
Discover South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana on an unforgettable 12-night odyssey encompassing stunning cities, exciting safaris, and awesome natural wonders. After time in Cape Town including a Table Mountain cable car ride, spend three days looking for the ‘Big Five’ at Karongwe before continuing to Johannesburg and into Zimbabwe to experience the thundering Victoria Falls—one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Finally, head for Botswana’s Chobe National Park, where game drives to spot elephants, lions, buffalo, and other wildlife await.
Read moreItinerary at a glance:
Your South Africa vacation begins as you fly to Cape Town, one of the most beautifully located cities on earth.
Arrive at Cape Town airport and enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel, situated near to the world-famous V&A Waterfront. Enjoy the remainder of the day to recuperate, perhaps lounging by the pool or dipping into the city for a meal or shopping. This evening, choose from the restaurants at the buzzing V&A or take things super-easy by dining at your hotel.
This morning brings a half-day tour of Cape Town, including a visit to iconic Table Mountain. As you explore the lively city streets, view landmarks such as the elegant City Hall and prettily painted Cape Dutch and Georgian houses of Bo-Kaap, previously called the Malay Quarter. The highlight, however, is a cableway trip up 1,000-meter-high Table Mountain (weather permitting), which, alongside neighboring Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, forms a dramatic backdrop to the city. After ascending, marvel at the sweeping views over Cape Town and the ocean; and enjoy a scenic walk or light bite at the scenic mountain café. Your tour ends with lunch at a local restaurant, after which you’ll have the afternoon and evening to yourself. Perhaps relax by the hotel pool before heading out for dinner or souvenir shopping as Cape Town’s lights twinkle into life.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch
After breakfast, meet your guide for a half-day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Admire the scenery as we trace one of the world’s most photogenic coastal roads, driving into the peninsula overlooking the infamous Cape of Good Hope. Ride the Cape Point Funicular to the upper lighthouse, and absorb the awe-inspiring views over where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet—a confluence which has tormented mariners for centuries. Next, continue to Boulders Beach to see its free-roaming African penguins and savor a delicious lobster lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, visit Mojo Market, a buzzing food and lifestyle market in Cape Town’s Sea Point neighborhood. Roam the artisanal stalls of this indoor hub, sample local delicacies at the trendy food stands, and sip drinks at one of the many bars and live music haunts. This evening is free to spend at your leisure.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch
Leave your hotel this morning to fly to Hoedspruit, nestled beneath the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. On arrival, transfer to your safari lodge at the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, a superb 9,000-hectare wildlife reserve wedged between four rivers, which is home to the ‘Big Five’—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. Enjoy lunch* at the lodge and afterward, set out on the first of six shared game drives scheduled for the next three days to see the plentiful wildlife. Explore the bush in search of the elusive leopards and other species like cheetah, hyena, hippo, and crocodile, and hear fascinating facts about the animals from your game ranger. This evening, savor dinner at the lodge before hitting the pillow to conserve your energy for tomorrow’s adventures.
*Please note: subject to your flight arrival time at Hoedspruit, you may not have time for lunch if you elect to take the scheduled afternoon safari).
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner
This morning brings your second game drive. Depart early by comfortable, open game vehicle accompanied by a skilled game ranger to maximize sightings. Go off-road to spot big cats such as lion and keep your eyes out for giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, tortoise, and the reserve’s 360 species of birds, many of them best found around the rivers. After lunch, relax at the lodge before a late-afternoon safari to experience more sightings. Your day concludes with dinner and the opportunity for drinks under Africa’s vast, starry skies.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner
Today brings your penultimate early-morning game drive and a final late-afternoon safari outing punctuated by lunch and free time this afternoon to wind down at the swimming pool or spa. After a day of adventures, sip sundowners as darkness envelops the craggy Drakensberg Mountains.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner
A last early-morning safari offers a final chance to glimpse any wildlife you may not have seen until now. Afterward, bid farewell to Karongwe and return to Hoedspruit to fly to Johannesburg. Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport and after a complimentary shuttle transfer to your downtown hotel, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the rest of the day free to rest and explore as you wish.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch
Following breakfast, a complimentary shuttle whisks you to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe. After landing, transfer to your hotel, located just a short walk from the falls, and recharge your batteries over lunch and during a free afternoon. Later, join us for a sunset cruise along the mighty Zambezi River. Admire the views over the sunset-washed river and watch for riverside game before returning to your hotel and enjoying the evening as you please.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch
Embark on a guided tour of the spectacular Victoria Falls today. Seeing the falls—called the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ by locals for the mists around its cascades—is an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the thundering waters and admire the flora and fauna of the surrounding rainforest, an ecosystem fed by constant mist. Learn how the cascades were formed as you explore and visit an arts and crafts center to uncover the local customs that have originated from around the falls. After lunch, this afternoon is at your leisure, providing the opportunity to sample the activities offered at your hotel (at your own expense) before another free evening.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch
Hit the road for Botswana’s Chobe National Park, known for its high concentration of elephants, which are often seen bathing in the Chobe River. Admire the views as you cross the border and after lunch at your lodge—your base for two nights—embark on a late-afternoon shared game drive. Scour the riversides and with luck, glimpse elephant, hippo, crocodile and cheetah at the water’s edge. A delicious dinner at the lodge completes your memorable day.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner
Leave early for another safari through Chobe, with the chance to spot all manner of game. As well as elephant and hippo, watch for buffalo, lion, and more. Return for lunch and take advantage of the lodge facilities this afternoon with a swim in the pool or a soothing massage at the spa before a late-afternoon safari and dinner bring the day to an end.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner
Fly from Kasane to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo airport and catch a complimentary shuttle to your hotel today. After checking in, perhaps sunbathe by the pool or indulge in some retail therapy to make the most of the last, full day of your vacation. Tonight, dig into dinner at your hotel or any of the city’s top-class restaurants—the choice is yours.
Included: Breakfast at hotel
Your vacation ends as a complimentary shuttle ferries you to O.R. Tambo airport for your return flight to the US.
Included: Breakfast at hotel
Hand-selected luxury accommodations in hotels or lodges
Daily breakfast at hotels or lodges, 10 lunches and 5 dinners at local restaurants or lodges
Ground transportation in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana with a licensed English-speaking driver guide (some transfers will be shared transfers)
Shared game drives in open safari vehicles with qualified and knowledgeable guides at Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Entrance fees where applicable
Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 6 guests
Important note regarding domestic flights: Please note that domestic flights (Cape Town - Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit - Johannesburg, Johannesburg - Victoria Falls, Kasane - Johannesburg) are not included in the land package price and can be purchased at time of booking (subject to availability)
Enjoy a private tour for 6 or more guests at no additional cost. Please Contact Us for availability and to make a reservation.
Upgrade to a private tour for 4-5 guests for an additional $100 per person
Upgrade to a private tour for 2-3 guests for an additional $400 per person
A perfectly precise hotel experience awaits at AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront, conveniently located just minutes away from the buzzing Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and just a 25-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. Our spacious rooms feel stylish, yet efficient and boast unparalleled views over the imposing Table Mountain, Lion's Head and Signal Hill.
★ ★ ★ ★
Settle in at your leisure in one of our 11 spacious and air-conditioned suites, with en-suite bathrooms. The enchanting view over the Makhutsi River is a natural treasure providing insight into the secret river life. The spacious lounge area leading onto a vast deck allows for endless opportunity to view elephant, as well as grazing antelope.
Unsurpassed luxury coupled with state-of-the-art facilities and easy access to O.R. Tambo International Airport makes the 5-star Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel the perfect choice for guests looking for supreme comfort and lavish indulgence. The award-winning Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel offers a matchless regal experience enhanced by superior levels of service and guest relations.
★ ★ ★ ★
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. The friendly and attentive staff of this welcoming hotel makes sure that your visit is perfect in every way.
Situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve is home to a delightful abundance of wildlife and birdlife, and one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa. With large numbers of elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, buffalo and zebra, this gem of a reserve offers some of the continent’s best game viewing. Other predators regularly spotted include leopard, African wild dog, hyena and cheetah. What’s more, with the recent reintroduction of White and Black Rhino into the region, it is now a ‘Big Five’ destination.