Detailed Port Descriptions

Day 1—Tuesday, February 13, 2024

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport guests will receive a meet and greet service from a Lion World Travel representative and transferred to the hotel. The Table Bay Hotel offers the ultimate in 5-star luxury accommodation in Cape Town. One of the Leading Hotels, The Table Bay continues to set its own standards in international service, cuisine and luxury. This property is synonymous with friendly service, environmental sustainability awareness, and a keen attention to detail. You will soon see that every detail has been taken care of to make your experience uniquely and luxuriously South African. The hotel is perfectly situated to take full advantage of some of Cape Town’s most incredible sights and settings. Conveniently positioned in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront against the stunning backdrop of the working harbour, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean; the Table Bay Hotel provides an experience like no other. The rooms will be ready from 2:00pm onwards. Tonight, enjoy a private dinner in the Atlantic Restaurant at the Table Bay Hotel. Accommodation: Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Room (D)

Day 2—Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Morning conference at the hotel for the medical members of the group. Spouses at leisure. Lunch is under your own arrangements. This afternoon the group departs on a tour of the Heart of Cape Town Museum. The Heart of Cape Town Museum, found on the grounds of Groote Schuur Hospital in the suburb of Observatory, is in honour of the world’s first heart transplant, which took place at this hospital on 3 December 1967. Led by Professor Christiaan Barnard, the team performed an awe-inspiring procedure that pushed beyond the boundaries of know medical science. The two theatres used for the operation are laid out as they were creating an authentic representation of this pioneering surgery. Visitors will tour the introductory room, accident room, animal laboratory and learn the timeline of events leading up to the transplant. The group returns for the hotel to freshen up for an interactive drumming session and dinner at Gold Restaurant (transfers included). From the moment you arrive, you will feel the heartbeat of a unique African restaurant in Cape Town. Gold Restaurant will take you on a taste safari from Cape Malay to African cuisine, with its set multi-course menu served at your table. Start your evening with an interactive Djembe drumming session which will get you in tune with our African rhythms and songs for the rest of the night. The vibrant playing of the drums will ensure an energized start to your evening. Accommodation: Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Room (B, D)

Day 3—Thursday, February 15, 2024

After breakfast depart on a private full day Cape Peninsula tour including sundowners on Table Mountain (weather permitting). On this tour you will see why the area earned the name of The Fairest Cape.  Sit back and relax, as you’re driven along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay where you can embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise lasting about 45 minutes if you choose to (for your own account). If you choose not to do the cruise you will have time to browse the shops and markets and perhaps enjoy a morning coffee at one of the restaurants at Mariners Wharf – the first harbor-front emporium in Africa. You then wind your way along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views. After a stop for lunch (under own account), visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. You will have the opportunity to ride the Flying Dutchman funicular (tickets provided) to the old lighthouse for awe-inspiring views! After, you’ll head back along the coast towards the City, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and the endearing African penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach (tickets provided). Next, you’ll head inland to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, with the sun setting over the tall peaks of Table Mountain, the last rays sparkle on the trees and flowers. The last stop of the day will be Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain (weather permitting). Our guests will enjoy a private ascent in the world-famous revolving cable car.  At the summit we will enjoy an exclusive cocktail reception and have a chance to marvel at the awe-inspiring 360-degree view as the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle. The world-famous landmark is 1,086 meters/3,258 feet above sea level and is a national monument. On descent, we will enjoy a private dinner at the Atlantic Terrace Marquee at the Twelve Apostles Hotel. Accommodation: Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Room (B, D)

Day 4—Friday, February 16, 2024

Morning conference at the hotel for the medical members of the group. Spouses at leisure. Lunch is under your own arrangements. This afternoon the group departs on a Robben Island tour accompanied by Christo Brand. Please Note: The group will be on a scheduled ferry to/from Robben Island but will have a private bus, tour and island guide.  Robben Island is now a World Heritage Site offering stunning views across the bay with Table Mountain as its backdrop. For nearly 400 years Robben Island, 7½miles/12kms off the coast from Cape Town was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It is a highly charged and emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering and realize how far South Africa has come since Mandela’s release just 28 years ago! On your return to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront guest have the opportunity to freshen up prior to departure for a private dinner. Accommodation: Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Room (B, D)

Day 5—Saturday, February 17, 2024

After breakfast at the hotel the group departs on a private full day Winelands tour including 2 x Wine Tasting, 1 x Cellar Tour and Lunch at Grande Provence Wine Estate (or similar). This is a superb day exploring the exceptional Winelands region with its heavenly scenery. The area is rich with history, and you can’t help but feel it as you visit this region. Experience a wine cellar tour, where you’ll learn all about the process of winemaking, and have the chance to savor the wines. Visit the charming little town of Franschhoek, pass by the impressive Huguenot Monument, and enjoy lunch (your own account) – the town is known as the gourmet capital of South Africa. After lunch, the tour takes you over the Helshoogte Mountain Pass to the pretty university town of Stellenbosch. You will have time to stroll through this little town, absorbing the quaintness, and enjoying the shops! A trip to the Winelands isn’t complete without a wine tasting, so you’ll visit two different wine estates. And of course, you’ll be able to purchase your favorite wine to take back home!  Includes two wine tastings. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Table Bay Hotel – Luxury Room (B, L)

Day 6—Sunday, February 18, 2024

After breakfast and check out, the group will be transferred to Cape Town Airport. The group will be met and assisted by porters and escorted to the relevant check-in gates for the domestic flight to Hoedspruit. DEPART CAPE TOWN > ARRIVE HOEDSPRUIT On arrival the group will be met and transferred to Kapama River Lodge. Spend 4-nights at Kapama River Lodge in Standard Suites on a fully inclusive basis including all meals, teas and snacks, all local and select premium drinks, two daily safari activities and bush walks. Kapama River Lodge is stylishly furnished and beautifully positioned along a dry riverbed. The ambience of nature is captured perfectly, and guests fall in love with River Lodge the moment they arrive. Each spacious room at Kapama River Lodge features a full en-suite bathroom and patio with uninterrupted views into the leafy-green game reserve. Step onto your private balcony with a cool drink from your mini bar, and while away free time, gazing lazily into the bush for animals that may pass by, or have your early morning coffee in your room, watching the bush come alive with sound as the first rays fall. The central guest entertainment areas include a large rim-flow swimming pool with sun umbrellas and recliners for lazy afternoons. The Rhino Boma dining area has a roaring outdoor fire that gives a glow to evening meals. Buffet-style meals introduce African flavors with Pan African dishes using fresh local ingredients and specialist dishes featuring venison like kudu and impala. Set off on your first open vehicle game this afternoon – sure to be an exciting experience! Remember to take: A light sweater, insect repellent, your camera and binoculars! Return to the lodge, allowing time to freshen up before enjoying a sumptuous dinner. Evening meals are often enjoyed seated around a roaring fire in the Rhino Boma. Accommodation: Kapama River Lodge – Deluxe Suite (B, L, D)

Day 7—Monday, February 19, 2024

Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Morning Conference at the Lodge for the Medical members of the group. Spouses at leisure. On game drives you will be accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker. Expect to encounter a diverse range of animal and bird species on game drives. Since this is a ‘Big Five’ reserve, seeing Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard is possible over a 3-day safari in Kapama Private Game Reserve. Lunch at the lodge. Afternoon at leisure until high-tea and departure for the afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge after the game drive for a Private Group Boma Dinner. Accommodation: Kapama River Lodge – Deluxe Suite (B, L, D)

Day 8—Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Morning Conference at the lodge for the Medical members of the group. Spouses at leisure.  Lunch at the lodge. During relaxation time at the lodge, relax under umbrellas around the pool, which is also a prime vantage point for game viewing as it overlooks a small, permanent waterhole.  Afternoon at leisure until high-tea and departure for an afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge after the game drive for dinner at the lodge. Accommodation: Kapama River Lodge – Deluxe Suite (B, L, D)

Day 9—Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Morning at leisure followed by lunch at the lodge. Another day to experience exciting morning and afternoon game drives in this wildlife paradise!  See Africa’s animals living in their natural habitat! While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will also be delighted at the approximately 350 species of birds recorded on the reserve. Afternoon at leisure until high-tea and departure for an afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge after the game drive for a Private Group Bush Dinner.  Tribal Dancing performance at Private Bush Dinner. Accommodation: Kapama River Lodge – Deluxe Suite (B, L, D)

Day 10—Thursday, February 22, 2024

Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. (B) Check-out by 11:00am Transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. DEPART HOEDSPRUIT ARRIVE JOHANNESBURG On arrival at Johannesburg's Oliver Tambo International Airport check in for your international departure flight back home. Return home with a lifetime of memories!