Want the lion’s share of colorful cities, private game reserves, natural wonders, and wondrous wildlife? Point your compass south for the diverse and enchanting sights of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
The glorious panoramas from Cape Town’s Table Mountain and the candy-colored streets of its Bo-Kaap neighborhood set the stage for the sweet sights to come. Six open-air private game reserve drives near Kruger National Park offer a fascinating glimpse of up to 42 mammal species and 350 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo—before branching out in Johannesburg. Here, you’ll explore Soweto, the city’s largest township, including the former home of Nelson Mandela and the most significant sites of the anti-apartheid movement. Your South Africa vacation 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.
Looking for more fun and game? Chobe National Park is the perfect way to end your tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe. Boasting games drives through diverse ecosystems and relaxing boat excursions on the Chobe River, Botswana’s first national park is home to one of the greatest game concentrations on the continent.
TRAVEL DATE | PRICE | TYPE |
---|---|---|
March 18, 2024 | from $9,532 CAD | Per Person |
DAY | DATE | PLACE |
---|---|---|
1 | Mon Mar 18 | CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA |
2 | Tue Mar 19 | CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA |
3 | Wed Mar 20 | CAPE TOWN. CAPE PENINSULA EXCURSION |
4 | Thu Mar 21 | CAPE TOWN |
5 | Fri Mar 22 | CAPE TOWN–HOEDSPRUIT–MAKALALI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE |
6 | Sat Mar 23 | MAKALALI |
7 | Sun Mar 24 | MAKALALI |
8 | Mon Mar 25 | MAKALALI–HOEDSPRUIT–JOHANNESBURG |
9 | Tue Mar 26 | JOHANNESBURG |
10 | Wed Mar 27 | JOHANNESBURG–VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE |
11 | Thu Mar 28 | VICTORIA FALLS |
12 | Fri Mar 29 | VICTORIA FALLS–CHOBE NATIONAL PARK AREA, BOTSWANA |
13 | Sat Mar 30 | CHOBE |
14 | Sun Mar 31 | CHOBE–JOHANNESBURG |
Day 1 – ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
MOTHERLY LOVE
Welcome to Cape Town, commonly referred to as the “Mother City” by locals. Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon.
Day 2 – CAPE TOWN
CITY SAUNTERING AND SOARING HEIGHTS
Start at the Grand Parade to see the Castle of Good Hope and City Hall. Take a walk to see more of Cape Town’s landmarks including St. George’s Cathedral, Parliament, and The Company’s Garden. Then, explore the Globus Local Favorite Bo-Kaap neighborhood, also known as the Malay Quarter, including a visit to the Bo-Kaap Museum. After a traditional Malay lunch, take a scenic cable-car ride to the top of Table Mountain for stunning 360-degree views over the city.
Day 3 – CAPE TOWN. CAPE PENINSULA EXCURSION
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, visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Free time this evening.
Day 4 – CAPE TOWN
FREE TO WANDER
Full day at leisure for your own discoveries in this beautiful city.
Day 5 – CAPE TOWN–HOEDSPRUIT–MAKALALI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
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. Embark 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.
Day 6 – MAKALALI
MAKALALI MAGIC
Rise between 5 am and 5:30 am for coffee and tea before your morning game drive. If the timing is right, you might spot some of the big cats after a 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.
Day 7 – MAKALALI
SPOTTING SKILLS
Use the time on your morning and afternoon game drives to practice and perfect your game-spotting skills.
Day 8 – MAKALALI–HOEDSPRUIT–JOHANNESBURG
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.
Day 9 – JOHANNESBURG
FROM THE DARK ENTERS LIGHT
Guided sightseeing includes a visit to Globus Local Favorite Soweto (Southwestern Township) and the Apartheid Museum to learn about the dark apartheid years up to the historic 1994 elections that ended the apartheid era.
Day 10 – JOHANNESBURG–VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
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.
Day 11 – VICTORIA FALLS
SMOKE FROM 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 powerful falls. Your guide will introduce you to the history of the falls and fascinating details about the surrounding flora and fauna with plenty of time for photos. Free time late morning and early afternoon. Your Tour Director hosts a riverside farewell dinner this evening.
Day 12 – VICTORIA FALLS–CHOBE NATIONAL PARK AREA, BOTSWANA
BRILLIANT BOTSWANA
Transfer by road to the Chobe National Park area. Board an afternoon river cruise on the Chobe River for game viewing.
Day 13 – CHOBE
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Morning and afternoon game activities: choice of game drive in Chobe National Park or boat excursion on the Chobe River. Enjoy time at your lodge during the heat of the day.
Day 14 – CHOBE–JOHANNESBURG
HOMEWARD BOUND
Fly to Johannesburg where your tour ends at the airport. Schedule departing flights after 7 pm.
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