Essential South Africa & Zambia Safari

A pair of african lions enjoying the setting sun

What to expect on this itinerary

From discovering lions lazing in wild bush to lounging beneath the endless starlit sky, sampling mouthwatering cuisine to sipping award-winning wines, your handcrafted South Africa and Zambia 11-day safari reveals the mixture of captivating landscapes and luxurious safari.  Whether indulging in an expansive view from a scenic flight or hiking to the top of Table Mountain, watching elephants trundle through the wilderness or wandering in the mist at the base of Victoria Falls, you will discover unforgettable jewels during your South Africa and Zambia vacation.

Countries Visited

South Africa, Zambia

Places Visited

 Cape Town,  Victoria Falls, Franschhoek, Timbavati Private Nature

Suggested Duration

11 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Franschhoek - Arrive in South Africa

Today, you arrive in the city of Cape Town - which offers imposing landscapes and white sandy beaches, framed by the impressive 3,563 feet high Table Mountain. Relax and enjoy the city views as we collect you from the airport and transfer you to the picturesque Cape Winelands, an area renowned for award-wining wines. You’ll be staying at a luxury hotel which is ideally positioned in the breath-taking Franschhoek Valley. The hotel’s 30 acre estate overlooks majestic mountains, lush vineyards and plum orchards. After a day spent traveling, opt to relax in this idyllic setting alongside the infinity pool and soak up the warm summer rays, or spoil yourself with a visit to the spa for a soothing massage.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Day 2

Franschhoek - Cape Winelands

Day 3

Cape Town - Cultural Tour

Day 4

Cape Town - Hike up Table Mountain

Day 5

Timbavati Private Game Reserve - Travel from Cape Town to Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Day 6

Timbavati Private Game Reserve - Big 5 Safari

Day 7

Timbavati Private Game Reserve - Exploring It All

Day 8

Timbavati Private Game Reserve - Relax on Safari

Day 9

Livingstone - Leave for Victoria Falls, Zambia

Day 10

Livingstone - Victoria Falls

Day 11

Livingstone - Return Home

Trip Highlights

  • Discover Africa’s Big Five, as well as one of Africa’s most rare cats, the white lion, in the comfort of one of South Africa's most luxurious accommodations
  • Enjoy unique first-hand encounters with lions or the largest land mammal – the African elephant (optional)
  • Explore the Africa bush from a distinctive perspective - on foot and led by an experienced guide
  • Investigate two UNESCO World Heritage sites - the spectacular Cape Floral Region and the thundering Victoria Falls
  • Hike up the breathtakingly beautiful Table Mountain – one of the Seven Wonders of Nature
  • Interact with local South African people on a cultural tour of a Cape Town township
  • Dine on decadent cuisine in award-winning restaurants, sip the finest prized wines and stay in luxurious five-star accommodations

Starting Price

$12,900 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 1154 reviews

Carolyn T.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Wildlife, Local Cuisine, 13-Day Trip

Wow, I ran out of superlatives–fantastic, awesome, amazing. Everything was well organized and the recommended accommodations were all top-notch. The guides were so expert in their field. Every activity was well worth the time. Every meal was delicious.

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Anil M.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Tour Review: 10 Nights

Our first trip to southern Africa was amazing, exceeding all expectations. We saw everything we came to see, and more. The game rides were well structured and safe, the visuals were unbelievable, and taking a side trip to Victoria Falls was a great idea. The accommodations were quite luxurious, despite being considered mid-range. There was always someone there to greet us and guide us at every travel point.

Zicasso's tour operator tailored our itinerary to our wishes and was wonderful to work with. Things couldn’t have gone better.

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Grace J.
South Africa Travel Review: Safaris, 1 Week

We had an awesome trip. Zicasso's travel expert was amazing. She accomplished everything.

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Nancy H.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Tour Review: Cape Town, Franschhoek, Wine Tasting, Elephant Experience, River Cruise, Wildlife, Nature, Scenery, 13 Nights

Zicasso's trip planner arranged the most fabulous trip for my family. She knew exactly what I wanted and delivered a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa! She always answered my questions promptly. She chose memorable experiences for us, our lodgings were top-notch, and she "kept in touch, behind the scenes," to ensure all elements were going smoothly. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone planning a trip to Africa!

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LESLIE W.
Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique Trip Review: Gorilla Trek, Bush Camps, 3 Weeks

It was very well planned. Zicasso's travel specialist was responsive and flexible in the planning process and throughout the final details.

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Catherine R.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Vacation Review: Safari, 11 Nights

The trip was amazing. Zicasso's trip expert did an awesome job planning the trip. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and exceeded all of our expectations. The “in-country” travel was seamless. Our accommodations and tours were all top-notch. I can‘t thank her enough for planning this awesome experience.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

28,000+ Verified Traveler Reviews
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