SOUTHERN AFRICA

A KEMP TRAVEL ESCORTED JOURNEY

MAY 5 - MAY 20, 2024 | 16 DAYS

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Join us on a spectacular once-in-a-lifetime adventure through South Africa and Zimbabwe. On this extraordinary journey we’ll visit glittering Cape Town taking in the 360 degree views from Table Mountain, sip fine wine on a full day tour of the Cape Winelands region and get up close with the penguins on Boulders Beach. We’ll explore the vast wilderness of Karongwe Private Game Reserve —home of the legendary “big five”. Take five safari drives in open air vehicles by day and relax on the patio of luxury tented camps in private game reserves by evening. 

Visit Soweto township in Johannesburg, where Nelson Mandela once lived; enjoy a homemade dinner with a local family in a Zimbabwean village and take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site and so much more! You won’t want to miss this incredible experience. This two week tour will be hosted by a Kemp Travel Escort.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM OUR 2022 GROUPS BELOW (CLICK FOR FACEBOOK ALBUM):

WHATS INCLUDED?

  • 6 wildlife safari drives in open safari vehicles
  • Cape Town City Tour with Table Mountain Cable Car
  • Tour of Victoria Falls
  • Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
  • Full-day Wine tour in Stellenbosch
  • Transport between destinations and included activities
  • Local Guides Throughout & Park Ranger Escorts while on Safari
  • Kemp Travel Tour Director
  • All International and Domestic Airfare
  • All accommodations: Hotels & luxury tented camps
  • 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Zimbabwean Family Dinner, Victoria Falls
  • Traditional South Africa Braai (BBQ) in Johannesburg
  • Arrival and departure transfers 
  • Excursion to Cape Point & penguins at Boulders Beach
  • Soweto tour & Apartheid Museum

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 – May 5, 2024 | Depart for Cape Town

Board our flight to Cape Town this evening with a connection through Europe. Flight times to be determined closer to departure.

Accommodation: Overnight Flight

Day 2 – May 6, 2024 | Cape Town

We plan to arrive in Cape Town this evening and check into the Portswood Hotel where we will spend the next five nights! Here you will be free to head down to the V&A Waterfront for dinner, grab a drink at the hotel or just turn in and rest up after a long travel day! 

Accommodation: Portswood Hotel, Cape Town

Day 3 – May 7, 2024 | Cape Town (B, D)

Enjoy a private half day city tour of Cape Town to get acquainted with your surroundings and see some of the highlights.The tour commences with a tour of Table Mountain (cable car fee included). Enjoy panoramic views over the Mother City and the Atlantic Seaboard with Robben Island in the distance lying sleepily in Table Bay harbour. As you drive through the city you will get a feel for the cultural melting pot that it is. A highlight includes a visit to Bo-Kaap, a colourful neighbourhood with Malay roots. Return to your hotel upon completion of the tour. Spend some time at leisure in the afternoon (lunch on your own), before meeting again for an included dinner at a local restaurant this evening where you will get to know your fellow travellers.

Accommodation: Portswood Hotel, Cape Town

Day 4 – May 8, 2024 | Cape Town (B)

Today we’ll enjoy a full day Private Tour of the Cape Peninsula. A full day of stunning scenery awaits. See the trendy beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay. Continue along Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breath-taking coastal drives as we make our way to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Board the funicular for a trip to the top of the Peninsula for incredible panoramic view of where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Next up, the naval base of Simon’s Town is a richly historic destination of museums, and home to Boulders Beach, renowned for its African Penguin breeding colony. We take some time to wander along the boardwalks here to get up close with the penguins. Our final stop today is Kirstenbosch Gardens before returning to your hotel. Dinner will be on your own tonight – but your local guide or Kemp Escort will be able to assist in finding the perfect place to suit your tastes. 

Accommodation: Portswood Hotel, Cape Town

Day 5 – May 9, 2024 | Cape Town (B)

After breakfast, take an easy drive from Cape Town to the Winelands region. Here we’ll see dramatic mountains standing guard over a quilt of working vineyards, elegant Cape Dutch estates and quaint towns boasting top restaurants, hotels and spas. Here we will sample some of the regions award-winning wine offerings, stroll through exquisitely maintained gardens and explore art galleries and antique shops in the oak-lined streets of the local towns. We’ll visit the buzzing university town of Stellenbosch followed by Franschhoek with a main street boasting exclusive boutiques, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. Grapes have been cultivated in this area for more than 350 years, and produce South Africa’s finest reds. A fabulous day of tastings, taking in superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads along two of the Cape’s famed wine routes will wrap up in the late afternoon. This evening you can choose to head into the waterfront for dinner or rest up after a long day or wine tasting!

Accommodation: Portswood Hotel, Cape Town

Day 6 – May 10, 2024 | Cape Town (B)

Today is for you to do as you please! There are so many incredible things to do in Cape Town that you’ll appreciate a day to explore on your own. Opt to relax at your hotel or walk along the Victoria and Alfred waterfront shops for a relaxed day. For history and culture buffs, you might opt to visit one of the many Museums in the city or take the Ferry to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years. Thrill seekers could opt to hike up the spectacular Lions Head Mountain or go shark cage diving outside of the city.

Accommodation: Portswood Hotel, Cape Town

Day 7 – May 11, 2024 | Cape Town to Mpumalanga (B, D)

After breakfast and check out and our private transport will collect you from your hotel to transfer you to Cape Town International Airport. Check in for your flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Upon arrival at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, you will be met and assisted to your transfer vehicle. An English-speaking driver will then transfer us to our hotel before heading out for an afternoon game drive in Kruger National Park. This game drive experience in the world-renowned Kruger National Park is one you will never forget. Explore the pristine wilderness in an open safari vehicle with a highly experienced ranger, who will ensure optimal game viewing with his in-depth knowledge of the African bush. As you search for the Big Five, keep an eye out for the many other smaller creatures that live in this reserve, including over 500 bird and over 100 reptile species. Return to the lodge and dinner is included.

Accommodation: Muluwa Lodge

Day 8 – May 12, 2024 | Mpumalanga to Karongwe Private Game Reserve (B, L, D)

After breakfast and check out, you will be collected from your lodge for a transfer to Chisomo Safari Lodge via the world famous Panorama Route. Explore one of South Africa’s most picturesque routes with an experienced guide as you take a tour of the area’s many natural wonders. You will see The Pinnacle Rock towering 30m above the forest as well as God’s Window, one of South Africa’s most famous vantage points (on clear days you can see as far as Mozambique). Take in the Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels, massive spirals of dolomite that rise from the far wall of the canyon. A light lunch with a soft drink is enjoyed halfway through the journey and there’s a chance to explore the colourful craft markets en-route. Arrive at Chisomo Lodge later this afternoon and once you’ve checked in, your ranger will explain your included activities and the schedule. Once everyone is settled in to their safari tent – the group will depart on an afternoon game viewing drive. We’ll spend the next 3 nights at this lodge where all meals are included. After our drive dinner will await us! 

Accommodation: Chisomo Safari Camp

Day 9 – May 13, 2024 | Karongwe Private Game Reserve (B, L, D)

On Safari: Karongwe Game Reserve

Morning program:

  • Wake Up Call at around 5-5:30 AM
  • Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate Served with Rusk’s in the Main Area
  • Morning Game Drive commences around 5:30-6:00AM and returns to the lodge around 8:30-9:00AM
  • Lunch Served mid-day
  • Afternoon Tea with snacks and drinks available prior to afternoon game drive
  • Afternoon Game Drive commences around 4:00PM and returns to the lodge between 7:30 PM
  • Dinner is served

While on safari we will go out once at sunrise and once at sunset when the wildlife is most active. Mid day most animals are asleep. While at camp there is a common area with games and books, there is a pool to cool off and tons of wildlife viewing opportunities within walking distance including a raised platform near a hippo pond!

Accommodation: Chisomo Safari Camp

Day 10 – May 14, 2024 | Karongwe Private Game Reserve (B, L, D)

Today we’ll enjoy morning and late afternoon game drives (see prior days schedule). Back at camp, relax on your private deck or take a walk around the grounds. The pool is always a great meeting place to lounge and cool off.

Accommodation: Chisomo Safari Camp

Day 11 – May 15, 2024 | Karongwe Private Game Reserve to Johannesburg (B, D)

After breakfast and check out, your local guide and driver will transfer you to Hoedspruit Airport, where you will check in for your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival at O.R Tambo International Airport, your local guide will meet you for a warm welcome. You will be assisted to your transfer vehicle and then transferred to Protea Hotel Balalaika, where you will overnight for 1 night. After checking in you will depart on your afternoon SOWETO & Apartheid Museum tour. Visit the Mandela House in Orlando West, Soweto – a national monument dedicated to offering insights into the life of Nelson Mandela and the families that he lived with from 1946 through to the 1990s. The prestigious and must-visit Apartheid Museum is located in Johannesburg’s Ormondo suburb. The museum, opened in 2001, covers the full history of the Apartheid era in South Africa. The exhibitions span the beginnings of segregation in the country, the implementation of the Apartheid system and all of the factors that have shaped its 20th century history including the discovery of gold that spurred on the migration of thousands of foreigners to the country, the rise of black consciousness and the first democratic elections. You will be returned to your hotel afterwards where you will enjoy dinner.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Balalaika – A Marriott Property

Day 12 – May 16, 2024 | Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (B, D)

After breakfast and check out, you will be collected from your hotel to be transferred back to OR Tambo International Airport, where you will check in for your flight to Victoria Falls Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and assisted to your transfer vehicle. An English- speaking driver will then transfer you to Shearwater Explorers Village, where you will overnight for 3 nights. Spend some time at a leisure, before being collected from your hotel for your Home Hosted Dinner excursion. Here we will visit the family home of a Zimbabwean family where we will be the guests of honor for a traditional dinner. Take the time to chat with the local family about their life and gain insights into the culture of our hosts. Feel free to bring along a gift from home to share with your host as a token of appreciation. Ask your Kemp Travel Agent for suggestions on items that could be of use. You will be returned to your hotel afterwards for the rest of the evening to be spent at leisure. The explorers village has an amazing lounge area with a pool, couches, board games and bar which is a great meeting point to hangout with fellow travellers and reminisce on the days events!

Accommodation: Shearwater Explorers Village

Day 13 – May 17, 2024 | Victoria Falls (B)

After breakfast head out on a  guided tour of the majestic Victoria Falls and encompassing nature reserves. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders), millions of litres of water plunge over a chasm nearly 2km wide falling over 100m to the Zambezi River below. The shower of spray and the thunderous sound of the water can be heard from miles around. The tour takes you to the best view points of this iconic waterfall, one of the seven wonders of the world, allowing you to soak up the powerful and enigmatic atmosphere of Victoria Falls. We’ll head back to the hotel after our tour for some free time. Those adventurous types can opt to explore the area or walk the bridge to the Zambian border. Spend some time at leisure before being collected again for your Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi Explorer. Watch the sun slowly set over Africa’s mighty Zambezi River from the luxurious decks of the boat while also enjoying the views of the river and the islands that the boat meanders through. There is game viewing aplenty as wildlife gathers on the riverbanks to quench their thirst. Guests of this bespoke experience need merely relax, enjoy the superlative service and range of canapés and beverages. Return to the hotel after the cruise where you can grab dinner (on your own) at the resort!

Accommodation: Shearwater Explorers Village

Day 14 – May 18, 2024 | Victoria Falls (B)

Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel this morning. After breakfast you’ll have a free day to relax before making the long journey home. Hang by the pool, barter with local shop keepers at the plethora of craft markets within walking distance OR if you’re feeling really adventurous – opt to take a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls for an aerial view of this spectacular area! Spend some time to today to get those final souvenirs and get yourself packed and organized for the long journey home tomorrow. 

Accommodation: Shearwater Explorers Village

Day 15 – May 19, 2024 | Depart Victoria Falls (B)

After breakfast and check out, a local driver will collect you from your hotel to transfer you back to Victoria Falls Airport, where you will check in for your return flight home via Johannesburg. We hope you’ve had a wonderful and unforgettable stay in Southern Africa!

Accommodation: Overnight Flight

Day 16 – May 20, 2024 | Arrive in Toronto

Today we will arrive in Toronto and bid farewell to one another! Exact flight times will be determined closer to departure. If you require assistance in booking transfers from the airport, please speak with your Kemp Travel Agent.

TOUR COST

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $11,595.00

SINGLE RATE: Add $13,995.00

* Prices are per person in CAD. Includes taxes of approximately $1000 CAD. Local gratuities not included. Book now with a $1000 deposit. A secondary deposit of $1500 will be due at time of flight confirmation. Final payment is due on February 13, 2023. All payments are non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended – please call office for pricing. Prices are subject to change. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change.

CONNECT WITH AN AGENT

If you’re looking to book a space on this South Africa tour, get more information or talk to one of our agents about doing something different, just fill out the form below and someone will reach out to you right away!