Experience the best of Southern Africa on this 15-day semi-guided safari, visiting world-renowned destinations like Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Cape Town, the Garden Route, Kruger National Park, and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Designed for travellers seeking an immersive yet flexible itinerary, this trip offers a blend of wildlife, landscapes, cultural experiences, and city highlights—all at a budget-conscious price.

Highlights
  • Visit Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
  • Chobe National Park—home to Africa's largest elephant population
  • Discover Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities
  • Explore the scenic Garden Route, with its beaches, forests, and mountains
  • Experience a Kruger National Park safari, one of Africa's best wildlife reserves
  • Stay at a private game lodge in the Greater Kruger region, with off-road game drives
  • Customisable itinerary—extend your stay or adjust destinations based on time and budget

Map overview of our 15 Day Southern Africa Signature Safari

Explore Southern Africa's Top Destinations on a Mid-Range Budget

Experience the best of Southern Africa's wildlife, landscapes, waterfalls, rivers, beaches, vibrant cities, and iconic game reserves on this flexible 15-day safari. This mid-range itinerary balances affordability with comfort and can be tailored to suit your budget, travel style, and accommodation preferences—whether you prefer classic safari lodges, tented camps, or boutique hotels. Perfect for those seeking a diverse, well-paced adventure, this journey showcases the highlights of Victoria Falls, Chobe, Cape Town, the Garden Route, Kruger National Park, and a private game reserve in Greater Kruger.

Itinerary Overview

Days 1–3: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria falls as seen from the air

Victoria Falls

(Image: Chundukwa River Lodge)

What to Expect at Victoria Falls

Arrive in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, via a short connecting flight from Johannesburg. Spend two nights near the mighty Zambezi River, exploring this breathtaking natural wonder at your own pace or with a guided tour.

Must-See & Do:

Explore Victoria Falls National Park, home to one of the world's largest waterfalls. Walk along scenic rainforest trails, where the mist from the falls nourishes lush vegetation and creates frequent rainbows. Enjoy multiple panoramic viewpoints, including the iconic Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, offering breathtaking perspectives of this natural wonder.

Unwind on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, a relaxing way to take in the African wilderness. As the sun dips below the horizon, spot hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the riverbanks while sipping a refreshing drink. Birdwatchers can also look out for African fish eagles and other riverine species.

For adventure seekers, Victoria Falls offers adrenaline-fueled activities such as helicopter flights for a bird's-eye view of the falls, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, and white-water rafting on the Zambezi's challenging rapids.

Days 3–5: Chobe National Park, Botswana

Guests on a boating safari looking at elephants on the banks of the chobe river

Boat-based game viewing on the Chobe River

(Image: Chobe River Campsite)

Chobe River Safaris & Big Game Viewing

A two-hour road transfer takes you to Botswana's Chobe National Park, where you'll stay at a safari lodge on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its high concentration of elephants, large herds of buffalo, and frequent predator sightings.

Must-See & Do:

Embark on thrilling game drives in Chobe National Park, one of Africa's top wildlife destinations. Known for its large lion prides and elusive leopards, Chobe also boasts one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the world. Open 4x4 safari vehicles offer excellent opportunities to spot buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelope, along with predators on the hunt.

Experience a unique boat safari on the Chobe River, where wildlife sightings are up close and personal. Watch elephants wading through the water, hippos basking in the shallows, and massive crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks. The cruise offers a different perspective on Chobe's abundant wildlife, with fantastic photo opportunities as animals gather to drink at the water's edge.

Dry season (May–October) offers incredible wildlife sightings along the river.

Day 5: Travel to Cape Town, South Africa

After breakfast, transfer to Kasane Airport for a flight back to Johannesburg, then a connecting flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to a hotel near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a prime location for exploring the city.

Days 6–8: Cape Town & Cape Peninsula

Cape town from the air showing the harbour and table mountain

Cape Town

(Image: Wim van den Heever)

Explore the Best of Cape Town

Spend three nights in Cape Town, discovering Table Mountain, Cape Point, and the city's world-class beaches and vineyards. Choose between self-drive or fully guided tours.

Must-See & Do:

Ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the summit of one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The rotating cable car provides 360-degree panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and Robben Island in the distance. At the top, explore scenic walking trails, spot rock hyraxes (dassies) basking in the sun, and enjoy unmatched photo opportunities of the city's famous coastline. On clear days, you can see as far as Cape Point and the Cape Winelands.

Visit Cape Point, where dramatic cliffs and ocean views mark the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula. Ride the funicular to the historic lighthouse or explore scenic trails. Nearby, Boulders Beach offers a rare chance to see African penguins up close along boardwalks or even wade alongside them in the calm, sheltered bay.

Explore the V&A Waterfront, a lively hub with shops, restaurants, and stunning harbour views. From here, take a ferry to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Guided by former inmates, the tour offers a powerful insight into South Africa's struggle for freedom.

Cape Town's weather can be unpredictable—plan Table Mountain visits for clear days.

Days 8–10: Garden Route – Coastal Scenery & Adventure

View from gerrickes point of the rugged coastline on the garden route

South Africa's Garden Route

(Image: In Toto Retreat)

Drive the Scenic Garden Route

Collect your rental car and embark on a self-drive adventure along the Garden Route. Alternatively, a guided tour can be arranged.

Must-See & Do:

Discover Knysna, a charming town on the Garden Route known for its lagoon and dramatic sea cliffs. Take a ferry to Featherbed Nature Reserve, where a guided hike or 4x4 tour reveals breathtaking coastal views, indigenous forests, and diverse birdlife.

Explore the Tsitsikamma National Park, a coastal wilderness of ancient forests and rugged cliffs. Hike through lush vegetation to the famous Storms River suspension bridge, which offers spectacular views of the river gorge and Indian Ocean.

Visit the Cango Caves in the Little Karoo, a vast underground network of limestone formations with towering stalactites and echoing chambers. In nearby Oudtshoorn, tour a working ostrich farm, where you can learn about these fascinating birds and their role in the region's history.

Year-round, but whale-watching is best between July and November.

Day 10: Fly to Johannesburg

After a final morning exploring the Garden Route, drive to either George or Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) Airport for a flight back to Johannesburg. Overnight at an airport hotel before starting your safari the next morning.

Days 11–13: Kruger National Park Safari

Leopard with its gaze fixed on something

Leopard spotted on safari in Kruger National Park with Wild Wings Safaris

(Image: Simon Vegter)

Classic Kruger Wildlife Experience

Depart early for Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino). Stay inside the park in comfortable air-conditioned chalets with en-suite bathrooms.

What to Expect in Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of Africa's top safari destinations, offering excellent opportunities to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The southern region, where you'll be based, has particularly high leopard densities, increasing your chances of spotting these elusive cats. Lions and spotted hyenas are commonly seen, while cheetahs and wild dogs are rarer but still present.

Beyond the Big Five, Kruger's diverse habitats support a variety of species, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, and large herds of antelope like impalas, kudus, and waterbucks. The park's rivers and waterholes attract hippos and crocodiles, while baboons and vervet monkeys are frequently seen along the roads.

On our Kruger Park safaris, you'll be guided by passionate professionals who are dedicated to delivering unforgettable wildlife encounters. Their deep knowledge of the park and animal behaviour ensures you get the best possible sightings. With years of experience, they know how to position the vehicle for optimal viewing and photography, interpret animal movements, and share fascinating insights about Kruger's ecosystem.

Our guides are expert naturalists and storytellers, committed to making every game drive engaging and informative. Whether it's observing a pride of lions on the hunt, identifying bird calls, or explaining the intricate relationships between species, they bring the bush to life. Their passion for conservation and respect for wildlife shine through, ensuring a responsible and immersive safari experience.

Kruger is also a paradise for birdwatchers, home to over 500 bird species. Raptors such as martial eagles and bateleurs soar overhead, while kingfishers, storks, and herons frequent the park's rivers and wetlands. In summer, migratory birds like European rollers and carmine bee-eaters add vibrant colours to the landscape.

The dry season (May–September) offers the best game viewing as wildlife gathers around waterholes.

Days 13–14: Private Game Reserve in Greater Kruger

Elephant and two calves grazing while guests on a safari vehicle watch

Off-road game viewing at a private reserve

(Image: Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge)

Luxury Safari Experience with Off-Road Game Drives

Transfer to a private game reserve (Klaserie, Timbavati, or Sabi Sand, depending on budget). Enjoy exclusive safari experiences, including off-road game drives for closer wildlife encounters.

What Sets Private Reserves Apart?

Unlike in Kruger National Park, private reserves allow off-road driving, so your guide can take you closer to key sightings, whether it's a lion pride feasting on a fresh kill or a leopard resting in a tree. Game drives are also not restricted to set hours, meaning you can spend extra time at sightings, follow the action, and even enjoy thrilling night drives to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation in private reserves typically consists of upmarket safari lodges, where all meals, drinks, and activities are included. Expect spacious suites, excellent cuisine, and personalised service, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free stay. Many lodges also offer additional experiences like bush walks, spa treatments, and photography hides, making for a truly exclusive safari experience.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve is famous for leopard sightings and high-end lodges.

Day 15: Safari Ends – Return to Johannesburg

After a final early morning game drive and breakfast, transfer to Hoedspruit or Nelspruit (Kruger Mpumalanga) Airport for a one-hour flight to Johannesburg, connecting with your international flight home.

Optional: A six-hour road transfer to Johannesburg is available.

Customise This Safari

Couple looking down at blyde river canyon from scenic viewpoint on the panorama route

A Panorama Route highlight

Our 15 Day Southern Africa Signature Safari is a flexible itinerary that can be tailored to suit your travel preferences. You can:

  • Extend your stay in Cape Town, the Garden Route, or on safari to explore more of each destination at a relaxed pace.
  • Add the Panorama Route to your itinerary—discover Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and God's Window, some of South Africa's most scenic viewpoints.
  • Upgrade to luxury lodges in all locations for a more exclusive and indulgent experience.
  • Tailor activities based on your interests—whether it's adventure, food and wine, photography, or cultural experiences.

Let us know what you'd like to include, and we'll design a custom safari itinerary just for you!

Approximate Cost

The estimated rates below are based on the outlined itinerary and include:

  • Accommodation
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals as specified
  • Game drives
  • A rental car for the Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) leg

Flights are not included but can be arranged upon request.

For the Cape Town and Garden Route portion, you can choose between a self-drive option or a fully guided tour, depending on your preference and budget.

Get a Personalised Quote

Send us an enquiry, and we'll provide a clear, transparent quote tailored to your travel dates and preferences. Our pricing is always competitive—you'll never pay more than if you booked everything directly, and there are no hidden fees, surprise costs, or credit card surcharges.

Includes
  • Two nights accommodation at Victoria Falls (bed and breakfast)
  • Two nights accommodation in Kasane, at Chobe National Park (full board)
  • Three nights accommodation in Cape Town (bed and breakfast)
  • Two nights accommodation along the Garden Route (bed and breakfast)
  • One night accommodation in Johannesburg (bed and breakfast)
  • Two nights accommodation in the Kruger National Park (dinner, bed and breakfast)
  • Two nights accommodation at a Private Game Reserve (full board)
  • All airport transfers
  • All game drives at Chobe and in Greater Kruger
  • Kruger Park entrance fee and daily conservation fees
  • Meals as specified above
  • Rental car for Garden Route leg of your trip
Excludes
  • All flights
  • Park fees and entrance fees (except for Kruger National Park)
  • Day tours and activities at Victoria Falls
  • Day tours and activities in Cape Town
  • Day tours and activities along the Garden Route
  • Meals not specified
  • Drinks
  • Optional extras and personal expenses
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