Travel Notices

Highlights of Southern Africa

Nairobi National Park, Kenya; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with Zambezi River cruise; 3 world-class safaris in Chobe, Botswana; & Cape Town, jewel of South Africa

Overview

from$4399Tour + Flights 11days
price per person, double occupancy,* based on May 14, 2025 departure from JFK
$400 Instant Savings. Expires Oct 10, 2024.*   All prices reflect savings.
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$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
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Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.
Traveling with friends or family? Claim a departure as a private trip for you and your crew (minimum 10 travelers). Call us to learn more.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures March – December 2025 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes ActiveBucket ListNature & Wildlife
Activity Level Recreational
What to Expect This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations, sometimes on bumpy unpaved roads and may have limited rest stops. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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Get ready to check off three of Africa's most awe-inspiring bucket list icons on our fully-guided small group tour: Highlights of Southern Africa. Start your trip in Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya, and enjoy exploring Nairobi National Park, known as the world's only Wildlife Capital. Then, board a flight to Zimbabwe, where you'll spend two days learning why Victoria Falls is known as the "Smoke that Thunders"! Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest curtain of falling water, then sit back and enjoy a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Journey to Botswana and set out on three exhilarating safaris on land and the Chobe River! Round your trip to Cape Town, the jewel of South Africa, and dive deep into this incredible country's storied history and vibrant culture.

From the glowing sunsets, sunrises, and stunning natural wonders to rich biodiversity, spectacular food, fascinating people, and exciting history, our expertly crafted itinerary combines fully guided tours with plenty of free time to explore what you love. Have the chance to join one of our optional excursions, like a day in the Cape Winelands or experiencing the culture of the Bo-Kaap (formerly known as the Malay Quarter). If you have yet to experience the incredible wonders that await you in Southern Africa, this is the trip you've been looking for.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round trip flights from New York (JFK) on Kenya Airways including taxes & fees
  • All intra-Africa flights, land transportation and transfers throughout the tour
  • 9 night accommodations in first class hotels and game lodges
  • 14 meals: 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
  • Professional English-speaking guide and game rangers
  • Services of an experienced driver-guide

Optional add-ons

  • Cape Winelands tour
  • Bo-Kaap Melting Pot
  • Business class upgrades on Kenya Airways (KQ)

Why you'll love it

  • Visit 4 countries: Nairobi, Kenya; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; 3 safaris in Chobe; and Cape Town, jewel of South Africa.
  • Visit Nairobi National Park, known as the world’s only Wildlife Capital.
  • Cruise along the Zambezi River at sunset and get a chance to spot some of the wildlife that frequent it.
  • Hear the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall.
  • Enjoy two sunset boat safaris along the Chobe River, and one incredible game drive in Chobe National Park.
  • Weather permitting, ascend by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark
  • Journey by funicular railway to Cape Point for breathtaking views of the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Watch African Jackass penguins play along the sands of Boulder Beach.

Itinerary at a Glance

Highlights of Southern Africa map

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $400 off if you book by Oct. 10, 2024!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Wed, Sep 25, 2024
Finishes: Sat, Oct 5, 2024
Sep 25 – Oct 5
$4649 Departed
Departs U.S.: Wed, Oct 16, 2024
Finishes: Sat, Oct 26, 2024
Oct 16 – Oct 26
$4549 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Wed, Nov 13, 2024
Finishes: Sat, Nov 23, 2024
Nov 13 – Nov 23
$4699 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Wed, Nov 27, 2024
Finishes: Sat, Dec 7, 2024
Nov 27 – Dec 7
$4649 Sold Out
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Wed, Jan 22, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Feb 1, 2025
Jan 22 – Feb 1
$4899 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Wed, Feb 19, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Mar 1, 2025
Feb 19 – Mar 1
$4849 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Wed, Mar 12, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Mar 22, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 12 – Mar 22
$4899 –$400 $4499 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Mar 26, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Apr 5, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 26 – Apr 5
$4849 –$400 $4449 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Apr 23, 2025
Finishes: Sat, May 3, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 23 – May 3
$4849 –$400 $4449 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, May 14, 2025
Finishes: Sat, May 24, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
May 14 – May 24
$4799 –$400 $4399 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Jun 25, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Jul 5, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jun 25 – Jul 5
$5249 –$400 $4849 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Jul 23, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Aug 2, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jul 23 – Aug 2
$5249 –$400 $4849 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Aug 20, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Aug 30, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 20 – Aug 30
$4949 –$400 $4549 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Sep 10, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Sep 20, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 10 – Sep 20
$4899 –$400 $4499 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Sep 24, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Oct 4, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 24 – Oct 4
$4899 –$400 $4499 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Oct 29, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Nov 8, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 29 – Nov 8
$4899 –$400 $4499 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Nov 26, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Dec 6, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 26 – Dec 6
$4899 –$400 $4499 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Dec 17, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Dec 27, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 10, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 17 – Dec 27
$5299 –$400 $4899 Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Highlights of Southern Africa
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
May 14, 2025;  Jun 25, 2025;  Jul 23, 2025;  Aug 20, 2025 $549
All other dates $599
Optional Excursions
Bo Kaap Melting Pot Culture & Cuisine Tour1 $205

1. This tour requires a minimum of 4 passengers.

Separately Paid Fees
Zimbabwe Visa Fee1 (paid separately) $60
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)2 (paid separately) $30

1. Paid locally for US passport holders. $60 for multiple entry visa.

2. All visitors to Kenya must obtain their own visa before departure. This price is approximate, based on a single-entry visa from Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York Kennedy (JFK) included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? Unfortunately, we don't offer flights from other cities, but you can book your own connecting flights.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

  • Your exciting journey to Southern Africa begins today as you check in for your overnight flight to Nairobi, Kenya

Day 2 Nairobi

  • Upon arrival in Nairobi, following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
  • Visit Nairobi National Park, known as the world’s only Wildlife Capital

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport or similar Lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Nairobi

Arrive today in Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya. Following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.

After lunch, take a short drive to Nairobi's city center to visit Nairobi National Park, known as the world's only Wildlife Capital, where vast open grass plains are the backdrop to Nairobi city scrapers. Nairobi National Park is home to the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and 400 migratory and endemic bird species.

Day 3 Nairobi & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River

Insika Lodge or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Victoria Falls

Upon arrival, following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.

Later today, have the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset while enjoying a cruise along the Zambezi River. Be on the lookout for hippos, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that frequent the waters and the surrounding areas.

Day 4 Victoria Falls

  • Take part in a guided tour of Victoria Falls
  • Spend the balance of the day at leisure

Insika Lodge or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Hippo, Zambezi River

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the falls. You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders—and the world's largest curtain of falling water! Located at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls consists of numerous falls separated by islands in the river below. The Zambezi River spills more than 2 million gallons of water per second over the Bakota Gorge, creating multiple rainbows and an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivaled by other natural wonders. The water's tremendous roar and the ever-present spray cloud give the falls their local moniker, "Smoke that Thunders."

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy your surroundings.

Day 5 Victoria Falls & Chobe, Botswana

  • Transfer to Botswana
  • Enjoy your first boat safari on the Chobe River

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Elephants crossing Chobe River, Botswana

After breakfast, depart Zimbabwe and cross the border into Botswana. Check into your lodge, located on the banks of the mighty Chobe River. The river sustains many animals who often come down to the river to replenish themselves. Enjoy a sunset riverboat safari that graciously explores the Chobe River and introduces guests to the various animals and bird species that frequent it.

Day 6 Chobe

  • Enjoy a morning game drive in Chobe
  • Embark on an afternoon boat safari on the Chobe River

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Lioness, Chobe National Park

After an early wake-up call, head out for your first game drive in Chobe National Park. Today is a safari lover's dream with over 75 species of mammals surrounding your lodge, including the abundance of elephants in the adjacent Chobe National Park. The park has some of the largest concentrations of game on the African continent, including giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, and bushbuck. Return to the lodge to rest and enjoy lunch.

This afternoon, head out on another boat safari for another chance to spot more wildlife and witness the beauty of the African sky as the sun sets.

Day 7 Chobe, Livingstone, Zambia & Cape Town, South Africa

  • Transfer from Chobe Botswana to Livingstone Airport, Zambia for your flight to Cape Town
  • Meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
  • Spend the remainder of the day at leisure

Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Aerial view of Cape Town

Transfer from Chobe, Botswana, to Livingstone, Zambia, for your flight to Cape Town, South Africa. Upon arrival, following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. After a briefing with your guide, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 8 Cape Town

  • Enjoy a full-day tour of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and Cape Point

Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town

In the morning, begin your full-day panoramic city tour of Cape Town, showcasing this vibrant city's scenic and historical highlights. Weather permitting, ascend by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark. Drive by the country's oldest building, the Castle of Good Hope, an imposing 17th-century Dutch fort set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain. Later, drive past secluded coves, beautiful beach towns, and spectacular mountain scenery. Stop at the famous Chapman's Peak. Enter the nature reserve covering the peninsula's southern part and drive through the unique scenery towards Cape Point. Travel by funicular railway to Cape Point, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Cape of Good Hope. Later, briefly stop to visit the African jackass penguins at Boulders Beach.

Note: Table Mountain Cableway will shut down for annual maintenance from July 14 – September 1, 2025. It will re-open, weather permitting, on September 1, 2025. If Table Mountain Cableway is closed, we will visit Signal Hill instead.

Day 9 Cape Town

  • Spend the day at leisure exploring Cape Town
  • Or, join an optional tour to experience the culture of Bo Kaap

Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Bo Kaap Melting Pot Culture & Cuisine Tour, $205
Bo Kaap, Cape Town

This morning, join a Bo-Kaap "Melting Pot" tour to discover the Cape Malay people's rich heritage, culture, and cuisine. We visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, the oldest Mosque in South Africa, pass the oldest house, the first farmhouse, and walk past the famous colorful houses. Next, step into an aromatic spice shop to learn about the origins of the spices. Visit a Cape Malay home and learn how to cook an authentic pot of curry, fold a spicy samosa, and knead, spin, and roll a perfectly flaky roti. Enjoy tasting your delicacies together with your host as a finale to your cooking lesson.

Note: This tour requires a minimum of 4 passengers.

Day 10 Cape Town

  • Spend the day at leisure exploring Cape Town
  • Or, participate in an exciting optional tour of Cape Winelands

Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Cape Winelands Tour (ZAR 1745 purchased locally)
Stellenbosch vineyards

This morning, head to the premier wine-producing regions of Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch through the heart of the Cape Winelands. Visit the town of Franschhoek, passing the impressive Huguenot Monument. Experience breathtaking views from the historical Taal Monument in Paarl, one of the Cape's first farming districts. Stellenbosch is world-renowned for making some of South Africa's premier wines. Enjoy a tour of this historic town with its well-preserved architecture, pop into some of the local stores and markets, and enjoy some fine wines as you enter a renowned wine estate.

Note: This is a shared tour. 

Day 11 Cape Town/Depart South Africa

  • Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight with a connection in Nairobi
  • Arrive in the USA the following morning

Breakfast

Hotels

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
First Class

The Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport Hotel is conveniently located within the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Complex. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center, a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness center, and an onsite restaurant.

More information

Insika Lodge
Insika Lodge
First Class

The Insika Lodge sits in a beautiful location among the Mapone trees, surrounded by streams, ponds, waterholes, and a salt lick. The lodge is 0.12 miles from Victoria Falls National Park and just miles away from Victoria Falls itself. Relax at the hotel property during your free time or take the complimentary scheduled shuttle to town.

More information

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa
First Class

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa is situated on the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana. It is one of southern Africa’s sustainable tourism destinations where luxury exists in harmony with nature, providing a unique location from which to explore the magical wonders of untamed Africa. The resort offers a 9-hole golf course and fully equipped Clarins Spa. The Mowana Spa's state of the art facilities include four private treatment rooms complemented by a raised deck overlooking the Chobe River on which open air pampering sessions are highly recommended. Adjacent to the spa is their fully-equipped gym.

More information

Radisson RED Cape Town
Radisson RED Cape Town
First Class

Proposing a unique lifestyle experience within Silo district, the Radisson RED Hotel V&A Waterfront Cape Town is the first of its kind, focusing on art, fashion and music to connect people.  The hotel features a rooftop sun terrace and views of the sea.  Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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