Our Best Southern Africa Itineraries for Returning Visitors

1. South Africa's Beach & Safari
Duration: 9 Days | Destinations: 2

This curated itinerary is the perfect blend of safari adventure and coastal bliss. Spend 9 days exploring South Africa's Phinda Private Game Reserve and the unspoiled KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Starting at Phinda Game Reserve, you will spend your days on game drives, guided nature walks, and enjoying sundowner moments that bring you up close to the Big Five, and an incredible array of birdlife.

Then, escape to the secluded shores of Thonga Beach Lodge, where golden sands and azure waters create a sanctuary of relaxation. Spend your days snorkelling, diving, or simply soaking up the sun, with the chance to spot whales, dolphins, and nesting turtles along this breathtaking stretch of coastline.

Highlights:

• Big Five game drives & guided bush walks at Phinda Private Game Reserve
• Exclusive beachfront stay at Thonga with direct access to untouched shores
• Spot whales, dolphins & seasonal turtle nesting
• Unwind with fresh seafood & stunning ocean views

Best For:

• Couples & Honeymooners
• Wildlife & Nature Lovers

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2. Self-Drive South Africa's KwaZulu Natal
Duration: 11 Days | Destinations: 4

Go on an unforgettable 11-day self-drive journey through South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal, a region rich in natural beauty, history, and diverse wildlife. Start your adventure at the foot of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, where you can unwind in a tranquil setting before heading to the storied Battlefields region. Here, expert-led tours bring the famous battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift to life, while game drives along the Buffalo River offer the chance to spot giraffe, zebra, and a variety of birdlife.

Next, escape to the unspoiled beaches of the Maputaland Coastal Reserve, where Thonga Beach Lodge provides the perfect retreat for snorkelling, swimming, and seaside relaxation. The finale of your journey is a Big Five safari in Phinda Game Reserve, one of South Africa's most exclusive conservation areas, known for its exceptional wildlife encounters.

Highlights:

• Experience the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains
• Explore the historic Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal with expert-led tours at Fugitives' Drift
• Relax on the pristine beaches of Maputaland
• World-class snorkelling at Thonga Beach Lodge
• Big Five safari in Phinda Resource Reserve, a renowned conservation success story

Best for:

• History & Culture Buffs
• Adventure & Wildlife Seekers

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3. Community & Wildlife Luxury Safari
Duration: 10 Days | Destinations: 3

Experience two distinct and extraordinary wildlife destinations on this 10-day safari, combining the iconic Big Five of the Kruger with the untamed beauty of the Kalahari. Begin your adventure at Saseka Tented Camp in Thornybush Game Reserve, a private sanctuary bordering Kruger National Park. Spend 5 days exploring this wild landscape on game drives, where expert guides bring you up close to Africa's heavy-hitter wildlife.

After a restful night in Johannesburg, continue to the vast, otherworldly expanse of Tswalu Private Game Reserve, South Africa's largest privately owned reserve. Here, your safari takes on a new dimension with guided dune walks, encounters with rare desert-adapted species, and opportunities to explore ancient San rock art. Unwind with spa treatments, cool off by the pool, or cap off your adventure with a magical night of stargazing completed with a sleep-out under the Kalahari's star-studded sky.

Highlights:

• Exclusive Big Five safari in the Thornybush Private Reserve
• Cultural immersion at Nourish Eco Village, including traditional Shangaan experiences
• Unique desert wildlife encounters and San rock art excursions at Tswalu Private Reserve
• Unparalleled stargazing and the option to sleep under the vast Kalahari sky

Best for:

• Luxury & Conservation-Focused Travellers
• Second-Time Safari Goers

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4. Botswana, Zimbabwe & Namibia
Duration: 17 Days | Destinations: 8

This is the ultimate Southern African adventure, taking you on a 17-day journey from the thundering Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta and through Namibia's most breathtaking landscapes. Start your trip in Livingstone, where the mighty Zambezi River offers adrenaline-pumping activities such as white-water rafting, sunset boat cruises, and micro-lighting over the falls. Then, fly into Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve for a classic safari in the Okavango Delta, where traditional mokoro excursions and game drives offer an intimate encounter with incredible wildlife.

From Botswana, you take the wheel on a self-drive adventure across Namibia, a country famed for its dramatic desert landscapes and excellent road-trip conditions. Discover the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, the rugged terrain of Damaraland, and the vast salt pans of Etosha National Park.

Highlights:

• Visit Victoria Falls, with adventure activities on the Zambezi River
• Mokoro Safaris along the waterways of the Okavango Delta
• Self-drive journey through Namibia, covering Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and Etosha
• Contribute to conservation and community projects, supporting CLAWS and the Ecoexist Project

Best for:

• Adventure Travellers & Self-Driving Explorers
• Adventurous Honeymooners & Families
• Positive Impact Travellers

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5. Ultimate Zimbabwe & Livingstone Safari
Duration: 13 Days | Destinations: 4

The best of Zimbabwe and Zambia has been curated on this 13-day safari, exploring pristine wilderness areas and ending with a stay on the mighty Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. Begin your adventure in Mana Pools, a UNESCO-listed hidden gem where elephants, buffalo, and endangered wild dogs roam freely. Enjoy canoeing along the river, guided bush walks, and game drives in a landscape teeming with birdlife and predators. Then, unwind at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge on the shores of Lake Kariba, where breathtaking sunsets over the water create an unforgettable setting.

Your journey continues to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest wildlife reserve and home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations. Stay at a luxury camp overlooking a bustling waterhole, where game viewing happens right from your deck. Finally, cross into Zambia for a grand finale at a luxury lodge on the banks of the Zambezi. Enjoy sunset cruises, rhino tracking in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, and an up-close encounter with the iconic Victoria Falls.

Highlights:

• Canoeing, walking safaris & game drives in the wildlife-rich Mana Pools
• Spectacular sunsets over Lake Kariba
• Walking safaris & night game drives in Hwange National Park, home to over 30,000 elephants
• Luxury stay on the Zambezi River with sunset cruises and Victoria Falls excursions

Best for:

• Seasoned safari goers
• Photographers & Nature Lovers

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6. Namibia's Road Trip & Fly-In Sossusvlei
Duration: 12 Days | Destinations: 5

If you're in search of your greatest adventure, we would highly recommend this 12-day self-drive adventure through Namibia, where the contrasts of landscapes and wildlife will leave you awe-inspired. Begin your journey in Windhoek, where your exploration starts with encounters with Africa's big cats at the Waterberg Plateau and Okonjima, home to the Africat Foundation. From there, make your way to Etosha National Park for game drives, followed by the ancient landscapes of Damaraland, where you'll discover rock art by the San people, and desert-adapted wildlife.

The journey continues along the dramatic Atlantic coast, where the seaside town of Swakopmund beckons with exciting dune adventures. Afterward, experience the vast desert of Sossusvlei, home to towering sand dunes that promise both spectacular views and unforgettable experiences. This diverse itinerary captures the true essence of Namibia, offering an unparalleled mix of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty.

Highlights:

• Up-close encounters with big cats at Waterberg Plateau and Okonjima
• Game drives in the iconic Etosha National Park
• Exploration of ancient rock art in Damaraland
• Adventurous dune activities and desert wildlife sightings in Sossusvlei

Best for:

• Wildlife Lovers
• Adventure Seekers

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7. Botswana's Privately Guided Bush, Photography & Stargazing Safari
Duration: 13 Days | Destinations: 3

This is a transformative 13-day journey through Botswana's most spectacular landscapes, with a highly trained private guide to lead you through a series of awe-inspiring experiences. From the vast Kalahari Desert to the serene waterways of the Okavango Delta, this adventure promises to take you to remote corners of the world that are as breathtaking as they are untouched. You’ll engage with the ancient San people, explore salt pans under the African sun, and traverse the wilds in search of Botswana's famed wildlife.

Your adventure begins with a flight over the Kalahari Desert and continues into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where you’ll engage with the San and experience their desert-adapted skills. Then, move on to the Makgadikgadi Pans, where stargazing and photography are among the many curated activities. The grand finale takes place in the Okavango Delta, where you’ll explore its channels by mokoro and enjoy a sky safari over this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Highlights:

• Light aircraft flight over the Kalahari Desert
• Unique cultural immersion with the San people
• Photography, stargazing, and activities in the Makgadikgadi Pans
• Mokoro excursion and helicopter safari in the Okavango Delta
• Privately guided throughout

Best for:

• Cultural Explorers
• Wildlife Lovers

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8. Zambia's Community & Conservation Safari
Duration: 10 Days | Destinations: 3

Begin your 10-day journey at one of Africa's most iconic destinations, Victoria Falls, where the beauty and power of the Falls will leave you in awe. Your stay at Tongabezi Lodge will offer a range of activities, starting your trip with a bang. From there, a scenic flight takes you to the remote and pristine South Luangwa National Park, a haven for walking safaris and exceptional wildlife experiences. Spend your days exploring this untouched wilderness with expert safari guides, all while enjoying the park's calm and uncrowded atmosphere.

The final destination is the serene Likoma Island on Lake Malawi. Known as the ‘Lake of Stars,' this tranquil island offers a perfect retreat. Your home at Kaya Mawa provides an idyllic setting with powder-soft beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a range of activities to keep you relaxed and refreshed. This is a seamless mix of safaris, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences, making it ideal for any traveller seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Highlights:

• Explore the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and enjoy diverse activities at Tongabezi Lodge
• Embark on a walking safari in the unspoiled South Luangwa National Park
• Relax on the pristine beaches of Likoma Island, known as the ‘Lake of Stars'
• Engage in sustainable community activities, including visits to the Tujatane School and the Mukuni Community Farm

Best for:

• Adventure Seekers
• Cultural Explorers
• Positive Impact Travellers

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9. Diverse South Luangwa
Duration: 8 Days | Destinations: 1

This 8-day safari is an off-the-beaten path adventure through Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, combining a selection of top-tier lodges and camps. After arriving at Lusaka International Airport, a scenic light aircraft flight takes you to the award-winning Mfuwe Lodge, nestled on the banks of the Luangwa River. From here, venture deeper into the park, with stays at Chindeni Camp, Bilimungwe Lodge, and Zungulila Bush Camp, each offering unrivalled wildlife viewing and a chance to experience the park's incredible diversity.

South Luangwa is known as the birthplace of walking safaris, and this itinerary places a strong emphasis on game drives and nature walks. With the expert guidance of seasoned rangers, you'll encounter the region's abundant wildlife in its natural habitat, from big game to rare bird species. Add a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls to complete your journey.

Highlights:

• Stay in authentic camps with prime locations for wildlife viewing
• Explore South Luangwa on thrilling game drives and walking safaris
• Experience diverse wildlife encounters in one of Africa's most pristine ecosystems
• Add a visit to the breathtaking Victoria Falls

Best for:

• Wildlife Enthusiasts
• Seasoned Safari Goers

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10. Zambia & Malawi's Bush & Beach
Duration: 10 Days | Destinations: 4

Enjoy a 10-day off-the-beaten-track safari combining adventure, wildlife encounters, and a serene lakeside retreat. Begin your journey at Tongabezi Lodge, where you can explore the thrill of Victoria Falls, Africa's adventure capital, while enjoying peaceful moments at the lodge. After soaking in the views and activities, head to the secluded Sindabezi Island Camp for a night of island picnics, sunset cruises, and complete tranquility on the Zambezi River.

Next, discover the untamed wilderness of South Luangwa National Park at Shawa Luangwa Camp, where you'll experience game drives, walking safaris, and boat excursions. Finish your safari with a relaxing stay at Kaya Mawa on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, offering a perfect blend of water-based activities, beach relaxation, and indulgent massages.

Highlights:

• Experience Victoria Falls and the tranquillity of Sindabezi Island
• Explore South Luangwa's wildlife with expert-guided walks, game drives & boat trips
• Relax on the beaches of Likoma Island
• Water activities & luxury accommodation
• Contribute to local community upliftment and wildlife conservation

Best for:

• Adventure Seekers & Wildlife Lovers
• Honeymooners & Couples

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Ready to Plan Your Return Safari to Southern Africa?

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