The Best of Southern Africa, Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe

The Best of Southern Africa, Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe

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DETAILS

Immerse yourself in Africa’s magnificent natural and historic wonders on this journey of a lifetime. Explore the rich landscape of four nations in southern Africa while residing in deluxe hotels, fabulous game reserves, and aboard an intimate river boat. Journey to Cape Town’s Table Mountain and two UNESCO-inscribed sites—Robben Island and the Cape Floral Region Protected Area. Witness Zimbabwe’s awe‑inspiring Victoria Falls. Observe remarkable wildlife, including the Big Five—African savanna elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, lion, and black rhinoceros—on safaris through the raw wilderness of Botswana and Namibia. Finally, follow Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom during a visit to Johannesburg in South Africa.

Pricing from
$12,495

Register early for savings up to $2,000 per cabin!

Trip Type
Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Tours, International River Voyages
Departure Dates
Feb 17, 2026 - Mar 3, 2026

HOTELS

Cape Grace Hotel–At the heart of the waterfront and the foot of Table Mountain, this newly renovated hotel is elegantly appointed. All rooms overlook the marina, harbor or mountains. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa–Opulent suites are individually decorated to the highest standard. Indulge in the Balinese Spa, offering the ultimate relaxation with tranquil indoor or outdoor massage and treatment areas.
Victoria Falls Hotel–Featuring dramatic views overlooking Victoria Falls, this luxury gem was built to house railway workers. Nowadays the grand Edwardian-era hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
*Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve–Enhance your safari experience with three nights in Sabi Sabi’s luxurious Bush Lodge, ideally located within Kruger National Park. Sabi Sabi sits on a plain between two rivers where an abundance of wildlife thrives.
*Kapama Private Game Reserve–Enhance your safari experience with three nights in Kapama’s River Lodge, with airy design and luxury accommodations ideally located adjacent to Kruger National Park.
*Depending on your departure

EXTENSIONS

PRE‑TOUR EXTENSION – Cape Town, South Africa
Experience the warm sunshine and sunny disposition of the people in Cape Town, a modern metropolis surrounded by natural beauty. Beneath the magnificent Table Mountain, this “Mother City” offers much to discover. Stay at the deluxe luxury Cape Grace Hotel, with its lovely waterfront setting. Enjoy the sublime Cape Winelands and visit world-class vineyards for specially arranged wine tastings. At Vergelegen, explore the beautiful gardens and country manor, dating back to the 1700s; at Boschendal Farm, savor a lunch and wine pairing at their iconic restaurant.

TRANSFER INFORMATION

Airport transfers and luggage handling abroad are only included if air arrangements are booked through Gohagan & Company. If travelers make their own air arrangements, transfers and luggage handling are not included; transfers can be organized through Gohagan & Company and purchased by the traveler.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

TOUR MAP

S Africa map

ITINERARY

  • days 1-2

    Depart the U.S./Cape Town, South Africa

    Arrive in Cape Town and transfer to Belmond Mount Nelson hotel and settle in.

  • day 3

    Cape Town

    Take a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain for spectacular views, followed by a scenic drive through the city and the Bo‑Kaap and District Six areas. This afternoon, visit UNESCO‑designated Robben Island, a former military base converted to maximum-security prison where Mandela and other political prisoners were held. The prison’s storied interior and its guides — some of whom personally knew Mandela — provide an invaluable perspective on South Africa’s social and political transformation. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a Welcome Reception.

  • day 4

    Cape Town/Cape Point

    Embark on a panoramic drive with photo stops en route to Cape Point, a nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park. Visit the African penguin colony on Boulders Beach. Arrive at Cape Point and take the Flying Dutchman funicular for incredible views over the Cape of Good Hope.

  • day 5

    Cape Town | MalaMala Private Game Reserve

    This morning fly to Skukuza, then transfer to the famed MalaMala Game Reserve in four-wheel-drive vehicles, with game viewing throughout the transfer. MalaMala is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, boasting the Big Five — Cape buffalo, African savanna elephant, leopard, lion and rhinoceros. The reserve is renowned for its extraordinarily up-close wildlife sightings and elusive leopard viewing.

  • day 6 & 7

    MalaMala Private Game Reserve

    At MalaMala, enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives, plus walking safaris. In addition to the Big Five, you may see other animals such as cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, kudu, monkeys, hippos and more than 350 species of birds. Continue pursuing the Big Five and other wildlife on game drives and walking safaris.

  • day 8

    MalaMala Private Game Reserve | Johannesburg

    After a morning safari, fly to Johannesburg and check in to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, a deluxe luxury hotel.

  • day 9

    Johannesburg

    Follow in the footsteps of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela along Vilakazi Street and visit the house where he lived from 1946 to 1962, a short distance from the former home of fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu. Visit Johannesburg’s poignant Apartheid Museum to trace South Africa’s 21st-century journey to democracy.

  • day 10

    Johannesburg/Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

    Fly to Victoria Falls. Walk the jungle-fringed trail along the edge of UNESCO‑inscribed Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Here, the Zambezi River plunges into a narrow, 360‑foot gorge — twice the height of Niagara Falls — creating frothy rapids and vaulting a colorful mist into the air. Later, check in to the elegant and historic deluxe Victoria Falls Hotel.

  • day 11

    Victoria Falls | Kasane, Botswana | Namibia | Embark

    Travel to Botswana for a morning game drive in Chobe National Park, home to one of the world’s largest elephant populations. In addition, watch for wild dogs, zebras, giraffes and impalas. In the afternoon, embark the Zambezi Queen, a deluxe riverboat, for your Chobe River safari cruise.

  • day 12

    Cruising the Chobe River

    Visit a local Namibian village to experience its unique culture firsthand. This afternoon, view wildlife from a different perspective as the animals venture to the Chobe River, to slake their thirst or just cool off during the afternoon heat. Expert local guides will lead game-viewing river safaris aboard small excursion boats through this unspoiled ecosystem.

  • day 13

    Cruising the Chobe River

    Cruising the Chobe River In addition to the Big Five, big game in this area includes zebras, impalas, baboons, blue wildebeests, kudus, giraffes, warthogs and vervet monkeys. Don’t forget your binoculars — the tree line by the river is a haven for birds. More than 450 bird species have been spotted in Chobe National Park! Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Reception, followed by a special dinner and cultural show.

  • days 14-15

    Kasane, Botswana/Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Return to Home City

    After breakfast, disembark the boat and transfer to the Victoria Falls Airport for your overnight flight home which arrives the next day.

Everything you need to know about the tour

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