This tour is escorted by local city guides in each location. The local guides will join you during the included activities and local representatives will assist with transfer arrangements. 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 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
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.
✓ Twice daily game drives in the Greater Kruger National Park
✓ Private touring of Cape Town and Table Mountain
✓ Guided tour of Victoria Falls, and all off train excursions on Rovos Rail
✓ Afternoon high tea at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel overlooking Victoria Falls Bridge and the spray from the Falls below
✓ Sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River with included cocktails and canapes
✓ 8 nights in selected 4 & 5-star accommodation
✓ 3 nights luxury 5-star safari lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park with all-inclusive dining and free-flowing beverages
✓ 3 nights aboard the iconic Rovos Rail with all-inclusive dining and beverages
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
✓ Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
✓ Internal domestic flight from Johannesburg to Kruger, Kruger to Johannesburg, Cape Town to Victoria
✓ Meet & greet on arrival at Johannesburg Airport and shuttle transfer to hotel
✓ Private departure transfer in Victoria Falls
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ 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.
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.
Welcome to South Africa!
Upon arrival into Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), you will be met in the arrivals hall by a local representative who will escort you to your shuttle transfer to your hotel. Even if you arrive a day or two before your tour starts, this service will be included and a local representative will still meet you on arrival into O.R. Tambo International Airport. It is imperative that you locate this representative and receive your Welcome Pack documentation.
Even if you arrive days before your tour commences, the Meet & Greet service will still be arranged for you and will be there to hand over your documentation and escort you to your included transfer.
Located just 500 meters from the airport terminals, the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport hotel offers superb amenities and a warm welcome on the doorstep of Johannesburg’s main airport.
The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before check out and meet your driver in the lobby of the hotel for your short complimentary shuttle transfer to the airport. Board your flight to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) where, on arrival, you will be transferred to your 5-star safari lodge located on a Private Game Reserve inthe Greater Kruger area.
A game-rich area, you can expect to see the Big 5 and more on multiple game drives and guided bush walks. Even from your private deck of your luxury lodge, game may be spotted at the nearby watering hole and along the dry riverbed. You can cool off in the beautiful swimming pool, relax in the spacious lounges and look forward to decadent bush dining in a variety of venues. An excellent wine cellar also provides fine wines to accompany meals.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an afternoon game drive this afternoon (if arriving at the lodge by 3pm).
Enjoy twice-daily game drives across the 15,000 hectare Kapama Game Reserve, home to Africa’s most famous wildlife, the Big Five. Spot llions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and leopards on both game drives and offered bush walks. This reserve doesn’t only offer a chance to get well acquainted with the wild spirit of Africa, it has a selection of luxurious safari lodges that offer decadent African spa treatments, romantic sleep-outs as well as mouth watering cuisine. This safari experience is all encompassing.
Between drives, enjoy sumptuous meals freshly prepared on site from local fresh ingredients as well as a wide selection of local alcoholic and selected premium beverages are all included during your entire stay.
Continue to explore the private reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. Or simply choose to relax and enjoy the lodge facilities such as a dip in the pool or an optional spa treatment (not included).
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before checking out of the lodge for your transfer to Hoedspruit Airport and flight back to O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB).
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your 5-star hotel located in the heart of Johannesburg’s upmarket Sandton area. Connected directly to Sandton Mall, the The Sandton Sun & Towers gives you access to over 300 retail stores and dinning options, all at your doorstep.
This morning you are met and transferred by private vehicle to Park Railway Station (Rovos Rail) in time to board your luxury Pullman Suite. Expect wood-paneled sleeper coaches, remodeled and refurbished to mint condition, with every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Pullman Suites can accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites have a comfortable sofa-seat with a conversion to double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper and lower bunks) for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.
Today, travel across the goldfields of the Witwatersrand and the broad grassland plains of the Highveld. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travelers in the lounge and observation cars.
Enjoy a sumptuous lunch in the dining car, followed by an afternoon tea served in the lounge and observation cars, and end your day with a formal dinner as we head to Klerksdorp. All meals are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. *Note: Formal dress is required for dinner, gentlemen required to wear a jacket and tie.
Enjoy breakfast this morning on board as you watch the moving landscape before you, with time to relax on the train as we continue our journey to Kimberley. After lunch, disembark the train for an included excursion of Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum, known as “the Big Hole”. Capital of the Northern Cape, Kimberley is well known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871. After our tour, we board the train where dinner is served in the main dining car accompanied by the finest of South African wines. *Note: Formal dress is required for dinner
Enjoy another breakfast on board as the train travels through the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. Over millions of years, volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt upon the seabed to form what geologists call the Karoo system. Following lunch there is a chance to disembark the train at Whitehill Siding and walk the 5km into Matjiesfontein. Disembark at Matjiesfontein for an opportunity to stroll through the historic village. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel.
Back on the train, enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge and observation cars before we pass through the first of four tunnels on the pass - the first an incredible 13.5km long! Dinner is served as the train climbs 750m down the escarpment towards Worcester. *Note: Formal dress is required for dinner
Enjoy your last breakfast on board as the train travels through the Hex River Valley and arrives into Cape Town around 10.00am.
On arrival at Cape Town Train Station, you will be met and transferred by private car to your hotel.
Today is at leisure to enjoy all Cape Town has to offer. Utilize the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to the V&A Waterfront to explore the many restaurants, shops and local art installations.
Enjoy breakfast at leisure this morning at the hotel before meeting with your guide as you head off for your private half day city and Table Mountain tour.
Today’s tour will showcase the best of the city of Cape Town, a center that is rich in history and culture and alive with the sights and sounds of a diverse people that call it home. This tour will take you to some of the most celebrated attractions from the Castle of Good Hope to the City Hall, where Nelson Mandela spoke to a crowd of hundreds of thousands after his release from prison earlier that day.
You will also see the cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses of the Bo to Kaap. There is also a trip up Table Mountain, high above the clouds and on the revolving cable car (weather permitting). Table Mountain is an icon in Cape Town and is most likely the most photographed landmark in the country. Named as on the seven wonders of nature, it attracts millions over visitors from all across the globe. At the upper cable station, guests will find a restaurant and a curio shop as well as some footpaths for exploration.
Return to your hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Note: If Table Mountain is closed, tour will travel to Signal Hill instead.
Today is a full day to do as you please. Relax at the hotel, venture out on your own, or choose to join one of the optional tours below.
Explore the majestic scenery off the Cape Peninsula, this full-day tour to take you around the entire Cape Peninsula and show you the wonders of Cape Town - from the pristine beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, amazing views from Chapman's Peak Drive, to the spectacular sight of Cape Point, along with visiting the penguin colony at Boulder Beach and small coastal communities on this most enjoyable route.
Includes: Entrance fees to Boulders Beach (Penguin Colony), Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and return Funicular.
Note: Only one optional tour can be selected for Day 11, as these tours run simultaneously.
Enjoy a full day to the beautiful villages of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek situated in the Cape Winelands region of the Western Cape. The Franschhoek Valley, known as the French Corner of the Cape, is one of the most scenic and charming areas of the Western Cape. Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes settled more than 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their age - old French wine and food culture. This is a valley rich in history centered around a picturesque village of friendly, welcoming people.
Includes: wine tastings at two wineries and third tasting if time permits.
On this optional tour, you may be accompanied by other participants who are not part of your travel group.
Note: Only one optional tour can be selected for Day 11, as these tours run simultaneously.
Today you are transferred to Cape Town Airport for your included flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the town of Victoria Falls.
Please note: Your final flight schedule may have you arrive and/or depart via the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. Additionally, partaking in the Day Tour to Chobe National Park will mean you may transit between Zimbabwe and Zambia multiple times. Please consider this when obtaining your visa (if applicable, please consider the KAZA UNIVISA which allows for multiple entry to these countries)
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before meeting with your guide for your included morning tour of Victoria Falls. Six hundred and fifty million liters of water from the Zambezi River crashes with great aplomb into the chasm below, which is why the locals call Victoria Falls, Mosi oa Tunya, the smoke that thunders. The smoke is the permanent mist which hangs over the falls and the surrounding forest, and the thunder? You will hear for yourself. The force and power of the Falls almost defies belief. We visit the falls from both the Zimbabwe and the Zambian sides, and when it's in full flow, you'll experience the showers from the crushing falls below.
This afternoon, enjoy a high tea at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel at Stanley’s Terrace. Make your own way to the hotel, either a short walk from your hotel or if staying further from town please take your hotels shuttle service into town. On arrival you will be seated and served with old world charm enjoying a selection of freshly made pastries and scones as you take in spectacular views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the spray from the Falls below.
Feel the freedom. And you certainly will, on a 13 minute helicopter flight over Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. The helicopter has the ability to fly lower than a fixed wing aircraft, so you'll have unrivaled opportunities to view the breathtaking Falls... and get those perfect pictures! Your flight path takes you over the seemingly tranquil Zambezi River, and on a journey of discovery along the gorges which zigzag their way to the infamous Batoka Gorge downstream. It's a unique perspective on the Falls, and gives you the perfect overview of the size and magnitude of this astounding Natural Wonder of the World.
Includes: transfers included from your hotel, fuel surcharge, park entrance fee
Today you are free to explore the region on your own. Relax and take advantage of the many facilities of your hotel, or join one of the many activities available to book independently. On the river, there is white-water rafting, great picnic spots and even bungee-jumping. At the national parks on the river, visitors can see the majestic hippos and rhinos. Not to be outdone, the variety of birdlife in Zimbabwe is unparalleled and a bird-watchers paradise.
This afternoon, celebrate your last evening with a spectacular sunset cruise along the mighty Zambezi River. Put your feet up, sip a sundowner as the light gently fades, and let our tranquil wildlife cruise float you along the Zambezi River above the Falls. You'll have the finest vantage point from which to watch hippos, crocodiles and other animals who come down to the river's edge in the early evening to slake their thirst. Enjoy your cocktail and canapes while captivated by the sun's dying rays as they cast a burnt orange glow which shimmers on the river - the perfect ending to a magical trip!
After breakfast you are transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for your included flight back to Johannesburg where your journey comes to an end on arrival at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport.
Please Note: If booking a connection flight at JNB O.R. Tambo Airport on this day, all flights must be booked from 7pm onwards. If your flight departs prior to 7pm, we cannot guarantee your connection from Victoria Falls and recommend booking an additional night accommodation. Post tour accommodation information can be found under “Extra Services” and can be purchased at time of booking.
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
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.
Rovos Rail Details:
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the vintage wood-paneled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration.
Pullman Suites
Onboard suites have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day the suite is set up with a comfortable couch that can be converted into the below sleeping options. Suite approx 7m2
Note: your preferred bedding can be requested but cannot be guaranteed until day of departure
Upgrade to Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suites accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice. Suite approx 10m2
Upgrades available from $1,661per person, twin share ($2,491 for solo)
DELUXE CABIN ONLY departures displaying 'Deluxe Cabins Only' already include the upgrade cost for Twin/double rooms. You do not need to purchase the upgrade option.
Single Travellers choosing the DELUXE CABIN ONLY departures will need to pay an additional $693 surcharge, which will be added to your invoice manually upon booking.
Dining
Meals on board are served in one sitting only in the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. Rovos Rail can cater for food allergies provided a detailed request has been made at time of your reservation however meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation cannot be provided.
Dress
Days on board are smart casual: Neat, informal style combining casual and formal clothing pieces. Evening attire is more formal: For gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits
For more information on the Rovos Rail click Here: https://rovos.com/the-train/
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:
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.
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 own 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.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
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”
Leisurely Paced Tour: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry and is a welcome way to show your appreciation. If you feel that your guide/s and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
The suggested tipping amounts for Africa is AUD$5-7 per person per day for the guide and AUD$3 per person person day for your driver, to be paid in either local currency or USD, so you will need to convert your currency depending on your preference. Please note that this information is to be used as a guideline only and is subject to change based on the recommendations that we receive from our ground operator. Tipping is not compulsory and should be done at your discretion.
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, but we can’t 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 $6,446.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her 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 adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s 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.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
2-16 people
Children
Children must be 12 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
South Africa has 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.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Please note: Only one optional tour may be chosen per day, as they do run at similar times.
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.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 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.
Click HERE for more information on weather in South Africa.
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