Imagine waking up each morning in Africa with a delicious dose of anticipation – will today bring a heart pumping ride up Table Mountain, a lion roaring his approval at sunrise, or a soaking from the world’s most theatrical waterfall? This isn’t a tick-the-box holiday; it’s a head-tilting, jaw-dropping, heart-thumping adventure through South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In Cape Town, life feels larger than life: colourful neighbourhoods, coastlines that deserve their own Instagram accounts, and a mountain that wears a dramatic ‘tablecloth’ of cloud whenever it feels like being moody. The Winelands will tempt you to slow down and savour, before the tempo quickens in Kruger where giraffes strut like catwalk models and elephants casually block the road like oversized traffic cones. Every safari sunrise and sunset feels choreographed just for you.
And then comes Victoria Falls – ‘The Smoke That Thunders’. Rainbows arc through the mist, the Zambezi puts on its nightly light show, and whether you’re ziplining, rafting, or just standing there with hair plastered to your head, you’ll know you’re somewhere extraordinary.
But here’s the secret ingredient: it’s not only about the views, the wildlife, or even the wine. It’s the camaraderie, the shared gasps, the belly laughs over dinner, and the stories swapped under African skies. This is the kind of journey that stays with you long after the laundry’s done and the suitcase is back in the cupboard.
Cape Town to Victoria Falls
14 – 24 February 2027
Welcome to the ‘Mother City’! On arrival in Cape Town, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for the next four nights. The rest of the day is yours – stretch your legs at the lively V&A Waterfront, browse the craft markets for treasures you don’t need but will absolutely want. Or simply toast your arrival with a glass of South African wine while Table Mountain poses dramatically in the background. This evening we dine at the Quay Four Restaurant and share a meal with new friends and anticipate the adventure ahead.
O/N 4 nts Southern Sun The Cullinan (or similar)
Today’s adventure depends a little on Mother Nature. We’ll keep an eye on the famous ‘tablecloth’ of cloud that likes to drape itself over Table Mountain. If the summit is clear, we’ll glide smoothly by cable car to the top, taking in sweeping 360-degree views across Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged peaks beyond.
Back at ground level, we’ll explore Cape Town’s historic heart, passing the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, St George’s Cathedral, Company’s Garden and the colourful Bo-Kaap, home to descendants of Cape Town’s Cape Malay community.
After lunch, we’ll experience a different side of the city with Uthando, visiting inspiring grassroots community projects and meeting the passionate people creating positive change. This respectful, non-invasive experience moves beyond the usual tourist sights, shining a light on powerful stories of resilience, courage and triumph over adversity.
After breakfast, we set out on a full-day adventure along one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. Travel the winding scenic road past the majestic Twelve Apostles before arriving in the charming fishing village of Hout Bay. From here, board a boat to Duiker Island where Cape Fur Seals laze, bark, and pose for photos like seasoned celebrities.
Continue on to Cape Point Nature Reserve, a dramatic headland where towering cliffs and crashing waves mark the meeting of two oceans. Keep an eye out for antelope, baboons, and colourful birdlife along the way. On the journey back to Cape Town, stop at Boulders Beach to meet the resident penguin colony, dapper little locals waddling about in their tuxedos. Our final stop is to coastal charm of Fish Hoek fishing village. Tonight we’ll going for the trifecta; dinner, drums, and dancing – the ultimate Cape Town night out.
Today we’ll swap the bustle of the city for sweeping vineyards framed by dramatic mountains in South Africa’s famous Winelands, including a Sip and Cycle e-bike riding experience around Franschhoek and lunch. The day is all about indulgence: sipping our way through award-winning reds, crisp whites, and sparkling bubbles while wandering grand Cape Dutch estates that look straight out of a postcard.
Along the way, nibble on creamy local cheeses, artisan chocolates, and other tasty pairings that make each glass shine. It’s leisurely, it’s scenic, and by the end of the day you’ll have plenty of history under your belt – and perhaps just a little wine too! If the stars align, an evening at Galileo Open Air Cinema (own expense) may be a fun way of rounding off our time in Cape Town.
Pack away the wine glass and grab your binoculars – it’s safari time! We’ll fly to Hoedspruit and head straight to our lovely lodge, tucked deep within the wild bushveld of the Kapama Private Game Reserve, in the Greater Kruger region.
After a warm welcome and time to freshen up, we’ll head out on a late-afternoon game drive. With luck, we’ll tick off a lion or elephant before dinner, which may be served under the stars – no reservations required. Lunch included if arriving by 2pm.
O/N 3 nts Kapama Private Game Reserve, Kapama River Lodge (or simlar)
Wake to the sounds of the bush (aka nature’s version of surround sound). Jump into an open 4×4 with your ranger and tracker and go in search of the Big 5 (and find out why they are named the Big 5) – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – plus a few of their lesser-known but equally fabulous friends: giraffes, zebras, and cheeky hyenas.
Between drives, enjoy lazy breakfasts, a dip in the pool, or just sit on your deck pretending you’re David Attenborough. At dusk go in search of anything you missed in the morning. Evenings bring sundowners, campfire stories, and the kind of stargazing you just don’t time for at home.
Wave goodbye to the bush and hop a flight to Zimbabwe. After settling into your hotel near Victoria Falls, head out for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Watch elephants drink from the banks, hippos grunt their approval, and the sky turn fifty shades of orange. Best served with a chilled drink in hand, delicious snacks and a spectacular sunset.
O/N 3 nts Victoria Falls, Shongwe Lookout (or similar)
Today it’s all about Mosi-oa-Tunya – ‘The Smoke That Thunders.’ The locals weren’t exaggerating. On your guided tour of the falls discover rainforest trails, stand at misty viewpoints, and prepare for hair that no blow-dry can withstand. Rainbows arch across the gorge, the roar fills your ears, and you’ll understand instantly why this is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Afternoon at leisure.
Adrenaline junkies, this is your moment – go bungee jumping, white-water rafting, or ziplining if you fancy (own expense). Prefer your thrills with less shrieking? Take a helicopter flight (own expense) for a bird’s-eye view, or simply wander around town, shop for carvings, and perfect your bargaining skills. Or . . . do nothing at all and call it ‘immersive cultural research.’
This evening we come together at the Lookout Cafe, perched dramatically on the edge of the Batoka Gorge, high above the Zambezi River, for a Farewell Dinner worthy of this epic adventure.
Today our southern Africa journey comes to an end. If you are not quite ready to farewell this mighty continent, take a look at our Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Wetland Safari tour for a completely different, but totally bucket-list, animal encounter experience.
As a former police officer and part-time ICON tea lady (a job she took way too seriously as those who know her will know that tea is something of an obsession), Suzanne took over ICON Adventures in 2015, since then has been curating organised tours and bespoke travel arrangements to far-flung corners of the globe.
With a penchant for off-the-beaten-track destinations Suzanne also fearlessly leads her own unique hiking and cultural tours across the globe. She brings not only a can-do attitude but also a bloody-well-will-do attitude as she leads the ICON team and her tours. Her attention to detail and dedication to her clients means you want her planning your trip!
With Suzanne in charge of a tour or helping to organise independent travel for you, you can be rest-assured it will be like her tea, done to the highest and most meticulous standard.