Highlights of Southern Africa

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Cape Town
• 3 Cape Town
• 4 Cape Town
• Optional Excursion: Cape Winelands tour (1270 ZAR purchased locally)
• 5 Cape Town
• Optional Excursion: Bo-Kaap Melting Pot Tour & Cooking Class, $145
• 6 Cape Town & Victoria Falls
• 7 Victoria Falls
• 8 Victoria Falls & Chobe
• 9 Chobe
• 10 Chobe & Victoria Falls

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Your exciting journey to Southern Africa begins this evening as you check in for your overnight flight.

Day 2 Cape Town

• Arrive in Cape Town with the rest of the day at leisure

Radisson RED Cape Town or similar

Full Day Itinerary

Sawubona (welcome)! Arrive today in Cape Town, a beautiful jewel nestled between stunning Table Mountain and a dramatic coastline. This modern, bustling and vibrant city boasts gorgeous scenery, fabulous restaurants, hotels and beaches, and is bursting with history and culture. Upon arrival at Cape Town's airport, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 3 Cape Town

• Full Day Excursion to Cape Town, Table Mountain and Cape Point

Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

In the morning, begin your full day panoramic city tour of Cape Town, showcasing the scenic and historic highlights of this vibrant city. 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 famous Chapman's Peak. Enter the nature reserve that covers the southern part of the Peninsula, and drive through the unique scenery towards Cape Point. Travel by funicular railway to Cape Point where you can take in stunning views of the Cape of Good Hope. Later, make a brief stop to visit the African jackass penguins at Boulders Beach.

(If the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed due to maintenance or inclement weather, visit Signal Hill instead)

Day 4 Cape Town

• Day at leisure to explore Cape Town, or participate in an exciting optional tour of Cape Winelands

Radisson RED Cape Town Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Cape Winelands tour (1270 ZAR purchased locally)

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 of the fine wines as you enter a renowned wine estate. (Tour purchased locally)

Day 5 Cape Town

• Last day at leisure to explore Cape Town
• Or join an optional tour to experience the culture of Bo Kaap

Radisson RED Cape Town Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Bo-Kaap Melting Pot Tour & Cooking Class, $145

This morning, join a Bo-Kaap "Melting Pot" tour to discover the rich heritage, culture and cuisine of the Cape Malay people. We visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, the oldest Mosque in South Africa, pass the oldest house, the first farmhouse and take a walk past the famous colorful houses.  Next you will 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.  As a finale to your cooking lesson, enjoy tasting your delicacies together with your host. 

(The sequence of visits may be reversed. This optional tour must be pre-purchased.)

Day 6 Cape Town & Victoria Falls

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls
• Remainder of the day at leisure

Elephant Hills Resort or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Upon arrival and after customs formalities, you will be greeted by your local guide. Check into your lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 7 Victoria Falls

• Guided Tour of the Falls
• Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River

Elephant Hills Resort or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

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 largest curtain of falling water in the world! 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 resulting in an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivaled by other natural wonders. The tremendous roar of the water and the ever-present cloud of spray give the falls their local moniker, "Smoke that Thunders."

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

Day 8 Victoria Falls & Chobe

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

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

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 provides sustenance for many animals often come down to the river to replenish themselves. Enjoy a sunset river boat safari that graciously explores the Chobe River and introduces guests to the various animals and bird species that frequent it. 

Day 9 Chobe

• Morning game drive in Chobe
• Afternoon boat safari on the Chobe River

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After an early wake-up call, head out for your first game drive in Chobe National Park. With over 75 species of mammals in the area surrounding your lodge, including the abundance of elephants in the adjacent Chobe National Park, today is a safari-lover's dream. 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 10 Chobe & Victoria Falls

• AM game drive in Chobe
• Transfer to Victoria Falls and enjoy time to relax in the airport lounge
• Board your return flight home, via Nairobi
• Arrive in the USA tomorrow morning

Breakfast

Hotels

Radisson RED Cape Town

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

Elephant Hills Resort

First Class

Elephant Hills Resort is situated on a small hill overlooking the Zambezi River, 2.5 miles upstream from the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. In this prime wilderness location, you can relax in total comfort and luxury while still experiencing the African wildlife.

More information

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

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about South Africa? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Zimbabwe? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Botswana? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.