Wilderness of Southern Africa

Journey through Southern Africa from its wild plains and dry woodlands to rivers and lakes on a true safari adventure by land and water. Search out the “Big 5” roaming in nature in the sprawling wilds of Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park. Share a simple traditional meal with a local family in their home in Victoria Falls. Set off on a cruise for 3 nights on a chartered safari boat along the stunning Lake Kariba, teeming with birdlife and game species. Enjoy an al fresco dinner on the banks of the Zambezi. From the powerful Victoria Falls to the calm waters of Lake Kariba and the plains across southern Africa’s stunning parks - get ready for a true safari adventure.

Discover South Africa’s iconic experiences — from Johannesburg and historic Soweto to Kruger safaris, Cape Winelands, and Cape Town’s spectacular coastline. Begin in Johannesburg and explore Soweto, where powerful stories of the nation’s past come to life. Continue to Kruger National Park for unforgettable safari drives in search of the iconic "Big Five" before travelling to the vineyards and historic towns of the Cape Winelands. In Cape Town, discover one of the world’s most scenic cities, from the heights of Table Mountain to the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap and the dramatic landscapes of the Cape Peninsula. Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine, local traditions, and meaningful encounters that reveal the depth and diversity of South Africa.

Member Benefit Bonus: Book a Collette tour and receive a $150 credit to use towards an optional excursion, pre or post night stay or a tour extension. Speak to the team for further details.

Your Holiday Package Includes:

• $2,500 flight credit per person
• 13-night Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water guided tour with Collette, Johannesburg return
• 12-night Iconic South Africa guided tour with Collette, Johannesburg to Cape Town
• Select transfers

Includes:

• Handpicked accommodation
• 52 meals – 23 breakfasts, 14 lunches & 15 dinners
• Must-see inclusions - Search for the elusive "Big Five" on two full-day safari game drives in Kruger National Park
• Cultural experiences - Taste famous South African wines in the Stellenbosch Wine Region
• Culinary inclusions - Share a simple, traditional meal during a home-hosted lunch in Victoria Falls
• Highlights - Soweto, 3 Cruises on the Chobe River, Cape Peninsula plus more

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 20 August – 16 September 2027

Other travel dates available, surcharges may apply

Extend your holiday with a cruise, speak to the team about options!

Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water Itinerary:

Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa

Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city! This afternoon, transfer to your hotel for the evening and enjoy a relaxing evening before your adventure in search of the "Big 5" begins tomorrow. Dinner tonight is on your own.

Day 2: Johannesburg - Victoria Falls, ZW - Chobe National Park, Botswana

This morning, board a plane for a short flight to Victoria Falls,* where you will meet your Tour Manager before continuing to your lodge for the next 3 nights in Botswana. Enjoy some time at leisure at the lodge before gathering with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Chobe National Park

Rise early with the sounds of the local wildlife ahead of your first game drive in Chobe National Park, an excellent location to search for the Big 5. You and your fellow travellers will ride in open-air vehicles with a local expert who will be able to tell you all about the creatures you’ll see along the way. Later in the morning, enjoy some free time, either at the lodge or by driving into the nearby town of Kasane. After lunch at the lodge, board your private boat and take to the waters of the Chobe River, in search of elephants and aquatic birds whilst sipping on cool beverages.

Day 4: Chobe National Park

Start your day early with a private game cruise on the Chobe River and see the animals visiting the water first thing in the morning. After your search, return for some free time at the lodge, perhaps relaxing at the pool or stopping by their beauty salon. After lunch this afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may spot buffalo, hyenas, or zebras. Later, enjoy a dinner cruise along the gentle waters of the Chobe River during an exclusive boat ride with your fellow travellers.

Day 5: Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Hwange National Park

Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Chobe National Park. After breakfast, take a 90-minute drive to Victoria Falls, where we will stop for lunch. Savour fresh, local ingredients whilst you look over the gorge to the Zambezi River below. Next, it’s off to Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, for a late afternoon game drive. This national park is home to over 100 types of mammals and 400 bird species, giving you the chance to look out for cheetahs, lions, giraffes, and so much more.

Day 6: Hwange National Park

Today is another day to rise early in search of the "Big 5". After breakfast, spend a full day on a game drive in Hwange National Park. By enjoying a picnic lunch break, you can venture deep into the bushland and maximize your chances of spotting buffalo, elephants, and other animals gathering in the park. Return to the lodge for dinner. You’ll savour your meal and the memories of the day’s extensive safari.

Day 7: Hwange National Park

This morning, search for the Big 5 your way, because it’s your choice! Return to an open-air vehicle and enjoy a morning game drive -OR- join an expert national park guide on a game walk, giving you the rare opportunity to search for wildlife up close, including seeing some plants, insects, and reptiles you may not spot otherwise. After, return to the lodge and relax over tea and pastries. This afternoon, you will be returning to the park for another glimpse into the animal kingdom.

Day 8: Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls - Lake Kariba

Enjoy a final morning in the park before driving to Lake Kariba, the world’s largest artificial lake. Board your safari boat which will be your home for the next three nights. With limited access to technology, revel in the experience of floating along the still waters, seeing breathtaking sunsets, and searching for local wildlife in the water.

Day 9: Lake Kariba

Enjoy a nature drive and a visit to a local village chief to learn about the local way of life. Later, enjoy the chance to try your hand at fishing in Lake Kariba from a tender boat on an afternoon game cruise. Before having dinner on the safari boat, take time to admire the stunning red and orange hues of the setting sun over Lake Kariba.

Day 10: Lake Kariba

Start your day relaxed as you sail past the unspoiled wilderness and rugged scenery. Savour brunch later this morning, then enjoy a guided nature walk and a chance to fish on tender boats in the afternoon. This evening, stargazing coupled with a delicious meal will be a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

Day 11: Lake Kariba - Victoria Falls

Your safari boat experience will come to a close this morning as you drive back to Victoria Falls. Upon arriving at the Ilala Lodge, enjoy lunch. Then, grab your poncho because this afternoon you will visit the exhilarating natural wonder of Victoria Falls! At 5600 feet wide and 354 feet tall, this waterfall is one of the world’s largest.

Day 12: Victoria Falls

This morning, start your day with a visit to Chinotimba township. Visit a local market, where you can barter for goods and experience daily life. After, you will visit the modest home of a local family for lunch. Your host will prepare an authentic, simple meal with you and share what life is like around Victoria Falls. Following your home visit, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Perhaps you will join an optional tour taking a relaxing cruise on the Zambezi River, a body of water that separates Zimbabwe and Zambia, whose banks are frequented by the local animals.

Day 13: Victoria Falls

Your last full day on tour will bring you to view elephants at a local sanctuary. Hear stories from these gentle giants’ caretakers and learn about the efforts to understand, care for, and protect these intelligent and inspiring creatures. Continue learning about animal conservation and care with a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust for an Impact Moment. The staff at the VFWT will review some of the incredible work they do, ranging from wildlife rehabilitation to community outreach and disease research. You will have the afternoon free to do as you wish. This evening, you will join your fellow travellers for a 3-course farewell dinner under the stars on the bank of the Zambezi River.**

Day 14: Victoria Falls - Johannesburg, South Africa - Tour Ends

Say goodbye to your safari companions as you take a flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, where you will board your return flight home.

Iconic South Africa Itinerary:

Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa

Your adventure begins in Johannesburg, a dynamic city shaped by its gold-rush origins and modern role as South Africa’s economic heart. As travellers’ arrival times will vary, there are no scheduled activities today. Settle into your hotel and relax before tomorrow’s adventure begins. Dinner tonight is on your own.

Day 2: Johannesburg - Soweto

Today, visit the Apartheid Museum to explore South Africa’s journey from segregation to democracy. Continue to Soweto for a guided tour of one of the nation’s most historic townships. Stop at a local market to experience daily life, noticing both the informal settlements and elegant homes that reflect the community’s history and character. Drive past the former home of Nelson Mandela, an enduring symbol of the struggle for freedom. Then, join locals for lunch at a local shabeen (pub), a gathering place deeply rooted in township culture. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Johannesburg - Kruger National Park

Leave the city behind and start your adventure with a flight into the wild as you head to Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest game reserve. See how the landscape shifts dramatically, giving you a glimpse of the expansive savannas and diverse ecosystems that make Kruger so unique. Your lodge, positioned at the park’s entrance, sets the stage for your safari experience. Tonight, gather with fellow travellers for your first dinner in the national park.

Day 4: Kruger National Park

Get your camera ready — today is all about the wildlife! Set out on a full-day game drive in an open-air vehicle, searching for Africa’s iconic “Big Five.” The safari bucket list of animals includes lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and cape buffalo. Pause midday for a picnic lunch, then continue your safari adventure into the afternoon.

Day 5: Kruger National Park

Embrace the rare opportunity to head back into the wild on another full-day safari game drive in Kruger National Park. Enjoy this second attempt to see any elusive animals you may have missed yesterday or get another look at your favourites.

Day 6: Kruger National Park

After two immersive full-day safaris, today offers a slightly different rhythm in the bush. Head out on an early-morning game drive, taking advantage of the softer light and quieter atmosphere to observe familiar wildlife behaviours from a new angle. Return to the lodge for a hearty brunch and some well-earned downtime before venturing out again in the afternoon. Return after the sun sets for your final dinner in Kruger National Park.

Day 7: Kruger National Park - Stellenbosch

Say goodbye to the wild and hello to the winelands of the Western Cape. See for yourself why this area boasts a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful wine countries. Take a flight to Cape Town, South Africa and then a short drive to the town of Stellenbosch, located in South Africa’s most famous wine region. Settle in for a 2-night stay among rolling vineyards and historic Cape Dutch architecture.

Day 8: Stellenbosch - Franschhoek

Start your day with a walking tour of Stellenbosch, a university town known for its vineyards and mountainous nature reserves. Continue to nearby Franschhoek to experience the town’s renowned wine culture with a cellar tour, tasting, and lunch before returning to Stellenbosch. Visit a second winery before returning back to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Day 9: Stellenbosch - Cape Town

Say hello to Cape Town, South Africa’s electric cultural mecca that captivates you at every turn. Explore Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a Cape Town hotspot. From heritage sites to historic landmarks, markets, shops, and restaurants, the waterfront is one of South Africa’s most compelling destinations. On arrival, rise gently over the South African landscape in a cable car to Table Mountain,* taking in views of Cape Town, Lions Head, and historic Robben Island. Tonight, experience an evening of exciting African entertainment, music, food, and culture at a celebrated restaurant in the heart of the city.

Day 10: Cape Town - Cape Peninsula Tour

Travel to Cape Point, the southwestern tip of Africa. Marvel at the vibrant green foliage blanketing the rocky outcrops, set as a contrast to the bright blue waves below. Set out on a laid-back hike down the mountain, wandering by patches of native flowers. Then, stop at Boulders Beach for the rarest of black-tie events – a rendezvous with endangered African penguins!

Day 11: Cape Town

Immerse yourself in Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, famous for its brightly painted houses and deep-rooted Cape Malay heritage. Meet your guide, who will take you to a local market where you’ll pick up aromatic spices that set the stage for your Bo-Kaap cooking experience. Learn how to prepare Cape Malay staples, like delicate samosas and fragrant Cape Malay curry, before sitting to enjoy the delicious dishes you’ve created together. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore at your leisure.

Day 12: Cape Town

Enjoy your final day at leisure before gathering with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner to taste the country’s beloved flavours, starring an array of South African specialities and delicacies.

Day 13: Cape Town - Tour Ends

Your tour ends today, leaving you with memories of South Africa’s incredible people and landscapes.

Prices listed are per person in AUD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 31-07-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.