Cape Town, Timbavati Game Reserve & Victoria Falls — Untamed Landscapes
Duration: 12 days
Countries: Zimbabwe, South Africa
Cities: Victoria Falls, Hoedspruit, Nelspruit (KMIA), Johannesburg, Timbavati Game Reserve, Hwange National Park, Cape Town
Valid Travel Dates: 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
From
$10,272
Trip Summary
Overview
Shaped around the wilderness of Cape Town and Johannesburg, this privately arranged safari offers an intimate perspective on the region's wildlife and natural rhythms. Begin in Cape Town, allowing the destination's character to unfold through privately arranged experiences. An evening can be reserved for Cape Town’s coast and iconic sights on a curated discovery with memorable views. Expert-led days focus on tracking the Big Five on game drives and dine under the stars in Kruger’s wilderness. From Cape Town, continue through Hoedspruit, Timbavati Game Reserve and Nelspruit (KMIA) before reaching Johannesburg for the final chapter. The journey reveals the thunder of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi, the traveler's gateway to Zimbabwe’s safari wilds. A distinctive overland experience can include riding the open-air Elephant Express and safari through Hwange’s hidden, wildlife-rich lands. The final design of South Africa to Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Safari will be fully tailored, with every detail shaped around the traveler's priorities and expectations.
Accommodations
The Three Boutique Hotel
Cape Town
Luxury Room, b&b, 3 nights
Kambaku Safari Lodge
Timbavati Game Reserve
Chalet , all-inclusive, 3 nights
Camelthorn Lodge
Hwange National Park
Forest Villa, all-inclusive, 3 nights
Shongwe Lookout
Victoria Falls
Studio Room, b&b, 2 nights
Inclusions
- ✓A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- ✓24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- ✓All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- ✓A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- ✓Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- ✓A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- ✓Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- ✓One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
Exclusions
- ✗Travel insurance, which is available after booking.
- ✗Visas unless otherwise noted, and passport fees.
- ✗The package also excludes gratuities for services and experiences.
- ✗Immunization costs and applicable local departure taxes are not included.
- ✗Lunches, dinners and alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks not specified in the itinerary.
- ✗Excess baggage charges and, where applicable, baggage not included in the fare.
- ✗Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside the itinerary.
- ✗Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards and room service.
- ✗Early check-in or late check-out unless otherwise specified.
- ✗Optional room or flight upgrades and local camera or video fees.
- ✗International airfare is not included, although our Air Team can provide pricing on request.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Cape Town
VIP Meet & Greet, Welcome to Southern Africa, Private Airport Transfer
Upon arrival to Cape Town, you will be welcomed at the door of your aircraft by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. Alongside your assistant, you will be directed through immigration, baggage collection and customs.. Meet your private driver for an airport transfer.
Accommodation: The Three Boutique Hotel (B) (Luxury Room), Cape Town
Cape Town
Half Day City & Table Mountain - Private Tour, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront At Leisure, Restaurant Recommendations
Beat the crowds and start the day early with your private guide by visiting Cape Town’s most iconic landmark, Table Mountain. One of the most spectacularly bio-diverse places on Earth, an estimated 1,500 unique species of plant-life are found on Table Mountain alone, many of which are endemic and found nowhere else on the planet. Ascend by cable car as the mist from the clouds open up to the main plateau while striking views of Cape Town come into crystal-clear focus. Now with a better understanding of the city’s layout, walk past Cape Town’s storied past as your guide recounts the colorful histories of the Houses of Parliament, the Castle of Good Hope (South Africa’s oldest building) and the well-tended Company Gardens. Bargain your way through the lively Greenmarket Square in search of souvenir while meeting local artisans along the way. As you enter another one of Cape Town’s famed stop at Bo-Kaap, learn how the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly colored houses became one of city’ most vibrant neighborhoods. There’s no better way of understanding local history than through your Capetonian guide. From here you have the choice of being dropped off at the V&A Waterfront to experience this landmark at your own pace, with its many shops, restaurants and pubs - or at your hotel to end the tour. Should you choose to visit the waterfront, please speak to your Destination Expert for a range of recommendations for lunch.. The V&A Waterfront is surely one of the top attractions in Cape Town no matter your age, interests or group dynamic. To name a few highlights, the Two Oceans Aquarium is home to an incredible array of exotic, seemingly other-worldly creatures from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Behind the aquarium, a small colony of Cape fur seals are almost always found on the docks, ready and waiting to pose for your camera. Chavonnes Battery, Cape Town’s first fortification, is now a museum with artifacts from centuries past. At the heart of the waterfront lies the Clock Tower of Cape Town. For your shopping needs, a visit to the Victoria Wharf Shopping Center is the perfect stopover for designer items and authentic Cape souvenirs.. From street-side tapas to award winning cuisine, let our Destination Experts help you find the right dining option for your appetite. Some of our favorite spots include; Chef’s Warehouse, Bistro Sixteen82, The Foodbarn, Potluck Club, Plant, Shortmarket Club, Harbour House and Black Sheep Restaurant. To arrange reservations at any of these restaurants, speak to your Destination Expert. Please note: Reservations are subject to availability.
Accommodation: The Three Boutique Hotel (B) (Luxury Room), Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Point and Peninsula (with Lunch) - Private Tour
After meeting your expert local guide in Cape Town, begin the day with a visit to one of the more popular leisure hubs for locals – the glorious beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, where impressive white sand beaches hug the shoreline with the Twelve Apostles as a stunning backdrop. Learn about the fascinating history of this breathtaking land from your Capetonian guide as you begin the spectacular sea-side drive to the quaint village of Hout Bay. After a stop in the village, you will track along the extraordinary Chapman’s Peak Drive, known as one of the most picturesque roadways world-wide. With the flexibility to spend as little or as long as you would like in this region crammed with incredible panoramic lookouts, the benefits of having a private vehicle and guide truly come into play. Further along you will reach the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where, at Cape Point, you will board a funicular or walk up the stairway that leads to the Cape Point Lighthouse; it is here that you will observe dramatic coastal scenery and fantastic views of False Bay. Departing from Cape Point, head northward to Simon’s Town to enjoy lunch (included). Although the city is host to a number of tasty dining options, consider indulging in fresh-caught fish & chips, the town’s specialty. After a refreshing lunch and a bit of time to learn about Simon’s Town, set off with your camera ready to visit Boulders Beach, a nearby nature preserve that is home to a colony of African penguins. Wrapping up your day’s adventure, tour the idyllic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a sprawling park brimming with rare and exotic plant-life that is surely one the finest examples of botany the world over, before being returned to your hotel.
Accommodation: The Three Boutique Hotel (B) (Luxury Room), Cape Town
Cape Town, Hoedspruit, Timbavati Game Reserve
Private Airport Transfer, Cape Town - Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit to Timbavati Game Reserve (2 hrs), Game Viewing in Timbavati
Meet your private driver for an airport transfer.. Board a flight in Cape Town with service to Hoedspruit. Approximate flight duration is two hours and 20 minutes.. Start your safari with a private transfer from Hoedspruit to your lodge in the Timbavati Game Reserve. Approximate travel time is two hours.. Embark on this safari experience and get close to the famed and untouched wildlife of South Africa. All of Africa’s "Big Five" are abundant in the area, as are countless numbers of other naturally-occurring African Plains Game. Supporting and rivaling the "Big Five" are several other species of wildlife, including cheetah and wild dogs. The predatorial species feed on the naturally occurring herbivores from the antelope and gazelle family. There are a variety of nocturnal animals which make sunset drives entirely different and include hyena, honey badger, civet, the bush-baby, and owls just to name a few. The avian population is unrivaled for the avid birdwatcher, with well over 350 different species spotted year-round.
Accommodation: Kambaku Safari Lodge (AI) (Chalet ), Cape Town
Timbavati Game Reserve
Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Game Drive
Before sunrise, you will meet up with other guests at the lodge to begin your early morning game drive. Since Timbavati is a private game reserve, vehicles are allowed to travel off-road to track animals and get you up close and personal. You will be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning to the lodge for breakfast.. After settling into your lodge and preparing for an afternoon adventure, meet with other guest of the lodge and depart alongside your tracker and guide to explore the Timbavati bush. On this game drive, expect to encounter a wide range of wildlife. Since 1993, Timbavati has shared an unfenced border with Kruger National Park which allows an incredibly diverse range of fauna to roam undisturbed. The Big 5 can all be spotted from Timbavati, along with hundreds of other creatures both small and large – what will you discover today? Camera in hand, you will explore the Timbavati wilds until the sun sets, returning to your lodge in time to freshen up for a memorable, freshly-prepared dinner under the night sky.
Accommodation: Kambaku Safari Lodge (AI) (Chalet ), Timbavati Game Reserve
Timbavati Game Reserve
Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Game Drive
Just before sunrise, alongside guests of the lodge, tracker and guide, depart for an exhilarating early morning game drive. The Timbavati Game Reserve brims with a fantastic range species of fowl and mammal, including the ever sought-after Big 5: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The reserve also boasts more than 40 other species of mammals, and bird-lovers will struggle to replicate this calibre of birding anywhere else in the world; in Timbavati there are approximately 360 unique species of birds. After a few hours, you will return to the lodge to indulge in a delicious breakfast.. Embark on this safari experience to get close at the famed wildlife of South Africa. All of Africa’s Big 5 are plentiful in the area, as are countless numbers of other African plains game. Supporting and rivaling the Big 5 are several other species of wildlife, including cheetah and wild dogs. Predatory species feed on herbivores from the antelope and gazelle families. A wide variety of nocturnal animals help ensure that sunset drives are both entirely different than morning drives and just as spectacular. Hyenas, honey badgers, civets, and owls are just a few of the animals you’re more likely to spot in the cooler evening hours. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic white lion; though a rarity, Timbavati is one of the few places on earth where these animals roam wild.
Accommodation: Kambaku Safari Lodge (AI) (Chalet ), Timbavati Game Reserve
Timbavati Game Reserve, Nelspruit (KMIA), Victoria Falls
Timbavati Game Reserve to Nelspruit (3 hrs) , Air - Nelspruit (KMIA) - Victoria Falls [1 hr 50 mins] - Economy, Airport Meet & Greet, Private Airport Transfer, Malachite Dinner Cruise - Shared
Transfer from your lodge in the Timbavati Game Reserve to Nelspruit's Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (KMIA) with a private driver and vehicle. Transfer time will vary based on your departing lodge. Approximate travel time is three hours.. Board a flight with service from Nelspruit to Victoria Falls. The approximate flight duration is one hour and 50 minutes.. An airport representative will meet you upon disembarking the aircraft and accompany you through customs and luggage claim before connecting you with your guide.. Transfer between the Victoria Falls Airport and your lodge with a private driver and vehicle.. Flowing past Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, the Zambezi River forms a spectacular natural border between the two countries. This evening, board the Malachite floating restaurant for an unforgettable dinner cruise on the Zambezi. Head to the upper deck and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine. With a beverage in hand, float gently down the river and expose your senses to your serene surroundings. Look out for a number of animals that inhabit the banks of the Zambezi; hippos, crocodiles, elephants and countless birds can all be spotted from the comfort of the vessel before the sun slips behind the horizon. Once the sun sets, dinner is served on the lower deck. After the cruise returns to shore you will be transferred back to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Shongwe Lookout (B) (Studio Room), Timbavati Game Reserve
Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders: Exploring Victoria Falls (with Lunch, 3-4 hrs) - Private, Optional Activities
The Victoria Falls – now in its remarkable 150 millionth year - reaches its zenith in about May each year. However, it’s a truly awe-inspiring experience year-round – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is nature’s supreme masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality, and nothing prepares you for your first sight. Today, experience the magnificence of this natural wonder on a private guided tour. Your guide will lead you through the lush rainforest cloaking the edge of the Falls, all the while providing you with fascinating facts about the surrounding flora and fauna and detailing the history of this corner of Southern Africa. Following your exploration of the Falls, transfer to the nearby Lookout Cafe for a delicious lunch in the most spectacular setting atop a deep gorge above the Zambezi - a perfect way to wrap up your morning adventure!. Victoria Falls hosts an array of exciting activities that you can book from your hotel, such as helicopter rides, fishing, whitewater rafting, Chobe game park day trips, jet boat tours, cultural tours, and more. Additional charges will apply.
Accommodation: Shongwe Lookout (B) (Studio Room), Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park
Victoria Falls to Dete Railway Station - Shared Transfer, Elephant Express Safari Train
A shared transfer from Victoria Falls to Dete Railway Station is provided.. Be transported back in time to an era when safari by rail was part of the adventure. Unique to Hwange, board an old fashioned locomotive and ride through the National Park, stopping to enjoy game viewing along the way as you spot big game, elephants, eland, African buffalo, giraffe and more. The Elephant Express is a shared rail car that seats 22 passengers and the finishes are comfortable and elegant. They include individual coach seating, teak tables, plenty of space for luggage and a large aisle that allows guests to walk around comfortably and provide unrestricted game viewing. The Elephant Express also provides shorter game viewing trips across the Ngamo Plains to Ingwe Siding or it can be used as an all day activity for guests who want to make the trip to and from Impofu for fun - what a magnificent start or end to a safari in Hwange National Park, gently rattling along in style with a cool drink and enjoying the wildlife and vast wilderness around you. *Please note that the Elephant Express runs according to daily scheduling specified by the National Railways of Zimbabwe and as such may be subject to delays and cancellations, which are beyond our control.
Accommodation: Camelthorn Lodge (AI) (Forest Villa), Victoria Falls
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park, Game Drive
Welcome to Hwange National Park with Imvelo Safari Lodges, where luxury, seclusion, and immersive wilderness experiences create a profound connection with nature, wildlife, and local communities. At Imvelo, conservation and community are at the core of every stay, ensuring that both people and wildlife benefit from each visit. Every safari directly supports Zimbabwe’s natural and cultural heritage, making each adventure both meaningful and unforgettable. Spanning 5,600 square miles, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserve, home to over 40,000 elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and 400 bird species. Explore vast plains, woodlands, and waterholes on thrilling game drives or guided walking safaris, uncovering the park’s hidden wonders with expert trackers. As night falls, retreat to your luxury lodge, bush camp, or tented camp, and gather under the starlit African sky, listening to the distant roar of lions. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife, Hwange National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure, immersing you in Africa’s untamed wilderness.. Experience the untamed wilderness of Hwange National Park with Imvelo Safari Lodges, where expert guides lead you on unforgettable game drives in traditional open safari vehicles. Begin your morning adventure with a refreshing tea or coffee stop, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush. In the afternoon, enjoy cool drinks and savory snacks, enhancing your wildlife experience as the sun casts golden hues over the landscape. With only six seats in the back of each custom-designed safari vehicle, you’ll enjoy a comfortable window seat, ensuring exceptional views of Hwange’s abundant wildlife. In this remote corner of the park, game drives offer an exclusive, crowd-free experience, where the only other spectators are Hwange’s diverse wildlife—from towering elephants to elusive predators and graceful antelope. Explore the hidden wonders of Hwange, where every drive is a spectacular journey into one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems.
Accommodation: Camelthorn Lodge (AI) (Forest Villa), Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park
Rhino Sanctuary, Look-Up Hide, Night Game Drive
Seize the rare opportunity to witness the Big 5 at the Rhino Sanctuary, a landmark conservation success for Hwange. This exclusive experience takes you behind the scenes of rhino conservation, offering incredible encounters with these magnificent animals in their new home on the Ngamo Plains. Begin your journey with a visit to the sanctuary headquarters, where you’ll meet the dedicated Community Wildlife Protection Unit scouts, who work tirelessly to safeguard the rhinos. Then, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime guided walk, joining the elite Cobra Rangers, who provide 24/7 protection for these endangered giants. Enjoy exceptional photography opportunities and quality time observing white rhinos in their natural habitat, gaining a deep appreciation for their resilience and the conservation efforts that protect them. This is more than just a safari—it's a powerful and inspiring experience, connecting you to the heart of Africa’s wildlife conservation mission.. Step into a hidden world of wildlife encounters at Imvelo Safari Lodges’ Look-Up Hide, a unique vantage point that brings you eye-to-eye with Hwange’s iconic giants. This sunken steel hide, ingeniously buried in the soft sands of Hwange, offers a cool, secure retreat for an unparalleled, ground-level perspective of animals coming to drink. Watch in awe as elephants tower above you, their massive feet just meters away, while herds gather at the waterhole, unaware of your presence. Perfect for wildlife photography, this thrilling, up-close experience captures the raw essence of the African wilderness—where every sip, splash, and interaction unfolds just inches from your lens. For an intimate and unforgettable safari moment, the Look-Up Hide at Imvelo Safari Lodges is an absolute must.. Venture into the mystical world of Hwange after dark with an exhilarating night drive at Imvelo Safari Lodges. As night falls, embark on a captivating safari with expert trackers, using red-filtered spotlights to reveal Hwange’s elusive nocturnal creatures with minimal disturbance. Watch as the wilderness comes alive with stealthy predators, elusive foragers, and agile climbers. Unusual highlights include antbears foraging for termites, prickly porcupines rustling through the undergrowth, springhares leaping like tiny kangaroos, and the wide-eyed lesser bushbaby bounding between branches. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the graceful pennant-winged nightjar in flight—a truly mesmerizing sight. A night drive with Imvelo Safari Lodges is a thrilling, immersive experience, revealing a side of Hwange few ever get to see—where mystery, adventure, and nature’s raw beauty converge under the African night sky.
Accommodation: Camelthorn Lodge (AI) (Forest Villa), Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Johannesburg
Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls (3 hrs) - Private Transfer, Air - Victoria Falls - Johannesburg [1 hr 40 mins] - Economy
Today enjoy your private vehicle transfer from Hwange Main Camp to Victoria Falls. The approximate travel time is three hours.. Board a flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg. Approximate flight duration is 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport) ( ), Hwange National Park

Begin Your Bespoke Journey
No obligation. One of our Travel Designers will tailor every detail to your preferences.
Request This ExperienceTerms and Conditions
This journey is subject to our Traveler Terms and Conditions, which explain how bookings, pricing, payment, cancellation and travel protection work. Please read them before you book.
Read the Traveler Terms and Conditions