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Compare African Insight (Northbound) by Acacia Africa vs 9-Day South Africa and Victoria Falls with Rovos Rail by Ker & Downey Africa

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Duration 7 days 9 days
Price From $ 1,100 $ 7,229
Price Per Day $ 157 $ 803
Highlights
  • Matobo or Matopos National Park, Zimbabwe: The Matobo National Park lies in the Matobo Hills, which are a 200 million year old range of granite domes, spires and unique smoothly-rounded balancing boulders created by years of erosion. The 424 sq km park is the burial ground for colonial imperialist Cecil Rhodes and his peaceful grave can be visited on the top of one of these outcrops of rock. It is also home to a diversity of wildlife, and has one of the largest densities of leopard in Africa, and considerable populations of both the black and white rhinoceros. The highlight here is a game walk to possibly get close to rhino on foot.
  • Kruger National Park, South Africa: Spanning 18,989 square kilometers, the Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, and is the premier game reserve of South Africa. Home to the Big Five, there are 147 mammalian species, as well as 517 bird species and 114 species of reptile.
  • Matobo or Matopos National Park, Zimbabwe
  • The Matobo National Park lies in the Matobo Hills, which are a 200 million year old range of granite domes, spires and unique smoothly-rounded balancing boulders created by years of erosion. The 424 sq km park is the burial ground for colonial imperialist Cecil Rhodes and his peaceful grave can be visited on the top of one of these outcrops of rock. It is also home to a diversity of wildlife, and has one of the largest densities of leopard in Africa, and considerable populations of both the black and white rhinoceros. The highlight here is a game walk to possibly get close to rhino on foot.
  • Victoria Falls National Park: Victoria Falls or Mosi Oa Tunya, the smoke that thunders sits on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe where the Zambezi river drops 108 metres into the gorge. Victoria Falls, named after Queen Victoria are also known by their local name Mosi Oa Tunya, which literally translated means 'The Smoke that Thunders' referring to the coloumn of spray from the waterfall that can be seen from miles around. Victoria Falls is undoubtedly Southern Africa's adventure playground and some of the activities on offer are:
  • Bungy Jumping
  • White Water Rafting
  • Canoeing
  • Microlight Flights
  • Helicopter Flights
  • Walk with Lions
  • Walk with Elephants
  • Gorge Swing
  • Your tour leader will be able to assist in booking on these activities and others too!
  • Massive Victoria Falls an acclaimed Natural Wonder of the World.
  • Explore Durban
  • Discover Johannesburg, opportunity to spot the Big 5 as well as enjoy sun-downers
  • Explore Zimbabwe, you will have the opportunity to go on a game drive at The Hide
Trip Style Small group tour Private guided tour
Lodging Level Basic Luxury
Physical Level
  • 3- Moderate
  • 2- Easy
Travel Themes
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Safari
  • National Parks
  • Overland Journeys
  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Safari
  • 50 plus
  • National Parks
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Chobe National Park
  • Hwange National Park
  • Johannesburg
  • Kruger National Park
  • Limpopo
  • Livingstone
  • Victoria Falls
  • Zambezi River
  • Hwange National Park
  • Johannesburg
  • Kruger National Park
  • Victoria Falls
Flights & Transport Ground transport included Internal airfare and ground transport included
Activities
  • Bird watching
  • Canoeing
  • Game drive
  • Horseback riding & Equestrian
  • Land expedition
  • Nature
  • Safari
  • Short Cruise
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Bird watching
  • Game drive
  • Nature
  • Safari
  • Trains & Rail
  • Wildlife viewing
Meals Included

6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 5 Dinners

8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners

Description

Take in the excitement of Big 5 game viewing in Southern Africas Kruger and Hwange National Parks on this overland safari tour. Relax or go wild with all the adrenaline activities on offer in Livingstone, Zambia and marvel at the thunderous Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.

Experience the richness of southern Africa in a way that you haven't before. Embark on an unforgettable journey on the world's most luxurious train. Your journey begins in an enchanted forest in South Africa where you will learn about Zulu Zen and search for the Big 5 before soaking up the African sun on beautiful beaches. You will then board the train and meander your way northwards through the captivatingly diverse African scenery before reaching the pinnacle of your trip - the Victoria Falls.

Itinerary: African Insight (Northbound)

Day 1 - 2: Johannesburg - Kruger National Park, Hazyview

Our tour begins in Johannesburg, the ‘City of Gold’ and one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the African continent. Starting early, we travel east through the Mpumalanga province to the Greater Kruger area. Kruger is South Africa’s premier national park and connecting with parks in adjoining Mozambique and Botswana, covers 24,000 square kilometres of land used in the protection of African wildlife! Over dinner we enjoy a Shangaan cultural evening including traditional dance. We enjoy a full day’s game viewing in the national park, seeking wildlife encounters with Africa’s ‘Big 5’ - lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard – as well as giraffe, hippo, zebra, various antelope and a variety of amazing birdlife and reptiles.

Day 3 – 4: Limpopo Province - Antelope Park, Gweru

Leaving Kruger, we move north pausing the night near the Limpopo River to the Beitbridge Border. Completing formalities at the border post we enter Zimbabwe and drive though stunning landscapes and the town of Gweru to Antelope Park private game-ranch. There is the opportunity to try various optional activities such as canoeing, game driving and sunset cruise.

Day 5 – 7: Hwange National Park - Livingstone, Zambia

From Antelope Park, we make our way to Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe’s largest and best known Game Reserve and home to over 100 mammal species including the ‘Big 5’. We take either an evening or a morning game drive in the park before we cross into Zambia and drive to Livingstone and our camp situated on the banks of the Zambezi River. We have our last night at camp just downstream from Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most spectacular sights and the perfect place to end our tour.

Itinerary: 9-Day South Africa and Victoria Falls with Rovos Rail

Day 1-2: Johannesburg - KwaZulu-Natal

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Andbeyond Phina Forest Lodge

All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Main Destination: Phinda Game Reserve

After arriving at Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport, you will take a flight to Phinda.

Cradled among the forest trees, this lodge exuberates private luxury despite the floor to ceiling glass walls. These walls provide a sweeping view of the unique ecosystem that surrounds your suite whilst the dense, fertile canopy provides all the privacy you need. The eco-designed luxury suites provide a serene and reflective space to observe all that the forest has to offer.

Morning and evening game drives will offer the opportunity to spot the Big 5 as well as enjoy sun-downers with the setting African sun - a timeless favorite.

Included in your stay is a half day rhino tracking experience. You will walk through the reclusive animal's habitat searching for signs that they have left behind. An expert ranger will be sharing all their knowledge about these fascinating creatures as you track them.

Day 3-4: Phinda Forest Lodge - Durban

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Oyster Box Luxury hotel located in or near Ballito

Drinks not included

Main Destination: Ballito (South Africa)

After your last breakfast in the forest, you will transfer by road to the exclusive Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban. This is about a 3 hour transfer. The Oyster Box Hotel is stands majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse, discover our timeless elegance. Enjoy a multitude of dining options, including our famous curry feast and High Tea, and indulge in our award-winning spa amid tropical gardens. There is lots to do at the hotel and in and around Durban. We suggest you book a spa treatment at the hotel as well.

Day 5-7: Pretoria - Victoria Falls by train

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners

Accommodation: Rovos Rail

All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Main Destination: Victoria Falls

Mid-range train suite located in or near the park

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will have a transfer to the Rovos Rail station in Pretoria, you will board the luxurious Rovos Rail.

The following 3 nights will be spent at your own leisurely pace as the train travels northwards to the majestic Victoria Falls. Simply enjoy the luxurious atmosphere of the bygone era and soak up the stunning and diverse African scenery.

On your third day, after entering Zimbabwe, you will have the opportunity to go on a game drive at The Hide. The Hide is situated in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest National Park and offers the opportunity to spot the Big 5. Hwange National Park is a haven for over 100 mammals and 400 bird species and the park protects populations of all of Zimbabwe’s endangered species.

This evening, the Rovos Rail will stop overnight at Thompsons Junction before taking you to witness a natural wonder of the world.

Day 8: Victoria Falls overnight

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Victoria Falls Hotel

Luxury hotel located in or near Victoria Falls

Drinks not included

Main Destination: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Arrival in Victoria Falls at 10h00 and then take a short walk to Victoria Falls Hotel for your overnight. One of the world’s Classic five-star hotels commands prime location overlooking Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, an acclaimed Natural Wonder of the World. A proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, the Edwardian-style hotel, built in 1904, was splendidly redecorated in 2013 to combine its traditional majesty with modern sophistication. For more than 110 years The Victoria Falls Hotel has been a luxury icon in Africa.

Day 9: Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Main Destination: Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe)

Drinks not included

After breakfast this morning, you will transfer by road to the Victoria Falls Airport, along with all your unforgettable memories, for your onward journey.

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