Best of South Africa (with Victoria Falls)

18 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
Connect with the culture of South Africa as you travel from the north to south to encounter the legacy of Mandela and the cosmopolitan spirit of Cape Town. Then, the power and beauty of Africa’s wilderness is revealed as you take in the thrill of Victoria Falls and visit Chobe National Park, Botswana’s home of the elephants.
19% OFF
$6,636
From$5,395
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    Connect with the culture of South Africa as you travel from the north to south to encounter the legacy of Mandela and the cosmopolitan spirit of Cape Town. Then, the power and beauty of Africa’s wilderness is revealed as you take in the thrill of Victoria Falls and visit Chobe National Park, Botswana’s home of the elephants.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityVictoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 40

Trip includes

    • All transport and transfers shown
    • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
    • Cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges, all tried and trusted
    • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
    • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
    • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
    • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
    • Air-conditioned coach or Quantum bus
    • Optional Experiences and free time
    • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
    • Flight from Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Johannesburg

Your seamless South African journey begins with an airport transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport to your hotel. Settle in to the pace of Africa’s most energetic city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

The Maslow

Dinner

Day 2: Journey to the Kruger National Park Area

The golden Highveld gives way to rolling green hills as we travel to South Africa's Lowveld. We admire the iconic sights along Mpumalanga's Panorama Route – the Blyde River Canyon, the heavenly landscapes of God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Before evening fall...

Day 3: Safari in Kruger National Park

Connect with nature and explore South Africa's oldest and most iconic national park in the company of a Local Specialist. Uncover the secrets of the bushveld and keep a look out for the magnificent 'Big 5', the Little 5 and everything in between. See the glistening ye...

Day 4: Onwards to Eswatini Dive Into Culture

Travel to landlocked Eswatini. Dive Into Culture during a visit to a Swazi Chief’s village and gain insights into the community’s way of life, sampling some of the local pap and stew, and admiring their striking crimson traditional dress.

Royal Swazi Spa

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Head to Hluhluwe

We venture to 'garden of province' of KwaZulu-Natal and its northern wilderness. Traversing rolling sugarcane fields and lush valleys, we arrive at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park where there is an opportunity to embark on an optional 4x4 game drive. This evening enjoy a delicious South African braai – a perfect way to end the day.

Anew

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Venture to Durban (Umhlanga Rocks) Stays With Stories

Board an optional morning cruise on Lake St. Lucia and get up close to the hippos, crocodiles and birdlife residing in the estuary. Alternatively, explore the town of St. Lucia. We continue south to Durban for an effortless encounter with this tropical east coast hub,...

Day 7: Make Tracks for the Drakensberg Mountains

Venture through the scenic Valley of 1000 Hills bound for the spectacular escarpment that winds north from the Eastern Cape to Mpumalanga. The Underberg’s vibrant arts and crafts scene and stunning setting provide a beautiful backdrop for a morning drive. You’ll conti...

Day 8: A Day in the Drakensberg

Indulge in the freedom of a day spent exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your terms. Consider joining an optional 4x4 Sani Pass drive, ascending to a heavenly height of 2,876 meters for lunch at Africa’s highest pub in Lesotho, or alternatively relax down here on earth amidst the Drakensberg’s lofty peaks.

Premier Resort Sani Pass

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: On the Road to the Eastern Cape Beaches

From enigmatic mountain landscapes to South Africa’s untamed coastline, we venture through the Eastern Cape and the green hills of the Transkei, dotted with Xhosa kraals and homesteads. Discover the legacy of Nelson Mandela, at his birthplace in Xunu, then enjoy the u...

Day 10: Travel to Gqeberha

Wake to the sound of the ocean and spend time admiring pristine natural surrounds before we begin our journey to Gqeberha. Once a British settlement known as Port Elizabeth, this port city holds the distinction of being South Africa’s friendliest city, which you’ll encounter first-hand as you explore it on your own terms this evening.

Boardwalk

Breakfast

Day 11: On to Tsitsikamma National Park and Knysna Connect with Locals

Walk beneath the tranquil canopy of Tsitsikamma's giant and ancient Yellowwoods, arriving at Storms River Mouth to peer into the depths of the gorge. Connect with locals during a Be My Guest experience in Knysna, where you’ll learn a few key Xhosa phrases and gain ins...

Day 12: Knysna Your Way

You’ll have a free day to explore the jewel of the Garden Route. Start your day with a leisurely coffee in the Knysna Quays overlooking the lagoon, then consider an Optional Experience to Featherbed Nature Reserve including a drive through the reserve to the top of the lagoon’s Western Head.

Knysna Hollow Country Estate

Breakfast

Day 13: Continue to Cape Town

Leave the Garden Route behind bound for the Mother City. You’ll wind your way through vibrant coastal towns and the Cape Winelands before arriving in Cape Town later this afternoon. Head straight to the most iconic site in the city and visit Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting).

Southern Sun The Cullinan

Breakfast

Day 14: Cape Town Your Way

Capture the cosmopolitan energy of South Africa’s Mother City. Spend the day exploring its streets and squares in search of a tucked-away restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences to tour around the scenic Cape Peninsula...

Day 15: Welcome to Victoria Falls

Welcome to Zimbabwe! Meet your Trafalgar representative on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Buckle up for an exhilarating small group encounter with Victoria Falls, an untamed natural wonder that has captured the imagination of exp...

Day 16: Discover Majestic Victoria Falls

Join a Local Specialist on a guided tour of the world's largest waterfall. Admire the powerful curtain of water from various vantage points in Zimbabwe – feel the fine spray and hear the thunderous roar as water crashes over a hundred meters into a swirling mass in th...

Day 17: Explore Botswana's Chobe National Park

Cross the Botswana border for a day-trip into Chobe National Park, where large herds of African elephant roam. Board your Chobe River cruise, watching herds of elephant and buffalo come to the edge of the river to drink. See the flash of a kingfisher hovering over the...

Day 18: Farewell Victoria Falls

We bid farewell to the 'Smoke that Thunders' and return to Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls Airport for your onward journey.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,395
Price per day$300
Last Updated: 12/20/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
01 Mar 2025
15 Mar 2025
$5,750
$6,770
available
15 Mar 2025
01 Apr 2025
$8,538
$9,768
available
05 Apr 2025
22 Apr 2025
$8,338
$9,648
closed
19 Apr 2025
06 May 2025
$8,338
$9,648
closed
10 May 2025
27 May 2025
$8,338
$9,648
available
24 May 2025
10 Jun 2025
$8,083
$9,313
available
07 Jun 2025
24 Jun 2025
$8,338
$9,648
available
21 Jun 2025
08 Jul 2025
$8,338
$9,648
available
05 Jul 2025
22 Jul 2025
$8,338
$9,648
available
19 Jul 2025
05 Aug 2025
$8,338
$9,648
closed

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

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Trusted Customer

Dec 2024

Written on

German Christmas Markets

Good variety of different cities and experiences at each.

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Dec 2024

Written on

Anonymous

the hotels were great. the meet and greet on the first day was not good. the city tour was at night so we could not see the landmarks that were pointed out. the d...

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Tour Operator

Trafalgar

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

Why we love this operator
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
What they’re known for
Tours and experiences that include everything from the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals, guided by expert travel directors.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • The Maslow
  • Sabi River Sun Resort
  • Royal Swazi Spa
  • Anew
  • The Oyster Box
  • Premier Resort Sani Pass
  • Crawfords Beach Lodge
  • Boardwalk
  • Knysna Hollow Country Estate
  • Southern Sun The Cullinan
  • Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 11 Dinner (D)
  • 17 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
trafalgar-AFSVN20

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