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Travelwise Holidays
Suite 1, Level 1,  
93 Dominion Road,
Mt Eden, Auckland 1024
Phone Toll Free: 0800 11 60 60

Southern Africa Explorer 2026

Price per person:
$
$19,980.00
(Single supplement:
$3,590.00
)
(Single costs are available on request)
24 Days - With Tour Leader Julia Thorne
Tour Departs:
September 9, 2026
CLick TO Enquire

This extraordinary journey will take you deep into the heart of some of Africa’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries, including the legendary Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Chobe National Park in Botswana. Immerse yourself in the thrill of game viewing as you encounter the 'Big Five' and other iconic African wildlife in their natural habitats. In Chobe, marvel at the sight of herds of elephants gathering by the river, and enjoy boat cruises that bring you close to hippos and crocodiles.

Witness the region’s stunning scenery, rich cultural history, and vibrant cities, including the picturesque Garden Route and the dynamic Cape Town. And no trip to Southern Africa would be complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.

Activity Level 3

Departure Date:
September 9, 2026
Departure Date:
Departure Date:
CLICK TO Enquire

Early Booking Discount - Book by 12 Dec 2025 and save an extra $250 per person

Included In Your Tour Cost

       Home pickup and return within the Auckland metropolitan area (if applicable).

  • Services of Travelwise Holidays Tour Leader throughout.
  • Economy class air fares Auckland/Johannesburg return (via Sydney) flying with Qantas Airways with all current airline and airport taxes (NB. Upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class can be requested at extra cost, subject to availability) ** Airlines subject to change.
  • Quality accommodation at Sydney (1), Johannesburg (2), Hazyview/Mpumalanga (2), Swaziland (1), Hluhluwe/Zululand (2), Durban (1), Port Elizabeth (1), Knysna (2), Oudtshoorn (1), Stellenbosch (2), Cape Town (4) and Victoria Falls (3).        
  • 12 x dinners, 6 x lunches and breakfast daily (excl 10 Sep).
  • Comprehensive sightseeing including game drives in the Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe National Park, Chobe National Park Botswana - game viewing and cruise
  • Victoria Falls - 2 hr sunset cruise on the Zambesi river, guided tour of Victoria Falls
  • Robben Island prison where South Africa's Father of the nation spent 18 years
  • Transport in private touring vehicles with English-speaking driver and guide on all transfers and sightseeing excursions.
  • Internal air travel within South Africa and sightseeing entrance fees as detailed in the tour itinerary.
  • All pre-paid gratuities throughout the tour.    
  • Travelwise Holidays documentation and travel bag.
ITINERARY
Activity Level - 3. A higher level of fitness is required. There will be quite a bit of walking over a day. The terrain at times may be uneven and there may be high temperatures or humidity.

WED 09 SEP - AUCKLAND/SYDNEY    

Depart on Qantas at 1.20pm, arrive Sydney 2.55pm. Stay Rydges Sydney Airport, 1 night. Included: D

THU 10 SEP - SYDNEY/JOHANNESBURG    

Depart on Qantas at 9.30am, arrive Johannesburg at 4.10 pm. You are close to Sandton’s famous mall and Mandela Square. Stay Garden Court Sandton City Hotel, Johannesburg, 1 night. Included: D

FRI 11  SEP - JOHANNESBURG/ HAZYVIEW    

Depart Johannesburg by road to Hazyview in Mpumalanga Province. En route visit the scenic Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons on earth. Be amazed at the spectacular view of Kruger National Park & the lowveld. Transfer to hotel near Kruger gate that lies on the Sabie river. Stay Kruger Gate Hotel, Southern Kruger,  2 nights. Included: B, D

SAT 12 SEP - KRUGER PARK Game Drive  

Today a game drive experience in the world-famous Kruger National Park. One of the largest and most popular game reserves in Africa. Search for the Big Five and enjoy prolific birdlife and wildlife viewing with a highly experienced Ranger in an open safari vehicle. Included: B, L, D

SUN 13 SEP – HAZYVIEW/ SWAZILAND

Enjoy a short morning game drive in Kruger National Park before travelling overland to Swaziland, one of the smallest countries in Africa and a mountainous wonderland. Stay Happy Valley Hotel, Lobamba, 1 night. Included: B, D

MON 14 SEP – SWAZILAND/ HLUHLUWE  

This morning drive across the border to Hluhluwe. An afternoon game drive at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi. Stay Anew Hotel & Lodge (or similar), Hluhluwe,  2 nights. Included: B, D

TUE 15 SEP - HLUHLUWE NATIONAL PARK

This afternoon enjoy a game viewing drive in Hluhluwe National Park where the Big Five roam freely in the bush. Included: B, D

WED 16 SEP – HLUHLUWE/ DURBAN  

Travel to Durban and the afternoon is at leisure. Stay Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga, 1 night. Included: B, D

THU 17 SEP - DURBAN/PORT ELIZABETH

Day at leisure in Durban until transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Port Elizabeth. Arrive 5.45pm. Stay Southern Sun Marine Hotel, Port Elizabeth, 1 night. Included: B, D

FRI 18 SEP - PORT ELIZABETH/KNYSNA  

Today, begin your journey along the famous Garden Route coastal corridor and visit Tsitsikamma National Park and Storm’s River Mouth en route to Knysna. A place of lush indigenous and commercial forests, deep river gorges and abundance of magnificent birds and nature walks. Arrive at charming seaside Knysna. The afternoon is free. Stay Premier Resort Moorings, Knysna, 2 nights. Included: B, D

SAT 19 SEP – KNYSNA SIGHTSEEING  

Enjoy a lagoon cruise to Knysna’s famous Featherbed Nature Reserve. An abundance of plant, bird and small wildlife, followed by a trailer ride to the top of Western Head. Walk 2.2km back through milkwood trees for a lunch at the restaurant set on the edge of the lagoon. Included: B, L

SUN 20 SEP – KNYSNA/ OUDTSHOORN  

Depart Knysna, travel over the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. Tour the Oudtshoorn’s famous Cango Caves, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural rock formations. A Game Drive this afternoon. Stay in a Luxury tent at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Oudtshoorn, 1 night. Included: B, D

MON 21 SEP – OUDTSHOORN/ STELLENBOSCH

Today enjoy an early morning meerkat safari (weather permitting). Continue to the famous wine region of Stellenbosch. Your hotel is walking distance to coffee shops, bars, museums, galleries and restaurants. Stay The Stellenbosch Hotel, 2 nights. Included: B

TUE 22 SEP – STELLENBOSCH

Enjoy a Cape Winelands experience featuring historic and modern architecture, fabulous cuisine and world-class wines. The tour includes the principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoeck stopping along the way for lunch and wine/cheese tasting at the prestigious Fairview Wine Estate. Included: B, L

WED 23 SEP – STELLENBOSCH/CAPE TOWN  

A short drive to Cape Town, voted as the best place in the World to visit by the New York Times. Dinner tonight at Gold Restaurant - an evening of wining and dining in scintillating African style, with its 14 course set menu. Stay Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town, 4 nights. Included: B, D

THU 24 SEP – CAPE TOWN SIGHTSEEING  

A full day Cape Peninsula Tour seeing the working harbour of Hout Bay, an authentic fishing village experience. The famous drive between Hout Bay & Noordhoek on Cape Town’s stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline. Enter Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, a world heritage site. Ride the Funicular to the old lighthouse lookout point for spectacular views. The return journey includes visits to Boulders Beach for penguin viewing and Kirtenbosch National Botanical Garden on the slopes of Table Mountain. Lunch included today. Included: B, L

FRI 25 SEP – CAPE TOWN SIGHTSEEING  

A local city tour including the Table Mountain aerial cableway (weather permitting) for stunning views of the city below and surrounding oceans. Continue with a guided tour of the historical and cultural sights of Cape Town including key monuments and places of interest featuring the Castle of Good Hope, St George’s Cathedral, the Lush Company Gardens and Cape Malay Quarter. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Included: B

SAT 26 SEP – CAPE TOWN SIGHTSEEING  

Today a tour to Robben Island, one of the most famous prisons in the world. This is where South Africa's father of the nation spent 18 years, the legend of a man, Nelson Mandela. The tour guides inside the prison today, are former political prisoners and their knowledge of this island is unparalleled and adds a unique cultural layer to this experience. This tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela's cell. Included: B

SUN 27 SEP – CAPE TOWN/ VICTORIA FALLS  

Fly from Cape Town in the morning and arrive in Victoria Falls at 12.40pm. The hotel is located a short distance from the legendary Victoria Falls. The lodge is situated on the Zimbabwean side of the mighty Zambezi River boasting impressive views of the amazing waterfall. This afternoon transfer to the landing for a relaxing two-hour sunset cruise down the Zambezi River. Enjoy canapes and drinks on board and an opportunity to do some last-minute game viewing.  

Stay Elephant Hills Resort Hotel,Victoria Falls, 3 nights. Included: B

MON 28 SEP – VICTORIA FALLS SIGHTSEEING  

A guided tour of the “Smoke that Thunders” – Victoria Falls. One of the seven natural wonders of the world. A truly spectacular sight. Take time to observe the amazing vegetation and bird life in the rainforest. Lunch at the Lookout Cafe. After this great experience, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Included: B, L

TUE 29 SEP – CHOBE NATIONAL PARK (BOTSWANA)

(Visa cost additonal)

An exciting day trip over the border into Botswana to explore one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations, the Chobe National Park. Cruise down the Chobe River and enjoy wildlife viewing and lunch on the rivers edge. A farewell dinner tonight. Included: B, L

WED 30 SEP – VICTORIA FALLS/ JOHANNESBURG  

Morning at leisure in Victoria Falls then transfer to your  2.05pm flight to Johannesburg. Arrive Johannesburg 3.45pm. Freedom dining tonight. Stay Peermont Metcourt Hotel, Johannesburg, 1 night. Included: B

THU 01 OCT - JOHANNESBURG/SYDNEY/AUCKLAND

A half day tour of Soweto - a cultural rollercoaster that will give you a firm overview of the tumultuous and inspirational history of South Africa. Later depart Johannesburg for Sydney at 6.40pm. Included: B

FRI 02 OCT - SYDNEY/AUCKLAND

Arrive in Sydney at 3.35pm and depart for Auckland at 5.50 pm. Arrive in Auckland at 10.55pm.

Deposit: $1,000pp

Balance Payment Date: 04 Jun 2026 (Tours may still be booked after the Balance Payment date, unless the tour shows as Sold Out. Please ask us about last minute availability).
Key: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Need Assistance?

Office hours are 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. An answer phone takes care of calls after hours and during the weekends.
Phone Toll Free
0800 11 60 60
Phone Within Auckland
09 414 4488