Compare Southern African Cruise Safari: South Africa & Botswana by Aurora Expeditions vs The Great Southern Africa Safari by G Adventures

Days 1-3

Arrive into Cape Town at your leisure and meet your Expedition Leader and fellow expeditions for a sumptuous welcome dinner. Enjoy a full day exploration of the Cape Winelands region, sampling a wide range of local produced wines and cheeses. We’ll spend time exploring Cape Town’s colourful Malay quarter and Milnerton Lagoon’s spectacular views of Table Mountain as well as enjoy a cultural dining experience at one of Cape Town’s finest African restaurants.

Days 4-6

We take a mid-morning flight to Hoedspruit and transfer to our lodge in the Kapama Private Game Reserve, situated in South Africa’s northern most province of Limpopo and renowned for its prolific and diverse wildlife, including over 40 different mammal species (including the famous Big Five), over 350 bird species and a myriad smaller species. Predawn safaris feature the departure of night predators, the dawn chorus and visits to many local waterholes. We rest during the hottest part of the day then board our open-sided Land Rovers for a night safari before returning for dinner and entertaining talks.

Days 7-8

Our charter flight to Botswana offers a spectacular bird’s-eye view across the African landscape. Arriving into Kasane we travel to luxury Mowana Safari Lodge, set amongst baobab trees with magnificent views to where the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers meet. In the surrounding Chobe Game Reserve, some 45,000 elephants share their lands with lion, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, zebra, buffalo and more than 450 species of bird. As in Kapana, our our overland safaris will be early in the morning and early evening, with a rest in the middle of the day.

Days 9-11

Today we board Zambezi Queen on the Chobe River. Over three days we delight in viewing Chobe National Park’s teeming wildlife from the open air lounge or from watercraft that allows close views of the wildlife that has come to bathe and drink. Generator free evenings allow us darkness for stargazing and the stillness to enjoy sounds of the Africa night.

Days 12-14

Disembarking the Zambezi Queen, we make our way to Victoria Falls and the elegant Victoria Falls Hotel for three nights, delighting in the magnificent views over the Fall’s Bridge to Zambia. A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River reveals crocodiles, hippos and birdlife, while on a trek through the rainforest, we learn local legends of ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. Enjoy a traditional Boma dinner, featuring kudu, warthog, crocodile and the local delicacies like Mopani worms, while being entertained by tribal dancing and storytelling.

Day 15

Today we transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for our flight to Johannesburg and our trip’s end.

Day 1 Cape Town

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 Cape Town

Begin the day with an exploration of vibrant Cape Town, wandering through the multicultural Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Then enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, named by National Geographic Travel as one of the world’s 10 most magnificent gardens. Later, stop by Boulders Beach to see the resident population of African penguins, and continue to the Cape Point lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point in Africa.

Day 3 Cape Town

Enjoy a day of leisure in Cape Town, choosing from a variety of optional activities. Hop on a cable car to the summit, taking in extraordinary views of the city and the Atlantic seaboard. Or explore the Cape Winelands, visiting the historical city of Stellenbosch, touring wine estates with expert guides, and indulging in a variety of tastings and pairings.

There is something for everyone in Cape Town. Visit Table Mountain, walk the V&A Waterfront or embark on a wine tour in and around Stellenbosch. For the adventurous, opt to go, abseiling. Wander through the city centre, which has some of the oldest buildings and gardens in South Africa. Check out the Cultural Historical Museum, Planetarium, and many other museums and theatres.

If you are interested in visiting Robben Island - you must book it directly with the museum on their website prior to travel: http://www.robben-island.org.za Due to high demand, it is common that this tour can be sold out over one month in advance.

Day 4 Cape Town/Johannesburg

Fly to Johannesburg, then take a guided tour of Soweto township. Soweto was an important center of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement and home to its leader, Nelson Mandela. Visit the Mandela House Museum and learn about this painful chapter in the country’s history. In the evening, enjoy a traditional South African dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 5 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.

Today is a very long driving day; however, we will make many stops along the way at sites along the Panorama Route.

Day 6 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.

At over 19,000 sq km (7,500 sq mi), South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most impressive animal reserves in the world. With 147 species, Kruger has more species of large mammals than any other park on the continent.

Day 7 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 Cheetah 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 wildlife-viewing excursion through the reserve.

For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature Reserve, searching for Africa's famed Big Five. With over 9,000 hectares (22,240 acres) of supreme African bushveld, Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to many creatures, and our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing. We use various accommodations within the reserve (the location is based on availability). During your time here, you will either stay in lodge rooms or very comfortable permanent tents (both of equal quality and with similar amenities).

Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers who will share their vast experience of the African bush. On some occasions, if space is unavailable, we may need to change accommodations or even use a different private reserve. In such a case, be assured we will choose other lodges or comfort camps (of equal quality) within the Greater Kruger area.

Day 8 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.

Wake up before the sun (around 5am) and sip your morning coffee before heading out on a morning wildlife safari drive. Return to the lodge for brunch and some leisure time. Converse on the deck, walk the grounds and gardens, and enjoy high tea. Following tea, it's time for a late afternoon safari drive. After spotting tons of wildlife, it’s time to return to camp and freshen up before dinner, a traditional braai.

Day 9 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 lodge.

Day 10 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.

The mist off Victoria Falls can rise to a height of more than 400m (1312 ft). Local tribes used to call the falls Mosi-o-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders.” Explorer and missionary David Livingstone renamed the falls after Queen Victoria when he first saw them in 1855.

Day 11 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 Mosi-oa-Tunya—“the smoke that thunders.” Opt for a scenic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River; and much more.

If you have an activity planned for this morning, we will reschedule your Falls tour for this afternoon, or tomorrow morning before departure. Please note if you wish to partake in both the Full Day Chobe National Park and the River Cruise optional activities, they cannot both be done on the same day.

Day 12 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.

The town of Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls. Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.

Day 13 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 home to nearly half of the country's elephant population.

Examine the life and struggles faced by the Painted Dog (wild dog) population in and around Hwange national park and the efforts made by the conservancy to prevent poaching and the damage done by snare traps that have endangered the Painted Dog population in Zimbabwe. The ultimate goal of the project is to release rehabilitated animals back into the wild and to work with local children and communities in an effort to educate and shift behaviors away from poaching.

Road conditions in the region can range from good to very poor. As such, we slow our traveling speed in the rough spots and enjoy some sand and bumps – all part of the adventure of traveling in Africa. Please note that hot water shortages, low water pressure and power outages can occur in Southern Africa. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control. Wifi is available in most places (extra charge may apply), but in remote areas there can be service interruptions. A/C is not generally available in the accommodations we use, really it isn't needed as evenings tend to cool down. Floor or ceiling fans are usually available.

Day 14 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.

Day 15 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.

Keep an eye out for Chobe bushbuck and puku antelope, which are found only in this part of Botswana. The Chobe River is home to the world’s largest elephant herds; buffalo, hippos, and lions can also be seen here.

Day 16 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.

Opt into the photo wildlife safari on the Chobe River at sunset; you’ll be accompanied by an expert wildlife photographer and guide who will help you get the perfect shot.

Day 17 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.

Please note that the Okavango Wilderness Project talk may be moved to the day that the group arrives in Maun due to the availability of lecturers within the region.

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, your CEO will collect this information from you privately, at the beginning of the trip. Please note that during your time at camp any dietary requirements can be catered for – please just let our managers know on arrival so that special meals may be prepared.

Day 18 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.

Tonight, the group will stay at Moremi Crossing accommodation, in en suite meru tents equipped with running hot and cold water, full beds, linens and a towel. Each tent is on its own deck dotted along the fringe of the island tucked away amongst the pristine riverine ecosystem filled with wildlife. There are animal sightings from the decking area on a regular basis.

Day 19 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!

Day 20 Okavango Delta/Maun

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.

Please note that today you will be served a brunch between 10-11 before boarding your flight to Maun.

Day 21 Maun

Depart at any time.