See Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Botswana’s Elephants

From South Africa’s cosmopolitan cities to Botswana’s remote plains, Africa’s southern tip is a diverse blend of cultures, landscapes, and animals. With Africa Answers' 11-day excursion, you’ll dabble in it all, and check three of Africa’s most notable sights off your bucket list. Explore South Africa’s colonial Cape Town, marvel at the stunning Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and traverse Botswana’s Chobe National Park on safari, where you could see at least four of the so-called Big Five game animals, including the lion, the African elephant, the cape buffalo, and the leopard.

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Days 1–2: Depart on South African Airways from New York City or Washington, DC, landing in Johannesburg, South Africa, on day 2. After clearing customs, travelers board a flight to head to Cape Town.

A company representative will meet guests at the airport before escorting them to Pepper Club Luxury Hotel & Spa. Heralded by CNN Traveller as the Best Luxury Hotel in South Africa, Pepper Club dazzles with a beachfront restaurant and nightclub and an indoor pool with panoramic views of Table Mountain. Guests stay in a one-bedroom superior deluxe suite, and have complimentary access to the shuttle service between the hotel, waterfront, and beach.

Days 3–5: The first full day in Cape Town begins with a guided half-day city tour, including a cable-car ride to Table Mountain’s summit to see the city from above. The rest of the morning is devoted to exploring sights such as the Castle of Good Hope, the country’s oldest colonial building. Drive through the Malay Quarter, past the quaint Bo-Kaap homes awash in pastel hues. At the end of the tour, watch as a professional diamond cutter demonstrates his craft. On days 4 and 5, guests can take a self-guided tour of the town; Pepper Club’s 24-hour concierge service can provide ideas for exploration.

Day 6: Guests fly from Cape Town to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. A staff member greets guests at the airport and arranges transportation to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, an upscale hotel listed on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List. The lodge resembles a multilevel tree house, with an onsite watering hole that attracts kudu, impalas, and elephants year-round. While at the hotel, enjoy complimentary afternoon tea and daily cocktail hour, or participate in a vulture-feeding experience.

In the early evening, you’ll take a sunset cruise down the Zambezi River, located above the falls. Keep an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, and other animals along the river banks.

Days 7–8: Day 7 is dedicated to exploring Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Travelers are transported to the nearby cascades, where they’ll also have a chance to walk through the surrounding rainforest and sites, including Cataract Island.

The following day is up to you. In the evening, partake in a traditional dinner meal at the Boma Restaurant, replete with cultural songs, dances, and Zimbabwean delicacies, including—for brave tasters—slightly grilled mopani worms.

Days 9–10: In the morning, travelers head to the Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana, located only 90 minutes from Victoria Falls. Guests spend two days on safari, exploring the Chobe National Park on game drives and sunset game-viewing cruises. Four of the Big Five animals—lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo—make their home on the reserve and can sometimes be seen alongside giraffes, monkeys, and awestruck Ernest Hemingways. The park is especially rife with elephants, as there are an estimated population of 120,000 in Botswana.

Days 11–12: Guests are transferred back to Victoria Falls Airport, where they will fly to the U.S. via Johannesburg.

An extra fee applies for departures from Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.