16 Day Vic Falls, Botswana and Cape Town
Countries: South Africa , Zimbabwe , Botswana
Destinations: Johannesburg , Victoria Falls , Chobe National Park , Okavango Delta , Makgadikgadi Salt Pans , Cape Winelands , Cape Town
Group Size: 2
Duration (days): 16
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 0
16 day trip covering Victoria Falls, Botswana, the Cape Winelands and Cape Town.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johannesburg | City Lodge Hotel at O R Tambo International Airport |
| 2 | Victoria Falls | The Victoria Falls Hotel |
| 3 | Victoria Falls | The Victoria Falls Hotel |
| 4 | Chobe National Park | Chobe Game Lodge |
| 5 | Chobe National Park | Chobe Game Lodge |
| 6 | Okavango Delta | Camp Moremi |
| 7 | Okavango Delta | Camp Moremi |
| 8 | Okavango Delta | Camp Moremi |
| 9 | Makgadikgadi Salt Pans | Camp Kalahari |
| 10 | Makgadikgadi Salt Pans | Camp Kalahari |
| 11 | Cape Winelands | Maison Chablis |
| 12 | Cape Winelands | Maison Chablis |
| 13 | Cape Town | The Table Bay Hotel |
| 14 | Cape Town | The Table Bay Hotel |
| 15 | Cape Town | The Table Bay Hotel |
| 16 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Johannesburg
On arrival from Sydney you will be met at O R Tambo International Airport and assisted to O R Tambo City Lodge within the airport precinct to spend 1 night on a bed and breakfast basis.
South Africa
For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.
Johannesburg
Although usually only used for quick stopovers by most travellers, Joburg is an exciting and vibrant city, with some excellent hotels, fantastic shopping facilities, loads of historic signifcance, and a flourishing sporting culture.
With the launch of the Gautrain in 2010, the Sandton district is now only 10 minutes from the airport, and this places one in a position to easily access most of the city's highlights.
City Lodge Hotel at O R Tambo International Airport
Conveniently located at Africa’s busiest airport, the 365-room City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport, allows both business and leisure travellers a convenient and comfortable place to rest at the end of a long flight.
The hotel is walking distance to and from the airport terminal buildings and is adjacent to the Gautrain Airport Station.
Business travellers will appreciate the simplicity of staying at the airport for short visits, while leisure travellers won’t have to worry about where to stay for that one night between flights to their final destination.
The expansive lobby lounge, displaying flight information boards; uncapped WiFi; three boardrooms and conference facilities for 46 guests and fitness room are just some of the services on offer.
The #Café restaurant and bar are complemented by a sparkling swimming pool with deck, ideal for a refreshing swim in the sunshine before or after the next stage of travel.
Access to a wide variety of retailers, restaurants and banking facilities within the airport building completes the package.
Day 2 : Victoria Falls
This morning you will return into the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, departing at 11h35 and landing at 13h20. After passing through immigration (please note a visa will need to be paid for on arrival – US$30 cash per person) you will be met and transferred to the Victoria Falls Hotel where you will spend 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. This afternoon is at leisure, when you can enjoy exploring the hotel and grounds. Enjoy dinner this evening at the hotel (dinner on own expense).
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe - Making its way back into the tourist market, Zimbabwe is able to offer some incredible wilderness and exciting wildlife, along with the wonder that is Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe's political climate and issues have been well documented through the world's media, and it is no secret that tourist numbers to the country have dropped substantially.
However, everything which made Zimbabwe one of the most popular safari destinations is still available, with operators moving back into the world famous areas of Hwange, Mana Pools, the Lower Zambezi and Lake Kariba.
Victoria Falls thunders mightily on the Zambezi River, and the canoeing and rafting experiences are as exciting as ever.
The people of Zimbabwe have always been one of the major highlights, and it is particularly pleasing that tourists are filtering through the borders again, rewarding the patience of the fantastic guides and conservation workers who have remained dedicated to Zimbabwe's wildlife areas.
Victoria Falls
"Mosi Oa Tunya", or "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind.
As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall. The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.
While the Falls are the major drawcard, there is a thriving tourist industry developed around them, with adventure activities of all forms being available.
Tourism has been evident here ever since David Livingstone was the first European guided by the local tribes to this remarkable natural wonder.
The Victoria Falls Hotel
Feel the wonder! One of the world’s Classic five-star hotels commands prime location overlooking Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, an acclaimed Natural Wonder of the World. A proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, the Edwardian-style hotel, built in 1904, was splendidly redecorated in 2013 to combine its traditional majesty with modern sophistication. For more than 110 years The Victoria Falls Hotel has been a luxury icon in Africa.
Day 3 : Victoria Falls
This morning you will be taken on a guided tour of the Falls, before experiencing a thrilling 20 minute helicopter ride above the Falls and surrounding national park. After some downtime, you will end the day on a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.
Day 4 : Chobe National Park
You will be collected from the hotel this morning and transferred across the border into Botswana, where you will continue into the Chobe National Park, to the Chobe Game Lodge where you will spend the next 2 nights on a fully inclusive basis. This afternoon will be spent on your first game viewing activity, with your choice between a game drive or a boat cruise.
Botswana
Well known as one of the great safari destinations in Africa, Botswana offers some of the most beautiful, luxurious, and active safari experiences in Africa.
A Botswanan safari can never be long enough, and never experienced often enough. Although one of the flattest countries you will ever visit, Botswana is blessed with an incredible variety of landscapes and eco-systems.
It is the very flatness of Botswana which has created some of the world's most special wilderness areas, and exploring the Kalahari, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans rewards you with memories for a lifetime.
Easily accessible from Johannesburg, and simply combined with Victoria Falls, Botswana needs to be on your safari list if you are planning a visit to Southern Africa.
As soon as you land in Maun or Kasane, you will know that you have arrived in a country which operates like nothing you have experienced before.
With the warthogs running through the streets of Kasane, and the hippos grunting in the Chobe River, your welcome to Botswana is one which tells you straight away you are in Africa's wilds.
Chobe National Park
Accessed easily via a 1.5 hour flight from Johannesburg, or a 1 hour drive from Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park is the most visited park on a Boswana safari itinerary.
With an enormous elephant population, as well as magnificent birdlife and a huge array of herbivores and aquatic animals, it is often hard to believe that Chobe National Park is for real.
The game viewing starts from the moment you land at Kasane Airport, or drive across the border from Zambia or Zimbabwe, with warthogs foraging in the streets, buffalo being habitual visitors to the town, and hippos lazing around in the river.
Chobe Game Lodge
The only permanent game lodge situated on the banks of the Chobe River within the famous Chobe National Park, Chobe Game Lodge is Botswana’s premier venue for guests looking for a perfect base from which to explore the National Park and Chobe Riverfront. This five-star Lodge has full eco-grading by Botswana Tourism Board.
Day 5 : Chobe National Park
You will spend today on morning and afternoon game viewing activities, exploring more of the national park.
Day 6 : Okavango Delta
Following a morning activity and at a time to be advised, you will be transferred to Kasane Airport to board your light aircraft flight bound for the Okavango Delta (please note the light aircraft flights have a luggage limit of 20 kgs per person, which must be in soft sided bags). On arrival in the Delta, you will be met by your guide and driven to Camp Moremi where you will spend the next 3 nights on a fully inclusive basis. This afternoon will be spent on a game viewing activity (game drive or boat cruise) exploring the channels or islands of the Okavango Delta.
Okavango Delta
The very word "Okavango" evokes a sense of adventure and exploration, and this is exactly what the Okavango Delta is about. Often called the Okavango Swamps, this intricate maze of waterways and sandy islands is an explorer's dream, and the destination should be on the wishlist of anyone looking for a unique travel experience.
The geology of the Delta is fascinating, with its creation being attributed to tectonic plate action from thousands of years ago causing the Kavango River to flow from Angola into the Kalahari Desert as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean.
So while the vegetation is lush, and the wildlife plentiful, the waterways are actually cutting through Kalahari Desert sand, and the entire delta is an enormous oasis.
Termites are credited with the creation of the many islands around which the water slowly flows, as their mounds, common features of the landscape, are responsible for the formation of sand and foliage around them.
There is a continuous scurry of life in the Delta, from the smallest of creatures to the largest of elephants, and every twist and turn of the channels brings some new form of life into view. The Okavango Delta is truly one of nature's greatest creations.
Camp Moremi
Camp Moremi has a well-deserved legacy in the Botswana tourism industry for being able to deliver the classic African safari experience. Completely rebuilt in 2018 as a modern luxury safari lodge, Camp Moremi is located within the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve.
Camp Moremi boasts 12 expansive, modern styled thatched safari tents, including one family room, and accommodates a maximum of twenty-four guests. The family room which includes two separate bedrooms and bathrooms connects through interleading doors.
Day 7 - 8 : Okavango Delta
For these 2 days you will be enthralled with the beauty and wildlife of the incredible Delta, enjoying morning and afternoon game viewing activities as well as leisure time at the beautiful camp.
Day 9 : Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Following a morning activity, you will again board a light aircraft flight, this time departing the magical wetlands of the Delta, and venturing into the stark wilderness of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where you will spend the next 2 nights at Camp Kalahari on a fully inclusive basis. You will experience your first of the unique activities here this afternoon.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Pronounced "Makgadikgadi," these salt pans in the centre of Botswana are the remnants of the largest lake in Africa, which dried up thousands of years ago. The shimmering white, deadly landscape adds to Botswana's adventurous reputation, with only the bravest of early explorers having the courage to try and cross the seemingly endless wasteland.
We are fortunate nowadays to explore these pans from the comfort of a 4x4, and the luxury of lodges with swimming pools and shaded tents. However, even with these amenities, the Makgadikgadi Pans evoke a sense of adventure in travellers. Including the salt pans in a Botswana safari adds to the remarkable variety of your holiday, and to the beauty of your photo album.
Camp Kalahari
The laidback little sister of Jack’s and San Camp, Camp Kalahari is our understated and affordable base in the heart of the great Kalahari. Set amongst the waving palms and acacia trees of Brown Hyena Island, the 12 funky Meru tents are perfect for families, groups and couples, and are an ideal base for discovering the charms of the desert and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, a landscape that’s as surreal as it is sublime, and as mysterious as it is magical.
And if you’re looking for adventure, then look no further! We’ve got quad bike adventures, across the otherworldly salt pans, walks with the Zu’/hoasi bushmen to discover the amazing creatures that somehow manage to survive (and thrive) in this harsh environment, and our very own ‘’Kalahari cool cats,’’ the habituated meerkat family who like nothing more than to use unsuspecting guests as lookout points. Come for a day, and you’ll be wowed by the landscape and the people; stay for a few days and you might never want to leave…
Day 10 : Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
You will have the day today to enjoy further activities on offer in this remarkable and other-wordly location. Activities available include game drives, bushman walks, and the fantastic meerkat interaction.
Day 11 : Cape Winelands
The change in scenery today could barely get more contrasting, as following a morning activity, you will fly on a light aircraft to Maun, and connect onto your flight to Cape Town, departing at 13h40 and landing at 16h20. After passing through immigration you will be met and transferred to the picturesque Franschhoek, where you will spend the next 2 nights at Maison Chablis on a bed and breakfast basis.
Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands District stretches from Stellenbosch to Paarl and through majestic mountain passes to Tulbagh, Ceres or Op-die-Berg, or via the Huguenot Tunnel to Worcester and into the Hex River Valley, along the N1 Touwsrivier. For the return drive, one could take a leisurely wind through the backroads to Montagu, taking the long way to Stellenbosch. These destinations are all accessible within 30 to 120 minute's drive from Cape Town.
The district offers something for everyone, whether you are a family of thrill-seeking mountain bikers, a multi-generational group of foodies, birders, campers, glampers or wine (or gin, beer or brandy) connoisseurs, a bunch of festivegoers, a solo traveller interested in our history or a couple searching for that perfect wedding spot, the CWD has options that will suit your needs and your pockets.
Maison Chablis
This tranquil Georgian-style boutique Bed & Breakfast in the heart of dream-destination Franschhoek, just an hour out of Cape Town, is highly sought-after and rated “Upper four-star Luxury” by The Portfolio Collection.
Frequented by local celebrities, business people and discerning South African and international travelers this well-appointed, exclusive establishment is surrounded by majestic mountains and positioned within strolling distance of the quaint historic Franschhoek village centre, with its delightful street cafes, award-winning restaurants, museums and galleries and within easy reach of walking and horse trails. Maison Chablis is also an easy drive to many of the Capes celebrated wine estates, world-class golf courses and unspoiled beaches. Whatever you are in the mood for, the knowledgeable staff will point you in the right direction with tailor-made suggestions.
Maison Chablis is surrounded by ancient oak trees which are set in a secluded, manicured garden featuring a pristine swimming pool. Guests can be assured of quiet luxury where one can completely unwind from the hustle and bustle of frenetic city life.
Each of the newly-renovated and beautifully decorated, eight contemporary bedrooms feature an en-suite bathroom, top of the range furniture and décor, luxury embroidered linen and individual DSTV. A sumptuous breakfast is served every morning in the gorgeous sun-filled breakfast room and is included in the value-for-money rates.
Guests will be well looked after with attention-to-detail service and a very special brand of warm and caring Cape hospitality. Owner James Calderwood will ensure your stay is a memorable, magnificent and peaceful one.
Day 12 : Cape Winelands
Today will be spent exploring the stunning vineyards by using the Franschhoek Wine Tram on the Blue Route. See more about this great activity here, https://winetram.co.za.
Day
Day 13 : Cape Town
After breakfast this morning you will be met and transferred through to Cape Town, where you will spend the next 3 nights at The Table Bay Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. This afternoon will be spent at leisure, walking around the V & A Waterfront and enjoying some of the excellent local restaurants, or venturing further into Cape Town at your leisure.
Cape Town
Scenically spectacular, with an array of activities on offer, Cape Town is great for an extended holiday on its own, or for an add on to a safari in South Africa, or any other countries.
As an easy 2 hour hop from Johannesburg, with numerous daily flights, as well as some international flights from and to various countries, Cape Town is easily accessible, and an enjoyable way to ease into, or wind down, an African itinerary.
Cape Town has regularly been voted amongst the world's most popular holiday destinations, with many visitors returning year after year.
The Table Bay Hotel
Imagine discovering a sophisticated world of luxury in a city of untold wonder overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The Table Bay offers the ultimate in 5-star luxury hotel accommodation in Cape Town. Considered to be the best address in Cape Town, this sophisticated Sun International property was opened in May 1997 by former South African president, Nelson Mandela. The Table Bay continues to set its own standards in international service, cuisine and luxury.
Day 14 : Cape Town
You will be collected by a private guide this morning and taken on a full day city tour, showing you the numerous sites and beautiful sections of the Mother City.
Day 15 : Cape Town
You will again be met by your private guide this morning, to embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, stopping off at places such as Hout Bay, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, Simons Town and Boulders Beach, and enjoying the spectacular scenery along the way.
Day 16 - Day of Departure
After breakfast this morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport, for your onward flight.