Coastal South Africa & Victoria Falls

Fly overnight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. On arrival in Victoria Falls, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure to settle in.

Start the day with a tour of the magnificent Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, the falls form one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders as the Zambezi River plunges into a series of dramatic gorges. Follow paths through the rainforest to a selection of viewpoints while your guide shares the history, geology and local stories surrounding this remarkable sight. Be prepared to get wet from the spray when water levels are high. This evening, experience a shared cruise along the mighty Zambezi River while having dinner on board. Relax as the scenery drifts by and look out for hippos, crocodiles, birdlife and, with luck, elephants along the riverbanks.

Fly via Johannesburg to Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy dinner.

Discover SANCCOB, a conservation organisation dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating southern Africa’s threatened seabirds. Learn more about its important rescue and conservation work before continuing to your lodge in the Addo region. Later, set out in an open safari vehicle for an immersive game drive, searching for the Big Five and other wildlife amid the Eastern Cape’s forested valleys and open bushveld.

Rise early for a morning game drive, when the cooler temperatures often bring increased wildlife activity. Return to the lodge for breakfast and free time. Later, head back into the reserve on a second game drive in search of its varied wildlife.

Journey west along the Garden Route, stopping at Tsitsikamma National Park, renowned for its ancient forest, rugged coastline and dramatic river scenery. Follow the undulating boardwalk through the coastal forest to the mouth of the Storms River. Those who wish can cross the 77 metre suspension bridge for wonderful views across the river mouth and surrounding coastline. Continue to the picturesque town of Knysna.

Join a local guide for an insightful visit to one of Knysna’s township communities. Learn about daily life, community development and the work of local entrepreneurs. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Knysna Waterfront before cruising across the tranquil lagoon, accompanied by an oyster tasting. Admire views towards the Knysna Heads, two striking sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon, and the forested slopes of Featherbed Nature Reserve.

Continue along the coast to peaceful Arniston, a traditional fishing village also known as Waenhuiskrans. Set against rolling dunes, whitewashed cottages and sweeping beaches, this picturesque settlement offers a glimpse of life along South Africa’s Overberg coast. Enjoy a Flex half day, free at your leisure. You may wish to stroll the historic village, browse local craft shops, relax on the beach, or simply unwind.

Leave Arniston and journey towards the Cape Winelands, stopping in the wider Hermanus region for a wine tasting. Continue to historic Stellenbosch, where you will pause for lunch among its oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture. Later, travel to Franschhoek, a charming town founded by French Huguenots and celebrated for its spectacular mountain setting, fine food and world-class wines.

Visit a picturesque wine estate for a guided walk through the vineyards. Learn about the growing cycle and winemaking process before sampling a selection of wines and enjoying lunch. Afterwards, continue to Cape Town, an enchanting city set between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.

Embark on a city tour, passing historic landmarks including the Castle of Good Hope, Company’s Garden and the colourful Bo-Kaap district. Weather permitting, take the cableway to the summit of Table Mountain. The rotating floor offers panoramic views during the ascent, while the summit reveals sweeping vistas across the city, coastline and surrounding peaks. Continue your exploration on foot with a culinary tour of the city. Discover how Cape Town’s diverse communities have shaped its history and food culture, sampling local specialities and refreshments along the way. In Bo-Kaap, learn about the area’s Cape Malay heritage and the spices and flavours that have influenced the city’s cuisine.

Spend today exploring the spectacular Cape Peninsula. Begin at Maiden’s Cove, where views stretch across Camps Bay towards the Twelve Apostles mountain range, then continue through Hout Bay. Weather permitting, travel along Chapman’s Peak Drive, a dramatic coastal road carved between towering cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, where rugged landscapes and ocean views create one of the peninsula’s most memorable settings. On the return journey, visit the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Follow the boardwalks for close-up views of these endangered birds in their sheltered coastal habitat before returning to Cape Town.

Depending on your flight time, transfer to the airport for your onward overnight flight home.