There are some journeys that leave footprints on the soul – not just because of the landscapes explored, but because of the stories lived along the way. This incredible 13-day African adventure invites you to discover the vibrant heart and soul of Southern Africa, with an itinerary brimming with natural wonders, cultural richness, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
From the spectacular coastline of Cape Town to the tranquil vineyards of the Cape Winelands, the thrill of a luxury safari in a private game reserve, and the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls – this is a journey that captivates from start to finish. Over 12 nights, you’ll explore five distinct regions: Cape Town (4 nights), the scenic Winelands (1 full day), the Karongwe Private Game Reserve near Kruger (3 nights), Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (3 nights), and Johannesburg (1 night). Each destination offers its own unique pace, from serene and indulgent to wild and exhilarating.
Cape Town (4 Nights) – Where Nature and Culture Meet
The journey begins in Cape Town – a city as bold and beautiful as the continent it represents. Nestled between the ocean and the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is a place where culture, history, and natural splendour intertwine seamlessly. After touching down and being warmly welcomed, there’s time to relax and take in the anticipation of what lies ahead.
Your first full day begins with a guided tour through the city’s historic heart. You’ll pass grand colonial architecture, explore manicured gardens, and hear tales of the city’s fascinating past – including the powerful legacy of its diamond and gold trade. But the highlight is yet to come. As you ascend Table Mountain via cable car, Cape Town unfurls beneath you, with sweeping views of the bay, city skyline, and surrounding peaks – a sight that will remain etched in your memory.
The next day, the Cape Peninsula awaits. Travel one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal routes, with jagged cliffs and sparkling seas as your companions. Stop at Hout Bay to board a boat to Duiker Island, home to playful colonies of Cape Fur Seals. Then, venture to Cape Point Nature Reserve, where dramatic cliffs mark the meeting of two mighty oceans. On your return, pause at Boulders Beach for an up-close encounter with its famous African Penguins before ending the day with a peaceful afternoon tea at the elegant Rhodes Memorial.
Franschhoek (Day Trip) – A Day in Wine Country
A scenic day trip transports you into the Cape Winelands, where the fertile valleys of Franschhoek offer a change of pace and scenery. This region is famed for its award-winning wines, charming towns, and deep-rooted French heritage – a legacy of the Huguenots who first settled here in the 17th century.
As you travel through rolling vineyards and towering mountains, stop at some of the country’s most esteemed wine estates. Learn about local winemaking traditions, explore centuries-old cellars, and enjoy tastings of South Africa’s finest vintages – from crisp whites and full-bodied reds to sparkling delights. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a curious taster, the experience is both indulgent and informative. The scenic beauty and refined hospitality of Franschhoek make this a truly enchanting interlude before you make your way back to Cape Town for a final night.
Karongwe Private Game Reserve (3 Nights) – Into the Heart of the Wild
From the gentle charm of the Winelands, your journey shifts dramatically as you fly to Hoedspruit – the gateway to South Africa’s wild north. Here, you'll be transferred to the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, where three nights of safari magic await. This exclusive sanctuary offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature in its rawest, most exhilarating form.
Your lodge, nestled beside the Makhutswi River, offers luxurious comfort surrounded by the sounds and scents of the African bush. The real adventure, however, begins at sunrise. Climb aboard an open safari vehicle and set off in search of Africa’s Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – guided by expert rangers with an uncanny ability to track and interpret the landscape.
Between the morning and afternoon game drives, you’ll have time to enjoy the lodge’s facilities, perhaps with a spa treatment, a cooling dip in the pool, or quiet time on your private deck watching wildlife pass by. In the evenings, share stories around the fire, dine under the stars, and listen to the chorus of the bush. These days are pure safari magic – wild, intimate, and completely unforgettable.
Victoria Falls (3 Nights) – Witness one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
Next, your journey takes you across the border into Zimbabwe, where one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World awaits. After a scenic flight to Victoria Falls, settle into your riverside accommodation and let the calm of the Zambezi wash over you. That evening, enjoy a magical sunset cruise, gliding along the river as elephants drink at the water’s edge, hippos grunt in the shallows, and the sky lights up in brilliant hues.
The following day brings you face to face with the mighty Victoria Falls – known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders”. Wander through the rainforest nourished by the mist, feel the spray on your skin, and marvel at the thundering roar of water plummeting into the gorge below. It’s a visceral, awe-inspiring experience that captures the true power of nature.
With a free day to explore as you wish, you might choose an aerial view of the falls by helicopter, brave a white-water rafting adventure, or simply explore the lively local markets. Whether you seek adrenaline or serenity, Victoria Falls delivers.
Johannesburg (1 Night) – A City Full of Stories
After your time at the falls, fly back to Johannesburg, South Africa’s bustling cultural capital. You’ll have an evening and a morning to explore or unwind. Perhaps take a stroll through one of the city’s dynamic neighbourhoods, enjoy some last-minute shopping, or relax in your hotel and reflect on the memories you’ve made.
Homeward Bound – But Forever Changed
As your African adventure draws to a close, it’s hard not to feel changed. From the elegance of Cape Town to the wilds of the game reserve and the majesty of Victoria Falls, each destination has offered something truly special – a glimpse into the soul of Southern Africa.
Because in Africa, the adventure never really ends – it simply waits to welcome you back.
Interested in Extending Your African Adventure?
If you’re not quite ready for the adventure to end, consider adding a breathtaking finale to your journey with a Chobe Extension in Botswana. This 3-day add-on takes you deep into Chobe National Park – a land often described as the home of the authentic safari.
Chobe National Park, known as the Land of Giants, is home to the largest single concentration of elephants on the African continent. Here, vast herds roam freely across floodplains and woodlands, sharing the landscape with buffalo, big cats, hippos, crocodiles, and an astonishing variety of birdlife. River cruises and game drives reveal the park’s rich ecosystem from different perspectives – whether you’re gliding past pods of hippos or watching elephants drink at the water’s edge.
Ask your travel agent at the time of booking about upgrading to this unforgettable extension. It’s the perfect encore to a journey that already feels like a dream brought to life.
Ready to explore? Click here to view this package, or get in touch with one of our travel experts!
1300 854 897 | holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
Images courtesy of Unsplash.
