Kruger National Park & Victoria Falls (South Africa)

South Africa in 8 Nights

Travel through South Africa, seeing the famed Kruger National Park as you make your way to Victoria Falls just across the Zimbabwean border.

Take a journey through Southern Africa beginning with Johannesburg, a cultural center of South Africa known for its blend of languages, cultures, and landscapes. Head outside the city to the well-known Kruger National Park, where you'll see African wildlife closer than ever before. Next, explore the iconic Victoria Falls, seeing this natural landmark in Zimbabwe.

Day 1: Flight to South Africa

Arrival at your US departure airport ready to check in for a flight * to Johannesburg. Night on board.

* If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

 

Day 2: Arrive in Johonnesburg
Explore Johannesburg on your own

Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city and its diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods. Tuck into the eclectic food scene and pop-up eateries. The city is a real cultural hub and it is a great place to catch live music performances and enjoy its trendy bars and restaurants. Overnight stay in Johannesburg.

Day 3: Arrive in Kruger National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time transfer to the airport to take a flight to the Kruger National Park area. Arrive and transfer to the hotel to check-in. Dinner and overnight stay in Kruger safari lodge.

Day 4: Kruger National Park
Full-Day Safari at the "Southern circle"

Enjoy a Full-Day 4x4 Game Drive at Kruger National Park. Begin the day early on safari in the southern area of South Africa's most famous game reserves with breakfast on the go. The game viewing area is known as the 'Southern Circle' and is renowned for its rhinos and lions. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in Kruger National Park and discover the amazing diversity of animals in one of the world's largest reserves. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, warm and rainproof jackets, sunhat, sunscreen and camera to capture the fascinating wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay in the Kruger safari lodge.

Day 5: Kruger National Park
Optional Day trip to Kruger National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Kruger and the White River. We recommend an optional day trip to Kruger National Park * to experience more of its wildlife-rich eco-system. Dinner and overnight stay in the Kruger safari lodge.

* Optional Kruger National Park Day Trip: Set off for the Kruger National Park to take your chance to spot the famous Big Five. Enjoy a slow drive through the park, home to elephants, buffalos, giraffes, impalas, zebras and, of course, lions. An unforgettable day in the wilds of Southern Africa. Packed lunch included.

Day 6: Arrive at Victoria Falls
Optional Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport of Nelspruit for a flight to Victoria Falls. Named after Queen Victoria by the explorer David Livingstone, these impressive waterfalls are just one of the gifts that nature has given to southern Africa. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Get comfortable at the hotel and perhaps explore the surroundings at your leisure. We recommend an optional sunset cruise on the Zambezi River*, an unforgettable way to spend your first night in Zimbabwe. Overnight stay in Victoria Falls.

* Optional Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River: Transfer to the jetty for a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. Includes drinks and snacks on board.

Day 7: Victoria Falls
Visit the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls

Breakfast at the hotel. Today visit the Zimbabwe side of the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls. Described locally as 'The Smoke That Thunders', Victoria Falls sits at the south of the Zambezi River, between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Spend some time being amazed by the power of the falls and visit different vantage points to discover the sheer scale of this natural wonder. During the afternoon we recommend the optional Flight of the Angels Helicopter Experience * or the optional Guided Tour of the Falls from Zambia and Zimbabwe sides **. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Victoria Falls.

* Optional Flight of the Angels Helicopter Experience (13 Minutes): To put the Victoria Falls into a true perspective, they must really be seen from the air. The sheer size and grandeur of the spectacle become all the more clear from above. The huge Zambezi River flows slowly south as the water spreads across the earth before crashing over the lip in a burst of spray and then squeezing into a narrow, foaming, blast of water rushing down the zigzag funnel of the gorges.

** Optional Guided Tour of the Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe): A guided tour of the falls enables you to delve into the local customs and traditions while gaining insight into how such an exquisite creation came to be. An aura of excitement envelopes everyone who lays eyes on this incredible spectacle and guided tours are conducted from both Zambia and Zimbabwe sides.

Day 8: Victoria Falls
Optional Day trip to Chobe National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure or take our optional safari and river cruise in the Chobe National Park * in Botswana, a must for nature lovers! Overnight stay in Victoria Falls.

* Optional Full-Day Excursion to the Chobe National ParkEmbark on a safari game drive in the Chobe National Park, known for its large herds of elephants and wandering prides of lions. Cruise along the Chobe River, and spot the local game before enjoying lunch at a safari lodge. Take in the spectacular landscapes and wildlife before returning to Zimbabwe for an overnight stay. 

Important: You will need to take your passport and Botswana visa with you on this trip to cross the border.

Please note: If you have booked any of the optional activities in Victoria Falls, it is not necessary to purchase a visa for Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Instead, you can buy the KAZA UNIVISA which grants multiple entries into any of the three countries. The price is 50USD and it can be purchased on arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport

Day 9: Victoria Falls
Explore the Falls at your leisure

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of the Falls. Overnight stay in Victoria Falls.

Day 10: Krabi
Leisure time at Railay Beach

Breakfast * at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board.

* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Day 11: Arrive in Phuket
Explore Phuket at your leisure

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Phuket by land. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure. Take this time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Overnight stay in Phuket

Day 12: Phuket
Optional full-day excursion to Phi Phi islands

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to relax, explore and enjoy Phuket. Take a walk along the beaches, sip a cocktail or have a dip in the ocean, and for the more adventurous, maybe have a go at some water sports. We recommend an optional full-day excursion to iconic Phi Phi Islands*. Overnight stay in Phuket.

* Optional excursion to Phi Phi by speedboat (with lunch): The fabulous Phi Phi Islands are a must-see paradise archipelago. First, discover the wonders of Bamboo or Khai Islands. From there, head to the famous Monkey Beach where, with some luck, you can spot wild monkeys.

Continue to the other island that forms the archipelago, Phi Phi Don, where you can see Monkey Beach and swim in a bay surrounded by cliffs. Stop at a nearby beach to enjoy local lunch (drinks not included). From there, head to Viking cave and those who wish can go snorkeling (both mask and snorkel are included in the excursion). Free time for swimming at Pileh Lagoon before making the last stop of the day at Rang or Pearl Island, where you can chill until the time to return to Phuket.

Please note: We recommend that you bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen for this excursion. Itinerary may be altered or varied depending on sea, tide and weather conditions. Drinks and fresh fruit on board included.

Day 13: Phuket
Optional excursion to Phang Nga Bay

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the magnificent beaches of the island, either sunbathing, strolling around or cooling off in its crystal clear waters. Why not visit the old part of Phuket Town, the beautiful Buddhist and Chinese temples on the island or the great bazaars of Karon Beach and Patong Beach. We recommend an exciting optional excursion to Phang Nga Bay*. Overnight stay in Phuket.

*Optional Excursion to Phang Nga Bay by speedboat (with lunch): Discover a landscape formed by the curious cliffs, limestone formations and caves. Arrive at Khai Island and do a little snorkeling to kick-off the day. Set off in the direction of Hong to board a small canoe to explore the eroded cliffs and the island's famous sea caves.

Discover the "hongs", inland lagoons between the rock formations and only accessible through caves at low tide. Lunch at Panyi or Fisherman Village. After the canoe ride we will head to the famous James Bond Island. On the way to Phuket we will make a last stop at Panak Island. Return to the port in Phuket and transfer to the hotel by land.

Please note: We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen for this excursion. Itinerary may be altered or varied depending on sea state, tide and weather conditions. Drinks on board included.

Day 10: Return home

Breakfast * at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board.

* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Day 11: Arrive at Home

Touch down back in the US and end your trip filled with memories of your African adventure.