixen Museum

Karen Blixen Museum was once the centrepiece of a farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills owned by the Danish author between 1915 and 1931. The 1985 film ‘Out of Africa’ led to to the establishment of the museum.

Visit a coffee plantation

Take some time out to visit a coffee plantation, learning about where your morning cup comes from. You’ll follow the journey from bean to cup and savour delectable Kenyan flavours while you’re at it. Learn how the elevation of the plantations affects the flavour of the beans.

Days 7–10

Mosi-ou-Tunya

The mighty Victoria Falls rank as one of the most spectacular sites in all of Africa. As the mighty Zambezi River crashes over sheer cliffs onto the rocks below it sprays a cloud of water high into the air that has earned it the local name of Mosi-oa-Tunya (literally translated as ‘the smoke that thunders’). Livingstone is the town found on the Zambian side of the water, and luxury hotels either in the town or somewhere alongside the Zambezi upstream are a great base from which to fully explore this magnificent spectacle.

Where you could stay

Positive Impact

Livingstone and Victoria Falls

Tongabezi

Set on the banks of the Zambezi in a secluded spot upstream from Victoria Falls, Tongabezi delivers luxury and tranquility in equal measure. This is one of the most romantic places to stay in the area, the five cottages and seven open-fronted houses that make up the camp offering bags of personality and character.

Zambia

Royal Chundu River Lodge

Set on a quiet, secluded spot some distance up the Zambezi river, the Royal Chundu River Lodge oozes sophistication and grace. Overlooking the unspoiled expanse of the Zambezi River and the Zimbabwean savanna of the Matetsi Private Game Reserve, it’s a place to come and relax by the river, watching for the wildlife that pass by. The lodge is a Relais & Châteaux property, only one of two in Zambia. The other is The River Lodge’s sister property, The Island Lodge. Royal Chundu properties support a selection of positive impact initiatives including Pack for a Purpose, a foundation school and a seed project. Composed of 10 luxurious suites sleeping 20 people in total, River Lodge is the main hub at Royal Chundu and the larger of the two lodges. Each magnificent and spacious river-front suite features thatched roofs and opens on to a private deck for uninterrupted river views. Suites come with double showers and king-size beds. For evening meals, enjoy the unique African experience of the dining outside at the beautiful boma. There’s also a dining room for intimate indoor occasions. Excellent spa facilities will help you unwind while activities are a mix of river-based relaxation and Falls-based adventure.

Zambia

Royal Chundu Island Lodge

You’ll find the Island Lodge in prime position on the exclusive Katombora Island, protected by the Katombora rapids. A Relais & Châteaux property, and sister to the River Lodge, the Island Lodge offers guests a tranquil, luxurious, and exclusive getaway. Royal Chundu properties support a selection of positive impact initiatives including Pack for a Purpose, a foundation school and a seed project. The lodge divides itself between four, spacious and magnificent villas, providing guests with the utmost privacy during their stay. Each villa sleeps between four to six people and features private decks and spacious rooms, surrounded by the island’s unique baobabs and two thousand year old Jackalberry trees. Visit the intimate boma area for outdoor evening meals or the dining room for indoor occasions. There’s also an infinity pool, spa facilities, and two lounges for you to enjoy during your stay.

Positive Impact

Zambia

Wilderness Toka Leya Camp

In the eastern sector of the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and about 12 kilometres from Victoria Falls, Wilderness Toka Leya gets immediate and fantastic views over the Zambezi River, and taking advantage of these are its twelve tented rooms. Each comes with a large decking area at the front leading out from large glass sliding doors, behind which is your large stylish open plan lounge area and bedroom. The camp’s main area is situated on a large decking area, and underneath a canopy of trees right beside the main channel of the Zambezi River. Perfect for atmospheric campfires on the bank and spotting the resident wildlife. Here there is also a very spacious open-plan lounge and dining room, set beneath an enormous canvas roof and with open sides to maximise the views. The wall at the back of the living area is a really great feature; it’s made of “log tiles”, which gives the room a very natural feel. Each tent has its very own solar panel, water geyser and batteries in keeping with the camp’s aim to lessen its environmental footprint.

Zambia

The Royal Livingstone

Set just a short walk away from the falls themselves on the banks of the Zambezi, one can admire the coil of steam and spray rising from the falls on the horizon. The 173 rooms and suites are set in well manicured gardens along the banks of the river. This is one of just a few hotels from which the falls can be accessed on foot, making it ideal for those who want to be as close as possible. The hotel has been built in a colonial style, harking back to the days of it’s namesake, with grand dining and lounge areas as well as a large outdoor pool and riverside deck.

Make it mine

On foot

By air

Over water

Tour to both sides of Victoria Falls

Witness the incredible waters of Victoria Falls from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian side. A knowledgeable guide will take you on an unforgettable experience of the falls, otherwise known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the smoke that thunders.

Scenic helicopter flight over Victoria Falls

Take a scenic helicopter flight over the falls, allowing you to take in the incredible panoramic views of the largest sheet of falling water in the world.

Sunset cruise up the Zambezi River

This evening, climb aboard your spacious cruiser for a sunset sail up the Zambezi River. You’ll be served canapés and refreshments as you take in the golden glow of the river and the wildlife who come down to drink at its banks.

Days 10–15

Meet the Mother City

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town is a city that can really take your breath away. The horizon dominated by the iconic table-top mountain rising up in the background, whilst in the foreground are the crisp waters of the cape, the laid-back bustle of the city’s waterfront skirted by sandy beaches and picturesque suburbs.

Where you could stay

South Africa

The Mount Nelson

The Grand Dame, heritage property of Cape Town, the Mount Nelson comes with bags of history and is perhaps the most famous hotel in the city. It’s set in large grounds and is made up of a number of different smaller buildings. Most rooms have been refurbished with a contemporary refresh, adding comfort and modern touches to the historic décor. The bar and restaurant have had a similar treatment making them a popular place to visit for Capetonians (a great sign for any hotel restaurant, particularly in the fickle and competitive Cape Town restaurant scene). From their vermiculture project and on-site beehives, to their use of locally produced organic vegetables, the hotel puts a strong emphasis on having a positive impact on the environment and local community. Rooms are very comfortable and spacious and are located in several buildings dotted throughout the large property and gardens. This makes it stand apart from other larger hotels in Cape Town as in this most outdoor of cities it’s great to have large, green gardens to take a stroll through and outdoor pools (and for the more active, there are also tennis courts). Though The Mount Nelson is very much a location in itself, the large grounds sit just a short stroll away from downtown and also the Kloof Street Area, which is famous among locals for excellent new restaurants and boutiques. Afternoon Tea at the Nelson (or Nellie as it is affectionately known) is a Cape Town institution and well worth trying.

Positive Impact

South Africa

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

Set in the fashionable Kloof Street area, the Cape Cadogan is a wonderful boutique hotel. The historic, listed building has been decorated with contemporary neutral hues giving a more light and spacious look whilst the elegant fixtures remain true to the origin of the building.

South Africa

Ellerman House

Ellerman House is a class act throughout. It feels very much like your own home but with top class service befitting a five-star hotel. Perched in one of the most spectacular and privileged settings in Cape Town overlooking Bantry Bay, it is the epitome of comfort and class with a relaxed, elegant style. Decoration is colonial, with a nod to the contemporary and recently refurbished to provide thoroughly modern comforts. Where Ellerman House excels above others is the excellent house staff, who in these grand surrounds create such a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Taking a (complimentary) evening cocktail from the lounge and strolling out onto the peaceful gardens overlooking the sea for sunset is the perfect end to a day in Cape Town as one feels both special and relaxing. There are just 11 rooms, two suites and two private contemporary villas. Communal areas include a spacious lounge, large garden area (with outdoor pool) and a huge spa. There is an open kitchen you are invited to visit, a pantry that you can raid as well as the complimentary evening cocktails. A particular feature of the property is its private art collection. This is simply outstanding, one of the best in South Africa with works from African masters inside the main building and then, underneath is a contemporary gallery. For anyone interested in art this will add an extra element to their stay. Guests are also able to book Sleep Rooms at Ellerman House. A concept created by wellness expert Harry Jameson, each of the 13 rooms at the property can be converted into wellness rooms specially designed to optimise both sleep and recovery.

South Africa

The Silo

With sweeping views of the Atlantic, Table Mountain as a backdrop, and the buzz of a working harbour, the Victoria and Albert Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s prime locations. It is here that you’ll find The Silo. The grain silo was the tallest building in Sub-Saharan Africa when it was built in 1924, and the luxury hotel is located in the former elevator tower. The creative brain behind the project is that of prominent British designer and architect Thomas Heatherwick, whose iconic works include the Cauldron for the London 2012 Olympic Games and London’s new Routemaster bus. The Silo occupies six floors above the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. A partnership between the V&A Waterfront and Jochen Zeitz, this cultural institution focuses on exhibiting cutting-edge contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, with the Zeitz Collection forming its founding exhibition. Taking its place on Cape Town’s skyline, the hotel is a beacon of modern design. The industrial aesthetics remain with the addition of pillowed glazing panels which bulge outwards as if gently inflated. At night, this transforms the building into a glowing lantern. Each of the 28 rooms, which include a magnificent penthouse suite, are individually designed and strike the balance between industrial, stylish and comfortable. The creative team have been busy sourcing pieces from Cape Town and across the world, to ensure each room tells its own story without detracting from the natural beauty of the city, which can be seen through the 18-foot windows. Another key feature is the huge grain-shaped atrium carved out of the interior of the grain silos. The art in the hotel is in keeping with the collections in the museum. Appreciate the 360 degree panoramic views from the restaurant, champagne bar and glass swimming pool located on the rooftop while casting your eye across the ocean, city bowl and mountains. There is also a café, piano bar, spa and fitness centre and when you want to go exploring, the Waterfront itself offers a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars.

Make it mine

Layered history

Mountain top

Scenic drive

Visit Robben Island

With a multi-layered history spanning some 500 years, Robben Island offers a unique glimpse into events that have shaped South Africa. Taking the ferry across to the island, you’ll be accompanied by a private guide on a tour to all of the important historical sites.

Table Mountain

Enjoy absolutely spectacular views towards Robben Island, over Camps Bay and the beach and along the Twelve Apostles in the direction of Hout Bay from Cape Town’s most iconic landmark.

Cape Point and Peninsula Tour

Enjoy the scenic drive up Chapman’s Peak with incredible views of the ocean to your right as the road winds around narrow corners. The typical highlights of this tour include villages such as Noordhoek, the fishing town of Kalk Bay, the penguins in Simonstown and of course Cape Point.

See more

Taste the Cape

Music and dance

Fine wines

Private Cape Town Eats Walking Tour

On this tour you’ll explore the back streets of Cape Town to find the tastes that represent this rainbow nation. With your expert local guide, you’ll get to know the city’s history, its people and its gourmet delights.

uThando tour

Visit a few of the community projects supported by uThando. The organisation, raises money for a wide variety of projects, many involving music and dance. This is an authentic way to experience the culture of local communities.

Full day privately guided tour of the Winelands

Spend a full day Winelands with an expert wine guide. The tour will be built around your wine preferences, ensuring you will have the best experience possible. Typically the regions explored are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.

“Amazing Southern Africa Experience‌”

We recently returned from a trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia booked through Jacada Travel. From the initial stages of planning through to following up with us at the end of our vacation, Jacada went above and beyond our expectations with personalized service. Jamie and Eugenia, our travel designer and concierge respectively, took our ideas and preferences and ran…

Published 22nd September 2024 on Trustpilot

Jessica Okerman

Why book with Jacada

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

Positive Impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

Trip highlights

Bespoke trips with Jacada

Itinerary in detail

Days 1–2

One night in Nairobi

Where you could stay

Hemingways Nairobi

Eden Hotel

House of Waine

Days 2–6

Into Big Five territory

Where you could stay

Sala’s Camp

Angama Mara

Governors’ Il Moran Camp

Mara Expedition Camp

Mara Plains Camp

Richard’s River Camp

Hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara

Days 6–7

Overnight in Nairobi

Where you could stay

Hemingways Nairobi

Make it mine

Out of Africa

Freshly brewed

Karen Blixen Museum

Visit a coffee plantation

Days 7–10

Mosi-ou-Tunya

Where you could stay

Tongabezi

Royal Chundu River Lodge

Royal Chundu Island Lodge

Wilderness Toka Leya Camp

The Royal Livingstone

Make it mine

On foot

By air

Over water

Tour to both sides of Victoria Falls

Scenic helicopter flight over Victoria Falls

Sunset cruise up the Zambezi River

Days 10–15

Meet the Mother City

Where you could stay

The Mount Nelson

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

Ellerman House

The Silo

Make it mine

Layered history

Mountain top

Scenic drive

Visit Robben Island

Table Mountain

Cape Point and Peninsula Tour

See more

Taste the Cape

Music and dance

Fine wines

Private Cape Town Eats Walking Tour

uThando tour

Full day privately guided tour of the Winelands

Why book with Jacada

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