Highlights of Southern Africa

The perfect introduction to the varied landscape of Southern Africa, this tour combines history and architecture with wildlife and natural wonders. Explore Cape Town and the stunning scenery of the Winelands, seek out the Big Five at Kruger National Park and be awestruck by Victoria Falls. Highlights of Southern Africa offers both standard (three star) and superior (four star) accommodation options to suit your budget.

Tour overview
•   Discover Cape Town's main attractions on a city tour
•   Ascend by cable car to the summit of Table Mountain (weather permitting)
•   Time at leisure in Cape Town to explore the waterfront
•   See the sights on a Cape Peninsula tour and visit the penguins at Boulders Beach
•   Wine tasting and cellar tour in the Winelands
•   Game drive in the renowned Kruger National Park, with abundant wildlife viewing
•   Tour of the aptly-named Panorama Route with its unusual landscape
•   City tour of Pretoria
•   Fly from Johannesburg to Livingstone, Zambia
•   Time at leisure in Livingstone to browse craft markets or visit museums
•   Experience the amazing natural wonder of Victoria Falls
•   Optional flight over the Falls
Extend your stay - by 2 nights
•    Cross over into Botswana for two days game viewing in Chobe National Park

Guide

ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR
Highlights of Southern Africa tour is escorted by an English speaking guide in South Africa (Day 2 to Day 10). In Zambia (Day 10 to Day 12), assistance is provided by local representatives. Groups will be a maximum of 13 passengers. Extensions are not escorted but assistance is provided by our local representatives.

MEAL PLAN
• Breakfast throughout, plus dinner on days 2 and 11. Extension to Chobe includes breakfast throughout, one lunch and two dinners.
ACCOMMODATION
• Three or four star accommodation as detailed below. Alternatives to those listed may be used on occasion according to local availability.
GRATUITIES
• Small amounts are often recommended for services such as porterage. We recommend tipping your guide at the end of your tour.
TRAVEL TIPS
• Sun cream, a wide brimmed hat and a camera are essential. Don’t wear bright colours or white on safari – muted browns and greens are best.

GROUP SIZE
• Maximum 13 passengers.
MINIMUM NUMBERS
• This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers.
NB
• Minimum age 12 years. → Passports are required for entry into Zambia (passport holders requiring visas must arrange this prior to arrival). Zambia and Botswana only accept visa payments in cash – no credit card facilities are available at border entry points, including airports. → Travellers cheques are not accepted as payment in Zambia. → ZAWA park levy of US$10 per person payable on arrival for guests staying at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge (subject to change).

DAY 1 - LONDON-CAPE TOWN → Depart from Heathrow on an overnight South African Airways flight to Cape Town.

DAY 2 - CAPE TOWN → On arrival in Cape Town you are met by a Kuoni representative. Transfer to your chosen hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure before enjoying a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Choose from the Holiday Inn Express (standard option) or the Strand Tower Hotel (superior option).

DAY 3 - CAPE TOWN → Ascend by cable car to the summit of the towering Table Mountain (weather permitting) to discover stunning views of the city and Atlantic Coast through the ‘table cloth’ clouds. On the flat top of the mountain lies the unique ecosystem of Table Mountain National Park, a World Heritage Site with an estimated 2,200 species of plants. On your return, take a city tour encompassing a visit to the Castle of Good Hope – the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa, and a scenic drive past the Parliament Buildings and City Hall. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps shopping or dining at the famous V&A Waterfront.

DAY 4 - CAPE TOWN → Explore the popular Cape Peninsula on a full day tour. Absorb the pleasant beach views of Clifton and Camps Bay en route to picturesque Hout Bay. A spectacular winding road takes you through Chapman’s Peak (subject to road being open) to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and the Cape Peninsula National Park. Return through Simon’s Town and stop to visit the endearing penguin colony at Boulders Beach. A 40 minute cruise to Seal Island or funicular excursion up to the Cape Point lighthouse are optional (weather permitting). (approx. 140 miles, 7 hours.)

DAY 5 - CAPE TOWN → Travel to the charming valley town of Franschhoek for a visit to the Huguenot Memorial & Museum, followed by a wine tasting at one of the 42 fine wine estates in the region. Continue along the Winelands trail to the town of Stellenbosch on the Eerste River, stopping at the Village Museum and Oom Samie se Winkel – a traditional local trading shop. Sample another selection of local wines and enjoy a cellar tour at a second winery before returning to Cape Town. (approx. 140 miles, 7 hours.)

DAY 6 - CAPE TOWN-MPUMPALANGA/KRUGER PARK → Depart your hotel early this morning to fly two hours to Johannesburg. On arrival, drive to the Mpumalanga province and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. Stay overnight at Pine Lake Inn (standard) or Protea Hotel Winkler (superior). (approx. 300 miles, 6 hours.)

DAY 7 - MPUMPALANGA/KRUGER PARK → Enjoy a thrilling full day game drive in an open safari vehicle in the renowned Kruger National Park – one of the oldest and largest game reserves in Africa, where wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant. An early start is imperative to optimise viewings, but a packed breakfast will ease you into your morning when English speaking rangers guide you in search of the elusive ‘Big Five’ and other animals roaming the park’s two million hectares. (approx. 150 miles, 8 hours.)

DAY 8 - MPUMPALANGA/KRUGER PARK → Embark on a full day tour of the dramatic changing landscape of the Panorama Route. Stop at the unusual rock formations of the Bourke’s Luck Potholes and take postcard-perfect pictures at God’s Window vantage point and the Three Rondavels. (approx. 220 miles, 8 hours.)

DAY 9- MPUMPALANGA/KRUGER PARK-JOHANNESBURG → Travel back to Johannesburg for a tour of Pretoria City, including a drive past the Union Buildings – the official seat of the South African Government, and the historic centre at Church Square. A visit to the imposing Voortrekker Monument follows, built to honour the pioneers who left the Cape in the 19th Century. Spend tonight at Peermont Metcourt Suites (standard) or Peermont Mondior (superior). (approx. 350 miles, 8 hours.)

DAY 10 - JOHANNESBURG-LIVINGSTONE → Relax on an hour and a half flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone, Zambia, home to the natural wonder of Victoria Falls. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps admiring the colonial buildings and museums, or browsing the various craft markets. Stay overnight at the Zambezi Sun (standard) or David Livingstone Safari Lodge (superior). (approx. 20 miles, 1 hour.)

DAY 11 - LIVINGSTONE → Take a tour of the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-ao-Tunya: the smoke that thunders. Come to terms with the sheer size, noise and volume of the world’s largest waterfalls (highest water levels March – May) as you walk through the Mosi-ao-Tunya National Park. Stop at the many viewpoints including ‘Knife-Edge Bridge’ and the ‘Boiling Pot’. Later, embark on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, followed by a farewell dinner at the Zambezi Sun hotel. A scenic helicopter flight over the Falls is optional.

DAY 12 - LIVINGSTONE-JOHANNESBURG-LONDON → Return to Livingstone for departing South African Airways flight to Heathrow via Johannesburg. Alternatively, transfer to Chobe National Park for a further two nights on safari.

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSION

CHOBE
DAY 12 → Cross the border from Zambia to Botswana and embark on a game drive in an open vehicle for a different wildlife viewing experience in the Chobe National Park. Spend two nights at the Chobe Safari Lodge (standard) or Chobe Game Lodge (superior).

DAY 13 → Spend the morning on another game drive before taking a boat safari on the Chobe River, with lunch included at a local lodge. 

DAY 14 → South African Airways overnight flight to Heathrow via Johannesburg.