Depart the US on your overnight flight to Cape Town, South Africa.

Upon arrival in Cape Town, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by a local representative and taken to the hotel. Check in and have some time to relax. This evening, receive an orientation to the program, followed by a welcome dinner at Gold Restaurant.

This morning, we'll visit Walker Bay. The picturesque drive takes us over the mountains to the seaside town of Hermanus on the southern coast of the Western Cape. Set between mountains and the sea, Hermanus offers some of the greatest land-based opportunities for whale watching in the world. Close sightings of the southern right whale are likely from August to November. Visit a working abalone farm in the Hermanus New Harbour to learn about the history of the area and abalone in South Africa. Discover the biology and life cycle of this mysterious mollusk and the unfortunate demise of wild stocks due to over-harvesting and poaching. See the abalone in its natural environment and be introduced to abalone farming. After an informative introduction, take a guided walk to experience the aquaculture industry at one of the oldest and largest abalone farms in South Africa, Abagold. Visit Abagold's state-of-the-art abalone hatchery, where broodstock are cared for and baby abalone (spats) are produced. Experience the farming activities of feeding, tank cleaning, and sorting as we walk among the 40,000 baskets on the farm. We'll also be treated to an abalone tasting. The return drive follows the coastline, with further possibility of whale (and even dolphin) sightings. Stop at Stony Point near Betty's Bay to see the African Penguin colony here. It is one of only two shore-based breeding colonies in South Africa. Sharing the breeding site with the penguins are the endangered White-breasted and Cape Cormorants and the vulnerable Bank Cormorant. This evening, enjoy a three-course wine pairing dinner at Clos Malverne Wine Estate and Restaurant in Stellenbosch.

We begin our day at the Nelson Mandela Gateway, next to the iconic clock tower on the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront. Board the ferry for Robben Island in Table Bay, where former president Nelson Mandela and other political anti-apartheid activists were imprisoned for many years. Upon our return, we'll explore the heart of the Bo-Kaap, the historical Malay quarter of Cape Town, for a Cape Malay cooking safari. Take a leisurely stroll through some of the district's streets for a chance to appreciate the extraordinary collection of pre-1840 architecture that resulted in this area being declared a national monument. Then, learn about the ingredients to make a typical Cape Malay dish during an informal, hands-on cooking workshop in a Bo-Kaap family home. Mix masala, fold samoosas, and explore the art of balancing the delicate flavors of a Cape Malay curry. Over a glass of faloodah (a traditional, lightly rose-scented milk drink), our host and cooking instructor will explain more about the ways in which food, history, and religion are interwoven in the Bo-Kaap culture.

After breakfast, board the flight to Victoria Falls International Airport in Zimbabwe; from here, we'll be taken to our camp at Hwange National Park. This afternoon set out on a game drive. The area enjoys a high concentration of wildlife and is famed for its large elephant herds, with an estimated population of 30,000 to 50,000 individuals. The park's grasslands and mopane woods are also home to lions, giraffes, zebras, and African wild dogs. This evening, have dinner at the camp joined by a local storyteller, who will share tales of the local Ndebele and Shona tribes.

Today, experience the rare opportunity to go on a walking safari. This special experience is allowed only in specified corners of select national parks. We'll have a chance to view animals from a safe distance, joined by experienced guides to whom the wildlife are accustomed. This afternoon, visit the Painted Dog Conservation Center and learn how this once-thriving canine has all but disappeared. Early this evening, when many animals are at their most active, we'll set out on a game drive.

This morning, check out and head north. Our first stop is at the Elephant Camp for a conservation talk, elephant interaction, and lunch. Continue on to Victoria Falls, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive cataract straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. At more than 5,600 feet wide and with a drop of over 350 feet, Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water. The nearby town of Livingstone is named after 19th century Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone, believed to be the first European to ever see the falls. After arrival and check-in at our lodge on the Zambian side, enjoy a sunset cruise on the wild Zambezi River, an ideal backdrop for a talk about the history of the region. Tonight, enjoy a Zambian feast with an impressive African drumming performance at The Boma.

This morning, visit the Tongabezi Trust School. Since it was first established in 1990, it has grown from a preschool class of 15 children to a primary school with over 240 students. The school has charity status and is completely funded by donations from all over the world that help with a food program, medical program, and building projects. This afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwe side.

Today, travel west to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Bordered by the banks of the breathtaking Chobe River, the park is famous for its rich elephant and lion populations. During a late afternoon sunset cruise on the river, we'll look for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, water buffalo, and some of the park's many bird species.

After breakfast, drive to the countryside, visit a local village, and learn about living in the bush. After lunch at the lodge, have free time to rest and relax. This afternoon, enjoy more wildlife-viewing during a river safari.

Continue exploring Chobe with a morning and afternoon game drive. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner at the lodge.

After one last early morning game drive, we will say farewell and head to Kasane International Airport for our return flights home via Johannesburg.

Arrive home following your overnight flight.