Depart Australia today to begin your South African safari!

On arrival at Johannesburg Airport, proceed to the collection point (approximately 40 meters from the exit of the airport) for your transfer to your 5 star hotel, D’Orealle Grande  for your overnight stay in Johannesburg. The hotel provides a complimentary return airport shuttle service. Relax and unwind from your flight.

Accommodation and meals: D’ Orealle Grande (B)

After breakfast, the hotel’s airport shuttle service will provide you the transfer to the airport for your flight to Botswana – please book the departure time at the hotel reception. On arrival at Kasane Airport, you will be met by our representative for your private transfer to the Cresta Mowana Lodge. Chobe National Park, in northern Botswana, has one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa.

Later the afternoon, you will venture on a River Safaris on the Chobe River with views of animals roaming on the banks of the river and water based animals.

Accommodation: Cresta Mowana or similar (B)

Rise early for an early morning breakfast. Today is your first African game drive (3-4 hours) in the Chobe National Park. In open air safari vehicles, you will have a fantastic experience on your first game drive in the world-famous Chobe National Park. Game drives offer you the opportunity to view the abundant elephants and big game animals in their natural habitat. Start by beginning your count for the Big 5! Later, return to the Lodge and enjoy your evening swapping stories of your day’s sightings.

Accommodation: Cresta Mowana or similar (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to your hotel in Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. After your check in at the hotel, spend the rest of your day at your leisure.

Accommodation: A Zambezi River Lodge or similar (B)

After breakfast, you will be collected at the hotel to discover how the Victoria Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them. The tour undertakes a scenic route and is led by an expert local guide. Learn how Livingstone in 1851, first heard of the great waterfall, but it was only in 1855 that he set out to visit it.  He landed on the biggest island on the lip of the falls, now called Livingstone Island and from there obtained his first view of the Falls.

After the tour of the Vic Falls, enjoy lunch at the Lookout Restaurant where you will have views of the flying fox and zip line activities.

Optional activity for your own account – Helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls.

The spectacular helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls is known as the ‘Flight of Angels’. The best way to appreciate the true splendour of the Victoria Falls is to view it from the air. The helicopters have specially designed ‘bubble shaped’ windows perfect for panoramic viewing and great photographic opportunities from all seats.

Accommodation: A Zambezi River Lodge or similar (B,L)

Today you depart Victoria Falls for your onward journey to the Kruger National Park. You will be collected at your hotel for the transfer to the airport. Please refer to the flight itinerary for the departure Airport.

Upon arrival at Nelspruit, you will be met by a representative of your lodge and transferred to your luxury accommodation. After check-in, relax and enjoy the day at your leisure in the tranquil environment. Later this evening, enjoy a 3-course dinner to round off the day.

Accommodation: Maqueda Lodge or similar (B, D)

Today, start with an early morning game drive in the Kruger National Park. Ensure you bring your camera along as you will be spotting the BIG 5 in their natural environment. The abundance of species you will see will be an experience of a lifetime. Get up close to the animals in your specialised safari vehicle lead by an expert guide. The game drive is approximately 6-8 hours. Later this evening, enjoy a sumptuous 3 course dinner while swapping stories of your animal encounters earlier that day.

NB You will have a lunch break stopover in the Lower Sabi to stretch your legs and utilise the bathroom facilities if required. There is a restaurant where you can purchase light meals (for your own account).

Accommodation and meals: Maqueda Lodge or similar (B, D)

Rise early again today for your second game drive in the Kruger National Park – you might spot animals you missed on the first game drive and encounter different experiences. Nothing comes close to experiencing the raw power of the lion hunt, the sheer bulk and force of the rhino, the delicacy and grace of the leopard, the supreme confidence of a herd of elephants and the adrenalin racing charge of the African buffalo.

NB You will have a lunch break stopover in the Lower Sabi to stretch your legs and utilise the bathroom facilities if required. There is a restaurant where you can purchase light meals (for your own account).

Accommodation: Maqueda Lodge or similar (B,D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the nearby Nelspruit Airport for your onward flight to Cape Town. On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. Relax and spend the day at your leisure.

Accommodation: President Hotel or similar (B)

This morning after breakfast, you will be collected at your hotel and embark on a Full Day scheduled Cape Peninsula Tour of Cape Town.  The tour includes a trip to Cape Point at the southern western tip of the Cape Peninsula with the most spectacular views. The Cape Point Nature Reserve comprises of 17300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora. Here you can see wildlife that includes baboon’s, rhebok, Cape Mountain Zebra, and the elusive eland. Bird watches will also find many fine species to observe. Visit the Boulders Beach to view the penguin colony (entrance for your own expense). This awe-inspiring tour to the towering headland known as Cape Point encompasses magnificent beaches, breathtaking views, and picturesque coastal villages. After the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Accommodation: President Hotel or similar (B)

After your breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel by a representative of Afrogem. Enjoy a tour of their amazing diamond, tanzanite & gemstone factory, specialising in the rich mineral heritage of the African continent. The tour is approximately 30 minutes and concludes in their showroom where you can view their range of jewellery, loose gems and curios.

A representative from Afrogem will transfer you to the Table Mountain cableway.

You will ascend to the top (weather permitting) by the revolving cable car (tickets included).  Here, you will see wildflowers and the famous silver tree, and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and its beaches.  On a cloudless day it is even possible to see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on one side and Cape Point on the other.

After the trip to Table Mountain – you will make your own way back to the hotel. The taxi service is based at the Cable Way Station and the transport is safe and reliable. Relax and enjoy your day at your leisure and a visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended. There are many coffee shops, restaurants, and bars, most with spectacular harbour views and setting below Table Mountain.

Accommodation: President Hotel or similar (B)

Today is your free day and have the choice of 1 of the following 2 optional tours to “Discover More” (for your own account)

Wine Route tour of Franschhoek

You will be collected at your hotel after breakfast for the Wine Route Tour of Franschhoek. A combination of bus and tram – will transport you around a loop of seven stops to hop off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply stroll through the vineyards. You will be transferred back to your hotel later the afternoon.

Tour of Robben Island

The Robben Island Tour includes a return boat trip across Table Bay and a tour of the infamous Maximum-Security Prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, interaction with an ex-political prisoner, a 45-minute bus ride with a guide providing commentary, the opportunity to explore the Murray’s Bay Harbour precinct attractions and the Museum Shop. Duration: 3.5 hours

Accommodation: President Hotel or similar (B)

After breakfast, your escorted scenic Garden Route Tour begins. You will be collected at your hotel for the transfer to the popular seaside town of  Hermanus.

It is known as the “land based whale watching destination in the world”, with southern right whales easily seen from the shores. There also beautiful wine farms in the Heme and Aarde area for wine lovers.

Accommodation: Blue Gum Country Estate or similar (Bed and breakfast)

After breakfast, you will continue your journey to Oudtshoorn, ” the ostrich capital of the world”. After check in, spend the rest of your day at your leisure. A tour of an ostrich farm is recommended.

After breakfast, you will be taken on the heritage tour of the Cango Caves. The Cango Caves is a cultural and natural landmark in South Africa. The 20 million year old Cango Caves consist of a series of hidden chambers cut deep into a thick limestone rock layer. Quick facts below:

• The biggest show cave system in Africa
• Inhabited since the early stone age
• It is South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction

Accommodation : Hlangana Lodge or similar (Bed and Breakfast)

Today we continue your journey to Knysna. Kysna is a natural paradise of lush indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches.

Over the next 2 days you will enjoy a scheduled tours as follows:

• A tour of the Garden of Eden – The vividly lush Garden of Eden near Knysna is an enchanting indigenous forest with a variety of trails catering to both leisurely walkers and serious hikers. Sparingly located information boards help visitors to identify the natural fauna and flora, while wooden boardwalks are helpful for elderly visitors and families with small children.
• Featherbed Experience  -The Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna, is the premier eco-experience on the Garden Route and is accessible by ferry only. The services featured are a 4×4 vehicle and trailer drive up the headland onto the reserve, a specialist guide giving information on fauna and flora, optional guided 2.2km walk through coastal forest and fynbos into ancient sea caves as well as buffet lunch at an outdoor restaurant setting under a canopy of Milkwood trees.

Accommodation: Premier resort – The Moorings Knysna or similar (Bed and Breakfast)

After breakfast, continue your journey towards Port Elizabeth and there are beautiful sightseeing spots en route with visits to the Birds of Eden, Storms River and the famous Tsitsikama National Park.

Accommodation: Bayside Guesthouse or similar (Bed and Breakfast)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your homeward flight to Australia.

Unfortunately your Southern Africa Safari tour comes to an end and we are sure it will be a unique and memorable experience.