The Southern Explorer

Ascot Golf Air

12 Days

South Africa + Zambia + Zimbabwe

The Southern Explorer is a 12-day golf and safari journey across Southern Africa, designed around comfort, efficiency, and exceptional access. Operated under Ascot Air, the itinerary uses private charter flights and premium ground transport to minimize travel time and maximize time at each destination. Guests move seamlessly between South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe while staying at carefully selected properties known for their privacy, service standards, and quality facilities.

The program combines championship golf courses with iconic wildlife destinations and cultural experiences. From Johannesburg’s leading golf clubs to the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park, and from the Victoria Falls region to the courses of Lusaka and Harare, each stop offers a distinct perspective on Southern Africa. Accommodation ranges from boutique city hotels to safari lodges and golf resorts, ensuring variety while maintaining consistent comfort.

The Southern Explorer offers a structured yet relaxed journey where charter flights, quality accommodation, and well-planned activities create a smooth and rewarding travel experience.

Golf

1 Round at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club
1 Round at Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate
1 Round at Bonanza Golf Course, Lusaka
1 Round at Borrowdale Brook Golf Club
1 Round at Royal Harare Golf Club

Highlights

Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
Safari drives and walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park
Stay at Mukwa Lodge on the Zambezi River

Included

Charter flights with Ascot Air between destinations
Golf at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington, Blair Atholl, Bonanza, Borrowdale Brook, and Royal Harare
Luxury accommodation at boutique hotels, lodges, and safari tents

Excluded

Incoming and outgoing flights
Visa processing fees
Insurance
Tips, gratuities and porterage
All items of a personal nature
All items not explicitly stated

Itinerary Overview

This itinerary can be fully customised to suit your clients’ specific preferences. All elements, including transportation options, accommodation, golf courses, and activities, can be tailored to align with their interests, schedule, and budget requirements.

Day 1

The Residence Hotel

Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, guests are met and transferred by private vehicle to The Residence Hotel in Johannesburg. This boutique property offers spacious suites, landscaped gardens, and a relaxed environment after a long flight. The afternoon is free to settle in and enjoy the facilities, which include a spa, pool, and terrace areas. Dinner can be arranged at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant.

Day 2

The Residence Hotel

Golf at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club

After breakfast, guests are transferred to Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club, one of South Africa’s established championship venues. The day includes a round on one of the club’s well-maintained courses, followed by lunch at the clubhouse. The afternoon is at leisure. Optional activities include a guided city tour or time to relax at the hotel spa.

Day 3

Mukwa Lodge

Golf at Blair Atholl and Charter to Zambia

The morning begins with a round of golf at Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate, known for its wide fairways and expansive Highveld landscape. After golf and lunch, guests transfer to the airport to board an Ascot Air charter flight to the Victoria Falls region. On arrival, a short transfer leads to Mukwa Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 4

Mukwa Lodge

Victoria Falls Helicopter Tour

Today features a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, providing a wide aerial perspective of the falls and surrounding river systems. The remainder of the day is flexible. Optional activities include a guided tour of the falls, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, or cultural visits to local markets and villages.

Wild Horizons Helicopter Flight - Victoria Falls

Day 5

Chinzombo Lodge

South Luangwa National Park

Guests depart on an Ascot Air charter flight to South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia. On arrival, a lodge transfer brings the group to Chinzombo Lodge, set along the Luangwa River. After settling into the luxury safari tents, the afternoon includes an introductory game drive led by experienced guides.

Day 6 & 7

Chinzombo Lodge

South Luangwa National Park

Two full days are dedicated to wildlife experiences in South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s most respected safari regions. Daily programmes typically include morning and afternoon game drives, with opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, lions, and a wide range of birdlife. Guided walking safaris may also be available. Between activities, guests can relax at the lodge, enjoy the river views, or make use of the pool and lounge areas.

Day 8

Ciela Resort

Golf at Bonanza Golf Course, Lusaka

After a morning transfer, guests board an Ascot Air charter flight to Lusaka. The day includes a round of golf at Bonanza Golf Course, a parkland layout located just outside the capital. After golf, guests continue to Ciela Resort, which offers modern facilities, restaurants, and views over the surrounding landscape.

Day 9

Ciela Resort

Explore Lusaka

This day is reserved for exploring Lusaka at a relaxed pace. Options include guided city tours, visits to local markets and art centres, or wildlife experiences at nearby conservation areas. Guests may also choose to spend time enjoying the resort’s facilities, including the spa, pool, and restaurants.

Day 10

Sandalwood Lodge

Golf at Borrowdale Brook, Harare

Guests board a morning Ascot Air charter flight to Harare, Zimbabwe. The day’s golf takes place at Borrowdale Brook Golf Club, known for its water features and tree-lined fairways. After the round, guests transfer to Sandalwood Lodge, a boutique property offering private garden suites and a quiet setting in the city.

Day 11

Sandalwood Lodge

Golf at Royal Harare Golf Club

The final golf round of the journey takes place at Royal Harare Golf Club, one of Zimbabwe’s historic courses. After golf, the afternoon is open for leisure, shopping, or optional city sightseeing. A farewell dinner can be arranged to conclude the journey.

Day 12

Ciela Resort

Golf at Royal Harare Golf Club

After breakfast, guests are transferred to Harare International Airport for their onward flight. The Ascot team assists with check-in and departure arrangements, bringing The Southern Explorer journey to a close.