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12 Day South Africa Safari with Victoria Falls and Chobe River Cruise
Highlights: Cape Town, Sabi Sands, Johannesburg, Livingstone, Chobe
Trip start: Cape Town
Trip end: Johannesburg
Price Range from $6,324 to $8,316 *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

This is an all encompassing trip that takes in all of the highlights of southern Africa. A private guided tour of the top sights Cape Town including the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point, Simon's Town and penguins at Boulders Beach. Nestled between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean which is famous for its beaches, this is a cosmopolitan city with superb cuisine and world class vineyards only an hour's drive away. You'll fly from here to the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve to enjoy the best Big Five game viewing in the country. Located on the north east corner of the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand is unarguably the most renowned game park in South Africa. Enjoy 3 nights, with daily game viewing included. Enjoy daily game drives in open top vehicle for the opportunity of seeing the Big 5. Rounding off this trip are 2 full days up at Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is situated in southern Africa on the Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are, by some measures, the largest waterfall in the world, as well as being among the most unusual in form, and having arguably the most diverse and easily seen wildlife of any major waterfall site. You will enjoy a private guided tours of the falls, as well as a sunset cruise on the Zambezi river. Round off this trip with 2 nights of luxury aboard the Zambezi Queen in Botswana. Included is your flight back to Johannesburg, to connect to your international flight.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Cape Town
  • Cape Town: VIP Meet & Greet and Document Package - Meet & Greet
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Welgelegen (B)
Day 2
Cape Town
  • Private - 1/2 day City & Table Mountain - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Welgelegen (B)
Day 3
Cape Town
  • Private - Cape Point and Peninsula - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Welgelegen (B)
Day 4
Sabi Sands
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Cape Town - Hoedspruit [Hoedspruit via Johannesburg] - Economy
  • Transfer - Hoedspruit - Sabi Sands [Airport Transfer - Northern Sabi Lodges (1.5-3hrs)] - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
  • Sabi Sands: Afternoon Game Drive
  • Dinner (included)
Arathusa Safari Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 5
Sabi Sands
  • Morning Game Drive
  • Lunch (included)
  • Afternoon Game Drive
  • Dinner (included)
Arathusa Safari Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 6
Sabi Sands
  • Morning Game Drive
  • Lunch (included)
  • Afternoon Game Drive
  • Dinner (included)
Arathusa Safari Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 7
Johannesburg
  • Transfer - Sabi Sands - Hoedspruit [Airport Transfer - Northern Sabi Lodges] - Vehicle/Guide
  • Air - Hoedspruit - Johannesburg [Direct (1.5 hr)] - Economy
  • Johannesburg: Transfer - Airport - Car/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice (B)
Day 8
Livingstone
  • Transfer - Airport - Car/Driver
  • Air - Johannesburg - Livingstone [Direct (2 hrs)] - Economy
  • Livingstone: Transfer - Private - Airport - Royal Livingstone/Zambezi Sun
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Shared - African Queen Sunset Cruise - Cruise
  • Dinner (not included)
Zambezi Sun (B,D)
Day 9
Livingstone
  • Private - 1/2 Day Victoria Falls & Shongwe Village Tour - Car/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Optional Activities
  • Dinner (included)
Zambezi Sun (B,D)
Day 10
Chobe
  • Transfer - Livingstone - Chobe [2 hours] - Private
  • Lunch (included)
  • Chobe: Welcome Briefing
  • Shared - Game Viewing - Game Vehicle
  • Dinner (included)
Zambezi Queen (B,L,D)
Day 11
Chobe
  • Zambezi Queen Morning Game Viewing
  • Lunch (included)
  • Zambezi Queen Optional Activities
  • Dinner (included)
Zambezi Queen (B,L,D)
Day 12
Johannesburg
  • Transfer - Shared - Livingstone - Victoria Falls [45 mins] - Shuttle
  • Air - Livingstone - Johannesburg [Direct (2 hrs)] - Economy
Depart (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cape Town

Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Popular day activities include; Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison), Cape Point, Stellenbosch winery tour, diamond buying shops, and great white shark diving.

Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues. You will also receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, top tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc.)

Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

A Dutch colonial allure shades the Welgelegen Guest House, a quaint but sleek city haven. Shielded by leafy canopies and placed in a quiet neighborhood of Cape Town, the hotel offers two Victorian houses with a total of 12 rooms. High quality bath products, dressing gowns and crisp white linen are just few of the pleasant features that make a stay at Welgelegen enjoyable. Meals may be taken in the dining room, or outdoors with Table Mountain as a backdrop. Also visit popular restaurants in the area, which are just in walking distance. Plan a daytrip and visit Cape Point, or the Kirstenbosch Gardens. Otherwise, simply wander around the city of Cape Town.

Overnight at Welgelegen.


Cape Town
Cape Town
Welgelegen
Welgelegen
Day 2 Cape Town

Today you will be met by your guide for an exploration of Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa’s oldest building), lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain which will give you spectacular views over the city and Peninsula (cable car fee is not included as it is weather dependent). On our descent, we stop at the Bo Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses.

Overnight at Welgelegen.


Cape Town
Cape Town
Day 3 Cape Town

Today we embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. We take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. From here we drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as have spectacular views over False Bay. We enjoy lunch near here (not included – own account) before continuing to Simonstown, the naval base, and visiting the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. En route back we stop at the world renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before returning back to your hotel.

Overnight at Welgelegen.


Penguins
Penguins
Day 4 Sabi Sands

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is undoubtedly the most exclusive private game reserve in South Africa. The 65,000-hectare Sabi Sands Game Reserve is located on the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. There are no restricting fences between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands Reserve and the wildlife roams freely between the two game reserves. Some of the best and most exclusive private game lodges in the country are in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the chances of seeing the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) are excellent.

Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

Travel today between Cape  Town and Hoedspruit via Johanneburg. 

Transfer between Hoedspruit Airport and your lodge. This transfer will take approx 1.5 hrs. In rainy season this drive may take longer depending on road conditions in the park.

This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability.

Arathusa Safari Lodge an enchanting lodge which lies within the world renowned Sabi Sand Private Reserve, adjacent to the unfenced Kruger National Park. The camp is an intimate one, completely open-plan and designed to harmoniously blend with the adjacent lake and African bush. Wood and thatch, air and water – an extension of the natural environment. Fabrics are natural, the design simple and elegant. Arathusa has both standard rooms and ultra-luxurious exclusive suitestucked into the untamed African bush. The camp is completely open-plan and flanks a mammoth waterhole which pulses with animal activity. This is the perfect location for the nature enthusiast who seeks an intimate environment and warm hospitality.

Overnight at Arathusa Safari Lodge.


Sabi Sands
Sabi Sands
Sabi
Sabi
Arathusa Safari Lodge
Arathusa Safari Lodge
Day 5 Sabi Sands

Before first light you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your early morning game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge for breakfast. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost depending on availability.

This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability.

Overnight at Arathusa Safari Lodge.


Morning Game Drive
Morning Game Drive
Day 6 Sabi Sands

Before first light you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your early morning game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge for breakfast. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost depending on availability.

This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability.

Overnight at Arathusa Safari Lodge.


Day 7 Johannesburg

Johannesburg or Jo'burg, as the locals call the city of the gold, is the biggest metropolis in South Africa. With its 3.2 million citizens the city on the Witwatersrand is the predominant commercial centre and the economic motor of the Republic of South Africa. It is the international flight gateway for most of southern Africa.

Transfer between Hoedspruit Airport and your lodge.

Take your flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg today. The flight duration is approximately 1 and a half hour.

Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle

The urban, contemporary and edgy Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch is the latest hot-spot in the trendy Melrose Arch Precinct, a unique city within a city, which boasts a new variety of trendy retail & leisure amenities. Following the success and conversations around its predecessor in Cape Town, this contemporary hotel guarantees to spice-up any visit to Jozi and is aimed at the traveller who enjoys being amidst the energetic urban vibe of the cool city life. The hotel is the choice amongst the “forever young” set and offers affordability and value for money mixed with a sense of unique style, unlike anything seen before in this market.

Overnight at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice.


Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Protea Hotel Fire and Ice
Protea Hotel Fire and Ice
Day 8 Livingstone

Victoria Falls, the world's largest falls cascade across a sheer rock face over 1km wide, mere meters away from visitors. The falls form the border between Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Livingstone features fine hotels and a broad array of adrenaline activities from ultra light and helicopter flights, white water rafting, river cruises, bungee, elephant-back safaris, and much more - it is a great spot to visit. Flight connections are limited to Lusaka.

Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle

Take your flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone today. The flight duration is approximately 2 hrs.

Airport transfer with private vehicle.

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Royal Landing to meet the African Queen. She gracefully meanders slowly upstream along the length of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in search of a number of animals and a host of bird species which can be viewed from comfortable chairs on the cool wooden decks. Excellent hot and cold food is served on board and the bar is well stocked with spirits, good wines, beers and soft drinks. All food and drink is included in the price and served throughout the cruise by professional, friendly waiters making the whole experience probably the most luxurious cruise on the Zambezi River. The duration of the cruise is about 2 hours and you can expect to be back at your hotel by 19h00. Children under 12 are half price, and children under 4 are free.

Situated on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, in Livingstone, the Zambezi Sun is a 3 star quality hotel that is conveniently placed a 5 minute walk from the splash of water. The hotel has 212 rooms and a deliberate aged feel as it resembles a grand estate from times past. Dining is splendid, with the option of a pricey buffet or exceptionally fulfilling a la carte restaurant. The landscaped swimming pool and lounging area are definitely relaxing and worth some time, perhaps with a book or good conversation. Many choose to stay at this hotel for its proximity to the Victoria Falls, which are gorgeous and a must-see.

Overnight at Zambezi Sun.


Livingstone
Livingstone
The Zambezi Sun
The Zambezi Sun
Day 9 Livingstone

Victoria Falls are a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor who is prepared to brave the tremendous spray with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls. One special vantage point is across the Knife edge bridge, where visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include the Falls bridge and the Lookout Tree which commands a panoramic view across the Main Falls. Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences of the Falls region. Peak flood season is around March and April and the full power of the falls can be experienced in all its glory. As the floods abate the view of the falls gets better and better through the year, but at its lowest, around November and December the Falls become little rivulets running over the edge and in some places along the 1,7km width no water falls at all.

Later this morning you'll visit the Simonga Village, home to approximately 3000 inhabitants – a mixture of the Lozi and Tonga tribes. The village was founded in 1958 and is situated approximately 20 kilometers from Livingstone Town, along the Kazungula/Sesheke road, which runs parallel to the Zambezi River as it flows down towards the Victoria Falls. This village is quite unique as it one of only three in the entire country of Zambia that is ruled by a Headwoman, Inonge Imusho Samachila, who was chosen by the Royal Family to rule in 1970, following the death of her father, Imusho Samachila. Upon arrival, guests are escorted through the village by a local resident, where they are introduced to the daily activities of an African village. You'll then be taken back to the Royal Livingstone Golf Club for lunch.

Sign up for optional activities at your hotel (not included in tour price); helicopter, ultra-light, Gypsy Moth flights, elephant-back or horseback safari, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, Chobe game park day trip, jet boat, cultural tours, and more.

Overnight at Zambezi Sun.


Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
micro flight Vic Falls
micro flight Vic Falls
Day 10 Chobe

Chobe National Park, in northwest Botswana, has one of the largest game concentrations in Africa continent. By size, this is the third largest park of the country, after the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Gemsbok National Park, and is the most diverse. As one of the largest reserves in Southern Africa, the game at Chobe is varied and plentiful. Most travellers experience the Chobe waterfront in the north west, and the main attraction is the vast herd s of elephant which frequent the river. This is the largest elephant population in the world, with numbers of 45 000 in the immediate Chobe vicinity. This north west corner is also renowned for excellent hippo and Nile crocodile sightings, and large herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest migrating towards Savute are often trailed by prides of lion. Over 450 species of bird have been recorded in the reserve. The Chobe River is the meeting point of the three countries: Botswana, Namibia and Zambia and boasts dramatic skies over the expansive river, with palms dotting the islands that make up the three different countries.

Transfer between Livingstone and Chobe lodges. 

Upon arrival at the Zambezi Queen, board the ship and settle into your cabin. Enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner and a briefing to cover the scheduled activities over the next couple days.

Game viewing in the Chobe National Park with your skilled guide. You'll have a great chance to view the abundant elephant and other big game species up close.

The Zambezi Queen is unique in that it's a sophisticated, elegant experience that has not lost the essence of all that is uniquely African. When looking at the design it is apparent that no expense has been spared in creating a house boat of a world class standard, and this is especially so, when one considers this boat was built on the banks of the Chobe River.

Overnight at Zambezi Queen.


Chobe
Chobe

Zambezi Queen
Zambezi Queen
Day 11 Chobe

After an early morning wake up call (approximately 6am), enjoy breakfast onboard and depart for a morning game viewing activity. Depending on weather, game viewing may be by boat or by 4x4 game vehicle. You will return back to the ship by noon for a hearty lunch onboard while we navigate to the next stop. Expect to arrive around 3pm.

Try your luck out with fishing, maneuvre through the banks of the Chobe River for some more game viewing by boat, or visit a local village and experience some of the Botswanan culture.

Overnight at Zambezi Queen.


Crocodile on Banks of Chobe River
Crocodile on Banks of Chobe River
Fishing on the Chobe River
Fishing on the Chobe River
Day 12 Johannesburg

Scheduled shared shuttle between Livingstone Airport and your Victoria Falls hotel.

Take your flight from Livingstone to Johannesburg today. The flight duration is approximately 2 hrs.

Depart from Johannesburg international airport - End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.