Overview
Six open-air private game read more reserve drives near Kruger National Park offer a fascinating glimpse of up to 42 mammal species and 350 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo—before branching out in Johannesburg. Here, you’ll explore Soweto, the city’s largest township, including the former home of Nelson Mandela and the significant sites of the anti-apartheid movement. Your South Africa vacation crescendos at Victoria Falls, called Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) on the Zambezi River. Twice the height of Niagara Falls, this breathtaking waterfall spanning the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia offers twice the photo ops.
Treat yourself to the royal treatment to end your Africa adventure. A relaxing 3-night Chobe River cruise aboard the Chobe Princess houseboat is just the ticket. This intimate safari experience offers exclusivity and a unique glimpse at wildlife and local village life. Friendly staff are always available and hearty meals ensure you have the energy to make the most of each day. Unwind in your spacious cabin with panoramic windows or on the viewing deck for a dip in the plunge pool for continued opportunities for outstanding views. You’ll feel at one with nature throughout your cruise! A Small Group Discovery tour for the wild mannered!
Itinerary
Your Small Group Discovery Tour begins!
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.
City Sights & Soaring Heights
Start 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 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 FAVORITE - SMALL 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.
Rocky Coast & Beach Life
Take 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 HIGHLIGHT - TUXEDO 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.
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).
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 HIGHLIGHT - SMALL 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!
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 HIGHLIGHT - SMALL 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.
Spotting Skills
Sharpen 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.
A Jaunt to Joburg
Enjoy a final game drive this morning before boarding your flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg. Free time late afternoon and evening. (B)
From the Dark Enters Light
Guided sightseeing includes a visit to 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 FAVORITE - A 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.
Zoom to Zimbabwe & Sunset Sensations
Fly 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 HIGHLIGHT - THE 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!
Smoke on the Water
Take 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 farewell dinner on the banks of the Zambezi River, featuring a menu of African-fusion dishes using fresh local ingredients. (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.
Embarkation Elation
Transfer 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!
Relaxed Adventure
Choice 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 HIGHLIGHT - REVERIE 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.
Wildlife Wonderland
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. (B/L/D)
Sweet Dreams, Africa
Disembark and transfer to Kasane for your flight to Johannesburg where your tour ends at the airport. Schedule departing flights after 7 pm. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- We've packed everything you need for an amazing adventure—from hand-selected accommodations and included VIP access to the world's most iconic sights to dining and the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, and intra-vacation flights between destinations. On safari, you'll experience two distinctly amazing experiences with experts to guide you. In South Africa, explore a private game reserve on game drives in an open-air 4-wheel-drive safari vehicle. In Botswana, you'll view wildlife from the water on an intimate houseboat carrying just 8 guests!
- Breakfast daily, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
- Cape Town: Southern Sun The Cullinan (Superior First-Class):
Southern Sun The Cullinan offers travelers easy access to all that Cape Town has to offer including the popular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Complementing the rich, cultural heritage of Cape Town through timeless architecture, the opulent décor creates a mood that is a world away from home, while service and attention to detail ensure your every need is taken care of. - Kruger National Park Area: Makalali Main Lodge (Superior First-Class):
Makalali Main Lodge is a newly built lodge located in Makalali Private Game Reserve. Enjoy the luxury of air-conditioned rooms with comfortable interiors of classic leather and wood furnishings. The central area is designed with rustic features that effortlessly bring outside elements indoors. The outside area is distinctively designed around the natural surrounds, with a spacious deck area built around indigenous trees that overlook a watering hole. This is the ideal spot to view wildlife and appreciate the scenery. The large crystal blue rim-flow pool is equally spectacular! Its comfortable chairs and sun-loungers create an inviting ambience. Enjoy an array of African cuisine in main dining area with its distinct fireplace that connects the bar lounge and dining area. - Johannesburg: Sandton Sun (Moderate Deluxe):
Built in 1984, the hotel is every inch a grand property, offering guests the ultimate "red carpet experience". This is punctuated by staff who strive to provide superb VIP treatment for all who pass through the doors. Situated in Sandton, the heart of Johannesburg's new Central Business District, guests are perfectly located within easy reach of the city's finest entertainment and leisure amenities. - Victoria Falls: Ilala Lodge (Superior First-Class):
Ilala Lodge provides distinguished accommodation in a gracious and secluded ambiance. The hotel is the closest to Victoria Falls as well as the town center. Wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background. - Victoria Falls: Palm River Hotel (Moderate Deluxe)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- 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.
Globus includes all must-see national parks and game sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great safari experience. Savour the flavours of Africa through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast experience in game spotting & tracking. Read more
Globus' selection of lodges & camps provide a relaxing checkpoint to your safari experience. Read more
Get the best possible safari experience with Globus' range of custom-designed 4WD safari vehicles. Read more
Experience Africa like an insider with Local Favourites that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
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Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
