Highlights
- Dine at Nelson Mandela's former home in Johannesburg on your first night
- Stay in luxury safari lodges in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe
- See big cats, elephants, and more on safari in Kruger National Park
- Visit a black rhino sanctuary and soar over Victoria Falls in a light aircraft
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Johannesburg (South Africa), Soweto Tour & Dinner | Johannesburg |
| Day 2 | Fly to Kruger National Park, Evening Game Drive | Kruger National Park |
| Day 3 | Kruger Morning & Afternoon Game Drives | Kruger National Park |
| Day 4 | Morning Game Drive, Transfer to the Okavango Delta (Botswana) | Okavango Delta |
| Day 5 | Okavango Delta Canoe Safari, Optional Activities | Okavango Delta |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Chobe National Park & Savute | Chobe Savute |
| Day 7 | Savute Safari Lodge Activites | Chobe Savute |
| Day 8 | Fly to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Sunset Cruise & Riverside Dinner | Victoria Falls |
| Day 9 | Light Aircraft Flight, Township Lunch & Black Rhino Experience | Victoria Falls |
| Day 10 | Fly to Johannesburg, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg (South Africa), Soweto Tour & Dinner
Welcome to South Africa and its largest city of Johannesburg! Abounding with rich culture, complex history, and cool, up-and-coming neighborhoods, "Joburg" is a great introduction to the country and an ideal base for safari adventures. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting at the terminal to transfer you to the chic suburb of Melrose, where your 4-star hotel awaits.
The Peech Boutique Hotel features spacious, individually decorated rooms outfitted with king beds and private balconies looking out over lush gardens. After checking in, you can take the edge off the flight with a nice long soak in your French tub, relax by the shimmering courtyard pool, or grab a seat at the bar in Basalt, the hotel's intimate fine-dining restaurant. Shortly after checking in, however, you'll meet a guide and head to Soweto, located on the city's western outskirts, for a special tour.
This famous township was founded in the 1930s by the white government of South Africa as a segregated zone for Johannesburg's Black population. Experience Soweto's rich culture and history on a 2.5-hour cycling tour. During the ride, you'll stop at interesting sites, like a workers' hostel and a local shebeen (pub), where you can mingle with locals over a beer. Later, the historical theme continues with dinner at Sanctuary Mandela, a boutique hotel on the site of President Nelson Mandela's former home. The menu reflects both Mandela's favorite dishes and the recipes used by his personal chef.
Day 2: Fly to Kruger National Park, Evening Game Drive
It's time for a great adventure! Transfer to the airport in the morning for the hour-long flight to Kruger National Park. Located in northeast South Africa, not only is this the country's first-ever national park (founded in 1926), but it's also one of the largest on the continent at 7,576 square miles (19,623 sq km). The options for safari adventures here are nearly limitless, which you'll discover upon arrival.
You'll stay at the edge of the park at Walkers Plains, a family-owned bush camp sitting on the African savanna. Expect personal attention from twin brothers Steve and James Walker, whose decades of combined experience as guides have resulted in an intimate connection with the African bush. As for the amenities, don't let the word "camp" fool you. You'll be staying in a comfy, spacious bungalow equipped with all creature comforts and a plunge pool. From the deck, you'll enjoy views of the resident wildlife and the vast savanna plains out to the famous Drakensberg Mountains.
Once you're settled, it's time for your first safari game drive in Africa. Dusk is one of the busiest times for the local wildlife, as lions and hyenas begin their evening hunts, and diurnal animals like zebras and antelope gather in numbers to sleep. During this twilight safari, you'll see (and hear) how the savanna comes alive once the sun sets. Dinner will be served shortly after arriving back at camp, where your friendly guides will share stories of the park around the campfire.
Day 3: Kruger Morning & Afternoon Game Drives
Grab your binoculars, camera, and sunscreen because you're leaving at dawn on a morning game drive across the vast African savanna! From an open-topped, 4WD vehicle, you'll go in search of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. There's no shortage of such wildlife, as the park is home to around 1,500 lions, plus tens of thousands more elephants, leopards, and buffalo. You also might see both black and white rhinos (though the population of black rhinos here is a mere couple of hundred).
Also, you won't spend today entirely in the car. There will be opportunities to get out, stretch your legs, learn about the local flora from your expert guide, and take tea and coffee breaks. The drive ends around noon, but you can choose to embark on another game drive later in the afternoon. Know that you'll likely see more animals in the early mornings when they're at their most active (particularly at the watering holes where they congregate). Return to the lodge in time for a delicious bush dinner under the stars.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive, Transfer to the Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Rise and shine for one last dawn game drive in Kruger. It's a great opportunity to spot any animals you might have missed over the last couple of days (like the elusive leopard). Then, transfer back to the airstrip and board a charter plane for the two-hour flight north to the Okavango Delta. Welcome to Botswana! The UNESCO-listed Okavango is an inland river delta that, rather than emptying into an ocean, dissipates at an inland basin in the northern part of the country. During the seasonal flooding, these grassy plains turn into wetlands that are a haven for exotic wildlife.
You'll witness Okavango's biodiversity firsthand after checking into your next luxury safari lodge. Camp Okavango is an exclusive African safari camp situated on the remote Nxaragha Island. This hidden treasure, located right in the delta, assures an unparalleled year-round water wilderness experience. During your stay, you'll sleep in comfy beds, marvel at prime wilderness views from your deck, dine al fresco under the stars, and enjoy plenty of safari activities.
The first begins just after arrival when you hop in a 4WD vehicle with your expert guide and head off into the delta wetlands. Go searching for Big Five safari animals as you scan the woodlands for antelope, giraffes, and zebras. Also, on the edges of the delta, you can marvel at herds of elephants bathing in the shallow channels. At the end of the excursion, return to your suite or continue on a nocturnal game drive to see more rare animals, like the armored pangolin.
Day 5: Okavango Delta Canoe Safari, Optional Activities
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Experience a different kind of safari this morning as you travel Okavango's maze of channels and lagoons on a traditional mokoro boat. Once carved out of ancient delta trees, today these vessels are made from environmentally friendly fiberglass. You'll sit mere inches above the water as you silently glide past the unsuspecting wildlife in this biodiversity hotspot. See grazing herds of elephants and red lechwe antelope while crocodiles and hippos wade under the watchful eye of the stately African fish eagle.
Later, you'll have the option to join an expert guide on a safari bush walk. As you follow the trails through the wetlands, your guide will reveal the fundamentals of animal tracking. In doing so, you'll learn to identify certain animals just by their footprint. You'll also get to observe the delta's magnificent birdlife. Spot the rare go-away bird, the iridescent lilac-breasted roller, the brown snake eagle, and the grey-headed kingfisher. After the walk, you'll return to your lodge for another al fresco dinner under the stars.
Day 6: Transfer to Chobe National Park & Savute
It's a quick one-hour flight north from Okavango to Chobe National Park. This 12,597-square-foot (11,700 sq m) reserve is the first national park in Botswana (it was created in 1967) and is famous for its 100,000 Kalahari elephants that congregate near the Chobe River. This waterway is also a haven for other exotic wildlife, including lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes, wildebeest, and plenty more.
You'll arrive at the airstrip in the Savute, a remote and wild area in the north section of the park. Representatives will be waiting to pick you up for the ride to Savute Safari Lodge. This luxury bush accommodation sits on the banks of the Savute Channel, the principal waterway in the western part of Chobe. Your comfy thatched-roof chalet features an en suite bath, king bed, and private terrace. Guests can also spend time in communal areas like the expansive terrace or relax by the pool. If you like, upon arrival you can sip a welcome cocktail in the stylish bar.
During your time in Savute, the lodge will arrange various activities, including game drives in 4WD vehicles. You can also visit the Savute wetlands to witness the diverse ecosystem created by the Savute Channel. Another highlight is a trip to see the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills—a small hilly outcrop rising over the Chobe flatlands. Birding, stargazing, sunset drives, and private dinners are also on the itinerary.
Day 7: Savute Safari Lodge Activites
Day 8: Fly to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Sunset Cruise & Riverside Dinner
After an early bush breakfast, catch a one-hour flight north to Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. At the airport, a driver will take you to the Palm River Hotel. Located on the edge of the Zambezi River, this 5-star luxury hotel offers prime views of the famous waterway from a garden lounger, the infinity pool, or the private veranda of your well-appointed suite. Dining at the hotel's gourmet fusion restaurant is a white-tablecloth affair in the dining hall, which features tall ceilings, parquet floors, and large sliding doors that open out onto an idyllic riverfront vista.
The adventures begin right after check-in when you hop on a boat for a safari cruise down the mighty Zambezi as the African sun sets over the horizon. It's a memorable experience traveling down the same waterway that feeds Victoria Falls. As you continue down the river, you'll be treated to the sight of giant crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks, families of hippos soaking in the water, and herds of elephants bathing in the river. Keep an eye out for flycatchers and herons skimming the waterline.
After sunset, you'll return to the hotel for a private dinner cooked to perfection by the chefs. Settle in at your lantern-lit table, where you'll enjoy your specially prepared meal under the stars with the nocturnal sounds of the bush around you.
Day 9: Light Aircraft Flight, Township Lunch & Black Rhino Experience
Rise and shine! Today's itinerary is packed with adventures, starting with a morning flight over the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Transfer to an airstrip where you'll board a light aircraft for an exhilarating 30-minute flight over the falls as the wind kisses your face. As a bonus, your pilot will also fly over nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to spot river wildlife and birds.
After the flight, you'll have the option for a traditional lunch (or dinner) in a local township (district). One great option is Dusty Road, a traditional Zimbabwean restaurant in the bustling center of Chinotimba, the largest and oldest township in Victoria Falls. Located a mile (2 km) from the center of the city, it's more than a restaurant—it's a celebration of community as local vendors sell their wares while enticing smells waft across from the charcoal fires. Food is cooked the Zimbabwean way: over an open flame in cast iron pots and ovens, offering guests an authentic and tasty gastro-experience.
Later, you'll transfer to the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. The VFPGR was awarded custodianship of four black rhinos in June 2006, thus becoming a designated Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) for these threatened animals. Due to protection and anti-poaching efforts, the program has been a resounding success, and today the population of black rhinos is thriving. You'll see these magnificent animals up close during a half-day visit to the reserve. Expert game rangers will drive you in search of the rhino residents while explaining the good work done by the reserve.
Day 10: Fly to Johannesburg, Depart
Your great adventure through South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe has come full circle. In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport and board a 1.5-hour flight back to Johannesburg, where you'll catch your connecting flight home. Safe travels!
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