Backroads | South Africa & Botswana Insider

South Africa & Botswana Insider

On this Insider Trip, we bridge vast distances to capture the astonishing diversity, complex history and spectacular natural environments of southern Africa. And we do so in style, using private charter flights and staying at some of the region’s most exclusive retreats. Near Cape Town, discover the Cape Floral Kingdom’s botanical riches, the pleasures of local wine and cuisine, and the intricate apartheid legacy. In the Cederbergs, view some of the best-preserved prehistoric cave paintings. Journey on to Botswana’s Okavango Delta for a safari into one of the world’s wildest ecological systems. Then return to South Africa for wildlife viewing so intimate you can hear the leopards breathing. Before our trip's end, meet some of our good friends from neighboring tribal communities, who offer further insights into a nation reinventing itself.

Botswana's Desert Miracle

Called "the river that never meets the sea," the Okavango is the world’s largest inland delta – a labyrinth of lakes, channels, lagoons and islands harboring a vast range of African wildlife that would not otherwise survive in the harsh Kalahari. You spend two unforgettable days exploring the region by mokoro (canoe) and Land Rover.

5 Big Reasons to Bring a Camera

Lions. Rhinos. Elephants. Buffalos. Leopards. Not to mention cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeests, baboons… We get you amazingly close to big game at the private Londolozi reserve, a 35,000-acre wildlife haven. And Londolozi’s excellent relations with local tribal villages offer unique opportunities to learn more about traditional African culture.

Culinary Safari

The South African dining experience is as diverse as the country itself, where East meets West – and North and South. Savor Cape Malay cuisine, a sweet and spicy mix of Asian and Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy European-style afternoon tea. And at remote game reserves, sit down to a feast of regional specialties beneath the star-filled African sky – serenaded by an occasional chorus of hyenas.

Cultural Close-Ups

Get to know the real South Africa through our charismatic experts: Thandu, our Xhosa guide, provides insight into the everyday life and traditions of black South Africans. Lotus, a young Shangaani man, coordinates community development projects for the villages bordering Sabi Sand Game Reserve. And Margot Winer, an archaeologist at the University of Cape Town, sheds light on South Africa’s rich cultural past.

Prehistory Rocks

Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve is home to 130 ancient San (Bushman) rock art sites. Gain a new understanding of Africa’s past during an interpretive walk to Fallen Rock, which has some of the region’s best-preserved images, subtly detailed and fascinating in their depiction of the spiritual world.

Vintage South Africa

Thanks to the great strides made by vintners in the post-apartheid years, the world has been gushing over South African wines. As part of our Insider journey, we dive deep into a heritage that extends over 350 years, tasting outstanding regional wines you’d not likely find at home – including the heralded pinotage, a blend of pinot noir and hermitage that is unique to South Africa.

REMARKABLE RETREATS : Premiere Inns

The Cellars-Hohenort (2 nights): This luxurious winelands manor house, a Relais & Châteaux member, features two swimming pools, a tennis court, a spa, elegantly decorated guest rooms and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat (2 nights): This Relais & Châteaux member, winner of the coveted Grand Award from Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, has a spa, swimming pools, sauna, delectable cuisine and magnificent surroundings.

Sandibe Safari Lodge (2 nights): Built in a natural clearing, this deluxe lodge's eight beautifully decorated thatched cottages offer open showers and private elevated game-viewing decks ideally positioned to overlook the Santantebi River.

Londolozi Private Game Reserve (2 nights): At this elegant Relais & Châteaux retreat, the large chalets are attractively adorned with prints and handicrafts, and all have private balconies for viewing hippos, elephants and other animals grazing below.

2008 DATES

CLASSIC TRIPS

10/22-30Price: $6298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $900 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $3100

2009 DATES

CLASSIC TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Trip praise

Backroads is really excited to add our latest way to explore the world - Insider Trips - to our award-winning biking, hiking and multisport vacations. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus, or in a few excursions from a cruise ship or a secluded resort.

Tom Hale - Backroads President and Founder