Splendors of South Africa & Victoria Falls
South Africa
Twelve days from Cape Town to Johannesburg that cover the three South Africa trips most people try to choose between: Cape Town and the peninsula (Table Mountain by fast-track cable car, Cape Point, the penguins at Boulders, a Bo-Kaap walk with lunch), three nights at a private game reserve on the edge of Kruger with six game drives and nightly sundowners, Johannesburg with a Soweto walk and the Mandela House, and two nights at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe with a sunset Zambezi cruise and a guided walk at the falls. All internal flights included, plus 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners.
From $7,376 pp
Per person, two sharing · land only — flights from home not included · 12 days
- Next departure
- Feb 15, 2027 · $6,926
- Departures open
- 20
- Meals
- 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
- Operator
- Globus / Cosmos
Or call / text 954-698-4438
Itinerary, hotels and inclusions checked against Globus / Cosmos's own page on Sep 3, 2026. Dates and prices are read live from the operator's feed.
Our take
If you are going to fly that far, this is the itinerary that justifies it — city, safari and the falls in one trip, with four flights inside it so you are not spending days on roads. The safari portion uses a private reserve rather than the public park, which usually means closer, less crowded sightings. Two things to know: the Table Mountain cableway closes for maintenance for about a month each year (Globus substitutes Kirstenbosch), and the falls run low in the dry season from September to December.
Highlights
- 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites on the route: Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
- Sightseeing in Johannesburg includes a walk with a Local Guide through Soweto, a visit to the Mandela House, and the Constitution Hill Museum
- Guided sightseeing in Cape Town includes a stroll along the Grand Parade past the landmarks of St. George’s Cathedral, Parliament, and more
- 11 nights in listed hotels, 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, Tour Director throughout
- 20 departures currently open across 2027, from $7,376 per person, land only — flights from home not included
Who this trip suits
- Travelers who want Cape Town, a safari and Victoria Falls without booking three trips
- People who prefer flying between regions to long drives
- Couples and friends celebrating a milestone — this is a once-in-a-while trip
- History-minded travelers: Soweto, the Mandela House and Constitution Hill are included
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who struggles with early starts — game drives begin before dawn
- Travelers uneasy about four internal flights
- People with limited mobility; the falls walk and Cape Point involve steps and uneven paths
- Those who want the Big Five guaranteed — sightings are never promised
Day by day
Globus / Cosmos's published itinerary, checked Sep 3, 2026
1Your Small Group Discovery Tour begins!Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa
Welcome to Cape Town, commonly referred to as the “Mother City” by locals, as it was home to the first European settlement in South Africa. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
No meals included
2City Sights & Soaring HeightsCape TownBreakfastLunchDinner
Start at the Grand Parade to see the Castle of Good Hope and City Hall. Walk to see more of Cape Town’s landmarks including St. George’s Cathedral, Parliament, and The Company’s Garden. Then, join a local community leader to explore the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, also known as the Malay Quarter, including a visit to the Bo-Kaap Community Center. After a traditional Malay lunch, enjoy a scenic cable-car ride to the top of Table Mountain for stunning 360-degree views over the city. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant!
Local favorite · Explore Cape Town’s neighborhood that was founded by former slaves in the 1750s. Today, Bo-Kaap is a melting pot of cultures within its National Heritage sites. Stroll past vibrantly hued houses ranging from lime-green and pink to orange, reflective of Dutch and British architecture. Your Local Guide shares fascinating stories of this lively neighborhood where the aromas of fragrant spices waft from local restaurants and spice shops. Enjoy lunch with your small group, followed by a cable-car ride to take in the 360-degree views from the top of Table Mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3Rocky Coast & Beach LifeCape Town–Cape Peninsula excursionBreakfastLunch
Take a scenic drive along stunning Chapman’s Peak Drive en route to Cape Point Nature Reserve. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope before arriving at Cape Point. Ride a funicular to the steps of the old lighthouse with panoramic views of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. After lunch at a local seafront restaurant, visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Free time this evening.
Highlight · Jackets aren’t required on Boulders Beach, even though the residents look dressed to the hilt. The only penguins found on the continent, African penguins are known for the unique sound they make. Colonies can be found from southern Namibia all the way around the South African coast, and Boulders Beach is the premiere viewing spot.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
4Free to WanderCape TownBreakfast
Full day at leisure for your own discoveries in this beautiful city.
Meals: Breakfast
5Operation SafariCape Town–Kruger National Park AreaBreakfastDinner
Fly to the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport and transfer to your luxury tent camp located just outside the national park. Arrive in the home to an abundance of wildlife for a game drive to spot the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Return to your lodge for Sundowners and dinner. Your visit here contributes to Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Conservation Canine Project, aimed at training dogs to patrol, detect and track poachers and to the Lion Recovery Fund who works towards the rehabilitation of Lions and their habitats.
Highlight · Climb aboard your custom safari vehicle for an afternoon game drive with a skilled tracker and professional Ranger who share fascinating facts about this wildlife paradise, while helping to spot the majestic creatures who call the national park their home. Quench your thirst after today’s safari with a traditional sundowner experience with cocktails in true safari tradition with your small group.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
6Kruger MagicKruger National ParkBreakfastLunchDinner
Rise early for coffee, tea, and pastries before your morning game drive. Keep an eye out for big cats after their night of hunting. Other animals you may see include kudu, impala, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, wildebeest, and more. Return for brunch late morning followed by time to relax at your lodge. Afternoon game drive with sundowner drinks.
Highlight · As the sun sets over the majestic landscape, enjoy a memorable happy hour in the bush in the nostalgic tradition of early safari explorers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7Spotting SkillsKruger National ParkBreakfastLunchDinner
Sharpen your game-spotting skills on your morning and afternoon game drives. Watch for African buffalo, reintroduced to the area after an absence of more than 50 years, reuniting the “Big Five” to roam freely. After Sundowners and dinner, join a private astronomy chat and stargazing experience with a local expert.
Highlight · The night skies above the Kruger National Park area are a sight to behold, with vivid constellations that cover the sky with a blanket of twinkling stars against Africa’s dark skies. Join a local expert for a private astronomy talk and look upward as we unveil the stellar secrets of the African night sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8A Jaunt to JoburgKruger National Park–JohannesburgBreakfast
Enjoy a final game drive this morning before boarding your flight from Kruger to Johannesburg. Free time late afternoon and evening.
Meals: Breakfast
9From the Dark Enters LightJohannesburgBreakfastLunch
Guided sightseeing includes a visit to Soweto (Southwestern Township) with a local community member. Along the way, see the neighborhood that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Visit Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela lived with his family from 1946 to around 1960, when he was forced underground to elude arrest. Also learn about the impact of his wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, known as the “Mother of the Nation” and a formidable anti-apartheid activists. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Constitution Hill, a museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy.
Local favorite · Soweto, the largest township in the country, is a part of South Africa’s turbulent past, but this multicultural area is also a reflection of today and hope for tomorrow. Your Local Guide shares insightful stories as you see the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the former neighborhoods of Nobel Peace Prize winners, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela, featuring the Mandela House—former home of the legendary human rights leader.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
10Zoom to Zimbabwe & Sunset SensationsJohannesburg–Victoria Falls, ZimbabweBreakfast
Fly to Zimbabwe and transfer to your hotel. Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
Highlight · Transfer to the Zambezi River’s edge and board the cruise boat. You’ll be treated like royalty as you take in the scenery and watch for wildlife while sipping and sampling from a selection of included drinks and canapés. Your cruise culminates in a spectacular African sunset!
Meals: Breakfast
11Smoke on the WaterVictoria FallsBreakfastDinner
Take a guided walk at Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders), as the locals call it, due to the clouds of mist produced by the cascading cataracts. Learn about the history of the falls and fascinating facts about the local flora and fauna with plentiful photo opportunities. Free time late morning and early afternoon. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner on the banks of the Zambezi River, featuring a menu of African-fusion dishes using fresh local ingredients.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
12Safe travels until we meet again!Victoria Falls–JohannesburgBreakfast
Fly to Johannesburg. Schedule departing flights after 7:30 pm.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & prices
Read from Globus / Cosmos's departures feed · per person, two sharing · land only — flights from home not included
| Departs | Returns | Group | Price pp | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2, 2026small group | Nov 13 | Small group | $6,823 | Sold out |
| Nov 8, 2026small group | Nov 19 | Small group | $6,823 | Sold out |
| Jan 24, 2027small group | Feb 4 | Small group | $7,526 | Please call |
| Feb 15, 2027small group | Feb 26 | Small group | $6,926$7,526 | Available |
| Mar 15, 2027small group | Mar 26 | Small group | $7,526 | Few seats left |
| Mar 28, 2027small group | Apr 8 | Small group | $7,596 | Sold out |
| Apr 12, 2027small group | Apr 23 | Small group | $7,376 | Sold out |
| May 23, 2027small group | Jun 3 | Small group | $7,376 | Few seats left |
| Jun 6, 2027small group | Jun 17 | Small group | $7,026$7,376 | Few seats left |
| Jun 14, 2027small group | Jun 25 | Small group | $7,376 | Sold out |
| Jun 20, 2027small group | Jul 1 | Small group | $7,376 | Few seats left |
| Jul 4, 2027small group | Jul 15 | Small group | $7,376 | Sold out |
| Jul 12, 2027small group | Jul 23 | Small group | $7,376 | Sold out |
| Jul 18, 2027small group | Jul 29 | Small group | $7,376 | Sold out |
17 more departures scheduled — ask us for the full calendar. Prices are the operator's current published rates and can change until a deposit is paid; we reconfirm on enquiry.
Where you stay
Hotels as listed by Globus / Cosmos, “as shown or similar.” Tap a hotel name to see it on Google Maps.
Cape Town
Southern Sun The CullinanSuperior First-Class
Southern Sun The Cullinan offers travelers easy access to all that Cape Town has to offer including the popular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Complementing the rich, cultural heritage of Cape Town…
Kruger National Park Area
Makalali Main LodgeSuperior First-Class
Makalali Main Lodge is a newly built lodge located in Makalali Private Game Reserve. Enjoy the luxury of air-conditioned rooms with comfortable interiors of classic leather and wood furnishings. The…
or Elephant Walk Tented Camp (First-Class)
Johannesburg
Sandton Sun & TowersModerate Deluxe
Built in 1984, the hotel is every inch a grand property, offering guests the ultimate "red carpet experience". This is punctuated by staff who strive to provide superb VIP treatment for all who pass…
Victoria Falls
Ilala LodgeSuperior First-Class
Ilala Lodge provides distinguished accommodation in a gracious and secluded ambiance. The hotel is the closest to Victoria Falls as well as the town center. Wild animals often graze on the hotel…
What's included
- Tour Director for the whole trip, plus Local Guides at the major sites
- 11 nights in the hotels listed below ("as shown or similar")
- 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners — see the day-by-day for which days
- Internal flights as shown in the itinerary
- Coach travel between cities as shown, with luggage handled hotel to hotel
- Guided sightseeing in Cape Town includes a stroll along the Grand Parade past the landmarks of St. George’s Cathedral, Parliament, and more
- Learn about the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood on a walk with a Local Guide and enjoy a traditional lunch
- Speed past the lines with the Fast Track pass up Table Mountain
- Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve and ride the funicular to the steps of the old lighthouse
- View the endangered Africa penguins at Boulders Beach
- 6 game drives in a Private Game Reserve with nightly Sundowners
- Sightseeing in Johannesburg includes a walk with a Local Guide through Soweto, a visit to the Mandela House, and the Constitution Hill Museum
- Enjoy an evening cruise with drinks and canapés on the Zambezi
- Take a guided walk at thrilling Victoria Falls!
- 4-wheel-drive safari vehicle, limited to just 9 guests and equipped with an open roof for unfettered game viewing
- Hand selected hotels and safari lodge
- All internal flights!
What's not included
- International airfare — every price on this page is land-only; we quote flights from South Florida with your dates
- Airport transfers at the start and end unless stated in the itinerary (Globus adds them when air is booked through them)
- Meals not listed: about 7 lunches and 6 dinners, plus drinks with meals
- Gratuities for the Tour Director, driver and Local Guides (Globus offers a prepaid option for the first two)
- Optional excursions, bookable from 90 days before departure
- Travel protection — recommended, and we will price it alongside the tour
- Single supplement for solo travelers — quoted on request
The real cost of this trip
The “from” price is the operator's land-only rate. This is what sits on top of it, so the number you budget is the number you pay.
| Flights from South Florida | Not included. We price them with your dates; arriving a day early is worth it when the tour starts with an evening meet-up. |
| Airport transfers | Not included on the standard tour. Globus adds them when air is booked through them; otherwise a taxi or pre-booked car. |
| Tips on safari | Rangers, trackers and camp staff are customarily tipped; we share Globus's guidance before you go. |
| Zimbabwe visa | U.S. passport holders need a visa for Zimbabwe, available on arrival for a fee; South Africa does not require one for a stay of this length. We confirm current rules when you book. |
| Meals not covered | 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners are in. Budget for the rest, plus drinks. |
| Gratuities | Tour Director, driver and Local Guide tips are extra. Globus offers a prepaid option for the Tour Director and driver. |
| Optional excursions | Offered from 90 days before departure and on tour. Not required to enjoy the itinerary. |
| Travel protection | Not included. We recommend it for a trip at this price point and quote it with the tour. |
| Solo travelers | A single supplement applies. We quote it per departure. |
Good to know
- Closures
- For approximately one month each year (typically late July to mid-September), Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for annual maintenance. In these instances, a private tour of Kirstenbosch National Garden will be included in its place. During the dry season (September-December) and particularly dry years, water flow to Victoria Falls may be low.
- Game drives
- All game viewing is done at your own risk and requires a signed liability waiver prior to travel. Due to rough driving on/off road and in/between game parks, this vacation is not recommended for guests with serious back problems or mobility issues. The safari vehicles are not air conditioned and have high ground clearance, requiring some agility when getting in and out.
- Operator's note
- Charter flights in Botswana have a strict maximum guest weight limit of 220 lbs. / 99kgs. Any guests weighing more than the limit may be required to purchase an additional seat. Globus Tour Operations must be advised of any guests weighing more than the limit prior to final payment to ensure space can be confirmed.
- Group size
- Standard departures travel by full-size coach. Departures marked Small Group on the dates table are Globus Small Group Discoveries, capped at a smaller group and priced higher.
- Price basis
- Per person, based on two sharing a room, land only — flights from home not included. Hotels are as listed or similar.
- Start and finish
- 12 Day Tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Open-jaw flights (different arrival and departure cities) — we price them together.
Group minimums
Group rates and amenities unlock at these tiers. Negotiated through Travel Connects' supplier relationships.
| Tier | What you get |
|---|---|
| 8+ guests | Group pricing starts here — Globus quotes group rates from 8 travelers. Ask us for a group quote. |
| 20+ guests | Custom itinerary available — Globus can build a tailor-made version of this tour. |
Gallery
Questions we get about this trip
Is airfare included?
No. Every price on this page is land-only. We quote flights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami with your dates, and Globus can add airport transfers when the air is on their booking.
When is the best time for the falls?
Globus's note says water flow can be low from September to December, and particularly in dry years. For the fullest falls, look at departures earlier in the year; for game viewing, the dry months are better. We talk this through before you pick a date.
What about Table Mountain?
The cableway closes for roughly a month each year, typically late July to mid-September. On those dates Globus includes a private tour of Kirstenbosch garden instead.
How much walking is there?
Expect guided walking tours most days, often on cobbles, steps and uneven ground. If that is a concern, tell us before you commit and we will talk it through rather than hope for the best.
Which dates are cheapest?
Prices vary by departure — the dates table on this page is read from Globus's own feed, so what you see is current. Shoulder-season departures are usually the lower-priced ones; any Small Group departures cost more.
What if we need to cancel?
Globus's published terms apply and the fee schedule depends on the departure and whether air is booked through them. We link the terms rather than restate them, and we walk you through the exact figures on your reservation before you pay a deposit.
Cancellation policy
Globus' published Travel Terms & Conditions apply. Deposit amounts, final payment dates and the cancellation fee schedule vary by product and departure date, and differ again for air booked through Globus; the exact figures are confirmed on your reservation. Full terms: globusjourneys.com/terms
