Fly into Johannesburg International Airport for the start of your epic African Highlights tour. The Kruger National Park is your first safari destination and is less than 1 hour by air from Johannesburg.

Day 1 - 3: Kruger National Park Safari

Step off the plane and into Big 5 country. Your game ranger will be waiting for you at the landing strip to transfer you to the private game lodge, Simbavati River Lodge, your home for the next 3 nights.

Simbavati River Lodge offers excellent gameviewing in relaxed yet contemporary surroundings. Chalets and tended accommodation options are available, this is a big-5 safari location and rates include two game drives daily and all meals.

Your typical day on safari starts off early with a cup of coffee and biscuits before heading out into the bush to experience the wonders of Africa. Skilled rangers and open 4x4 safari vehicles will soon have you within an arms length of Africa’s wildest creatures.

After the morning game drive it’s back to the lodge where a sumptuous breakfast awaits you and then the day is yours to relax around the pool, catch up on some rest time or reading, or simply have drinks on the deck while staring out into the bush. Late afternoon brings with it another game drive and the chance of seeing a whole different set of animals. Typically these drives carry on into the early stages of the night so there is always the chance of spotting some of the rarer nocturnal animals. Sundowners in the open bush will be remembered for years to come and back at the lodge for dinner exciting tales of the days adventures are swapped over a glass of fine South African wine and excellent meals.

Following three nights at Simbavati River Lodge (including all meals and 2 game drives daily), you will road transfer to Mpumulanga airport and catch your connecting flight onwards to Cape Town.

Day 4 - 6: Cape Town and the Cape Winelands

Arrive in Cape Town and be welcomed by the beauty of Table Mountain and this incredible city.  You will be met at Cape Town airport by a South Africa 365 representative and transferred to the Portswood Hotel (We can also plan this package so you have a rental vehicle during your stay in Cape Town).

The Porstwood Hotel is situated in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred waterfront and is a great base from which to explore (accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis).  

Cape Town is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Dominated by Table Mountain it is surrounded by the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and ringed with fine white sandy beaches. Trips to the Two Oceans Aquarium, Robben Island, the Kirstenbosch Botantical Gardens, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and the Malay Quarter will keep you occupied during the time you aren’t sipping cocktails at one of the many beachside cafe’s. 

A trip to Cape Town isn't complete without a visit to the Cape Winelands.The Cape Winelands are the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate body and soul. (Leave room in your suitcase to take home some superb wines at staggeringly low prices).

After 4 stunning days (3 nights) at Portswood Hotel in Cape Town, you will need to catch your flight to Johannesburg and onwards to Victoria Falls on British Airways.

Day 7 - 8: Victoria Falls, The Smoke that Thunders

Catch your connecting flight on to Victoria Falls Airport and 1.5 hours later you will be touching down in Zimbabwe, right next to the mighty Victoria Falls.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, an excellent location to view the magnificant Falls.  

From here you will spend the next 3 days exploring all the area has to offer. The Victoria Falls are one of the natural wonders of the world. Nothing can prepare you for the sight of so much water continuously thundering over the cliffs into the gorge below. Known to the locals as “mosi-oa-tunya”, literally “the smoke that thunders”, Vic Falls is one of the most magnificent spectacles of nature you will ever see. Numerous adventure activities are available at Victoria Falls (speak to one of our consultants about adding this to your itinerary)

2 nights at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 9 - 10: Chobe National Park

After spending 3 glorious days at Victoria Falls, you will be met for a 1.5 hour road transfer to the Chobe National Park Game Lodge.

The Chobe National Park in the north of Botswana is noted for superb game viewing year round along the river front and famous for the heaviest concentration of elephants to be found anywhere in Africa today,  as well as hippos, buffalos, puku, antelopes, lions and other creatures that gather on the Chobe River's banks. Take a wondrous water safari on specially adapted motorboats, or slow down for a spectacular on the river. Fishing excursions for the mighty Tigerfish are also available (additional cost).

Following your 3 days you will be staying at Chobe Safari Lodge on a full board basis, before being transferred back to Victoria Falls Airport and onwards to Johannesburg airport.

Two nights at Chobe Safari Lodge on a full board basis.

(Please note: during the Botswana excursions to Chobe National Park, many of our clients elect to add two nights in the famous Okavango Delta for an birding and mokoro (dugout canoe) safari experience. This is an easy extension and if time allows, justifies the additional cost)

Day 11: Arusha, Tanzania

Fly back to Johannesburg, and connect with your overnight midnight flight to Nairobi. Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport make your way to the terminal for your connecting flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Overnight in Arusha

Day 12: Lake Manyara

The first leg of your East African portion is in the Lake Manyara National Park. Flamingos, tree climbing lions, hippos and a variety of plains game await you inside this park.

You arrive at the lovely Maramboi Tented Camp. The camp offers stunning views of the Manyara National Park, Rift Valley, Ngorongoro highlands and on clear days even Oldonyo Lengai a sacred mountain to the Maasai.

Spend the night at Maramboi Tented Camp on a full board basis in one of the 10 tents spacious tents. All tents have en suite facilities and private veranda with 24 hours 220v electric lighting.

 Day 13 - 14: Ngorongoro Crater

An early start to the day as you make your way to Lake Masek Tented Camp. The camp is situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This unique location is witness to the Wildebeest Migration which takes place from December to April each year. In the area there is resident Big 5 game all year round.

The lodge is eco-friendly as all the electric power is supplied by solar panels and water is collected during the rainy season. All products used are biodegradable in order to ensure that the environment is kept pristine.

After a quick breakfast you embark on your crater tour of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s heritage sites.This caldera or collapsed volcano was 3 million years ago +- 8000 meters above sea level and the active volcano deposited the fertile volcanic ask on what is today the Serengeti plains where every year the migration herds gather to drop their calves at +- 8000 new born calves a day.

Return to Lake Masek Tented Camp for dinner followed by your overnight stay in one of the luxury tents. (2 nights)

Day 15 - 16: Tented camp in the Serengeti

Another early start as you make your way to the Serengeti. On arrival in the central Serengeti, you will be met by a guide and transferred to Dunia Camp, keeping an eye out for game along the way. Arrive at Camp in time for lunch. Head out onto the Serengeti Plains in search of the wildlife which makes this national park so famous.

The central Serengeti is famous for its big cats, this is where the southern plains meet the savannah woodland and the Seronera River holds water all year round.

As evening approaches, return to camp for a sundowner around the fire and a delicious dinner which will leave you wondering how such a fantastic meal is prepared out in the African bush.

Spend 2 nights at Dunia Camp with all meals and game drives included

Day 17: Fly to Stone Town, for one night

After breakfast, pack your bags and enjoy a last game drive as you make your way towards Kogatende Airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar.

On arrival at Zanzibar Airport you will be met by a representative and transferred by road up to Zanzibar Serena Inn.

Explore Stone Town at your own pace, either enjoying a spice tour or a historical tour (additional cost) return to Zanzibar Serena Inn for your overnight stay with breakfast included.

 Day 18 -20: Zanzibar beach resort

This morning you will be transferred to the South West Coast of the island to Zanzibar Beach Resort. After check in, you will be shown to your room where you will be able to properly relax. Make your way to the restaurant for dinner and a chance to experience some Zanzibari cuisine.

Relax on your veranda, enjoy the sun the beautiful swimming pool. Treat yourself to a guided tour of Jozani Forest or a Spice Plantation. The beautiful surroundings, delicious food and perfectly relaxed environment will prove to be a difficult combination to leave.

Three nights at Zanzibar Beach Resort.

Day 21: Fly Home

Depending on your flight from Zanzibar, depart the lodge either before or after lunch and make your way to Zanzibar Airport.

You bid farewell to your incredible African Highlights Tour and the sights and sounds that make this continent so unique.