Highlights of Southern Africa

Cape Town, jewel of South Africa; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with Zambezi River cruise; 4 world-class safaris in Chobe, Botswana; full day in Nairobi, Kenya

Overview

$4399Tour + Flights 11days
price per person, double occupancy,* based on Sep 20, 2023 departure from JFK
Piggy bank
$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
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Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.
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Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures September – December 2023 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes ActiveBucket ListNature & Wildlife
Activity Level Recreational
What to Expect This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations, sometimes on bumpy unpaved roads and may have limited rest stops. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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Get ready to check off three of Africa's most awe-inspiring bucket list icons on our fully-guided small group tour: Highlights of Southern Africa. Start your trip in Cape Town, the jewel of South Africa, and dive deep into this incredible country's storied history and vibrant culture. Then, take a quick flight to Zimbabwe, where you'll spend two days learning why Victoria Falls is known as the "Smoke that Thunders"! Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest curtain of falling water, then sit back and enjoy a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Round your trip with two days in Chobe National Park, Botswana, as your expert guide takes you deep into some of the world's best game viewing territory in search of lions, hippos, giraffes, buffalo, cheetah, and more!

From the glowing sunsets, sunrises, and stunning natural wonders to rich biodiversity, spectacular food, fascinating people, and exciting history, our expertly-crafted itinerary combines fully-guided tours with plenty of free time to explore what you love. Have the chance to join one of our optional excursions, like a day in the Cape Winelands or experiencing the culture of the Bo-Kaap (formerly known as the Malay Quarter). If you haven't experienced the incredible wonders that await you in Southern Africa, this is the trip you've been looking for.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round trip flights from New York (JFK) on Kenya Airways including taxes & fees
  • All intra-Africa flights, land transportation and transfers throughout the tour
  • 9 night accommodations in first class hotels and game lodges
  • 13 meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
  • Professional English-speaking guide and game rangers
  • Services of an experienced driver-guide

Optional add-ons

  • Cape Winelands tour
  • Bo-Kaap Melting Pot
  • Business class upgrades on Kenya Airways (KQ)

Why you'll love it

  • Visit 4 countries: Cape Town, jewel of South Africa; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; 4 safaris in Chobe, Botswana; and Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Spend two days exploring Cape Town independently or enjoy an optional Cape Winelands Tour and Bo-Kaap Melting Pot Tour & Cooking Class.
  • Journey by funicular railway to Cape Point for breathtaking views of the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Watch African Jackass penguins play along the sands of Boulder Beach.
  • Hear the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall.
  • Cruise along the Zambezi River at sunset and get a chance to spot some of the wildlife that frequent it.
  • Hand-feed endangered giraffes at the Langata Giraffe Center.
  • Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery, where young elephants are cared for until they are ready to be released back into the wild.

Itinerary at a Glance

Highlights of Southern Africa map

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*
2023 DEPARTURES
Dates Price
Departs U.S.: Wed, Jun 7, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Jun 17, 2023
Jun 7 – Jun 17
$4399 Departed
Departs U.S.: Wed, Jul 12, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Jul 22, 2023
Jul 12 – Jul 22
$4499 Closed
Departs U.S.: Wed, Aug 23, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Sep 2, 2023
Aug 23 – Sep 2
$4399 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Wed, Sep 6, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Sep 16, 2023
Sep 6 – Sep 16
$4399 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Wed, Sep 13, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Sep 23, 2023
Sep 13 – Sep 23
$4399 Closed
Departs U.S.: Wed, Sep 20, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Sep 30, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 8, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 20 – Sep 30
$4399 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Sep 27, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Oct 7, 2023
Sep 27 – Oct 7
$4399 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Wed, Oct 4, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Oct 14, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 8, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 4 – Oct 14
$4399 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Oct 11, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Oct 21, 2023
Oct 11 – Oct 21
$4399 Closed
Departs U.S.: Wed, Oct 25, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Nov 4, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 8, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 25 – Nov 4
$4399 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Nov 15, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Nov 25, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 8, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 15 – Nov 25
$4399 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Nov 29, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Dec 9, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 8, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 29 – Dec 9
$4399 Select
Departs U.S.: Wed, Dec 6, 2023
Finishes: Sat, Dec 16, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 8, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 6 – Dec 16
$4399 Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Highlights of Southern Africa
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy $749
Optional Excursions
Bo Kaap Melting Pot Culture & Cuisine Tour $195
Separately Paid Fees
Zimbabwe Visa Fee1 (paid separately) $60
Kenya Transit Visa2 (paid separately) $21

1. Paid locally for US passport holders. $60 for multiple entry visa.

2. Visitors to Kenya must obtain a transit visa.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York Kennedy (JFK)1 included

1. Business class upgrades on Kenya Airlines (KQ) may be available. Request this upgrade during the booking process in the Special Requests section, and we will check the availability and provide you with a price.

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? Unfortunately, we don't offer flights from other cities, but you can book your own connecting flights.

Detailed Itinerary

Please note: All departures through October 2023 will have a double connection en route to Cape Town: NYC - Nairobi- Johannesburg - Cape Town. Travelers will complete immigration formalities in Johannesburg as this is the point of entry to South Africa, and then connect to a domestic flight to Cape Town.

Day 1 Depart USA

  • Your exciting journey to Southern Africa begins this evening as you check in for your overnight flight

Day 2 Cape Town

  • Arrive in Cape Town with the rest of the day at leisure

Radisson RED Cape Town or similar

Full Day Itinerary
Aerial view of Cape Town

Sawubona (welcome)! Arrive today in Cape Town, a beautiful jewel nestled between stunning Table Mountain and a dramatic coastline. This modern, bustling, and vibrant city boasts gorgeous scenery, fabulous restaurants, hotels, and beaches and is bursting with history and culture. Upon arrival at Cape Town's airport, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 3 Cape Town

  • Full Day Excursion to Cape Town, Table Mountain and Cape Point

Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town

In the morning, begin your full-day panoramic city tour of Cape Town, showcasing this vibrant city's scenic and historical highlights. Weather permitting, ascend by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark. Drive by the country's oldest building, the Castle of Good Hope, an imposing 17th-century Dutch fort set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain. Later, drive past secluded coves, beautiful beach towns, and spectacular mountain scenery. Stop at the famous Chapman's Peak. Enter the nature reserve that covers the southern part of the Peninsula, and drive through the unique scenery towards Cape Point. Travel by funicular railway to Cape Point, where you can take in stunning views of the Cape of Good Hope. Later, make a brief stop to visit the African jackass penguins at Boulders Beach.

(If the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed due to maintenance or inclement weather, visit Signal Hill instead)

Day 4 Cape Town

  • Day at leisure to explore Cape Town
  • Or join an optional tour to experience the culture of Bo Kaap

Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Bo-Kaap Melting Pot Tour with Cooking Class, $195
Bo Kaap, Cape Town

This morning, join a Bo-Kaap "Melting Pot" tour to discover the rich heritage, culture, and cuisine of the Cape Malay people. We visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, the oldest Mosque in South Africa, pass the oldest house, the first farmhouse, and walk past the famous colorful houses. Next, step into an aromatic spice shop to learn about the origins of the spices. Visit a Cape Malay home and learn how to cook an authentic pot of curry, fold a spicy samosa and knead, spin, and roll a perfectly flaky roti. Enjoy tasting your delicacies together with your host as a finale to your cooking lesson.

(The sequence of visits may be reversed. This optional tour must be pre-purchased.)

 

Day 5 Cape Town

  • Day at leisure to explore Cape Town
  • Or participate in an exciting optional tour of Cape Winelands

Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Cape Winelands tour (1270 ZAR purchased locally)
Stellenbosch vineyards

This morning, head to the premier wine-producing regions of Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch through the heart of the Cape Winelands. Visit the town of Franschhoek, passing the impressive Huguenot Monument. Experience breathtaking views from the historical Taal Monument in Paarl, one of the Cape's first farming districts. Stellenbosch is world-renowned for making some of South Africa's premier wines. Enjoy a tour of this historic town with its well-preserved architecture, pop into some of the local stores and markets, and enjoy some fine wines as you enter a renowned wine estate.

Day 6 Cape Town & Victoria Falls

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls
  • Remainder of the day at leisure

A'Zambezi River Lodge or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Victoria Falls

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Upon arrival and after customs formalities, your local guide will greet you. Check into your lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 7 Victoria Falls

  • Guided Tour of the Falls
  • Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River

A'Zambezi River Lodge or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Hippo, Zambezi River

This morning enjoy a guided tour of the falls. You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders—and the world's largest curtain of falling water! Located at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls consists of numerous falls separated by islands in the river below. The Zambezi River spills more than 2 million gallons of water per second over the Bakota Gorge, creating multiple rainbows and an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivaled by other natural wonders. The tremendous roar of the water and the ever-present cloud of spray give the falls their local moniker, "Smoke that Thunders."

Later today, have the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset while enjoying a cruise along the Zambezi River. Be on the lookout for hippos, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that frequent the waters and the surrounding areas.

Day 8 Victoria Falls & Chobe

  • Transfer to Botswana
  • Enjoy your first boat safari on the Chobe River

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Elephants crossing Chobe River, Botswana

After breakfast, depart Zimbabwe and cross the border into Botswana. Check into your lodge, located on the banks of the mighty Chobe River. The river sustains many animals who often come down to the river to replenish themselves. Enjoy a sunset river boat safari that graciously explores the Chobe River and introduces guests to the various animals and bird species that frequent it.

Day 9 Chobe

  • Morning game drive in Chobe
  • Afternoon boat safari on the Chobe River

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Lioness, Chobe National Park

After an early wake-up call, head out for your first game drive in Chobe National Park. Today is a safari lover's dream with over 75 species of mammals in the area surrounding your lodge, including the abundance of elephants in the adjacent Chobe National Park. The park has some of the largest concentrations of game on the African continent, including giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, and bushbuck. Return to the lodge to rest and enjoy lunch.

This afternoon, head out on another boat safari for another chance to spot more wildlife and witness the beauty of the African sky as the sun sets.

Day 10 Chobe, Victoria Falls Zimbabwe & Nairobi

  • AM game drive in Chobe
  • Depart for Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and stop for lunch
  • Transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport for your flight to Nairobi
  • Arrive in Nairobi

Hilton Garden Inn or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Giraffe drinking, Chobe National Park

Set out for your final game drive early this morning. Afterward, return to the lodge for breakfast and to freshen up. Transfer to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and enjoy lunch before continuing to Victoria Falls International Airport for your flight to Nairobi. Later this evening, arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After completing arrival formalities, collect your luggage, be met by our representative, and transfer to your hotel.

Day 11 Nairobi/Depart

  • Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery
  • Stop at the Kazuri Bead Factory Store
  • Feed the giraffes at the Langata Giraffe Center
  • Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery

After breakfast, visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery, where young orphaned elephant babies are hand-raised until they are released back to their natural habitat in the Tsavo National Park. Here they can mingle freely with the wild community. Continue to the Kazuri Bead Factory Store, where the guide will explain the hand-making process. Kazuri, which means "small and beautiful" in Swahili, began in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting with making handmade beads. The factory is located on part of the former Blixen estate. Its founder, Lady Susan Wood, started with two Kenyan women and soon discovered that many other women in the villages around Nairobi, primarily single mothers, were in great need of regular employment.

Later, visit the Langata Giraffe Center, established to protect the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Several warthogs roam freely with the giraffes. Guests may feed the giraffes from a raised feeding platform. Afterward, return to the hotel to freshen up before your departure.

Bid farewell to Nairobi as you transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight, arriving in the USA the following morning.

Hotels

Radisson RED Cape Town
Radisson RED Cape Town

Proposing a unique lifestyle experience within Silo district, the Radisson RED Hotel V&A Waterfront Cape Town is the first of its kind, focusing on art, fashion and music to connect people.  The hotel features a rooftop sun terrace and views of the sea.  Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

More information

A'Zambezi River Lodge
A'Zambezi River Lodge
First Class

The A’Zambezi River Lodge enjoys a wonderful location on the banks of the Zambezi River, within the protected Victoria Falls National Park and just minutes away from Victoria Falls town and the mighty falls themselves. The lodge features an African-style design, complete with thatched roofs blending into the natural environment. Other nearby attractions include a championship 18-hole golf course and fascinating Crocodile Sanctuary.

More information

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa
First Class

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa is situated on the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana. It is one of southern Africa’s sustainable tourism destinations where luxury exists in harmony with nature, providing a unique location from which to explore the magical wonders of untamed Africa. The resort offers a 9-hole golf course and fully equipped Clarins Spa. The Mowana Spa's state of the art facilities include four private treatment rooms complemented by a raised deck overlooking the Chobe River on which open air pampering sessions are highly recommended. Adjacent to the spa is their fully-equipped gym.

More information

Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Garden Inn
First Class

The Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport is a 175 room hotel with a convenient location close to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24 hour business center, a heated rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, complimentary self-operated laundry.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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