American breakfast (B) daily, 2 lunches (L), and 3 dinners (D); Local Host service in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Victoria Falls; experienced ranger and game tracker in Kruger National Park area; sightseeing and game drives as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary (inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE).
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa. Welcome to South Africa! Arrive late in the evening and check in to your hotel.
Day #2 Cape Town. Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour that includes a CABLE-CAR RIDE up Table Mountain (weather permitting). Here you will enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding area. The afternoon is at your leisure. (B)
Day #3 Cape Town. Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)
Day #4 Cape Town–Kruger National Park Area. Today, fly to KRUGER NATIONAL PARK area and check in to your lodge in a private game reserve. The Kruger area is famous for its abundance of wildlife, so you have a great chance to see the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Other animals you may see include kudu, impala, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, wildebeest, and more! (B,D)
Day #5 Kruger Area. Enjoy two full days of game viewing in this wondrous land. Wake up early for a MORNING GAME DRIVE in an open-air, 4-wheel-drive Land Rover. Your skilled tracker and professional ranger will help you learn more about this special ecosystem as you view wildlife up close. After breakfast at your lodge, take advantage of some free time. Swim in the pool, read a book, or enjoy a drink at the bar. Tea will be served prior to your AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE. As the sun sets, your tracker will bring out a spotlight to help you spot nocturnal animals and, if you are lucky, maybe even a leopard! Return to your lodge in time to freshen up before dinner. (B,L,D daily)
Day #6 Kruger Area. Enjoy two full days of game viewing in this wondrous land. Wake up early for a MORNING GAME DRIVE in an open-air, 4-wheel-drive Land Rover. Your skilled tracker and professional ranger will help you learn more about this special ecosystem as you view wildlife up close. After breakfast at your lodge, take advantage of some free time. Swim in the pool, read a book, or enjoy a drink at the bar. Tea will be served prior to your AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE. As the sun sets, your tracker will bring out a spotlight to help you spot nocturnal animals and, if you are lucky, maybe even a leopard! Return to your lodge in time to freshen up before dinner. (B,L,D daily)
Day #7 Kruger Area–Johannesburg. Enjoy one last GAME DRIVE this morning before flying to Johannesburg. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day #8 Johannesburg. Today’s sightseeing starts with a visit to SOWETO (South Western Township), the largest township in the country. Along the way, see the homes of two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. You will also see the Hector Pieterson Memorial, dedicated to the 12-year-old boy killed by police during a demonstration in 1976. Next, visit the unforgettable APARTHEID MUSEUM. Here you will learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid years. (B)
Day #9 Johannesburg–Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Today, fly to Zimbabwe and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day #10 Victoria Falls. Today, visit mighty Victoria Falls for an awe-inspiring experience. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK, where you will learn the history of the falls and hear fascinating details about the surrounding flora and fauna. This evening, enjoy a CRUISE on the Zambezi River, which affords you a great opportunity to photograph wildlife and a spectacular Africa sunset. (B)NOTE: During the dry season (September-December) and during particularly dry years, water flow to Victoria Falls may be low.
Day #11 Victoria Falls–Johannesburg–Homebound Flight. Your vacation ends with a flight back to Johannesburg to connect with your homebound flight. Book homebound flights after 5:30 pm. (B)