Summary
This 13-night, 14-day adventure starts in Johannesburg for a night before embarking on a 3-night Rovos Rail journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls. After experiencing the Falls, you'll explore the Okavango Delta's wildlife, followed by a visit to Cape Town’s stunning sights and culture. The trip concludes with a day in the Cape Winelands, enjoying fine wines and gourmet cuisine. A perfect mix of adventure, luxury, and scenic beauty across Southern Africa.
Experience a stunning South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Botswana itinerary, featuring luxury train travel, wildlife adventures, and breathtaking landscapes.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Southern Africa with this carefully curated itinerary, combining the vibrant culture of South Africa, the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, and the wild beauty of Botswana.
From luxury train travel aboard the Rovos Rail to thrilling safaris in the Okavango Delta, this adventure promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes at every turn.
Day 1: Arrival into Johannesburg
On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met by your personal VIP assistant and assisted through immigration and passport control. Collect your luggage, clear customs and you will be introduced to your driver who will transfer you to The Fairlawns Hotel where you will spend the night.
Overnight at The Fairlawns Hotel
Day 2: Depart on Rovos Rail
After breakfast, you will be transferred by private road from The Fairlawns Hotel to the train station in Pretoria, where you will check in to Rovos Rail for your 3-night luxury overland train journey to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Leaving Pretoria, Rovos Rail journeys northward, traveling through Warmbaths and Nylstroom. It then ascends past the escarpment and crosses the Tropic of Capricorn before reaching the Zimbabwean border.
Overnight onboard Rovos Rail
Day 3 – 4: Rovos Rail
Enjoy the lull of this luxury train as you cross from South Africa into Zimbabwe at Beitbridge. Rovos Rail proceeds toward Bulawayo, the capital of Matabeleland. Join in the activities available to all train guests.
You will clear customs onboard the train so ensure you have your passport and relevant visas for entry into Zimbabwe.
Depending upon railway capacity, this journey could be routed through Botswana.
Overnight onboard Rovos Rail
Day 5: Arrive in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The train follows one of the world’s longest uninterrupted railway tracks, stretching 114 kilometers, before passing through Hwange National Park. This renowned wildlife reserve offers opportunities to spot animals from the train, along with an exciting game drive excursion.
Following a brief service stop at Thompsons Junction, the journey concludes at the breathtaking Victoria Falls on the majestic Zambezi River.
On arrival in Victoria Falls, you will be assisted across the road to The Victoria Falls Hotel where you will check in for the night.
In the afternoon, you will be taken on a sunset cruise on the luxurious Signature Deck of the Zambezi Explorer. This sunset cruise lasts about 2 hours and is the perfect setting to sit back and catch your breath, with a premium cocktail in hand.
As the sun sets, head back to the Pure Africa Waterfront where you will enjoy a wonderful dinner at The Eatery.
Overnight at The Victoria Falls Hotel.
Day 5: Victoria Falls
After a delicious breakfast you will depart for your private guided tour of the incredible Victoria Falls. This walk lasts about 1.5 hours and takes you right up close to the thunderous beauty of the Falls.
Feel the mist on your face, hear the roar of the water, and soak in the magic of this natural wonder.
| Travel Tip: You can hire a poncho to keep dry (from the spray of the Falls) – they are available just inside the gate for around $1 – $2 each. |
Afterward, stroll across the road to the local market, where you can browse handmade crafts and barter for unique souvenirs. It’s a fun way to chat with the locals and pick up something special to take home.
From there, visit a nearby village and meet the local people who call this area home. It’s a chance to learn about their way of life and experience the warmth of their culture firsthand.
By now it will be lunchtime – treat yourself to a meal at one of the town’s fabulous restaurants. You’ll get to relax, enjoy some local flavors, and recharge for the afternoon.
The rest of the day is yours to do as you please. You can kick back by the hotel pool and take it easy, or if you’re up for more excitement, pop by the concierge desk to book another adventure to wrap up your day.
Overnight at The Victoria Falls Hotel.
Day 6: Off to Botswana
This morning you have one last chance to do a final activity in Victoria Falls. Then pack your bags as you will be transferred by road back to Victoria Falls Airport. You will fly in a light aircraft for approximately 20 minutes to Kasane Airport, in Botswana.
On arrival in Botswana, clear customs and immigration and proceed to your next light aircraft flight to a 5-star luxury game lodge in the Okavango Delta which you will call home for the next three nights.
| Travel tip: There might be a wait at the airport while you wait for any other travellers, who will be on the same flight, to arrive. If you wish to book a private charter, you will need to request a quotation for this, and then you can depart the airport almost immediately. |
On arrival at the lodge’s airstrip, you will be met by your private guide and transferred by private open-air 4×4 safari vehicle to your lodge.
Enjoy high tea before setting off to find magnificent wildlife living their best lives in the natural surroundings.
Overnight in a lodge in the Okavango Delta.
Day 7 – 8: Safari in Botswana
Enjoy all of the facilities and activities that the lodge has to offer. This includes morning and afternoon game drives, nature walks, boating, catch-and-release fishing, and mekoro trips through the still waters. And of course, delicious meals and cool, crisp drinks!
(Note that water activities are dependent on the water levels of the Okavango Delta. If the water levels are too low, then unfortunately there won’t be any water activities available unless you select a lodge that does have permanent water).
Overnight in a lodge in the Okavango Delta.
Day 9: Onwards to Cape Town
After your morning game activity and brunch, you will be transferred to the bush helipad and get flown by helicopter from the lodge to Maun Airport.
Here you will check in for your commercial flight to Cape Town.
On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met by your personal VIP assistant and assisted through immigration and passport control. Collect your luggage, clear customs and you will be introduced to your driver who will transfer you by private road transfer to The One&Only Hotel in Cape Town, which you will enjoy for the next three nights.
Evening dinner reservation at The Test Kitchen Fedglings
Overnight at The One&Only Hotel Cape Town.
Day 10: Table Mountain & City Tour
Start your day in Cape Town with a ride up to the top of Table Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the city, coastline, and beyond. After soaking in the amazing scenery, head down to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local spot, where you can sample some of the city’s best flavors.
Continue on to enjoy a relaxed tour of Cape Town’s highlights—visit the vibrant V&A Waterfront, stroll through the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, and maybe even pop by the historic District Six Museum. It’s a perfect mix of natural beauty, culture, and city life in one unforgettable day!
Overnight at The One&Only Hotel Cape Town.
Day 11: Cape Peninsula Exploration
This morning after breakfast, you will be collected by your private guide and head out for a beautiful day exploring the magnificent Cape Peninsula.
Your journey will take you along scenic coastal roads including Chapman’s Peak, with stunning views of the ocean and rugged cliffs. You’ll visit the iconic Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, and stop at Boulders Beach to meet the famous African penguins.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a charming coastal village, then continue your exploration of this incredible area, discovering hidden beaches, lush nature reserves, and breathtaking viewpoints along the way. A perfect day of adventure and natural beauty!
Your estimated arrival time back at the hotel is at approximately 18h00, so you’ll have a chance to freshen up before you walk to find a restaurant in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront where you can enjoy dinner,
Overnight at The One&Only Hotel Cape Town.
Day 12: Hello Winelands!
After breakfast, your private guide will collect you (and your luggage) from the hotel, and you will head out to the beautiful Cape Winelands, for a wonderful day of wining and dining.
As you make your way through the picturesque vineyards, you’ll be treated to stunning views of rolling hills and charming wine estates. Enjoy guided tours of some of the region’s top wineries, where you’ll sample exquisite local wines, paired perfectly with delicious cheeses and gourmet dishes.
Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint towns of Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, before ending the day with a sumptuous dinner at a renowned restaurant, surrounded by the beauty of the Winelands. It’s a day designed to delight your senses and introduce you to the heart of South Africa’s wine country.
Overnight at a luxury winelands hotel.
Day 13: Relax
Take this last day to catch your breath. Relax at the hotel, or book one of the fun activities around.
You could also spend the morning out at sea on a shark cage diving adventure if that’s your pleasure!
But this is your day at leisure. What you do is up to you!
Overnight at a luxury winelands hotel.
Day 14: Farewell Africa!
It’s time to say farewell to Africa and head home.
Your private guide will meet you and transfer you by road to Cape Town International Airport, and will hand you to your private airport handler who will assist you with the checking in and customs process at the airport.
Final Thoughts
This is the epitome of travel for a South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Botswana itinerary, which has been based on a handful of 5-star properties offering some of the best experiences in Southern Africa.
I would love to help you if you have questions on this, or anything else regarding your plans to travel to Africa.
