South African Express and Victoria Falls

South African Express and Victoria Falls

Day 1
Durban
Arrival in Durban. Overnight at a hotel in Durban.

Day 2
Durban – St Lucia
After breakfast Durban city tour – the harbour, city centre and the diverse ethnic and Golden Mile – famous promenade with sandy beaches. Next we visit at Ushaka Marine World. Then we drive towards St Lucia – the centre of Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park which was proclaimed as the World Heritage Site in 1999. The park system extends from the Mozambique border for more than 220 km south to Cape St. Lucia and includes 5 different ecosystems: beautiful coral reefs and marine life, sub-tropical forests, highest vegetated dunes, freshwater lakes and savannah woodlands. In the afternoon we depart for a sunset cruise on the St. Lucia lake in search of hippos, crocodiles and many bird species. Overnight at a hotel in St Lucia.

Day 3
St Lucia – Swaziland – Kruger Park
After breakfast we depart towards the Kingdom of Swaziland. Stunning landscapes of mountains and valleys, forests and plains; plus wildlife reserves across the  country that are home to The Big Five, and you have all that’s best about Africa in one small but perfectly formed and welcoming country. In the afternoon we are back in South Africa and arrive to our hotel near Kruger Park. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4
Kruger Park
Departure for a full day safari in the Kruger National Park – one of the largest and best game reserves in Africa. The area covering almost 2 million hectares is home to an impressive number of species (almost 150 mammals, more than 500 birds, and 100 reptiles) among them the famous “Big Five”: rhino, elephant, leopard, buffalo and lion. Dinner and overnight at a hotel adjoining the Kruger Park.

Day 5
Panorama Route
After breakfast we depart towards the picturesque Panorama Route, offering some of the most stunning sceneries of the surrounding area. Our first stop will be God’s Window, which owes its name to the dramatic views from various viewpoints overlooking the almost sheer 300 m drop into an indigenous forest-clad ravine. Afterwards we continue north to see Bourke’s Luck Potholes that have been carved out by water and stone falling down into Blyde River resulting in spectacular cylinders (up to six meters deep) with smooth and colourful rims. This natural feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon, which is the third largest canyon in the world. It is well known for its natural beauty and the diversity of its flora and fauna. Nearby we visit another highlight of the scenic drive: Three Rondavels, three hut-shaped rock formations. We will also stop at Lisbon Falls, the highest in the area. Drive to Johannesburg. Overnight at a hotel in Johannesburg.

Day 6
Lion Park – Johannesburg – Soweto – Pretoria
In the morning we will visit a small private Lion park, where we will see a few families of lions as well as cheetah and african wild dogs. After a short safari opportunity to take photos with lion cubs and to feed a giraffe. Then sightseeing of Johannesburg – drive through the oldest colonial districts of Johannesburg  and Soweto, Houghton with Nelson Mandela’s house, Parktown and the city centre. Afterwards we will go to Pretoria – sightseeing of the city centre with its historical Church Square, the old Parliament Building, the Palace of Justice and the Paul Kruger’s statue. We also drive past the City Hall and Melrose House. Overnight at a hotel near Johannesburg’s airport.

Day 7
Johannesburg – Victoria Falls
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Victoria Falls. Then transfer to the hotel and check-in. Spend some time at the famous Victoria Falls (entrance fee $30 per person not included). Shortly before the dusk, we will board a houseboat for a cruise on the Zambezi to watch one of the most unforgettable sunsets in the world (park fee of $10 per person not included). Dinner and overnight will be at a hotel in Victoria Falls.

Day 8
Victoria Falls
After breakfast day for optional activities:
– Full day trip do Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana (boat safari, 4×4 safari and lunch included)                                            ($170)
– helicopter flight over Victoria Falls               ($150 +15 park fee)
– Elephant back safari                                          ($ 150)
– Elephant interaction                                          ($ 95)
– Walk with lions                                                   ($150)
– Bungee jumping                                                  ($160)
– White river rafting                                              ($120 + 10 park fee)
Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Victoria Falls.

Day 9
Victoria Falls – Johannesburg – departure
After breakfast at your leisure and potentially a visit to the local crafts market you can transfer to the airport. Here you will fly to Johannesburg for your international flight.

Price per person sharing from US$ 1,210

Price includes:
– 8 nights of accommodation in the hotels 3-4*
– All breakfasts and dinners according to a program;
– airport transfers;
– Transportation during the whole tour in an air-conditioned vehicle/minibus
– English/multilingual speaking guide services

Price does not include:

– return flight Johannesburg – Victoria Falls: approx. US$ 300
– entrance fees and optional activities
– international flights to/from South Africa
– Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
– lunches
– private tips and Private expenditure;
– insurance
– the cost of visas for Zimbabwe $30 single entry, $45 double entry