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| Detailed Day by Day Itinerary |
| Best of Africa: Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia & South Africa |
| Itinerary at a Glance |
| View Days: [1-5] [6-10] [11-15] [16-17] |
print friendly version |
| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
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Depart Home / Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa
Your discovery of this great continent begins with an overnight international flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. When you arrive in the late afternoon of Day 2, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, which is an historic house hotel in Parktown. The hotel occupies a grand mansion surrounded by gardens, that was built by an American mining engineer.
Sunnyside Park Hotel  |
3
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Johannesburg
After breakfast you’re off on a tour showcasing the changes taking place in the developing area of Soweto. Once known only for its shantytowns, the African entrepreneurial spirit is sparking development and change, and the area is now home to many successful business people and boasts upscale neighborhoods. Highlights include a visit to the humble home where Nelson Mandela lived before he was arrested by the government, and to the Hector Pietersen Monument commemorating the student uprisings of 1976.
After an included lunch, enjoy a tour of laid-back Pretoria, featuring Church Street, the heart of the city and the red-sandstone Union buildings and gardens. This evening you’ll enjoy both an orientation meeting and a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.
Sunnyside Park Hotel (B,L,D) |
4
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Johannesburg / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your included flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is a colonial-era contrast to Johannesburg, and indeed to much of Africa today, offering you a glimpse of the continent’s bygone days and style. The falls in their thundering gorge, meanwhile, are a timeless natural wonder that never fails to inspire awe.
Upon arrival you’ll check into your room at your colonial-style hotel. The grounds and gardens offer majestic vistas of the river gorge, the bridge spanning it just below the falls, and the mists from the falls.
In the afternoon you’ll get your first real taste of Africa’s natural splendor on your guided visit to Victoria Falls National Park — or Mosi-ou-Tunya, as it is called in the native tongue. Upon encountering the falls in the mid-1800s, intrepid Scottish explorer-missionary David Livingstone penned in his journal, “on sights as beautiful as this, angels in their flight must have gazed.” On your included tour of the falls, you’ll marvel at the same breathtaking views of the Main Falls, Devil’s Cataract, and Rainbow Falls that inspired him. You’ll also take a guided walk through the tropical forest that is bathed in the mist from the falls.
Cultural Connection: This evening, experience the African bush at its most captivating as you take a drive into the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. Surrounded by the wild with the starry African night overhead, enjoy a bush dinner, accompanied by African dancing and a mini-theater presentation.
Victoria Falls Hotel (B,D) |
5
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Victoria Falls
Experience Zimbabwean culture and village life on a visit to a craft community where local artisans sell carved figures, beads, African art, and more. Cultural Connection: Afterward, you’ll visit the Wisdom for Wildlife Trust in Victoria Falls either at the Center itself or at a local school where the children will teach you about the importance of wildlife and plants in their home environment. The Trust teaches local children about their environment and offers them the opportunity to meet a lion, elephant, and black rhino, to learn tracking techniques, and to identify medicinal plants.
Your afternoon is free, or join us for your choice of optional excursions: a “Flight of Angels” flightseeing tour over Victoria Falls, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River on the placid waters above the falls, or a walk with the lions or elephants. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Victoria Falls Hotel (B) |
6
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Victoria Falls / Chobe National Park, Botswana
This morning you’ll cross the border into Botswana, a low-key, relatively untouristed nation that enjoys some of Africa’s greatest prosperity and political stability. With it’s vast savannas and wetlands, it also harbors some of the continent’s highest concentrations of wildlife. On this relatively short transfer, you’ll ride by air-conditioned motorcoach through the national park, home to Africa’s greatest elephant herds. Keep your eyes open on the ride, you may spot elephants and other wildlife along the road and in the dense bush. On arrival at the Chobe Safari Lodge, enjoy refreshing chilled towels, a welcome drink, and a light lunch and relax before embarking on an afternoon game drive by a 10-person safari vehicle to explore elephant country.
Dinner this evening is included on the lodge terrace, overlooking the river. As dusk arrives, you may spot hippos cavorting and even see a crocodile lurking in the shallows.
Chobe Safari Lodge (B,L,D) |
7
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Chobe National Park
Today begins with breakfast at the lodge before sailing across the Chobe River to Namibia. Cultural Connection: In this neighboring country, one of great cultural diversity and spectacular natural beauty, you’ll be treated to a close look at every-day local life. You’ll visit a Namibian village, where you’ll meet some of the people of the village. (For a more in-depth visit to Namibia, read about our optional post-extension — you really need more time here!) Later in the day, embark on a sunset wildlife cruise on the Chobe River before dinner at the hotel.
Chobe Safari Lodge (B,D) |
8
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Chobe National Park / Cape Town, South Africa
After breakfast you’ll transfer to Victoria Falls airport for your included flight to Cape Town, South Africa via Johannesburg. Poised between sea and mountains, this relaxed, easygoing city is one of the most beautiful in the world.
You’ll arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to to your hotel. The hotel is located near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a lively area replete with restaurants and shops, as well as the aquarium and museums. Your hotel offers a free shuttle right to the waterfront to make it easy for you to explore.
The Cullinan (B) |
9
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Cape Town
In the morning you’ll set out for a tour of Robben Island, the Alcatraz-like prison where Nelson Mandela was held captive for 17 years. Your guide will be a former inmate who can provide a first-hand account of life at the former prison. After lunch on your own in Cape Town, enjoy a city tour featuring the Houses of Parliament, the city hall, and Green Market Square. Dinner tonight is at your hotel in Cape Town.
The Cullinan (B,D) |
10
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Cape Town
Today begins with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain for magnificent views over the city and the bay (weather permitting). You’ll then tour the Cape of Good Hope, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Cape Point Nature Reserve and a ride along the Chapman’s Peak Marine Drive, stopping for spectacular views of Hout Bay. You’ll also visit the Boulders Beach Penguin Reserve, home to almost 3,000 African penguins.
The Cullinan (B) |
11
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Cape Town
After breakfast, you’ll have the day free. Or, join an optional tour of South Africa’s beautiful wine country, with wine tasting and a visit to the university town of Stellenbosch.
Your evening is at leisure.
The Cullinan (B) |
12
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Cape Town / Durban, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa
Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Durban on the Natal Coast via Johannesburg. Upon arrival you’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour of Durban that includes the Vasco Da Gama clock, city hall, and the Indian Market. You’ll also ride along the spectacular oceanfront road known as the “Golden Mile.” Afterwards, transfer to the resort town of Umhlanga Rocks. You’ll enjoy a room with a balcony and ocean views at a seaside resort.
Beverly Hills Hotel  (B) |
13
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Kwa Zulu Natal
Cultural Connection: Step into the world of the Zulu tribes with a visit to a recreated traditional kraal, or “Zulu” settlement, as featured in the historical movie, Shakaland. On this full-day tour of Kwa Zulu Natal (formerly “Zululand”), you’ll experience traditional customs like tribal dancing and a beer drinking ceremony. You’ll also savor an authentic taste of Zulu food during an included lunch.
Beverly Hills Hotel (B,L) |
14
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Kwa Zulu Natal / Kruger National Park, South Africa
This morning, you’ll transfer to the airport for your included flight to Kruger National Park, where you’ll stay at Protea Kruger Gate Hotel, the lodge closest to the park gate. Dinner is included tonight at the hotel.
Protea Hotel Kruger Gate (B,D) |
15
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Kruger National Park
Embark on an exciting dawn-to-dusk wildlife viewing drive in the park. Your skilled driver-guides will help you seek out lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and
rhinoceros. The park is also home to cheetah, giraffe, hippopotamus, several species of antelope, and a variety of smaller animals. Lunch is included during the day at a lodge within the park. Your evening is at leisure.
Protea Hotel Kruger Gate (B,L) |
16
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Kruger National Park
Head out on an early morning game drive, returning to the hotel for breakfast. You’ll have the midday free, then this afternoon you can enjoy a final safari drive in Kruger National Park. Return to the hotel for a memorable Farewell Dinner, including entertainment by an African choir.
Protea Hotel Kruger Gate (B,D) |
17
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Kruger National Park / Return Home
This morning, fly from Kruger to Johanneburg to connect to your flight home. Or begin optional 4-night Namibia: Skeleton Coast and the Desert post-trip extension.
(B) |
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be notified in writing by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program Manager. |
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