12-Day Spectacular South Africa and Zimbabwe

Your African adventure starts when arriving in Johannesburg. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide who will hand over your travel file and transfer you to your lovely hotel situated adjacent the Sandton Mall and Nelson Mandela Square. Relax and unwind after your long flight!.

From: O.R. Tambo International Airport
To: Sandton

Integrated into Sandton City, connected to the Sandton Convention Centre and a 15-minute Gautrain journey from O.R. Tambo, the five-star Sandton Sun hotel offers an incomparable position in Sandton.

A permanent fixture in the modern incarnation of the Sandton skyline, the Sandton Sun hotel has evolved to meet the needs of business guests and exceed expectations in relaxation and degustation for leisure escapes, weekend breaks and international arrivals.

The 326 rooms and suites at the Sandton Sun hotel are designed for business convenience and luxury living. Standing in a class of its own, the Presidential Suites feature Bvlgari amenities, sound and vision from Bang, Olufsen and Bose, private jacuzzi’s and baths with skyline views. Whatever room or suite you choose, climate control, twice-daily maid service and pillow choices completes the experience.

The San Restaurant is focused on sustainability, seasonality and showcases fine ingredients. A show-kitchen encourages up-close chef interaction, while the bar and lounge is perfect for end-of-business drinks or new business beginnings. San Deck needs no introduction, a rooftop all-day bar destination unique in the city and synonymous with firepits, statement cocktails and a sophisticated clientele.

Address: Sandton Sun, 5th Street, Sandhurst, Sandton, South Africa

From the dusty streets of Motsoaledi to the vibrant cultural hub of Vilakazi Street and the sombre halls of the Apartheid Museum; you’ll get a true sense of the soul of Soweto. A ‘city within a city’, Soweto is home to over 2 million people. It was the epicentre of the struggle during the most stormy years in South Africa. Today it’s the heart and soul of Johannesburg. The Apartheid Museum is a one-of-a-kind, showcasing South Africa in the turbulent years of the apartheid era.

From the dusty streets of Motsoaledi informal settlement to the vibrant cultural hub of Vilakazi Street and the sombre halls of the Apartheid Museum; you’ll get a true sense of the soul of the city of Soweto and events that shaped South Africa’s fight for freedom and equality. The Apartheid Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that showcases South Africa in the turbulent years of the apartheid era.

Soweto is a ‘city within a city’ and home to over 2 million people. It was the epicentre of the struggle for freedom and equality during the most stormy years in South Africa but today it’s a vibrant city and the heart and soul of Johannesburg.

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Address: Soweto, South Africa

The first of its kind, the Apartheid Museum details the rise and fall of South Africa’s era of segregation and oppression from the 1948 election of the white-elected National Party government to the liberation of over 20 million people in 1994 with the election of Nelson Mandela.

For those wanting to understand and experience what apartheid was like, a South Africa visit to this museum in Johannesburg is fundamental. The museum’s exhibitions have been put together by a team of curators, film-makers, historians and designers.

Across a seven-hectare site, the museum brings together several museums utilising design, space and architecture to offer a unique South African experience.

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Address: Northern Park Way and Gold Reef Rd, Ormonde,
Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa

After an early breakfast fly to Nelspruit. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide for a full-day Panorama Route tour. Experience awe-inspiring sights, including the dramatic Lisbon Falls, God’s Window and the verdant Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon on the planet. Exactly as they sound, the Three Rondavels are three round mountain tops that very similar to the traditional oval African homesteads that are called rondavels. Check into your guesthouse late afternoon.

From: Sandton
To: O.R. Tambo International Airport

From: Johannesburg
To: Nelspruit

Experience awe-inspiring views around every corner, including the dramatic Lisbon Falls, Bourke’s Luck with it’s extraordinary rock formations and Potholes, God’s Window – so named because of its incredible views. You’ll also visit the eververdant Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon on the planet. The Blyde River Canyon Nature Sanctuary is home to spectacular wildlife, birdlife and plant-life and some of the best views in the country.

Exactly as they sound, the Three Rondavels are three round mountain tops with slightly pointed tops, very similar to the traditional round or oval African homesteads made with local materials called rondavels.

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Address: R543, Ehlanzeni, South Africa

One of the world’s largest canyons, Blyde River Canyon is easily one of South Africa’s most impressive natural sights.

Here, epic rock formations rise out of canyons of forested slopes and incredible views. Sitting against the Greater Drakensberg escarpment, the Blyde River Canyon Reserve is home to a number of outstanding natural landmarks including the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window.

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Address: Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

Highgrove House, situated on a 64-hectare farm, is 20 minutes away from Kruger National Park. The house combines distinctive accommodation in Mpumalanga along with gourmet cuisine and a hideaway pastoral setting offering sweeping views over the Mpumalanga Lowveld valley.

As the guestlist for accommodation is limited to just sixteen people with eight garden suites, personal service is assured. This has been the best small boutique hotel for several years in South Africa.

The original colonial farmstead was constructed sometime around the turn of the 18th century and was renovated in 1988 when the exquisite accommodation suites were constructed. In 1991, Highgrove House opened its door as a five-star country hotel. The renovations have retained the character of the era whilst ensuring that today’s guests luxuriate in modern comforts, with total privacy and personal service.

Aged Jacaranda trees provide an enchanting entrance avenue. The fine collection of antiques and Persian carpets adorn the reception rooms, warmed by crackling wood fires when winters chill sets in.

Address: Highgrove House Country Hotel, R40, Kiepersol, South Africa

After breakfast, check out and transfer to your luxury safari lodge situated within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve where you will be staying for 3 nights. You’ll arrive in time for lunch and the afternoon game drive. Arathusa offers an exceptional safari experience–expect a high concentration of a variety of game, including the Big Five, and frequent leopard sightings in Sabi Sands. A large waterhole is in front of the lodge ensuring interesting game and bird viewing from the comfort of the camp.

From: Highgrove House Country Hotel
To: Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Arathusa Safari Lodge is unique and highly sought-after by visitors because of its prime location within the Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the unfenced Kruger National Park. Together these two areas comprise one of South Africa’s most incredible and pristinely preserved wilderness sanctuaries.

Arathusa offers an exceptional safari experience – expect a high concentration of an assortment of game, including the Big Five, and frequent leopard sightings. A large waterhole is situated in front of the lodge ensuring interesting game and bird viewing from the comfort of the camp.

Add to this the private luxury accommodations, exceptional service, great value for money and decadent spa treatments, and you have just a few of the things that put Arathusa Safari Lodge in a league of its own.

Address: Arathusa Safari Lodge, South Africa

Neighbour to the open Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands may be less-known but it’s still one of the best safari experiences in the world.

Seeking the Big 5 is just the beginning of your wildlife encounters. Roaming feeling in their natural environment, you’ll feel like you get to know the African landscape as you learn about each animal’s traits and find out a little about their personality as your guide takes you to their favourite spots in the park.

Similar to you going to your favourite restaurant regularly, Sabi Sands is known as a hotspot for leopard sightings as they come to hang out safely, away from their those that call them their prey. While here, you’ll also spot some of the 300 species of birds.

As former farmland, Sabi Sands was always destined to be a game reserve because of the great watering holes that naturally attracted animals much bigger than cattle. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a private reserve without fenced borders, owned by six families who have owned this land for over 100 years.

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Address: Portion 4, Shaws Gate, shaws gate, Kruger, 1350, South Africa

Game drives, in an open safari vehicle, are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon every day in search of animals – both large and small. This means that about 8 hours of every day are spent in this natural sanctuary, in search of the creatures who call it home. Experienced, knowledgeable and personable rangers are paired with local trackers to ensure a first-class safari experience. Snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the day, finishing with a sundowner.

Early morning is a prime viewing time, as many wildlife head to the watering holes to drink, bathe and play. Neighbour to the open Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands may be less-known but it’s still one of the best safari experiences in the world. Many of the animals that visit here have become acquainted with the presence of humans, meaning that you can have close encounters safely.

Seeking the Big 5 is just the beginning of your wildlife encounters. Roaming feeling in their natural environment, you’ll feel like you get to know the African landscape as you learn about each animal’s traits and find out a little about their personality as your guide takes you to their favourite spots in the park.

Similar to you going to your favourite restaurant regularly, Sabi Sands is known as a hotspot for leopard sightings as they come to hang out safely, away from their those that call them their prey. While here, you’ll also spot some of the 300 species of birds too.

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Address: 4 Tudor Ave, Sunninghill, Sandton, 2157, South Africa

Neighbour to the open Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands may be less-known but it’s still one of the best safari experiences in the world.

Seeking the Big 5 is just the beginning of your wildlife encounters. Roaming feeling in their natural environment, you’ll feel like you get to know the African landscape as you learn about each animal’s traits and find out a little about their personality as your guide takes you to their favourite spots in the park.

Similar to you going to your favourite restaurant regularly, Sabi Sands is known as a hotspot for leopard sightings as they come to hang out safely, away from their those that call them their prey. While here, you’ll also spot some of the 300 species of birds.

As former farmland, Sabi Sands was always destined to be a game reserve because of the great watering holes that naturally attracted animals much bigger than cattle. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a private reserve without fenced borders, owned by six families who have owned this land for over 100 years.

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Address: Portion 4, Shaws Gate, shaws gate, Kruger, 1350, South Africa

Game drives, in an open safari vehicle, are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon every day in search of animals – both large and small. This means that about 8 hours of every day are spent in this natural sanctuary, in search of the creatures who call it home. Experienced, knowledgeable and personable rangers are paired with local trackers to ensure a first-class safari experience. Snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the day, finishing with a sundowner.

Early morning is a prime viewing time, as many wildlife head to the watering holes to drink, bathe and play. Neighbour to the open Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands may be less-known but it’s still one of the best safari experiences in the world. Many of the animals that visit here have become acquainted
with the presence of humans, meaning that you can have close encounters safely.

Seeking the Big 5 is just the beginning of your wildlife encounters. Roaming feeling in their natural environment, you’ll feel like you get to know the African landscape as you learn about each animal’s traits and find out a little about their personality as your guide takes you to their favourite spots in the park.

Similar to you going to your favourite restaurant regularly, Sabi Sands is known as a hotspot for leopard sightings as they come to hang out safely, away from their those that call them their prey. While here, you’ll also spot some of the 300 species of birds too.

Before departing on your morning safari, you will be offered coffee, tea and biscotti and rusks. While out in the bush, you will stop for a refreshment break of coffee or tea, with freshly baked baby muffins, rusks and oatmeal crunchies, to tide you over till breakfast

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Address: 4 Tudor Ave, Sunninghill, Sandton, 2157, South Africa

Neighbour to the open Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands may be less-known but it’s still one of the best safari experiences in the world.

Seeking the Big 5 is just the beginning of your wildlife encounters. Roaming feeling in their natural environment, you’ll feel like you get to know the African landscape as you learn about each animal’s traits and find out a little about their personality as your guide takes you to their favourite spots in the park.

Similar to you going to your favourite restaurant regularly, Sabi Sands is known as a hotspot for leopard sightings as they come to hang out safely, away from their those that call them their prey. While here, you’ll also spot some of the 300 species of birds.

As former farmland, Sabi Sands was always destined to be a game reserve because of the great watering holes that naturally attracted animals much bigger than cattle. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a private reserve without fenced borders, owned by six families who have owned this land for over 100 years.

For sundowners during your afternoon drive, orders for your drink of choice are taken at lunchtime, and snacks –including biltong (dried, cured meat, similar to beef jerky), pastries, dried fruit, nuts and mini pies– are on offer.

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Address: Portion 4, Shaws Gate, shaws gate, Kruger, 1350, South Africa

After a final morning game drive and breakfast, you will be transferred to the Hoedspruit Airport for your direct flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival in Cape Town, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel situated close to the famous V&A Waterfront. A complimentary shuttle is available from the hotel to the V&A Waterfront where you could have dinner at one of the many restaurants there.

Early morning is a prime viewing time, as many wildlife head to the watering holes to drink, bathe and play. Neighbour to the open Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands may be less-known but it’s still one of the best safari experiences in the world. Many of the animals that visit here have become acquainted with the presence of humans, meaning that you can have close encounters safely.

Seeking the Big 5 is just the beginning of your wildlife encounters. Roaming feeling in their natural environment, you’ll feel like you get to know the African landscape as you learn about each animal’s traits and find out a little about their personality as your guide takes you to their favourite spots in the park.

Similar to you going to your favourite restaurant regularly, Sabi Sands is known as a hotspot for leopard sightings as they come to hang out safely, away from their those that call them their prey. While here, you’ll also spot some of the 300 species of birds too.

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Address: 4 Tudor Ave, Sunninghill, Sandton, 2157, South Africa

From: Sabi Sands Game Reserve
To: Hoedspruit

From: Hoedspruit
To: Cape Town

From: Cape Town International Airport
To: Cape Town

Southern Sun The Cullinan is a premier hospitality destination offering grand hotel accommodation in the heart of Cape Town just moments from the waterfront.

The award-winning hotel is located in one of Cape Town’s most sought after areas, within easy reach of the renowned Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Long Street and other popular landmarks.

The hotel offers guests a choice of 394 superbly appointed ensuite rooms, each tastefully furnished and designed for maximum comfort. Classically styled and indulgent, yet incorporating world-class amenities with contemporary emphasis, Southern Sun The Cullinan is beautifully designed. The classical architecture of the building is reflected throughout the hotel, with high ceilings, a balconied mezzanine level, and soaring columns around the pool area.

Guests have access to a host of services and amenities, including the large outdoor heated pool with its spacious deck, a fully-equipped fitness centre, conference facilities, great dining at The Peach Tree Restaurant, light meals and delicious cocktails at Stella Café & Bar, and much more.

Address: Southern Sun The Cullinan, Cullinan Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, South Africa

Ferries leave for Robben Island at 9 am. You can expect to see the leper graveyard, the lime quarry, army and navy bunkers, and the Maximum Security Prison. The tour usually ends at Nelson Mandela’s cell. All of the tour guides were political prisoners, in addition to official history, you may be treated to a few anecdotes. Then, take a cable car up Table Mountain for spectacular views. Back in the city, visit the Castle of Good Hope, Greenmarket Square and the colourful Malay Quarter, Bo-Kaap.

Ferries depart for Robben Island from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront at 09:00, depending on the weather.

You can expect the tour (including the trips to and from the island) to last about three-and-a-half hours. Gates close 10 minutes prior to boarding, so it is best to arrive early.

Once you disembark at Murray’s Bay Harbour, you’ll take a short walk to the buses, which will transport you to the historical sites on the islands. You can expect to see the leper graveyard, the lime quarry where political prisoners were forced to work, army and navy bunkers, and the Maximum Security Prison.

The tour usually ends with a visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell. All of the tour guides on the island were once political prisoners, so in addition to the official history, you might also be treated to a few personal anecdotes. Your guide will meet you upon arrival at the V & A Waterfront for lunch (own account) before you make your way to the majestic Table Mountain. We commence with a cable car trip up the legendary Table Mountain for spectacular views of the Mother City and the
surrounding peninsula. (weather permitting).

Back in the city itself, we visit the Castle of Good Hope and the vibrant and arty flea market, Greenmarket Square. We also take a trip through the colourful and picturesque Malay Quarter known as Bo-Kaap.

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Address: Cape Town, South Africa

Just 12 kilometres offshore from Cape Town, Robben Island is a small island that acted as a place of exile for those deemed as outcasts and trouble makers for over 400 years.

Used for a series of spells between the 17th and 30th centuries as a prison, hospital and military base, the buildings date back to the late 20th century when it acted as a maximum-security prison for political prisoners. During the apartheid, freedom fighters including Nelson Mandela spent over a quarter of a century in this prison, a strategy to crush their morale and a punishment for their beliefs.

Today and since 1997, Robben Island has been a museum which showcases to visitors the South African heritage. In 1999, the island was declared a World Heritage Site.

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Address: Robben Island, 7400, South Africa

The V&A Waterfront is an iconic mixed-use destination located in the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. With Table Mountain as its backdrop, the 123-hectare neighbourhood sits within the beautiful city of Cape Town, welcoming millions of people from all over the continent and the rest of the world.

The V&A is a symbol of heritage and diversity, where people from all walks of life can play, live, shop, dine and work while immersed in the vibrant spirit and authentic local culture that exists in this bustling ecosystem.

It sees its role on the continent to be a platform that facilitates and champions art and design, to support entrepreneurship and innovation, lead the charge on sustainability, and drive positive social and economic change.

By prioritising people and the planet, the V&A is an example of how working with communities, respecting the environment and operating with passion and integrity is a better, more productive and kinder way of doing business.

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Address: V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain that dominates Cape Town’s landscape. With the choice of either a cable car or hiking to the top, the mountain has become a popular tourist attraction.

The mountain has much forestry and picturesque walks surrounding it that form the Table Mountain National Park, for those looking for a walk that is less challenging, this is much more enjoyable and a popular route for locals walking their dogs or going for a run.

The park has much flora and fauna which can still be found while walking around the rock formations that form the top of the mountain along with amazing views that capture every angle of the city and beyond.

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Address: Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, South Africa

Today, head to the fishing village of Hout Bay passing by Sea Point, Bantry Bay, and Clifton. You will also see Bakoven and Llandudno, with their ghostly shipwrecks. In Hout Bay, go on a boat trip to see the Cape fur seal colony on Duiker Island. Then, navigate the 114 curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope where you’ll climb to the famous Cape Point Lighthouse to capture the vistas of False Bay. Before returning, stop at Boulders Beach to see the penguins.

Today, we head to the fishing village of Hout Bay.

On the way, we will pass by Sea Point, Bantry Bay, and Clifton. You will also see Bakoven and Llandudno with their ghostly shipwrecks. Take in these fantastic views even before you have reached your destination!

Once you arrive in Hout Bay, you embark on a boat trip to enjoy the view of the Cape fur seal colony on Duiker Island. From there, navigate the 114 curves of 600 metre-high Chapman’s Peak Drive. Afterwards, explore the Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park, home to fabulous birds and very special fauna. Then, climb to the famous Cape Point Lighthouse to capture the magical vistas of False Bay.

Before going back to your hotel, stop by to visit Boulders Beach to see the penguins!

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Address: Cape Peninsula, Simon’s Town, 7995, South Africa

Around the west of the Cape Peninsula, Chapman’s Peak neighbours the stunning Hout Bay, around winding roads and views stretching far out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Chapman’s peak and the drive that goes around it was first discovered in 1607, however, the road was not chipped out of the rock face until the early 1900s. The drive is one of the most picturesque in and around Cape Town.

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Address: Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland along the Cape Peninsula of South Africa. Once you have walked to it’s peak, Cape Point offers stunning views along the jagged coastline

A common misunderstanding that is broadly advertised in tourism in Cape Town is that the Cape of Good Hope is the southern-most tip of Africa. This misconception was based on the misbelief that the Cape was the dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. However, the southernmost point of Africa is the not as beautiful Cape Agulhas, which can be found not far from the Cape of Good Hope.

The Cape is considered very important for sailors as a marking point for the Cape route to India or the clipper route to Australia.

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Address: Cape Point Rd, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Cape Town has no shortage of amazing beaches, but Boulders Beach offers something extra special hidden between the bushes and under the water – a colony of African Penguins in all their waddling glory, right under your nose. In fact, it’s the only place in the world where you can get close to African Penguins.

During the winter periods you can walk along the boardwalk to find the penguins hiding in containers that look similar to a milk churn while they are breeding.

That’s not all the beach has to offer, the rock formations that surround you, dotted across the clear blue waters and ranging greatly in size, are incredibly smooth granite rock, unlike you have seen anywhere before.

Here you have the option to swim, but be warned, it’s not always warm.

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Address: 1 Kleintuin Rd, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7995, South Africa

After early morning breakfast fly to Victoria Falls. After you have freshened up, enjoy a private guided tour of the mighty Falls. This afternoon at around 16:45, you will be collected from the hotel for your sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River, Africa’s fourth-longest, where you will enjoy snacks and drinks, as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife such as elephant, hippo, crocodile and magnificent birds as your three-course meal is prepared.

From: Cape Town
To: Cape Town International Airport

From: Cape Town
To: Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Hotel is a grand 111-year-old 5-star hotel that boasts epic views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the magnificent Victoria Falls themselves.

If it is colonial grandeur that you are looking for, Victoria Falls Hotel is the perfect place. As you enter the building your senses are splashed with grand splendour as rich teak furnishings and century-old picture frames take you back in time to the early 19th century.

The hotel is steeped in history, it was originally built in 1904 as accommodation for the workers building the Victoria Falls Bridge. The bridge was built as part of Cecil John Rhodes’ dreams of a railway line stretching from the Cape to Cairo.

Rhodes was insistent that the bridge should be built in a place that the spray from the Victoria Falls would fall on the passing trains. A Steam Train Trip is the perfect activity to do while staying at The Victoria Falls Hotel to truly appreciate this experience first hand.

Enjoy a gin and tonic or the famous Victoria Falls Hotel high tea on the wide veranda as you take in the epic views of the bridge and the magnificent Victoria Falls themselves. Standing on the terrace you look straight down the Batoka Gorge at the bridge with the spray of the falls in the background. The Victoria Falls Hotel has a private pathway that leads to the Victoria Falls which is an easy 10-minute walk away.

Address: Victoria Falls Hotels, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Your sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River, Africa’s fourth longest, is one of the most spectacular ways to experience all that this area has to offer.

You will enjoy a 3-course meal and drinks, as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles and magnificent birds. This is a great way to soak up the serenity of your surroundings as the sun sets over the water and day turns to night.

The park fees are an additional 10 USD.

Address: To Do Africa, Elephant Walk 273 Adam Stander Road, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Leave early morning for a full day safari package comprising of a cruise on the Chobe River and a game drive in the worldfamous Chobe National Park. Only an hour’s drive from Victoria Falls, the Chobe National Park in Botswana is home to one of the largest game concentrations in Africa. Bordered by the banks of the breath-taking Chobe River, it is famous for its rich elephant and lion population. Cruise on the Chobe River, driving within the Chobe National Park and a picnic lunch and drinks.

This full-day safari package comprises of a cruise on the Chobe River and a game drive in the world-famous Chobe National Park. Only an hour’s drive from Victoria Falls, the Chobe National Park in Botswana is home to one of the largest game concentrations in Africa.

Bordered by the banks of the breath-taking Chobe River, it is famous for its rich elephant and lion population. The tour departs early morning at around 07:05 from Victoria Falls where you are transferred by road for 70km to the border where your Botswana guide will meet after immigration procedures.

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Address: Botswana

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

From: Victoria Falls
To: Victoria Falls Airport