South Africa and Zimbabwe by Design

South Africa and Zimbabwe by Design

Main Destination South Africa from $10,600.00 CAD per per person based on double occupancy Jan 01 , 0015 - Jan 01 , 0016 7 Days Tour

South Africa & Zimbabwe by Design — A Journey Through Nature, Culture, and Ancient Art This 15-day journey through South Africa and Zimbabwe offers an expertly curated combination of cultural discovery, natural beauty, and premium comfort. Beginning in Cape Town, guests will explore the city’s iconic landmarks, coastal scenery, and vibrant heritage before travelling to the Cederberg Mountains and Cape Winelands, where fine cuisine, wine tasting, and scenic landscapes define the experience. In the rugged wilderness of the Cederberg, travellers encounter one of Southern Africa’s most remarkable cultural treasures — the ancient San rock art sites that reveal the stories, spirituality, and artistry of the region’s earliest inhabitants. These ochre-painted images, some thousands of years old, offer a profound connection to the deep human history of the landscape. Continuing north, the adventure moves into Zimbabwe for an authentic safari in Hwange National Park, home to an impressive diversity of wildlife and renowned for its elephant populations. The journey concludes with a visit to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s great natural wonders. Designed for a small group of twelve travellers, South Africa & Zimbabwe by Design combines seamless logistics, quality accommodations, and enriching guided experiences to showcase the best of both countries in comfort and style. Cover Artwork: Robert Swanepoel, African Studio Safaris

The Route:

Tour Inclusions:

Accommodations:  9 nights hotel w/breakfast, 5 nights lodge w/full board (Cederberg does not include alcohol, Safari lodge includes domestic wine/beer/alcohol with fee for international and premium alcohol)

Meals:  14 breakfasts, 5 lunch, 5 dinner
Transfers:

  1. Cape Town Airport to Cape Town hotel
  2. Cape Town Hotel to Cederberg Lodge
  3. Cederberg Lodge to Stellenbosch hotel
  4. Stellenbosch hotel to Cape Town Airport
  5. Victoria Falls Airport to Safari Lodge
  6. Safari Lodge to Victoria Falls Hotel
  7. Victorial Falls Hotel to Victoria Falls Airport

Touring:

  • Simons Town
  • Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
  • Cape Point Nature Reserve
  • Cape of Good Hope
  • Cape Sidecar Adventures
  • Chapmans Peak
  • Langa Township walking tour w/drumming tutorial
  • Meet and Talk with Christo Brand (Nelson Mandela's former warder and dear friend)
  • Mandela Exhibition
  • Table Mountain (sensitive to weather conditions)
  • Bo-Kaap tour
  • Samosa and Koesister tasting
  • Desmond Tutu Exhibit
  • Campany's Garden walk
  • Guided tour of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art
  • Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
  • Groot Constantia Estate walk and wine tasting
  • Sevilla Rock Art Trail guided tour
  • Visit the !Khwa ttu Heritage Centre - The Way of the SAN
  • Huguenot Memorial in Franschhoek
  • Tour of a cheetah sanctuary (no human/animal interactions permitted)
  • Afrikaans Language Museum
  • Holden Manz Barrel Tasting w/Harvest Platter
  • Morning at Babylonstoren Farms
  • Drive Hells Hootge Pass
  • 6 game drives at safari lodge (number of drives could change depending on arrival into Zimbabwe)
  • Tour of Victoria Falls

Other:

Tour Operations & Support

  • 24-hour emergency assistance and on-the-ground support provided jointly by Departures Travel (Canada) and African Studio (Destination Management Company).

  • Comprehensive pre-departure information and destination travel documentation.

  • Full itinerary planning, reservations management, and local logistics coordination.

Taxes & Levies

  • All applicable government taxes, tourism levies, and service fees on included services.

  • All national park entry and conservation fees where applicable.

  • Professional guiding and local host coordination in each destination.

Not Included:

  • International flights
  • Flight from Cape Town to Victoria Falls

  • Seat selection, baggage fees, upgrades, and onboard services not listed as included.

  • Some lunches and dinners
  • Travel insurance (emergency medical is mandatory, a comprehensive insurance plan is strongly urged)

  • Meals & Beverages

    • Meals and drinks not specifically listed as included.

    • Alcoholic beverages, premium spirits, and minibar items unless stated.

  • Optional & Personal Expenses

    • Optional excursions, spa treatments, and leisure activities not detailed in the itinerary.

    • Personal expenses including gratuities, laundry, telephone, and shopping.

  • Travel Documentation & Health

    • Passport and visa fees.

    • Vaccination or medical certification costs.

    • Border, departure, or port taxes not expressly included.

  •  

Itinerary

Day 1
Oct 07

Arrival in Cape Town

Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your African Studio guide and transferred to your hotel in the V&A Waterfront. Take the afternoon to unwind after your flight — perhaps stroll the lively promenade or watch boats drift in against the backdrop of Table Mountain.

That evening, join your fellow travellers at the hotel bar for a casual welcome drink and overview of the adventure ahead.

 
Day 2
Oct 08

Cape Peninsula Discovery

Today’s full-day excursion showcases the stunning diversity of the Cape Peninsula. Explore historic Simons Town, home to the South African Navy and a charming seaside village. Visit the famous Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, then journey through Cape Point Nature Reserve to the windswept cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope.
Lunch is reserved at The Food Barn in Noordhoek (own expense), followed by a classic motorcycle sidecar ride along Chapman’s Peak Drive — one of the most scenic roads in the world. Return to your hotel via the glittering Atlantic Seaboard.

Day 3
Oct 09

Culture & Connection in the Mother City

Step into the spirit of Cape Town’s living culture with a guided walk through Langa Township, where you’ll meet local artisans and musicians. Join an African drumming workshop — an uplifting celebration of rhythm and unity. Lunch at the V&A Waterfront (own expense).
In the afternoon, meet Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela’s former prison warden and friend, followed by a private Mandela Exhibition at historic City Hall — where Mandela gave his first speech after his release.

Day 4
Oct 10

Table Mountain & Cape Town Heritage

Ride the rotating Table Mountain cable car to the summit for panoramic views, then enjoy a short walk to Platteklip Gorge. Descend for a guided Bo-Kaap walking tour, exploring its cobbled streets, colourful houses, and Cape Malay treats. Stroll through Company’s Garden and enjoy a relaxed lunch under the trees (own expense). In the afternoon, explore the bold architecture and contemporary exhibits of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA).

Day 5
Oct 11

Gardens, Wine & Cape Dutch Heritage

This morning, wander through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, one of the world’s great botanical sanctuaries, where mountain views meet native fynbos flora. Continue to Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine estate, for a heritage walk and wine tasting. Lunch at Constantia Glen (own expense) overlooking rolling vineyards.

Day 6
Oct 11

The Cederberg Mountains - Day 1

Depart Cape Town for the rugged grandeur of the Cederberg Mountains, a land of dramatic sandstone peaks, ancient rock shelters, and crisp mountain air. Arrive at Simbavati Cederberg Ridge, your luxurious wilderness lodge surrounded by sweeping vistas and open skies.
Over the next two days, immerse yourself in the rhythm of this timeless landscape. Visit a Rooibos farm to learn how the region’s signature tea is harvested and cured. Between excursions, enjoy the lodge’s tranquillity, pool, and fine dining, or indulge in a restorative spa treatment.
Each evening ends with a celebration of the night sky — the Cederberg’s isolation and absence of light pollution make it one of the finest stargazing regions in the Southern Hemisphere.

Day 7
Oct 13

The Rock Art Trail

Embark on the Sevilla Rock Art Trail, a gentle hike revealing millennia-old San paintings — vivid ochre depictions of eland, hunters, and ancient rituals that connect travellers to Africa’s first storytellers. 

 

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.