16 Day Premium South Africa, Victoria Falls & The Iconic Blue Train

Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival into Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), you will be met in the arrivals hall by a local representative who will escort you to your shuttle transfer to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and escorted to your hotel shuttle bus. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, the Meet & Greet service will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, the Meet & Greet will still be provided.

After breakfast, make your way back to the airport using the hotel's complimentary shuttle for your included flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, the gateway to the incredible Kruger National Park. Please ensure you check-in at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your stunning tented lodge located within the Kruger National Park itself, your home for the next three nights. Mdluli Safari Lodge features accommodation in luxurious safari tents that feature private patios, indoor and outdoor showers as well as direct views over the park. Check into your luxury tented suite where the rest of the day is at leisure before enjoying dinner at the lodge. Special Information Your flight time today will be approximately 1 hour. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 20kg (44lbs), and one 8kg (17 lbs) carry-on. Your flight will be unescorted and you need to make your own way to the airport using the hotel shuttle transfer. Note: Tours commencing on 25 October, 08 November & 29 November 2025 will stay at Hippo Hollow Country Estate in Deluxe River Facing Chalets. Hippo Hollow is located just a short drive to the Kruger National Park entrance gate.

Today is dedicated to exploring one of the world's premier game parks, Kruger National Park on a full day safari adventure. Accompany your expert naturalist guide on an early morning safari through the Kruger National Park who will endeavour to spoil you with sightings of the “Big Five”, general game and prolific bird life. Stop for a picnic lunch in the park before we head out again in the afternoon to enjoy another thrilling game drive through the incredible Kruger National Park in search of the "Big Five" and other rare and endangered species. Return to your tented suite in time to freshen up for another delicious dinner at your lodge. Inspiring Highlights Kruger National Park game drives

This morning, head out again for another thrilling game drive through Kruger National Park. Enjoy a half day experience accompanied by your naturalist guide as you traverse the varying landscape in search of the incredible wildlife in hope of spotting the Big Five. Return to the lodge this afternoon for rest and relaxation followed by dinner at the lodge. Alternatively, you may wish to continue your game experience and join an optional game drive this afternoon. Inspiring Highlights Kruger National Park morning game drive

Today you are transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your included flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel located in the heart of town and a mere eight-minute walk from the famous Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Ilala Lodge is ideally located and it is very easy to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Special Information Your flight time today will be approximately 2 hours. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 20kg (44lbs), and one 8kg (17 lbs) carry-on. Your flight will be unescorted, however your guides will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free. Please note: Your final flight schedule may have you arrive and/or depart via the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. Additionally, partaking in the Day Tour to Chobe National Park will mean you may transit between Zimbabwe and Zambia multiple times. Please consider this when obtaining your visa (if applicable, please consider the KAZA UNIVISA which allows for multiple entry to these countries)

Enjoy breakfast at leisure before meeting with your guide for your included morning tour of Victoria Falls. Six hundred and fifty million litres of water from the Zambezi River crash with great aplomb into the chasm below, which is why the locals call Victoria Falls Mosio a Tunya, the smoke that thunders. The smoke is the permanent mist that hangs over the falls and the surrounding forest, and the thunder! You will hear for yourself. The force and power of the Falls almost defy belief. We visit the falls from both the Zimbabwe and the Zambian sides, and when it's in full flow, usually from February - May, you'll experience the showers from the crushing falls below. Return to the hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure, or you may wish to join one or both of the optional tours below. Inspiring Highlights Victoria Falls

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax by the hotel pool, shop at the local markets, or explore the quaint local township. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional full-day tour to Chobe National Park in Botswana.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Cape Town. Voted as the best place in the world to visit by the prestigious New York Times, Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa. On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the city's vibrant centre surrounded by some of the best restaurants and eateries that the city has to offer. This evening is at leisure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 20kg (44lbs), and one 8kg (17 lbs) carry-on. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we head out on a private half day tour which showcases the best of the city of Cape Town. Cape Town city centre is rich in history and culture and is alive with the sights and sounds of a diverse people that call it home. This tour will take you to some of the most celebrated attractions from the Castle of Good Hope to the City Hall, where Nelson Mandela spoke to a crowd of hundreds of thousands after his release from prison earlier that day. You will also see the cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses of the Bo-Kaap. and then take a trip up Table Mountain, high above the clouds and on the revolving cable car. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this incredible city on your own. Inspiring Highlights Castle of Good Hope City Hall Bo-Kaap Table Mountain* Special Information The Table Mountain excursion is subject to weather conditions. If Table Mountain is closed, an alternative visit to Signal Hill will be arranged. Please be advised that Table Mountain Cableway will close for annual maintenance from Monday 27 July to Sunday 9 August 2026. They will re-open on the 10th of August 2026, weather permitting. Guests travelling over this time will visit Signal Hill as an alternative.

Today is yours to explore the city at your leisure, with your guide available to offer any additional information you may need. Cape Town has many attractions to suit all tastes. For history buffs, a visit to Robben Island takes visitors through the historic prison where Nelson Mandela was held. Guided by former prisoners, the tour covers the cells, limestone quarry, and offers stunning views of the city. It's a powerful and educational experience. For garden lovers, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, located at the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse collection of indigenous South African plants. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's famous for its fynbos, proteas, and scenic views. Perhaps visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a beautiful 123-hectare neighbourhood situated along the Atlantic that is full of historic sites, landmark attractions, art events, seafood and near-endless shops offering South African brands, local crafts and well-known designers. If you prefer, you can book an optional full day sightseeing tour to the Cape Peninsula. Please note this tour operates on a shared basis.

Enjoy breakfast at leisure before meeting your driver for your transfer to Franschhoek, a town described as South Africa's food and wine capital and just a short hour's drive from Cape Town. There are more award winning restaurants in this town than anywhere else in the country. Vineyards over these mountain slopes have been nurtured and grown for over 300 years when the French Huguenots settled here in their escape from persecution. In the village you will find crafts, art and antique shops and galleries and a visit to the Huguenot Memorial is a definite when visiting Franschhoek. For those in search of energetic activities, there are a number of walking trails in the surrounding mountains and you could cycle or horse ride through vineyards. On arrival, check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Enjoy breakfast at leisure before a full day exploring the local wineries of the Franschhoek area with your included Franschhoek Wine Tram - Hop On Hop Off ticket. Make your own way to the Franschhoek Wine Tram depot, just a short walk from your hotel. The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley: picturesque vineyards, breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines, and a 300-year history. Aboard the hop-on hop-off tour, you will experience a unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as you journey through rolling vineyards in a double-decker tram and open-air tram-bus, stopping at some of South Africa's oldest and most distinguished wine estates. A combination of tram and tram-bus transports you around a loop of stops, allowing you to hop off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll through the vineyards, and when they are ready, hop on to continue the tour. This tour takes you right into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of Franschhoek and wine cultivation in the valley and unparalleled views of the valley and vineyards. Inspiring Highlights Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour Special Information All experiences at the wineries, tastings and meals are at an additional cost.

After breakfast we transfer back to Cape Town in time to board the iconic Blue Train for your luxurious two night journey to Johannesburg. Known as one of the world's most luxurious train journeys, you will be transported back to an era where opulent surroundings and fine dining were commonplace. Indulge in luxury suites with private ensuite facilities and elegant lounges serving freshly prepared meals accompanied by carefully curated wines. This all inclusive train journey will have you seeing South Africa at its very best. Once on board the Blue Train, your butler will usher you to your suite. As the train pulls out of Cape Town, enjoy a selection of canapes prior to lunch which will be served onboard. Enjoy a leisurely on board experience in the privacy of your suite or in one of the lounge cars sipping on your favourite drink as you watch the ever changing scenery before you. Tonight, enjoy an a-la-carte dinner with paired wines as your butler prepares your suite for a restful night. Feel free to enjoy post dinner drinks and cognacs in the Club Bar before retiring for the evening. Inspiring Highlights Board the luxurious Blue Train Special Information Dinner is an elegant affair. Gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie.

Enjoy breakfast this morning on board as you watch the moving landscape before you with time to relax on the train as we continue our journey to Kimberley. After lunch, disembark the train for an included excursion of Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum, known as “the Big Hole”. The capital of the Northern Cape, Kimberley is well known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871. After our tour, we board the train where dinner is served in the main dining car accompanied by the finest of South African wines. Inspiring Highlights Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum Special Information Formal attire is required for dinner.

Enjoy breakfast on board as the train continues its travels enroute to Pretoira. Enjoy a leisurely morning on board before lunch is served then relish your final few hours before arriving into Pretoria Train Station at around 6pm this evening. On arrival at Pretoria Train Station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel conveniently located at just 500 metres from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport where the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Depending on your flight details you have some time at leisure before it is time to head to the airport for your flight back home. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Check out: Check-out time is generally between 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time if required. Airport transfers are included in your booking. A complimentary hotel shuttle is available every 15 minutes, providing convenient transport between the hotel and the airport for your onward journey.