The Quick Fix: Botswana, Vic Falls & Cape Town in 1 Week
Botswana is generally considered the last untouched wilderness in Africa, Victoria Falls is a world wonder, and Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities on earth. A week covering these sights will leave you with unparalleled memories.
Days 1, 2 & 3: Okavango Delta
Your priority should be at least 3 nights in the Okavango Delta, preferably during the wet season (July-Nov), when the abundance of game attracts a huge number of predators. It's worth noting that you'll need to book up to a year in advance at the top camps during peak season, and while you may be tempted to move around between camps, it really is a good idea to stay put for such a short stay. The top lodges are Mombo, Jao, Vumbura, Eagle Island, and Chief's Camp. Mombo, the most expensive, is pricey for good reason, but you can stretch your dollar further by opting for slightly more affordable alternatives, such as Duba Plains, Sandibe, Chitabe, or Baines' Camp, all of which offer superb wildlife experiences -- although not quite on the same level of luxury as the first three options. A great deal less costly, with comparable game-viewing in winter, is Linyanti Bush Camp. Or go for a real budget experience with a mokoro (canoe) camping safari out of Oddballs.
Days 4 & 5: Chobe National Park/Victoria Falls
After your time in the delta, transfer to Kasane for a couple nights' sojourn at Chobe National Park, where elephant sightings are believed to be the very best on earth. One of the most luxurious and accessible camps here is Chobe Chilwero: Near the northern town of Kasane, and overlooking the Chobe River, Chilwero also organizes day trips to Victoria Falls, just an hour away. Alternatively, you can skip Chobe National Park altogether and charter a direct flight from Maun to Livingstone and spend 2 nights; for colonial pampering, nothing beats the River Club, on the banks of the Zambezi, or the Stanley & Livingstone for good value. If you're an adrenaline junkie, don't miss a day river rafting the Zambezi.
Days 6 & 7: Cape Town & the Winelands
Whether you go to the Zambezi or Chobe, you'll need to fly via Johannesburg or Maun to get to Cape Town the next day. There are wonderful places to stay all over town, but given that your time is limited, opt for lodging in the City Bowl (a natural amphitheater created by Table Mountain and the encircling arm of Signal Hill) or the Atlantic Seaboard, if it's summer. If the weather is bad, book a personalized wine tour and spend the day sampling the superb red wines produced in the Stellenbosch region's tasting rooms, many of them heated with crackling fires. If the sun's out, spend the day doing the Cape Peninsula drive. Or sleep in late and lunch at quaint Cape Quarter before browsing the shops in the vicinity. End your last day on Clifton or Camps Bay beach, or with a bottle of champagne on Table Mountain as the sun sets over the Southern Hemisphere, toasting your next trip here.
