Want the lion’s share of captivating cities, private game reserves, natural wonders, and wondrous wildlife? Point your compass south for the diverse and enchanting sights of South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The glorious panoramas from Cape Town’s Table Mountain and the candy-hued streets of the 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 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.
Highlights:
- Cape Town
- Makalali Private Game Reserve
- Johannesburg
- Victoria Falls
Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa
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.
Day 2: Cape Town
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 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, enjoy a scenic cable-car ride to the top of Table Mountain for stunning 360-degree views over the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Cape Town–Cape Peninsula Excursion
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Cape Town
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, for a guided tour. Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 5: Cape Town–Hoedspruit–Makalali Private Game Reserve (Greater Kruger National Park Area)
Today, leave beautiful Cape Town behind and fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to MAKALALI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE to begin your safari adventure! This area, near Kruger National Park, is famous for its abundance of wildlife, and you will have a great chance of seeing the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Enjoy your first GAME DRIVE this afternoon. Your skilled tracker and professional Ranger work together as a team, so you can learn more about the ecosystem as you view wildlife up close. Sip SUNDOWNER DRINKS prior to returning to your lodge for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Days 6-7: Makalali (Greater Kruger National Park Area)
Rise between 5 am and 5:30 am for coffee and tea before your EARLY 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. Great bird watching is also possible—some 350 species having been recorded in the area. Return for breakfast mid-morning, followed by time to relax and enjoy the lodge and its surroundings. Perhaps take a swim in the pool, visit the wellness center for one of its many spa treatments, or simply sit back and watch the animals. Consider an optional excursion to the nearby cheetah breeding facility. In the mid-afternoon, tea will be served prior to your AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE. Step out of your safari vehicle for SUNDOWNER DRINKS and watch as the sun sets over the Drakensberg Mountains. As darkness descends, your tracker will bring out a spotlight to help you spot nocturnal animals—if you are lucky, maybe even a leopard! Return to your lodge in time to freshen up before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast daily, Lunch daily
Day 8: Makalali–Hoedspruit–Johannesburg
Enjoy one last GAME DRIVE this morning before transferring to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Johannesburg
Guided sightseeing includes a visit to Globus Local Favorite Soweto (Southwestern Township) and Constitution Hill, a museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Johannesburg–Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
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: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Victoria Falls
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. Your Tour Director hosts a riverside farewell dinner this evening.
NOTE: During the dry season (September-December) and during particularly dry years, water flow to Victoria Falls may be low.
Day 12: Victoria Falls–Johannesburg
Fly to Johannesburg. Schedule departing flights after 7:30 pm.
Meal: Breakfast
Contact Going Places for pricing. Prices are land only for travel during off peak season, based on double occupancy and do not include airfare. Prices are subject to availability and may change without notice.
Tour Code: GJ
