Overview
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Have your camera ready as you ride in open-air, safari vehicles during game drives in Kruger National Park, one of the world's largest game reserves and home to impala, giraffe, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more, and in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, where you’ll watch for lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest. Enjoy cruises on Lake St. Lucia, home to hippo and Nile crocodile; on the shimmering waters of Knysna Lagoon, home to bird and marine wildlife; and on the Zambezi River, where you’ll witness a spectacular sunset and wildlife as they drink from the river. At Stony Point Nature Reserve, observe the endangered African penguins engage in their daily activities.
You’ll also experience spectacular scenery on this vacation to South Africa and Victoria Falls. Explore dramatic landscapes along the Panorama Route, visit Featherbed Nature Reserve for a walk through its coastal forest, and take in stunning panoramic views of the coast at Cape Point, Africa’s southwestern most point. In Zimbabwe, stand in awe as you witness and hear the roar of stunning Victoria Falls, the world’s largest falls and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
All of this and more await you on this South Africa and Victoria Falls tour for savvy, value-minded travelers!
Highlights
Guided walking tour; cable-car ride up Table Mountain; visit Cape Point Nature Reserve with funicular ride to old Cape Point lighthouse
STONY POINT NATURE RESERVE Visit a colony of African penguins
OUDTSHOORN Visit the Cango Caves and an ostrich farm
KNYSNA Cruise on Knysna Lagoon and explore Featherbed Nature Reserve
SHAKALAND Visit Shakaland
HLUHLUWE Game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and boat ride on Lake St. Lucia
ESWATINI Visit a local market and glass factory
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA Two game drives in Kruger National Park
MPUMALANGA Drive along the Panoramic Route and visit God’s Window, the Three Rondavels, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes
VICTORIA FALLSCruise on the Zambezi River; guided walk of the falls; Host service during your stay
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Day1
Welcome to South Africa! Check in to your hotel and prepare for a fascinating journey.
CAPE TOWN
Day2
This morning, a WALKING TOUR introduces you to Cape Town’s famous and historic landmarks. Stroll along Government Avenue to see St. George’s Cathedral, Parliament, and much more. Next, you’ll enter The Company’s Garden, a beautiful oasis in the city, en route to Green Market Square, which at different times has been a fruit and vegetable market and even a slave market. Next, visit Table Mountain for a CABLECAR RIDE to the top (weather permitting) for stunning views of the city and its surroundings. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive south through the fishing village of Hout Bay before ascending Chapman’s Peak Drive, which skirts the rocky coastline and is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Continue on to CAPE POINT NATURE RESERVE for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, the southwesternmost point on the African continent. Here, take a FUNICULAR RIDE to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. Return to Cape Town and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
NOTE:Each year, generally in early August, the Table Mountain cableway closes for yearly maintenance. During this time, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens will be visited.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
CAPE TOWN
Day3
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps explore the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, take an excursion to the stunning Cape winelands for wine tasting, or cruise to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
CAPE TOWN–STONY POINT NATURE RESERVE–HERMANUS–MOSSEL BAY
Day4
This morning, depart Cape Town and drive to STONY POINT NATURE RESERVE to see a COLONY OF ENDANGERED AFRICAN PENGUINS. Known for the unique sound they make, these penguins grow to an average height of two feet and live in burrows and rock crevices along the beach. Stop in Hermanus for independent exploration before reaching Mossel Bay for the evening.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MOSSEL BAY–OUDTSHOORN–KNYSNA
Day5
Drive north to Oudtshoorn and stop for a visit of the CANGO CAVES to see the stunning limestone rock formations. You will also visit a local OSTRICH FARM. Continue on to Knysna.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
KNYSNA. FEATHERBED NATURE RESERVE EXCURSION
Day6
Today, explore the spectacular FEATHERBED NATURE RESERVE. Start, with a CRUISE on Knysna Lagoon to see a variety of bird and marine life. Then, join your expert guide and take a 4-wheel-drive vehicle into the reserve stopping at several points for panoramic views of the lagoon and Indian Ocean. You will also take a GUIDED WALK through the unique coastal forest into ancient sea caves and along the shore of Coffin Bay. Lunch is served under a canopy of Milkwood trees overlooking the lagoon, a truly memorable experience! Afterwards, you will have time to explore the Knysna waterfront or simply relax at your hotel.
NOTE:The guided walk is over one mile long, downhill. Alternatively, you can return by 4-wheel-drive vehicle.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
KNYSNA–PORT ELIZABETH–DURBAN–UMHLANGA
Day7
This morning, drive to Port Elizabeth where you will board your flight to Durban. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in nearby Umhlanga for the evening.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
UMHLANGA–SHAKALAND–HLUHLUWE
Day8
Today, visit SHAKALAND, a replica of a traditional Zulu homestead and living monument to their culture. Here, learn more about Zulu history and see how they hand craft ceramics and brew beer. This afternoon, drive to Hluhluwe.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
HLUHLUWE
Day9
This morning, take a GAME DRIVE in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed wildlife reserve in all of Africa. The park is home to the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. You also have the chance to see giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and much more! After time to rest, embark on an AFTERNOON BOAT RIDE on Lake St. Lucia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the cruise, you are likely to spot hippo, Nile crocodile, and a variety of bird life.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
HLUHLUWE–ESWATINI
Day10
Today, drive to eSwatini. En route, stop at a LOCAL MARKET and visit a GLASS FACTORY where glass blowers use recycled glass to create stemware, animals, and more.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ESWATINI–KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA
Day11
Depart eSwatini and head north for the Kruger area. Enjoy leisure time at your lodge this afternoon in preparation for your day of game viewing in the world-renowned Kruger National Park tomorrow.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
KRUGER AREA
Day12
Rise between 5 am and 5:30 am for coffee and tea before your EARLY MORNING GAME DRIVE with an experienced guide. If the timing is right, you might spot some of the big cats after a night of hunting. Spend some time at leisure in the middle of the day. Perhaps book a spa treatment or simply relax at the pool. Be sure to watch for kudu, impala, giraffe, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more on your AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE. As darkness descends, your guide will bring out a spotlight to help you spot nocturnal animals. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
KRUGER AREA–MPUMALANGA
Day13
Today, drive along the PANORAMIC ROUTE known for its dramatic landscapes. Along the way, drive through Blyde River Canyon and stop to see GOD’S WINDOW, the THREE RONDAVELS, and BOURKE’S LUCK POTHOLES with its stunning rock formations carved by the Blyde River. Today, drive along the PANORAMIC ROUTE known for its dramatic landscapes. Along the way, drive through Blyde River Canyon and stop to see GOD’S WINDOW, the THREE RONDAVELS, and BOURKE’S LUCK POTHOLES with its stunning rock formations carved by the Blyde River.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MPUMALANGA–PRETORIA–JOHANNESBURG
Day14
Drive to Pretoria to see the Voortrekker Monument and Union Buildings. Continue on to Johannesburg where you will overnight at a hotel close to the airport.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
JOHANNESBURG–VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Day15
Today, leave South Africa and fly north to Zimbabwe. This evening, enjoy a CRUISE on the Zambezi River, which affords you a great opportunity to photograph wildlife and a spectacular African sunset!
Meals included:
- Breakfast
VICTORIA FALLS
Day16
Today, visit mighty VICTORIA FALLS for an aweinspiring experience. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK, where you will learn the history of the falls and hear fascinating details about the surrounding flora and fauna.
NOTE:During the dry season (September-December), and during particularly dry years, water flow to Victoria Falls may be low.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
VICTORIA FALLS–JOHANNESBURG–DEPARTURE
Day17
Your tour ends with a flight back to Johannesburg to connect with your homebound flight. Book homebound flights after 5:30 pm.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
Check with your physician regarding the latest health requirements for travel to South Africa and Zimbabwe.All game viewing is done at your own risk. We will require a signed liability waiver prior to travel.
We do not recommend this vacation to people with serious back problems, as it can be quite rough while driving on/off game park trails.
Extend your stay
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Moderate First-Class
"Situated near the Cape Town city bowl in the lush suburb of Gardens, the beautifully renovated SunSquare Cape Town Gardens hotel offers guests a contemporary hideaway. The hotel¿s 136 well-appointed rooms are equipped with a host of amenities including air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers a gym and an inviting outdoor pool."
Location
10 Mill Street Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Room Service
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Desk
Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay
First-Class
Built in 1846 with stone walls, Mediterranean-style outbuildings, and the majestic Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop, this is one of the oldest structures in Mossel Bay. The hotel provides breathtaking views over Santos Bay, a delightful breakfast patio, a restaurant, pool, and luxurious guestrooms.
Location
Corner of Church & Market Streets, Mossel Bay, South Africa
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Climate Control
- Coffee Maker
- Air Conditioning
Knysna Log-Inn Hotel
Moderate First-Class
This unique hotel was built to reflect the area¿s history as the hub of the the indigenous timber industry. The large lobby is filled with sunlight and the inviting rooms are a welcome respite after a day of exploring the area. The ground floor features a pool and sauna. The bar is the perfect spot to end your day.
Location
16 Gray St, Knysna, South Africa
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Pool
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Hot Tub
- Beauty Salon
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
Gateway Hotel Umhlanga
First-Class
This smoke-free hotel offers a restaurant, outdoor pool, bar/lounge, free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace, and 24-hour business center.
Location
Corner Century Blvd & Twilight Dr, Umhlanga, South Africa
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Currency Exchange
- Business Center
- ATM
- Luggage Storage
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Desk
- In-Room Safe
- Climate Control
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Mini-bar
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Internet Access
- Room Service
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
Anew Hluhluwe & Safaris
First-Class
Featuring an outdoor pool with a terrace and pool bar, the hotel offers modern yet rustic accommodations. Amenities include a restaurant serving African and international cuisine, laundry service, a curio shop, and more for a true bush experience.
Location
104 Main Rd, Hluhluwe, South Africa
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- ATM
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Laundry Available
- Free WiFi
- Gift Shop
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Desk
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Climate Control
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Television
Lugogo Sun
First-Class
Surrounded by nature and a host of activities, the Lugogo Sun is a relaxing haven in Swaziland, offering a spa and wellness center, outdoor pool, restaurant, pub, and more.
Location
Old Manzini/Mbabane Main Road, Ezulwini, eSwatini
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- ATM
- Hot Tub
- Fitness Room
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Pool
- Currency Exchange
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Internet Access
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Air Conditioning
- Voicemail
- Phone
- Mini-bar
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate
First-Class
The wonders of the African Bushveld abound at this peaceful haven that is reminiscent of a treehouse, with elevated walkways that reveal native bird habitats. Amenities include two restaurants, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and more.
Location
Portia Shabangu Rd, Skukuza-Kruger, South Africa
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Free WiFi
- Gift Shop
- Fitness Room
- Parking/Valet
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Mini-bar
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
- Climate Control
- Coffee Maker
- Television
Fortis Hotel Malaga
First-Class
Situated on the banks of the Elands River in the foothills of the Drakensberg, the Protea Hotel Waterval Boven Malaga is a serene country retreat offering a full-service spa, restaurant, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, a bar/lounge, spa tub, and sauna.
Location
N4 Sycamore, Waterval-Boven, South Africa
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Spa Services
- Pool
- Gift Shop
- ATM
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Available
- Currency Exchange
- Hot Tub
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Climate Control
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Coffee Maker
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Voicemail
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport
First-Class
The Garden Court boasts spacious and tastefully-designed guestrooms with modern décor, well-maintained gardens, and a sparkling swimming pool.
Location
2 Hulley Rd, Kempton Park, South Africa
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Pool
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Currency Exchange
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
- Concierge desk
- Business Center
- ATM
Room Facilities
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Climate Control
- Coffee Maker
- Room Service
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
The Kingdom at Victoria Falls
Moderate First-Class
The Kingdom at Victoria falls is situated within the Victoria Falls National Park where game, ranging from Warthog to Elephant roam freely. Its distinctive architectural design is based on the great Zimbabwe monument. A unique water feature in the form of a man made lake gives inward facing rooms the impression of having been built on the edge of the lake.
Location
1 Mallet Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Elevator
- Ice Machine
- Bar/Lounge
- Gift Shop
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Coffee Maker
- Smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Phone
- Climate Control
- Television
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
