20 Day South Africa & Victoria Falls

Upon arriving at Cape Town International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed by a local representative and transferred to their hotel. Often called South Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town consistently ranks among the world’s must-visit destinations. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace—wander through bustling markets, soak in breathtaking views of Table Mountain, or sample the city’s acclaimed culinary delights. Overnight in Cape Town. (Unescorted)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend the day at your leisure in Cape Town. You might choose to take an optional sightseeing tour, exploring landmarks such as Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the historic Constantia Winelands (for your own account). For a more immersive experience, consider a full-day excursion through the scenic Cape Winelands, visiting renowned estates like Fairview and Babylonstoren (optional, at own expense). If you prefer a more relaxed pace, unwind on one of Cape Town’s beautiful beaches. Despite its compact size, the city is brimming with attractions, lively bars, charming cafés, top-notch restaurants, and colorful craft markets. Overnight stay in Cape Town. (Unescorted)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Guests will be greeted by a local tour guide before setting off on a scenic drive today. Journey along Sir Lowry’s Pass, taking in the breathtaking mountain vistas, before arriving in Grabouw and Elgin, areas renowned for their lush landscapes framed by towering peaks. Along the way, stop at a charming farmstall to sample and purchase locally made products. The adventure continues to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge. This largely untouched region is known for its rugged coastline, a historic ship graveyard, and the iconic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, marking the tip of the continent. From there, travel through historic Swellendam and the winding Tradouw Pass to reach Barrydale and the famed Route 62. The day ends in Oudtshoorn, the world’s ostrich capital, where you’ll enjoy dinner at an ostrich farm featuring local specialties such as ostrich steak. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. Distance traveled: 550 km

Meals Included: Dinner

After a relaxing breakfast, embark on a tour of the breathtaking Cango Caves, a spectacular network of limestone caverns shaped by nature over thousands of years. Later, enjoy a lively, interactive tractor tour at a working ostrich farm, followed by a wine tasting where you can sample some of the region’s finest wines. Overnight stay in Oudtshoorn. Distance traveled today: 90 km

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, journey over the scenic Outeniqua Pass to George, South Africa’s sixth oldest town, rich in history and architectural charm. Explore landmarks such as the King Edward VII Library, widely regarded as the finest example of Edwardian architecture in the area. Visit the Outeniqua Transport Museum, where a fascinating collection of vintage vehicles, locomotives, and transport artifacts brings the Garden Route’s railway history to life. Continue along the route via Wilderness, a picturesque holiday resort, to Knysna, famously known as South Africa’s “Oyster Box,” set on the tranquil banks of a stunning lagoon. Enjoy a flavorful lunch featuring traditional dishes and local specialties along the way. The afternoon is free to relax before embarking on a sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon. Overnight stay in Knysna. Distance traveled: 170 km

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Garden Route. Begin with a visit to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, where a variety of primates roam freely in the forest. This award-winning sanctuary is dedicated to rehabilitating previously caged primates, and a portion of the trip price for this TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE activity helps support the survival and future reintroduction of these endangered species into the wild. Next, continue to the iconic Eastern Head to take in breathtaking views of the Knysna Heads (weather permitting). Afterwards, visit Brenton on Sea, a stunning coastal haven known for its pristine beaches and serene surroundings, perfect for nature lovers. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore. Overnight stay in Knysna. Distance traveled: 110 km

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Plettenberg Bay, often hailed as the jewel of the Garden Route. Along the way, stop at Mungo, a family-run textile mill where traditional antique looms work alongside modern weaving technology to create high-quality fabrics. Next, visit Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight aviary, designed to provide a safe sanctuary for African birds. A portion of this TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE activity supports the protection of genetically pure species and the preservation of their seeds for future reintroduction into the wild. Continue the journey to Bloukrans Bridge, home to the world’s highest commercially operated bungee jump, and then explore the natural wonders of Tsitsikamma National Park and the Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). Tsitsikamma spans 80 kilometers of rugged coastline, remote mountains, secluded valleys with lush Fynbos, and temperate forests, with deep river gorges cascading to the sea. Overnight stay in the Tsitsikamma area. Distance traveled: 100 km

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart eastward along the scenic Tsitsikamma Forest en route to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), fondly nicknamed the “friendly city.” From here, transfer to Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport for your flight to Johannesburg (unescorted). Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed and transferred to their hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and unwind at your leisure (unescorted). Overnight stay in Johannesburg. Distance traveled: 185 km

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend a full day exploring Soweto and its historic surroundings, a place central to South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Begin with a drive past the FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, which hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final and was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first Johannesburg speech after his release in 1990. Continue through Diepkloof, home to Soweto’s wealthiest residents, and Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955. Pass by the iconic Regina Mundi Church, a symbol of resistance during apartheid, and visit Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, once lived. In the afternoon, pay respects at the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, honoring the role of students in the anti-apartheid movement, followed by a visit to the renowned Apartheid Museum, which chronicles the full history of the apartheid era. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Johannesburg. Distance traveled: 100 km

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend the day at leisure in Johannesburg, exploring at your own pace. You may choose to take an optional tour to Maropeng, the Cradle of Humankind (at your own expense), or enjoy some shopping at Nelson Mandela Square, which offers a wide range of shops and boutiques to suit every taste and budget. Overnight stay in Johannesburg.

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Johannesburg for a scenic drive to Mpumalanga Province. Upon arrival at your hotel, take some time to freshen up before venturing into the world-renowned Kruger National Park for an afternoon of game viewing in a comfortable, closed safari vehicle. Kruger offers some of the finest wildlife encounters in the world, providing an unforgettable glimpse into Africa’s iconic fauna and the challenges of managing such a unique reserve. After an exhilarating afternoon in the park, return to your hotel to enjoy a dinner featuring authentic regional cuisine. Distance traveled: 430 km

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start the day with a cup of coffee or tea before embarking on an early morning open-vehicle game drive in Kruger National Park, accompanied by an English-speaking ranger and a pre-packed breakfast. Your guide will aim to delight you with sightings of the “Big Five,” as well as a variety of other wildlife and abundant birdlife. For those interested, there’s an optional experience (at your own expense, subject to availability) with the Kruger Park Anti-Poaching Dog Unit, where specially trained dogs help track poachers and detect illegal wildlife products. A portion of the cost for this TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE activity goes toward the care and support of these vital working dogs. Return to your hotel for lunch (own account) and a short rest before heading back into Kruger in the afternoon for another game viewing session in a closed safari vehicle, seeking the Big Five and other rare or endangered species. Optional open-vehicle game drives are also available at your own expense. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay. Distance traveled: 250 km

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, set out to explore the stunning Panorama Route, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Highlights include the spectacular viewpoints of God’s Window, the striking Three Rondavels, and the impressive Blyde River Canyon, the third largest of its kind in the world. Visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a series of natural rock formations carved by centuries of water erosion, and the quaint village of Graskop, one of South Africa’s earliest gold mining settlements. For those who prefer, optional open-vehicle game drives are available at your own expense instead of the Panorama Route tour. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay. Distance traveled: 260 km

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, begin the return journey to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation in Johannesburg (unescorted).

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your Thompsons Africa representative and transferred to your hotel. Explorers Village provides a comfortable and convenient base for discovering Victoria Falls, widely regarded as the adventure capital of Africa, while being close to the town’s amenities. Later, enjoy a leisurely cruise on a small luxury boat, designed to evoke the elegance of a bygone era and paying tribute to Ra-Ikane, one of the guides who first led David Livingstone to the falls. The vessel features period décor, historic memorabilia, and offers fine cuisine, refreshments, and wine, including high tea and snacks, providing an unforgettable experience on the Zambezi River. Two-night stay at Insika Lodge. (Unescorted)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Victoria Falls truly earns its reputation as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. On the Zimbabwean side, guests are treated to a series of spectacular viewpoints that stretch across the Falls, offering breathtaking panoramas. Wander through the lush, mist-filled rainforest that clings to the edge, pausing to admire iconic sights such as the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island, and Livingstone Island. With each step, the experience grows more powerful—feel the fine spray of mist, hear the thunderous roar, and watch millions of litres of water plunge into the narrow gorges below. Victoria Falls delivers a dramatic and unforgettable display of nature’s force, leaving visitors with a deep sense of awe and appreciation for one of the planet’s most extraordinary wonders. (Unescorted)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a hearty breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Victoria Falls Airport to begin your journey home. Your flight will connect through Johannesburg and Perth before arriving in Melbourne. (Unescorted)

Meals Included: Breakfast

In flight – Upon arrival in Melbourne, make your way across the airport to ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, Cardwells will provide your transfer back to your hometown.

Meals Included: Breakfast