Best of South Africa with Victoria Falls

Welcome to Africa! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Today's sightseeing starts with a visit to Soweto (South Western Township), the largest township in the country. Along the way, see the neighborhood that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Gain some perspective of life here at Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to around 1960, when he was forced underground to elude arrest.

After lunch, visit the unforgettable Museum to learn about the founding of South Africa before delving into the apartheid era. Using photos, video, and print, the museum takes you on an extraordinary journey through the apartheid years to the 1994 democratic elections that named Nelson Mandela president. (B/L)

Depart Johannesburg and explore the Panoramic Route known for its dramatic landscapes. Along the way, see God's Window, Lisbon Falls, and Berlin Falls. Continue to the Kruger National Park area. (B/D)

The Kruger area is home to an abundance of wildlife including the famed “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Your skilled, professional guide will help you learn about this special ecosystem as you view wildlife up close on morning and afternoon game drives. Beyond the “Big 5,” you'll have the chance to see kudu, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more! Return to your lodge in time to freshen up for dinner. (B/L/D)

Rise early coffee and tea before your morning game drive. If the timing is right, you might spot some of the big cats after a night of hunting. Spend some time at leisure in the middle of the day. Perhaps book a spa treatment or simply relax at the pool. Later, embark on your final exciting game drive. (B/L/D)

Enjoy some time at leisure this morning before flying to beautiful Cape Town. (B)

Today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing, starting with a cable-car ride up Table Mountain for stunning views of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands. Next, visit Boulders Beach where you will see a colony of endangered African Penguins, known for the unique sound they make.

After free time for lunch, continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Here, take a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. On your return journey back to Cape Town, skirt the rocky coastline as you ascend Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps explore the Victoria & 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. (B)

Today, leave South Africa and fly north to Zimbabwe. Later this afternoon, a cruise on the Zambezi River affords you a wonderful opportunity to photograph wildlife and a spectacular African sunset! (B)

Today, visit mighty Victoria Falls for an awe-inspiring experience. Enjoy a guided walk, where you will learn the history of the falls and hear fascinating details about the surrounding flora and fauna. Afterwards, enjoy free time for independent exploration. (B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps take a helicopter flight over the falls or take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. (B)

Your tour ends with a flight back to Johannesburg. Schedule departing flights after 6 pm. (B)