Giraffe in Kruger park South Africa

Southern African Highlights: from Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Our suggestion of tailor-made tour to discover the must-sees of Southern Africa

Discover Southern Africa in all its glory! From the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, to the incredible wildlife of Chobe Park in Botswana to the majestic Victoria Falls, halfway between Zambia and Zimbabwe… Let yourself be carried away in the trail of Southern Africa’s iconic places.

Length of stay: 25 days

Kind: Multi-country

Fix: For all public

Countries visited: South Africa, Eswatini (former Swaziland), Zimbabwe, Botswana

Cape Town Airport

Cape Town

Franschhoek

Oudtshoorn

Plettenberg Bay

Knysna

Port Elizabeth Airport

St Lucia

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Ezulwini Valley

Kruger National Park

Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport

Victoria Falls

Chobe National Park

Get your personalized quote.

Did you like this route? Our travel designers will adapt it to your profile and send it to you within 48 hours.

Your customized trip

travelers reviews / 5

Read more

Day 1 : Cape Town Airport

Meet and greet and assistance of our guide on your arrival, who will give you your travel documents. Collect your rental car and drive to your hotel in Cape Town. Overnight stay in a standard room at Antrim Villa Guest House.

Read more

Day 2 : Cape Town

Day at leisure to explore Cape Town , known to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

Suggestions:

Take the cable car and ascend the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). The floor of the cable car rotates through 360 degrees during the ascent or descent, giving passengers a panoramic view of the city. From the top of the mountain at 1000 meters above sea level, a bordwalk will enable you to get different view point of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

You can also visit the following sites depending on your area of interests:

– The National Museum of South Africa founded in 1825. This museum houses many diverse collections from fossils dating back millions of years to the clothing worn by our ancestors in the last century. All these collections have a common denominator to highlight the biological and cultural diversity of our planet,

– The Zeitz MOCAA Museum : the biggest museum of African contemporary art on the continent and home to permanent collections, temporary exhibitions and more than 100 art galleries.

– The Company ‘s Gardens founded in 1652 by the Dutch pioneers who plan to establish a Cape refueling station on the boat ride to India. Walk in Company ‘s Garden , which now houses the St Georges Cathedral, National Library, National Gallery, artworks and beautiful gardens,

– The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens , one of the finest botanical gardens in the world, located at the foot of Table Mountain. Founded in 1913 to protect the diversity of South African flora, the garden is unique as only indigenous plants are cultivated. This is a rare opportunity to see the fynbos, endemic plants in the region of the Western Cape. More than 7000 species of plants are grown in Kirstenbosch, including many rare and endangered species,

– The colorful Bo-Kaap district. The museum located in the historic district showcases the culture of immigrants from Malaysia. A visit to the museum and the neighborhood, with its colorful houses, cobbled streets and calls to prayer of the muezzin, can soak up the cultural diversity of Cape Town,

– The African Craft Market of Green Market Square in the middle of the CBD.

– The Castle of Good Hope , one of the oldest buildings in the country, which houses a collection of antiques (furniture , paintings, objects) that tells a lot about the life of Dutch settlers.

– The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is hosting a craft market, the aquarium Two Oceans and many restaurants. It is from this waterfront that boats leave to Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, as well as to navigate in the beautiful bay of Cape Town.

Other activity suggestions during your stay in Cape Town (please consult us in advance for booking):

– A Township tour (1 half-day)

– A culinary tour of the city (1 half-day)

– A cycling tour of the city (between 3 hours and 1 day)

– Shark cage diving to encounter the Great white (1 day)

– An evening discovering the origins of the Cape Town jazz

– An helicopter flight above the city and the peninsula (between 12 and 60 minutes)

– An abseil of 112m on the Table Mountain (1 half-day)

– A paragliding experience on the Atlantic coast,

– A sunset cruise on board of a catamaran including sparkling wine,

– A craft beer & culture tour in Woodstock Overnight stay in a standard room at Antrim Villa Guest House.

Read more

Day 3 : Cape Town

Day at leisure to discover the Cape Peninsula and the legendary Cape of Good Hope .

Suggested itinerary:

You can start this discovery with a little stop in the small fishing village of Hout Bay . This fishing village is a cosy little hamlet surrounded by mountains to the North, East and West and the Ocean to the South. Home to bustling craft markets, antique shops, a beautiful beach and a thriving fishing community. The harbour is also where many boat cruise departs from to Duiker Island. This small island is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals and local birdlife. The boat ride lets you see the Cape Peninsula from a new perspective.

You can thereafter proceed and enjoy the twists and turns around the famous Chapman’s Peak scenic drive . Chapman’s Peak Drive is renowned for its spectacular 180° views of the Cape Peninsula as well as its 114 twists and turns. Viewpoints and picnic spots are scattered throughout its 9km length and its dramatic views have made it a favoured spot for photographers.

You enter the Cape Point Nature Reserve to reach the tip of the Cape Peninsula where you enjoy a dramatic view point located in a 17 750 hectare nature reserve. Looking out over the shining sea from the Cape Point Lighthouse truly makes you feel like you are standing at the edge of the world. The rich diversity of the nature reserve, part of the Table Mountain National Park, makes it home to a stunning array of animal and plant species.

After leaving Cape Point Nature Reserve you travel up the other side of the Cape Peninsula on the way to Simon’s Town and Boulder’s beach . Simon’s Town has been an important naval base and harbour for over two centuries and you can still see some historic naval vessels anchored just off-shore. Boulder’s beach is home of a colony of African Jackass penguins since 1985. These small citizens have been charming residents and tourists ever since.

A seafood lunch is highly recommended in this area but you can also have lunch in the Cape Peninsula Nature reserve’s restaurant.

As you head back towards Cape Town along the False Bay coastal road; you travel through Fish Hoek a little town with a long history. From Fish Hoek you drive past Muizenberg , another seaside town. The warm waters and long stretch of beach make this a popular spot for holidaymakers and there are a wide variety of activities, like kite boarding and surfing, for the adventurous. Overnight stay in a standard room at Antrim Villa Guest House.

Read more

Day 4 : Cape Town

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is South Africa’s most visited destination, attracting millions of visitors every year – and for good reason. Whether you are looking to go shopping, dine at top restaurants, party at local nightspots, visit tourist attractions and museums or investigate the city’s historic harbour, you can find it all here. The construction for the harbor began as early as 1860, when Prince Alfred tipped the first stones for the breakwater, hence the attraction’s name: Victoria & Alfred after Queen Victoria of England and her youngest son Alfred.

Our suggestions for the day are:

A Robben Island tour is a must when you are visiting Cape Town. It is a fascinating half-day trip to the former penal colony where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many leading members of South African political parties like the PAC and ANC were incarcerated alongside him. The tour guides are likely be ex-political prisoners. This gives you the opportunity to hear a first-hand account of prison life on Robben Island that makes it a truly priceless experience.

Visit the Zeitz MOCAA Museum : the first and biggest museum of African contemporary art on the continent with permanent collections, temporary exhibitions and more than 100 art galleries.

Visit the Two Ocean’s Aquarium : with more than 3000 marine creatures on view, including sharks, turtles and penguins, enjoy a sensory experience with kelp, shells and anemones at the Touch Pool. The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the finest aquariums in the world. The aquarium showcases the unique marine life of the Atlantic and Indian oceans which lie on either side of the Cape of Good Hope.

Visit the V&A Wharf market . Overnight stay in a standard room at Antrim Villa Guest House.

Read more

Day 5 : Cape Town

Drive to Stellenbosch, a university town in the wine region of the Western Cape.

Estimated travel time: 50 minutes.

South Africa is a very good wine producer and most of it comes from this entire region of the Western Cape. A visit to the wine route through the valleys of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek is an essential step in your discovery of the country.

Our suggestions:

Discover the town of Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town, which has beautiful well maintained buildings with typical Cape Dutch style streets (the name given to the Cape architecture inspired by the Dutch).

Visit the cellars of some wine estates of Stellenbosch and do some wine tasting. You will find South African wines produced from grapes such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, but also Pinotage, a uniquely South African grape, a cross of Pinot Black and Cinsault.

Visit the village of Franschhoek (the French Corner), South Africa’s gourmet capital located in one of the most beautiful valleys in the country. It is in this valley that the French Huguenots, including winemakers, settled in the late 17th century. Visit the museum and memorial to the Huguenots.

Night in Luxury Double at the guest house Basse Provence in a winery.

Read more

Day 6 : Franschhoek

Departure for the semi-desert region of Karoo. Estimated travel time: 5 hours. Take the longest wine route in the world: the R62. You cross the vineyards of the Western Cape and Little Karoo along this scenic road that winds through mountain passes and natural reserves. Suggestions of visits on the road: – Village of Calitzdorp: tastings of muscat and port wines at De Krans Cellar or Boplaas – Village of Ladysmith: visit the Parmalat cheese factory, brandy and wine tasting – Village of Barrydale: stop at Country Pumpkin Restaurant, a roadside restaurant – Village of Montagu: wine tasting and dry fruit shops – Village of Robertson: tasting of Graham Beck and Rooiberg wines, visit the village of McGregor. Suggestions of visits if you arrive early at Oudtshoorn: – Visit the ostrich breeding farm of Safari or Cango – Discover the Cango Caves, caves with magnificent geological formations. Overnight stay at De Denne Country Guest House, an ostrich farm in the outskirts of Oudtshoorn.

Read more

Day 7 : Oudtshoorn

Drive to the town of Knysna, a seaside village that is renowned for its lagoon and estuary leading to the Indian Ocean. Estimated travel time: 1h45.

Suggestion: go for a boat ride across the lagoon to The Heads , the river mouth that separates the estuary from the ocean Overnight stay at Stannards Guest Lodge.

Read more

Day 8 : Plettenberg Bay

Day in the Plettenberg Bay region in the heart of the Garden Route.

Suggestions:

– Stroll around Birds of Eden, a bird sanctuary which is one of the largest aviaries in the world with hundreds of bird species,

– Next to Birds of Eden, visit Monkeyland, a sanctuary for primates,

– Interact with an elephant in an elephant sanctuary,

– Nature hike to the heart of the Robberg Nature Reserve,

– Wine tasting at the Bramon estate in The Crags,

– Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Plettenberg Bay . Overnight stay at Stannards Guest Lodge.

Read more

Day 9 : Knysna

Drive to Storms River where the river, the forest and the ocean meet. Estimated travel time: 1h30.

This narrow coastal strip is wedged between the sea and the mountains and contains the Tsitsikamma National Park bounded on the west by the town of Nature’s Valley and on the east the mouth of the Storms River.

The view from the Tsitsikamma national park is spectacular, especially when the waves of the ocean are unleashed.

For adrenaline lovers, a bungee jumping activity at Bloukraans Bridge is highly recommended! The Bloukrans Bridge, 216 meters high, offers the highest bungee jumping in the world and attracts adventure seekers from all over the planet.

On your way from Knysna to Tsitsikamma if you have time we recommend you to visit Robberg Nature Reserve, in Plettenberg Bay, pure natural beauty with easy trails to visit the whole reserve. Overnight stay at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp in the Tsitsikamma national park.

Entrance fees to be paid on site.

Read more

Day 10 : Port Elizabeth Airport

Drive to the Port Elizabeth airport where you drop your rental car off. Estimated travel time: 2h. Domestic flight between Port Elizabeth and Durban (flight time and number to be confirmed). Car rental with unlimited mileage and super insurance cover with no excess in case of theft, accident or damages to the car. You collect your rental car and drive to the small coastal town of Salt Rock.

Estimated travel time: 25mn. Overnight stay at Petite Provence B&B.

Read more

Day 11 : St Lucia

Drive towards the iSimangaliso national park. Estimated travel time: 2h15.

The iSimangaliso national park contains three major lakes, 8 different ecosystems, the largest estuary in Africa, 526 birds species, the highest coastal dunes in the world. The lake St Lucia and its estuary have more than a thousand hippos, several thousand crocodiles, 114 fish species… It is also a prime location for migratory birds. Departure for a cruise on the St Lucia estuary to observe the great diversity of birds in the park. The estuary is also home to many crocodiles and hippos that you will closely observe from the boat. Tour length: 2h. Overnight stay at St Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse.

Read more

Day 12 : St Lucia

Drive to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi wildlife national park. Entrance through the Nyalazi gate, 1 hour drive from St Lucia. Day dedicated to the visit of the wildlife park on board of your own vehicle. The name of this national park of 96 000 ha comes from the merger of two neighboring reserves, Hluhluwe and Umfolozi, in order to give more space to the rhinoceros. This animal is at the origin of the creation of these two sanctuaries, created in 1895 in order to save the last white rhino specimens in the region. Today, although combined, these two reserves retain their specificities. A wide variety of wildlife is present including Big 5, but also giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, antelopes and many birds. The Umfolosi reserve is known for its walking safaris, while your vehicle safaris or guided 4×4 game drives occur throughout the park. The 4×4 guided night safaris are possible to observe nocturnal birds and other animals difficult to see during the day, like the leopard. Overnight stay at Hilltop Camp.

Hilltop Camp was indeed built on a Hilltop with panoramic views over the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve, the distant rolling hills of Zululand, all the way to Lake St Lucia and the Indian Ocean in the far distance. The camp is cooler than the low lying bushveld due to its altitude, air-conditioning has been installed in all chalets. With the lofty thatch ceilings the rooms are cool in summer and warm in winter.

Night in a Chalet at Hilltop Camp

Read more

Day 13 : Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

You leave the South African region of Kwazulu-Natal to discover a new country landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique: the Kingdom of Swaziland. Welcome to the smallest country in the southern hemisphere! Estimated travel time: 4h.

Road to the Mlilwane reserve, the oldest wildlife conservation area in the country. Installation and free time to enjoy this reserve that you can explore on foot, bike, car or horseback… Overnight stay in a traditional Swazi hut in the Beehive Villages, in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

Read more

Day 14 : Ezulwini Valley

Tour with a local guide to discover the Swazi people:

After departing with our safari vehicle, you will meander through the valley, visit a school (this will obviously not be possible during weekends or school holidays), ascend the mountains and visit local dwellings. There is, however, no set itinerary, and the visits are spontaneous, ensuring authentic experiences.

The local people have a powerful tradition of hospitality that will

ensure a genuine welcome. You may even be lucky enough to be

shown around one of their homes!

A full day experience of meeting with the friendly Swazi people (plus a traditional lunch usually necessitating about an hour). A variety of itineraries will be used and

length could differ at will, starting at 9am and finishing around 5 pm. Overnight stay in a traditional Swazi hut in the Beehive Villages, in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

Read more

Day 15 : Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Drive to one of the largest wildlife parks in Africa, the Kruger Park! Estimated travel time: 5h.

You cross the border between Swaziland and South Africa at Jeppe’s Reef in the north of Swaziland.

On the road to the border, we suggest you to visit the Ngwenya glass factory and the Piggs Peak craft center.

You reach one of the entrance gates on the south side of the Kruger park and start a safari with your own car until your restcamp. Overnight stay at Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp.

Read more

Day 16 : Kruger National Park

Day at leisure to enjoy a self-drive safari to explore the park and the wildlife it has to offer.

Undoubtedly the best way to experience the Kruger Park is behind your own steering weel. A Kruger Park self-drive safari gives you the freedom to plan for your own interests and move at your own pace. The southern part of the park along the Sabie and Crocodile River is rich in water and has a lot of game viewing opportunities. Here you can see the best of African flora and fauna such as Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, and Buffalos often referred as the Big Five, but there are plenty of others to see as well. Driving around the Sabie River will always result in seeing some interesting animals. The vegetation around the Sabie River can be very dense forest and thicket and it gets a little bit more open driving down south to the Crocodile River. To maximise the Kruger experience one must consciously slow down and breath deeply.

4×4 game drives and walking safaris are optional and can be booked directly in the park. Overnight stay at Skukuza Rest Camp.

Read more

Day 17 : Kruger National Park

Safari with your own vehicle to a private concession in the Kruger national park. With an area of nearly 2 million hectares, the Kruger national park is the country’s largest park. Its great geological and climatic diversity gives it exceptional flora divided into 16 distinct vegetation zones. The park is not only home to the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino) but as well giraffes, hippos, hyenas, wild dogs, many species of antelope and many other animals. It is an essential experience for wildlife lovers! Full board stay at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge.

Two guided safaris are included per day: first in open 4×4 vehicle in the afternoon, and a second in the morning in 4×4 or on foot. Located in the Mluwati private concession within the Kruger national park, this lodge has a lot of charm with a typical Tsonga design. Night in a luxury suite.

Read more

Day 18 :

Full board stay at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge.

Two guided safaris are included per day: first in open 4×4 vehicle in the afternoon, and a second in the morning in 4×4 or on foot. Located in the Mluwati private concession within the Kruger national park, this lodge has a lot of charm with a typical Tsonga design. Night in a luxury suite.

Read more

Day 19 : Kruger National Park

Safari in the Kruger national park and drive to Hoedspruit. Suggestions: – visit of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Founded in 1990, it is a pioneer in animal conservation work and hosts many volunteers from around the world each year. A visit in 4×4 with a guide allows you to observe cheetahs, wild dogs, lions, wild cats, antelope, vultures… – boat cruise on the Blyde River dam to see the Three Rondavels of the Blyde River Canyon, crocodiles, hippos, birds… Overnight stay in a standard room at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge.

Read more

Day 20 : Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport

Departure for the Johannesburg airport where you return your rental car. Estimated travel time: 4h. Overnight stay at Sun Rock Guest House, close to the airport.

Transfers from and to the airport are arranged by the guest house.

Read more

Day 21 : Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport

International flight Johannesburg-Victoria Falls (flight time and number to be confirmed). Transfer from Victoria Falls airport to your hotel. Overnight stay at Shearwater Explorer Village.

Read more

Day 22 : Victoria Falls

Day dedicated to the visit of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls.

At the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Zambezi river flows over 100 meters high and 1.7km wide at a rate of 250 million liters of water per minute!

Suggestions (contact us to book these excursions before arrival)

– Access the Victoria Falls national park and explore the majestic Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side . You can also see the falls on the Zambia side crossing the bridge over the Zambezi river. We can arrange a guided tour of the falls.

– Sunset cruise on the Zambezi river,

– Outdoor activities (this part of the Zambezi River is one of the most beautiful places to do water sports such as kayaking and rafting),

– Helicopter flight for magnificent aerial views of the falls,

– ULM flight during 12 to 15 minutes above the Victoria Falls (Zambia side only),

– Elephant back safari and interaction with lions and rhinos,

– Day trip to Botswana in the famous Chobe national park known to host the largest concentration of African elephants.

– Bicycle tour ride onto the world famous Victoria Falls Bridge with unsurpassed views of the spectacular wonder Overnight stay at Shearwater Explorer Village.

Read more

Day 23 : Victoria Falls

Transfer to the Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana. All inclusive stay of 2 nights at Chobe Safari Lodge. Two guided safaris are included per day: first in an open vehicle in the afternoon, and a second one on a boat on the Chobe River in the morning, certainly one of the best ways to observe the site and fauna of the area, among which there are more than 80,000 elephants, hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles…

This magnificent lodge boasts a fantastic location to visit the Chobe national park.

Night in a superior room.

Read more

Day 24 : Chobe National Park

Another day to enjoy the Chobe region from the Chobe Safari Lodge. Two guided safaris are included per day. Night in a superior room.

Read more

Day 25 : Chobe National Park

Transfer to Victoria Falls airport.

Did you like this tour?

Build your customized trip with our team of travel experts.

?
Info Covid-19