These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
Cosy, comfortable stays with simple amenties, offering local character and a unique experience.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including the stunning glory of Victoria Falls and thrilling game, drives to witness the amazing wildlife in Kruger, Chobe, Hwange and Matobo National Parks
✓ Small, personal group experience – no more than 14 people
✓ All internal Africa airfares included
✓ 16 nights boutique lodge and hotel accommodation
✓ 2 nights on a spectacular houseboat on Lake Kariba
✓ Game drives through the Hwange, Chobe, Okavango and Kruger National Park.
✓ Daily breakfast, 8 lunches and 12 dinners
✓ Escorted by expert English-speaking guides throughout
✓ Dedicated Mercedes Benz Sprinter vehicle transportation
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
✓ Click HERE to view flight-inclusive version of this package
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to South Africa! If arriving early, guaranteed early check-in is included.
The rest of the day is free for you to settle in for your African safari adventure.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
This morning we’ll head to the airport for your flight to renowned Kruger National Park.
Kruger is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Hundreds of mammals make their home here, as do diverse bird species such as vultures, eagles and storks. Kruger is one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five in one fell swoop. The park boasts nearly two million hectares of unfenced African wilderness and delivers an exceptional safari experience.
Your stay will give you a front-row seat to where predator and prey meet – this reserve is located in enormous Kruger National Park, home of the illustrious Big Five game animals. The lodge is perched on the banks of the Crocodile River.
After lunch, we’ll embark on a sunset game drive in specialised 4x4 safari vehicles.
Today we'll set out for an early morning game drive, spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. We’ll see the animals at the start of their day – when they are hungry and most active.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax around the lodge, until our sunset game drive on the Mjejane private concession within the park – there are no fences between the Mjejane Reserve and Kruger, so the animals move freely. Guests have exclusive use of this area.
Visit the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa, the Jane Goodall Institute South Africa Chimpanzee Sanctuary, situated within the Umhloti Nature Reserve. The endangered chimpanzee is considered to be the closest relative to humans and the work done here in trailblazing research and conservation is very important. At the institute, visitors can observe the chimpanzees and learn about the individual chimps and their stories. This tour includes transfers to and from your lodge.
Starts: approx: 12:00pm
Duration: approx: (collection time from lodge is at 10am, return back to the lodge at 2:30pm)
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
It’s about a one and a half hour drive to Nelspruit Airport for the flight to Livingstone.
You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in Victoria Falls, the major waterfall on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It’s about a two-hour trip, including border control. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore.
Relax and enjoy the spectacular African sunset on a river cruise along the Zambezi River, fondly referred to as the “River of Life”. Flocks of birds skim the waterline and you’ll spot a variety of game, like hippo and elephant. This cruise includes finger food, beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks.
Starts: approx:
4:30pm (pickup from hotel at 3:45pm in summer)
4:00pm (pickup from hotel at 3:15pm in winter)
Duration: approx: 2 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
This is an unforgettable African experience, a feast for the senses – the night’s entertainment includes storytelling, cultural performances and drumming. You’ll even have the chance to don a traditional robe on arrival. The four-course traditional feast includes a barbeque buffet and local delicacies like smoked crocodile tail and hunter’s game stew.
Starts: approx: Operates either morning or afternoon. To be confirmed on tour by your Tour Guide.
Duration: approx: 2 ½ -3 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Today may be spent at leisure enjoying the many activities available in Victoria Falls.
At ground level you can feel the enormous power of the Victoria Falls as tremendous volumes of water pound into the chasm below. But it is only when you take to the air that you can take in the enormity of this mighty spectacle. This 13-15-minute flight soars over the Victoria Falls, continuing downstream over the Batoka Gorges.
Starts: approx: 1pm
Duration: approx: 13-15 minutes
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast, meet your tour leader at hotel reception for a guided tour of the mighty Victoria Falls.
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring to witness the thundering power of the waters. At over one kilometre wide and over 100 metres high, this is the largest curtain of water in the world. The locals call it Mosi-ao-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders”.
We’ll then cross the border into Botswana to arrive at Kasane, a town surrounded by the Chobe National Park. Depending on how busy the border is, this will take approximately one to two hours. From here, it’s a short drive onto your accommodation.
The second largest national park in Botswana, Chobe covers a whopping 10,566 square kilometres, and boasts one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. There are about 120,000 of these majestic creatures living around here. You’ll have the opportunity to view the abundant elephants and big game animals in their natural habitat, including the famed Big Five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo.
This afternoon is at your leisure: partake in optional activities offered by your lodge or relax by the pool.
This vast, renowned national park is home to many species, including the treasured Big Five and the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Set out to view these fascinating creatures in their natural environment as the magnificent African sun begins to set.
Starts: approx: 4.30pm
Duration: approx: 2-3 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Start your morning with a spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park, Botswana's first national park – and also its most biologically diverse.
After an unforgettable start to the day, return to the lodge for a late breakfast and some relaxation time until our boat cruise on the Chobe River in the afternoon. The river cruise will give you another vantage point – lookout for hippos, crocodiles and a dazzling array of water birds, making for excellent up-close photo opportunities. Watching the sunset over the river is magical.
Today we’ll make our way back to Zimbabwe as we make our way to Hwange National Park, arriving in time for lunch. Over the next two days, we'll have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives.
Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest, with some of the best game viewing you can experience anywhere on the continent, yet fewer tourists. It's home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.
Your stay at this lodge offers an array of safari experiences, as well as all meals and most beverages. There will be time to settle in before embarking on an afternoon safari.
Revel in a whole day spent exploring the magnificent Hwange National Park. The largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe, Hwange's grasslands and woods are home to 105 mammal species, including 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores. The Big Five can all be found here, as well as many other predators.
You’ll be spoilt for choice at your lodge today, with a host of safari activities on offer. Your lodge offers morning and afternoon game drives, as well as walking safaris – these guided game walks are an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with the small and large creatures of the park. A cultural tour includes a visit to nearby Dete village.
Today we head off to Binga, located on the southeastern shore of Lake Kariba, where we'll board a luxury houseboat for a relaxing two-night trip.
Lake Kariba is the world's largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume. It lies 1,300 kilometres upstream from the Indian Ocean, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. We’ll set sail at midday and enjoy lunch onboard as our voyage takes us to the Sengwe River for afternoon wildlife spotting and sunset, followed by drinks and dinner onboard. Drinks include soft drink, beer, cider and selected wines.
In the morning, make use of a wide range of activities available, based on your preference, whether fishing, walking or game viewing. When we return to the boat, breakfast will be served while cruising to Elephant Bay, where we'll moor at one of the islands and enjoy the sandy beaches.
This afternoon, watch the famed Kariba sunset over the sprawling lake as we end the day with a relaxing cruise on the tender boat. We’ll enjoy drinks and snacks as we soak up the beautiful scenery and magical colours of this enchanting sunset.
After disembarking, we’ll head for the Matobo this morning, approximately a seven hour journey. The majestic Matobo Hills is an extensive area of rolling hills that features massive granite outcrops and boulders, not to mention one of the most outstanding rock art collections in southern Africa.
There will be a detour through the town of Bulawayo for a glimpse of its charming colonial buildings, before heading to camp.
Matobo National Park is home to both white and black rhinoceros, sable antelope and the world’s densest population of leopard. Birdlife is also prolific, and includes the highest concentration of black eagles in the world.
This area is of great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people.
Take your pick today from the array of optional activities – start your day tracking rhino spoor, or explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on game drives. Visit a local village, or see Cecil John Rhodes’ grave – a British businessman, mining magnate and politician in southern Africa, and a polarising figure locally.
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll check out and make our way to Nata.
This afternoon, we’ll visit the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, situated in the middle of the dry savannah – one of the largest salt flats in the world. The pan is all that remains of the once-enormous lake. Enjoy these landscapes as we watch the sunset.
Dinner will be at the lodge.
We’ll leave our lodge and head for the small village of Gweta in northeast Botswana.
It’s about a six hour journey to the Ntwetwe Pan, where we’ll encounter some of Botswana’s distinctive landscapes and extraordinary creatures. The wider Makgadikgadi Pan comprises three separate salt pans – Sowa (or Sua), Nxai and Ntwetwe. Together, these three pans cover some 30,000 square kilometres of northeastern Botswana, making it the largest collection of salt pans in the world.
Ntwetwe Pan was fed by the Boteti River until it was left permanently dry following the construction of the Mopipi Dam, which provides water for the diamond mines in Orapa. The outlying fringes of the pan are lush with green grass, enticing further wildlife to the area, including large herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope in their thousands. Needless to say, there are also a healthy number of predators such as lion, cheetah and hyena around!
We’ll head out in open 4x4 vehicles and enjoy sundowners and snacks in the wild as we observe the amazing scenery.
You’ll have the option of sleeping under the stars tonight at the pans. There is no better way to experience the solitude and stillness of the Makgadikgadi than to sleep under the glistening Milky Way – truly a once in a lifetime experience.
It’s an early start to get up close and personal with some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats.
After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Maun. It’s approximately three hours away.
Maun is a bustling safari town, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The name Maun is derived from the San word maung, which translates to 'the place of short reeds'. The village became the capital of the Batawana people in 1915.
The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure when we arrive, perhaps relaxing next to the lodge's pool, or, if you are keen for some excitement, taking an optional scenic flight over the delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly glorious oasis.
Soar over this vast oasis as you take to the sky for one hour to admire these lush, sprawling landscapes. The maze of waterways inside one of the world’s largest inland deltas makes for thrilling, kaleidoscopic views from the air. This spectacular vantage point is the only way to truly comprehend the grand scale of this mesmerising UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Starts: approx: To be confirmed on tour by your Tour Guide.
Duration: approx: 45 minutes
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
It’s an early start today to take a drive to the mokoro station, where we will board dug-out canoes (mokoro) and float through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta, discovering a wealth of birds and wildlife. Unlike other deltas, the Okavango flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast.
Led by a local guide, we’ll learn about the Delta and its spectacular ecosystem. It’s a fascinating day learning about the culture and way of life of the tribes here and how they survive in the watery wilderness. Bird watchers will be in heaven as you witness nest making, feeding the young, mating behaviour and foraging with a truly amazing variety of birds. A picnic breakfast, lunch and drinks are included.
We’ll return to the lodge in the later afternoon.
After checking out, you’ll be taken to Maun Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.
You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your guest lodge, about 45 minutes away.
Explore the township of Orlando West and neighbouring communities in Soweto. You’ll stop and greet people to meet the locals and get to know the history and way of life here. Visit the former migrant workers’ hostel in Mzimhlophe and experience how migrant workers used to live and see new developments that are happening today. We’ll continue the ride through the vibrant community of Meadowlands, and proceed to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, the historical landmark of the 1976 Soweto uprising. Of course, we’ll drive down famous Vilakazi Street where Nelson Mandela used to live. Your tour includes a traditional potjie lunch.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your African safari adventure comes to an end.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly. No transfers provided for land only bookings.
For further information on your houseboat cruise on Lake Kariba, please click HERE.
Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Cape Town 4 night pre or post-tour extension
Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel is found at the entrance to the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town’s premier shopping destination. The hotel’s design is one of inspiring elegance and grace as it stands in all of its glory in the Mother City. The hotel provides an ideal base for exploration into some of the city’s most well-known attractions. For days spent at the hotel, there is an impressive range of facilities that include a restaurant, a bar, a gym and an azure swimming pool. The swimming pool area is a popular spot because of its seclusion and tranquillity.
Cost - $1,499 per person Twin Share ($1,999 Single)
Optional Tours:
Sun City pre or post-tour Extension
The Soho Hotel is Sun City’s original hotel and is the focal point of the resort. The Soho Hotel is glamorous and has a world of activity from simply lounging poolside in the African sun or having a pampering spa treatment to improving your handicap on a championship golf course. The hotel overlooks the Gary Player Golf Course, which is home to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge and is a walk away from the Gary Player Country Club with its gym, spa, restaurant and pro shop. The Soho Hotel is one of holiday indulgence and nights spent wining and dining or enjoying the thrill of the tables.
Cost - $991 per person Twin Share ($1,982 Single)
To enhance your journey, we're offering guests the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Please note - on Days 5 or 6, both options cannot be done on the same day.
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity.
These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers. As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “2”
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry and is a welcome way to show your appreciation. If you feel that your guide/s and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
The suggested tipping amounts for Africa is AUD$5-7 per person per day for the guide and AUD$3 per person day for your driver, to be paid in either local currency or USD, so you will need to convert your currency depending on your preference. Please note that this information is to be used as a guideline only and is subject to change based on the recommendations that we receive from our ground operator. Tipping is not compulsory and should be done at your discretion.
Accommodation
The accommodation for this package is a range of boutique properties and depending on the style of accommodation, are more often than not locally rated. All accommodation used is thoroughly researched by our Product experts to ensure that it is of the appropriate standard. The accommodation used throughout will be a mix of lodges, camps and hotels ranging from 3-5 star and we encourage you to review each property online to ensure you have appropriate expectations prior to travel. The accommodation listed within the itinerary is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,889 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2-14 people.
Trip Style - Small Group Tour
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 20 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Click HERE for more information on the weather in Southern Africa.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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