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Southern Africa Odyssey

From $7,854
total price from Boston, New York, Wash, DC
$6,495 air & land inclusive plus $1,359 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
18 days
Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

It’s a small group journey of astonishing beauty and consummate adventure, one that captures the magnificence of four distinct nations. It’s nature’s showcase come to life: ocean and mountains, deserts and plains, waterfalls and wildlife extraordinaire. It’s Southern Africa, where diversity reigns and where visitors are welcomed as never before.

Tour Details

Southern Africa Odyssey

From $7,854

total price from Boston, New York, Wash, DC
$6,495 air & land inclusive plus $1,359 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
18 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
18 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

It’s a small group journey of astonishing beauty and consummate adventure, one that captures the magnificence of four distinct nations. It’s nature’s showcase come to life: ocean and mountains, deserts and plains, waterfalls and wildlife extraordinaire. It’s Southern Africa, where diversity reigns and where visitors are welcomed as never before.

Small Group Highlights

  • Soweto touring
  • Spectacular Victoria Falls
  • Rhino safari in Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve
  • Chobe National Park safari excursion
  • World’s largest crested dunes at Sossusvlei
  • Namibian coast boat excursion
  • Four-night stay in beautiful Cape Town
  • The Winelands touring
  • Outstanding small group accommodations

Day-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Johannesburg, South Africa
Depart U.S. for Johannesburg, South Africa
2
Arrive Johannesburg
B
B
Arrive Johannesburg

Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel in the suburb of Rosebank, where our rooms will be ready for our early check-in.  As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities planned.

Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel in the suburb of Rosebank, where our rooms will be ready for our early check-in.  As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities planned.

3
Johannesburg/Soweto
B
L
D
B
L
D
Johannesburg/Soweto

We meet our fellow travelers today as we embark on a tour of the Soweto district of Johannesburg.  Here we see the home of former Archbishop Desmond Tutu; visit the home, now a museum, of the late Nelson Mandela; and tour the moving Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, where we learn more about apartheid and the Soweto uprising of 1976.  Then we hear fascinating stories from a local Sowetan who was present during the uprising, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.  Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner together.

We meet our fellow travelers today as we embark on a tour of the Soweto district of Johannesburg.  Here we see the home of former Archbishop Desmond Tutu; visit the home, now a museum, of the late Nelson Mandela; and tour the moving Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, where we learn more about apartheid and the Soweto uprising of 1976.  Then we hear fascinating stories from a local Sowetan who was present during the uprising, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.  Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner together.

4
Johannesburg/Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
B
D
B
D
Johannesburg/Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We fly this morning to Victoria Falls, first “discovered” by explorer David Livingstone and claimed for Great Britain’s Queen Victoria in 1855.  With its 300-foot-deep gorge and thundering spray, “Vic” Falls is a wonder of the natural world.  This afternoon we see it for ourselves on a guided walk.

We fly this morning to Victoria Falls, first “discovered” by explorer David Livingstone and claimed for Great Britain’s Queen Victoria in 1855.  With its 300-foot-deep gorge and thundering spray, “Vic” Falls is a wonder of the natural world.  This afternoon we see it for ourselves on a guided walk.

5
Victoria Falls
B
D
B
D
Victoria Falls

This morning we visit a local school where we have the opportunity to interact with the children and teachers and then we spend some time exploring the town of Victoria Falls.  Late this afternoon we embark on a Sundowner dinner cruise on the Zambezi River.

This morning we visit a local school where we have the opportunity to interact with the children and teachers and then we spend some time exploring the town of Victoria Falls.  Late this afternoon we embark on a Sundowner dinner cruise on the Zambezi River.

6
Victoria Falls
B
D
B
D
Victoria Falls

This morning we set off on a rhino safari in open-top safari vehicles.  This afternoon is at leisure; this evening we attend a talk on David Livingstone’s travels, trials, and travails.

This morning we set off on a rhino safari in open-top safari vehicles.  This afternoon is at leisure; this evening we attend a talk on David Livingstone’s travels, trials, and travails.

7
Chobe National Park, Botswana
B
L
D
B
L
D
Chobe National Park, Botswana

Known for a diverse terrain that attracts an exceptional array of wildlife, Chobe National Park in nearby Botswana boasts one of the largest concentrations of game in all of Africa, including the world’s largest elephant population (some 120,000), as well as zebra, lion, hippo, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, buffalo, and more.  We’re sure to see some of them on today’s full-day excursion to Chobe, where we take a morning game drive and an afternoon game cruise.

Known for a diverse terrain that attracts an exceptional array of wildlife, Chobe National Park in nearby Botswana boasts one of the largest concentrations of game in all of Africa, including the world’s largest elephant population (some 120,000), as well as zebra, lion, hippo, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, buffalo, and more.  We’re sure to see some of them on today’s full-day excursion to Chobe, where we take a morning game drive and an afternoon game cruise.

8
Victoria Falls/Windhoek, Namibia
B
B
Victoria Falls/Windhoek, Namibia

Today we fly via Johannesburg to the Namibian capital of Windhoek, arriving late this evening.

Today we fly via Johannesburg to the Namibian capital of Windhoek, arriving late this evening.

9
Windhoek/Namib Desert/Sossusvlei
B
L
D
B
L
D
Windhoek/Namib Desert/Sossusvlei

After a brief tour of Namibia’s largest city, we set out through the central Namib Desert of vast gravel plains and rocky mountains.  Isolated, immense, tranquil, and romantic, this endless expanse offers a glimpse of a land before time.  Late this afternoon we reach our lodge in the heart of the dune desert.

After a brief tour of Namibia’s largest city, we set out through the central Namib Desert of vast gravel plains and rocky mountains.  Isolated, immense, tranquil, and romantic, this endless expanse offers a glimpse of a land before time.  Late this afternoon we reach our lodge in the heart of the dune desert.

10
Namib Desert/Sossusvlei
B
L
D
B
L
D
Namib Desert/Sossusvlei

We rise with the sun to see the world’s highest crested dunes at Sossusvlei, their red-orange hues constantly changing in the early morning light.  Here we have the opportunity to climb the velvet-like sand of Big Mama, as the locals call the largest dune.

We rise with the sun to see the world’s highest crested dunes at Sossusvlei, their red-orange hues constantly changing in the early morning light.  Here we have the opportunity to climb the velvet-like sand of Big Mama, as the locals call the largest dune.

11
Sossusvlei/Swakopmund
B
L
D
B
L
D
Sossusvlei/Swakopmund

We travel to­day through the Namib desert en route to Swakopmund, Namibia’s largest port.

We travel to­day through the Namib desert en route to Swakopmund, Namibia’s largest port.

12
Swakopmund/Walvis Bay/Namibian Coast
B
L
B
L
Swakopmund/Walvis Bay/Namibian Coast

From Walvis Bay this morning, we take a cruise along the storied Namibian coast, getting a mariner’s perspective on this striking region known by local tribespeople as “the land God created in anger.”  Along the way, we’ll see Cape fur seals and sea birds, including petrels.  We enjoy lunch on board before disembarking and returning to Swakopmund, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

From Walvis Bay this morning, we take a cruise along the storied Namibian coast, getting a mariner’s perspective on this striking region known by local tribespeople as “the land God created in anger.”  Along the way, we’ll see Cape fur seals and sea birds, including petrels.  We enjoy lunch on board before disembarking and returning to Swakopmund, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

13
Swakopmund/Cape Town, S.A.
B
B
Swakopmund/Cape Town, S.A.

We fly today to Cape Town, the “Mother City” and South Africa’s oldest.  After we check in at our hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

We fly today to Cape Town, the “Mother City” and South Africa’s oldest.  After we check in at our hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

14
Cape Town/The Winelands
B
L
B
L
Cape Town/The Winelands

Today we tour the Winelands, South Africa’s renowned wine-growing region just 45 miles east of Cape Town.  Amid the beautiful scenery, we visit a winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch.  We return to Cape Town mid-afternoon; dinner tonight is on our own in this cosmopolitan city.

Today we tour the Winelands, South Africa’s renowned wine-growing region just 45 miles east of Cape Town.  Amid the beautiful scenery, we visit a winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch.  We return to Cape Town mid-afternoon; dinner tonight is on our own in this cosmopolitan city.

15
Cape Town/Cape of Good Hope
B
L
D
B
L
D
Cape Town/Cape of Good Hope

This morning we travel to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to more than 250 species of birds, and where we ride a funicular to the summit for stupendous views.  After a seafood lunch in historic Simon’s Town, we visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of enchanting African penguins up close.  Then we return to Cape Town, where we dine together tonight.

This morning we travel to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to more than 250 species of birds, and where we ride a funicular to the summit for stupendous views.  After a seafood lunch in historic Simon’s Town, we visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of enchanting African penguins up close.  Then we return to Cape Town, where we dine together tonight.

16
Cape Town
B
D
B
D
Cape Town

Our tour of Cape Town this morning features a visit to the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, the city’s historical center of Cape Malay culture.  We also pay a visit to acclaimed Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.  One of the world’s great botanic gardens, Kirstenbosch champions South Africa’s rich biodiversity as it cultivates only native plants.  Then we enjoy glorious bird’s-eye views of Cape Town as we ride by cable car 3,500 feet to the flat top of the city’s signature Table Mountain.  This afternoon is at leisure; tonight we celebrate our southern Africa odyssey at a farewell dinner.

Our tour of Cape Town this morning features a visit to the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, the city’s historical center of Cape Malay culture.  We also pay a visit to acclaimed Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.  One of the world’s great botanic gardens, Kirstenbosch champions South Africa’s rich biodiversity as it cultivates only native plants.  Then we enjoy glorious bird’s-eye views of Cape Town as we ride by cable car 3,500 feet to the flat top of the city’s signature Table Mountain.  This afternoon is at leisure; tonight we celebrate our southern Africa odyssey at a farewell dinner.

17
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

We transfer to the airport today for our return flights to the U.S.

We transfer to the airport today for our return flights to the U.S.

18
Arrive U.S.
Arrive U.S.

We arrive in the U.S. today and connect with our flights home.

We arrive in the U.S. today and connect with our flights home.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities and all flights within itinerary
  • 15 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe and Superior First Class hotels
  • 34 meals: 16 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 10 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all ­entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next ­Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Victoria Falls 87 85 86 85 82 78 83 89 90 88 87
Windhoek 86 74 74 75 74 72 68 66 67 71 90
Cape Town 79 79 77 72 67 68 64 65 70 73 81

Average Temperature (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Victoria Falls 87 85 86 85 82 78 83 89 90 88 87
Windhoek 86 74 74 75 74 72 68 66 67 71 90
Cape Town 79 79 77 72 67 68 64 65 70 73 81

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Post-Tour Extension

Kruger: Kapama Private Game Reserve

4 days, 3 nights
From
$2,195
+ $695 Single Supplement

Kruger: Kapama Private Game Reserve

4 days, 3 nights
From
$2,195
+ $695 Single Supplement

Experience the magnificence of the South African bush, Kruger National Park region, and “Big Five” game country at a unique luxury tented camp.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation to/from Hoedspruit (Kruger), inclusive of airline taxes and fees
  • 3 nights’ accommodations at Kapama Southern Camp (Deluxe)
  • 8 meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
  • 5 guided game drives (in open safari vehicles)
  • Services of the lodge’s excellent staff
  • Transfers to/from airport

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Tim Carr

“Tim is the kind of tour guide I like, friendly but not overbearing, knowledgeable but not pedantic. He is well-read, intelligent, and a really nice guy.”

Marta Ceballos
Bronx, NY

Chris McWilliams

“Our tour director Chris McWilliams was very accommodating and awesome. He made our trip more enjoyable, very interesting, and very educational.”

Florante & Elsie Gaid
Pearland, TX

Tonia Devereux

“Tonia was fabulous! Energetic, organized, and flexible; truly an asset to your team.”

Karen Sanzone
Patchogue, NY

Robyn Steegstra

“Robyn was a great asset to our group. She is efficient and retains her sense of humor. Her knowledge of Southern Africa is extensive.”

Karl Warner
Scottsdale, AZ

Eric Botha

“Excellent Tour director.  Very attentive to individual needs and good sense of humor.”

Joanne Karr
Walnut, CA

James McKenzie

“James McKenzie should win a ‘Tour Director of the Century’ award! He is outstanding in every way and is one of the most knowledgeable people ever.”

Andrea Seese
Lee’s Summit, MO

Paul Ngorima

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Tony Shuman

“Tony is an excellent, experienced guide. He fully lived up to Odysseys’ high standards for Tour Directors.”

Darwin & Patricia Johnston
Apollo Beach, FL

Tour Directors

Tony Shuman

“Tony is an excellent, experienced guide. He fully lived up to Odysseys’ high standards for Tour Directors.”

Darwin & Patricia Johnston
Apollo Beach, FL

Tim Carr

“Tim is the kind of tour guide I like, friendly but not overbearing, knowledgeable but not pedantic. He is well-read, intelligent, and a really nice guy.”

Marta Ceballos
Bronx, NY

Chris McWilliams

“Our tour director Chris McWilliams was very accommodating and awesome. He made our trip more enjoyable, very interesting, and very educational.”

Florante & Elsie Gaid
Pearland, TX

Tonia Devereux

“Tonia was fabulous! Energetic, organized, and flexible; truly an asset to your team.”

Karen Sanzone
Patchogue, NY

James McKenzie

“James McKenzie should win a ‘Tour Director of the Century’ award! He is outstanding in every way and is one of the most knowledgeable people ever.”

Andrea Seese
Lee’s Summit, MO

Eric Botha

“Excellent Tour director.  Very attentive to individual needs and good sense of humor.”

Joanne Karr
Walnut, CA

Paul Ngorima

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Robyn Steegstra

“Robyn was a great asset to our group. She is efficient and retains her sense of humor. Her knowledge of Southern Africa is extensive.”

Karl Warner
Scottsdale, AZ

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

An absolutely perfect tour! We didn’t imagine we would see such varied landscapes and the wonderful variety of wildlife this tour provided. The tour far surpassed our expectations.
Dennis & Carolyn Kent
Piermont, NY
First, we had an excellent tour director. He did a great job providing background and content. Second, we saw an amazing cross-section of Southern Africa from the natural, cultural, and historical aspects.
Blaine & Lee Jones
Minneapolis, MN
An absolutely perfect tour! We didn’t imagine we would see such varied landscapes and the wonderful variety of wildlife this tour provided. The tour far surpassed our expectations.
Dennis & Carolyn Kent
Piermont, NY
First, we had an excellent tour director. He did a great job providing background and content. Second, we saw an amazing cross-section of Southern Africa from the natural, cultural, and historical aspects.
Blaine & Lee Jones
Minneapolis, MN
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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