Compare African Insight (Southbound) by Acacia Africa vs 9-Day South Africa and Victoria Falls with Rovos Rail by Ker & Downey Africa
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,100 | $ 7,229 |
| Price Per Day | $ 157 | $ 803 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Luxury |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included |
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners |
8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners |
| Description |
This short overland safari tour from Livingstone to Johannesburg is ideal for the traveller who is short of time. It includes some of the best attractions Southern Africa has to offer including the Kruger National Park in South Africa, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, and the Victoria Falls in Zambia |
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 – 3: Victoria Falls, Bulawayo - Matobo National Park
Our tour begins in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), where there are numerous activities and excursions to choose from, easily enough for an extra day or two if time allows you a bit more time in Africa before our safari starts: white water rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling, gorge swinging, scenic flights (microlight, helicopter or small aircraft) and horse riding. But don’t leave without seeing the Victoria Falls themselves. At over a mile wide and some 100 metres deep, in high water it forms the largest curtain of falling water in the world with spray visible from 20 kilometres away; hence their local name Mosi au Tunya ( ‘smoke that thunders')
We depart Victoria Falls and drive south to the second city Bulawayo where we explore the majestic Matobo National Park on Game Drive and on foot with a resident guide. This is a great opportunity to experience being out in the African bush and possibly spot some Rhino too!
Day 4 – 6: Bulawayo – Tshipise - Kruger National Park, South Africa
Leaving Bulawayo, we continue south to the border at Beitbridge. Completing formalities we cross the Limpopo River -the second largest in South Africa and an important water source for this arid region. From here we visit southern Africa’s most famed national park - Kruger. The fences between the private game reserves on the fringes of the park, and the park’s borders with adjoining Mozambique and Botswana, have been taken down to form Greater Kruger and the park’s animals are free to roam the whole area. Kruger and Greater Kruger cover over 24,000 sq km and is home to an incredible wealth of African animals from the dwarf mongoose to Africa’s ‘Big Five’ (leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo). There is also an incredible diversity of birdlife and flora to be discovered. We spend two nights within the Kruger area and take game drives across the savannah to glimpse some of the wildlife that inhabits the park.
Day 7: Johannesburg
On the last day of the tour, we travel via the Panorama region of Mpumalanga with its beautiful scenery and dramatic escarpment views, to Johannesburg where our tour ends. Also known as the ‘City of Gold’, it is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the African continent.
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.
