Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Cape, Kruger & Victoria Falls: arrival day (LO)
Welcome to Cape Town and the start of your South Africa adventure.
After collecting your luggage, you will be met in the arrivals hall by a local representative and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
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.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
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, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Day 2 - Highlights Of South Africa Premium Small Group Tour - Cape Town to Kruger National Park - Allocation 12 - Current
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your local guide for a tour briefing, followed by a half-day tour that 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 who 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. You will also see the cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses of the Bo-Kaap. Take a trip up Table Mountain, high above the clouds, on the revolving cable car, if the weather permits.
Return to your hotel this afternoon, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Castle of Good Hope
City Hall
Bo-Kaap
Table Mountain (weather permitting)
Special Information
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.
Day 3 - Highlights Of South Africa Premium Small Group Tour - Cape Town to Kruger National Park - Allocation 12 - Current
Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax, shop or continue exploring this dynamic city on your own.
Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional full day tour of Cape Point.
Day 4 - Highlights Of South Africa Premium Small Group Tour - Cape Town to Kruger National Park - Allocation 12 - Current
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before meeting your local guide for your transfer to Franschhoek.
Franschhoek translates to French Corner, and this is where you will find the finer things in life that including soul-stirring scenery, exceptional cuisine, and century-old wine estates that produce award-winning wine. Franschhoek has been described as South Africa's food and wine capital, and 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, antique shops, and galleries, and a visit to the Huguenot Memorial is a definite must when visiting Franschhoek. For those in search of energetic activities, there are a number of walking trails in the surrounding mountains, or perhaps hire a bicycle to ride through vineyards.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day 5 - Highlights Of South Africa Premium Small Group Tour - Cape Town to Kruger National Park - Allocation 12 - Current
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before enjoying a full day exploring the local wineries of the Franschhoek area with your included Franschhoek Wine Tram - Hop on Hop off Experience.
The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley's picturesque vineyards, breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines, and a 300-year history.
Aboard the hop-on 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 in 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 you 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
Your hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service, which will take you to the start point of the Wine Tram. Please arrange your shuttle time with the hotel reception.
Please note: all experiences at the wineries, tastings, and meals are at an additional cost.
Day 6 - Highlights Of South Africa Premium Small Group Tour - Cape Town to Kruger National Park - Allocation 12 - Current
Today, you will be met by your guide and transferred back to Cape Town for your included flight to Kruger National Park.
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation, where the rest of the day is at leisure before enjoying dinner this evening at the hotel.
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 Kruger National Park, who will meet and greet you, and transfer you to your hotel
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 20kg (44 lbs), 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. Please note that these group flights cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your group will be required to check in together.
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Day 7 - Highlights Of South Africa Premium Small Group Tour - Cape Town to Kruger National Park - Allocation 12 - Current
After an early breakfast, prepare for a full day of safari adventure in an open game drive vehicle at Kruger National Park. One of the largest and most popular game reserves in Africa, the Kruger National Park is a bucket-list destination for those who love experiencing wildlife and adventure, and today we will experience it all.
Approximately the same size as Wales, the park is particularly special because of the easy access and opportunities it provides visitors. The headline act is, of course, the animals, with the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) taking centre stage. There is, however, a huge supporting cast of more than 135 mammals and 500 varieties of birds. The sheer size of the Kruger National Park ensures an ever-changing landscape. Each new habitat brings with it its own resident animals, making game viewing a fun challenge and a quickly acquired skill.
We return to the hotel in the late afternoon with time to relax before your included dinner.
Inspiring Highlights
Full Day Kruger National Park Safari
Special Information
This full-day excursion will be approximately 10 hours in duration
Day 8 - Highlights Of South Africa Premium Small Group Tour - Cape Town to Kruger National Park - Allocation 12 - Current
Today you have a day at leisure to relax and enjoy your lodge, or you can pre-book a half-day afternoon game drive in an open vehicle in the Kruger National Park.
Day 9 - Premium Cape, Kruger & Victoria Falls - link day
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your included flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
On arrival you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Special Information
On your departure from Kruger 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. Please note that these group flights cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your group will be required to check in together.
Flight time will be approximately 2 hours.
If you join the day tour to Chobe National Park, you will need to have a minimum double-entry Visa for Zimbabwe.
Day 10 - Cape, Kruger & Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls - Current
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you join a guided tour of The Falls from the Zimbabwe side.
No surprise why Victoria Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. You'll understand it instantly as we tour the Zimbabwean side, for there are numerous spectacular vantage points along the width of The Falls, and the sight of this astounding gift of nature, simply takes your breath away. Walk through the permanent, beautifully misty rainforest which flanks the Falls, stopping to marvel at the principal sites as it cascades to the depths below the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island and Livingstone Island. We'll stand and watch, feel and listen to the spray and thunderous noise, as millions of litres of water tumble over the Falls into a series of narrow gorges below. The seventh Natural Wonder of the World puts on the most dramatic show for you, and you'll be privileged to have watched it.
This afternoon is at leisure. Alternatively you may wish to join the optional tours on offer. There is enough time this afternoon if you wish to select both of these tours.
Inspiring Highlights
Victoria Falls
Day 11 - Cape, Kruger & Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls - Current
After breakfast, meet your guide as you venture off to Botswana on a full day tour of Chobe National park. This is a sensational trip with land and water-based game viewing.
The first safari is from the Chobe River, teaming with animals, sitting securely on board, just off the riverbank, game viewing from the relaxing vantage point of a boat. You're on the mighty Chobe River which flows through the renowned Chobe National Park providing a haven for herds of grazing animals and bird life. Just sit back, relax, and keep those binoculars handy. Watch this glorious scene unfolding itself - large herds of elephants, often with the tiniest frolicking calves, kicking up dust as they wait their turn at the water's edge to drink. Large crocodiles sun themselves on the banks of the river, mouths agape. Glorious birdlife, wonderful game and the gentle rocking of the riverboat.
When we disembark, we join our safari vehicle for a drive through the Chobe Game Reserve with the chance of seeing more wildlife and birdlife, and a gorgeous lunch at a lodge awaiting us overlooking the Chobe River.
Head back to Victoria Falls late this afternoon as we cross the border back to Zimbabwe.
Inspiring Highlights
Chobe River wildlife cruise
Chobe Game Reserve safari
Special Information
The Chobe Day Tour may be conducted on a shared basis with guests from other groups. The tour accommodates a maximum of 20 participants. A vehicle change will occur at the Botswana–Zimbabwe border as part of the transfer process.
Day 12 - South Africa To The Serengeti & Masai Mara Small Group Tour - Victoria Falls - Allotment - Current
Today is at your leisure to relax at your hotel or explore Victoria Falls at your own pace. Consider visiting the falls, strolling through the vibrant town centre, or browsing local markets for crafts and souvenirs.
Inspiring Highlights
Victoria Falls at leisure
Day 13 - 25D South Africa To The Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - link day
After breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure before your transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your included flight to Nairobi, Kenya.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be greeted by a local representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Take this time to rest and recharge ahead of meeting your Kenyan guide and fellow travellers tomorrow morning.
Special Information
Flight time will be approximately 3.5 hours and typically arrives late at night.
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 20kg (44lbs), and one 8kg (17 lbs) carry-on. Your flight will be unescorted. Subject to flight schedules your flight to Nairobi may depart from Livingstone Airport in Zambia, just a short included transfer across the border.
Please be advised that luggage restrictions limited to 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag applies for the flight from Serengeti to the Masai Mara on Day 22. If travelling with luggage that does not abide by these restrictions, we recommend taking an extra soft sided bag and packing essentials required for this trip. Excess luggage can be stored free of charge at your Nairobi hotel and collected on return to the hotel on Day 24.
Day 14 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
After breakfast, meet your local Kenyan guide for a tour briefing before we depart for Amboseli National Park, a 3.5 hour drive away and your home for the next two nights. Dominated by the magnificent presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5,895 metres, Amboseli is one of Kenya's oldest and most famed parks. Although not as large as Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli is known for its great herds of elephants, cheetah, and unique terrain dotted with emerald-green swamps.
This afternoon, enjoy a game drive where your guide will introduce you to the park, the swamps and say hello to its inhabitants before we return back to the lodge for an included dinner.
Inspiring Highlights
Amboseli National Park game drive
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Day 15 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
Enjoy a full day of exploration in Amboseli National Park, featuring both morning and afternoon game drives. In the early hours, take in the breathtaking view of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds—a truly iconic African landscape. Amboseli's diverse terrain ranges from the ancient, dry lakebed of Lake Amboseli to sweeping savannahs and lush swamps. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including antelopes, spotted hyenas, jackals, warthogs, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys. With some luck, you may also encounter predators such as lions, leopards, or cheetahs.
Inspiring Highlights
Amboseli National Park game drives
Day 16 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
Today, you depart Amboseli National Park and begin your journey toward Tanzania, crossing the border at Namanga. From there, travel onward to Arusha before continuing to Tarangire National Park. Named for the life-sustaining Tarangire River, this remarkable park is renowned for its large elephant population and diverse array of wildlife, including zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, buffalo, eland, waterbuck, lion, giraffe, oryx, and a rich variety of birdlife. Between June and November, the river draws impressive concentrations of animals, though the park offers exceptional game viewing year-round. This afternoon, set out on a game drive to discover the park's abundant wildlife.
Inspiring Highlights
Tarangire National Park game drive
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Please note that there will be a change of both guide and vehicle at the border as we enter Tanzania.
Day 17 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
After an early breakfast, embark on a full day of game drives in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and exceptional wildlife. As you explore, take in sweeping views of the Maasai Steppe and the distant southern mountains—an unforgettable backdrop to your safari experience. Tarangire is famed for its dense elephant population and striking baobab trees scattered across the terrain. As a key part of the region's annual migration, the park draws an impressive concentration of wildlife, including up to 3,000 elephants, 25,000 wildebeest, and 30,000 zebras.
Inspiring Highlights
Tarangire National Park game drives
Day 18 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
After breakfast, journey onward to the charming village of Karatu, nestled in the lush highlands of northern Tanzania. Immerse yourself in the local culture through engaging community experiences and gain insight into daily life in this welcoming region. Explore the vibrant local market, where you can interact with friendly vendors and soak up the lively atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the village, taking in its authentic charm before settling in for a relaxing evening.
Inspiring Highlights
Karatu community activities
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day 19 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
Today, we begin our day with an early departure to embark on a thrilling game drive in the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, renowned worldwide for its extraordinary wildlife encounters. For many, this awe-inspiring natural wonder stands as the pinnacle of their safari experience. The crater boasts the entire 'Big 5' group of animals, including a small population of the critically endangered black rhino. The diverse range of wildlife and the breathtaking scenery make this an unforgettable adventure.
After enjoying a delightful picnic lunch amidst the beauty of the crater, we proceed towards the Serengeti. we traverse the breathtaking central Plains, which epitomise the iconic landscapes the park is famous for. Picture endless, undulating grass savannahs punctuated by rugged outcrops that provide secluded havens for wildlife.
Depending on the time of the year and to maximise the opportunity of witnessing the incredible wildebeest migration, you will be transferred to your lodge located in either the central or southern parts of the Serengeti National Park.
Inspiring Highlights
Ngorongoro Crater game drive
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Day 20 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
The legendary Serengeti is our playground today with a full day game drive through the vast rolling plain, whose sparse vegetation allows for some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. The Serengeti is best known for the largest annual animal migration in the world of over 1.5 million blue wildebeest and 250,000 zebra along with smaller herds of Thomson's gazelle (the complete migration route is around 800 km), but throughout the year, the Serengeti is excellent for lion (the park is also home to the largest lion population in Africa), leopard and cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hyena, hippo, and rhino spotting, and many varieties of antelopes and birds.
Inspiring Highlights
Serengeti National Park game drive
Day 21 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
Get ready for another thrilling day of adventure as we continue our exploration of the magnificent Serengeti National Park. Equipped with lunch boxes to keep us energised, we embark on captivating game drives throughout the afternoon. As we traverse the vast and boundless plains, our eyes are treated to a spectacle of wildlife sightings, reaffirming the well-deserved fame of this extraordinary national park. Marvel at the diverse array of animals that roam these lands, and immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of the Serengeti.
As the sun begins its descent, we make our way back to the lodge, filled with unforgettable memories and stories to share. Rest and rejuvenate overnight, ready to embrace the wonders that await us on the next leg of our journey.
Inspiring Highlights
Serengeti National Park game drive
Day 22 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your onward flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve, where we'll experience the magic of this incredible wilderness for the next two days. We'll have the opportunity to spot the ‘Big Five': lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and elephant, and we may get to witness the wildebeest migration from Serengeti Park into Masai Mara.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Your included flight allows one 15kg soft-sided duffle bag per person.
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.
Your journey will include two flights, with a change at the Tanzania-Kenya border crossing at Isebania. The border crossing will be conducted by a short shuttle bus transfer. Please keep your passport handy. Note, there will be a change of guide when you return to Kenya.
Day 23 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
Today, we embark on an exhilarating full-day adventure immersed in the renowned Masai Mara National Park. This iconic wildlife sanctuary offers an abundance of diverse habitats that serve as a haven for a wide array of game species. Prepare to be captivated as we seek to encounter magnificent creatures such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural habitat. The sweeping landscapes of the Masai Mara are also home to an impressive range of wildlife, including zebras, wildebeest (gnu), giraffes, buffalos, jackals, topis, gazelles, impalas, and elephants.
As we navigate the park's lush plains and traverse its meandering rivers, we are likely to encounter a multitude of hippopotamuses and crocodiles, adding to the wildlife spectacle. Keep your eyes trained on the skies as well, for the birdlife in this area is incredibly abundant, offering opportunities to spot a wide variety of avian species.
Inspiring Highlights
Masai Mara National Park game drive
Day 24 - Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour - Nairobi to Nairobi - Allocation 12 - Current
After breakfast, we'll begin the journey back to Nairobi, with opportunities to stop to take in the views of the Rift Valley and enjoy an included lunch.
Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, where you will check into the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at your own leisure as you relive your safari highlights.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Day 25 - Zanzibar Extension - Nairobi to Zanzibar - Allocation - Current
This morning you will be transferred to Nairobi airport for your included flight to Zanzibar.The exotic Spice Island of Zanzibar is set just off Tanzania's coast in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. On arrival you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and given a brief orientation before setting out on a guided tour of historic Stone Town. Wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, discovering this UNESCO World Heritage Site and former island capital, where beautifully carved doors and centuries-old buildings reflect over 400 years of rich history. Visit key landmarks such as the former Sultan's Palace and Beit El-Ajaib, the iconic House of Wonders, while learning about Zanzibar's past as a major slave and ivory trading port and its vibrant cultural heritage.After the tour, transfer to your beachside hotel and unwind with an evening at leisure, surrounded by the island's tranquil coastal beauty.
Inspiring Highlights
Stone Town
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
Day 26 - Zanzibar Extension - Nairobi to Zanzibar - Allocation - Current
Enjoy leisurely days at your own pace, with time to swim in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, take advantage of the optional activities available at the resort, or simply unwind on your sunbed and relax in complete tranquility.
Day 27 - Zanzibar Extension - Nairobi to Zanzibar - Allocation - Current
Enjoy another day at leisure, soaking up the sun and relaxing at your resort.
Day 28 - Departure Day - Zanzibar to Nairobi
This morning you will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your included flight to Nairobi, where your tour comes to an end.
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.
If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued.
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.
Please ensure your onward flight from Nairobi departs after 1600hrs.