south africa; safari; mala mala to botswana; rhinos

Endangered rhinos, Sabi Sands

On our Southern Africa Private Journey, the renowned private game reserves of South Africa and Botswana offer spectacular wildlife viewing—a chance to encounter rhino, lion, leopard, elephant, and other magnificent species in their natural habitat.

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Southern Africa Private Journey route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $7995   see pricing
Length: 12 days
Arrive: Cape Town, South Africa
Depart: Johannesburg, South Africa
Lodging: 11 nights in luxury hotels and game lodges describe
Meals: All meals included except 3 lunches and 6 dinners
Activity: Safaris, Wildlife & Natural History
Trip Level: Game walks, game viewing by open 4WD and mokoro (dugout canoe)
2 explain

Highlights

  • Thrilling leopard viewing in famed Sabi Sands
  • Watch hundreds of elephants bathe in the Chobe River
  • Delightful accommodations from Cape Town to Botswana


A wonderful trip—it could not have been better. Absolutely everything was first class.John W.—Greensboro, NC

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Discover the unlimited adventure of three southern African countries! In South Africa, explore Cape Town, safari in famed Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and sample wines in the beautiful Cape Winelands. Experience the wonder of Victoria Falls in Zambia, then savor a grand finale of gameviewing in Botswana’s legendary Chobe National Park.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-3
Cape Town Adventures

Join your private guide for fascinating explorations in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Visit a township, historic Robben Island, Table Mountain, the National Botanical Gardens at Kirstenbosch, or tour South Africa’s centuries-old wine estates, with their beautiful Cape Dutch architecture.

Days 4-6
Sabi Sands Game Reserve

With no restricting fences between the private gamelands of Sabi Sands and renowned Kruger National Park, wildlife roams free throughout the open savannas and riverine thickets of this enormous conservancy. Two perennial rivers supply Sabi Sands Game Reserve with invaluable water sources, ensuring some of the largest and most biodiverse wildlife populations in Africa. With your safari guide, enjoy the best leopard viewing in Africa, and track lion, buffalo, rhino, and elephant on morning and evening game drives.

Days 7-9
Zambia: Victoria Falls

Mile-wide Victoria Falls is one of the wonders of the world. Enjoy options of balloon rides, ultralight flights, bungee jumping, and rafting the wild Zambezi.

Days 10-12
Botswana: Chobe National Park

Elephants reign supreme in legendary Chobe, where permanent rivers ensure large concentrations of game, including huge herds of buffalo, wildebeest, many prides of lion, and a breathtaking annual zebra migration. Head into the heart of Chobe’s amazing wilderness by 4WD and by small boat on the Chobe River, where elephants gather by the hundreds. Depart on Day 12.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2, easy to moderate. It is a luxury camping and lodge safari with game viewing by 4WD vehicle and can be enjoyed by anyone in reasonably good health. On safari, there are long driving days over rough roads and rugged dirt tracks. Guided bush walks are available and they take place at a moderate pace.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

When to go

January to December

Tour Costs

Prices valid through October 31, 2012

First Class Option

$7995 per person, double occupancy (2-5 people)
Single Supplement: $3695

Deluxe Option

$8895 per person, double occupancy (2-5 people)
Single Supplement: $4495

Internal airfare: $1500 (subject to change)
High Season Surcharge: $700 per person (Jun-Sep)
Upgrade to River Club in Victoria Falls: To be announced

Includes all land transportation and fully guided throughout

more on pricing

Extension Costs
Cape Winelands Extension
   from: $1295
Johannesburg Extension
   from: $1495
Okavango Delta Safari Extension
   from: $3195

Tour Cost Includes:

First Class

  • Three nights at the Victoria and Alfred Hotel in Cape Town, three nights at Mala Mala Camp in Mala
  • Mala Private Game Reserve, two nights at the Royal Livingstone Hotel, two nights at Chobe Chilwero
  • Lodge, one night at The Grace in Johannesburg, based on double occupancy
  • Choice of two full-day guided excursions in Cape Town on Days 2-3
  • All meals included except 3 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Land and internal air transportation as noted
  • Park entrance fees
  • Airport transfers as noted
  • Services of safari guides and camp staff
  • Laundry service at Mala Mala and Chobe

Deluxe

  • Three nights at the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, three nights at Londolozi Private Game Reserve, two nights at the Royal Livingstone Hotel, two nights at Chobe Chilwero Lodge, one night in The Grace, Johannesburg, based on double occupancy
  • Choice of two full-day guided excursions in Cape Town on Days 2-3
  • All meals included except 3 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Land and internal air transportation as noted
  • Park entrance fees
  • Airport transfers as noted
  • Services of safari guides and camp staff
  • Laundry service at Londolozi and Chobe

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

First Class

International airfare, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, any activities described as optional, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to staff, additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses such as medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Deluxe

International airfare, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, any activities described as optional, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to staff, additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses such as medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, except at Londolozi, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule*

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 50%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule*

Minimum fee: $250
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost
45 days or less: 100% of tour cost

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Cape Grace Hotel

Cape Grace Hotel (Deluxe Option)

Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Cape Town, South Africa

The Cape Grace has understated elegance and a unique location on its own private quay on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Not surprisingly, it ...
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The Victoria and Alfred Hotel

The Victoria and Alfred Hotel (First Class Option)

Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Cape Town, South Africa

Built in 1904 as the North Quay Warehouse and converted in 1990 to a hotel, the V&A is just a few minutes’ walk from the shops, bars, and ...
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Londolozi

Londolozi (Deluxe Option)

Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Londolozi, meaning “protector of all living things” in Zulu, was the first game reserve in the world to be accorded Relais & ...
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Mala Mala Game Reserve

Mala Mala Game Reserve (First Class Option)

Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), Mala Mala Private Game Reserve, South Africa

One of South Africa’s original safari venues and still one of the finest, Mala Mala retains an authentic safari camp atmosphere amid shady ...
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The Grace in Rosebank

The Grace in Rosebank

Day 7 (1 night), Johannesburg, South Africa

Located in the stylish Rosebank suburb of Johannesburg, the Grace in Rosebank is a sister hotel of the deluxe Cape Grace in Cape Town. The Grace is ...
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Royal Livingstone Hotel

Royal Livingstone Hotel

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Victoria Falls, Zambia

The Royal Livingstone has a location that simply can’t be beat—just a 10-minute walk from mighty Victoria Falls, one of the ...
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River Club

River Club (Optional Upgrade)

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Victoria Falls, Zambia

The River Club, 10 miles upstream from Victoria Falls on the Zambia side, is a colonial-style retreat on the hills overlooking the Zambezi. There ...
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Chobe Chilwero

Chobe Chilwero

Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Chobe River, Botswana

At this quietly luxurious lodge, you enjoy spacious thatched chalets appointed with touches such as a sunken bath, indoor and outdoor shower, ...
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Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

Botswana

elephant botswana okavango delta

Okavango Delta Safari Extension

Explore One of the Most Incredible Wilderness Wetlands in the World

Safaris, Wildlife & Natural History, Walking
4 days  -  Level 2

South Africa

south africa vineyards winelands

Cape Winelands Extension

Explore South Africa’s Celebrated Wine Country

Cultural Adventures
3 days  -  Level 1

johannesburg city skyline south africa

Johannesburg Extension

Cradle of Humankind, Soweto & the Apartheid Museum

Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
3 days  -  Level 1

Client Comments

A wonderful trip—it could not have been better. Absolutely everything was first class. John W., Greensboro, NC
An excellent holiday to the highest standards for quality and comfort. Anthony C., Singapore