Southern African Tours

11-Day Vic Falls, Cape Town, Chobe, Kruger & Blyde

At a Glance

• Tour duration: 11 days / 10 nights
• Group size: No limits specified, please confirm group size with the operator
• Tour departs from: Cape Town or Johannesburg
• Price: From R35999 per person

Tour Highlights

• Cape Town
• Johannesburg
• Stellenbosch
• Chobe National Park
• Kruger National Park
• Blyde River Canyon
• Victoria Falls

Suitable for those interested in Big 5, Cultural, Sightseeing

Itinerary

1. DAY 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

   We depart from Johannesburg between 06h00 – 07h00. Our route takes us through the the Highveld, down the escarpment and through the scenic Lowveld. We stop for lunch and reach the Kruger National Park and Pretoriuskop Rest Camp in the afternoon.
   
   After settling in, you go on your first game drive which is a San Parks sunset drive. A sunset drive affords you the opportunity to see nocturnal animals that are more active at night and the rangers are allowed to return after the normal gate closing times. Note that these drives take place in one of the Kruger Park’s vehicles with a ranger. This is not a private game drive and there may be other guests on this drive. (Children under 6 years of age are not permitted on open vehicle drives.)
   
   Dinner is a three course meal, served at our private camp within Pretoriuskop. Wine is served with dinner but guests are welcome to bring along additional / alternative drinks which can be purchased at the shop.

   OVERNIGHT: Pretoriuskop Rest Camp

2. DAY 2: Kruger National Park

   The bush veld always enjoys an early start and so do you. After all, safaris are all about getting up early, and getting out there and seeing animals! After your wake-up call (this time varies depending on the seasons and park gate opening times), you’ll get to warm up with a cup of tea or coffee, and snacks. Then, it’s time for the morning safari (it takes approximately 3-4 hours). Lucky for you, your guide will have an intimate knowledge of the park … this contributes a great deal towards memorable sightings! But you know what they say - the more time you spend on a safari, the better your chances of seeing the animals!
   On your return to camp, brunch will be ready.
   We then set off on the afternoon game drive. Remember, all our game drives are conducted in specially-adapted, 4x4 open game drive vehicles to allow you the best possible vantage point. After dinner there is the option of doing a night game drive, spot a leopard perhaps!
   (Breakfast & Dinner included).

   OVERNIGHT: Pretoriuskop Rest Camp

3. DAY 3: Kruger National Park

   A full day in the Park OR a full day visit to the Blyde River Canyon. The worlds 3 largest and largest green canyon (vegetated).
   Please refer to day 4 to see what is included!
   The bushveld always enjoys an early start and so do you. After all, safaris are all about getting up early, and getting out there and seeing animals! After your wake-up call, you’ll get to warm up with a cup of tea or coffee, and snacks. Then, it’s time for the morning safari (it takes approximately 3-4 hours). Lucky for you, your guide will have an intimate knowledge of the park … this contributes a great deal towards memorable sightings!
   On your return to camp, brunch will be ready.
   We then set off on the afternoon game drive. Remember, all our game drives are conducted in specially-adapted, 4x4 open game drive vehicles to allow you the best possible vantage point. After dinner there is the option of doing a night game drive, spot a leopard perhaps!
   Did You Know
   The Panorama Route (optional/but included and well worth it). As if our itinerary isn’t awesome enough, we also offer an excursion to visit the attractions along the Panorama Route. You’ll get to see renowned attractions like Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, Lisbon Falls and God’s Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the glass elevator near the town of Graskop. We stop in Graskop for lunch (own expense). This excursion is available free of charge, and replaces your game drives for that day. (Note that this excursion is not available on the first or last day of your safari due to time constraints.)
   (Breakfast & Dinner included).
   

   OVERNIGHT: Pretoriuskop Rest Camp

4. DAY 4: Kruger National Park to Cape Town

   As the golden sun rises over our final day in the Kruger National Park, we have one last chance to find the animals that have eluded us thus far. Then, after breakfast, we return to Johannesburg. The drive back takes 5 hours. You will be dropped off at OR Tambo International for your onward journey to Cape Town. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

   OVERNIGHT: Esperanza Guest House

5. DAY 5: Cape Town

   We drive to Stellenbosch, a fertile area where oak trees, wheat and vines quickly replaced the giraffes, elephants, Hottentot and Khoisan peoples and is known for its beautiful varied architecture, renowned wines and university where the language of instruction is still mainly Afrikaans.
   We visit a historical shop and partake in a cellar tour before travelling over the beautiful Hels Hoogte Pass to Franschoek. Lunch and a visit to the Huguenot Museum.
   At an exceptional boutique wine farm we taste the local vintage including a Pinotage, South Africa’s own unique cultivar. In Paarl, we stop in front of Mandela’s statue at the entrance to the prison from which he was liberated in 1990.
   In the late afternoon (time permitting), we head for the west coast to Blouberg where we enjoy a “postcard” view of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Table Bay. Weather & time permitting, we take the cable car (optional) to the mountain summit and watch the sun set.

   OVERNIGHT: Esperanza Guest House

6. DAY 6: Cape Town

   This region is a World Heritage site for its floral diversity. We follow the West coast with a stop at Maiden’s Cove to enjoy a magnificent view of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay. We continue to Hout Bay, a charming little town where we enjoy a cruise to Duiker Island, home to the world's largest fur seal colony. The scenic Chapman’s Pass offers breathtaking scenery. Next is the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve which is where the cold Atlantic meet the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This famous landmark was named by the early Portuguese mariners. Journeying down to the False Bay coast we lunch at the historical naval port of Simon’s Town. After lunch we visit Boulder's beach, home to Africa’s largest penguin colony. We finish our day with a visit to Groot Constantia (time permitting), South Africa’s oldest Cape Dutch wine estate.
   Tonight an authentic African dinner of many culinary dishes from across the continent, accompanied by dance, music and participatory drumming (optional).

   OVERNIGHT: Esperanza Guest House

7. DAY 7: Cape Town

   Today you have the opportunity to explore Cape Town with the "Hop on Hop off " bus which can take you to visit Cape Town's historical places, like the Dutch East Indian Garden, Castle of Good Hope, the South African Museum, Malay quarter, District 6 and Green market square.
   Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is recommended and the bus stops there as well. It is the only botanical garden situated in a world heritage site. It has more endemic plant species than any other in the world. You also have the opportunity to visit Robben Island (half day) and/or Table Mountain (2 hours). We can organize activities that might interest you, including a Helicopter flip, Shark cage diving, Hot air ballooning, Paragliding, Whale cruise and others at our preferential rates, discounted by around 20%.

   OVERNIGHT: Esperanza Guest House

8. DAY 8: Cape Town to Victoria Falls

   Depart for Cape Town International Airport for your onward journey to Victoria Falls.
   Upon arrival you will be taken to your lodge situated near the falls, time to relax and enjoy lunch while observing wildlife, a late afternoon departure for your sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi river.
   On arrival back at your lodge enjoy a fine meal whilst soaking up the African bush. Bon Appetite!

   OVERNIGHT: Bayete Guest Lodge

9. DAY 9: Victoria Falls

   Early this morning you cross the border into Botswana and continue to Chobe National Park. (1 hour transfer)
   You spend 3 to 4 hours on a 4x4 safari with a professional ranger in one of Africa's iconic parks. The Chobe National Park is world famous for its huge herd of elephants, buffalo, wild dog and big cats unmatched anywhere else in the world. After a hearty lunch on the banks of the Chobe river you debark on a safari river cruise and experience nature at its best – the river, the animals and the sunset!
   Here you’ll get up close and personal with hippo, crocodile and a mind-boggling array of water birds. You can see massive herds of Elephant and Buffalo as they converge along the waterfront.
   In the late afternoon you return to Victoria falls. I recommend that you enjoy your final evening at The "Boma Dinner & Drum Show" in Victoria Falls with a delicious 4 course traditional dinner followed by an interactive African drumming experience.

   OVERNIGHT: Bayete Guest Lodge

10. DAY 10: Victoria Falls

    Included is a guided tour of the falls. Get ready for an amazing experience with nature!
    Important: Wear a waterproof jacket and protection
    Here awaits an unforgettable view of one of the most spectacular sites in the world located on the Zambezi River, between the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe known as Mosi-oa-Tunya “the smoke that thunders” (in Shona) – It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and 7th natural wonder of the world.
    The rest of the day is free to visit the town and its local craft market, cruise on the Zambezi River, or enjoy a helicopter flight over the falls, known as “the flight of angels”.
    
    NB: Many optional activities are available: like a helicopter flip over the falls "flight with Angels", white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi. We will send you our list, and are happy to do the bookings at our preferred rates which will save you about 15%.

    OVERNIGHT: Bayete Guest Lodge

11. DAY 11: Victoria Falls to Home

    After breakfast, time permitting you have the opportunity to do a last activity. Thereafter you are transferred to Victoria Falls airport for your onward journey to Johannesburg and finally your home destination.
    All optional activities will be offered to you at our preferential rates, discounted at around 20%. They include: Helicopter flips, Hot air ballooning, Shark cage diving, Whale cruises and more.

    TOUR ENDS

Note

No lunch or dinner