South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari Tour

Upon arrival to Johannesburg you will transfer by hotel shuttle from the airport terminal to the nearby Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport Hotel.

Located just 500 metres from South Africa’s busiest airport, this hotel is the ideal choice for business and leisure travellers. It is a landmark hotel in the area and, as a Southern Sun hotel, has garnered an excellent reputation over the years. While this may be a bustling area, the hotel offers a relaxed setting with all the modern technology that you may require. The 366 guest rooms are spacious and a haven of comfort. The popular Bernoulli’s Restaurant is renowned for its good food and diners have a choice of a delicious buffet and an à la carte menu, while the attractive wine bar with its 24-hour buzz is the perfect setting for a pre-dinner drink. The hotel is surrounded by soundproof glass so that you are not disturbed by the sound of aircraft arriving and departing.

We will stay two nights at this hotel, which includes breakfast daily.

Meals: none

Today is a free day in Johannesburg, one of Africa’s biggest cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.

Meals: Breakfast

Shuttle from the hotel back to Johannesburg’s airport for your flight to Victoria Falls (flight not included, schedule and price will be determined at time of booking).

On arrival  you will obtain your visa for Zimbabwe (US$75 payable locally). From the airport we will transfer to Ilala Lodge, in the village of Victoria Falls. The rest of the day is free.

Ilala Lodge Hotel is the starting point from which to explore the natural wonders of the majestic Victoria Falls. Distinguished accommodation is offered in a gracious and secluded setting on the Zimbabwean side of the border: Ilala Lodge is the closest hotel to the Falls, as well as to the town centre. Wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns, while the spray from the Falls can be seen in the background. The 32 standard rooms and two suites all have en- suite bathrooms, satellite television, telephones, ceiling fans and air-conditioning, wall safes, hair dryers, tea and coffee facilities and Wi-Fi. You can dine at the hotel’s award-winning Palm Restaurant, which offers both indoor and al fresco dining.

Meals: Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore Victoria Falls on your own or take part in an optional tour or activity.

Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of waterfalls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two-thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers plenty of things to see and do. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or microlights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. We recommend pre-booking any tour or activity you wish to do, to guarantee yourself space.

The town itself offers some excellent restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art, sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast check out of the lodge and you will then be transferred by road to Kasane. (Botswana border is a 1 hr drive). Kasane airport is a 15 min drive from the border.

On arrival at Kasane Airport, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by a Wilderness Safaris representative and assisted to your light aircraft for your onward circuit air transfer to Savuti Camp.

Three-night stay on inclusive basis: Includes accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks excluding premium imported brands and champagne.

Savuti provides front-row seats to amazing wildlife viewing and the mysteries of the ebb and flow of the Savute Channel waters. Perched high on the banks of the Channel, the camp looks down on a miraculous ribbon of territory that has been both savannah and river over the last few years.

Whether experienced in a dry, wet or transitional phase, the area has always been renowned for its game viewing. It holds a magnetic attraction for elephants, amongst other plains game and predators. Get up close to elephants at the camp’s log-pile hide and watch as they play and quench their thirst at the small water pan.

Large canvas-and-thatch tents (including a family unit) face the channel, and activities vary with the changes in the landscape.

Meet for afternoon tea before departing on the afternoon’s scheduled activity. On return to camp you’ll have time to freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner. Enjoy a nightcap or visit around the fire before heading to bed for a good night’s rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Great Canadian Travel has partnered with this premier safari tour company since 1983 to create exciting travel experiences in Botswana. We concentrate on offering departures in the African “green season”. The green season includes the months of February and March, which is winter in Canada. However, it is summer in southern Africa! The green season offers spectacular savings in Botswana, often referred to as the best safari destination in Africa.

By using camps in different ecosystems in Botswana, the safaris provide a real diversity and wilderness experience that one can enjoy in privacy and high comfort. The itinerary includes the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti Concessions, a natural oasis in Botswana with an air of untouched beauty teeming with wildlife. These fly in safaris are unsurpassed value as we use luxury camps on private concessions, open vehicles and off-roading, which provide excellent photographic opportunities.

Circuit Flights: The light aircraft, circuit flights are subject to weight restrictions based on the aircraft used, weather conditions and season, passenger and luggage weights, routing and fuel required. Some routes may require en-route stops which may involve changing aircraft. Total baggage allowance on these inter-camp flights is 20kg total per person (includes checked bag as well as all carry-on items).

After an early morning wake-up and light breakfast you’ll depart for the morning’s safari. After the return to camp you’ll have time for lunch and a rest before meeting up for afternoon tea and the afternoon’s drive and activity. There will be time on return to camp to freshen up or meet for drinks before enjoying a delicious dinner. After dinner there’s time for a nightcap around the fire or time to relax and think about the day’s experiences.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At a time to be advised by camp management, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your circuit light aircraft transfer from Savuti Camp to Seba Camp. (1hr 20 min flight)

As a ‘combination’ Okavango Delta camp, Seba offers enthralling wildlife encounters from both land and water- based activities. In addition to game drives and boating, walking safaris are another exceptional way to get up close to your subject at eye level. Look out for tracks and signs, and reconnect with nature on foot.

Game viewing at Seba is excellent, with lion and leopard, a chance to see roan, and hyaena cubs when the resident clan is denning.

The camp’s lagoon-side setting hints at the rich wildlife experience to come. Eight luxury tents include two designed for families, with interconnecting bedrooms and plunge pools. Access the bush by game drive, mokoro or guided walks, or join your children for a bush cooking or photography lesson.

Situated in the north-western corner of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is a World Heritage Site, as it is the largest inland delta in the world. The magnificent Okavango River sprawls out over the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert forming this flourishing, waterlogged oasis. It features countless meandering waterways and crystal clear lagoons studded with water lilies, as well as fertile floodplains and reeded islands inhabited with abundant wildlife. The Okavango Delta stretches over 15000 square kilometres. Visitors can enjoy a number of wonderful activities such as game viewing, fishing, bird watching or taking an authentic guided Mokoro excursion through this wetland paradise in a traditional dugout canoe. Commonly spotted animals include: lion, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippos, elephants, crocodiles and countless species of bird.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early morning wake-up and light breakfast you’ll depart for the morning’s safari. After the return to camp you’ll have time for lunch and a rest before meeting up for afternoon tea followed by the afternoon’s drive and activity. There will be time on return to camp to freshen up or meet for drinks before enjoying a delicious dinner. After dinner there’s time to chat with your fellow travellers or enjoy some quiet time, thinking about the day’s adventures.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At a time to be advised by camp management, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your circuit light aircraft transfer from Seba Camp to Maun Airport. (1 hr 15 min flight).

Take a scheduled flight from Maun to Cape Town (not included in package. Schedule and pricing will be quoted at time of booking.)

On arrival at Cape Town International you will be met and transferred to the Radisson Red Hotel, ideally situated just a short walk from the V&A Waterfront, within easy reach of all that the Mother City has to offer. Guest accommodation is offered in 252 modern, air-conditioned studios featuring comforts which include 55” smart TVs, fridges, and customisable lighting. The bathrooms come with walk-in rain showers, complimentary bath amenities, and a hairdryer. Rooms with views of the mountains and city, rooms with seating areas, and wheelchair accessible rooms, are available.

Onsite dining options include an a la carte restaurant and a coffee house. Drinks can be enjoyed at the bar. There is a sun terrace and swimming pool with a pool bar on the rooftop which offers views of the mountain and city. Other onsite facilities include free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a gift shop, fitness centre, library, table tennis, car rental, yoga classes, and more.

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, situated between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is fortunate to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast you will depart on your full day Peninsula tour. Take a drive through the charming and picturesque coastal towns of the Cape and enjoy spectacular views from the world-famous Chapman’s Peak pass. Visit the charismatic penguins at Boulders Beach, and look out for Cape Fur Seals on Duiker Island. Don’t forget to look for southern right whales and explore Table Mountain National Park in search of wildlife (both on land and in the air!) Marvel at the stunning scenery of Kirstenbosch Gardens. A lunch stop is made on the tour, with lunch at your own expense.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast you will depart on your full day Winelands tour. Explore the beautiful Boland region in South Africa’s breath-taking winelands. Visit wine estates that suit your preferences, and taste delicious wines while enjoying stunning views. Relax over lunch at one of the local, award- winning restaurants (lunch is at your own expense) and soak up the rich history and culture of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your day at leisure. Optional local tours are available. Please ask us for some options, including the popular Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

Meals: Breakfast

Today our tour ends with a transfer from the hotel to the Cape Town airport to catch your departing flight.

Should you wish to extend your time in Cape Town, continue on to another destination in Africa or beyond, please ask us to quote you for the additional arrangements.