Compare 7 Day Safari And Tour by Access 2 Africa Safaris vs 9-Day South Africa and Victoria Falls with Rovos Rail by Ker & Downey Africa

Day 1

A warm welcome awaits you at Durban International airport where you will be met by your friendly hosts. You will be transferred through Durban, Africa’s exciting seaside paradise to the 5 star Makaranga Garden Lodge This lodge is the premier lodge in South Africa catering for people with physical disabilities in the world with 30 acres of private botanical gardens including 18  ponds, waterways and prolific birdlife. Located in the rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal and near the  Valley of a Thousand Hills this is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and be enchanted by the scenery after your exertions of a long flight. The beautiful gardens are an oasis of peace and serenity with indigenous and exotic plants and provide the ideal backdrop to achieve the desired levels of relaxation for all who visit. Soak up the spirit of our special slice of Africa while enjoying refreshments on the Tuscan Terrance which overlooks a pond.

Day 2

After a relaxing morning where you may wish to have a spa treatment or simply explore Makaranga stunning gardens we head for the Valley Of Thousand Hills (a 20 minute drive) for its stunning views and to Phezulu Cultural Village where you will watch the Zulu Dancers and traditional cultural village and learn about the special and unique zulu customs.We visit craft markets,interesting shops and the Heritage Market along this route on our return to Makaranga.Lodge.

Day 3

Today is a day of excitement where you will be taken to Durban Beachfront and Golden Mile to explore the markets, beachfront at North Beach and restaurants before heading out for the great African safari and Umfolozi / Hluhluwe Game Reserve situated in the largest and most spectacular ecotourism region in South Africa.(3 hours drive from Durban) Established in 1895 Hluhluwe/ Umfolozi is the home of The Big Five and Operation Rhino. It became world renowned for saving the white rhino from extinction. Bonamanzi Game Reserve is where you will be staying for the next 3 nights. The wildlife walk freely around the lodge and it is located in rare sand forest park surrounded by sights of the bush and nature.

Day 4 and 5

These are the days where the spirit of Africa touches your soul. We embark on leisurely extended game drives to all areas of the Park. There is much to explore! Your experienced ranger will help you spot and identify many species of bird and animal life. (The Elephant Coast has more than 500 species of birdlife recorded). With a little assistance most people will be able to distinguish the more common families of birds in no time at all Look out for the abundant animal life such as black rhino, nyala, kudu, hippo, crocodile, waterbuck, reedbuck, red duiker, baboons, monkeys, hyena, wildebeest, giraffe and often to be seen elephant and buffalo You may also see lion, cheetah, wild dog and other predators.

Day 6

Today will be a special excursion: Visit the ancient World Heritage Site at False Bay, the largest estuarine system formed in Africa formed 140 million years ago. Other attractions include Ilala Weavers with its restaurant where you will enjoy lunch and curio shops featuring traditional Zulu basket weaving  and beading.

We then set off for St Lucia, a picturesque village situated within a nature reserve and which is surrounded by 5 distinct ecosystems and iSimangaliso Wetland Park. St Lucia offers the day visitor an endless wealth of possibilities with its shops, curio and African-ware flea markets, pubs, restaurants, boatrides, and a lovely interpretation centre explaining the ecology of the World Natural Heritage Site. You will spot crocodiles, hippos and abundant birdlife from the shoreline and on a boat trip which offers great opportunity for special and unique photography. In the afternoon we head for the return back to Durban and to your accommodation near Valley of Thousand Hills.

Day 7

Time to prepare for your trip and flight. We transfer you to Durban International Airport.

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.