Duration: 12 Days
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 and Zimbabwe.
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 holiday 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
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for an amazing adventure—from hand-selected accommodations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sights, to dining and the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, and intra-tour flights between destinations. On safari, you’ll enjoy the expertise of a professional Ranger and experienced Game Tracker aboard your open-air 4-wheel-drive safari vehicle. Plus, we limit each vehicle to a maximum of just six guests so you’ll always have space for your camera gear!
- During the dry season (Sep.-Dec.) and during particularly dry years, water flow to Victoria Falls may be low. .
- All game viewing is done at your own risk. We require a signed liability waiver prior to travel.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
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.
City Sights and & Soaring Heights
Start 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 neighbourhood, 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. (B,L,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
URBAN 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 neighbourhood where the aromas of fragrant spices waft from local restaurants and spice shops.
Rocky Coast & Beach Life
Take 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. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
TUXEDO 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.
Free to Wander
Full day at leisure for your own discoveries in this beautiful city. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE 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 My Account.
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. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION 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!
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. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SUNDOWNER 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.
Spotting Skills
Sharpen 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. (B,L,D)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE 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.
A Jaunt to Joburg
Enjoy a final game drive this morning before boarding your flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg. Free time late afternoon and evening. (B)
From the Dark Enters Light
Guided 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. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
A 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.
Zoom to Zimbabwe & Sunset Sensations
Fly to Zimbabwe and transfer to your hotel. Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE 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!
Smoke on the Water
Take 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. (B,D)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE 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 My Account.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Fly to Johannesburg. Schedule departing flights after 6:30 pm. (B)
