Highlights of South Africa with Victoria Falls
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Africa and Zimbabwe with the "Highlights of South Africa with Victoria Falls" tour. Begin in Cape Town, where you'll ascend Table Mountain for breathtaking views and visit the charming Boulders Beach penguin colony. Explore the dramatic landscapes of Cape Point Nature Reserve and enjoy the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive. Experience thrilling game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve, home to the "Big 5" and more. In Johannesburg, delve into history with visits to Soweto, Mandela House, and the Apartheid Museum. Conclude your adventure in Zimbabwe with a Zambezi River cruise and a guided walk at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. With opportunities for optional excursions like a helicopter flight over the falls, this tour promises a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and natural wonders. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Cape Town,South Africa
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Welcome to Africa! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing, starting with a cable-car ride up Table Mountain for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands. Next, visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African Penguins, known for their unique sound. After free time for lunch, continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Here, take a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. On your return journey back to Cape Town, skirt the rocky coastline as you ascend Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Day 3: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Your day is more than half-full with your choice of optional excursions on The Cape. Sip into something comfortable by raising a glass on an optional visit to the stunning Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or slip into something deeper on an optional whale watching cruise in nearby Hermanus (June-October). Or lift your sights on an optional helicopter flightseeing tour above Cape Town’s vast oceanscape and landmarks on shore.
Day 4: Capetown,Hoedspruit,Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Location: Cape Town, Hoedspruit, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, overlooking the majestic Drakensburg Mountains. This area, near Kruger National Park, is famous for its abundance of wildlife, including the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. After lunch, embark on your first exciting game drive. Stop for a sundowner in the bush before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Day 5: Karongwe
Location: Karongwe
Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your skilled tracker and professional Ranger work together as a team during your early morning game drive, so you can learn more about the ecosystem as you view wildlife up close. Beyond the “Big 5,” you’ll have the chance to see kudu, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more! Return for breakfast mid-morning, followed by time to relax and enjoy the lodge and its surroundings. In the mid-afternoon, tea will be served prior to your afternoon game drive. Step out of your safari vehicle for a sundowner drink and watch as the sun sets over the Drakensberg Mountains. Return to your lodge in time to freshen up for dinner.
Day 6: Karongwe
Location: Karongwe
Accommodation Name: Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for coffee and tea before your morning game drive. If the timing is right, you might spot some of the big cats after a night of hunting. Spend time at leisure in the middle of the day. Perhaps take a swim in the pool, visit the wellness center for one of its many spa treatments, or simply sit back and watch the animals. Your afternoon game drive concludes with a sundowner drink as the sun sets over the bushveld!
Day 7: Karongwe,Hoedspruit,Johannesburg
Location: Karongwe, Hoedspruit, Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: Garden Court Sandton City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy one last game drive this morning before transferring to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 8: Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: Garden Court Sandton City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s sightseeing starts with a visit to Soweto (South Western Township), the largest township in the country. Along the way, see the neighborhood that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Visit Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to around 1960, when he was forced underground to elude arrest. After lunch, visit the Museum to learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid era. Using photos, video, and print, the museum takes you on an extraordinary journey through the apartheid years to the 1994 democratic elections that named Nelson Mandela president.
Day 9: Johannesburg,Victoria Falls,Zimbabwe
Location: Johannesburg, Victoria Falls
Accommodation Name: Elephant Hills Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, leave South Africa and fly north to Zimbabwe where you will be met by a Cosmos representative. Later this afternoon, a cruise on the Zambezi River affords you a wonderful opportunity to photograph wildlife and a spectacular African sunset! Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.
Day 10: Victoria Falls
Location: Victoria Falls
Accommodation Name: Elephant Hills Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, visit mighty Victoria Falls for an awe-inspiring experience. Enjoy a guided walk, where you will learn the history of the falls and hear fascinating details about the surrounding flora and fauna. Afterwards, enjoy free time for independent exploration or exhiliration with an optional helicopter flightseeing tour above the falls.
Day 11: Victoria Falls
Location: Victoria Falls
Accommodation Name: Elephant Hills Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Or are you game for adventure with an optional guided 4-wheel game drive through the lake shores, basalt plains, and teak forests where the wild things are in Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for the 'Big 5' and other fantastic beasts.
Day 12: Victoria Falls,Johannesburg
Location: Victoria Falls, Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with a flight back to Johannesburg. Schedule departing flights after 7:30 pm.
What's Included
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Sightseeing
Full day of sightseeing in Cape Town including a cable-car ride up Table Mountain, visit to Boulders Beach, Cape Point Nature Reserve, and Chapman's Peak Drive.
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Game Drives
Multiple game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve with opportunities to see the 'Big 5' and other wildlife.
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Victoria Falls
Guided walk and free time for independent exploration at Victoria Falls.
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Zambezi River Cruise
A cruise on the Zambezi River with opportunities to photograph wildlife and a spectacular African sunset.
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Soweto Tour
Visit to Soweto, Mandela House, and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
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Flights
Flights from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit, and from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls or a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into South Africa and Zimbabwe are not included.
Meals
11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Notes
For approximately one month each year (typically late July to mid-September), Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for annual maintenance. In these instances, a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included in its place. During the dry season (September-December) and particularly dry years, water flow to Victoria Falls may be low. All game viewing is done at your own risk and requires a signed liability waiver prior to travel. Due to rough driving on/off road and in/between game parks, this vacation is not recommended for guests with serious back problems or mobility issues. ...more ...less
Small Group
Each Cosmos Africa safari tour is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Safari Guide/Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery African safari vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds. ...more ...less
UNESCO Sites
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas|Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
Accommodation
Stay at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens in Cape Town, Shiduli Private Game Lodge in Karongwe Game Reserve, Garden Court Sandton City in Johannesburg, and Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes flights from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit and from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, with transfers to Karongwe Private Game Reserve and other destinations.
Check out our Q&As
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve?
During the game drives in Karongwe Private Game Reserve, you can expect to see the 'Big 5' which includes lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo. Additionally, you may also encounter kudu, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more.
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What activities are included at Victoria Falls?
At Victoria Falls, you will enjoy a guided walk to learn about the history of the falls and the surrounding flora and fauna. There is also free time for independent exploration or the option to take a helicopter flightseeing tour above the falls.
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What is the experience like on the Zambezi River cruise?
The Zambezi River cruise offers a wonderful opportunity to photograph wildlife and enjoy a spectacular African sunset. It is a relaxing experience that allows you to take in the natural beauty of the area.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation during the tour includes stays at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens in Cape Town, Shiduli Private Game Lodge in Karongwe Game Reserve, Garden Court Sandton City in Johannesburg, and Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available such as a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, a visit to the Cape Winelands for wine tasting, a whale watching cruise in Hermanus, and a helicopter flightseeing tour above Cape Town. ...more ...less
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The tour is a Small-Group Discovery, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Highlights of South Africa with Victoria Falls
12 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Cape Town, Hoedspruit, Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Karongwe, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3857-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Photography, Wildlife Tours
