South Africa & Zimbabwe: Escorted Best of Southern Africa Group tour 11 Days

cape town - johannesburg - limpopo - johannesburg - victoria falls - johannesburg

ITINERARY & PRICES

Day 1 Arrive Cape Town (flight not included).
Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The Capital 15 On Orange in a Luxury City Facing Room on a Bed and Breakfast basis. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 Cape Town - City tour
Take a trip to the top of Table Mountain [weather permitting] in the revolving cable car. Here, you'll see wildflowers and the famous silver tree, and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and its beaches. On a clear day it is even possible to see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on one side and Cape Point on the other. After descending Table Mountain, your drive to the city center takes you past famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope built in 1666 by the Dutch East India Company and City Hall, a baroque building and the Grand Parade. As you follow the city’s main thoroughfare, Adderley Street, you will see St. George’s Cathedral, the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. You will pass the Company Gardens and the Malay Quarter [also known as the Bo-Kaap] which means "Above Cape" because of its location up against the slopes of Table Mountain. In the early 18th century, thousands of slaves from Java, Ceylon and other Far Eastern regions were brought to Cape Town.  After slavery was abolished, their descendants, known as the Cape Malay’s, settled here.  

Table Mountain (weather permitting) - Guests will take a trip to the top of the world, high above the clouds on the famous Table Mountain. Table Mountain is an icon in Cape Town and is most likely the most photographed landmark in the country. Table Mountain has been named as on the seven wonders of nature and attracts millions over visitors from all across the globe, in fact, since the opening of the aerial cableway in 1929, more than 22 million people have taken the trip to the top. At the upper cable station, guests will find a restaurant and a curio shop as well as some footpaths for exploration.

S.A. Museum- Located in Cape Town’s beautiful Company Gardens, the South African Museum is home to more than 1.5 million artefacts of scientific and cultural significance! The museum was founded in 1825 and a stroll through its airy halls passes by collections of fossils and stone age tools to rock art displays. The African dinosaur display is a prime attraction as is the Whale Well, home to enormous whale bones and life-size casts of other marine mammals. Besides the permanent exhibitions – including modern collections – there are also periodical displays featuring topics such as desert culture and bats. The Bo-Kaap Museum is in the heart of what is known as the Cape Malay quarter, home to many Muslims and descendants of freed slaves. The building, constructed in 1763, has been restored to represent a typical Malay-style dwelling in the 19th century. The suburb is known for its characteristic cobbled streets and colorful houses. The museum documents the history of the Malay people in the Cape. Originally brought as slaves to the Cape, they have contributed extensively to the cultural and culinary make-up of the city in the centuries since. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 3 Cape Town - Cape Peninsula Tour
On this full day Cape Peninsula tour, you will be able to explore the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula, including a visit to Boulders Beach penguin colony and Cape Point Nature Reserve (entrance fees included). You will also visit Kirstenbosch, a famously beautiful botanical garden at the foot of Table Mountain.

Hout Bay Harbor - Step into the working harbor of Hout Bay at the end of Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard for an authentic fishing village experience from the colorful fishing boats moored on the dock to the range of fish markets, restaurants, street markets and shops set overlooking the bay. Indulge in fresh seafood, fabulous views, adventure activities and shopping experiences – everything from jewelry and maritime artefacts to seashells and more. The beach stretches from here to Chapman’s Peak in the east.  

Chapman's Peak (weather permitting)- Locals call this famous scenic drive that winds its way between Hout Bay and Noordhoek on Cape Town’s stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline “Chappies”. The toll route stretches nine kilometers along the coast taking over 100 curves in a road carved out by prisoners of war in the mid-1910s over a seven-year period. On the one side are towering cliffs and on the other a steep drop to the ocean. A favorite with visitors and locals alike for scenic hikes, cycles and drives, as well as picnicking.   

Cape Of Good Hope - The famous Cape of Good Hope nature reserve, a World Heritage site, is set at the end of Cape Town’s south peninsula. Take a trip via funicular to the lighthouse at 286 meters above sea level (built to which warns ships they are approaching the feared “Cape of Storms”), stroll along the cliff paths or venture down the steep slopes to the stunning white-sand beaches below. The reserve is home to a variety of small wildlife and is a favored picnicking, fishing (with a permit) and hiking destination with its rich plant biodiversity and inspiring landscapes. 

Cape Point Funicular - The flying Dutchman Funicular takes passengers uphill from the car park of the Cape Point Nature Reserve (a Natural World Heritage Site) to the old lighthouse sited at 249m overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The views from the lighthouse are spectacular and the air, coming off the Antarctic, is among the purest in the world. The funicular is believed to be the only commercial one of its kind in Africa and is named after a local legend of a ghost ship. The short three-minute trip passes through 585m of dense fynbos and over rocks to the upper lighthouse. The two cars can carry 40 passengers at a time and trips run continuously.

Boulders Beach (Penguins) - The sheltered Simon’s Town beach of Boulders Beach is the home of an endangered land-based colony of African penguins (over 2 000 of them), as well as a favorite swimming and beach destination for locals and international travelers, particularly children. One can walk between the three pristine and sheltered beaches on boardwalks, which also link to the penguin-viewing area offering fantastic sightings of these unique and endearing animals in their natural habitat.  

Kirstenbosch Gardens - Explore the diverse beauty of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which is set up against Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain looking onto the city. There are plenty of spaces to picnic among the rich and varied displays of southern Africa’s plant life (more than 7 000 species are planted out) and a restaurant on site. It is the first botanical garden to be included within a natural World Heritage site. Paths are set out throughout the garden allowing visitors to easily wander past the natural displays. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 4 Cape Town
Enjoy the day at leisure or book an optional tour with your National Guide. Dinner tonight is within walking distance of the hotel at a “local” restaurant which is something of sanctuary for Capetonians and visitors. Housed in what remains of a very old Victorian building, the restaurant’s character is exuded by her imperfect bones. All the details are reminiscent of years gone by, from the exposed brick walls, crumbling plaster, intricate cornicing and original wood floors. What were once the living rooms of a family home are now divided into separate dining areas; cozy alcoves that make this restaurant a wonderful place to be on a cold and wet winter’s evening. Overnight at the hotel. (BD) 

Day 5 Cape Town - Johannesburg by flight (flight not included) / Drive to Mabula Game Reserve
This morning travel to Cape Town International Airport. Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the Limpopo Province to rejuvenate in the tranquility of the African bush. Overnight at Safari Plains Mabula in a Safari Tent on a Full board basis.
Includes: Three meals and two safaris daily and conservation levies.
Excludes: All brand beverages, any services not specified.
Overnight at the tented camp. (BLD)

Day 6 Mabula Game Reserve
Enjoy the included safaris and enjoy the fusion of tranquility and excitement. Overnight at the tented camp. (BLD)

Day 7 Mabula Game Reserve
Enjoy the included safaris and enjoy the fusion of tranquility and excitement. Overnight at the tented camp. (BLD)

Day 8 Mabula Game Reserve - Johannesburg drive
Bid farewell to the African Bush and head to Johannesburg for your overnight stay at Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg, OR Tambo in a Standard Room on a Bed and Breakfast basis. Overnight at the hotel. (B) 

Day 9 Johannesburg - Victoria Falls by flight (flight not included).
After breakfast at the hotel transfer back to the airport where you will board your flight to Victoria Falls. You will be welcomed to Victoria Falls and transferred to your hotel which is in close proximity to the Victoria Falls. Freshen up before embarking on a sundowner cruise.

Sundowner Cruise - The sundowner cruise is geared to showcase a magnificent sunset while you sip a sundowner and enjoy some light snacks. It’s an ideal way to watch the African landscape transform in beautiful hues. Cruising along the river is an experience that creates lasting memories and includes sightings of hippo and crocodile and any other species that congregates on the banks to quench their thirst. Where there is water there is life and seeing a wild and untamed landscape from the comfort of a boat is a must do experience in this magical part of the world.

Overnight at Shearwater Explorers Village in a Deluxe Chalet on a Bed and Breakfast basis. (B)

Day 10 Victoria Falls
An awe-inspiring experience awaits you on a guided tour of the spectacular Victoria Falls and surrounding nature reserves. After enjoying one of the highlights of your tour spend the remainder of the day at leisure.        

Tour of the Falls - A guided tour of Victoria Falls is a magical experience and sought-after by people from all over the world. A knowledgeable guide will take you on a journey that doesn’t only include views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders but also provides fascinating insights about the geology, wildlife and history of Africa’s most famous landmark. Stories of local legend will entertain, and delight and phenomenal photographic opportunities are endless. The best months to visit Victoria Falls are from February through to July, when water levels are high. There may be very little water during the months of September through to December, however, it is a unique perspective on the geological formation of Victoria Falls. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 11 Victoria Falls - Johannesburg by flight/ Depart Johannesburg (flight not included).
It's time to say goodbye to your well-deserved holiday. Enjoy your last moments in Victoria Falls before leaving for the airport to catch your flight to Johannesburg and the remainder of your journey home. (flight not included).

PRICES

Single room supplement is extra. Please contact us for Single travel alone and Single room supplement.
Coach class internal & international airfare is extra.

INCLUSIONS

• 4 Nights accommodation at The Capital 15 On Orange on a BB basis

• 3 Nights accommodation at Safari Plains Mabula on a FB basis + 2 Safaris daily

• 1 Night accommodations at Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre Johannesburg O R Tambo on a BB basis

• 2 Nights accommodation at Shearwater Village on a BB basis

• 1 x dinner at Societi Bistro

• Entrance fees to sightseeing venues as stated in the itinerary above

• Porterage at airports and hotels (1 x standard piece of luggage per person)

• Transport in private touring vehicles

• Guide and Driver meals & accommodation where applicable

• Local English speaking driver on all transfers and sightseeing excursions

• National English speaking guide on all transfers and sightseeing excursions
  
  EXCLUSIONS

• All airfares, air reservations and airport taxes

• All other accommodation

• All other meals

• All other transport

• All other sightseeing

• Gratuities for meals, tourist guides, drivers, game rangers and trackers

• Personal expenses such as alcoholic and other beverages, telephone calls and laundry

• Any other services not mentioned above

Best time to visit south africa

Since South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, it’s summer down here when it’s winter in Europe and North America. Summer begins in November and lasts till February, which if you think about it, makes this the ideal time to visit if you want to escape the cold weather.

Depending on where you’re visiting, the average day temperature in summer ranges from a minimum of 15°C ( 59°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F). In winter the average day temperatures are 19°C to 23°C (66°F to 73°F). Just ensure you have a jacket to put on as it can get chilly at night.

If you’re intending on going on a safari in Mpumalanga and Limpopo then the best time to visit would be in winter. Why? Because these two provinces are very pleasant as it’s sunny and warm during the day and dry and cool at night. Late winter is popular for game spotting because the vegetation is sparse and animals visit the waterholes to drink. Summer in the Lowveld can be extremely hot due to high humidity. Alternatively, you can go on a winter beach holiday in Durban or on the KwaZulu-Natal coast as average temperatures hover around the 26°C mark.

In Cape Town, the best time to visit is in spring and autumn, which is April and May or the beginning of September to October. Spring is particularly breathtaking as you’ll get to witness first-hand some of South Africa’s most beautiful indigenous flowers bloom. Autumn offers a relief from the summer heat while the vineyards of the Cape Winelands start to change colour. Winter in Cape Town is less attractive as it’s characterised by wet and windy spells when cold fronts pass through.   

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS

The sardine run (May to July)

Aptly described as “The Greatest Shoal on Earth”, the sardine run takes place every South African winter when millions of small silvery sardines surge from the cold Cape waters up to the warmer sanctuary of the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The reason for this hasn’t been determined however there are many prominent theories that attempt to make sense of this phenomenon. Whatever the reason, it is quite the spectacle as the shoal is approximately 15km long, 4km wide and 40m deep. It’s a feeding frenzy for dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other marine life – making it a watching frenzy for people interesting in marine life.   

Whale watching (May to November): 

Every year, from late winter through to early summer, different breeds of whales migrate to mate and calve in sheltered bays off the Cape coast. One of the best places to see these majestic marine animals is from the coastal town of Hermanus. It’s well known for a reputation of offering the best shore-based whale watching in the world. When you do decide to go, make sure you have a fully charged camera as you might consider being a full-time photographer afterwards with a portfolio of stunning whale shots.

Namaqualand spring flowers (late July to October)

This dazzling display of spring flowers in an arid semi-desert area of the Northern Cape is regarded as one of the world’s most dramatic and vivid natural spectacles. Stretching 500km north up the Cape coast and 100km inland, carpets of the brilliant colour burst into vibrant life. You’ll find that over 4000 species of plants have been identified here, so you will be spoilt for choice.

The National Arts Festival (July)

One festival you should look forward to is the National Arts Festival. This festival takes place at the Eastern Cape’s cathedral and university city of Grahamstown. It has become one of the biggest annual celebrations of the arts in Africa. So if you make it, you’ll be surrounded by world-class dance, music, drama, film, jazz and visual arts.  

The Comrades Marathon (June)

What started off as a tribute to South African soldiers who lost their lives during World War I has now become an event not to be missed in South Africa. The Comrades Marathon is a long-distance running race that has gained traction around the world. If you’re still not impressed, at around 90km long, it is one of the world’s oldest and longest ultramarathons.

The Cape Argus Pick ’n Pay Cycle Tour (March)

Billed as the world’s largest timed cycle race, this event attracts a field of around 35 000 cyclists. The vast majority are ordinary people who want to take on the challenge of cycling around one of the most beautiful peninsulas in the world. However, over the years the race has also attracted its fair share of celebrities, including former Springbok rugby captain Francois Pienaar, who in turn persuaded American actor Matt Damon (who played him in the film Invictus) to ride.

Why Travel to South Africa?

Experience South Africa's natural beauty, which is one of the best reasons to travel there. There are many different types of landscapes throughout the nation, including mountains, forests, grasslands, and coastlines. There are a number of national parks where you can see some of the most well-known species in the world, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. Here are a few additional justifications for why South Africa vacations are thrilling and why you ought to include it on your agenda.