Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Botswana Safari

London to Johannesburg

This extensive southern African discovery begins at London Heathrow as you meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the small group, before boarding an overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Victoria Falls & Zambezi sunset cruise

After touchdown in Johannesburg, board an internal flight to Victoria Falls Airport. Transfer to the hotel on the banks of the Zambezi River. Enjoy a welcome drink and a classic sunset river cruise on the Zambezi with refreshments, possibly seeing hippos, crocodiles and elephants. Evening is free to dine independently; courtesy shuttle bus to Victoria Falls town until 9pm.

The spectacular Victoria Falls

After breakfast, enjoy a morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Victoria Falls on Zimbabwe's border with Zambia. Afternoon is free to relax at the lodge. In the evening, experience a Boma dinner – a traditional African meal served outdoors with barbecued food, game meat, African drummers, dancers and a Sangoma.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Botswana and sunset cruise on the Chobe River

Travel by road to Kasane in the Chobe District of Botswana. Check in to a safari lodge on the banks of the Chobe River. After lunch independently at the lodge, embark on a scenic sunset cruise along the Chobe River, spotting elephants, giraffe, antelope, buffalo and abundant birdlife. Dine independently at the lodge restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast

Wildlife viewing in the Chobe National Park

Early morning three-hour game drive in 4x4 vehicles through Chobe National Park, home to the largest surviving elephant population in the world. Rest of the day at leisure – optional activities include fishing and bird watching, or relaxing at the pool or spa.

Meals: Breakfast

Flight to Johannesburg & overnight in Pretoria

Final breakfast at the Botswana safari lodge before a short transfer to Kasane Airport for a flight to Johannesburg. Met by a local guide and transferred to the hotel in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital. Arrive late afternoon. Dine independently in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast

The Pride of Africa train to Kwa-Zulu Natal

Transfer to Pretoria's Capital Park private station for Rovos Rail passengers. Time to relax or visit the railway museum before boarding the Pride of Africa for a two-night journey to Durban. Cross the vast Highveld plateau and travel eastwards towards the Drakensberg mountains. All meals and drinks included on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunrise safari in Nambiti Reserve, plus a choice of excursions

Before breakfast, take a wildlife drive through the private Nambiti Big Five Reserve. Breakfast served back on board, followed by brunch in the dining cars. Arrive at Estcourt and transfer to Spionkop Lodge. Choose between a talk and tour of the historic Spionkop Battlefield or a drive into the Spionkop Reserve for wildlife spotting. Enjoy sundowners overlooking the dam before returning to the train for a traditional South African dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Overnight in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal

Breakfast in the dining cars as the train continues to Durban. Stop near Howick to visit the Ardmore Ceramics Gallery. Return to the train for lunch on board. Arrive in Durban and transfer to the central hotel on the Golden Mile. Evening free to dine independently.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

To Knysna via Nyosi Wildlife Reserve & the Garden Route

Early check out with a breakfast pack provided. Internal flight to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). Transfer by coach along the Garden Route to Knysna. En route, stop at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve for a short safari drive, followed by lunch with a view and a tasting of local wines. Arrive in Knysna this afternoon; evening free to explore.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cruising Knysna Lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve

Boat trip on Knysna Lagoon, cruising to Knysna Heads and the unspoilt Featherbed Nature Reserve. Nature walk with a specialist guide. Lunch beneath a canopy of Milkwood trees. Return to Knysna; rest of the day free to explore the town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm and on to Cape Town

Depart by coach to Cape Town via the scenic coastal route past Knysna lagoons. Head inland to Oudtshoorn for a guided tour of an ostrich farm and a traditional South African braai lunch. Continue to Cape Town, arriving early evening. Hotel situated in the City Bowl at the foot of Table Mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cape Town orientation tour & free time to explore

City orientation tour by coach taking in City Hall, Cape Town Parliament, Company's Gardens, Castle of Good Hope and the Bo-Kaap. Cable car to the top of Table Mountain with panoramic views and free time at the summit. Rest of the day free – options include Robben Island ferry, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or the V&A Waterfront.

Meals: Breakfast

Touring the Cape Peninsula & meeting African penguins

Full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula including the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Chapman's Peak scenic coastal road. At Cape Point, ride the Flying Dutchman funicular railway to near the lighthouse. Continue along False Bay to Simon's Town Naval base and Boulders Bay, home to a colony of African penguins. Return to Cape Town hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Flight from Cape Town to London

Leisurely final day to soak up the sights of Cape Town or unwind. In the evening, transfer to Cape Town Airport for the overnight flight back to London.

Meals: Breakfast

Homeward bound – arrival in London

Arrive at London Heathrow early this morning. The epic tour of southern Africa draws to a close and you are free to make your way home.