19 Day Ultimate African Safari
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ 18 nights 3 & 4 star hotels, lodge accommodation and safari camps with private facilities
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
✓ Breakfast daily, 9 lunches and 13 dinners
✓ Game drives through Kruger National Park, The Okavango Delta, Chobe & Hwange National Park
✓ Witness the thundering power of Victoria Falls
✓ Internal flights from Kruger National Park to Maun, and Victoria Falls to Johannesburg
✓ Dedicated transport throughout
✓ Independent touring with included game drives in Kruger National Park (days 1-3)
✓ Fully escorted by professional, English-speaking guide through Botswana and Zimbabwe (days 4-17)
✓ Sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary
✓ Option to add Cape Town with 21 Day Ultimate African Safari with Cape Town
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Embark on an unforgettable African safari, exploring diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife. Spot the Big Five in Kruger, glide through the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro, and marvel at the mighty Victoria Falls. Experience thrilling game drives in Chobe and Hwange National Parks, stay in quality lodges and camps while immersing yourself in the wild heart of Africa.
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, make your way to the airport shuttle bay located just outside the terminal behind the Intercontinental Hotel to take the free shuttle bus to your hotel where after check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
This morning at 7am you will be met at the hotel by a local representative and transferred by road to your lodge.
On arrival, you will be greeted by a lodge representative, checked into your room and be given a briefing of your safari program for the next two days.
Maqueda Lodge is a small family owned boutique lodge on the outskirts of the park – so close to the world-famous Kruger National Park that guests frequently hear lions and other animals calling. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the African bush, it is not unusual to see giraffe and zebra roaming about the grounds and it is possible to walk unaccompanied to the Kruger fence line where you may see a variety of animals within Kruger come down to the Crocodile River.
In the afternoon, before the sun sets in the African bushveld, you will meet your expert safari guide in the lodge lobby before heading out into the Kruger National Park. Hopefully you will get to see the great predators like the leopard, cheetah, wild dogs and of course, the mighty lion.
Tonight, enjoy dinner back at your eco lodge.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours (450km)
This morning, we begin our full-day game drive through Kruger National Park with an early start, accompanied by a sumptuous breakfast served during the safari. You’ll visit waterholes and, under the guidance of local experts with extensive knowledge of the park, enjoy another remarkable day in one of the country’s premier national parks.
Transfer from your safari lodge to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in time to board your flight to Maun.
On arrival into Maun International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your lodge. Thamalakane River Lodge is located on the banks of the Thamalakane River outside of Maun en route to the famous Okavango Delta. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available at the Lodge.
Tonight at 6pm, meet your fellow travellers and guide in the hotel lobby to commence the group touring portion of your trip. Your guide will provide a detailed tour briefing and what to expect over the next two weeks.
Special Information
Your flight time today will be approximately 5 hours
This morning after breakfast we head to Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique.
After checking into our safari camp, we enjoy an included dinner before a day of adventure tomorrow.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours (300km)
Today is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. We have the opportunity to stop at a secluded island to take an hour guided walk hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck or other animals living in this water filled paradise.
Return to safari camp for another included dinner to reflect on a great day of safari.
After breakfast we head south travelling via Maun to our camp which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. This large area is renowned for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas.
Note: Accommodation in the Moremi is safari tents with private ensuite (bucket showers). The camp operates on solar power. If you are travelling with a CPAP machine, you must indicate this at the time of booking
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours (400km)
Today, another full day on game drives await. On an open 4x4 vehicle we will explore the Greater Moremi area on both morning and afternoon game drives, including a night drive after dinner in which we hopefully see some rare nocturnal animals.
Today we head into the famous Moremi Game Reserve known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa with an unprecedented concentration of wildlife. The full day is spent in the unspoiled nature of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Today we travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans, leaving the bush behind us. Once a large river fed lake which has now become saline and empty. This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands and forms the Great Makgadikgadi which comprises the largest area of salt pans in the world, covering some 37,000 square km overall. We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours (400km)
This morning we head to the Sowa pan where we can visit Nata Bird Sanctuary, with magnificent views of the pan, which is part of the Great Makgadikgadi Pans (please note a visit to the pans is subject to the road conditions and water levels during the dry season will restrict the number of birds in the area). We continue our journey north to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephants found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours (320km)
First up this morning, we enter Chobe National Park itself for a spectacular game drive. After returning to the lodge for a late breakfast, we enjoy a boat cruise on the Chobe River mid afternoon. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, making for excellent up close photo opportunities.
After breakfast, we depart Botswana and make our way across the border into Zimbabwe and onto our lodge located in a private concession near Hwange National Park, where we will spend the next three nights in this wildlife-rich area. This afternoon you can partake in an optional game drive if time allows.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours (200km)
Over the following two days, we will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives. Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and is home to massive herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffes. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.
Today we enjoy another day of game drives in Hwange National Park. Continue exploring this vast park and its varied topography. Seek out more sightings of your favourite species or perhaps see something new! The bush is always full of surprises.
After breakfast we head back towards Victoria Falls. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours (100km)
After breakfast today, your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls. You will also have the opportunity to explore Victoria Falls at leisure, including the town itself which hosts a range of activities from adventure to cultural experiences. This afternoon, we enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
After breakfast, take the free airport transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.
We hope you have been Inspired by the beauty of Africa.
Pre/post accommodation
Not available
Upgrades
Not available
Airport Transfers
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,250.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available
Payment Information
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Cooling Off Period
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product.
Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.
Terms and conditions
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions
Tour Suitability
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Health & Wellness
All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this tour. Our group tours are designed to immerse you in incredible sights and activities, often involving walking tours and self-exploration. To ensure you can fully embrace every moment, we recommend a moderate level of fitness for all of our tours.
When selecting your tour please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that in the assessment of our Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a tour without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.
Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations
We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.
Open communication helps us ensure your tour is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible.
Information for CPAP Users
If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises, safari trips and camping trips, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs.
Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your trip.
Documentation
Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list.
Child policy
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
South Africa and Namibia have implemented regulations for families travelling into or out of the country with children under the age of 18. Minors are required to have an unabridged birth certificate reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child.
Age Limits
Due to the physical nature of this trip and the remote locations visited, there is an age limit of 80 years. For our guests above the age of 65 years, we require the medical declaration document to be signed by a medical practitioner confirming that the guests are fit (both physically and emotionally) to travel.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here are some helpful links to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook
During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.
We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming tour!
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are included as part of your package. On arrival make your way to the airport shuttle bay located just outside the terminal behind the Intercontinental Hotel to take the free shuttle bus to your hotel.
Welcome Meeting Instructions
On Day 2 you will be greeted by a lodge representative and be given a briefing of your safari programme.
On Day 4 at approximately 6pm you meet your fellow travellers and guide in the hotel lobby to commence the group touring portion of your trip. Your guide will provide a detailed tour briefing and what to expect over the next two weeks.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.
You also have the option to share details in your online feedback after the tour. However, please keep in mind that it's challenging for us to offer practical assistance once the tour is completed. Therefore, notifying us while still travelling allows us the chance to address the issue in real-time and provide a timely resolution.
For general contact details please visit the Contact Us page on our website.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this on arrival during your welcome meeting.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
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