Splendors of South Africa & Victoria Falls with Chobe River Cruise
Splendors of South Africa & Victoria Falls with Chobe River Cruise
Splendors of South Africa & Victoria Falls with Chobe River Cruise
15 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Cape Town, Makalali Private Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Kasane, Chobe River
Tour operator:
Tour code:
QSE4-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the "Splendors of South Africa & Victoria Falls with Chobe River Cruise," exploring the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Southern Africa. Begin in Cape Town, where you'll wander the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap and ascend Table Mountain for panoramic views. Experience the thrill of game drives in Makalali Private Game Reserve, home to the "Big 5," and delve into the rich history of Johannesburg's Soweto. Marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls, known as "the smoke that thunders," and enjoy a serene sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Conclude your adventure with a luxurious Chobe River cruise, offering intimate wildlife encounters and stunning vistas. This small-group tour ensures a personalized experience, with expert guides leading you through the wonders of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Enjoy first-class accommodations and a variety of included meals, making this an all-encompassing African safari experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Cape Town,South Africa
Location: Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town, commonly referred to as the “Mother City” by locals, as it was home to the first European settlement in South Africa. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
Day 2: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CAPE TOWN City Sights & Soaring HeightsStart at the Grand Parade to see the Castle of Good Hope and City Hall. Walk to see more of Cape Town’s landmarks including St. George’s Cathedral, Parliament, and The Company’s Garden. Then, explore the [LF] Bo-Kaap neighborhood, also known as the Malay Quarter, including a visit to the Bo-Kaap Museum. After a traditional Malay lunch, enjoy a scenic cable-car ride to the top of Table Mountain for stunning 360-degree views over the city. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant! (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITESMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Explore Cape Town’s neighborhood that was founded by former slaves in the 1750s. Today, Bo-Kaap is a melting pot of cultures within its National Heritage sites. Stroll past vibrantly hued houses ranging from lime-green and pink to orange, reflective of Dutch and British architecture. Your Local Guide shares fascinating stories of this lively neighborhood where the aromas of fragrant spices waft from local restaurants and spice shops. Enjoy lunch with your small group, followed by a cable-car ride to take in the 360-degree views from the top of Table Mountain.
Day 3: Cape Town,Cape Peninsula Excursion
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
CAPE TOWN–CAPE PENINSULA EXCURSION Rocky Coast & Beach LifeTake a scenic drive along stunning Chapman’s Peak Drive en route to Cape Point Nature Reserve. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope before arriving at Cape Point. Ride a funicular to the steps of the old lighthouse with panoramic views of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Free time this evening. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTTUXEDO JUNCTION Jackets aren’t required on Boulders Beach, even though the residents look dressed to the hilt. The only penguins found on the continent, African penguins are known for the unique sound they make. Colonies can be found from southern Namibia all the way around the South African coast, and Boulders Beach is the premiere viewing spot.
Day 4: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
CAPE TOWN Free to Wander Full day at leisure for your own discoveries in this beautiful city.(B) ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Today, consider exploring the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, take an excursion to the stunning Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (Jun.-Nov.). Optional excursions are available for purchase with MyGlobus.
Day 5: Cape Town,Hoedspruit,Makalali Private Game Reserve (Greater Kruger National Park Area)
Location: Makalali Private Game Reserve
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
CAPE TOWN–HOEDSPRUIT–MAKALALI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA) Operation Safari Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to Makalali Private Game Reserve. Arrive in the home to an abundance of wildlife including the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Climb aboard your custom safari vehicle for an afternoon game drive with a skilled tracker and professional Ranger. Sip sundowner drinks before returning to your lodge for dinner. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Climb aboard your custom safari vehicle for an afternoon game drive with a skilled tracker and professional Ranger who share fascinating facts about this wildlife paradise, while helping to spot the majestic creatures who call Makalali Private Game Reserve their home. Quench your thirst after today’s safari with a traditional sundowner experience with cocktails in true safari tradition with your small group. TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Staying in a private game reserve is the ultimate safari experience in South Africa. Go off-road to get close to the wildlife at Makalali Main Lodge, a stylish lodge featuring regional African cuisine, bar/lounge, pool, and spa facilities. Each spacious room features views from a private balcony, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, safe, and a large ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers!
Day 6: Makalali (Greater Kruger National Park Area)
Location: Greater Kruger National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MAKALALI (GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA) Makalali Magic Rise early for coffee and tea before your morning game drive. Keep an eye out for big cats after their night of hunting. Other animals you may see include kudu, impala, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, wildebeest, and more. Return for breakfast mid-morning, followed by time to relax at your lodge. Afternoon game drive with sundowner drinks. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE As the sun sets over the majestic Drakensburg Mountains, enjoy a memorable happy hour in the bush in the nostalgic tradition of early safari explorers.
Day 7: Makalali (Greater Kruger National Park Area)
Location: Greater Kruger National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MAKALALI (GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA) Spotting SkillsSharpen your game-spotting skills on your morning and afternoon game drives. Watch for African buffalo, reintroduced to the area after an absence of more than 50 years, reuniting the “Big Five” to roam freely in the Greater Makalali Nature Reserve. (B,L,D)ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE When not on a game drive, do as the lions do with a rest in the heat of the day. Enjoy your lodge amenities, swim in the pool, pamper yourself with a wellness treatment, kick back on a viewing deck or your private balcony to watch nearby wildlife.
Day 8: Makalali,Hoedspruit,Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a final game drive this morning before boarding your flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg. Free time late afternoon and evening.
Day 9: Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
JOHANNESBURG From the Dark Enters LightGuided sightseeing includes a visit to [LF] Soweto (Southwestern Township), Nelson Mandela's House, and Constitution Hill, a museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy.(B,L)LOCAL FAVORITEA BEACON OF LIGHT Soweto, the largest township in the country, is a part of South Africa’s turbulent past, but this multicultural area is also a reflection of today and hope for tomorrow. Your Local Guide shares insightful stories as you see the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the former neighborhoods of Nobel Peace Prize winners, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela, featuring the Mandela House—former home of the legendary human rights leader.
Day 10: Johannesburg,Victoria Falls,Zimbabwe
Location: Victoria Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast
JOHANNESBURG–VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE Zoom to Zimbabwe & Sunset SensationsFly to Zimbabwe and transfer to your hotel. Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.(B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTTHE RIVER WILD Transfer to the Zambezi River’s edge and board the cruise boat. You’ll be treated like royalty as you take in the scenery and watch for wildlife while sipping and sampling from a selection of included drinks and canapés. Your cruise culminates in a spectacular African sunset!
Day 11: Victoria Falls
Location: Victoria Falls
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
VICTORIA FALLS Smoke on the WaterTake a guided walk at Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders), as the locals call it, due to the clouds of mist produced by the cascading cataracts. Learn about the history of the falls and fascinating facts about the local flora and fauna with plentiful photo opportunities. Free time late morning and early afternoon. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a riverside farewell dinner with live entertainment. (B,D)ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Soar high above the falls on an optional helicopter ride or visit a nearby village to experience the local culture. Optional excursions are available for purchase at MyGlobus.
Day 12: Victoria Falls,Kasane,Botswana,Chobe River,Namibia
Location: Kasane
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
VICTORIA FALLS–KASANE, BOTSWANA–CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA Embarkation ElationTransfer by road to Botswana before embarking on your Chobe River cruise. Lunch is served onboard the beautiful Chobe Princess prior to a sunset cruise to spot big game. (B,L,D)SHIP SPOTLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Carrying a maximum of just 8 guests, the all-inclusive and intimate river safari experience on the Chobe Princess is like being on your very own intimate houseboat. On board, knowledgeable river guides and attentive staff deliver exceptional insights and experience. Each cabin is tastefully decorated in a contemporary style and features its own private view onto the river and landscapes beyond. You’ll also enjoy comfortable spaces on board, including spacious lounge, bar, outdoor viewing deck, and plunge pool!
Day 13: Cruising: Chobe River
Location: Chobe River
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CRUISING: CHOBE RIVER Relaxed AdventureChoice of morning activities include a water safari by tender boat, tour of a Namibian village, bird watching, or tiger fishing excursion. Return to the ship for lunch and time to relax. This afternoon, embark on a water safari and get up close to a wide array of wildlife including crocodiles, hippo, and elephant, for which Chobe National Park is known. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTREVERIE ON THE RIVER An extraordinary experience awaits on the Chobe River. A wealth of wildlife gathers here, where herds of elephants may be seen crossing the river, as well as hippos and crocs. A menagerie of mammal species and bird life share the waters of the Chobe to take advantage of the river’s wide banks and lush grasses in one of Africa’s most scenic and tranquil ecosystems.
Day 14: Cruising: Chobe River
Location: Chobe River
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Choice of activities in the morning and afternoon. Choose from a water safari by tender boat, tour of a Namibian village, bird watching, and a tiger-fishing excursion. Enjoy time on the houseboat to relax and spot animals between activities.
Day 15: Cruising: Chobe River,Kasane,Johannesburg
Location: Kasane
Meals Included: Breakfast
Disembark and transfer to Kasane for your flight to Johannesburg where your tour ends at the airport. Schedule departing flights after 7 pm.
What's Included
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Transportation
Transportation includes flights from Cape Town to Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit to Johannesburg, and Johannesburg to Victoria Falls. Additionally, there are road transfers and a Chobe River cruise.
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Accommodation
Accommodation includes stays at Southern Sun The Cullinan in Cape Town, Makalali Main Lodge in the Kruger National Park Area, Sandton Sun in Johannesburg, Ilala Lodge and Palm River Hotel in Victoria Falls, and Chobe Princess on the Chobe River.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours include visits to Bo-Kaap neighborhood, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Boulders Beach, Makalali Private Game Reserve, Soweto, Nelson Mandela's House, Constitution Hill, Victoria Falls, and a Chobe River cruise.
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Game Drives
Experience thrilling game drives in Makalali Private Game Reserve with opportunities to see the 'Big 5' and other wildlife.
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Sunset Cruise
Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.
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Chobe River Cruise
Embark on a Chobe River cruise in Namibia, with opportunities for water safaris and wildlife spotting.
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Small Group Discovery
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on all Africa safari tours, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
What's Not Included
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Liability Waiver
All game viewing is done at your own risk.
A signed liability waiver is required prior to travel. -
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as exploring the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Winelands, whale watching in Hermanus, helicopter rides over Victoria Falls, and visits to local villages are not included and can be purchased separately.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
Notes
For approximately one month each year (typically late July to mid-September), Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for annual maintenance. In these instances, a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included in its place. During the dry season (September-December) and particularly dry years, water flow to Victoria Falls may be low. All game viewing is done at your own risk and requires a signed liability waiver prior to travel. Due to rough driving on/off road and in/between game parks, this vacation is not recommended for guests with serious back problems or mobility issues.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on all Africa safari tours. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas|Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
Accommodation
Experience luxury and comfort with stays at Southern Sun The Cullinan in Cape Town, Makalali Main Lodge in the Kruger National Park Area, Sandton Sun in Johannesburg, Ilala Lodge and Palm River Hotel in Victoria Falls, and the intimate Chobe Princess on the Chobe River.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes flights from Cape Town to Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit to Johannesburg, and Johannesburg to Victoria Falls. Additionally, enjoy road transfers and a scenic Chobe River cruise.
Check out our Q&As
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the game drives in Makalali Private Game Reserve?
During the game drives in Makalali Private Game Reserve, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including the 'Big 5' - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Other animals you may encounter include kudu, impala, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, and wildebeest.
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What activities are available during the Chobe River cruise?
During the Chobe River cruise, you can participate in activities such as water safaris by tender boat, tours of a Namibian village, bird watching, and tiger fishing excursions. You will also have opportunities to spot wildlife like crocodiles, hippos, and elephants.
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What is included in the guided tour of Johannesburg?
The guided tour of Johannesburg includes visits to Soweto, Nelson Mandela's House, and Constitution Hill. The tour provides insights into South Africa's journey to democracy and the multicultural history of Soweto.
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What can I expect during the visit to Victoria Falls?
During the visit to Victoria Falls, you will take a guided walk to explore the falls, known locally as 'the smoke that thunders.' The tour includes learning about the history of the falls, local flora and fauna, and offers plentiful photo opportunities.
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What is the accommodation like on the Chobe River cruise?
The accommodation on the Chobe River cruise is aboard the Chobe Princess, which carries a maximum of just 8 guests. It offers an intimate river safari experience with contemporary styled cabins, each with a private view of the river. The ship features a spacious lounge, bar, outdoor viewing deck, and a plunge pool.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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