20 Day Stunning Africa & Chobe Cruise
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.
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.
River cruises are a relaxed, informal way to travel - there are fewer passengers on board compared to an ocean cruise, which means ample opportunity to make lifelong friends. You will pass through the world's most loved cities and towns; disembark and enjoy a shore excursion or two, or simply wander around and explore on your own.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ All internal Africa airfares
✓ All airport and port transfers
✓ 15 nights in 4-star hotel and lodge accommodation
✓ 2 nights cruising onboard the Chobe Princess, including all meals and activities
✓ Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
✓ Game drives in both Kruger and Chobe National Park
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary, including the stunning glory of Victoria Falls, thrilling game drives through Kruger and tender boat safaris along the Chobe River, Table Mountain in Cape Town
✓ Partially escorted - English-speaking guides for safaris and sightseeing activities as per the itinerary
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Prepare to be inspired. Depart today for your deluxe African safari adventure.
Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival in Johannesburg, make your way to the shuttle collection point (approximately 40 metres from the airport exit). You’ll be transferred to your hotel and the rest of the day is free.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally 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.
Enjoy an orientation of the city of Johannesburg with a special visit to Soweto where you’ll get to see the Hector Pieterson Museum. Hector Peterson has become an iconic image of the Sharpeville Massacre, due to a photograph published across the globe. Today, June 16 is the National Youth Day to honor Hector Peterson and the then-young people who fought against Apartheid rule. A memorial dedicated to one of the fallen heroes is not be missed!
Starts: approx: Operates either morning or afternoon. To be confirmed on tour by your Tour Guide.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast, you’ll take the shuttle service from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, the major waterfall on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your luxury lodge.
This evening, you’ll be picked up for a delicious, authentic African boma dinner.
At over one kilometre wide and over 100 metres high, Victoria Falls is the largest curtain of water in the world. The locals call it Mosi-ao-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders”. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring to witness the thundering power of the waters.
On your guided tour this morning, you’ll discover how these mighty falls were formed and the local customs and traditions around them. The tour ends with a visit to the local arts and crafts centre.
Enjoy lunch at the iconic Lookout Restaurant.
At ground level you can feel the enormous power of the Victoria Falls as tremendous volumes of water pound into the chasm below. But it is only when you take to the air that you can take in the enormity of this mighty spectacle. This 13-15-minute flight soars over the Victoria Falls, continuing downstream over the Batoka Gorges.
Starts: approx: 1pm
Duration: approx: 13-15 minutes
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast, you’ll cross the border into Botswana to arrive at Kansane, a drive of about one and a half hours.
You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to port to embark on an intimate river safari experience. As you glide along the banks of the Chobe River within Chobe National Park, you’ll have the perfect vantage point to spot wild animals and savour the views. The park is home to Africa’s largest elephant population, with about 120 000 of these majestic creatures living around here.
You’ll have an early lunch and a brief introduction to the ship. In the evening, pre-dinner drinks and a three-course dinner will round out the day.
Please note: All meals, soft drinks, coffee and tea, local beer and wine are included on your cruise.
The morning is free for you to relax in these tranquil surrounds. Set out on a tender boat with an experienced guide, getting close to the spectacular wildlife and birdlife. Adventurous types might try their hand at tiger fishing.
Enjoy a buffet lunch and take in the wonders of the beautiful Chobe River.
After an early breakfast, you’ll disembark and head to Kasane Airport for your flight to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa.
The park boasts nearly two million hectares of unfenced African wilderness and delivers an exceptional safari experience. Hundreds of mammals make their home here, as do diverse bird species such as vultures, eagles and storks. Kruger is one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five in one fell swoop.
You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your lodge, where the afternoon is at leisure before a sumptuous three-course dinner.
The early start is worth it this morning, for a chance to spot the illustrious Big Five game animals on your game drive. We’ll see the animals at the start of their day – when they are hungry and most active.
You’ll get up close to these thrilling animals in a specialised safari vehicle, led by an expert guide. The game drive takes approximately six to eight hours.
It’s a free day for you to relax and explore one of the largest game reserves in Africa.
Known for its wilderness reserves and colourful festivals, this landlocked monarchy is an incredible cultural experience and a must-see on any South Africa itinerary. After an early breakfast, we'll visit a Swazi Village to gain insight into the local culture and traditions. The tour includes a typical Swazi lunch, plus dancing and an opportunity to interact with the local community.
Starts: approx: 7am (return between 3pm-5pm)
Duration: approx: 8-10 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
You’ll set out for your final game drive in the park early this morning. This will give you an opportunity to see animals you may have missed previously.
It’s a free day for you to relax and explore one of the largest game reserves in Africa.
Rise early for one of the most scenic tours in South Africa. You will explore the northeastern escarpment of the Drakensberg, a breathtaking natural structure enclosing the central Southern African plateau. Your tour includes a visit to the stunning Blyde River Canyon, the aptly named God’s Window and the spectacular geological phenomenon, the Bourkes Potholes.
Starts: approx: 7am (return between 3pm-5pm)
Duration: approx: 8-10 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Cape Town, where you’ll be met on arrival.
You’ll be transferred to your hotel and the rest of the day is free.
Fondly known as the Mother City, Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa. Along with natural gems like the stunning Table Mountain National Park, you’ll find plenty of excitement elsewhere, with pristine beaches, a buzzing art scene and world-class dining. Relax at your hotel or venture out – perhaps a spot of shopping at the city's renowned shopping destination, V&A Waterfront.
We’ll start the day with a short tour of Afrogem, one of the leading jewellery manufacturers in South Africa. Experience firsthand how smelted gold is transformed and watch the craftsman set gems and semi-precious stones.
Afterwards, take a trip on the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, high above the clouds, for exquisite views of Cape Town. Table Mountain is a Cape Town icon and likely the most photographed landmark in the country. It's no wonder more than 22 million people have taken this trip on the aerial cableway.
When you are ready, make your own way back to the hotel – the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore further.
You’ll visit Robben Island today. The hotel will provide free shuttle services for drop-off at the V&A Waterfront where your tour departs.
This famous – or infamous, rather – island served as a holding place for the imprisoned Nelson Mandela. Mandela served 18 of his 27 years in prison here, but Robben Island has also housed a hospital, mental institution, leper colony and military base during its long history. Now, it’s a World Heritage Site and a museum to explore.
Upon completion of the tour, you’ll take an approximately 10 minute taxi ride back to your hotel.
After an early breakfast, set out for a full day tour of the magnificent Cape Peninsula.
We’ll head to Cape Point at the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula, with the most spectacular views. The Cape Point Nature Reserve comprises thousands of acres of indigenous flora and fauna. Here you can see wildlife like baboons, rhebok, Cape mountain zebra and the elusive eland.
We’ll visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance not included). Home to an endangered land-based colony of African penguins, you can see these unique animals in their natural habitat. Walk between the three pristine and sheltered beaches on boardwalks – to protect the penguin nests – which link to the penguin-viewing area.
The last stop is at Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens, on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, for a short walking tour of these beautiful gardens.
Enjoy a half day city tour of Cape Town today. You’ll see a number of the Cape’s top attractions, from the imposing Castle of Good Hope to the colourful cottages of the Bo-Kaap, the bustling Greenmarket Square, the South African Museum, the beautiful Company’s Gardens and plenty more.
With an experienced and knowledgeable guide, and from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, you will be able to learn more about the Cape Town CBD and its surrounds, in a city tour that is sure to leave you with plenty of memories and photographs of this part of the Cape.
After breakfast, you’ll be taken to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. You’ll be met on arrival and taken to Sun City, a premium resort destination. It’s the perfect place to unwind.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax.
The day is yours in Sun City. This popular tourist destination has something for everyone – shopping, dining, golf, sun and surf, vibrant nightlife and a glitzy casino complex.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your African adventure comes to an end. After checking out of your hotel, you’ll be transferred to Johannesburg International Airport for your flight home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Included Cabin Type - Deluxe Cabin
For further information on your intimate river safari experience onboard Chobe Princesses, please click HERE.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $3,000 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares and transfers. Please note that NO internal flights are included if choosing this option.
To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post-tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport shuttle transfers
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability. Alternatively, you may purchase 1 pre or post-night accommodation + transfers, at time of booking.
To enhance your journey, we're offering guests a choice of the following optional activities:
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “2”.
2 – Easy Tour: An average level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour. There is a considerable amount of free time throughout the itinerary, though some sightseeing may be conducted on uneven terrain, including some incline and walking over short distances. For Safari tours, you will be required to get on and off vehicles with minimal assistance.
Tipping
To remove the uncertainty and stress of not knowing how much is appropriate to tip we recommend AUD$5-7 per person per day for your guide and AUD$3-4 per person per day for your driver to be paid in local currency or USD. The amount you wish to contribute is dependent on the services received and at the complete discretion of the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $3,699 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the customer’s responsibility to become familiar with the visa requirements for their intended destination and to ensure they have the appropriate visa documentation, whether obtained before departure or on arrival.
It is also the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from your intended date of return.
Inspiring Vacations is not responsible for delays or missed portions of the holiday package resulting from incorrect travel documents or visas, or for denial of entry for not having the appropriate visa or valid passport.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Independent touring - a minimum of 2 people
Trip Style - Partially Escorted
A section of this trip runs as a group tour, where you will be joined by up to 40 guests and escorted by an expert tour leader. Another section runs as a self-guided tour and you will travel between destinations on your own, with inclusions and free time to enjoy at your own pace. You’ll have access to a 24/7 local number to contact in case you need any assistance.
Children
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.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Click HERE for more information on the weather in Southern Africa.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 120 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 120 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 120 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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