Ultimate African Safari with Cape Town

DAY 1 – JOHANNESBURG

Destination: Johannesburg
Meals included: No meals
Hotel: 4★ Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport – Johannesburg, or similar

Welcome to Johannesburg and the start of your African adventure.

After collecting your luggage, make your way to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Special Information
The standard check-in is 2pm. Should you be arriving earlier in the day, the hotel can hold your luggage until your room is ready.

Airport transfers are included in your booking using the complimentary hotel shuttle. To access it, proceed to the shuttle bay located just outside the terminal, behind the Intercontinental Hotel.

DAY 2 – JOHANNESBURG TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Destination: Johannesburg → Kruger National Park
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: 4★ Maqueda Lodge, or similar

This morning at 7am you will be met at the hotel by a local representative and transferred by road to your lodge.

On arrival, you will be greeted by a lodge representative, checked into your room and be given a briefing of your safari program for the next two days.

Maqueda Lodge is a small family-owned boutique lodge on the outskirts of the park – so close to the world-famous Kruger National Park that guests frequently hear lions and other animals calling. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the African bush, it is not unusual to see giraffe and zebra roaming about the grounds and it is possible to walk unaccompanied to the Kruger fence line where you may see a variety of animals within Kruger come down to the Crocodile River.

In the afternoon, before the sun sets in the African bushveld, you will meet your expert safari guide in the lodge lobby before heading out into the Kruger National Park. Hopefully you will get to see the great predators like the leopard, cheetah, wild dogs and of course, the mighty lion.

Tonight, enjoy dinner back at your eco lodge.

Inspiring Highlights

• Kruger National Park

Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af… South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af…

DAY 3 – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Destination: Kruger National Park
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: 4★ Maqueda Lodge, or similar

This morning, we begin our full-day game drive through Kruger National Park with an early start, accompanied by a sumptuous breakfast served during the safari. You’ll visit waterholes and, under the guidance of local experts with extensive knowledge of the park, enjoy another remarkable day in one of the country’s premier national parks.

Inspiring Highlights

• Kruger National Park

DAY 4 – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK TO MAUN

Destination: Kruger National Park → Maun
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: 4★ Thamalakane River Lodge – Maun, or similar

Transfer from your safari lodge to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in time to board your flight to Maun.

On arrival at Maun International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your lodge. Thamalakane River Lodge is located on the banks of the Thamalakane River outside of Maun en route to the famous Okavango Delta. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure, enjoying one of the many activities available at the Lodge.

Tonight at 6pm, meet your fellow travellers and guide in the hotel lobby to commence the group touring portion of your trip. Your guide will provide a detailed tour briefing and what to expect over the next two weeks.

Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours, depending on flight connections.

Your flight will be unescorted.

For your comfort and safety during the land tour, luggage is strictly limited to a soft-shell suitcase, maximum 15kg per person. This allows for optimal space and balance within the safari vehicle. South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af…

DAY 5 – MAUN TO OKAVANGO DELTA

Destination: Maun → Okavango Delta
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Nguma Island Lodge, or similar

This morning, after breakfast, we head to Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique.

After checking into our safari camp, we enjoy an included dinner before a day of adventure tomorrow.

Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7.5 hours.

DAY 6 – OKAVANGO DELTA

Destination: Okavango Delta
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Nguma Island Lodge, or similar

Today is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. We have the opportunity to stop at a secluded island to take an hour guided walk, hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck, or other animals living in this water-filled paradise.

Return to the safari camp for another included dinner to reflect on a great day of safari.

Inspiring Highlights

• Traditional mokoro excursion

DAY 7 – OKAVANGO DELTA TO MOREMI GAME RESERVE

Destination: Okavango Delta → Moremi Game Reserve
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Camelthorn Bush Camp, or similar

After breakfast, we head south, travelling via Maun to our camp, which is situated in a private concession in the Greater Moremi area. This large area is renowned for its concentration of mammals, and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year, you may see different species in different areas.

Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af…

DAY 8 – MOREMI GAME RESERVE

Destination: Moremi Game Reserve
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Camelthorn Bush Camp, or similar

Today, we have the opportunity to spend the day on game drives. In our open 4x4 vehicle we will explore the Greater Moremi area on morning and afternoon game drives hopefully spotting a variety of game that frequent this region.

After dinner your guide will take you on a night drive, and you will hopefully be able to spot some rare nocturnal animals.

Inspiring Highlights

• Game drive of the Moremi Game Reserve

DAY 9 – MOREMI GAME RESERVE

Destination: Moremi Game Reserve
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Camelthorn Bush Camp, or similar

Today, another full day of game drives awaits as we head back into the famous Moremi Game Reserve, known as one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa, with an incredible concentration of wildlife.

We’ll spend the day exploring Moremi’s unspoiled landscapes and watching for its abundant wildlife.

Inspiring Highlights

• Game drive of the Moremi Game Reserve

DAY 10 – MOREMI GAME RESERVE TO NATA

Destination: Moremi Game Reserve → Nata
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel: 3★ Nata Lodge, or similar

Today we travel east towards the Makgadikgadi Pans, leaving the bush behind us. Once a large river-fed lake, it has now become saline and empty.

This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands and forms the Great Makgadikgadi, which comprises the largest area of salt pans in the world, covering some 37,000 square km overall.

We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af… South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af…

DAY 11 – NATA TO CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Destination: Nata → Chobe National Park
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: 4★ Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa, or similar

This morning we head to the Sowa pan where we can visit Nata Bird Sanctuary, with magnificent views of the pan, which is part of the Great Makgadikgadi Pans.

We continue our journey north to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephants found on the African continent.

The afternoon is at leisure to partake in optional activities or to relax by the pool.

Inspiring Highlights

• Nata Bird Sanctuary

Special Information
Access to the pans is dependent on road conditions, and during the dry season, lower water levels may limit bird activity in the area.

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

DAY 12 – CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Destination: Chobe National Park
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: 4★ Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa, or similar

First up this morning, we enter Chobe National Park itself for a spectacular game drive.

After returning to the lodge for a late breakfast, we enjoy a boat cruise on the Chobe River mid-afternoon. Here we can watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, making for excellent up-close photo opportunities.

Inspiring Highlights

• Game drive in the Chobe National Park
• Sunset game cruise on the Chobe River South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af… South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af…

DAY 13 – CHOBE NATIONAL PARK TO HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Destination: Chobe National Park → Hwange National Park
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: 4★ Robins Camp – Matabeleland, or similar

After breakfast, we depart Botswana and make our way across the border into Zimbabwe and onto our lodge located in a private concession near Hwange National Park, where we will spend the next three nights in this wildlife-rich area.

This afternoon, you can partake in an optional game drive if time allows.

Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Entrance into Zimbabwe is via the Kazungula border crossing.

DAY 14 – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Destination: Hwange National Park
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: 4★ Robins Camp – Matabeleland, or similar

Over the following two days, we will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives.

Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and is home to massive herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra, and has a very large concentration of giraffes. It is also home to many predators and endangered species, plus varied birdlife.

Inspiring Highlights

• Game drives in the Hwange National Park

DAY 15 – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Destination: Hwange National Park
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: 4★ Robins Camp – Matabeleland, or similar

Today we enjoy a morning game drive in Hwange National Park. Continue exploring this vast park and its varied topography. Seek out more sightings of your favourite species or perhaps see something new! The bush is always full of surprises.

In the afternoon you can enjoy leisure time at the lodge or opt for additional activities that the lodge offers (own expense).

Inspiring Highlights

• Morning game drive in the Hwange National Park South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af… South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af…

DAY 16 – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK TO VICTORIA FALLS

Destination: Hwange National Park → Victoria Falls
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel: 3★ Shearwater Explorer Village – Victoria Falls, or similar

After breakfast, we head back towards Victoria Falls. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure, enjoying one of the many activities available in Victoria Falls.

Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

DAY 17 – VICTORIA FALLS

Destination: Victoria Falls
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel: 3★ Shearwater Explorer Village – Victoria Falls, or similar

After breakfast today, your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls.

You will also have the opportunity to explore Victoria Falls at leisure, including the town itself, which hosts a range of activities from adventure to cultural experiences.

This afternoon, we enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

Inspiring Highlights

• Victoria Falls
• Zambezi River cruise

DAY 18 – VICTORIA FALLS TO CAPE TOWN

Destination: Victoria Falls → Cape Town
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel: 4★ Sunsquare Cape Town City Bowl, or similar

After breakfast it is time to leave Victoria Falls. You will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Cape Town.

On arrival in Cape Town a local representative awaits you and will escort you to your hotel for the next 3 nights.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Special Information
Your flight will be unescorted.

For your comfort and safety during the land tour, luggage is strictly limited to 15kg per person. This allows for optimal space and balance within the safari vehicle. South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af… South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af…

DAY 19 – CAPE TOWN

Destination: Cape Town
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel: 4★ Sunsquare Cape Town City Bowl, or similar

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax, shop or explore this dynamic city on your own.

Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional half day Cape Town City tour.

OPTIONAL TOUR – HALF DAY CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR

Enjoy a half day city tour that will include a number of Cape Town’s top attractions, from the Castle of Good Hope to the colourful cottages of the Bo Kaap, the bustling Green Market Square, the South Africa Museum and the beautiful Company Gardens.

Enjoy the tour with an experienced guide, you will be able to learn more about the Cape Town CBD and its surrounds, in a city tour that is sure to leave you with plenty of memories and photographs of this part of the Cape.

Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Start Time: 8:00am
End Time: 12:30pm
Includes: Entrance fee to South Africa Museum
Excludes: Cable car to Table Mountain

On this optional tour, you may be accompanied by other participants who are not part of your travel group.

OPTIONAL TOUR – FULL DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR

Experience the beauty of the Cape Peninsula on this full-day tour, starting with the iconic beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, where pristine sands and sparkling waters await.

Explore the charming fishing village of Hout Bay, with fresh seafood and a vibrant market. There may be an option to take a boat trip to Seal Island to see its playful seal population (seasonal and not included – to be paid locally).

Enjoy the breathtaking drive along Chapman’s Peak, renowned for its sweeping ocean views and scenic stops.

Visit the rugged beauty of Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, a haven for unique wildlife and historic landmarks. Meet the penguins at Boulders Beach and discover the naval heritage of Simon’s Town before passing through the quirky shops of Kalk Bay and the colourful surf scene of Muizenberg.

This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, wildlife and cultural highlights.

Please note, to visit and interact with the penguins there is a small conservation fee of R215 for adults and R105 for children paid locally.

Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Start Time: 7:30am
End Time: 6:00pm
Includes: Entrance fee to Cape Point Nature Reserve, Lunch
Excludes: Optional visit fees (Penguin Colony and Seal Island)

On this optional tour, you may be accompanied by other participants who are not part of your travel group. South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af… South Africa-21 Day Ultimate Af…

DAY 20 – CAPE TOWN

Destination: Cape Town
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel: 4★ Sunsquare Cape Town City Bowl, or similar

Today you have time at leisure to continue discovering Cape Town, or you can book one of the full day excursions to either the Cape Peninsula or Winelands.

Special Information
Both optional tours on Day 20 are scheduled to run simultaneously. If you choose to participate, kindly select only one.

OPTIONAL TOUR – FULL DAY WINELANDS TOUR

Attention wine lovers! Tantalise your taste buds and brush up on your wine knowledge on the Full Day Winelands Tour.

Enjoy three wine tastings at award-winning wine farms, accompanied by a cheese assortment and cellar tour, an exciting ride on the Franschhoek tram, and a visit to the Drankenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela spent the last part of his captivity.

Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Start Time: 8:00am
End Time: 5:30pm
Includes: Entrance fees, three wine tastings, one cheese tasting, cellar tour
Excludes: Lunch

DAY 21 – CAPE TOWN

Destination: Cape Town
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A

Today your African journey comes to an end. At the appropriate time you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight.

Special Information

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.

If you choose to extend your stay (e.g. departing after the final tour date) this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued. The transfer portal may offer the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.