If South Africa is the Rainbow Nation, then this is the rainbow itinerary, a 14-day kaleidoscope of experiences and destinations, with each as symbolic and inspiring as the last. Lions chasing kudu across the Sabi Sands, hippos in lakes beside the Indian Ocean, traditional Zulu villages, Swaziland, Blyde River Canyon, and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi. It's a journey across sublime landscapes, connecting the great reverie of Southern African travel. And of course, there's plenty of big game safari on this...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Johannesburg – Relaxing at the Cradle of Humankind
Land in Johannesburg and you're quickly transferred into the wilderness of Africa. The city sprawls but it's surrounded by gaping expanses of green, especially as you head west to the Cradle of Humankind, the first World Heritage site you visit on this itinerary. Various three-million-year-old fossils of homo naledi have been excavated here, and more are hidden amongst the limestone caves and open landscapes. With a morning flight arrival, there's time to check into the Homini Boutique Hotel and spend a couple of hours exploring the natural history on the edge of the city.
What's Included:
Day 2
Mount Sheba Nature Reserve – Looking Through God's Window
Day 3 - 4
Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve – Inclusive Big Game Safari
Day 5
Mlilwane Game Reserve – First Impressions of Swaziland
Day 6
Mlilwane Game Reserve – Horse Riding Safari in Swaziland
Day 7
St Lucia – Cruising Along the Indian Ocean
Day 8
St. Lucia – Day Safari to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park
Day 9
St. Lucia – Relaxing with the Hippos
Day 10
Durban – City Sights and Luxury on the Beach
Day 11 - 12
Bergville – Immersed in Majestic Mountains
Day 13
Johannesburg – Glimpses of Soweto
Day 14
Johannesburg – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the wonders of big five safari with two full days in the Sabi Sands, South Africa's premium luxury reserve
- Continue the wild game adventure with a variety of diverse reserves, including the hippos of St. Lucia Lake and a beautiful horse riding safari in Swaziland's Mlilwane Game Reserve
- Travel across the surreal landscapes of Southern Africa, epitomized by weaving a path across the top of Blyde River Canyon
- Spend a day in Africa's oldest game reserve, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, a destination that's home to an astonishing abundance of wild rhinos
- Travel from bush to beach, and relax on the Indian Ocean beaches of Durban and St. Lucia
- Feel the serenity of two days in the Drakensberg and hike along South Africa's premier mountain trails
- Explore the Kingdom of Swaziland and discover a culture that delights in its portrayal of ancient African traditions
- Always be welcomed by the smiles of locals, including when you visit Mandela's former home in Soweto and see rustic Zulu villages lost in the hills
Starting Price
$12,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.95 stars based on 1186 reviews.
Our trip was amazing and Zicasso's travel company and our agent could not have been more helpful in planning the trip and making sure it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. She listened to our desires and planned a trip that met all our requirements. She was very patient in making little modifications until we were completely satisfied.
When we encountered some delays during the trip, she was very responsive in helping notify people on the ground and rescheduling our activities so we didn't miss a thing.
She was very knowledgeable about Southern Africa and selected exceptional lodging facilities for us. The accommodations were not only beautiful, but the staff were extremely professional, friendly, and attentive.
I would highly recommend this travel company if planning an African adventure!
Reviewed By David B.
Zicasso's tour agents planned an amazing trip; everything was perfect and every detail was covered! Their recommendations on when to go, where to go, and what to see were spot on.
Reviewed By diane B.
This was a trip of a lifetime. We are not sure we will ever be able to top it! I have never cried leaving a place before because I was so sad it was over, but I did... three times! From the incredible food and views in Cape Town to the unforgettable adventure at the buffalo camp to the amazing views of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, we cannot say enough good things about our experience.
We've used Zicasso several times and have always had a great experience. That's why we keep coming back! But our experience with this travel agency was above and beyond all our expectations. The way our travel agent crafted our trip to meet our desires; stayed in constant contact via text, phone and email; provided us a departure call to walk us through every step of the trip before we left; and stayed connected throughout our trip to ensure we were having a good time and help us tweak some things along the way was customer service like we have never received. We would work with this agency and our agent again in a heartbeat and recommend them to friends and family.
Reviewed By Allison B.
Zicasso's travel agents were excellent at providing a luxury trip. I also sincerely appreciated that they respected my budget. Every detail was expertly planned and completely stress-free.
Reviewed By Amanda G.
Zicasso's travel agent was a blessing. Her organizational skills were excellent. The trip plan app was used daily during our trip. What a wonderful tool. Our agent had all the pertinent information in the app and at our fingertips. The trip exceeded our expectations. I would definitely recommend using our travel agent and Zicasso to all my friends.
Reviewed By Tom O.
First, the booking experience with Zicasso's trip coordinator was seamless. She was always very attentive, responsive, and prompt with her replies. She listened to our wants and delivered beyond our expectations. Even our guides commented that she chose well for us. I would highly recommend booking with her.
Our itinerary in South Africa was pure perfection. Everything from the accommodations to the timing was perfect. We cannot say enough great things about the safari in Sabi Sands and the lodge. The lodge in Franschhoek was exceptional and the one in Gansbaai was the ideal ending to our trip.
This was truly a trip of a lifetime for our family. I’m not sure how we will ever top this experience. Thank you to Zicasso for connecting us with our agent.
Reviewed By Idalia F.