Premium Southern Africa - 8 Days

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your trip begins in Johannesburg, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe introduce yourself to the area’s history at the Apartheid Museum, stroll through the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens or visit Constitution Hill. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for dinner at your hotel. South Africa is known for its diverse food scene flavoured by its multicultural influences – maybe try some boerewors (spiced South African sausage), or perhaps some springbok carpaccio (thinly sliced raw meat).

Set off early for a drive to Kruger National Park, arriving just in time for lunch at Mdluli Safari Lodge – your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights. Created in partnership with the local Mdluli community, the lodge is in perfect harmony with its wild surroundings. In the afternoon, you'll set off on your first open 4WD safari. See some of your favourite wild animals in their own habitat, including lions, elephants, rhinos and leopards!

This morning, make the journey into the heart of Kruger National Park, where you'll find yourself in the perfect position to catch a glimpse of one, or hopefully all, of Africa's iconic animals. Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, home to 500 bird species, 100 reptile species and 150 mammal species. As you journey through the park’s diverse habitats, including savanna, mixed acacia woodlands and rocky hills, you’ll stop at waterholes and other various points to see animals such as zebras, giraffes and African wild dogs, going about their day. Today's game drive will finish in time for sunset and drinks, served on a kopje at your Feature Stay. Pronounced 'kopee', these large ancient rock formations provide scenic contrasts across Africa's vast landscapes. Take a moment to sit back and take in the sounds and sights of the bush as the day turns to night.

Say goodbye to South Africa as you board a flight to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe. When you arrive, continue to your lodge accommodation, which serves up beautiful views of uninterrupted wilderness and a waterhole frequented by elephant, buffalo, kudu and more! Maybe spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or spotting wildlife from the multiple viewing decks around the lodge, before embarking on a small and intimate dinner cruise on the Zambezi River tonight. Sit down to a four-course meal of fresh, locally sourced ingredients as you navigate around the islands above the thundering Victoria Falls. Be sure to look for crocodiles lazing on the banks or elephants and hippos submerging themselves in the river as the sun sets.

Victoria Falls is one of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world, and today you’ll witness its might. Plunging over 100 m into a deep gorge, take in its raw power and beauty as you explore the rich flora, fauna, birdlife and fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage site with your local leader by your side. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe continue to wander around Victoria Falls or relax with a swim at Devil’s Pool – a natural rock pool at the edge of the waterfall (season dependent).

Depart Victoria Falls this morning, headed for Hwange. When you arrive, settle into your lodge. This afternoon, you’ll go on a wildlife safari in Hwange National Park. This is the largest national park in Zimbabwe’s north-west, spanning more than 14,500 sq km. Keep an eye out for buffalo, leopards, lions, elephants (Zimbabwe’s largest population of elephants resides here!) and endangered wild dogs. Nearly 400 species of birds can be found here, as well as rare mammals like sables and roan antelope. End the day by soaking up your surroundings with a sundowner in hand.

Embark on a full-day drive in Hwange National Park today to see more of the incredible wildlife that roams these vast savannas and teak forests. Return to your lodge in the mid-afternoon, where you’ll have some free time to relax.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Victoria Falls, where your adventure comes to an end. You’ll arrive around midday, so please book flights accordingly, and not before late afternoon at the earliest. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).