Highlights of Southern Africa
Nairobi National Park, Kenya; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with Zambezi River cruise; 3 world-class safaris in Chobe, Botswana; & Cape Town, jewel of South Africa
Overview
Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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Departures | May – December 2025 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
Themes | Active, Bucket List, Nature & Wildlife | ||
Activity Level | Recreational | ||
What to Expect | This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations, sometimes on bumpy unpaved roads and may have limited rest stops. | ||
Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. |
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Get ready to check off three of Africa's most awe-inspiring bucket list icons on our fully-guided small group tour: Highlights of Southern Africa. Start your trip in Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya, and enjoy exploring Nairobi National Park, known as the world's only Wildlife Capital. Then, board a flight to Zimbabwe, where you'll spend two days learning why Victoria Falls is known as the "Smoke that Thunders"! Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest curtain of falling water, then sit back and enjoy a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Journey to Botswana and set out on three exhilarating safaris on land and the Chobe River! Round your trip to Cape Town, the jewel of South Africa, and dive deep into this incredible country's storied history and vibrant culture.
From the glowing sunsets, sunrises, and stunning natural wonders to rich biodiversity, spectacular food, fascinating people, and exciting history, our expertly crafted itinerary combines fully guided tours with plenty of free time to explore what you love. Have the chance to join one of our optional excursions, like a day in the Cape Winelands or experiencing the culture of the Bo-Kaap (formerly known as the Malay Quarter). If you have yet to experience the incredible wonders that await you in Southern Africa, this is the trip you've been looking for.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round trip flights from New York (JFK) on Kenya Airways including taxes & fees
- All intra-Africa flights, land transportation and transfers throughout the tour
- 9 night accommodations in first class hotels and game lodges
- 14 meals: 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
- Professional English-speaking guide and game rangers
- Services of an experienced driver-guide
Optional add-ons
- Cape Winelands tour
- Bo-Kaap Melting Pot
- Business class upgrades on Kenya Airways (KQ)
Why you'll love it
- Visit 4 countries: Nairobi, Kenya; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; 3 safaris in Chobe; and Cape Town, jewel of South Africa.
- Visit Nairobi National Park, known as the world’s only Wildlife Capital.
- Cruise along the Zambezi River at sunset and get a chance to spot some of the wildlife that frequent it.
- Hear the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall.
- Enjoy two sunset boat safaris along the Chobe River, and one incredible game drive in Chobe National Park.
- Weather permitting, ascend by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark
- Journey by funicular railway to Cape Point for breathtaking views of the Cape of Good Hope.
- Watch African Jackass penguins play along the sands of Boulder Beach.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Nairobi
- 3 Nairobi & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- 4 Victoria Falls
- 5 Victoria Falls & Chobe, Botswana
- 6 Chobe
- 7 Chobe, Livingstone, Zambia & Cape Town, South Africa
- 8 Cape Town
- 9 Cape Town
- Optional Excursion: Bo Kaap Melting Pot Culture & Cuisine Tour, $205
- 10 Cape Town
- Optional Excursion: Cape Winelands Tour (ZAR 1745 purchased locally)
- 11 Cape Town/Depart South Africa
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Your exciting journey to Southern Africa begins today as you check in for your overnight flight to Nairobi, Kenya
Day 2 Nairobi
- Upon arrival in Nairobi, following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
- Visit Nairobi National Park, known as the world’s only Wildlife Capital
Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport or similar Lunch
Full Day ItineraryArrive today in Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya. Following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.
After lunch, take a short drive to Nairobi's city center to visit Nairobi National Park, known as the world's only Wildlife Capital, where vast open grass plains are the backdrop to Nairobi city scrapers. Nairobi National Park is home to the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and 400 migratory and endemic bird species.
Day 3 Nairobi & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
Insika Lodge or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryUpon arrival, following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.
Later today, have the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset while enjoying a cruise along the Zambezi River. Be on the lookout for hippos, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that frequent the waters and the surrounding areas.
Day 4 Victoria Falls
- Take part in a guided tour of Victoria Falls
- Spend the balance of the day at leisure
Insika Lodge or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, enjoy a guided tour of the falls. You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders—and the world's largest curtain of falling water! Located at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls consists of numerous falls separated by islands in the river below. The Zambezi River spills more than 2 million gallons of water per second over the Bakota Gorge, creating multiple rainbows and an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivaled by other natural wonders. The water's tremendous roar and the ever-present spray cloud give the falls their local moniker, "Smoke that Thunders."
Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy your surroundings.
Day 5 Victoria Falls & Chobe, Botswana
- Transfer to Botswana
- Enjoy your first boat safari on the Chobe River
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, depart Zimbabwe and cross the border into Botswana. Check into your lodge, located on the banks of the mighty Chobe River. The river sustains many animals who often come down to the river to replenish themselves. Enjoy a sunset riverboat safari that graciously explores the Chobe River and introduces guests to the various animals and bird species that frequent it.
Day 6 Chobe
- Enjoy a morning game drive in Chobe
- Embark on an afternoon boat safari on the Chobe River
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter an early wake-up call, head out for your first game drive in Chobe National Park. Today is a safari lover's dream with over 75 species of mammals surrounding your lodge, including the abundance of elephants in the adjacent Chobe National Park. The park has some of the largest concentrations of game on the African continent, including giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, and bushbuck. Return to the lodge to rest and enjoy lunch.
This afternoon, head out on another boat safari for another chance to spot more wildlife and witness the beauty of the African sky as the sun sets.
Day 7 Chobe, Livingstone, Zambia & Cape Town, South Africa
- Transfer from Chobe Botswana to Livingstone Airport, Zambia for your flight to Cape Town
- Meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
- Spend the remainder of the day at leisure
Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryDay 8 Cape Town
- Enjoy a full-day tour of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and Cape Point
Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryIn the morning, begin your full-day panoramic city tour of Cape Town, showcasing this vibrant city's scenic and historical highlights. Weather permitting, ascend by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark. Drive by the country's oldest building, the Castle of Good Hope, an imposing 17th-century Dutch fort set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain. Later, drive past secluded coves, beautiful beach towns, and spectacular mountain scenery. Stop at the famous Chapman's Peak. Enter the nature reserve covering the peninsula's southern part and drive through the unique scenery towards Cape Point. Travel by funicular railway to Cape Point, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Cape of Good Hope. Later, briefly stop to visit the African jackass penguins at Boulders Beach.
Note: Table Mountain Cableway will shut down for annual maintenance from July 28– August 3, 2025. It will re-open, weather permitting, on August 4, 2025. If Table Mountain Cableway is closed, we will visit Signal Hill instead.
Day 9 Cape Town
- Spend the day at leisure exploring Cape Town
- Or, join an optional tour to experience the culture of Bo Kaap
Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast
Optional Excursion: Bo Kaap Melting Pot Culture & Cuisine Tour, $205This morning, join a Bo-Kaap "Melting Pot" tour to discover the Cape Malay people's rich heritage, culture, and cuisine. We visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, the oldest Mosque in South Africa, pass the oldest house, the first farmhouse, and walk past the famous colorful houses. Next, step into an aromatic spice shop to learn about the origins of the spices. Visit a Cape Malay home and learn how to cook an authentic pot of curry, fold a spicy samosa, and knead, spin, and roll a perfectly flaky roti. Enjoy tasting your delicacies together with your host as a finale to your cooking lesson.
Note: This tour requires a minimum of 4 passengers.
Day 10 Cape Town
- Spend the day at leisure exploring Cape Town
- Or, participate in an exciting optional tour of Cape Winelands
Radisson RED Cape Town or similar Breakfast
Optional Excursion: Cape Winelands Tour (ZAR 1745 purchased locally)This morning, head to the premier wine-producing regions of Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch through the heart of the Cape Winelands. Visit the town of Franschhoek, passing the impressive Huguenot Monument. Experience breathtaking views from the historical Taal Monument in Paarl, one of the Cape's first farming districts. Stellenbosch is world-renowned for making some of South Africa's premier wines. Enjoy a tour of this historic town with its well-preserved architecture, pop into some of the local stores and markets, and enjoy some fine wines as you enter a renowned wine estate.
Note: This is a shared tour.
Day 11 Cape Town/Depart South Africa
- Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight with a connection in Nairobi
- Arrive in the USA the following morning
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
- What should I know about Kenya? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
- What should I know about South Africa? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
- What should I know about Zimbabwe? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
- What should I know about Botswana? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.