The perfect journey to enjoy fine food, excellent wines, good wildlife and the warmest Southern African welcome! This carefully crafted South Africa and Zimbabwe safari holiday offers a seamless blend of vibrant city life in Cape Town, culinary excellence in the Cape Winelands and a world-class Kruger Park luxury lodge safari with some few days in the presence of the largest curtain of falling water on Earth, the majestic Victoria Falls. Take an unforgettable scenic flight over the waterfall and enjoy romantic boat cruises on the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls also offers thrilling activities for more adventurous travellers like micro-lighting, bungee jumping and helicopter flight living up to its name of the ‘Adrenalin Capital of Africa’. Between March and June), the mighty Zambezi River is in full flood and you can experience the waterfall at its most thunderous – a truly mesmerising sensory overload.
Detailed Daily Information
MAUYA! Our Africa adventure safari starts when we touch down at Victoria Falls International Airport and after we have collected our baggage, we will meet our driver-guide at the arrival hall with our name on a signboard, so we must keep our eyes peeled and then we will be escorted and transferred to our hotel in Victoria Falls for check-in.
Later afternoon at 16h20 you will be picked from Lodge and you will enjoy the best of Victoria Falls, on a spectacular Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise with a four-course meal, freshly prepared on-board, and served to you while cruising along the Zambezi River with the melody sounds of birds and wildlife from the African bush providing a background lyrics music, as the light fades over the untouched landscape, and keep your camera close by to capture the incredible view.
NB: The KAZA UniVisa is a single, US$50 visa for tourists from eligible countries, granting access to both Zambia and Zimbabwe for up to 30 days and allowing for day trips into Botswana at the Kazungula border. Available at major border posts and airports, and also online for certain entry points, it simplifies travel within the Kavango Zambezi Trans frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) by eliminating the need for separate visas for these two countries.
Excursions & Visits: Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Zambezi River
Accommodation At: Victoria Falls Oasis or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise and Beverages on-board
Distance and Travel Time: 30 to 45 minutes (20km)
Witness the full power and beauty of Victoria Falls on both sides of the border. Whether you begin in Zambia or Zimbabwe, this guided tour seamlessly connects two distinct perspectives - Zambia’s intimate paths and striking gorges, and Zimbabwe’s sweeping vistas and iconic viewpoints. This dual-nation journey gives you the most complete and compelling way to witness the majesty of the Falls. Guests are recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a waterproof bag for valuables.
The Boma dinner at Victoria Falls is an enchanting culinary experience that tantalizes the senses and celebrates the rich traditions of Zimbabwean culture. As guests enter the open-air Boma, they are greeted with the rhythmic beats of traditional music and the warm glow of crackling fires. The atmosphere is vibrant and inviting, with the scent of grilled meats wafting through the air. Seated around a central fire pit, adorned with tribal artefacts and decor, diners are treated to a feast for both the palate and the soul.
Excursions & Visits: Guided tour the spectacular Victoria Falls both Zambia and Zimbabwe
Accommodation At: Victoria Falls Oasis or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast and Boma Dinner will be provided (lunch own guest account)
Our adventure holiday continues when we touch down at Cape Town International Airport and after collected our baggage, we will meet our driver-guide at the arrival hall with our name on a signboard and then we will be escorted and check-in at Hotel. After check-in at the hotel, we will spend the rest of the remaining day at V&A Waterfront the old-world charm of the historical harbour meets the most modern shopping experience and the gaps in the between are filled with fine dining restaurants and down-to-earth food markets. Enjoy a free evening with dinner at our own expense.
Accommodation At: The Portswood Hotel or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast will be provided (lunch, dinner and drinks own guest account)
After a scrumptious breakfast, we meet our driver-guide and begin the day with an exploration of vibrant Cape Town, wandering through the multicultural Bo-Kaap neighbourhood and proceed for a guided tour of the Cape Peninsula, known for its steep mountains, secluded coves, and pristine beaches. The Cape of Good Hope, within Table Mountain National Park, is home to at least 250 species of birds as well as antelope, ostrich, and baboons. Walk the rugged cliffs, or take the famous Flying Dutchman funicular that climbs uphill to the old lighthouse. Afterward, visit Boulders Beach to see the unique spectacle of penguins waddling freely, and walk through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Excursions & Visits: Cape Peninsula, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Accommodation At: The Portswood Hotel or similarMeal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast will be provided (Lunch, Dinner, and drinks own guest account)
Enjoy a day of leisure in Cape Town, choosing from a variety of optional activities. Hop on a cable car to the summit, taking in extraordinary views of the city and the Atlantic seaboard. Or explore the Cape Winelands, visiting the historical city of Stellenbosch, touring wine estates with expert guides, and indulging in a variety of tastings and pairings.
There is something for everyone in Cape Town. Visit Table Mountain, walk the V&A Waterfront or embark on a wine tour in and around Stellenbosch. For the adventurous, opt to go, abseiling. Wander through the city centre, which has some of the oldest buildings and gardens in South Africa. Check out the Cultural Historical Museum, Planetarium, and many other museums and theatres.
Accommodation At: The Portswood Hotel or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast will be provided (Lunch, Dinner, and drinks own guest account)
After a leisurely Breakfast, we will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport and take a short flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg. In the afternoon, travel to Soweto and learn more about its important history and significant role in bringing the issues of segregation to the forefront. Explore South Africa’s largest township. This guided tour will take you through the vibrant streets of Soweto, giving you the opportunity to meet some of its diverse residents, see the sights, hear the music and even taste a local ‘home-brewed’ beer. Popular stops include the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela used to live.
Excursions & Visits: Soweto Tour
Accommodation At: Davinci Hotel & Suites or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast will be provided (Lunch, Dinner, and drinks own guest account)
Following an early satisfying breakfast at the hotel, our safari continues along the Panorama Route, where the landscape transitions from city life to lush green mountains and valleys. We visit renowned highlights of this famous route, stopping for Three Rondavels, Potholes, Lisbon Falls and God’s Window before we enjoy our delicious lunch in Graskop.
After lunch, we journey back to the days of the gold rush with a visit to the old mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest. Tour museums and historic sites to learn about the quest for gold in this part of South Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Make your way to Alanglade House Museum, the former residence of the mine manager. Walk through rooms that have been furnished with period items from the early 20th century. Visit the Old Cemetery and look for the tombstone that faces in a different direction to all the others. This is the grave of an unnamed robber who was chased out of town after being caught stealing. His body was found a few days later. Just outside of town is Diggings Site Museum, where you can witness gold-panning demonstrations and see machinery from the early mining days.
Excursions & Visits: Visit Panorama Route Attractions
Accommodation At: Sabi River Sun Resort or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, Dinner will be provided (Lunch and drinks own guest account)
Today we embark on an exhilarating full-day Kruger National Park safari in South Africa. Get ready to explore Kruger aboard an open safari vehicle guided by expert rangers. We begin the day early with a serene sunrise coffee and fresh rusks, a beloved South African biscuit dunked in tea or coffee, before setting off on our thrilling Kruger safari adventure. You will receive a breakfast pack to enjoy at a scenic picnic spot within the park, where we stop for breakfast.
We venture into the wilderness with heightened awareness, keeping our eyes peeled for the famed Big 5 of Africa while marvelling at the diverse wildlife and birdlife on our Kruger Park game drive. We may catch glimpses of graceful giraffes among the thorny trees and spot vultures circling over recent animal activity, as we listen for the haunting call of the African Fish Eagle or the powerful roar of a lion echoing through the landscape on our Kruger National Park safari.
At midday we stop for a peaceful lunch break (own expense) at a picturesque picnic spot, surrounded by the untamed beauty of Kruger Park. Relax and absorb the unique ambience of the African bush on your safari in Kruger National Park. We return to the lodge in the late afternoon, with time to unwind and enjoy dinner under the starlit sky sharing stories of the day’s safari adventures around the campfire or in the lodge restaurant.
Excursions & Visits: Full-day Kruger National Park Safari
Accommodation At: Sabi River Sun Resort or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, Dinner will be provided (Lunch and drinks own guest account)
For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature Reserve, searching for Africa's famed Big Five. With over 9,000 hectares (22,240 acres) of supreme African bushveld, Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to many creatures, and our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing.
We use various accommodations within the reserve (the location is based on availability). During your time here, you will either stay in lodge rooms or very comfortable permanent tents (both of equal quality and with similar amenities).
Excursions & Visits: Afternoon Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation At: Shiduli Game Lodge or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner will be provided (drinks own guest account)
Safaris are not a time for lie-ins, so expect an early wake-up call (5:30/6 am, depending on the season)! But fear not; caffeine will be provided as coffee and tea are served before setting off on your morning drive. Again, these drives last about 3 or 4 hours and are followed by a hearty breakfast back at camp. Between breakfast and lunch, the day is yours to use the lodge facilities (swimming pool, gym, spa) as you wish—a perfect chance to relax and switch off.
After lunch, the same routine will repeat itself as the day before: 3:30 pm game drive, sundowners in the bush, and a hearty dinner around the fire. The beauty of a safari, however, is that no game drive is the same, so the only things being repeated are the timings! You can always opt for a bush walk instead of a drive if you’d like to experience something different.
Excursions & Visits: Morning and Afternoon Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation At: Shiduli Game Lodge or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner will be provided (drinks own guest account)
Wake up to the sounds of birds serenading outside your windows as you prepared to embark on our final 3-hour game drive before heading back to Johannesburg. Along the way, we will stop for lunch at your own expense, before arriving at OR Tambo International Airport for our outbound flight to our next destination, cherishing the memories of an unforgettable wildlife and history adventure. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 6:30 PM
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast provided (lunch, Dinner, Drinks own guest account)
DETAILED TOUR INFORMATION
In a Nutshell
– A true African experience (wild and free)
– All detailed inclusive Itinerary with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
Know Before You Go – Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
Trip Preparation – A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver’s license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag colour and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you’ll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhoea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.
Trip Rating & Style – Easy and Moderate and cater to adventure enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences.
Countries visited – South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Activities – Animal Tracking | Cultural Mozaic Experience | Scenic Drive | Game drive
Transportations – transport for most of this safari you will travel in 4×4 jeeps/safari vehicles – see your tour itinerary for details. These may be open-roofed or enclosed. You must not leave the vehicle or lean out through windows without express permission from the guide.
Accommodation Considerations – while we make every effort to stick to the accommodations listed, please note that they serve as guidelines, and adjustments may occur. We recommend obtaining the latest version of the itinerary at least one week before departure to stay informed of any changes.
Tour leaders – a fully qualified driver/guide will run the tour and do both the driving and guiding. The guides have a wealth of knowledge about the places you will be visiting and travelling past, and many travellers note them as one of the highlights of their tour.
Travelling Responsibility – remember you are more than a tourist in this place. You are part of the team of global citizens, embracing diversity and committed to lifelong learning. Stay open to opportunities, contribute where you can, and connect with the many people you meet along the road.
Plan Ahead – now your chance to book any optional activities, chat with the reservation team and get planning
Life on Land – contribute to any initiative that aims to halt biodiversity loss and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems
Experience – we have more than 23 years’ experience touring throughout East and Southern Africa. As such, our itineraries and routes have been perfected over many years ensuring that your tour will run smoothly. We visit the highlights of East and Southern Africa but ensure that you do not follow the well-trodden tourist track. All of us at African Bushwalker Tours have extensive travel experience in Africa, and throughout the world. Being adventure travellers ourselves, we know how to plan trips that give you a broad experience of the countries that you will visit.
Credit Card Payments:
– Credit card payments will attract a 4% handling fee of the value of the transaction.
Based in Africa – probably the most important part of an African Bushwalker Tours is that we are an African company with offices in Tanzania and Zimbabwe. We live in Africa; we travel in Africa and it is our passion for this amazing continent that makes African Bushwalker your best travel option.
Age Policy – on all small group scheduled tours, we accept children 12-17 with accompanying adult and tailor-made tours, we accept children 5 – 17 with accompanying adult. We have no upper age limit. Clients older than 65 years of age at the time of travel require a medical certificate stating the client is fit and healthy to join an adventure travel group tour. We have many clients over 65 years of age, who are perfectly capable of enjoying every aspect of an African Bushwalker tour.
Drugs & Alcohol – please be aware that drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal in most countries in Africa and they could enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession. NEVER carry illegal drugs on your person or on the vehicle during this tour as you would not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group if you are caught in possession. If you are caught in possession of illegal drugs on this tour you will be asked to leave the tour immediately and no refund will be given. Any such inconsideration can lead to the tour being cancelled and innocent people arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to. Aggressive or abusive drunk behaviour will not be tolerated during this tour and if anyone is constantly abusing alcohol and causing trouble we will not hesitate to remove them from the tour and no refund will be given.
Travel Insurance – it is compulsory that every person who travels with African Bushwalker Tours obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.
Visas and Passports – please ensure you have 6 blank pages in your passport in order to accommodate all the visas and stamps, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your tour end date.
Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
What do I need to bring? – comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, headtorch, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, first aid kit, yellow fever vaccination certificate, a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly – a sense of adventure, it is recommended to bring mosquito spray with high mint!
About Drones– Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones.
Suggested Tipping
Gratuities – Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. On some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers and local guides throughout. We recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping.
Please be aware that many locals consider tipping to be a customary part of their compensation, and some may approach you for additional “compensation.” There is no need to feel intimidated by these requests, nor should you feel pressured to tip beyond the suggested amounts. If you become uncomfortable by any behaviour you encounter, please advise your tour manager, or contact our office (numbers are provided in your documents).
Tour Manager/Driver: US $10 per person per day
Note: Tips for hotel porters, wait staff, and for activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists, as well as on safaris. Hotels and restaurants that are frequented mostly by tourists will often add a gratuity to your bill and additional tipping is at your discretion.
BOOKING – To make your booking, please make sure you have the correct names, nationalities and date of birth of all travelers – as per their passport. African Bushwalker Tours will hold an option of 14 days from the time African Bushwalker Tours have confirmed a tour, before the cancellation rules apply. If our service or a tour is booked less than 14 days prior to the service is rendered or the tour commences, cancellation rules will apply immediately. If you need longer time, please let us know. If a tour or hotel is fully booked African Bushwalker Tours will try to offer you an alternative property of a similar standard and location.
PRICES – All prices are based on costs at the time of publication. African Bushwalker Tours reserves the right to change the prices, in reasonable circumstances, at any time before a booking is made. African Bushwalker Tours will confirm price changes, if any, together with our confirmation of your booking.
For trips in Namibia & South Africa rates given in a currency other than respectively NAD (Namibian Dollar) and ZAR (South African Rand) are subject to change in case of substantial variation of the exchange rate. For trips in Kenya & Tanzania rates given in a currency other than in USD (American Dollars) are subject to change in case of substantial variation of the exchange rate.
PAYMENTS – 40% of the total booking value within 14 days of African Bushwalker Tour’s confirmation of the booking. The remaining 60% no later than 60 days from the trip starting date.
CANCELLATION – If the customer cancels a tour up to 61 days prior to departure the deposit will be lost. If cancellation is made within 60-31 days prior to departure, a penalty fee of 65% of the total price of the tour will be levied. For any cancellation made within 30-16 days before departure, a penalty fee of 85% will apply. In the case of cancellations made less than 16 days before the start of the tour we are unable to offer any reimbursement. No refunds will be given by African Bushwalker Tours for no-shows.
The payment of bank fees for bank transfers are the responsibility of the customer and are strictly non-refundable.
The trip may be cancelled with no penalty charge should war, a life-threatening epidemic, or any other natural catastrophe or similar event occur within 14 days prior to departure. This will however be on the condition that your government advises against travelling to the specific area, and that the situation in question has arisen after the booking of the tour was made.
Cancellations must be made in writing and delivered either by hand, post, fax or electronic mail.
In the case of death or serious illness, of the person for whose benefit the tour has been arranged, no cancellation fee will be charged if African Bushwalker Tours is presented with an officially-approved death/sickness certificate.
Price Inclusions/Exclusions
Price Inclusions:
- - Transfers and ground transportation mentioned in the itinerary
- - 10 Nights’ on comfort accommodation and meals as per program
- - Enjoy game drives and activities as per program
- - Entry/admission as per activities as per program
- - Meet & greet services at the Airports
- - Drinking water during safari drives and, on the bus, (Guest will receive a reusable steel water bottle (supporting “TOSCO” – Tourism supporting Conservation)
Price Exclusions
- - Gratuities, Baggage Handling
- - Personal, Medical and Travel Insurance
- - All International and domestic and regional airline tickets and applicable airport fees and taxes
- - Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- - Visa fees if applicable to South Africa and Zimbabwe
- - Extra Entrance fees to tourist attractions, activities or attractions not mentioned in itinerary
- - Extra optional activities while in the game reserves
- - All costs of a personal nature: Telephone calls, bar bills, drinks, room service, laundry, refreshments, snacks, curios, gifts, etc. unless otherwise stated as included in the daily itinerary
- - All levy/fee increases (Conservation, Bed, gate etc...) African Bushwalker Tours reserves the right to pass along these increases from quoted costs if they occurred.
