Unveiling the Extraordinary: SouthERN Africa's VIP Tour
“Are you ready to experience an unforgettable experience on the most vibrant and exciting trip of your life? Then our BIG FIVE VIP package for South Africa is exactly what you need! Discover amazing adventures, luxury hotels and exclusive events to remember forever. Are you ready to be part of this exciting story?”
SOUTHERN AFRICA ADVENTURE TOUR PACKAGE: 18 Days
Witness some of nature’s greatest spectacles on safari in southern Africa’s celebrated national parks, including Kruger National Park and Chobe National Park. Enjoy an unforgettable wildlife walk with a local guide in the heart of the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta system and a UNESCO World Heritage site; drive through Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe searching for large herds of elephants; and sit down to a family dinner at a private home near Victoria Falls.
EXPERIENCES COVERED
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Carnivore Conservation Experience, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Zimbabwean Family Dinner, Victoria Falls
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Painted Dog Conservation, Hwange National Park
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Okavango Wilderness Project Experience, Okavango Delta
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Botswana Storytelling and Traditional Dinner, Maun
- Your Foodie Moment: Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue), Johannesburg
- Your Discover Moment: Victoria Falls
- Arrival transfer
- Panorama Route scenic drive
- Private nature reserve wildlife safari drives in open vehicles
- Open-vehicle wildlife safari drives in Kruger, Hwange and Chobe National Parks
- Tour of Victoria Falls
- Chobe boat safari
- Wildlife excursions by boat and on foot in the Okavango Delta
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- This is a Scheduled Tour. It is not an everyday departure.
- Rates per person sharing.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels (3 nts), safari lodges/camps (9 nts), comfortable safari tent (3 nts), comfortable tent or chalets (2 nts).
DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG
Arrive at any time and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) for dinner tonight.
Exclusive Inclusions: Your Foodie Moment Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue)
Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2 JOHANNESBURG/GREATER KRUGER AREA
Set out towards Kruger National Park via the magnificent Panorama Route, one of the world’s most picturesque drives. Make stops at the dramatic Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and take in panoramic views of the forest-covered valley from the God’s Window viewpoint. Continue to our lodge near Kruger National park, savour a delicious South African Dinner in this picturesque location.
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
DAY 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Rise early and climb aboard an open jeep for a full-day safari in Kruger National Park—home to an extraordinary array of large mammals. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and perhaps elusive leopards as we explore this breathtaking wilderness of savanna and scrubland. Return to our lodge in the evening, where you can take some time to relax and enjoy the nocturnal sounds of the bush.
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
DAY 4 GREATER KRUGER AREA/KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Travel to the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, a pristine wildlife sanctuary located in the Greater Kruger area. Meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Metapopulation Project—a program funded in part by National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative—and learn about efforts to protect the region’s cheetahs and other carnivores. The researcher then joins us for a wildlifeviewing excursion through the reserve.
Exclusive Inclusions: Your Journeys Highlight Moment Carnivore Conservation Experience
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
DAY 5 KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Spend the day exploring Karongwe on morning and afternoon safaris with our local guides. Search for Africa’s famed “big five” as we drive through the shrublands of the bushveld. Back at camp, relax on deck or take a walk around the grounds.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
DAY 6 KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE/JOHANNESBURG
Embark on one last safari this morning, keeping a lookout for Karongwe’s iconic inhabitants. Then head back to the city, where you’ll enjoy dinner in our family run lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
DAY 7 JOHANNESBURG/VICTORIA FALLS
Catch a flight to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, named after one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth. Visit a nearby village and go grocery shopping in the bustling market. Then sit down with a local family for dinner, helping your hosts prepare a traditional Zimbabwean meal using the ingredients you picked out, and hear stories about local life and culture.
Exclusive Inclusions: Your Journeys Highlight Moment Zimbabwean Family Dinner
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
DAY 8 VICTORIA FALLS
Set out for a tour of magnificent Victoria Falls. Scottish explorer David Livingstone named them after Britain’s Queen Victoria, while their older, indigenous name is Mosioa-Tunya—“the smoke that thunders.” Opt for a scenic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River; and much more.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: Optional Activities:
- Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park. Depart Victoria Falls in the morning for a full-day guided tour of Chobe National Park in Botswana
- ** Please note that you need to get a double-entry visa or a Univisa when arriving in Zimbabwe to ensure you can return again without needing to pay an extra visa fee.***
DAY 9 VICTORIA FALLS
- Continue your exploration of majestic Victoria Falls on a variety of optional excursions. Go whizzing over the Zambezi River on a zip line, glide down the river on a sunset cruise, or feel the spray of the falls on your face as you explore the surrounding paths.
Exclusive Inclusions: Your Discover Moment - Meals included: Breakfast
Optional Activities:
- Zip line over the Zambezi. 50USD per person
- Glide along a zipline track for 300 metres over the rapids of the Batoka Gorge below. Take in incredible views of the Victoria Falls along the way.
- Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park
- ** Please note that you need to get a double-entry visa or a Univisa when arriving in Zimbabwe to ensure you can return again without needing to pay an extra visa fee.***
DAY 10 VICTORIA FALLS/ HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Explore Victoria Falls at leisure this morning, and opt to take a guided tour of this thundering natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, transfer to the headquarters of Painted Dog Conservation. Learn about this non-profit organization’s work to protect and rehabilitate injured painted dogs (also known as African wild dogs), and hear from a conservationist about the threats to these endangered animals. Afterward, venture out on safari in Hwange National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserves and an important elephant sanctuary.
Exclusive Inclusions: Your Journeys Highlight Moment Painted Dog
Conservation
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
DAY 11 HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Set out on morning and late afternoon safaris through the sweeping grasslands of Hwange National Park and Dete Vlei. Track resident elephant and buffalo herds, as well as giraffes, lions, zebras, and the rare African wild dog. This evening, relax on the deck of your lodge or visit the underground hiding area which is perfect for photography enthusiasts, keeping an eye out for the wild creatures that visit the lodge’s watering hole. Afternoon Wildlife Safari in Hwange National Park
Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest park, and home to elephant herds, lions, and the rare African wild dog. Get your cameras ready and keep an eye out for Africa’s “big five,” as well as other predators, over 300 bird species, and discover a remote portion of Hwange National Park where you will seldom see another vehicle. Sable Valley (or similar) Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
DAY 12 HWANGE /CHOBE NP
Depart Hwange and head north, crossing the border into Botswana and arriving in Kasane—the gateway to the stunning Chobe National Park. Settle into your lodge and embark on a boat safari on the Chobe River, the lifeline of the park.
Look out for submerged hippos, basking crocodiles, bathing elephants, and an abundance of birdlife from the boat’s deck, and witness a spectacular fiery sunset over the river.
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
DAY 13 CHOBE NP
This morning, continue your exploration of Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. On a safari along the banks of the Chobe River, keep an eye out for elephants, buffalo, lions, zebra, and rare semi-aquatic antelope, as well as an incredible variety of birds. In the afternoon, opt to take a photography river safari on a specialized photography boat.
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 13: Optional Activities
- Evening Photo Safari on Chobe River (This optional extra will only be offered until the 31st December 2024)
DAY 14 KASANE/OKAVANGO DELTA
Take in the views on a scenic flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Climb into a mokoro (dugout canoe) and glide along the waterways around our remote camp to catch a first glimpse of the area’s abundant wildlife. Settle into comfortable tents, explore the camp, or opt to go for a swim. After lunch, embark on a wildlife cruise, watching for hippos and elephants as well as aquatic birds drawn by the region’s unique fish and insects. Enjoy a sundowner deck back at the camp before dinner under the stars.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
DAY 15 OKAVANGO DELTA
Get an early start today, hopping into mokoros to maneuver through narrow channels of the delta. Arrive at Chief’s Island, part of the Moremi Game Reserve , and set out on a thrilling bush walk. Follow a guide into the wilderness, in search of giraffe, zebra, lion, kudu, elephant, and hippo as well as all manner of birdlife. Identify tracks and other signs of wildlife and learn about the medicinal uses of native plants and trees. Return to camp for brunch, then enjoy free time to relax or observe wildlife from the deck. After high tea, head out for another boating activity or wildlife drive. This evening, take time to stargaze and listen to the enchanting sounds of the delta after dark.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
DAY 16 OKAVANGO DELTA
Embark on both morning and late afternoon wildlife excursions by boat, on foot, or by jeep, depending on current conditions and water levels. In between, enjoy the amenities at the camp, go for a swim, or relax with a book on the deck. Remember to keep your eyes open and binoculars close to observe passing wildlife. Chief’s Island is a large area and the animals are free to move as they choose – and they do! During your guided walk there’s a chance you’ll see: lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu and hippo as well as a plethora of birdlife – particularly when the migratory species return to us between October and March. There is a huge difference to being on foot rather than in a vehicle for such encounters!
Okavango Excursion Okavango Delta Continue exploring the Delta on a bush walk or by mokoro through the channels, searching for wildlife as you go.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
DAY 17 OKAVANGO DELTA
After an early-morning wildlife excursion, fly to the frontier town of Maun. Meet with an expedition member on National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project, a multi-year collaboration between international and local experts to survey the Okavango watershed’s biodiversity and ensure its future protection. Watch the National Geographic documentary “Into the Okavango,” and learn about delta conservation projects in the area. In the evening, experience a night of storytelling and traditional foods with celebrated local author Bonty Botumile. Born in Maun, Bonty’s work is dedicated to preserving Botswana’s literary heritage and providing youth with employment opportunities in the arts. Listen as she shares her in-depth knowledge of the region’s cultural history, and cap off the night with a delicious meal and colourful stories around a warm fire.
Exclusive Inclusions: Your Journeys Highlight Moment Okavango Wilderness Project Experience| Your Journeys Highlight Moment Botswana Storytelling and Traditional Dinner
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
DAY 18 DEPARTURE
Meals included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
Tour Exclusions:
- Return International flights are not included
- INTERNAL FLIGHT WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS: Planes used to fly into the Delta are small and weight restrictions are mandatory. For this reason luggage restrictions are 15kg per person for checked in luggage and 5kg for Hand luggage for a maximum of 20kg per person. As well, the airline requires the weight of each passenger, this information will be collected from you privately, at the beginning of the trip
- Insurance: please ensure you are insured before you travel. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required.
- Visa: please ensure you obtain the correct visa documentation before you travel.
- Optional activities not described in What’s Included
- Meals: “on your own”
- Gratuities
- Tourism levy/Tax in each country visited. This entry tax is payable at all points of entry.
MONEY EXCHANGE
- For Zimbabwe, we strongly advise that you bring ZAR or USD from your home country or exchange money before the start of the tour, to avoid delays on tour, as it can be difficult to obtain cash at ATMs
EMERGENCY FUND
- Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ’emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!