Kensington
12 Day Best of Southern Africa
12 Day Best of Southern Africa
Immerse yourself in the stunning wilds of South Africa, Botswana and Zambia as you safari through some of the world’s most impressive natural spaces. Get close to the wildlife of Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve from open 4×4 safari vehicles as your experienced trackers lead you to the best spots to see lions, elephants, and leopards. Explore Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a beautiful region that teems with incredible wildlife, coming eye-to-eye with water buffaloes, crocodiles and hippos as you silently glide through lily ponds in traditional dug-out canoes. Discover the majesty of mighty Victoria Falls and take an awe-inspiring sunset cruise down the Zambezi River. And in Cape Town, get insider access to the vibrant city from a private guide and explore the stunning coastal vistas of the nearby Cape of Good Hope.
This immersive tour combines the best of the city, coast, savanna, and delta. You’ll stay in historic hotels that evoke South Africa’s colonial past, as well as riverside forest retreats, and sprawling savanna homesteads with picture-perfect views. Your team of experienced trackers and private tour guides are always on hand to ensure you spot all the wild sights.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
| Day 1 |
Known as South Africa’s “Mother City,” Cape Town is a premier tourist destination and a cosmopolitan jewel of the African continent. Nestled between awe-inspiring mountains and a sparkling coastline, Cape Town bursts with history, art, culture, and natural beauty. Natural and geological marvels abound in Cape Town. Table Mountain, the city’s iconic sandstone formation and most popular landmark, hovers over the Cape of Good Hope and offers spectacular views of the sprawling city below. The mountain can be traversed on foot, for those who enjoy hiking, or by a quick cable car ride. South of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens display a stunning variety of South Africa’s lush and colorful native plant life. Nearby beaches, including Clifton Beach and Boulders Beach, are excellent sites for swimming and surfing (though colder ocean temperatures may make your swim a bit chilly!). Boulders Beach, in particular, has become a favorite sightseeing spot; locals and tourists alike enjoy watching African penguins traipse along the sand. Cape Town’s history of racial discrimination through the apartheid system, ended in 1994, and the people’s anti-apartheid revolution led by Nelson Mandela are essential to understanding the city’s current political and social makeup. Robben Island, the prison in which Mandela served 27 years for his anti-apartheid demonstrations, is a must-see historical landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book a tour to explore the prison’s halls and see Mandela’s cell for yourself. The city’s many museums, including the District Six Museum and Slave Lodge Museum, provide an immersive look into Cape Town’s colonial and segregationist past. Eat, drink, and be merry while partaking in Cape Town’s rich cultural life! Vineyards and wineries lie just beyond the metropolitan center and offer a diverse assortment of aromatic wines, including South Africa’s unique pinotage blend. Popular promenades near the city center, including the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Long Street, will delight you with an impressive array of dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. Be sure to sample biltong, a dry-cured beef peppered with delectable spices that has become a staple of Cape Town cuisine. If you’re in the mood for heartier dishes, step in a local restaurant for piping-hot bunny chow (with loads of flavorful curry) or fresh fish and chips. Fascinating Cape Town awaits. Kom ons gaan! |
| Day 2 |
Known as South Africa’s “Mother City,” Cape Town is a premier tourist destination and a cosmopolitan jewel of the African continent. Nestled between awe-inspiring mountains and a sparkling coastline, Cape Town bursts with history, art, culture, and natural beauty. Natural and geological marvels abound in Cape Town. Table Mountain, the city’s iconic sandstone formation and most popular landmark, hovers over the Cape of Good Hope and offers spectacular views of the sprawling city below. The mountain can be traversed on foot, for those who enjoy hiking, or by a quick cable car ride. South of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens display a stunning variety of South Africa’s lush and colorful native plant life. Nearby beaches, including Clifton Beach and Boulders Beach, are excellent sites for swimming and surfing (though colder ocean temperatures may make your swim a bit chilly!). Boulders Beach, in particular, has become a favorite sightseeing spot; locals and tourists alike enjoy watching African penguins traipse along the sand. Cape Town’s history of racial discrimination through the apartheid system, ended in 1994, and the people’s anti-apartheid revolution led by Nelson Mandela are essential to understanding the city’s current political and social makeup. Robben Island, the prison in which Mandela served 27 years for his anti-apartheid demonstrations, is a must-see historical landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book a tour to explore the prison’s halls and see Mandela’s cell for yourself. The city’s many museums, including the District Six Museum and Slave Lodge Museum, provide an immersive look into Cape Town’s colonial and segregationist past. Eat, drink, and be merry while partaking in Cape Town’s rich cultural life! Vineyards and wineries lie just beyond the metropolitan center and offer a diverse assortment of aromatic wines, including South Africa’s unique pinotage blend. Popular promenades near the city center, including the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Long Street, will delight you with an impressive array of dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. Be sure to sample biltong, a dry-cured beef peppered with delectable spices that has become a staple of Cape Town cuisine. If you’re in the mood for heartier dishes, step in a local restaurant for piping-hot bunny chow (with loads of flavorful curry) or fresh fish and chips. Fascinating Cape Town awaits. Kom ons gaan! |
| Day 3 |
Known as South Africa’s “Mother City,” Cape Town is a premier tourist destination and a cosmopolitan jewel of the African continent. Nestled between awe-inspiring mountains and a sparkling coastline, Cape Town bursts with history, art, culture, and natural beauty. Natural and geological marvels abound in Cape Town. Table Mountain, the city’s iconic sandstone formation and most popular landmark, hovers over the Cape of Good Hope and offers spectacular views of the sprawling city below. The mountain can be traversed on foot, for those who enjoy hiking, or by a quick cable car ride. South of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens display a stunning variety of South Africa’s lush and colorful native plant life. Nearby beaches, including Clifton Beach and Boulders Beach, are excellent sites for swimming and surfing (though colder ocean temperatures may make your swim a bit chilly!). Boulders Beach, in particular, has become a favorite sightseeing spot; locals and tourists alike enjoy watching African penguins traipse along the sand. Cape Town’s history of racial discrimination through the apartheid system, ended in 1994, and the people’s anti-apartheid revolution led by Nelson Mandela are essential to understanding the city’s current political and social makeup. Robben Island, the prison in which Mandela served 27 years for his anti-apartheid demonstrations, is a must-see historical landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book a tour to explore the prison’s halls and see Mandela’s cell for yourself. The city’s many museums, including the District Six Museum and Slave Lodge Museum, provide an immersive look into Cape Town’s colonial and segregationist past. Eat, drink, and be merry while partaking in Cape Town’s rich cultural life! Vineyards and wineries lie just beyond the metropolitan center and offer a diverse assortment of aromatic wines, including South Africa’s unique pinotage blend. Popular promenades near the city center, including the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Long Street, will delight you with an impressive array of dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. Be sure to sample biltong, a dry-cured beef peppered with delectable spices that has become a staple of Cape Town cuisine. If you’re in the mood for heartier dishes, step in a local restaurant for piping-hot bunny chow (with loads of flavorful curry) or fresh fish and chips. Fascinating Cape Town awaits. Kom ons gaan! |
| Day 4 |
Known as South Africa’s “Mother City,” Cape Town is a premier tourist destination and a cosmopolitan jewel of the African continent. Nestled between awe-inspiring mountains and a sparkling coastline, Cape Town bursts with history, art, culture, and natural beauty. Natural and geological marvels abound in Cape Town. Table Mountain, the city’s iconic sandstone formation and most popular landmark, hovers over the Cape of Good Hope and offers spectacular views of the sprawling city below. The mountain can be traversed on foot, for those who enjoy hiking, or by a quick cable car ride. South of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens display a stunning variety of South Africa’s lush and colorful native plant life. Nearby beaches, including Clifton Beach and Boulders Beach, are excellent sites for swimming and surfing (though colder ocean temperatures may make your swim a bit chilly!). Boulders Beach, in particular, has become a favorite sightseeing spot; locals and tourists alike enjoy watching African penguins traipse along the sand. Cape Town’s history of racial discrimination through the apartheid system, ended in 1994, and the people’s anti-apartheid revolution led by Nelson Mandela are essential to understanding the city’s current political and social makeup. Robben Island, the prison in which Mandela served 27 years for his anti-apartheid demonstrations, is a must-see historical landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book a tour to explore the prison’s halls and see Mandela’s cell for yourself. The city’s many museums, including the District Six Museum and Slave Lodge Museum, provide an immersive look into Cape Town’s colonial and segregationist past. Eat, drink, and be merry while partaking in Cape Town’s rich cultural life! Vineyards and wineries lie just beyond the metropolitan center and offer a diverse assortment of aromatic wines, including South Africa’s unique pinotage blend. Popular promenades near the city center, including the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Long Street, will delight you with an impressive array of dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. Be sure to sample biltong, a dry-cured beef peppered with delectable spices that has become a staple of Cape Town cuisine. If you’re in the mood for heartier dishes, step in a local restaurant for piping-hot bunny chow (with loads of flavorful curry) or fresh fish and chips. Fascinating Cape Town awaits. Kom ons gaan! |
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| Day 8 |
In the heart of Zambia lies Livingstone, a city that serves as the gateway to one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world: Victoria Falls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as "The Smoke That Thunders," is renowned for its breathtakingly powerful waterfalls on the Zambezi River. The falls, which span over 1,700 meters wide and plunge 108 meters deep, offer a mesmerizing display of nature's might. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where the falls are located, provides excellent vantage points for viewing and photography. Livingstone itself is rich with history and culture. Named after the famous explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the city celebrates its legacy with the Livingstone Museum, which showcases artifacts related to the explorer's life and the region's colonial past (Livingstone Museum). The city's colonial architecture, including the old railway station and the Christ Church, reflects a bygone era that adds to its charm. For the adventurous, Livingstone offers a plethora of activities. Experience adrenaline-pumping bungee jumps from the Victoria Falls Bridge, or embark on thrilling white-water rafting trips on the Zambezi River. The area also offers serene options such as river cruises and guided wildlife safaris in the nearby game parks. Fun Fact: Livingstone is not only a gateway to Victoria Falls but also a hub for Zambezi River cruises, where you might spot elephants and hippos from the comfort of your boat. |
| Day 9 |
In the heart of Zambia lies Livingstone, a city that serves as the gateway to one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world: Victoria Falls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as "The Smoke That Thunders," is renowned for its breathtakingly powerful waterfalls on the Zambezi River. The falls, which span over 1,700 meters wide and plunge 108 meters deep, offer a mesmerizing display of nature's might. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where the falls are located, provides excellent vantage points for viewing and photography. Livingstone itself is rich with history and culture. Named after the famous explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the city celebrates its legacy with the Livingstone Museum, which showcases artifacts related to the explorer's life and the region's colonial past (Livingstone Museum). The city's colonial architecture, including the old railway station and the Christ Church, reflects a bygone era that adds to its charm. For the adventurous, Livingstone offers a plethora of activities. Experience adrenaline-pumping bungee jumps from the Victoria Falls Bridge, or embark on thrilling white-water rafting trips on the Zambezi River. The area also offers serene options such as river cruises and guided wildlife safaris in the nearby game parks. Fun Fact: Livingstone is not only a gateway to Victoria Falls but also a hub for Zambezi River cruises, where you might spot elephants and hippos from the comfort of your boat. |
| Day 10 |
The Okavango Delta, located in Botswana, is one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders. This vast inland delta, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, offers a unique opportunity to experience a pristine wilderness. As the Okavango River meanders into the Kalahari Desert, it creates a sprawling floodplain that transforms into a lush oasis during the annual flood. The delta’s complex network of channels, lagoons, and islands provides diverse habitats for wildlife and spectacular views. For an immersive experience, consider staying at one of the delta’s luxurious lodges, which blend seamlessly with the environment and offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The seasonal flood, which peaks between May and August, brings life to the delta and is the best time for wildlife sightings and photographic safaris. Fun Fact: The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique seasonal flooding pattern supports one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, making it a vital haven for both endemic and migratory species. A visit to the Okavango Delta promises a mesmerizing adventure amidst some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled landscapes in Africa, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters and tranquil natural beauty. |
| Day 11 |
The Okavango Delta, located in Botswana, is one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders. This vast inland delta, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, offers a unique opportunity to experience a pristine wilderness. As the Okavango River meanders into the Kalahari Desert, it creates a sprawling floodplain that transforms into a lush oasis during the annual flood. The delta’s complex network of channels, lagoons, and islands provides diverse habitats for wildlife and spectacular views. For an immersive experience, consider staying at one of the delta’s luxurious lodges, which blend seamlessly with the environment and offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The seasonal flood, which peaks between May and August, brings life to the delta and is the best time for wildlife sightings and photographic safaris. Fun Fact: The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique seasonal flooding pattern supports one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, making it a vital haven for both endemic and migratory species. A visit to the Okavango Delta promises a mesmerizing adventure amidst some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled landscapes in Africa, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters and tranquil natural beauty. |
| Day 12 |
Maun, often referred to as the "tourism capital" of Botswana, is a vibrant gateway to the Okavango Delta, one of the world's largest inland deltas. This bustling town offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, making it an ideal starting point for safaris and wildlife adventures. Visitors can explore the nearby Moremi Game Reserve, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, or take a scenic flight over the delta for a bird's-eye view of this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its rapid development, Maun retains a frontier-town feel, filled with local markets, traditional crafts, and a lively atmosphere. The Thamalakane River winds through the town, providing a picturesque setting for leisurely walks and relaxing boat trips. Maun is also home to the Nhabe Museum, which showcases the cultural heritage of the region through a variety of historical crafts, instruments, artwork and more. The town's unique blend of old and new, along with its strategic location, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Botswana. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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01/01/12 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $15,528 |
Get A Quote |
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
