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.
✓ Small group safari experiences, up to 14 guests only
✓ Thrilling game drives through Hwange, Chobe, Moremi, Okavango Delta & South Africa’s Kruger
✓ Witness the thundering power of Victoria Falls
✓ Enjoy the scenery and metropolitan life of Cape Town
✓ 20 nights boutique 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
✓ Internal flights from Kruger National Park to Maun, and Victoria Falls to Cape Town with airport transfers
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transport throughout
✓ Guided game drives of Kruger National Park
✓ Independent touring with included game drives in Kruger National Park (days 1-3 and 18-21)
✓ Fully escorted by professional, English-speaking guide through Botswana and Zimbabwe (days 4-17)
✓ 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.
This itinerary offers unforgettable wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. From thrilling safaris in Kruger and Moremi to the serene Okavango Delta and iconic Victoria Falls, every moment is extraordinary. Conclude your journey in Cape Town, a city of majestic mountains, golden beaches, and vibrant culture.
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 it is time to leave Victoria Falls. You will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Cape Town. On arrival in Cape Town a local representative awaits you and will escort you to your hotel for the next 3 nights.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax, shop or explore this dynamic city on your own.
Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional half day Cape Town City tour.
Enjoy a half day city tour that will include a number of Cape Towns top attractions, from the Castle of Good Hope to the colourful cottages of the Bo Kaap, the bustling Green Market Square, the South Africa Museum and the beautiful Company Gardens. Enjoy the tour with an experienced guide, 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.
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Start Time: 8:00am
End Time: 12:30pm
Includes: Entrance fee to South Africa Museum
Excludes: Cable car to Tabel Mountain
On this optional tour, you may be accompanied by other participants who are not part of your travel group.
Today you have time at leisure to continue discovering Cape Town, or you can book one of our full day excursions to either the Cape Town Peninsular, or Winelands.
Special Information
Both optional tours on Day 20 are scheduled to run simultaneously. If you choose to participate, kindly select only one
Experience the beauty of the Cape Peninsula on this full-day tour, starting with the iconic beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, where pristine sands and sparkling waters await. Explore the charming fishing village of Hout Bay, with fresh seafood, a vibrant market. There may be an options to take a boat trip to Seal Island to see its playful seal population (seasonal and not included - to be paid locally). Enjoy the breathtaking drive along Chapman’s Peak, renowned for its sweeping ocean views and scenic stops.
Visit the rugged beauty of Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, a haven for unique wildlife and historic landmarks. Meet the penguins at Boulders Beach and discover the naval heritage of Simon’s Town before passing through the quirky shops of Kalk Bay and the colorful surf scene of Muizenberg. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural highlights.
Please note, to visit and interact with the penguins there is a small conservation fee of R 215 for adults and R 105 for children paid locally
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Start Time: 7:30am
End Time: 6:00pm
Includes: Entrance fee to Cape Point Nature Reserve, Lunch
Excludes: Optional visit fees (Penguin Colony and Seal Island)
On this optional tour, you may be accompanied by other participants who are not part of your travel group.
Attention wine lovers! Tantalise your taste buds and brush up on your wine knowledge on our Full Day Winelands Tour. Enjoy three wine tastings at award-winning wine farms, accompanied by a cheese assortment and cellar tour, an exciting ride on the Franschhoek tram, and a visit to the Drankenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela spent the last part of his captivity
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Start Time: 8:00am
End Time: 5:30pm
Includes: Entrance fees, Three wine tastings, One Cheese tasting, Cellar Tour
Excludes: Lunch
On this optional tour, you may be accompanied by other participants who are not part of your travel group.
Today your African journey comes to an end. At the appropriate time you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight.
We hope you have been Inspired by the beauty of Africa.
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.
It is the traveler'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.
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.
Travelling in Africa
Travelling by road in Africa can include some long travel days. Road quality can vary from comfortable sealed roads to rough & bumpy dirt roads. Distances covered can be in excess of 300 km (180 miles) per day or more than 6 hours journey time, subject to the road conditions.
Luggage
Due to limited storage capacity of your safari vehicle, we ask that luggage is kept to a manageable amount in a small soft bag – 15kg (33 pounds) max. Hard suitcases are not suitable. It is also recommended to bring a day pack for use throughout the day.
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 ”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.
For our guests are 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.
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 $1,950.00 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: 4
Maximum: 14
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:
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):
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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