Independent Southern African Sojourn with Victoria Falls & Botswana

The price covers all accommodation, internal flights, private ground transport (including 4WD game drives and boat excursions), a professional English‑speaking guide, most meals (breakfast daily, selected lunches and dinner on designated evenings), entrance fees to listed attractions, and the Zambezi River sunset cruise. It also includes the sundowner drink after game drives and any additional services noted in the itinerary. Personal expenses, optional activities, and travel insurance are not part of the base price.

No. The €7,101.66 price does not include international airfares to or from South Africa. Travelers must arrange and pay for their own flights to Cape Town at the start of the tour and from Johannesburg at the end. The itinerary does include all internal flights between Cape Town, Kruger, Johannesburg, and Victoria Falls.

Breakfast is provided each morning throughout the tour. Lunches are included on days with long transfers or special excursions, such as the Cape Town to Kruger leg, the Zambezi River cruise, and selected game‑drive days. Dinner is included on evenings where a sundowner drink or special venue is listed, for example after the Kruger game drives. Any meals not explicitly mentioned are the responsibility of the traveler.

Yes. Optional extras may include additional wildlife excursions not selected in the itinerary, personal souvenirs, alcoholic beverages beyond the included sundowner drink, tips for guides and staff, and any personal medical or travel insurance. If you wish to upgrade meals, extend stays, or add private activities, those will incur separate charges.

The tour operator offers a payment‑plan option that allows the total amount to be split into up to three installments: a deposit to secure the reservation, a second payment 60 days before departure, and the balance 30 days prior. Accepted payment methods typically include major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), bank transfers, and PayPal, but you should confirm the exact options when you book.

Cancellations made more than 60 days before the start date receive a full refund minus a €150 administrative fee. Between 59 and 30 days, 50 % of the total price is refundable. Cancellations within 29 days of departure are non‑refundable, though the operator may offer a credit for a future tour at their discretion. All changes are subject to availability.

Travel insurance is not mandatory for booking, but it is strongly recommended. The policy should cover medical emergencies, trip interruption, lost baggage, and any adventure activities such as boat excursions and mokoro rides. Some airlines and the visa‑issuing authorities may also require proof of insurance, so check the specific requirements for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

On day one, participants meet at Cape Town International Airport arrivals hall at 09:00 local time. After a brief welcome, the private guide escorts the group to the hotel for check‑in and a short orientation before the afternoon sightseeing begins. Exact times may vary slightly depending on flight arrivals, and the guide will confirm details the day before departure.

Each traveler may bring two checked bags (up to 23 kg each) and one carry‑on bag for the entire tour. Internal flights operated by regional carriers typically allow one checked bag (up to 20 kg) and a personal item; excess weight incurs a fee. The guide will provide specific baggage instructions before each flight.

Yes. Private airport transfers are included for all scheduled arrivals and departures: Cape Town International Airport to the hotel, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport to the hotel and onward to the flight for Victoria Falls, and Victoria Falls Airport back to the lodge before the final leg to Johannesburg. Transfers are provided in air‑conditioned vehicles.

Extended stays are possible but must be arranged independently of the tour package. You can add extra nights in Cape Town before the official start date or in Johannesburg after the final departure. The tour operator can recommend reputable hotels and may be able to secure a discounted rate, but any additional accommodation and related costs are paid directly by the traveler.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many European passports allow visa‑free entry for short stays in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, but some travelers will need a visa for one or more of these countries. You should check the latest entry regulations for each nation well before departure and obtain any required visas in advance.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your final departure from Johannesburg. Some airlines also require that the passport have at least one blank visa page. Ensure your passport meets these criteria before booking, as extensions can cause delays.

A yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travelers coming directly from Europe or other non‑endemic regions do not need the vaccine for Botswana or Zimbabwe. However, many countries require proof of vaccination for entry, so verify your own travel route and carry an International Certificate of Vaccination if applicable.

The itinerary is family‑friendly and includes activities suitable for children, such as the penguin visit at Boulders Beach, the Table Mountain cable‑car ride, and wildlife viewing in Kruger. Game drives are conducted in comfortable 4WD vehicles with experienced rangers, and the daily schedule allows for breaks. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult at all times, and the guide can arrange child‑specific meals if needed.

The tour requires a moderate level of fitness. Most activities involve sitting in a vehicle for several hours, short walks of up to 30 minutes at game reserves, and boat excursions that may involve standing on a deck. The mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions in the Okavango Delta involve gentle paddling. Participants should be comfortable with walking on uneven terrain and be able to sit for extended periods.

Yes, senior travelers can join the tour, as the majority of activities are low‑impact and conducted in comfortable vehicles. The only potentially demanding parts are the short bush walks and the mokoro excursions, which can be taken at a leisurely pace. If you have mobility concerns, inform the guide in advance so alternative arrangements, such as a shorter walk or a seated boat ride, can be made.

In Cape Town you will experience a private guided city tour, a cable‑car ride up Table Mountain, a visit to Boulders Beach to see African penguins, the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point lighthouse, and a scenic drive along Chapman's Peak. In Johannesburg the itinerary includes a private city tour, a visit to the Apartheid Museum (or Constitution Hill Museum), and a guided walk through Mandela House in Soweto with a local lunch.

The schedule includes designated free‑time periods each day, typically in the late afternoon after the main activity. In the Okavango Delta you will have a few hours to relax at the lodge or explore the surrounding area independently. At Victoria Falls, after the guided walk, you have optional time to visit the falls on your own before the evening cruise. All free time is clearly indicated in the daily itinerary.

For first‑time visitors who want a comprehensive overview of Southern Africa, this tour offers a balanced mix of city culture, iconic wildlife, and natural wonders such as Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta. The itinerary is structured with a private guide, organized transfers and pre‑booked activities, which reduces the logistical stress of independent travel while still providing ample exposure to the region’s highlights.

Booking the guided itinerary secures all major components—flights, accommodations, park permits, and expert guides—in a single package, often at a lower total cost than arranging each element separately. It also provides local knowledge for wildlife spotting, safety briefings, and streamlined transfers between distant destinations. Additionally, the guide handles language barriers, entry requirements and on‑the‑ground logistics, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than planning details.

Travelers who appreciate a structured yet flexible schedule, enjoy wildlife safaris, and want to see both urban and remote natural attractions benefit most. Families, couples, and small groups seeking a private, English‑speaking guide and comfortable 4WD transport will find the tour’s inclusive price and curated activities deliver strong value compared with piecing together a similar itinerary on their own.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days, layered items for cooler evenings, and a waterproof jacket for possible rain. Include a wide‑brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Binoculars and a good camera with extra batteries are useful for wildlife viewing. A small daypack for water, snacks and personal items is recommended. Ensure you have any required medications and a copy of your travel documents.

When you add the cost of internal flights, park entry fees, private game‑drive guides, boat excursions, and pre‑booked accommodations, the total can exceed €10,000 for a comparable self‑planned itinerary. The tour’s bundled price also includes a professional guide, organized transfers and some meals, which reduces hidden expenses. Therefore, the €7,101.66 price is generally considered a competitive and convenient option for a fully supported 15‑day Southern African experience.