Highlights of South Africa with Victoria Falls

Highlights of South Africa with Victoria Falls

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12 Days From

$4954

$4578

Highlights of South Africa with Victoria Falls

12 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa

Visiting: Cape Town, Hoedspruit, Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

3857-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours, Small Group

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $4954 $4578 Operator discount: -$376

NB: Prices correct on 24-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Highlights of South Africa with Victoria Falls" tour, exploring the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife of South Africa and Zimbabwe. Begin your journey in Cape Town, where you'll ascend Table Mountain, visit Boulders Beach's penguin colony, and marvel at the Cape of Good Hope. Experience thrilling game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve, home to the "Big 5" and more. Discover Johannesburg's vibrant history with visits to Soweto and Mandela House. Conclude your trip with the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, enjoying a Zambezi River cruise and guided walks. This tour promises breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and cultural insights, all while staying in comfortable, well-appointed accommodations.

Highlights

  • Cable-car ride up Table Mountain for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands

  • Visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African Penguins

  • Explore Cape Point Nature Reserve with stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point

  • Game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve to see the "Big 5" and other wildlife

  • Visit to Soweto, including Mandela House and the Apartheid Museum

  • Cruise on the Zambezi River with opportunities to photograph wildlife and a spectacular African sunset

  • Guided walk at Victoria Falls to learn about its history and surrounding flora and fauna

  • Optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls or a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana

Places You'll See

Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens

Shiduli Private Game Lodge

Garden Court Sandton City

Elephant Hills Resort

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Cape Town,South Africa

Ilse Wiespointner

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens

Welcome to Africa! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2 : Cape Town

Abd Abo naser

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing, starting with a cable-car ride up Table Mountain for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands. Next, visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African Penguins, known for their unique sound. After free time for lunch, continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Here, take a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. On your return journey back to Cape Town, skirt the rocky coastline as you ascend Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Day 3 : Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, take an optional excursion to the stunning Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (June-October). Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day.

Day 4 : Johannesburg,Hoedspruit,Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Location: Hoedspruit

Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, overlooking the majestic Drakensburg Mountains. This area, near Kruger National Park, is famous for its abundance of wildlife, including the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. After lunch, embark on your first exciting game drive. Stop for a sundowner in the bush before returning to your lodge for dinner.

Day 5 : Karongwe

Location: Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your skilled tracker and professional Ranger work together as a team during your early morning game drive, so you can learn more about the ecosystem as you view wildlife up close. Beyond the “Big 5,” you’ll have the chance to see kudu, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more! Return for breakfast mid-morning, followed by time to relax and enjoy the lodge and its surroundings. In the mid-afternoon, tea will be served prior to your afternoon game drive. Step out of your safari vehicle for a sundowner drink and watch as the sun sets over the Drakensberg Mountains. Return to your lodge in time to freshen up for dinner.

Day 6 : Karongwe

Location: Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for coffee and tea before your morning game drive. If the timing is right, you might spot some of the big cats after a night of hunting. Spend time at leisure in the middle of the day. Perhaps take a swim in the pool, visit the wellness center for one of its many spa treatments, or simply sit back and watch the animals. Your afternoon game drive concludes with a sundowner drink as the sun sets over the bushveld!

Day 7 : Karongwe,Hoedspruit,Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg

Accommodation Name: Garden Court Sandton City

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy one last game drive this morning before transferring to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 8 : Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg

Accommodation Name: Garden Court Sandton City

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s sightseeing starts with a visit to Soweto (South Western Township), the largest township in the country. Along the way, see the neighborhood that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Visit Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to around 1960, when he was forced underground to elude arrest. After lunch, visit the Museum to learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid era. Using photos, video, and print, the museum takes you on an extraordinary journey through the apartheid years to the 1994 democratic elections that named Nelson Mandela president.

Day 9 : Johannesburg,Victoria Falls,Zimbabwe

Location: Victoria Falls

Accommodation Name: Elephant Hills Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, leave South Africa and fly north to Zimbabwe. Later this afternoon, a cruise on the Zambezi River affords you a wonderful opportunity to photograph wildlife and a spectacular African sunset!

Day 10 : Victoria Falls

Location: Victoria Falls

Accommodation Name: Elephant Hills Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, visit mighty Victoria Falls for an awe-inspiring experience. Enjoy a guided walk, where you will learn the history of the falls and hear fascinating details about the surrounding flora and fauna. Afterwards, enjoy free time for independent exploration.

Day 11 : Victoria Falls

Location: Victoria Falls

Accommodation Name: Elephant Hills Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps take a helicopter flight over the falls or a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana.

Day 12 : Victoria Falls,Johannesburg

Location: Victoria Falls

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your tour ends with a flight back to Johannesburg. Schedule departing flights after 7:30 pm.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens, Shiduli Private Game Lodge, Garden Court Sandton City, and Elephant Hills Resort.

  • Meals

    11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.

  • Sightseeing

    Full day of sightseeing in Cape Town including a cable-car ride up Table Mountain, visit to Boulders Beach, and Cape Point Nature Reserve.

  • Game Drives

    Multiple game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve with opportunities to see the 'Big 5' and other wildlife.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided walk at Victoria Falls and visit to Mandela House in Soweto.

  • Zambezi River Cruise

    A cruise on the Zambezi River with opportunities to photograph wildlife and a spectacular African sunset.

  • Small Group

    Each tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure, ensuring a more personalized experience.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls or a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International flights to and from South Africa are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees for entry into South Africa and Zimbabwe are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Small Group

Each Cosmos Africa safari tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Safari Guide/Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery African safari vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Cape Floral Region Protected Areas|Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls

Meals

11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners

Notes

All game viewing is done at your own risk. We will require a signed liability waiver prior to travel.

Table Mountain cableway annual maintenance – For approximately one month each year, typically from late July to late August, the cableway is closed for annual maintenance and Table Mountain cannot be visited. In these instances, a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included.

Accommodation

SunSquare Cape Town Gardens offers a contemporary hideaway with 136 well-appointed rooms, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a gym, and an outdoor pool. Shiduli Private Game Lodge features a lush garden, lounges with Internet, a bar, a pool, and thatched dining areas. Garden Court Sandton City provides an urban design, outdoor pool, and bar. Elephant Hills Resort boasts modern rooms with private balconies and African ambience.

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes flights to Hoedspruit and Victoria Falls, as well as transfers to and from airports and game reserves. Enjoy game drives in safari vehicles and a cruise on the Zambezi River.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve?

    During the game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including the 'Big 5'—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Additionally, you may also spot kudu, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more.

  • What activities are included during the stay in Cape Town?

    In Cape Town, activities include a cable-car ride up Table Mountain for stunning views, a visit to Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African Penguins, and a trip to Cape Point Nature Reserve with stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. You will also take a funicular ride to the old lighthouse and drive along Chapman's Peak Drive.

  • What can I do during the leisure day in Cape Town?

    During the leisure day in Cape Town, you can explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, take an optional excursion to the Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (June-October). Your Tour Director will also have suggestions to help you make the most of your day.

  • What is the accommodation like in Cape Town?

    In Cape Town, you will stay at the SunSquare Cape Town Gardens hotel, which is situated in the lush suburb of Gardens. The hotel offers contemporary amenities including air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a gym, and an inviting outdoor pool.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Victoria Falls?

    During the visit to Victoria Falls, you will enjoy a guided walk where you will learn about the history of the falls and the surrounding flora and fauna. You will also have free time for independent exploration.

  • What are the options for the leisure day in Victoria Falls?

    On the leisure day in Victoria Falls, you can take a helicopter flight over the falls or opt for a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana.

  • What is included in the Johannesburg sightseeing tour?

    The Johannesburg sightseeing tour includes a visit to Soweto, the largest township in the country, and a visit to Mandela House where Nelson Mandela lived. After lunch, you will visit a museum to learn about the founding of South Africa and the apartheid era.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided at the Shiduli Private Game Lodge?

    The Shiduli Private Game Lodge, located near the Karongwe Game Reserve, offers a relaxed ambience with a lush indigenous garden, lounges with Internet facilities, a bar, a huge sparkling pool, and thatched dining areas decorated with original South African art.

  • What is the experience like on the Zambezi River cruise?

    The Zambezi River cruise offers a wonderful opportunity to photograph wildlife and enjoy a spectacular African sunset.

  • What should I know about the Table Mountain cableway maintenance?

    The Table Mountain cableway undergoes annual maintenance for approximately one month each year, typically from late July to late August. During this period, the cableway is closed and Table Mountain cannot be visited. In such instances, a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

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Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

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Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

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Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

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  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

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