Independent Wonders of Southern Africa

Independent Wonders of Southern Africa

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Independent Wonders of Southern Africa

15 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa

Visiting: Cape Town, Greater Kruger National Park Area, Greater Kruger Area, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Chobe Area, Okavango Delta

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IQS4-2024

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Explore South Africa from A to Zebra on this incredible Globus Independent tour. A variety of experiences await including moving history in Johannesburg, magnificent landscapes in Cape Town, and a menagerie of wild creatures on safari in a private game reserve. In Cape Town, spectacular views from the Cape of Good Hope deliver astonishing panoramas, peninsulas, and African penguins playing in the surf of Boulders Beach. Take some I-time for wine tasting or whale watching off the Cape. Things get even wilder on safari where you‘ll search for the “Big 5” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo) and a host of wondrous wildlife, including rhino, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, and hyena – just to name a few. Toast your safari adventure with traditional sundowner drinks in the bush and luxurious safari accommodations waiting at day’s end.

You’ll then fly to Zimbabwe to explore the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls in spectacular celebration of your African adventure. Explore Chobe National Park by game drives or boat excursions amid some of Africa’s most magnificent wildlife. Conclude your extraordinary safari experience in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta by game drive, bush walk, or canoe. A stunning ending to an adventure of a lifetime!

Highlights

  • Cable-car ride up Table Mountain for stunning views over Cape Town

  • Visit to Boulders Beach to see endangered African Penguins

  • Stop at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Nature Reserve

  • Game drives in Greater Kruger National Park to see the "Big 5"

  • Visit to the Apartheid Museum and Mandela House in Johannesburg

  • Cruise on the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls

  • Game activities in Chobe National Park, including boat excursions

  • Exploration of the Okavango Delta with game drives, bush walks, and mokoro excursions

Places You'll See

Southern Sun The Cullinan

Makalali River Lodge

Sandton Sun

Ilala Lodge

Elephant Valley Lodge

Kadizora Camp

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Cape Town,South Africa

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: Southern Sun The Cullinan

Welcome to South Africa! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Welcome to South Africa! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: Southern Sun The Cullinan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

CAPE TOWN• Start your private guided sightseeing with a cable-car ride up Table Mountain for stunning views over the “Mother City.” • Nature calls during a your visit to Boulders Beach where a colony of endangered African Penguins greet you with their unique sound. • At Cape Point Nature Reserve, stop at the Cape of Good Hope for photos and memorable views where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Then on to Cape Point, for a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse. On your return journey, skirt the rocky coastline as you ascend Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in the world.(B,L)

Day 3: Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: Southern Sun The Cullinan

Meals Included: Breakfast

CAPE TOWN• Enjoy a full day at your leisure.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, take an excursion to the stunning Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (June-October).

Day 4: Cape Town,Greater Kruger National Park Area

Location: Greater Kruger National Park Area

Accommodation Name: Makalali River Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

CAPE TOWN–GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA• Fly to the Greater Kruger National Park area and transfer to your lodge in a private game reserve, home to an abundance of wildlife including the famed “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. • Set out on your first game drive this afternoon in an open-air, 4-wheel-drive safari vehicle.(B,D)

Day 5: Greater Kruger Area

Location: Greater Kruger Area

Accommodation Name: Makalali River Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

GREATER KRUGER AREA• Learn about this special ecosystem from the professional Ranger 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, bushbaby, and more! (B,L,D)

Day 6: Greater Kruger Area

Location: Greater Kruger Area

Accommodation Name: Makalali River Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

GREATER KRUGER AREA• Embark on your morning game drive before returning to your lodge for breakfast. Your afternoon game drive concludes with a sundowner drink as the sun sets over the bushveld! (B,L,D)Today’s I-Time Tips Take advantage of the lodge pool, relax with a book, or enjoy a drink at the bar.

Day 7: Greater Kruger Area,Johannesburg

Location: Greater Kruger Area

Accommodation Name: Sandton Sun

Meals Included: Breakfast

GREATER KRUGER AREA–JOHANNESBURG• Enjoy one last game drive this morning before flying to Johannesburg.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Settle in to your hotel or explore Mandela Square with it’s shops and restaurants.

Day 8: Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg

Accommodation Name: Sandton Sun

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

JOHANNESBURG• Today’s private guided sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the Apartheid Museum to learn of the history of South Africa before delving into the apartheid years. • In Soweto (South Western Township), the largest township in the country, visit Mandela House and see the neighborhood that was home to Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before transferring back to your hotel for time at leisure.(B,L)

Day 9: Johannesburg,Victoria Falls,Zimbabwe

Location: Victoria Falls

Accommodation Name: Ilala Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

JOHANNESBURG–VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE• Today, fly to Zimbabwe, home of awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. • A cruise on the Zambezi River affords you a wonderful opportunity to photograph wildlife and a spectacular Africa sunset. Yes, drinks and canapés are included!(B)

Day 10: Victoria Falls

Location: Victoria Falls

Accommodation Name: Ilala Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

VICTORIA FALLS• Feel the thunder on your private guided walk along Victoria Falls, where you will learn the history of the falls and hear fascinating details about the surrounding flora and fauna.(B)Today’s I-Time Tips Soar high above the falls on an optional helicopter ride or visit a local village.

Day 11: Victoria Falls,Chobe National Park Area,Botswana

Location: Chobe National Park

Accommodation Name: Elephant Valley Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

VICTORIA FALLS–CHOBE NATIONAL PARK AREA, BOTSWANA• Today, a private transfer brings you to Chobe National Park, featuring some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. • Afternoon game activity: choice of game drive in Chobe National Park or boat excursion on the Chobe River.(B,L,D)

Day 12: Chobe Area

Location: Chobe Area

Accommodation Name: Elephant Valley Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CHOBE AREA• Explore this stunning land on morning and afternoon game activities: choice of game drive or boat excursion. You may see giraffe, lion, lechwe, and huge herds of the largest elephants in the world. (B,L,D)Today’s I-Time Tips During the heat of the day relax by the pool or take a safari siesta.

Day 13: Chobe Area,Okavango Delta

Location: Okavango Delta

Accommodation Name: Kadizora Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CHOBE AREA–OKAVANGO DELTA• Fly to the famed Okavango Delta, a vast area featuring various ecosystems—wetlands, mopane forest, flood plains, and dry savannah woodland—ideal conditions for game viewing. • Afternoon game activity: choice of game drive, bush walk, or mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursion.(B,L,D)

Day 14: Okavango

Location: Okavango Delta

Accommodation Name: Kadizora Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OKAVANGO• Join your expert Ranger for morning and afternoon game activities in this UNESCO World Heritage Site: choice of game drive, bush walk, or mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursion. Spot cheetah, hyena, impala, Cape buffalo, and more. If you are lucky, you might even see the reclusive leopard.(B,L,D)

Day 15: Okavango,Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg

Meals Included: Breakfast

OKAVANGO–JOHANNESBURG Your vacation ends with a flight to Johannesburg (via Maun). Schedule departing flights after 7 pm. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in various lodges and hotels including Southern Sun The Cullinan in Cape Town, Makalali River Lodge in Kruger National Park Area, Sandton Sun in Johannesburg, Ilala Lodge in Victoria Falls, Elephant Valley Lodge in Chobe National Park Area, and Kadizora Camp in Okavango Delta.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily; 8 lunches; 7 dinners.

  • Guided Sightseeing

    Private guided sightseeing tours including a cable-car ride up Table Mountain, visit to Boulders Beach, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Apartheid Museum, and Mandela House in Soweto.

  • Game Drives

    Morning and afternoon game drives in Greater Kruger National Park Area, Chobe National Park, and Okavango Delta.

  • Zambezi River Cruise

    A cruise on the Zambezi River with drinks and canapés included.

  • Victoria Falls Tour

    Private guided walk along Victoria Falls.

  • Internal Flights

    Flights between Cape Town, Greater Kruger National Park Area, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, and Okavango Delta.

What's Not Included

  • Annual Maintenance of Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

    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.

  • Low Water Flow at Victoria Falls

    During the dry season (September-December) and particularly dry years, water flow to Victoria Falls may be low.

  • Liability Waiver

    All game viewing is done at your own risk and requires a signed liability waiver prior to travel.

  • Mobility Issues

    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.

UNESCO Sites

Cape Floral Region Protected Areas|Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls|Okavango Delta

Meals

Breakfast daily; 8 lunches; 7 dinners

Notes

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.

Accommodation

Cape Town: Southern Sun The Cullinan; Kruger National Park Area: Makalali River Lodge; Johannesburg: Sandton Sun; Victoria Falls: Ilala Lodge; Chobe National Park Area: Elephant Valley Lodge; Okavango Delta: Kadizora Camp.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the game drives in the Greater Kruger National Park area?

    During the game drives in the Greater Kruger National Park area, you can expect to see an abundance of wildlife including the 'Big 5'—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Additionally, you may also see kudu, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, bushbaby, and more.

  • What activities are included during the stay in Cape Town?

    In Cape Town, the tour includes a private guided sightseeing with a cable-car ride up Table Mountain, a visit to Boulders Beach to see the endangered African Penguins, and a stop at the Cape of Good Hope in Cape Point Nature Reserve. You will also take a funicular ride to the steps of the old lighthouse and drive along Chapman's Peak Drive.

  • What can I do during the leisure day in Cape Town?

    During the leisure day in Cape Town, you can explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, take an excursion to the Cape Winelands for wine tasting, or go whale watching in nearby Hermanus (June-October).

  • What is included in the visit to Victoria Falls?

    In Victoria Falls, the tour includes a private guided walk along the falls where you will learn about the history and surrounding flora and fauna. Additionally, there is a cruise on the Zambezi River with opportunities to photograph wildlife and enjoy a spectacular African sunset with drinks and canapés included.

  • What activities are available in Chobe National Park?

    In Chobe National Park, you can choose between a game drive in the park or a boat excursion on the Chobe River. You will have the opportunity to see giraffe, lion, lechwe, and large herds of elephants. Morning and afternoon game activities are available.

  • What options are available for game activities in the Okavango Delta?

    In the Okavango Delta, you can choose between a game drive, a bush walk, or a mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursion. You will have the chance to spot cheetah, hyena, impala, Cape buffalo, and possibly even the reclusive leopard.

  • What should I know about the visit to Johannesburg?

    In Johannesburg, the tour includes a private guided sightseeing tour with a visit to the Apartheid Museum and a visit to Soweto, the largest township in the country. You will visit Mandela House and see the neighborhood that was home to Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Lunch in a local restaurant is also included.

  • Are there any special notes or considerations for this tour?

    Yes, for approximately one month each year (typically late July to mid-September), Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for annual maintenance, and a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included instead. 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.