South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Wildlife, Waterfalls, Wine: Africa Without Compromise.
One journey. Three iconic countries. Wildlife, waterfalls, wine & world changing stories.”
Highlights include
- Three iconic African countries in one expertly curated journey
- Luxury Chobe River safari with intimate boat‑based wildlife encounters
- Victoria Falls from every angle – sunrise walk, helicopter flight & river cruise
- Five nights in Cape Town with private touring, wine estates & coastal adventures
- Exclusive Big 5 safari at a private Greater Kruger reserve
- Once‑in‑a‑lifetime stories with a private conversation with Christo Brand
Itinerary Summary
- Day 1 | Arrive in Johannesburg
- Day 2 | Johannesburg – Kasane, Botswana (Chobe National Park)
- Day 3 | Chobe National Park
- Day 4 | Chobe National Park – Victoria Falls (Road Transfer)
- Day 5 | Victoria Falls
- Day 6 | Activity – Scenic Helicopter Flight over Victoria Falls
- Day 7 | From Victoria Falls to the Heart of Cape Town
- Day 8 | Activity – Private Table Mountain & City Tour
- Day 9 | Activity – Robben Island Tour | A Conversation with Christo Brand
- Day 10 | Activity – Private Boschendal Day Tour
- Day 11 | Cape Town – Hoedspruit (Greater Kruger National Park)
- Day 12 | Kapama River Lodge: Safari Begins
- Day 13 | Final Full day at Kapama Private Game Reserve
- Day 14 | Kapama – Hoedspruit – Johannesburg
- Day 15 | Johannesburg – End of African Journey
Quick Facts
- Country Visited: South Africa, Botswana and Tanzania
- Hosted by: Debbie Rains
- Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
- Pricing: from $14,900 pp twin share + gratuities
- Single Supplement: $6,000
- Suitability: Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and travellers seeking a truly unique African experience.
Why This Tour Is Different
- More than a safari – combines wildlife, culture, history, food & wine
- Private & small‑group experiences, not mass tourism
- Multiple bucket‑list moments in one journey (Falls, Big 5, Cape Town)
- Rare access to people and stories most travellers never experience
- Carefully paced itinerary with luxury lodges and hand‑picked hotels
- Fully hosted, seamless travel across three countries
South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Inclusions
- Premium accommodation
- Meals as specified throughout the itinerary
- Personalised meet and greet service on arrival
- Private vehicle transfers throughout your journey
- Guaranteed window seat for optimal views during transfers
- All national park fees and government taxes
Not Included
- International flights
- Internal flights
- Lunches and dinners not detailed in the program
- Items of personal nature
Itinerary
- Day 1 | Arrive in Johannesburg
Arrive at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and make your way to your conveniently located lodge accommodation, just a short walk from the arrival’s terminal. This easy overnight stay ensures a relaxed start to your journey before heading into the heart of Africa.
Accommodation: City Lodge OR Tambo
- Day 2 | Johannesburg – Kasane, Botswana (Chobe National Park)
As your flight descends into Kasane, the vast wilderness of northern Botswana stretches out below, offering a first glimpse of the adventure ahead. On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a representative from Muchenje Safari Lodge and transferred to the lodge overlooking the Chobe River.
Muchenje Safari Lodge
Perched high above the river, Muchenje offers sweeping views across Chobe National Park. From the elegant cottages to the welcoming main lodge, every space is designed to connect guests with the surrounding landscape. With experienced managers and passionate guides, each stay is personal, immersive, and authentic.
This afternoon, head out on your first game drive. As the sun begins to set, Chobe comes alive with wildlife activity, providing a thrilling introduction to one of Africa’s most game-rich regions. Return to the lodge for dinner and a selection of drinks, dining beneath the African night sky.
Accommodation: Muchanje Safari Lodge (incl. dinner)
- Day 3 | Chobe National Park
After breakfast, set out on a guided safari walk, experiencing Chobe at ground level. Moving quietly through the bush, you’ll discover the smaller details of the ecosystem often missed on game drives.
Return to the lodge for a relaxed lunch overlooking the river before embarking on a serene afternoon Chobe River cruise. Glide past herds of elephants, buffalo, and abundant birdlife as animals gather along the water’s edge.
This evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge, sharing stories of the day’s sightings with fellow travellers over drinks.
Accommodation: Muchenje Safari Lodge (incl. 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners)
- Day 4 | Chobe Park – Victoria Falls | Activity – Dusty Road Dinner Experience
After a final breakfast with views across the Chobe River, bid farewell to Botswana as you travel by road to Victoria Falls (approximately 1.5–2 hours). On arrival, transfer to Waterfalls Lodge, a newly built lodge located close to Victoria Falls town.
Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying sundowners by the bar or pool and meeting fellow travellers. This evening, head out to the Dusty Road Dinner & Show, where local cuisine and lively entertainment provide a festive introduction to Zimbabwe.
Accommodation: Ilala Lodge (incl. 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners)
- Day 5 | Victoria Falls
Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring into town for a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls. Learn how the falls were formed and hear about the cultural significance and traditions surrounding one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders. There will be time to browse local markets showcasing handcrafted arts and crafts by local artisans.
Lunch is enjoyed at the Lookout Café, perched above the gorge, where you can watch adrenaline seekers take on the gorge swing and zipline.
Later this afternoon, head into Zambezi National Park for an afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge for a relaxed evening.
Accommodation: Ilala Lodge (incl. 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, )
- Day 6 | Activity – Scenic Helicopter Flight over Victoria Falls | Dinner Cruise Wild Horizons ‘Malachite’
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace before a late-morning helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, offering an unforgettable aerial perspective of the sheer power and scale of the falls.
Later this afternoon, transfer to the Zambezi River for a sunset dinner cruise aboard the elegant Malachite. Watch the sun set over the river before enjoying a delicious three-course dinner served on board as you cruise along this iconic waterway.
Those wishing to explore further can take advantage of the lodge’s complimentary shuttle into town for shopping or a visit to The Victoria Falls Hotel for lunch or afternoon tea (own expense).
This evening, board a dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. Enjoy sundowners as wildlife gathers along the banks, followed by dinner on the water as the sun sets.
Accommodation: Ilala Lodge (incl. 1 breakfast, 1 dinner)
- Day 7 | From Victoria Falls to the Heart of Cape Town
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cape Town. On arrival, enjoy a private transfer to the vibrant V&A Waterfront and your hotel for the next four nights, The Cullinan Hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a glass of South African wine at the hotel or take the shuttle into the waterfront to dine at one of the many acclaimed restaurants or stroll the marina at sunset.
Accommodation: The Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town (incl. breakfast)
- Day 8 | Activity – Private Table Mountain & City Tour
This morning, embark on a guided city tour, beginning with a cable car ride to the summit of Table Mountain (weather permitting). Continue through the historic Malay Quarter, Company Gardens, the Castle of Good Hope, and the Diamond Works, before travelling to Milnerton for postcard-perfect views of Table Mountain.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore the V&A Waterfront, browse artisan stores at the Watershed, or take visit the exceptional Zeitz Moca Museum for view the latest exhibitions of modern African art.
Accommodation: The Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town (incl. breakfast)
- Day 9 | Activity – Robben Island Tour | A Conversation with Christo Brand
Today begins with a ferry crossing to Robben Island, where history is deeply felt from the moment you arrive. Guided by former political prisoners, the tour offers a powerful and personal insight into South Africa’s journey to democracy, including visits to the maximum-security prison, limestone quarry, and Nelson Mandela’s former cell.
Returning to the mainland in the afternoon, there is time to reflect before heading back to the hotel. The day concludes with a private and deeply moving talk by Christo Brand, who shares his extraordinary experiences as a former prison guard on Robben Island and his unlikely friendship with Nelson Mandela. His reflections on forgiveness, reconciliation, and humanity provide rare insight and lasting perspective.
Accommodation: The Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town (incl. breakfast)
- Day 10 | Activity – Private Boschendal Day Tour
After breakfast, depart for a full-day Winelands experience, travelling through Stellenbosch and onto Boschendal Estate. Enjoy a chocolate and wine tasting among the vines before lunch at The Deli (own account), where farm-to-table produce is paired with outstanding local wines.
The region is renowned for its classic French-style wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chenin Blanc, and the uniquely South African Pinotage.
Accommodation: The Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town (incl. breakfast)
- Day 11 | Cape Town – Hoedspruit (Greater Kruger National Park)
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Hoedspruit. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to Kapama River Lodge.
Kapama River Lodge is a premier luxury safari lodge set within the expansive Kapama Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa. It blends contemporary comfort with authentic bushveld ambience, offering spacious, stylishly furnished suites that open onto the wilderness and often deliver sightings of small wildlife right from your private patio. The lodge’s social yet relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for couples, families and groups seeking both comfort and adventure. Guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives led by expert guides, exceptional wildlife viewing including the Big Five, gourmet dining, two outdoor pools, and an acclaimed spa for post-safari relaxation. Thoughtful service, elegant communal spaces and panoramic views of pristine bush create an unforgettable safari experience.
This afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in the reserve, where wildlife encounters begin immediately.
Accommodation: Kapama River Lodge (incl. breakfast, dinner)
- Day 12 | Kapama Private Game Reserve
Rise early for a morning game drive in the Kapama Reserve, home to over 140 mammal species, including the iconic Big Five. Birdlife is equally impressive, with hundreds of species recorded throughout the reserve.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and time at leisure before lunch. Later this afternoon, head out on another game drive, searching for nocturnal animals as they emerge in the cooler hours.
Accommodation: Kapama River Lodge (incl. breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Day 13 | Final Full day at Kapama Private Game Reserve
Your final full day at Kapama offers additional morning and afternoon game drives, as well as the opportunity to join a guided walking safari. Learn about medicinal plants, insects, birdlife, and traditional bush knowledge from an expert ranger.
Alternatively, relax at the lodge or indulge in a treatment at the award-winning spa (own account).
Accommodation: Kapama River Lodge (incl. breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Day 14 | Kapama – Hoedspruit – Johannesburg
Bid farewell to the bush as you transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your afternoon flight to Johannesburg. On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, check in for your overnight stay at the City Lodge.
Accommodation: City Lodge O.R Tambo Airport
- Day 15 | Johannesburg | Your African Journey Concludes
Enjoy breakfast before your onward travel arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
General Visa and Health Information
Most travelers require a visa to enter South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Requirements vary by nationality, and it’s recommended to check eligibility and apply online in advance for a smoother entry.
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions apply, click here for details.