12 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Tour

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, your private guide will meet you in the arrivals hall with a clearly marked name board. After a brief welcome and an overview of the journey ahead, you’ll transfer to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and check in at your hotel. If time permits, enjoy a gentle orientation stroll along the harbor, soaking up views of the marina, Table Bay, and the surrounding city skyline.

Later in the afternoon, head to Table Bay Harbor for a scenic sunset cruise. With Table Mountain rising dramatically behind the city, the changing light creates exceptional photo opportunities and a relaxed introduction to Cape Town. The cruise lasts just over an hour and usually includes a complimentary glass of South African sparkling wine. After returning to shore, the evening is free to enjoy dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants.

This morning is dedicated to one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks, Table Mountain. A short drive leads to the cableway station, where a rotating cable car ascends to the summit, offering sweeping views of the city bowl and Atlantic coastline. Once at the top, follow well-maintained paths through indigenous fynbos while your guide explains the geography, weather patterns, and landmarks visible from the plateau.

After lunch, continue to Kirstenbosch Garden, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest botanical gardens. Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, it showcases South Africa’s remarkable plant diversity. Wander shaded pathways, explore themed gardens, and admire mountain backdrops and birdlife. The visit is unhurried, allowing time to relax before returning to your hotel for a free afternoon or optional exploration at the Waterfront.

Today’s full-day excursion explores the dramatic Cape Peninsula, combining rugged coastlines, mountain passes, and protected natural areas. Travel along the Atlantic seaboard toward Hout Bay before continuing via Chapman’s Peak Drive, a world-renowned coastal road carved into steep cliffs above the ocean. Frequent viewpoint stops allow time for photographs and short breaks, highlighting the raw beauty of the Cape’s western coastline.

The journey continues into the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to diverse fynbos vegetation and wide ocean vistas. Wildlife sightings may include baboons and antelope. A visit to Boulders Beach follows, where African penguins can be viewed from elevated boardwalks that protect their nesting areas. Return to Cape Town via the False Bay coastline, arriving back in the city during the late afternoon.

Today you travel into the picturesque Cape Winelands, an area celebrated for its mountain scenery, historic towns, and world-class wines. Begin in Franschhoek, a charming village shaped by French Huguenot heritage and a strong culinary tradition. Take time to explore the village atmosphere before visiting a nearby wine estate, where you’ll learn about local grape varieties and traditional winemaking techniques.

From Franschhoek, continue via the scenic Helshoogte Pass toward Stellenbosch, pausing at viewpoints along the way. Enjoy an additional tasting if desired before arriving in Stellenbosch, known for its oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture. Walk through the historic town center and learn about its academic and cultural significance. The return journey to Cape Town is relaxed, arriving back in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to the Kruger region. On arrival at Skukuza Airport, you’ll be met and transferred into the renowned Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Following lodge check-in, enjoy time to settle into your suite and take in the surrounding bushveld. A late lunch is served at the lodge, with time afterward to rest before the afternoon safari activity.

In the late afternoon, depart on your first open 4x4 game drive led by experienced rangers and trackers. As temperatures cool, wildlife becomes more active and sightings may include elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and various antelope species. The drive often continues briefly after sunset, introducing nocturnal behavior. Return to the lodge for dinner beneath the stars, ending the day immersed in the sounds of the African wilderness.

The next three days follow a classic safari rhythm, with early morning and late afternoon game drives each day. Morning drives typically include a coffee stop in a scenic bush location before returning for a late breakfast at the lodge. Afternoons begin with tea before heading out again, allowing you to experience changing light conditions and varied animal behavior throughout the day.

Sabi Sand forms part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem and is famed for exceptional wildlife viewing, including frequent Big Five encounters. Your guides interpret tracks, calls, and animal interactions, enriching each drive with insight and context. Birdlife is abundant, and sightings may include raptors, hornbills, and waterbirds. Between activities, enjoy lodge facilities, relax on viewing decks, and watch animals that may wander past the property.

After an early start, transfer to Nelspruit Airport for your regional flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your lodge near the Zambezi River. After check-in, there is time to refresh and settle into your surroundings, enjoying the peaceful setting and views before the planned activities of the following days.

The remainder of the day is kept at leisure to allow for rest after travel. Relax at the lodge, enjoy the swimming pool or viewing deck, and observe birdlife and wildlife that may appear nearby. The tranquil environment offers a gentle transition from safari to riverine scenery. Dinner is enjoyed at the lodge, setting the tone for the Victoria Falls experiences ahead.

You will enjoy three privately accompanied activities during your stay at Victoria Falls. For each experience, you will be met at your lodge and transferred to the relevant location by private vehicle. Specific departure times will be confirmed prior to your arrival. A wide range of additional optional activities is also available and can be incorporated into your itinerary if desired.

Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River is a memorable and atmospheric experience, set against a backdrop of broad river channels and riverine forest. Departing in the late afternoon, the cruise typically lasts between two and three hours. It often provides excellent opportunities to see wildlife such as elephants and antelope approaching the water’s edge to drink, while hippos and crocodiles are frequently sighted along the banks. Drinks and light snacks are included, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery as the sun sets.

Falls Tour

An experienced local guide will accompany you to a series of carefully positioned viewpoints overlooking Victoria Falls. Along the way, the guide will explain the geology, seasonal water flow, and surrounding rainforest ecosystem, helping to place this natural wonder into context. The combination of sound, spray, and scale makes the falls one of the most impressive natural sights in the world.

Craft Market Visit

Local artisans around Victoria Falls are known for their craftsmanship and creativity. A visit to the craft market offers the opportunity to browse and purchase a wide variety of handmade souvenirs, including carvings, textiles, and traditional artwork. Being accompanied provides the advantage of local insight, particularly when it comes to fair pricing and identifying the best-quality items on display.

This morning is free for a relaxed breakfast and final views over the surrounding landscape. At a scheduled time, you’ll be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flight to Johannesburg. Your driver will assist with luggage and ensure timely arrival for check-in, keeping the departure smooth and well coordinated after several days of guided touring.

On arrival in Johannesburg, the tour concludes after assistance with onward connections. Whether continuing your journey or returning home, the experience ends having combined Cape Town’s cultural highlights, world-class safari in Sabi Sand, and the awe-inspiring scenery of Victoria Falls. The itinerary balances guided activities with leisure time, creating a comprehensive and memorable Southern African travel experience.