Compare Splendors of South Africa & Victoria Falls with Botswana by Globus
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 7,609 |
| Price Per Day | $ 476 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description | 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, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.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.Once you’ve seen the “Big 5,” turn your attention to the rare few! Wild dogs, elephants swimming, and the not-so-sweet honey badger are just a few of the unique sights in Botswana. One of the most sparsely populated nations in the world, Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta regions are brimming with fascinating wildlife. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Motherly Love 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.
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Day 2: CAPE TOWN
City Sights & Soaring HeightsStart 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 [LF] 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.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITEURBAN RAINBOW Founded by former slaves in the 1750s, Bo-Kaap is a melting pot of cultures within its National Heritage sites. Stroll past vibrantly hued houses ranging from lime-green and pink to orange, reflective of Dutch and British architecture. Your Local Guide shares fascinating stories of this lively neighborhood where the aromas of fragrant spices waft from local restaurants and spice shops.
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Day 3: CAPE TOWN–CAPE PENINSULA EXCURSION
Rocky Coast & Beach LifeTake 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.
(Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTTUXEDO JUNCTION Jackets aren’t required on Boulders Beach, even though the residents look dressed to the hilt. The only penguins found on the continent, African penguins are known for the unique sound they make. Colonies can be found from southern Namibia all the way around the South African coast, and Boulders Beach is the premiere viewing spot.
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Day 4: CAPE TOWN
Free to Wander Full day at leisure for your own discoveries in this beautiful city.
(Breakfast)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Today, consider exploring the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, take an excursion to the stunning Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (Jun.-Oct.). Optional excursions are available for purchase with MyGlobus.
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Day 5: CAPE TOWN–HOEDSPRUIT–MAKALALI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA)
Operation Safari Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to Makalali Private Game Reserve. Arrive in the home to an abundance of wildlife including the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Climb aboard your custom safari vehicle for an afternoon game drive with a skilled tracker and professional Ranger. Sip sundowner drinks before returning to your lodge for dinner.
(Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Staying in a private game reserve is the ultimate safari experience in South Africa. Go off-road to get close to the wildlife at Makalali Main Lodge, a stylish lodge featuring regional African cuisine, bar/lounge, pool, and spa facilities. Each spacious room features views from a private balcony, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, safe, and a large ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers!
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Day 6: MAKALALI (GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA)
Makalali Magic Rise early for coffee and tea before your morning game drive. Keep an eye out for big cats after their night of hunting. Other animals you may see include kudu, impala, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, wildebeest, and more. Return for breakfast mid-morning, followed by time to relax at your lodge. Afternoon game drive with sundowner drinks.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTSUNDOWNER DRINKS As the sun sets over the majestic Drakensburg Mountains, enjoy a memorable happy hour in the bush in the nostalgic tradition of early safari explorers.
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Day 7: MAKALALI (GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA)
Spotting SkillsSharpen your game-spotting skills on your morning and afternoon game drives. Watch for African buffalo, reintroduced to the area after an absence of more than 50 years, reuniting the “Big Five” to roam freely in the Greater Makalali Nature Reserve. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE When not on a game drive, do as the lions do with a rest in the heat of the day. Enjoy your lodge amenities, swim in the pool, pamper yourself with a wellness treatment, kick back on a viewing deck or your private balcony to watch nearby wildlife.
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Day 8: MAKALALI–HOEDSPRUIT–JOHANNESBURG
A Jaunt to JoburgEnjoy a final game drive this morning before boarding your flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg. Free time late afternoon and evening.
(Breakfast)
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Day 9: JOHANNESBURG
From the Dark Enters LightGuided sightseeing includes a visit to [LF] Soweto (Southwestern Township) and Constitution Hill, a museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy.
(Breakfast,Lunch)
LOCAL FAVORITEA BEACON OF LIGHT Soweto, the largest township in the country, is a part of South Africa’s turbulent past, but this multicultural area is also a reflection of today and hope for tomorrow. Your Local Guide shares insightful stories as you see the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the former neighborhoods of Nobel Peace Prize winners, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela, featuring the Mandela House—former home of the legendary human rights leader.
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Day 10: JOHANNESBURG–VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Zoom to Zimbabwe & Sunset SensationsFly to Zimbabwe and transfer to your hotel. Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
(Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTTHE RIVER WILD Transfer to the Zambezi River’s edge and board the cruise boat. You’ll be treated like royalty as you take in the scenery and watch for wildlife while sipping and sampling from a selection of included drinks and canapés. Your cruise culminates in a spectacular African sunset!
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Day 11: VICTORIA FALLS
Smoke on the WaterTake 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.
(Breakfast,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Soar high above the falls on an optional helicopter ride or visit a nearby village to experience the local culture. Optional excursions are available for purchase at MyGlobus.
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Day 12: VICTORIA FALLS–CHOBE NATIONAL PARK AREA, BOTSWANA
Brilliant BotswanaTransfer by road to the Chobe National Park area. Board an afternoon river cruise on the Chobe River for game viewing.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 13: CHOBE
Where the Wild Things AreMorning and afternoon game activities: choice of game drive in Chobe National Park or boat excursion on the Chobe River. Enjoy time at your lodge during the heat of the day.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLAND OF THE GIANTS Chobe National Park offers safari-goers the experience of a lifetime! Considered the best place in Africa to see the largest elephants in the world, Chobe’s pachyderm population is estimated to be 120,000—the largest elephant concentration in Africa.
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Day 14: CHOBE–OKAVANGO DELTA
Dynamic DeltaFly to the Okavango Delta—one of Africa’s greatest safari areas and the largest inland delta in the world. This vast area features various ecosystems—wetlands, mopane forest, flood plains, and dry savannah woodland. Game-viewing activities range from morning and afternoon game drives to mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions and bush walks. Embark on your choice of game activity prior to dinner.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT GAME FOR GLAMPING Experience a truly intimate safari experience at Kadizora Camp with just 13 traditional tents. The camp features a comfortable lounge, bar, dining area, and inviting swimming pool. Each tent is positioned for ultimate privacy and seclusion plus features a luxurious en-suite bathroom and deck with spectacular views.
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Day 15: OKAVANGO DELTA
Exhilarating EncountersTake your choice of morning and/or afternoon game activities with time to enjoy camp amenities in between.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTA RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT Glide quietly through narrow river channels of the Okavango Delta on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) for a chance to view wildlife from an entirely unique perspective!
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Day 16: OKAVANGO DELTA–JOHANNESBURG
Safe travels until we meet again!Fly to Johannesburg (via Maun) where your tour ends at the airport. Schedule departing flights after 7 pm.
(Breakfast)
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