Highlights
- Search for the Big 5 in Kruger National Park
- Sip your morning coffee while elephants graze outside your window
- Hike your way to the powerful Victoria Falls
- Watch penguins waddle on Boulders Beach
- Explore the colorful neighborhoods of Cape Town
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Victoria Falls | Victoria Falls |
| Day 2 | Hike to Victoria Falls and cruise the river at sunset | Victoria Falls |
| Day 3 | Travel to Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana | Moremi |
| Day 4 | Explore the Okavango River Delta | Moremi |
| Day 5 | Outdoor adventures in Moremi | Moremi |
| Day 6 | Flight to bustling Cape Town | Cape Town |
| Day 7 | Meet penguins on the scenic Cape Peninsula | Cape Town |
| Day 8 | Conquer Table Mountain | Cape Town |
| Day 9 | Flight from Cape Town to Shindzela | Timbavati Game Reserve |
| Day 10 | Find elephants on the savanna | Timbavati Game Reserve |
| Day 11 | Search for wild game in Kruger National Park | Timbavati Game Reserve |
| Day 12 | One final safari before leaving South Africa |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Victoria Falls
Welcome to Southern Africa! After your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will board your pre-arranged flight to beautiful Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Your host will greet you and transfer you to the Kingdom Hotel where you will spend two nights at this upscale accommodation. Relax at the swimming pool or enjoy a tranquil walk around the ponds on the property.
Day 2: Hike to Victoria Falls and cruise the river at sunset
After breakfast, depart on a guided hiking tour of Victoria Falls. As you walk you'll pass the Big Tree, a massive, 2,000-year-old baobab tree. Then you'll continue on to Victoria Falls, starting at Livingstone’s statue and Devil’s Cataract before proceeding through the rainforest to Danger Point. The total hike is just under two miles (3 km) and features many spectacular view points along the way. Note that the falls are fullest in June and lowest in November due to seasonal rains.
After the hike, your host will collect you for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Relax to the sights and sounds of the river while sipping local wines and noshing on snacks. This trip offers the chance to see a spectacular African sunset. Cruise back to the jetty for transfer to the hotel.
Day 3: Travel to Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana
After a hearty breakfast, you'll transfer to Kasana Airport in Botswana. Here you will board your charter flight to Moremi Crossing where three nights at an all-inclusive hotel awaits you. The traditional, thatched-roof accommodation set on stilts above the marshy riverbank includes all wildlife viewings and park fees. Relax in your room, enjoy dinner overlooking the river, or walk the grounds while taking in a gorgeous sunset.
Day 4: Explore the Okavango River Delta
Become part of the bustling river life along the papyrus-clad banks of the Okavango Delta. Explore the wilderness on guided bush walks and safaris, or sit back and absorb the scenery from a traditional 'mokoro' canoe. Another great way to explore the crystal-clear channels of the Boro River is by motor boat. Watch the sun set while drifting along a lagoon and sipping on sundowners. If you're feeling a bit adventurous, you can opt for a rustic camping experience.
Day 5: Outdoor adventures in Moremi
Continue your time at the Okavango River Delta and your beautiful riverside accommodation. Sip your morning coffee at the restaurant set in traditional, thatched-roofed huts while gazing across the marsh. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy local wines. Join a tour guide in search of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and African antelope. Take a canoe ride at sunset and watch the sky change colors.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Flight to bustling Cape Town
Wake with the sun and enjoy one final wildlife safari on the savanna. Relish breakfast views across the river delta and prepare for a day of travel. A charter flight will take you from Maun Airport to the buzzy coastal city of Cape Town, South Africa. On arrival in Cape Town, your host will transfer you to City Lodge V&A Waterfront Hotel where you will spend three nights in the heart of this vibrant capital city. Spend your evening exploring the trendy Victoria & Alfred Waterfront neighborhood.
Day 7: Meet penguins on the scenic Cape Peninsula
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and fuel up for a full day tour of Cape Town's scenic peninsula. Starting with a drive along Cape Town’s magnificent coastline, you'll steal glimpses of fynbos-covered mountains and indigenous wildlife. Climb the iconic lighthouse at Cape Point, get up close and personal with penguins at Boulder’s Beach, and admire rare plants at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Other activities include:
- Chapman’s Peak Drive;
- Simons town historical naval base;
- Hout Bay.
Day 8: Conquer Table Mountain
After a hearty breakfast, seize the day with a full tour of Cape Town and its dominating natural skyline. Table Mountain is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and you can enjoy breathtaking views from both the cable car and the summit.
Next, you'll explore all that Cape Town has to offer, including a glimpse into its colorful past. You'll visit historic landmarks such as the Malay Quarter and the Castle of Good Hope. Indulge in some much needed retail therapy or watch the boats come in at the V&A Waterfront.
Itinerary Includes:
- Table Mountain by cable car;
- Malay Quarter;
- Cape Town city centre;
- Greenmarket Square;
- The flower sellers;
- The Castle of Good Hope.
Day 9: Flight from Cape Town to Shindzela
After a final breakfast in Cape Town, you'll board your scheduled flight to Hoedspruit. On arrival, your host will transfer you to Shindzela Safari Camp. Here you will spend three nights at a full-board accommodation, which includes two daily safaris. Enjoy an evening in traditional, thatched-roof huts and take a dip in the hot tub while elephants graze outside your bedroom window.
Day 10: Find elephants on the savanna
Enjoy guided safari activities twice daily starting from your camp. These take place in the early morning and again in the late afternoon. Times are designated to accommodate agreeable weather and when wildlife are more likely to be on the move to feed and drink. Set in Timbavati Game Reserve in Kruger National Park, you'll have the opportunity to see elephants, lions, water buffalo, giraffes, and other wild big game.
In between safaris, relax at your accommodation. Take time to sit on your own private porch and watch elephants graze in the distance. Soak in the hot tub or enjoy an evening by the bonfire.
Day 11: Search for wild game in Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of Africa's largest and most popular destinations to view wildlife. It's home to the famous Big Five, including lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants. Enjoy your day on safari, encountering big game in natural habitats, in dense forests, and across golden plains. Relax back at your accommodation for a final dinner on the savanna.
Day 12: One final safari before leaving South Africa
Today is the day to say goodbye to beautiful South Africa, but not before one last morning safari! Enjoy wildlife viewing as the sun enlightens the grassy plains. Grab some breakfast before transferring to Hoedspruit Airport for your scheduled flight to OR Tambo International Airport from where you can catch a flight home or continue on your adventures.