Overview
Your South Africa holiday crescendos at Victoria Falls, called Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) on the Zambezi River. Twice the height of Niagara Falls, this breathtaking waterfall spanning the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia offers twice the photo ops. Once you’ve seen the “Big 5,” turn your attention to the rare few! Wild dogs, elephants swimming, and the not-so-sweet honey badger are just a few of the unique sights in Botswana. One of the most sparsely populated nations in the world, Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta regions are brimming with fascinating wildlife.
Itinerary
Motherly Love
Welcome to Cape Town, commonly referred to as the "Mother City" by locals, as it was home to the first European settlement in South Africa. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
City Sights and & Soaring Heights
Start at the Grand Parade to see the Castle of Good Hope and City Hall. Walk to see more of Cape Town's landmarks including St. George's Cathedral, Parliament, and The Company's Garden. Then, explore the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, also known as the Malay Quarter, including a visit to the Bo-Kaap Museum. After a traditional Malay lunch, enjoy a scenic cable-car ride to the top of Table Mountain for stunning 360-degree views over the city. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant! (B/L/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - URBAN RAINBOW: Founded by former slaves in the 1750s, Bo-Kaap is a melting pot of cultures within its National Heritage sites. Stroll past vibrantly hued houses ranging from lime-green and pink to orange, reflective of Dutch and British architecture. Your Local Guide shares fascinating stories of this lively neighbourhood where the aromas of fragrant spices waft from local restaurants and spice shops.
Rocky Coast & Beach Life
Take a scenic drive along stunning Chapman's Peak Drive en route to Cape Point Nature Reserve. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope before arriving at Cape Point. Ride a funicular to the steps of the old lighthouse with panoramic views of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Free time this evening. (B/L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - TUXEDO JUNCTION: Jackets aren't required on Boulders Beach, even though the residents look dressed to the hilt. The only penguins found on the continent, African penguins are known for the unique sound they make. Colonies can be found from southern Namibia all the way around the South African coast, and Boulders Beach is the premiere viewing spot.
Free to Wander
Full day at leisure for your own discoveries in this beautiful city. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: Today, consider exploring the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, take an excursion to the stunning Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (Jun.-Nov.). Optional excursions are available for purchase with My Account.
Operation Safari
Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to Makalali Private Game Reserve. Arrive in the home to an abundance of wildlife including the "Big 5"-lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Climb aboard your custom safari vehicle for an afternoon game drive with a skilled tracker and professional Ranger. Sip sundowner drinks before returning to your lodge for dinner. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Staying in a private game reserve is the ultimate safari experience in South Africa. Go off-road to get close to the wildlife at Makalali Main Lodge, a stylish lodge featuring regional African cuisine, bar/lounge, pool, and spa facilities. Each spacious room features views from a private balcony, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, safe, and a large ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers!
Makalali Magic
Rise early for coffee and tea before your morning game drive. Keep an eye out for big cats after their night of hunting. Other animals you may see include kudu, impala, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, wildebeest, and more. Return for breakfast mid-morning, followed by time to relax at your lodge. Afternoon game drive with sundowner drinks. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SUNDOWNER DRINKS: As the sun sets over the majestic Drakensburg Mountains, enjoy a memorable happy hour in the bush in the nostalgic tradition of early safari explorers.
Spotting Skills
Sharpen your game-spotting skills on your morning and afternoon game drives. Watch for African buffalo, reintroduced to the area after an absence of more than 50 years, reuniting the "Big Five" to roam freely in the Greater Makalali Nature Reserve. (B/L/D)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: When not on a game drive, do as the lions do with a rest in the heat of the day. Enjoy your lodge amenities, swim in the pool, pamper yourself with a wellness treatment, kick back on a viewing deck or your private balcony to watch nearby wildlife.
A Jaunt to Joburg
Enjoy a final game drive this morning before boarding your flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg. Free time late afternoon and evening. (B)
From the Dark Enters Light
Guided sightseeing includes a visit to Soweto (Southwestern Township), Nelson Mandela's House, and Constitution Hill, a museum that tells the story of South Africa's journey to democracy. (B/L)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - A BEACON OF LIGHT: Soweto, the largest township in the country, is a part of South Africa's turbulent past, but this multicultural area is also a reflection of today and hope for tomorrow. Your Local Guide shares insightful stories as you see the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the former neighborhoods of Nobel Peace Prize winners, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela, featuring the Mandela House-former home of the legendary human rights leader.
Zoom to Zimbabwe & Sunset Sensations
Fly to Zimbabwe and transfer to your hotel. Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - THE RIVER WILD: Transfer to the Zambezi River's edge and board the cruise boat. You'll be treated like royalty as you take in the scenery and watch for wildlife while sipping and sampling from a selection of included drinks and canapés. Your cruise culminates in a spectacular African sunset!
Smoke on the Water
Take a guided walk at Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders), as the locals call it, due to the clouds of mist produced by the cascading cataracts. Learn about the history of the falls and fascinating facts about the local flora and fauna with plentiful photo opportunities. Free time late morning and early afternoon. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a riverside farewell dinner with live entertainment. (B/D)
FREE TIME TIPS - EXPLORE MORE: Soar high above the falls on an optional helicopter ride or visit a nearby village to experience the local culture. Optional excursions are available for purchase at My Account.
Brilliant Botswana
Transfer by road to the Chobe National Park area. Board an afternoon river cruise on the Chobe River for game viewing. (B/L/D)
Where the Wild Things Are
Spend the day on a full day game drive in Chobe National Park. Return to the lodge where you may wish to spend your time overlooking the Lesoma Valley from your veranda, watch for game enjoying the nearby waterhole, or enjoy time at the rim-flow pool. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LAND OF THE GIANTS: Chobe National Park offers safari-goers the experience of a lifetime! Considered the best place in Africa to see the largest elephants in the world, Chobe's pachyderm population is estimated to be 120,000 - the largest elephant concentration in Africa.
Dynamic Delta
Fly to the Okavango Delta- one of Africa's greatest safari areas and the largest inland delta in the world. This vast area features various ecosystems-wetlands, mopane forest, flood plains, and dry savannah woodland. Game-viewing activities range from morning and afternoon game drives to mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions and bush walks. Embark on your choice of game activity prior to dinner. (B/L/D)
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT - GAME FOR GLAMPING: Experience a truly intimate safari experience at Kadizora Camp with just 13 traditional tents. The camp features a comfortable lounge, bar, dining area, and inviting swimming pool. Each tent is positioned for ultimate privacy and seclusion plus features a luxurious en-suite bathroom and deck with spectacular views.
Exhilarating Encounters
Take your choice of morning and/or afternoon game activities with time to enjoy camp amenities in between. (B/L/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT: Glide quietly through narrow river channels of the Okavango Delta on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) for a chance to view wildlife from an entirely unique perspective!
Safe travels until we meet again!
Fly to Johannesburg (via Maun) where your tour ends at the airport. Schedule departing flights after 7 pm. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 15 Breakfasts
- 9 Lunches
- 9 Dinners
- Cape Town Southern Sun The Cullinan (Superior First-Class)
- Kruger National Park Area Makalali Main Lodge (Superior First-Class)
- Johannesburg Sandton Sun (Moderate Deluxe)
- Victoria Falls Palm River Hotel (Moderate Deluxe)
- Victoria Falls Ilala Lodge (Superior First-Class)
- Chobe National Park Elephant Valley Lodge (First-Class)
- Okavango Delta Kadizora Camp (Moderate Deluxe)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- During the dry season (September-December) and during particularly dry years, water flow to Victoria Falls may be low.
- All game viewing is done at your own risk. We require a signed liability waiver prior to travel.
Globus includes all must-see national parks and game sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great safari experience. Savour the flavours of Africa through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast experience in game spotting & tracking. Read more
Globus' selection of lodges & camps provide a relaxing checkpoint to your safari experience. Read more
Get the best possible safari experience with Globus' range of custom-designed 4WD safari vehicles. Read more
Experience Africa like an insider with Local Favourites that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Globus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
