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 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.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including unforgettable open vehicle game drives through Kruger National Park, a private guided tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain, Wine Tram ticket to allow you to explore the incredible wineries of Franschhoek and a guided tour of Victoria Falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe
✓ 13 nights in premium 4-star accommodation in prime locations including a luxury tented suite stay with indoor and outdoor showers located within the incredible Kruger National Park
✓ 2 nights aboard the iconic Blue Train with all-inclusive dining and beverages
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
✓ Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
✓ Internal flight from Johannesburg to Kruger, Kruger to Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls to Cape Town
✓ Meet & greet on arrival at Johannesburg Airport
✓ Complimentary arrival and departure airport transfers in Johannesburg
✓ 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.
After breakfast, make your way back to the airport using the hotel’s complimentary shuttle for your included flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, the gateway to the incredible Kruger National Park. Please ensure you check-in at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure.
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your stunning tented lodge located within the Kruger National Park itself, your home for the next three nights.
Mdluli Safari Lodge features accommodation in luxurious safari tents that feature private patios, indoor and outdoor showers as well as direct views over the park. Check into your luxury tented suite where the rest of the day is at leisure before enjoying dinner at the lodge.
Today is dedicated to exploring one of the world’s premier game parks, Kruger National Park on a full day safari adventure.
Accompany your expert naturalist guide on an early morning safari through the Kruger National Park who will endeavour to spoil you with sightings of the “Big Five”, general game and prolific bird life.
Stop for a picnic lunch in the park before we head out again in the afternoon to enjoy another thrilling game drive through the incredible Kruger National Park in search of the "Big Five" and other rare and endangered species.
Return to your tented suite in time to freshen up for another delicious dinner at your lodge.
This morning, head out again for another thrilling game drive through Kruger National Park. Enjoy a half day experience accompanied by your naturalist guide as you traverse the varying landscape in search of the incredible wildlife in hope of spotting the Big Five.
Return to the lodge this afternoon for rest and relaxation followed by dinner at the lodge. Alternatively, you may wish to continue your game experience and join an optional game drive this afternoon.
Continue your game experience and join an optional afternoon safari in an open vehicle through Kruger National Park. You will be accompanied by a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area.
Please note: this game drive runs on a minimum of 2 people.
Today you are transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your included flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel located in the heart of town and a mere eight-minute walk from the famous Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Ilala Lodge is ideally located and it is very easy to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in 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 litres 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, usually from February - May, you'll experience the showers from the crushing falls below.
Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure, or you may wish to join one of the optional tours 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 Victoria Falls hotel, fuel surcharge, park entrance fee
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 hippo, elephants, crocodiles and other animals which come down to the river's edge in the early evening, to slake their thirst. Enjoy your cocktail and snacks (included) while captivated by the sun's dying rays as they cast a burnt orange glow which shimmers on the river.
Start: 3:30pm
End: 6:30pm (pending sunset)
Inclusions: return transport to port, part entrance fees
After breakfast today, you can explore Victoria Falls at leisure, including the town itself which hosts a range of activities from adventure to cultural experiences.
Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional full day tour to Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Take a day trip across the border to Botswana to explore the incredible Chobe National Park. You will be collected for your hotel and transferred to the Kazungula border post where you will meet your Botswana guide. From here, proceed straight to the Chobe River for a morning game cruise. Following the cruise you are then taken to the Chobe Safari Lodge on the banks of the river for lunch. After lunch board safari vehicles for an afternoon game drive in the Chobe National Park with the opportunity to observe an abundance of wildlife. Thereafter you are taken back to the border and arrive back in Victoria Falls at approximately 18:30.
Important: Guests participating on this optional tour must obtain a multi-entry visa for Zimbabwe.
Includes: park fees, game drives, boat cruise, transfers, Kazungula Bridge levy and lunch.
Please note: this game drive runs on a minimum of 2 people.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Cape Town. Voted as the best place in the world to visit by the prestigious New York Times, Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa.
On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the city’s vibrant centre surrounded by some of the best restaurants and eateries that the city has to offer.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we head out on a private half day tour which showcases the best of the city of Cape Town.
Cape Town city centre is rich in history and culture and is 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-Kaap. and then take a trip up Table Mountain, high above the clouds and on the revolving cable car.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this incredible city on your own.
Please note: Table Mountain will be substituted with a visit to Signal Hill should Table Mountain be closed.
Today is spent at leisure, to experience Cape Town at your own pace.
Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional full day tour of Cape Point.
This tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing through the cosmopolitan suburbs of Sea Point and Camps Bay with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table Mountain range. Continue to the fishing village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets, then from here, travel to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora. Here you can see a variety of wildlife that includes baboons, Reebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. The reserve is also one of the world’s largest breeding grounds for tortoises. Birdwatchers, too, will find many fine species to observe. The majestic coastline offers drama worthy of being called Nature's Greatest Show.
Guests will be able to see the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and may even feel the brisk wind that is dubbed the Cape Doctor for its presumed curative powers.
Following the coastline along False Bay, return to Cape Town by way of Simons Town, where you will visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance ticket not included and payable on tour) and Fish Hoek fishing village.
Before your return, stop for afternoon tea and cake and a visit to Rhodes Memorial, situated on the slopes of Table Mountain offering spectacular views across the city.
Depart: 8am
Return: 5pm
Inclusions: shared transport from hotel pick-up to hotel drop off, fully guided tour with English-speaking guide
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before meeting your driver for your transfer to Franschhoek, a town described as South Africa’s food and wine capital and just a short hour’s drive from Cape Town. There are more award winning restaurants in this town than anywhere else in the country. Vineyards over these mountain slopes have been nurtured and grown for over 300 years when the French Huguenots settled here in their escape from persecution. In the village you will find crafts, art and antique shops and galleries and a visit to the Huguenot Memorial is a definite when visiting Franschhoek. For those in search of energetic activities, there are a number of walking trails in the surrounding mountains and you could cycle or horse ride through vineyards.
On arrival, check into your hotel located in the very heart of Franschhoek town where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before a full day exploring the local wineries of the Franschhoek area with your included Franschhoek Wine Tram - Hop On Hop Off ticket.
Make your own way to the Franschhoek Wine Tram depot, just a short walk from your hotel. The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley: picturesque vineyards, breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine, fine wines and a 300 year history.
Aboard the hop-on hop-off tour you will experience a unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as you journey through rolling vineyards in a double-decker tram and open air tram-bus stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates. A combination of tram and tram-bus transports you around a loop of stops allowing you to hop off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll through the vineyards and when they are ready, hop on to continue the tour. This tour takes you right into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of Franschhoek and wine cultivation in the valley and unparalleled views of the valley and Vineyards.
Please note: all experiences at the wineries, tastings and meals are at an additional cost.
After breakfast we transfer back to Cape Town in time to board the iconic Blue Train for your luxurious two night journey to Johannesburg.
Known as one of the world’s most luxurious train journeys, you will be transported back to an era where opulent surroundings and fine dining were commonplace. Indulge in luxury suites with private ensuite facilities and elegant lounges serving freshly prepared meals accompanied by carefully curated wines. This all inclusive train journey will have you seeing South Africa at its very best.
Once on board the Blue Train, your butler will usher you to your suite. As the train pulls out of Cape Town, enjoy a selection of canapes prior to lunch which will be served onboard. Enjoy a leisurely on board experience in the privacy of your suite or in one of the lounge cars sipping on your favourite drink as you watch the ever changing scenery before you.
Tonight, enjoy an a-la-carte dinner with paired wines as your butler prepares your suite for a restful night. Feel free to enjoy post dinner drinks and cognacs in the Club Bar before retiring for the evening.
Please Note: dinner is an elegant affair. Gentlemen are requested 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.
Please note: formal dress is required for dinner.
Enjoy breakfast on board as the train continues its travels enroute to Pretoira. Enjoy a leisurely morning on board before lunch is served then relish your final few hours before arriving into Pretoria Train Station at around 6pm this evening.
On arrival at Pretoria Train Station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel conveniently located at just 500 metres from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport where the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Your adventure ends today after breakfast.
Take the hotel complimentary shuttle back to the airport for your onward departure flight.
We hope you have been inspired by Africa and will return to this great land on another adventure.
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.
Inspiring Sights
Inspiring Tastes
Inspiring Stays
The Blue Train
The Blue Train has been an icon of South Africa for over 70 years and recognised as one of the world’s great rail journeys. Voted Africa’s Leading Luxury Train for 11 consecutive years by the World Travel Awards, this unique experience offers a strong heritage of service and quality.
De Luxe Suites
Your De Luxe Suite offers an elegant and relaxing lounge during the day. At night your butler will transform your cabin into either a twin or double bedded suite equipped with goose-down bedding.
De Luxe Suites are either double or twin bedded cabins (twin beds cannot be converted to double beds and vice versa).
The De Luxe Suites measure 4 by 2 metres and feature:
Luxury Suites
Enhance your journey with an upgrade to a Luxury Suite. The Luxury Suite extends the offering from a De Luxe suite even further; by an extra metre of space. Luxury Suites measure 5 by 2 metres and are twin or double bedded cabins and feature the same inclusions to the De Luxe Suites.
Butlers
Each coach has a Butler whose pleasure it will be to ensure that guests enjoy a memorable experience. Butlers are available 24 hours a day for the duration of the journey.
All-inclusive rates
With the exception of Caviar, French Champagne and external telephone calls, everything else onboard is included in the rate.
Dining
All meals and room-service snacks are included in the rate. Should guests require a snack the butler can be contacted. Lunch and dinner are usually served in two sittings and cater for 42 guests per sitting, while breakfast is served between 07:00 and 10:00 at guests' leisure.
Disability Services
One train set is compatible for disabled persons. Customised wheelchairs on board The Blue Train have been specifically-designed to negotiate the train’s corridors. A Butler will be on-hand to assist guests should they require.
Dress code
In keeping with tradition it is a compulsory custom to dress formal for dinner to match the sheer elegance of The Blue Train. Evening wear is elegant for ladies and gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie. During the day the dress code is smart casual. No shorts and flip-flops are allowed in the Dining Car.
Drinking Water
Bottled water is supplied in the suite. The butler will provide more water on request.
Electricity
The electricity supply on-board is 220 volts. Lights switches are located at the door and the bedside table.
First Aid
Trained first aid personnel are on-board at all times. In the event of an emergency, doctors can be contacted at the various stations en-route.
Laundry
A limited on-board laundry and valet service is available and is included in the rate. Please contact a butler for assistance.
Lounge Car
The Lounge Car is designed as a meeting place for Aperitifs and afternoon High-tea and is a no smoking area. The Club Car is ideal for post-dinner Cognac or hand-made Cuban cigars. The bar opens as soon as the train commences its journey and closes when the last guest departs.
Room Service
Room service is available 24-hours, free of charge.
Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in the Club Car. All suites, the Lounge and Dining Cars are strictly smoke-free zones.
Special Dietary Requirements
Kindly specify any special dietary requirements at the time of booking. The Blue Train is happy to accommodate all culinary requests.
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 categorized as a”3”
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
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. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
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 $4,145.00 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
Minimum: 1
Children
Children must be 6 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
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
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):
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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