The Great Southern Africa Journey

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1:

  Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa – Gateway to the Continent

  Welcome to Johannesburg, a vibrant city where Africa’s history, resilience, and ambition come alive. • Meet & Greet: Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our representative. • Private Transfer: You’ll be escorted to your hotel in the heart of Johannesburg. • City Overview: Founded during the 1886 gold rush, Johannesburg (or Jo’burg) is South Africa’s largest metropolis and its economic engine. Despite its bustling pace, the city reveals a layered history through places like Soweto, once home to Nelson Mandela, and the poignant Apartheid Museum. • Relaxation: Check in to your accommodation and unwind after your international flight. • Evening at Leisure: Explore the local dining scene or simply relax. • Overnight: Johannesburg.

• day 2:

  From City to Safari – Transfer to Pilanesberg National Park

  Begin your African safari adventure in a unique, malaria-free wildlife reserve set within an ancient volcanic crater. • Breakfast at the Hotel • Private Transfer: Travel to Pilanesberg National Park (approx. 2.5–3 hours). • Arrival & Check-In: Settle into your lodge nestled within the bush. • About Pilanesberg: Located in the North West Province, Pilanesberg offers a rich biodiversity within the caldera of a 1.2-billion-year-old volcano. The park is home to the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo – and more than 360 bird species. • Lunch at the Lodge • Afternoon Safari: Head out on your first thrilling game drive in an open safari vehicle. Traverse the rugged landscapes and waterholes in search of wildlife. • Dinner at the Lodge • Overnight: Pilanesberg National Park.

• day 3:

  Full-Day Safari Experience in Pilanesberg

  Immerse yourself fully in the African wilderness with two exhilarating game drives. • Early Morning Game Drive: Safari at sunrise, when wildlife is most active. Look out for predators returning from a night’s hunt. • Breakfast at the Lodge • Midday Rest: Enjoy some downtime – relax at the pool or watch animals from the lodge deck. • Lunch at the Lodge • Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring the park's diverse ecosystems in search of elusive leopards, herds of elephants, or sunbathing crocodiles. • Dinner at the Lodge • Overnight: Pilanesberg National Park.

• day 4:

  Pilanesberg to Victoria Falls – Natural Wonder of the World

  A day of transitions—from bushveld to one of the planet’s most majestic waterfalls. • Morning Game Drive: Enjoy one last safari before your journey continues. • Breakfast & Check-Out • Transfer to Johannesburg Airport • Flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe • Arrival & Meet-and-Greet: Transfer to your lodge near the falls. • Welcome to Victoria Falls: Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke That Thunders"), these falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. • Evening at Leisure: Unwind at your lodge or explore local markets. • Overnight: Victoria Falls.

• day 5:

  Guided Tour of Victoria Falls & Sunset Zambezi River Cruise

  Explore one of Africa’s greatest natural spectacles, followed by a serene cruise. • Breakfast at the Lodge • Guided Tour of the Falls: o Walk a 3 km trail along the edge of the falls. o Viewpoints include Devil’s Cataract, Rainbow Falls, and Danger Point. o Pass by a giant baobab tree, believed to be over 1,000 years old. o Prepare to get wet from the mist—bring waterproof gear for phones and cameras! • Afternoon at Leisure • Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River: o Cruise above the falls with snacks and sundowners. o Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and diverse birdlife. • Return Transfer to the Lodge • Overnight: Victoria Falls.

• day 6:

  Full-Day Chobe National Park Safari (Botswana)

  Experience one of the best safari destinations in Africa – Chobe National Park, famous for its elephant population. • Breakfast at the Lodge • Cross-Border Safari Adventure: o Transfer to the Kazungula border post. o Assistance with immigration into Botswana. • Chobe River Boat Safari: o Explore the waterways, teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. o Enjoy drinks while cruising close to wildlife. • Lunch in Kasane • Afternoon Game Drive: o Venture into the heart of Chobe National Park in a 4x4 vehicle. o Spot elephants, lions, and possibly a leopard or two. • Return to Zimbabwe: Cross back into Victoria Falls in the evening. • Overnight: Victoria Falls.

• day 7:

  Victoria Falls to Sossusvlei, Namibia (via Windhoek)

  Enter a land of surreal desert landscapes and sculpted dunes. • Breakfast & Check-Out • Flight to Windhoek, Namibia • Self-Drive Adventure Begins: Pick up your rental vehicle and drive to Sossusvlei. • Scenic Drive: Travel through rugged terrain, open skies, and mountainous vistas. • Arrival in Sossusvlei: One of Namibia’s most iconic destinations within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. • Dinner at the Lodge • Overnight: Sossusvlei.

• day 8:

  Dunes of Sossusvlei & Deadvlei Adventure

  A day to marvel at some of the world’s most extraordinary desert landscapes. • Early Breakfast • Desert Excursion Highlights: o Dune 45: Climb this iconic dune for sunrise views over endless red sands. o Big Daddy Dune: One of the tallest dunes on earth – a challenge for hikers, but a photographer’s dream. o Deadvlei: A surreal salt pan with 900-year-old dead trees standing in stark contrast against the red dunes and blue sky. • Return to the Lodge: Relax after a full day of adventure. • Dinner at the Lodge • Overnight: Sossusvlei.

• day 9:

  Drive to Swakopmund – From Desert to Coast

  Journey to Namibia’s charming coastal town rich in history and thrill. • Breakfast & Check-Out • Scenic Drive to Swakopmund: Travel from desert solitude to seaside charm, with endless photo opportunities along the way. • Arrival & Check-In • Swakopmund Overview: A former German colonial town known for its cool climate, colorful buildings, and adventure sports. • Evening at Leisure • Overnight: Swakopmund.

• day 10:

  Marine Dune Day – Cruise & Sandwich Harbour 4x4 Adventure

  The best of Namibia’s coast – marine life and dramatic sand dunes. • Breakfast at the Hotel • Morning Seal & Dolphin Cruise (Walvis Bay): o Spot seals, dolphins, pelicans, and flamingos. o Enjoy sparkling wine and fresh oysters on board. • Afternoon 4x4 Dune Safari to Sandwich Harbour: o Explore where towering dunes plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. o A rare wetland area, often visited by springbok, jackals, and desert birds. • Return to Hotel • Overnight: Swakopmund.

• day 11:

  Swakopmund to Cape Town (via Walvis Bay)

  Your journey continues to South Africa’s most scenic and culturally rich city. • Breakfast & Check-Out • Drive to Walvis Bay: Drop off your rental car. • Flight to Cape Town • Arrival & Private Transfer to Hotel • Cape Town Welcome: Nestled between mountains and sea, Cape Town is famed for its natural beauty, cosmopolitan vibe, and historic roots. • Evening at Leisure • Overnight: Cape Town.

• day 12:

  Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour

  Explore the highlights of the Mother City, rich in culture and panoramic views. • Breakfast at the Hotel • City Orientation Tour: o Drive past Parliament, City Hall, and the Castle of Good Hope. o Stroll through Company Gardens and the Bo-Kaap district. o Visit a diamond cutting workshop for insight into the gem trade. o Drive through the trendy Sea Point and Clifton neighborhoods. • Table Mountain Visit: Ascend by cable car (weather permitting) to enjoy views over the city, Table Bay, and Robben Island. • Return to the Hotel • Overnight: Cape Town.

• day 13:

  Full-Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour

  • Breakfast at the Hotel • Scenic Drive: o Pass through Sea Point, Clifton, and Camps Bay. o Stop at Hout Bay – optional boat trip to Seal Island. o Continue along Chapman’s Peak Drive – one of the most stunning coastal roads in the world. • **Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve:** • Take the funicular to Cape Point Lighthouse. • Explore where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge. • Boulders Beach: Visit the African penguin colony. • Muizenberg Stop: Admire the colorful Victorian beach huts. • Return to Cape Town • Overnight: Cape Town.

• day 14:

  Farewell to Southern Africa

  All great journeys must come to an end. • Breakfast at the Hotel • Check-Out & Private Transfer to Cape Town Airport • Departure: Board your flight with a heart full of memories and camera full of stories.