globus south africa tours

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A world beyond. Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. 

Adventure is knocking. Turn “never thought I would” into “glad I did” with a budget-friendly tour that includes all the essentials plus a great mix of included excursions and free time. 

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Ways to travel, trip planning, the globus difference, europe and britain, north america, south and central america, africa and middle east, australia and new zealand.

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Tailor your holiday with complimentary YourChoice excursions

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Hand-pick your travelling party on a European Private Tour

Go beyond on a world-famous train journey

Explore the world with tours of only 20-24 guests

Combine land and sea on a cruise and tour holiday

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Feel rejuvenated and renewed on a Globus Faith-based tour

Taste your way through favourite foodie hotspots

Experience it all on a multi-country tour of Europe

Globus makes it easy for solo travellers to see the world

Discover some of North America's biggest festivals and events

Visit America's most picturesque National Parks

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Combine a Globus tour or city stay with an Avalon River Cruise for the ultimate adventure

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Independent South Africa & Victoria Falls

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Splendors of South Africa and Victoria Falls (QS2024)

Escorted tour details, a 12-day globus tours tour starting from $5,772.00.

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-888-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

Escorted Tour Highlights

Africa, South Africa, Zimbabwe

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Sightseeing Highlights

City Highlights

NOTE: Intra-country airfare is required for this tour and is included in the prices below along with applicable air taxes. Please contact a travel agent for more information.

Title Splendors of South Africa & Victoria Falls

Vacation Overview Want the lion 's share of captivating cities, private game reserves, natural wonders, and wondrous wildlife? Point your compass south for the diverse and enchanting sights of South Africa and Zimbabwe. The glorious panoramas from Cape Town 's Table Mountain and the candy-hued streets of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood set the stage for the sweet sights to come. Six open-air private game reserve drives near Kruger National Park offer a fascinating glimpse of up to 42 mammal species and 350 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo—before branching out in Johannesburg. Here, you 'll explore Soweto, the city 's largest township, including the former home of Nelson Mandela and the significant sites of the anti-apartheid movement. Your South Africa vacation crescendos at Victoria Falls, called Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) on the Zambezi River. Twice the height of Niagara Falls, this breathtaking waterfall spanning the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia offers twice the photo ops.

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Meals Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

Southern Sun The Cullinan Cape Town, South Africa Southern Sun The Cullinan offers travelers easy access to all that Cape Town has to offer including the popular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Complementing the rich, cultural heritage of Cape Town through timeless architecture, the opulent décor creates a mood that is a world away from home, while service and attention to detail ensure your every need is taken care of. Rating: Superior First-Class

Makalali Main Lodge Kruger National Park Area, South Africa Makalali Main Lodge is a newly built lodge located in Makalali Private Game Reserve. Enjoy the luxury of air-conditioned rooms with comfortable interiors of classic leather and wood furnishings. The central area is designed with rustic features that effortlessly bring outside elements indoors. The outside area is distinctively designed around the natural surrounds, with a spacious deck area built around indigenous trees that overlook a watering hole. This is the ideal spot to view wildlife and appreciate the scenery. The large crystal blue rim-flow pool is equally spectacular! Its comfortable chairs and sun-loungers create an inviting ambience. Enjoy an array of African cuisine in main dining area with its distinct fireplace that connects the bar lounge and dining area. Rating: Superior First-Class

Sandton Sun Johannesburg, South Africa Built in 1984, the hotel is every inch a grand property, offering guests the ultimate "red carpet experience". This is punctuated by staff who strive to provide superb VIP treatment for all who pass through the doors. Situated in Sandton, the heart of Johannesburg's new Central Business District, guests are perfectly located within easy reach of the city's finest entertainment and leisure amenities. Rating: Moderate Deluxe

Ilala Lodge Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Ilala Lodge provides distinguished accommodation in a gracious and secluded ambiance. The hotel is the closest to Victoria Falls as well as the town center. Wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background. Rating: Superior First-Class

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Splendors of South Africa & Victoria Falls ( QS)

12 Day Tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg

Splendors of South Africa & Victoria Falls

Starting at: $ 4959

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 accommodations,  optional excursions.

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  2025 Tour Details » 2024 Tour Details

Want the lion’s share of captivating cities, private game reserves, natural wonders, and wondrous wildlife? Point your compass south for the diverse and enchanting sights of South Africa and Zimbabwe. The glorious panoramas from Cape Town’s Table Mountain and the candy-hued streets of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood set the stage for the sweet sights to come. Six open-air private game reserve drives near Kruger National Park offer a fascinating glimpse of up to 42 mammal species and 350 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo—before branching out in Johannesburg. Here, you’ll explore Soweto, the city’s largest township, including the former home of Nelson Mandela and the significant sites of the anti-apartheid movement. Your South Africa vacation crescendos at Victoria Falls, called Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) on the Zambezi River. Twice the height of Niagara Falls, this breathtaking waterfall spanning the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia offers twice the photo ops.

To know more about the visas for this vacation, click here

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All game viewing is done at your own risk. We require a signed liability waiver prior to travel.

 Meals

 meals & itinerary.

Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

 Itinerary

Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description.

ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Motherly Love Welcome to Cape Town, commonly referred to as the “Mother City” by locals, as it was home to the first European settlement in South Africa. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon. CAPE-TOWN.jpg

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

WENDY ATKINSON

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" I am a proud South African who loves the nature, history, and culture of this beautiful land. As a Tour Director, it is my privilege to combine and share two of my passions-a love of the wilderness and of travel with you! "

LINDA LIEBENBERG

" Most people know about Cape Town and great safari experiences, but South Africa has so much more to offer. From great wine and food to its fascinating history and people, I look forward to guiding you on a vacation you won't soon forget. "

SOUTHERN SUN THE CULLINAN

Kruger national park area, makalali main lodge, johannesburg, sandton sun, victoria falls, ilala lodge.

Ilala Lodge provides distinguished accommodation in a gracious and secluded ambiance. The hotel is the closest to Victoria Falls as well as the town center. Wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background.

The following optional excursions may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased).

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A world beyond. Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. 

Adventure is knocking. Turn “never thought I would” into “glad I did” with a budget-friendly tour that includes all the essentials plus a great mix of included excursions and free time. 

Cruising Elevated. Cruise on Suite Ships with the widest stateroom views from your window-facing bed. Relaxed luxury flows throughout the ship in every detail plus personalise with Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions.

Discover Tours

Ways to travel, trip planning, the globus difference, europe and britain, north america, south and central america, africa and middle east, australia and new zealand.

• Eastern Europe
• Greece and Turkey
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands and Belgium
• Western United States
• Eastern United States
• Southern United States
• Eastern Canada
• Western Canada
• Central America
• South East Asia
• Israel and Jordan

South Africa

• New Zealand
• Find Your Way to Travel

Tour Styles

Tailor your holiday with complimentary YourChoice excursions

Go off-the-beaten-path in Europe and North America

Combine the benefits of touring with the freedom of independent travel

Enjoy thinner crowds & thicker wallets by travelling in the low season

Hand-pick your travelling party on a European Private Tour

Go beyond on a world-famous train journey

Explore the world with tours of only 20-24 guests

Combine land and sea on a cruise and tour holiday

Tour Themes

Feel rejuvenated and renewed on a Globus Faith-based tour

Taste your way through favourite foodie hotspots

Experience it all on a multi-country tour of Europe

Globus makes it easy for solo travellers to see the world

Discover some of North America's biggest festivals and events

Visit America's most picturesque National Parks

Our Current Tour Deals

Combine a Globus tour or city stay with an Avalon River Cruise for the ultimate adventure

Earn Qantas Points on a Globus tour!

Before You Book

• Book with Confidence
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• Welcome Back Credit
• Flights & Transfers

Before You Travel

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Meet Globus

We've spent 95 years perfecting your holiday

Why true travellers tour

Explore the world your way

Travel in style on a Globus tour

Lighting the path to a better tomorrow

Helping UNICEF Australia help the world

Meet the rest of the family

Join the Globus family of brands team

Get Inspired

Follow the adventures of Carla, our Globus Guru

View our e-brochure

Travel stories to feed the soul

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Start planning your next holiday

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City Vibes & Safari Nights

A Globus tour of South Africa is fuelled by colourful cities, private game reserves, and wondrous wildlife. Enjoy open-air game drives near Kruger National Park and keep your camera at the ready for sightings of the “Big 5”, as well as cheetah, wildebeest, crocodile, hippo, and rhino. Dive into South Africa’s turbulent past with a visit to Soweto in Johannesburg and the former home of Nelson Mandela, and soak in glorious panoramas from Cape Town’s Table Mountain to the candy-coloured streets of its Bo-Kaap neighbourhood.  

South Africa Highlights

Makalali private game reserve.

Embark aboard a custom safari vehicle in Makalali Private Game Reserve for an afternoon game drive with a skilled tracker and professional Ranger. Keep on the lookout for the "Big 5" – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo, followed by sundowner drinks.

Explore Soweto, the largest township in the country, with your Local Guide. Visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the former neighbourhoods of Nobel Peace Prize winners, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela, featuring the Mandela House – former home of the legendary human rights leader.

Cape Point Nature Reserve

Visit Boulders Beach in Cape Point Nature Reserve to see a colony of endangered African penguins, known for the unique sound they make. Colonies can be found from southern Namibia all the way around the South African coast, and Boulders Beach is the premiere viewing spot.

Popular South Africa Tours

Explore the best of south africa.

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Safety In Africa: Tips For Staying Safe

For many, just the thought of travelling to Africa is enough to send them scurrying under their bed with fear.

We’ve all heard the horror stories about crime and diseases, so most people’s concerns about visiting are usually centered around safety in Africa.

Africa is a daunting and challenging place to travel to. However, it is one of the most rewarding travel experiences you will ever have.

There is no place on earth like Africa, and if you can tame those monsters that hide in your shadows, then it is so worth you investing time and money travelling on this unique and vast continent.

In this guide, we share our top safety tips for traveling in Africa, so you can feel more at ease about visiting.

Global Peace Index Scores

Behaviour / appearance safety tips, 2. destination safety tips, 3. driving in africa safety tips, 4. health in africa safety tips, group tours of africa, final thoughts, more africa travel posts, is africa safe.

Since Africa is a continent, you cannot simply say yes or no with regards to safety.

Some of the safest countries to visit in Africa include Mauritius, Botswana , Rwanda, Seychelles , Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, and Zambia.

These destinations are known for their welcoming hospitality, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

Malawi is also safe in terms of crime, and is often described as The Warm Heart of Africa, though there are malaria zones and other diseases to watch out for there.

On the other hand, certain areas may pose higher safety risks due to crime and civil unrest.

Some cities in Zambia, such as Lusaka and Livingstone, have a higher crime rate.

Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution when visiting some regions such as Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia, as well as some cities in South Africa such as Johannesburg.

There are particular areas where crime is higher, such as the Townships, or slums, which are areas that tourists wouldn’t go anyway.

Stick to the main touristy areas and tourist attractions, and you shouldn’t run into any problems.

Also, check where they rank on the Global Peace Index , to get a feel for how bad crime is.

To help you understand which countries are considered safe, here are the gpi score for some of the most visited countries in Africa.

For context, the Global Peace Index (GPI) scores work by measuring and ranking the relative peacefulness of nations and regions based on various indicators such as levels of violence, crime rates, military expenditures, terrorism, and political stability.

The scores are calculated using a wide range of data, including surveys, qualitative analysis, and expert assessments, and offer a guide to the overall assessment of peace and security.

The lower scores indicate a higher level of peace and stability.

The following scores are as of January 2024. The lowest score is 1.1, and the highest is 3.4.

Safety Tips For Traveling in Africa

To make sure you don’t run into the wrong area, or attract any unwanted attention, be sure to follow these words of advice about safety in Africa…

As with any place you visit, act confidently and always be friendly . You don’t want to invite trouble your way. Africans are really friendly, there is no reason you can’t return their beaming smiles and chat with them.

Do not wear any flashy jewelry . Look like a budget traveller. Never talk about money and how much you have. Try not to carry a lot of money on you and keep it well hidden.

Ladies , there will be many local men that will want to chat you up, these are really young, cool, good looking men. It is so easy to be charmed by them. Just be careful.

We found the locals really aggressive in Tanzania. They will crowd you and pull at you in order to get you to buy from them etc.

Just be really firm and confident with them from the word go. Avoid conversation and eye contact. Just a curt nod of the head and move on.

Choose your destination wisely . Some African countries are safer than others, so always check your government’s travel advisory warnings.

Know your own comfort level and be prepared for any dangers you may encounter.

I personally would not go to places that are currently involved in acts of war or aggression or have a high crime rate.

Countries like Somalia have too many cases of kidnapping and robbery for me to see the appeal of going. For me, it is just not worth it.

Try to avoid walking around at night. Unless you are in big cities and with a group of people. I would just stick to the campsites/hostels/hotels, or if you do, don’t be rolling drunk or by yourself.

Know the area you are in. Just in case there are wild animals, you don’t want to be unknowingly walking around in their home at night time (or day for that matter).

Also have the number of the local authorities saved on your phone, so you know who to call in case you need to.

We stayed at St Lucia , one of my favorite South African towns, but it was also a place where hippos freely wandered the streets at night.

The only place I was really scared was Johannesburg, but that was because I had heard a lot of horror stories of carjacking, mugging, armed robbery, and worse.

Nothing happened to us.

The second time I went there I had my brother, who lived there for awhile, to look out for me and take me to the safe areas.

Make sure you are aware of where it is safe to go and where it is not . If you happen to be in Johannesburg, simply get an Uber everywhere. Don’t walk, even if it’s just 5 minutes down the road.

If you can spend time with local people you know and trust who know the area like this then hang out with them.

It will ease your mind and allow you to see the good side of the destination.

Or if you are that concerned then perhaps join a tour of these certain areas.

Hiring a car is a fantastic way to see certain parts of Africa, especially the Game Reserves and National Parks. Make sure you understand the road rules and take care . Check Discover Cars for best prices and availability .

If you do plan to self-drive a safari, be sure to check out our safari tips to maximize your experience.

When in the game parks keep your windows rolled up when you get close to the wild animals. Yes, they could jump in there. Only get out of your car at the designated rest areas and still keep your five senses heightened.

Don’t lean out of the car to photograph lions or rhino, as they may come up close to your vehicle.

When driving around Africa, you will have plenty of cars, trucks and other vehicles overtaking at any moment, blind corners or not.

I always honk my horn several times when approaching a blind corner to warn anyone coming opposite to stay on their side of the road until I pass.

Also note that speed cameras are ruthless in South Africa. You might not even know they are there, so be sure to make sure you’re not speeding if you want to avoid a fine.

If you come face to face with an elephant and he starts flapping his ears, that is your cue to reverse a bit and give him his space. And if he charges then lets hope you can drive like Michael Schumaker.

If you have to catch public transport i.e mini-vans, pick ups, never sit in the front seat/cabin. It is commonly known as the Death Seat . Take the squashy back options – it is safer.

Make sure that you get the recommended vaccinations before you arrive in Africa. You will need Yellow Fever and may not be allowed to enter your own country upon return if you have not had it.

You may also need to get vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, as well as the normal precautions such as tetanus jabs.

Carry your vaccination booklet with you as you will need a lot of vaccinations and won’t remember when you had it or when you need a booster. You’ll need to show it to prove you have had your yellow fever vaccination as well.

Do you have malaria pills? Probably something you should have. Although they generally just mask the symptoms rather than prevent them.

My brother still got malaria even while taking them and was holed up in a small, dusty cabin on Lake Malawi for three months. He was happy enough, as the World Cup Soccer was on so he could watch all the matches.

Some have ugly side effects so choose wisely. We didn’t have any problems with Doxycycline, although it can make you more sensitive to the sun.

They came in handy for me when I contracted Tick Bite Fever. They are an antibiotic so they helped clear it up.

Watch out when swimming in stagnant water (particularly in Malawi) where you can get Bilharzia. Check with the locals they will tell you if it is okay to swim or not.

Don’t go hiking mountains in the heat of a Malawian 40 degree day. You will feel like you are about to die from heat stroke – really stupid move.

We ate plenty of food from local vendors and street food and never got sick. Go for it! Choose places that are well frequented by locals. Make sure the food is piping hot before you tuck in and you should avoid food poisoning disasters.

It’s important to travel to Africa with adequate travel insurance! Check Visitor’s Coverage  and  World Nomads , and  SafetyWing  for prices and policies.

If you’re considering joining a group tour for Africa, consider our long-term partner Globus family of brands. We have a discount in the blue box below.

• Globus tours of Africa
• Cosmos tours of Africa

GLOBUS DISCOUNT JUST FOR YOU!

We’ve secured an exclusive yTravel discoun t: Save $100 per person on select 2024 Globus and Avalon Waterway Vacations. Use the code: YTRAVEL when booking online at the Globus , Cosmos , and Avalon Waterways websites, by calling Globus and Avalon Waterways directly, or booking with a preferred Travel Advisor. Terms & Conditions .

I was a little scared when we decided we were going to travel around East and South Africa independently.

The tours sounded safe and comfortable, but we really wanted more of an authentic experience.

With this came a certain amount of fear. But, my fears were alleviated as soon as we touched ground.

After almost five months of catching local transport, camping, and spending a lot of time with the locals, we had no dangers or horror stories to speak of – only challenging journeys, warm friendships made, and one out of the ordinary case of tick bite fever.

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• How to travel Africa on a budget

Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

cities & locations