Discover South Africa's Wildlife & Wine & Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town (South Africa), Explore at Leisure

Welcome to South Africa's vibrant coastal city, Cape Town, nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace. A good place to start is the V&A Waterfront, named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This bustling harbor is home to an array of attractions, including the Two Oceans Aquarium, where you can marvel at marine life from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Next, head to The Watershed, a dynamic market space featuring over 150 stalls housed in a historic grain silo. Peruse the stalls lined with handcrafted jewelry, locally made home decor, and traditional crafts, then grab a cup of coffee from one of the on-site cafés. When the sun starts to set, take a ride on the Cape Town Wheel for panoramic views of the waterfront cast in a golden glow. As darkness falls, find a restaurant overlooking the water for a delicious dinner. The city's coastal location means abundant fresh seafood, so consider trying dishes like grilled snoek (a local fish), calamari, or mussels.

Day 2: Guided Sidecar Tour of the Cape Peninsula

Hit the road on a full-day sidecar tour of the Cape Peninsula, a rocky peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a dramatic coastline with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife. As you leave the city, you'll pass the University of Cape Town and Constantia, a picturesque rural settlement at the foot of the Table Mountain range. Ride along Ou Kaapse Weg, a winding road through the lush Noordhoek Valley, stopping after 30 minutes for a coffee break and some photos. Then, it's onto the Cape of Good Hope and its iconic lighthouse within the Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Continue to Boulders Beach to see the resident penguin colony that has made the area their home since 1982 CE. Sit down for lunch at a local seafood restaurant in the nearby Simon's Town before riding along Boyes Drive, a mountainside road that connects the seaside towns of Kalk Bay and Muizenberg—famous for its surfing. End the tour with a South African wine tasting in Constantia, where some of the country's most prestigious vineyards have cultivated grapes for over 300 years. After the tasting, enjoy a 20-minute ride back to Cape Town, arriving in time for dinner.

Day 3: Full-Day Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tour

Spend the day exploring the Cape Winelands, South Africa's lush wine-producing region, on a cheese, wine, and chocolate tour. Explore the historic towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, each with its array of renowned wineries. In Stellenbosch, South Africa's second-oldest town, you'll discover whitewashed buildings and oak-lined streets. Sample some of the region's celebrated wines, from rich cabernet sauvignons to crisp chardonnays, paired with local cheeses and handmade chocolate. 

Continue eating and drinking at a winery in Franschhoek, known as the "French Corner" of the region, as it was founded by French Huguenot refugees in the late 17th century. Your last stop is Paarl, known for its elegant wine estates and vast vineyards. If you prefer a fruity wine, sample one of the town's celebrated chenin blanc wines, known for their flavors of apple, pear, and a touch of tropical fruit. After a full day in the Winelands, you'll arrive back at your hotel around 6 pm to enjoy a free evening. 

Day 4: Fly to Hoedspruit, Transfer to the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

Say goodbye to Cape Town this morning as you head to the airport for a 2.5-hour flight to Hoedspruit. From there, you'll transfer 2.5 hours to the Inyati Game Lodge, nestled within the western sector of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. This private reserve spans over 160,618 acres (65,000 ha) and is home to the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes—along with a wide variety of other wildlife. Settle into your luxurious lodge, then join your guide on an afternoon game drive.

As the heat of the day begins to wane, the reserve's wildlife becomes more active, especially predators like lions and leopards that are beginning their hunt. Navigate the diverse terrains, from lush riverine forests to open savannas, in search of the Big Five, zebras, cheetahs, and hyenas. The reserve is also home to over 300 bird species, so you may spot the African fish eagle, martial eagle, lilac-breasted roller, and various species of hornbills and vultures. After the game drive, return to the lodge for dinner paired with wine from the family-owned Vriesenhof Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

Day 5: Bush Walk & Game Drive in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

Start your morning with coffee and rusks (twice-baked bread perfect for dipping), then head out for a safari walk or game drive with your guide. Watch the sunrise over the savanna and listen to the sounds of the bush awakening. Walk or drive through the open plains in search of wildlife like lions or leopards on the hunt or herds of elephants and buffaloes grazing peacefully. You'll also learn about local folklore, basic tracking, traditional survival techniques, and medicinal plants. Return to the lodge in time for brunch and some free time to relax by the pool and avoid the midday heat.

In the late afternoon, set off on a three-hour game drive to look for nocturnal creatures like bush babies, civets, genets, African wildcats, and porcupines. Since the drive takes place in a private reserve, your guide can take you off-road in search of more elusive creatures, like white-tailed mongoose or serval. Stop for a sundowner, a quintessential safari experience involving a refreshing drink and the mesmerizing sunset. When darkness starts to fall, you'll return to the lodge for dinner. 

Day 6: Fly to Johannesburg, Explore South Africa's Largest City

Following one last game drive and breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight to Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city. Transfer to your hotel to check in, then enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. If you want to learn about the country's turbulent past, head to the Apartheid Museum and peruse the thoughtfully curated exhibits. As you walk through the museum, you'll encounter displays depicting oppressive laws, the resistance movements, and the country's remarkable journey toward equality and justice. 

Learn more about Apartheid and its impact at the Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct, a former prison complex where political prisoners like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were held. Then, head to the Maboneng Precinct, a once-neglected neighborhood that has transformed into a cultural hub buzzing with energy and artistic expression. Stroll past colorful murals, art galleries, and quirky boutiques, stopping to look for souvenirs to commemorate your trip. The area is also known for its eclectic mix of eateries, where you can sample everything from gourmet cuisine to street food. 

Day 7: Fly to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

After a restful night in Johannesburg, transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Victoria Falls, a small town in Zimbabwe that serves as the gateway to the iconic waterfall of the same name. When you arrive, meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish, so you could browse the local markets for handmade goods or opt for a helicopter ride over the falls. Adventure seekers can tackle the rapids of the Zambezi River on a whitewater rafting expedition or bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Day 8: Guided Tour of Victoria Falls 

Join your guide on a tour of the UNESCO-listed Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to "The Smoke that Thunders." First, head to the Big Tree, an ancient baobab tree estimated to be over a thousand years old, standing at a height of 66 feet (20 m) with a circumference of 80 feet (24 m). Then, continue to the Statue of David Livingstone, which is dedicated to the Scottish explorer and missionary who traveled across Africa to map uncharted regions.

Finally, it's onto the falls themselves, beginning at Devil's Cataract, the westernmost part of the falls, where the roaring waters cascade dramatically. After admiring the view, go on a 1.8-mile (3 km) walk through the rainforest to Danger Point, a viewpoint renowned for its proximity to the edge of the falls. Enjoy sweeping views of the entire gorge and the powerful flow of the Zambezi River plunging over the precipice. You'll be soaked by the mist coming off the falls, so if you'd rather stay dry, purchase a raincoat before starting the walk. 

Day 9: Fly to Johannesburg, Depart

Enjoy one last breakfast at your lodge overlooking the Zambezi River, then head into town to pick up some handmade souvenirs. When it's time, transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight back to Johannesburg. From here, you can continue on your journey home. Safe travels!