13 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Explorer

Your adventure begins in Cape Town, a city renowned for its stunning harbour and mountain backdrop. You can arrive at any time today, allowing you to settle in at your leisure. While there are no planned activities until the evening, early arrivals have a wealth of optional excursions to choose from. You might take the cable car 1,085 meters up Table Mountain for 360-degree views of Table Bay, or explore the Two Oceans Aquarium to see life from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. At 6:00 pm, gather in the lobby of the designated hotel (often the Inn on the Square or similar) for a welcome meeting to meet your guide and fellow travelers, followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.

Today is a free day dedicated to exploring the “Mother City” at your own pace. For nature lovers, the Cape Point Explorer Tour is a must; this full-day excursion takes you to Boulders Beach to see African penguins and the historic Cape of Good Hope where oceans meet. Alternatively, oenophiles can embark on a Wine Tour and Tasting in the Stellenbosch region, visiting iconic estates for cheese and chocolate pairings while learning about local production. For the adventurous, sandboarding on the Atlantic Dunes offers an adrenaline rush, while the Urban Explorer tour dives into the street art of Woodstock and the community life of Khayelitsha

Leaving the coast behind, you will board a short 2-hour flight to Johannesburg. Upon landing, the journey shifts gears with a private transfer to the famous township of Soweto. Here, you will swap the vehicle for a bicycle on a guided Soweto Cycle Tour. This immersive experience allows you to pedal through vibrant streets, visiting historical landmarks like the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street (historic home of Nelson Mandela). Along the way, you will meet diverse residents and even taste a local “home-brewed” beer, gaining deep insight into the history of segregation and the community’s resilience

Journey along South Africa’s iconic Panorama Route, marveling at breathtaking vistas as you make your way to the Kruger National Park area. This evening, immerse yourself in local culture with a vibrant traditional dinner and dance experience.

Embark on a thrilling full day wildlife safari drive in Kruger National Park, a legendary arena for Africa’s famed “Big Five.” Immerse yourself in this vast wilderness, actively seeking out majestic lions, elusive leopards, mighty elephants, powerful rhinos, and formidable buffalo. For an even more immersive experience, choose an optional wildlife safari drive in an open safari vehicle, enhancing your chances for unparalleled encounters in South Africa’s premier wildlife destination.

Today, you’ll head north to Timbavati Safari Lodge, a paradise for nature lovers. Here, you’ll participate in a guided nature walk, focusing not on the “Big Five,” but on the equally fascinating “Small 5” – the ant lion, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, buffalo weaver, and rhino beetle. This immersive walk, led by expert local guides, reveals the subtle secrets, medicinal uses of plants, and historical stories of the African Lowveld.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge, with the option for another safari drive or simply soaking up the camp’s tranquil atmosphere. Afterward, you’ll travel to the Louis Trichardt area. The afternoon offers free time to unwind by the pool, explore the property with a walk or hike, or delve into South Africa’s rich Anglo Boer War history at a local museum (optional activity). Another optional activity available is a Big 5 Sunset/Sunrise Drive.

Today marks an exciting border crossing into Zimbabwe. After completing formalities, you’ll continue your journey to the area surrounding the historic Great Zimbabwe Monument. The travel for this day is quite long.

Begin your day by exploring the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, recognized as Africa’s most significant ancient ruins site south of Cairo. You’ll learn about the history of its inhabitants and the construction of these remarkable structures, with the opportunity to climb to the citadel for expansive views of the site. Afterwards, you’ll travel to the unique landscapes of Matobo National Park.

Matobo National Park offers a day of diverse exploration. You can opt to discover ancient cave paintings, hike through the unique and stunning landscapes, or simply relax by the pool. In the afternoon, enjoy an included nature walk where you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the resident wildlife.

Your journey continues to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest park, offering another excellent opportunity for wildlife spotting. Hwange is renowned for its elephant herds, lions, and the rare African wild dog. Consider an optional evening wildlife safari drive in a safari vehicle for a chance to see nocturnal animals. Your accommodation will be a lodge like Hwange Safari Lodge or similar.

Today, you’ll travel to the iconic Victoria Falls. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy an included traditional Zimbabwean lunch prepared by the Lusumpuko Women’s Club. This meal supports the local community and offers insight into traditional Zimbabwean food preparation. Afterwards, marvel at the spectacular Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, taking in the thundering cascades. The afternoon is yours to further explore this natural wonder or relax. Accommodation will be at a lodge like Explorers Village Lodge or similar.

Your Southern African adventure concludes today, with departure at any time. It’s highly recommended to book post-accommodation to fully experience the extensive range of optional activities Victoria Falls and the Zambezi area have to offer. These optional activities, often requiring additional visa fees if crossing into Zambia.