Compare South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger with Victoria Falls by Cosmos vs 9-Day South Africa and Victoria Falls with Rovos Rail by Ker & Downey Africa
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4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 16 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,909 | $ 7,229 |
| Price Per Day | $ 244 | $ 803 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners |
| Description | Enthralling game drives, stunning scenery, and fun experiences…this South Africa tour with Victoria Falls has it all!Have your camera ready as you ride in open-air, safari vehicles during game drives in Kruger National Park, one of the world's largest game reserves and home to impala, zebra, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more, and in Mkuze Game Reserve, where you’ll watch for lion, leopard, rhino, Cape buffalo, and giraffe. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Jozini home to hippo, Nile crocodile, and, if you’re lucky, elephant along the shore. At Stony Point Nature Reserve, observe the endangered African penguins engage in their daily activities.In addition to wildlife, you’ll also experience unique culture and spectacular scenery on this tour through South Africa. Learn about Zulu customs and life today during a fascinating village walk and interact with local artisans in eSwatini. Visit Tsitsikamma National Park for a walk through its unique coastal forest. Drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most scenic drives skirting the rocky coastline, and the scenic Panorama Route, with its dramatic landscapes tracing the course of the mighty Blyde River. Marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites at the Cango Caves. Witness rugged rocks, sheer cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic ocean views at Cape Point, Africa’s southwesternmost point.In Zimbabwe, stand in awe as you witness and hear the roar of stunning Victoria Falls, the world’s largest falls and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. All of this and more await you on this South Africa and Victoria Falls tour for savvy, value-minded travelers! |
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. |
Day 1: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Welcome to South Africa! Check in to your hotel and prepare for a fascinating journey.
Day 2: CAPE TOWN
This morning, visit Table Mountain for an aerial cable-car ride to the top for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape winelands. Then, take a scenic drive south via Chapman’s Peak Drive, which skirts the rocky coastline and is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, the southwesternmost point on the African continent. Here, take a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. Return to Cape Town and enjoy the evening at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 3: CAPE TOWN
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, take an excursion to the stunning Cape winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (Jun.-Oct.) Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day. (Breakfast)
Day 4: CAPE TOWN–STONY POINT NATURE RESERVE–HERMANUS–MOSSEL BAY
This morning, depart Cape Town and drive to Stony Point Nature Reserve to see a colony of endangered African Penguins. Known for the unique sound they make, these penguins grow to an average height of two feet and live in burrows and rock crevices along the beach. Stop in Hermanus for independent exploration before reaching Mossel Bay for the evening. (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 5: MOSSEL BAY–OUDTSHOORN–KNYSNA
Drive north to Oudtshoorn and stop for a guided tour of the Cango Caves with its stunning limestone rock formations. You will also visit a local ostrich farm. Continue to Knysna. (Breakfast,Lunch)
Day 6: KNYSNA–TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK RESERVE EXCURSION
Today, explore the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park for a walk through the indigenous coastal forest to the mouth of the Storms River. Cross the famous suspension bridge for views of the coastline and to see the Storms River Mouth Cave. Afterwards, return to Knysna for time to explore the waterfront or consider an optional cruise to see local marine life. (Breakfast)
Day 7: KNYSNA–GQEBERHA–DURBAN–UMHLANGA
This morning, drive to Gqeberha for your flight to Durban. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the bustling Umhlanga Rocks area for the evening. (Breakfast)
Day 8: UMHLANGA–MKUZE
Today, drive to Mkuze in the heart of Zululand. After lunch, travel to the Lebombo mountains for a memorable walk to interact with local Zulu people and learn about their customs and life today in this rural community. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Day 9: MKUZE
This morning, take a game drive in Mkuze Game Reserve, the oldest proclaimed wildlife reserve in all of Africa. The park is home to the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. You also have the chance to see giraffe, zebra, black and white rhino, and much more! After time to rest, embark on an afternoon boat ride on Lake Jozini. During the cruise, you are likely to spot hippo, Nile crocodile, elephant, and a variety of bird life. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Day 10: MKUZE–MHLAMBANYATSI, ESWATINI
Today, drive to eSwatini. En route, stop at a local market and visit a unique glass factory where talented glass blowers use recycled glass to create stemware, animals, and more. (Breakfast,Lunch)
Day 11: ESWATINI–GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA
Depart eSwatini and head north for the Greater Kruger area. South African hospitality reigns today with leisure time at the lodge. Gaze from your balcony at the wildlife-rich gardens, relax at the pool and day spa, and select from delightful dining choices. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Day 12: GREATER KRUGER AREA
Rise early for coffee and tea before your early morning game drive with an experienced guide. 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 watching wildlife from your balcony or on a guided nature or birding walk . Perhaps book a spa treatment or simply relax at the pool. Watch for kudu, impala, giraffe, cheetah, spotted hyena, the elusive wild dog, and more on your afternoon game drive. Return to your lodge for dinner. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Day 13: GREATER KRUGER AREA–VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Today, leave South Africa and fly north to Zimbabwe. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time. (Breakfast)
Day 14: VICTORIA FALLS
Today, visit mighty Victoria Falls for an awe-inspiring experience. Enjoy a guided walk, learn the history of the falls, and hear fascinating facts about the local flora and fauna. Afterwards, enjoy a bit of free time. This evening, a cruise on the Zambezi River is a terrific opportunity to photograph wildlife and a spectacular African sunset! (Breakfast)
Day 15: VICTORIA FALLS
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Consider a helicopter flight over the falls or day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. (Breakfast)
Day 16: VICTORIA FALLS–JOHANNESBURG
Your tour ends with a flight to Johannesburg. Schedule departing flights after 7:30 pm. (Breakfast)
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.
