18 Day Southern Africa Tour

• Day 1: 

  Arrival in Johannesburg
  We arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa's financial heart and largest city.
  
  The local Sotho people call this region Gauteng, meaning "Place of Gold," and the name tells the story perfectly. Back in 1886, an unemployed miner discovered a stone with traces of gold, setting off a chain of events that would transform an open pastoral landscape into one of the world's great mining centres almost overnight. People came from everywhere, drawn by the promise of riches beneath the earth.
  
  Today's Johannesburg has evolved far beyond its mining origins. As we settle into our hotel in Sandton, we're in the economic powerhouse not just of South Africa, but of the entire region. The city pulses with energy as the "New South Africa" continues to develop into a vibrant cultural melting pot.
  
  Overnight in Johannesburg (Sandton).

   

  Included Meal(s): Dinner, if required
• Day 2: 

  Johannesburg, South Africa - Fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  This morning takes us from South Africa to Zimbabwe, where we'll spend the next three nights beside one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. The area around Victoria Falls has been home to people for hundreds of thousands of years. The falls were originally called "Shongwe" by local inhabitants, but gained their current name in 1855 when Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone arrived and named them after Queen Victoria.
  
  The falls and the nearby town sit on the mighty Zambezi River, Africa's fourth longest, which forms the natural border with neighbouring Zambia. After checking into our hotel, we head a short distance to the river for a scenic sunset cruise above the falls. Here, the Zambezi moves wide and slow, creating perfect conditions for spotting the region's famous wildlife—hippos surface nearby, elephants come to drink at the banks, and antelope and giraffe appear among the trees while hundreds of bird species fill the air.
  
  As the sun sets, we return to shore for a demonstration of traditional African dancing and drumming, the rhythmic sounds carrying across the water before our evening meal.
  
  NOTE: Due to logistical reasons, the order of Victoria Falls area sightseeing activities may vary at the discretion of your Tour Leader.
  
  Overnight at Victoria Falls.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 3: 

  Victoria Falls: Falls Tour & Leisure Time
  Our guided walking tour of Victoria Falls begins on level, paved paths that wind through dense rainforest—a ecosystem that exists entirely because of the spray from the falls. The local name "Mosi-oa-Tunya" means "The Smoke That Thunders," and as we walk, we understand why. The falls stretch twice as high as Niagara and several times longer, the result of thousands of years of erosion working on the landscape.
  
  The geology tells a fascinating story: during the Jurassic Period, 150-200 million years ago, volcanic activity covered large parts of Southern Africa with thick basalt deposits. As the lava cooled, cracks appeared in the hard crust, which filled with softer clay and lime materials. The Zambezi River found these weak points, cutting through them over millennia to create the series of waterfalls we see today.
  
  Much of our walk stays shaded by the rainforest, but the final section—about 1 km (0.6 miles) in total—opens up to full sun. The effort rewards us with the finest views, including the famous Victoria Falls Bridge. This engineering marvel was part of Cecil Rhodes' grand vision for a Cape to Cairo railway, though ironically, Rhodes never visited the falls himself and died before construction began.
  
  Our afternoon is free to explore as we wish. Some visitors relax by the pool, others browse the village's artisan craft shops, and some venture to the Zambian side of the falls. For those seeking adventure, microlight aircraft and helicopter tours offer aerial perspectives of the falls and surrounding landscape.
  
  OPTIONAL: A night safari at the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve includes an open-sided 4x4 game drive to spot nocturnal animals like lions and leopards, followed by a three-course bush dinner and drinks around a campfire. The activity is located near Victoria Falls, and typically includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Ask you Tour Leader for current details upon arrival.
  
  Overnight in Victoria Falls.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 4: 

  Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: Day Trip to Chobe Park, Botswana
  An early morning departure takes us into Botswana for a day at Chobe National Park, just 1.5 hours by road from Victoria Falls. After completing customs and immigration formalities, we drive 15 minutes to the lodge that serves as our base for today's activities.
  
  Our safari begins with a cruise along the Chobe River, where shade and refreshments are available as we glide past the abundant wildlife. Large flocks of waterfowl gather along the banks, while big pods of hippos surface around our boat and very large crocodiles bask on the muddy shores—all safely viewed from the water.
  
  We enjoy lunch at the lodge overlooking the river, offering continued wildlife viewing while we eat. The afternoon brings a different perspective as we board open but covered safari vehicles for a game drive into the park. Chobe is home to approximately 70,000 elephants, and we're likely to encounter some of these massive herds, along with buffalo, sable, wildebeest, and giraffe. With some luck, we might spot resident lions or hyenas as well.
  
  The day ends with our return to Zimbabwe, arriving back at Victoria Falls in time for dinner on your own, giving us the chance to explore local restaurants.
  
  Overnight in Victoria Falls (dinner on your own this evening).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Day 5: 

  Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa
  We fly from Victoria Falls back to Johannesburg on variable schedules, returning to South Africa's economic centre.
  
  We're back in the familiar territory of Sandton, the financial district that has become Johannesburg's new heart. Once primarily residential suburbs north of the city, Sandton transformed during the 1990s into a gleaming business hub with high-rise towers, upscale shopping centres, and international hotels—often called "Africa's richest square mile." The contrast with our days at Victoria Falls is immediate: from the natural drama of the Zambezi to the urban energy of commerce and development.
  
  Overnight in Johannesburg (Sandton).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 6: 

  Johannesburg & Soweto
  Soweto is actually one of Africa's largest cities, with an estimated two million residents, though its history carries some of the continent's most difficult chapters. The name simply stands for South Western Township, reflecting its location outside Johannesburg. This was where thousands of Black workers were forced to live to provide labour for the gold mines, and where some of the most significant events in the struggle against apartheid took place.
  
  Our tour reveals Soweto's complexity—affluent neighbourhoods exist alongside shanty towns, and we visit Baragwanath, one of the world's largest hospitals. We see the former homes of Nobel Laureates Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, and stop at the Hector Pietersen Memorial to learn about the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when student protests against inferior education led to nationwide demonstrations.
  
  The Apartheid Museum provides a compelling and necessary experience. Large photographs, metal cages, and monitors with continuous footage transport us to the townships of the 1970s and 1980s. We can almost feel ourselves dodging police bullets or tear gas canisters, or marching alongside thousands of school children in their fight for justice.
  
  Before returning to Sandton, we get a panoramic view of central Johannesburg, seeing how the city has evolved from its gold rush origins into today's commercial hub.
  
  Overnight in Johannesburg (Sandton).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 7: 

  Johannesburg - the 'Panoramic Route' - Hazyview
  Leaving Johannesburg, we head through the vast wilderness of Mpumalanga, the "Land of the Rising Mist." The landscape transforms as we travel from the grasslands of the High Veld, with its large farms and ranches, down to the drier Low Veld with its rocky hills and acacia scrub forest. This expansive terrain of mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and ancient forests carries the history of pioneers and fortune-seekers in its many Gold Rush towns and farming communities.
  
  We pass through Lydenburg, the "town of suffering" established by Voortrekkers in 1849, which sits at the bottom of Long Tom Pass. The pass earned its name from the large artillery piece used by Afrikaners during the Anglo-Boer War and ranks among the country's most scenically dramatic mountain routes, connecting Sabie on the escarpment with Lydenburg on the Drakensberg plateau.
  
  The day's highlight comes at the Blyde River Canyon, where the great escarpment creates some of Africa's most spectacular scenery. The canyon's cliffs rise 600-800 metres (2,000-2,640 feet) from the river bed, and at the Three Rondavels viewpoint, we see three enormous rock spirals rising from the canyon's far wall, their tops resembling the rounded roofs of traditional African huts.
  
  Nearby, Bourke's Luck Potholes show what decades of swirling water can accomplish. Where the Treur River meets the Blyde River, the constant tumult has created extensive erosion over time, resulting in a series of cylindrical rock sculptures that look almost lunar in their otherworldly appearance.
  
  From here, we continue to Hazyview, our base for exploring Kruger National Park.
  
  Overnight in Hazyview.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 8: 

  Kruger National Park
  An early start takes us to South Africa's flagship wildlife reserve, transferring to open safari vehicles as we enter Kruger National Park. The early start isn't mere logistics—these predawn hours offer the best wildlife viewing as animals emerge in cooler temperatures and big cats return from nocturnal hunts.
  
  Kruger stands among Africa's greatest conservation success stories. Paul Kruger, president of the South African Republic, first proposed protecting this area in the 1890s when uncontrolled hunting threatened to exterminate entire species. What became a national park in 1926 now encompasses nearly 20,000 square kilometres—roughly the size of Israel—supporting more wildlife diversity than any other African reserve.
  
  The statistics tell only part of the story: 147 mammal species, 500 bird species, 114 reptile types. What matters is being here, dust rising as we scan the bush for movement. A pride of lions rests in dappled shade, their bellies full from a recent kill. Elephants cross the road ahead, moving with surprising grace. At a waterhole, zebras and wildebeest drink nervously while scanning for crocodiles. A leopard drapes itself along a branch, barely visible in mottled light.
  
  The southern sector features diverse landscapes: open savannah transitions to dense riverine forest, rocky kopjes rise from the plains, and seasonal rivers create green corridors. What ecologists call "edge habitat"—where different environments meet—often yields the most exciting sightings.
  
  Our experienced guides read the landscape, following alarm calls and checking fresh tracks in the dust. We stop frequently, engines off, absorbing the sounds and rhythms of the African bush. By day's end, we return to Hazyview with a deeper appreciation for why conservation matters.
  
  Overnight in Hazyview.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 9: 

  Hazyview, South Africa - Mbabane, Eswatini (Swaziland)
  Today's journey takes us south toward the Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, an independent country completely surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique—actually smaller than Kruger National Park. Before crossing the border, we visit Matsamo Cultural Village, a traditional Swazi village that demonstrates the country's rich cultural heritage. Our guided tour introduces us to Swazi customs and traditions, followed by a traditional lunch and opportunities to interact with villagers, providing insights into daily life and cultural practices.
  
  Entering Eswatini, we notice the country's natural beauty immediately—majestic mountains form backdrops to our journey through this landlocked kingdom. As one of Africa's last remaining monarchies, Eswatini offers glimpses into traditional African culture where life moves at a relaxed pace and many customs remain unchanged. The route to Mbabane, the capital, passes through rural landscapes where local people tend farms and herds, living in harmony with the land.
  
  Before reaching our hotel, we stop at Ngwenya Glass, a pioneering glassblowing operation that has created exquisite glass art since the 1980s. Originally founded as a Swedish aid initiative, Ngwenya Glass has evolved into a thriving enterprise that supports local conservation programmes while producing stunning glassworks. All pieces are crafted from 100% recycled glass, reflecting the organization's commitment to sustainability. We watch skilled artisans shape and blow glass into intricate forms, demonstrating techniques passed down through generations.
  
  Overnight in/near Mbabane.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 10: 

  Mbabane, Eswatini - Mkuze Game Reserve, South Africa
  Leaving our hotel, we travel south and descend onto the Swazi Lowveld, which shares similar climate and vegetation with the lowveld regions we experienced in South Africa around Kruger Park. Before departing the kingdom, we visit Swazi Candles, where artisans create both traditional paraffin wax candles and 100% organic soya candle tea lights. The colourful, handmade product range includes wax-encased LED lights, pure vegetable glycerine soaps, and marula oil body balm. We interact with the craftspeople as they demonstrate their techniques.
  
  Our route continues through sugar cane plantations and the bustling commercial centre of Manzini before crossing back into South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal province. Our destination is Mkuze Game Reserve, which boasts exceptional habitat diversity: from the eastern slopes of the Lebombo Mountains along its boundary to broad stretches of acacia savannah, swamps, various woodlands, and riverine forest. The reserve also contains rare sand forest, creating conditions that support more than 420 different bird species—making it renowned among ornithologists.
  
  We enter the park for an afternoon game drive, exploring the diverse ecosystems that make Mkuze so special. The Mkuze River curves along the reserve's northern and eastern borders, with fig forest stretching along its banks. Fish eagles swoop over the pans, snatching prey they spot from their perches in the fever trees. The reserve sits beneath Ghost Mountain, a former battlefield with a dramatic silhouette resembling an old woman's head. Local legend holds that the mountain contains the tombs of previous chiefs and has been the scene of numerous bloody conflicts, earning its reputation as haunted and the site of paranormal activities.
  
  Overnight in Mkuze.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 11: 

  Mkuze - Hluluwle-iMfolozi Game Reserve - Fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
  This morning we leave Mkuze and head to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. The park is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts; this is the only state-run park in KwaZulu-Natal where all of the "big five" wild animals can be found (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard).
  
  Established in 1895, the park consists of two game reserves – Hluhluwe in the north and iMfolozi to the south, which were joined by a corridor in 1989 to form the current single park. The park is particularly famous for its role in rhino conservation, having been the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s, which saved the white rhinoceros from extinction. Due to conservation efforts, the park now has the largest population of white rhino in the world. The park covers 960 km² of hilly topography 280 kilometres north of Durban in central Zululand, and offers visitors self-guided auto trails which provide information on both the management and natural history of this remarkable conservation success story.
  
  We continue by road to Durban, South Africa's "Garden City." The Voortrekkers opened this area to white settlement in the early 19th century, though Portuguese navigators had been sailing this coast since the late 15th century. Vasco da Gama became the first European to sail along this coastline, naming it Natal to commemorate his Christmas Day arrival. The 1899 war between the British and Boers ended in 1910 with reconciliation and the formation of the Union of South Africa—an agreement signed in what is now Durban's modern Main Post Office.
  
  Flight schedules permitting, we may drive through Durban briefly before heading to the airport for our flight to Gqeberha* (formerly Port Elizabeth), South Africa's fifth-largest city and third-largest port. The city's name change reflects its indigenous heritage: "Gqeberha" comes from the Xhosa and Southern Khoe name for the Baakens River flowing through the city.
  
  Occasionally, due to ever-changing flight schedules, we may spend this night in Durban and take the early flight to Gqeberha tomorrow morning.
  
  * The pronunciation can be a bit tricky, as the "Q" represents a "click" sound with the tongue, then 'be' (like bare), and finally 'gha' (similar to the 'G' in Afrikaans + a short 'ah'). If it's easier, the town is also colloquially referred to as "PE."
  
  Overnight in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 12: 

  Gqeberha - 'The Garden Route' - Knysna OR George
  Our journey along the world-famous Garden Route begins this morning, following a path parallel to the ocean through landscapes featuring lakes, mountains, beaches, and steep cliffs. This section resembles the Oregon coast with its sand dunes and excellent surf beaches. We stop for lunch at Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park, located on the Indian Ocean shores. Here we can walk a short section of the renowned Otter Trail, widely considered one of the world's finest hiking routes, stretching 41 km (25 miles) over five days from Storms River Mouth to Nature's Valley.
  
  Continuing to Knysna, we arrive in a charming coastal town offering tremendous water and mountain views alongside a relaxed lifestyle. George Rex founded the town in 1817—he was reputed to be an illegitimate son of King George III. Initially established as a timber port around its picturesque lagoon, Knysna has evolved into a town with a riviera atmosphere, complete with sidewalk cafés and shops that invite leisurely exploration.
  
  Depending on accommodation availability, we may overnight in Knysna or continue to nearby George.
  
  Overnight in Knysna or George.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 13: 

  Knysna OR George - Mossel Bay - Oudtshoorn
  Our morning takes us down the coast to Mossel Bay, where Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias arrived on February 3, 1488, proving to his sponsors that Africa had a southern tip and making it theoretically possible to sail from Europe to India. We visit the Dias Museum Complex, marking the spot of this historic landing. The 500-year-old Post Office Tree, now a national monument, still stands at the site, housing a post box shaped like a shoe.
  
  We then head inland over the Outeniqua Mountains to the Little Karoo (Klein Karoo), a semi-arid yet fertile valley surrounded by formidable mountain ranges. This region serves as South Africa's ostrich capital, with thousands of these unusual birds dotting fields throughout the area. At the turn of the century, ostrich feathers were so fashionable that demand created wealthy "feather barons" who built magnificent mansions known as "Feather Palaces." This fine architecture remains visible around the pleasant town of Oudtshoorn.
  
  Our day includes a tour of one of the area's ostrich "show farms," where we learn about these remarkable birds and their role in the region's economy and history.
  
  Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 14: 

  Oudtshoorn - Swellendam - Cape Town
  From Oudtshoorn, we travel through the Huis River Pass with its striking rock formations and the farming town of Ladismith, named after the Spanish wife of British Cape Governor Sir Harry Smith. We cross our second mountain range of the day to reach Swellendam, South Africa's third-oldest colonial town, established in 1745. The town features several buildings in the charming Cape Dutch style, characterized by whitewashed walls and black thatched roofs.
  
  Our route continues through vast wheat-growing and sheep-farming areas on the way to Cape Town. In the late afternoon, we cross the Hottentots Holland Mountains—our third mountain range of the day—through the centre of South Africa's apple-growing region. This brings us to Cape Town, one of the world's most isolated and beautiful cities.
  
  Weather permitting, we take a gondola trip to the top of Table Mountain, a sandstone plateau rising above the city. The flat top stretches approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) wide, reaching its highest point at Maclear's Beacon at 1085 metres (3,580 feet). Over the centuries, this formation has become one of South Africa's most recognizable landmarks. The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops support various animals and approximately 1,470 plant species—more than the entire British Isles. If weather does not permit, we'll try to accomplish this excursion elsewhere in our program,.
  
  Overnight in Cape Town.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 15: 

  Cape Town: Robben Island & City Tour
  Our morning begins with a ferry crossing to Robben Island, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as one of South Africa's most significant historical landmarks. The island has served various purposes over five centuries—Dutch and British colonial governments used it as a prison, hospital, and military base, but its role as a maximum security prison during apartheid made it internationally known.
  
  The 3.5-hour excursion includes a guided tour often led by former political prisoners, adding profound personal testimony to the experience. We visit the limestone quarry where Nelson Mandela and others performed hard labor, damaging their eyesight in the blinding glare. The isolation section, with its tiny cells, reveals the harsh conditions freedom fighters endured. Cell No. 5, where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison, remains preserved exactly as it was—a small space with only a mat, blanket, and bucket.
  
  Returning to Cape Town, we take a comprehensive city tour. We see the Houses of Parliament, where South Africa's democracy now functions, and City Hall, from whose balcony Mandela addressed throngs of supporters after his 1990 release. The Company's Garden, originally established by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 to supply ships, now serves as the city's green heart.
  
  We drive through Bo-Kaap, the historic Cape Malay Quarter, where brightly painted houses line the cobbled streets and the community maintains traditions brought by enslaved people from Southeast Asia centuries ago. The Cape Malay people contributed significantly to Cape cuisine, architecture, and culture, their colorful homes a deliberate celebration of freedom after apartheid's Group Areas Act forced many from their neighbourhoods.
  
  Overnight in Cape Town.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 16: 

  The Cape Winelands
  We leave Cape Town for the Boland, the "Upper Land," where mountain ranges create sheltered valleys perfect for viticulture. Our destination is Stellenbosch, South Africa's second-oldest colonial town and the heart of the wine region. Founded in 1679 by Governor Simon van der Stel, the town evolved from a simple outpost into an elegant university center with a sophisticated food and wine culture.
  
  Walking through Stellenbosch's historic core, we see some of the country's finest Cape Dutch architecture lining oak-shaded streets. The distinctive style—whitewashed walls, ornate gables, and thatched roofs—developed here over centuries, adapting European building traditions to African conditions and materials. The university, established in 1918, transformed the town into an intellectual center, though its complicated history as an Afrikaner institution during apartheid adds layers to its story.
  
  The Cape Winelands originated here with Jan van Riebeeck's first vineyard in 1655, expanding dramatically when French Huguenot refugees arrived in 1688 with viticulture expertise and vine stock from their homeland. The region's Mediterranean climate, varied soils, and mountain microclimates produce exceptional wines across the spectrum—from crisp Sauvignon Blancs to bold Pinotages and elegant Cabernet Sauvignons.
  
  We visit one of the historic wine estates for a cellar tour and tasting, learning how Cape wines compete on the global stage. The wine estates themselves are remarkable: many occupy old Cape Dutch homesteads with elaborate gables, surrounded by vineyards that climb toward dramatic mountain backdrops. We enjoy lunch at one of these estates, where contemporary Cape cuisine pairs with wines produced on the property, before our scenic return to Cape Town through valleys lined with vineyards and historic manor houses.
  
  Overnight in Cape Town (Dinner on your own this evening)

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Day 17: 

  Cape Town: the Cape Peninsula
  Today brings our quintessential full-day Cape Peninsula tour, taking us south along the Atlantic Seaboard past Cape Town's most affluent neighbourhoods set against mountain and coastal scenery. We make a photo stop before Camps Bay, where the classic view shows the town with the 'Twelve Apostles' peaks as backdrop.
  
  Continuing through Hout Bay, we tackle Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the world's most spectacular marine routes. The 9 km road includes 114 curves as it hugs the rocky coastline 593 metres above the sea, offering dramatic views at every turn.
  
  Our destination is the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. The reserve encompasses 77 square kilometres of wildflower, bird, and animal paradise, supporting wildlife including eland, springbok, bontebok, baboons, and zebra. We visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwesterly point on the African continent, where the cold Atlantic and warmer Indian Ocean waters meet.
  
  After lunch and free time at Cape Point, we head north along the Indian Ocean side through Simonstown, founded by the Dutch in 1741 as a naval depot. The town retains distinctly English architecture and atmosphere from its later British colonial period. Depending on season, we may stop at Boulders Beach to observe a colony of African penguins in their natural habitat.
  
  We complete our peninsula loop through Constantia and visit the National Botanical Gardens at Kirstenbosch, home to over 4,000 species of indigenous plants. The garden occupies land cultivated since the 1660s when Governor Jan van Riebeeck planted a barrier of Wild Almonds—part of this historical hedge remains today.
  
  Overnight in Cape Town.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 18: 

  Departure
  Our Southern African adventure concludes with departure from Cape Town.
  
  Bon Voyage!

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.