23 Day Southern Africa Uncovered Small Group Tour

Welcome to Johannesburg and the start of your African adventure. After collecting your luggage, make your way to your hotel. This evening, join your guide and fellow travellers for a pre-departure briefing at 6:00 PM, where you'll receive a full overview of the exciting journey ahead. Special Information The standard check in is 2pm. Should you be arriving earlier in the day, the hotel can hold your luggage until your room is ready. Airport transfers are included in your booking using the complimentary hotel shuttle. To access it, proceed to the shuttle bay located just outside the terminal, behind the Intercontinental Hotel.

After breakfast, depart Johannesburg and head east towards the province of Mpumalanga — a landscape defined by dramatic mountains, panoramic passes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Arrive in the charming town of Graskop, a small forestry settlement perched on the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment. Once a bustling gold mining camp, Graskop now serves as the gateway to the famous Panorama Route and the Kruger National Park. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Today promises some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of South Africa. Set off on a scenic drive along the renowned Panorama Route, stopping at Bourke's Luck Potholes to admire the spectacular cylindrical rock formations sculpted over millennia by swirling water and erosion. Continue to the Blyde River Canyon — the third largest canyon on Earth — where towering cliffs draped in lush vegetation create a truly awe-inspiring panorama. In the afternoon, descend from the escarpment towards the lowveld and the Kruger National Park region. Inspiring Highlights Panorama Route Blyde River Canyon

Rise early for a day that wildlife enthusiasts dream about. Board your open-topped 4×4 safari vehicle for morning and afternoon game drives through the world-famous Kruger National Park. With nearly 20,000 square kilometres of pristine wilderness, Kruger is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife including the iconic Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — alongside zebra, giraffe, hippo, and hundreds of bird species. Your expert guide will share their intimate knowledge of the bush as you scan the savannah, riverbanks, and waterholes for sightings. Return to your lodge as the sun sets over the African bush for a well-earned dinner.Inspiring Highlights Kruger National Park Special Information Lunch will be available to purchase at a rest stop in the park.

Today, cross the border into the mountainous Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), one of just three remaining monarchies in Africa. Your home for the next two nights is the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini's pioneering conservation area set within the breathtaking "Valley of Heaven." On arrival, join a guided walk through the sanctuary in search of hippo, giraffe, zebra, and various antelope species, all while enjoying the abundant birdlife. Inspiring Highlights Guided wildlife walk Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today visit the Umphakatsi Chief's homestead for an immersive cultural experience. Try your hand at grinding maize and plaiting mountain grass, join the children in traditional Swazi song and dance, and sample authentic local food — but forget about your cutlery and try it the Swazi way, with your hands! Inspiring Highlights Immersive cultural experience

This morning, visit a local craft market, before re-entering South Africa via Northern KwaZulu-Natal. In the afternoon, we make our way to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remarkable ecosystem encompasses lakes, wetlands, coastal forests, and pristine beaches — a fitting introduction to the biodiversity of the KwaZulu-Natal region. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Today features two exceptional wildlife encounters. In the morning, explore the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve — Africa's oldest proclaimed game reserve — during a game drive in your touring vehicle. This reserve played a pivotal role in saving the white rhino from extinction, and it remains a safe haven for both black and white rhino alongside a rich diversity of other wildlife. In the afternoon, return to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park for a boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary. Glide along the waterway as you get up close to the hippos and crocodiles that inhabit this remarkable lake system — cameras at the ready! Inspiring Highlights Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Embark on a journey to the Southern Drakensberg, a wonderland of woodlands, forests, lakes, and rivers framed by one of South Africa's most spectacular mountain ranges. Settle into your lodge and soak up the dramatic scenery. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

Today the adventure reaches new heights — literally. Join a guided 4×4 excursion up the legendary Sani Pass, navigating rugged switchbacks as you climb nearly 3,000 metres to the border of Lesotho. At the summit, savour a well-earned drink at the highest pub in Africa while taking in panoramic views that seem to stretch to the edge of the world. After lunch, visit a traditional Basotho village, where you'll interact with the warm and independent mountain people of Lesotho. Photograph the iconic conical straw hats, admire the intricately woven bowls crafted by local women, and listen as your mountain guide shares fascinating stories of this hardy highland culture. Inspiring Highlights Sani Pass Traditional village in Lesotho Special Information Today you will need to bring your passport for crossing into Lesotho. Warm layered clothing is recommended year-round as mountain weather can change rapidly.

Today will be a long travel day as we head south to Chintsa, the crown jewel of South Africa's Wild Coast. Here, kilometres of unspoilt, pristine beach stretch out before you — soft golden sand, rolling surf, and barely another soul in sight. Stops will be made along the way to enjoy a picnic lunch and stretch your legs. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

Today is your chance to recharge and reset with the day at leisure to explore Chintsa. Stroll along the shoreline at sunrise, explore hidden coves, or simply relax and listen to the rhythm of the Indian Ocean. For the more adventurous, activities such as horse riding, canoeing, and hiking are available at your own expense.

Today's journey takes you through the historical Zuurberg Mountain Pass. Traverse rugged terrain as the sun illuminates ancient rock formations, sweeping vistas, and vibrant wildflowers. In the late afternoon, enjoy a guided one hour walk to experience the Zuurberg mountain — listen to tales of the explorers and settlers who once traversed this untamed landscape. Inspiring Highlights Zuurberg mountain Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Embark on an early morning open vehicle game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. After which we continue to a region of startling beauty along South Africa's southern coastline, known as the Garden Route. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Addo Elephant National Park Garden Route Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today enjoy a scenic drive to the Tsitsikamma Forest and take a guided walk to the iconic suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth. Gaze down at the crashing waves and rugged coastal cliffs from high above — the views are truly spectacular. Inspiring Highlights Tsitsikamma Forest suspension bridge

Today we cross the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo, arriving in the town of Oudtshoorn — the ostrich capital of the world. Enjoy an informative visit to an ostrich farm to learn all about these fascinating flightless birds, then continue to the famous Cango Caves, a magnificent underground cave system featuring ancient stalagmites and stalactites formed over millions of years. It's a captivating journey through geological time. Inspiring Highlights Ostrich farm visit Cango Caves Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 ½ hours.

After breakfast, we head back towards the coast. Along the way, visit the town of Robertson, celebrated for its world-class wines. Enjoy a tour and tasting at a local wine estate before continuing your drive to Cape Town. Once you've arrived in the Mother City, the afternoon is at leisure — enjoy sunset drinks at one of the city's fabulous beaches, or head to the V&A Waterfront for some shopping and dining. Inspiring Highlights Robertson wine tasting Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Today is devoted to exploring the many attractions Cape Town has to offer on a full-day Cape Peninsula tour. Travel along the scenic Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton, and Camps Bay, stopping at Maiden's Cove lookout point for photos. Continue to Hout Bay, where you have the option to take a boat trip to Seal Island (seasonal, own expense). Then, traverse the world-famous Chapman's Peak Drive — one of the most breathtaking coastal roads on the planet — before arriving at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. In the afternoon, visit Simon's Town with its charming Victorian architecture and the beloved penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee to view the penguins is not included and paid locally, approximately $25). Inspiring Highlights Cape Peninsula Simon's Town Boulders beach

This morning transfer for your flight to Victoria Falls, the legendary home of one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore. From the Zimbabwean side, you'll enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the falls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into the gorge below in a breathtaking display of mist and thunder. Special Information On your departure from Cape Town you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a local guide in Victoria Falls, who will meet and greet you, and transfer you to your hotel. 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. Your internal flight for this day is arranged by our local partner. Specific flight details will be provided by your Tour Leader upon arrival and cannot be provided in advance. Please note that these group flights cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your group will be required to check in together. Note that your flight may involve a change of aircraft in Johannesburg.

Today, stand in awe before one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known locally as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" — The Smoke That Thunders — Victoria Falls stretches more than 1,700 metres wide and plunges over 100 metres into the Zambezi gorge below. A guided walking tour of the falls takes you to a series of viewpoints where you'll feel the raw power and spray of the cascading water. In the late afternoon, unwind on a serene sunset cruise along the mighty Zambezi River. Sip sundowner drinks as you glide past hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife, all bathed in the golden light of an African sunset. It's a magical end to a magnificent day. Inspiring Highlights Victoria Falls walking tour Zambezi River sunset tour

Depart Victoria Falls and travel south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest national park, covering an extraordinary 14,600 square kilometres of diverse wilderness — from sandy dunes and savannahs to rocky terrain and dense forests. With over 100 mammal species and nearly 400 bird species recorded here — including an estimated 40,000 elephants — Hwange is a wildlife wonderland. Upon arrival, settle in and set off on an afternoon game drive to kickstart your Hwange safari experience. Inspiring Highlights Hwange afternoon game drive Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2-3 hours.

Dedicate a full day to exploring the untamed beauty of Hwange National Park. Experience thrilling game drives and guided walking safaris through the northern region of the park. Watch as elephants gather at waterholes, scan the bush for elusive predators — lion, leopard, cheetah — and marvel at the graceful giraffes, playful zebra, and herds of buffalo that roam these vast landscapes. Your experienced guides bring a deep understanding of the ecosystem and its inhabitants, making every sighting all the more meaningful. Inspiring Highlights Hwange full day game drives

After a final breakfast in the African bush, it's time to say farewell. You will be transferred in the early morning to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your onward flight. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. To use the included airport transfer please ensure your flights are booked to depart after 12 noon. 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.