Ultimate Southern Africa Safari

Price guide

$0 PP

The Ultimate Southern Africa Safari

Duration11 days

Price guide

From

$0 PP

Destinations

Days 1–2

Okavango Delta

Southern Africa’s superior safari destinations have been handpicked for this private trip, so you can get you up close to some of the most stunning wildlife in the world. You’ll begin in the famous Kruger Park, searching for the big five. Then, Victoria Falls to explore the spectacular cascading waters. Finally, hop over to Botswana’s glimmering Okavango Delta, an incredible oasis in a region surrounded by desert. Discover why it’s Africa‘s premier safari destination, packed with wildlife, on boat trips, game drives and walks, while staying in a stunning luxury lodge, nestled among the wilderness.

Trip highlights

Search for the Big Five on safari in Kruger Park
Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
Enjoy a privately guided tour of Victoria Falls
Weave through the waterways of the Okavango Delta

Muddy waters with wallowing hippos in the Kruger National Park

Lush green vegetation surrounds the mighty Victoria Falls

A calm and serene sunet cruise

Cheetah cubs play in the Kruger National Park

A mokoro boat trip in the Okavango Delta

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

Luxury accommodation throughout
Private transfers and tours at Victoria Falls
Expertly guided safari excursions
Full support from your travel designer and concierge
Help with restaurant recommendations and reservations

Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–2

Overnight in Johannesburg

South Africa‘s ‘Big Apple’, this sunny city is not only one of the world’s largest urban areas and South Africa’s commercial and economic hub, it’s also been branded the new capital of cool. In recent years, Johannesburg (otherwise known as Joburg or Jozi) has undergone a huge transformation, shifting from a jumping-off point to a city that has been described as one of the coolest cities in the world. The inner city in particular has been completely redeveloped with a huge amount of public art popping up all over the streets.

Where you could stay

South Africa

The Peech Hotel

Based in the suburb of Melrose, just 10 minutes from the shopping & business centres of Melrose Arch, Rosebank and Sandton and 45 minutes from Johannesburg Airport, The Peech Hotel is an owner run boutique hotel. The sixteen rooms here provide you with all the expected mod cons, while the garden rooms overlook the one acre of lush grounds from a private patio or balcony. You can also enjoy these views from the relaxed bistro restaurant which boasts patio dining, a wine cellar and a private dining room. Meanwhile the outdoor pool offers a refreshing spot to relax or get in some fitness before you head on to your next destination.

South Africa

The Residence

A warm, hospitable welcome awaits you at The Residence, located in the historic suburb of Houghton, which is also home to many famous residents including former President Nelson Mandela. The Residence exudes a charming air of quiet dignity, with an abundance of bougainvillea blossoms cascading down the terraced gardens. This is a gorgeous spot where you are treated with personalised service and are invited to make yourself at home.
The Residence is an extraordinary boutique hotel that is truly one of a kind, no effort has been spared in creating the most sublime surroundings to surpass your greatest expectations. On arrival at The Residence, you are greeted warmly and graciously before being shown around the guest areas on the ground floor. There is an immediate awareness of the sophisticated splendour of the interior and an all-pervading atmosphere of total tranquillity. The entrance hall leads through to the sumptuous lounge and sitting room with plush furnishings inviting carefree relaxation for all seasons. A cosy log fire is lit in the fireplace on chilly days, while doors opening onto the long, spacious veranda offer a cool respite from the warm African sun. Guests are welcome to take a stroll through the manicured gardens and enjoy a game of tennis or swim a few lengths in the large outdoor pools. Enjoy a work out at our gymnasium or play a round of golf on the Houghton Golf Course.

Days 2–5

Safari in the Kruger area

The Kruger National Park remains one of the oldest and largest wildlife reserves in the world. Its ground-breaking conservation philosophy has led the way for other wildlife sanctuaries so, it’s no wonder the Kruger’s sixteen different habitats are home to 517 species of bird and 147 varieties of mammals, including the big five. You’ll spend a few days exploring the region and enjoying excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Where you could stay

South Africa

Singita Boulders Lodge

Set along the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, Boulders Lodge harmonises effortlessly with its surroundings, designed to reflect the light, colours and textures of the African wilderness.

Positive Impact

South Africa

Dulini Moya

Spread under a leafy canopy of ebony trees, six spacious stone cottages grace the banks of the Mabrak River in the western part of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

The Kruger

Monwana Game Lodge

Monwana Game Lodge is a homely, unpretentious lodge and a thoroughly comfortable place from which to explore the Thornybush Nature Reserve. There are just four suites in here, two for families which sleep up to four people, a king size suite and one more private suite for honeymooners. All feature private decks or patio areas overlooking the ever-active waterhole or rugged bushveld. You can dine here in private in the evenings as herds of impala stroll by or convene in the communal dining area at the heart of the camp where you’ll also find the swimming pool. Discover the Kruger-bordering reserve on early morning and afternoon game drives in open Land Rovers on the search for the Big Five and more which can be found here, and there may also be the chance to seek wildlife out on foot on walking safaris.

South Africa

MalaMala Camp

Flanking the Sand River, MalaMala Main Camp has enjoyed its prime location in the MalaMala Game Reserve since the 1930s. The camp is unfenced for a real bushveld experience and uninterrupted vistas of massive trees and rolling green lawns where wandering antelope and elephant seek solace. There are 19 homely air conditioned rooms, including eight suites, an infinity pool and main lodge area with library, bar and dining area. Dinners are a traditional affair around a blazing fire in the reed-enclosed boma under the night sky above. When you’re not out on exhilarating game drives or bush walks, you can watch wildlife from the comfort of the shade of a Jackalberry tree on the large wooden safari deck. For keen photographers, a specially equipped vehicle with mounts and dedicated photographic ranger can be arranged.

Sabi Sands

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Located along the banks of the Sabie River inside the Lion Sands Reserve, Ivory Lodge has six large ultra-luxurious suites spaced out from one another and at 165m2 each enjoy their own courtyard, lounge with fireplace, viewing deck and plunge pool. Offering the utmost privacy, there are only six ultra-luxurious, spacious suites. With contemporary Afro-European interiors and a neutral colour palette, the sleekly designed suites have sliding glass doors and oversized windows merging into the surrounding bushveld. Each of the suites offers a separate lounge with a fireplace and well stocked minibar. The bedrooms are en-suite with sumptuously large bathrooms including a free-standing bath, and indoor and outdoor shower. All this opens onto a private deck and rim flowing plunge pool. Set a short walk away from the suites the thatched main lodge offers a dining room, bar, lounge and library with satellite TV and WiFi. There is a boma and shaded viewing deck. As well as morning and afternoon game drives and guided bush walks, you can visit local village, indulge in spa treatments or spend a night out under the stars in one of the reserve’s luxury tree houses.

The Kruger

Saseka Tented Camp

Saseka is the Tsonga word for ‘beautiful’ and this stunning camp, situated in the exclusive Thornybush Nature Reserve within the greater Kruger National Park, is certainly that.

Days 5–7

Two days at Victoria Falls

The mighty Victoria Falls rank as one of the most spectacular sites in all of Africa. As the mighty Zambezi river crashes over sheer cliffs onto the rocks below it sprays a cloud of water high into the air. Enjoy a variety of activities in this area (as well as the falls themselves).

Where you could stay

Positive Impact

Zambia

Wilderness Toka Leya Camp

In the eastern sector of the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and about 12 kilometres from Victoria Falls, Wilderness Toka Leya gets immediate and fantastic views over the Zambezi River, and taking advantage of these are its twelve tented rooms. Each comes with a large decking area at the front leading out from large glass sliding doors, behind which is your large stylish open plan lounge area and bedroom. The camp’s main area is situated on a large decking area, and underneath a canopy of trees right beside the main channel of the Zambezi River. Perfect for atmospheric campfires on the bank and spotting the resident wildlife. Here there is also a very spacious open-plan lounge and dining room, set beneath an enormous canvas roof and with open sides to maximise the views. The wall at the back of the living area is a really great feature; it’s made of “log tiles”, which gives the room a very natural feel. Each tent has its very own solar panel, water geyser and batteries in keeping with the camp’s aim to lessen its environmental footprint.

Zambia

Royal Chundu Island Lodge

You’ll find the Island Lodge in prime position on the exclusive Katombora Island, protected by the Katombora rapids. A Relais & Châteaux property, and sister to the River Lodge, the Island Lodge offers guests a tranquil, luxurious, and exclusive getaway. Royal Chundu properties support a selection of positive impact initiatives including Pack for a Purpose, a foundation school and a seed project. The lodge divides itself between four, spacious and magnificent villas, providing guests with the utmost privacy during their stay. Each villa sleeps between four to six people and features private decks and spacious rooms, surrounded by the island’s unique baobabs and two thousand year old Jackalberry trees. Visit the intimate boma area for outdoor evening meals or the dining room for indoor occasions. There’s also an infinity pool, spa facilities, and two lounges for you to enjoy during your stay.

Zambia

The Royal Livingstone

Set just a short walk away from the falls themselves on the banks of the Zambezi, one can admire the coil of steam and spray rising from the falls on the horizon. The 173 rooms and suites are set in well manicured gardens along the banks of the river. This is one of just a few hotels from which the falls can be accessed on foot, making it ideal for those who want to be as close as possible. The hotel has been built in a colonial style, harking back to the days of it’s namesake, with grand dining and lounge areas as well as a large outdoor pool and riverside deck.

Make it mine

By day

Into the evening

Over the falls

A private half day tour of Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, now in its 150 millionth fantastic year, reaches its zenith during the month of May each year, approximately. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is ‘Nature’s Supreme Masterpiece’.

A sunset river cruise on the Zambezi

Enjoy a chilled drink as you cruise the length of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park looking for game, the sun setting in the background. A number of animals and a host of bird species can be viewed from comfortable chairs on cool wooden decks while hot and cold snacks are served on board.

Flight of the Angels

Take a thrilling helicopter flight, getting a bird’s-eye view of the spectacular Victoria Falls. Watch as the Zambezi River cascades down into the gorge, throwing up a cloud of spray that sometimes reaches 300 metres high. The excursion also gives you a better understanding of the zigzag gorge system and how it developed. It ideally complements a ground tour of the Falls and its surrounding rainforest. Note that helicopter flights are weather-permitting.

Experience more

Splash out

All aboard

White water rafting

Enjoy an adrenalin pumping white water rafting excursion as you tackle 21 thrilling rapids. This excursion includes lunch in the gorge, in between rapids. Lower water levels are experienced from August to mid January and higher water levels are seen from mid January to the end of July. A thorough safety briefing takes place before you begin and you need to be reasonably fit in order to cope with the rigors of rafting, as well as the steep walk into and out of the Batoka Gorge.

Dinner on board the Bushtracks Express Train

The Bushtracks Express in Zimbabwe is an indulgent luxury fine dining experience going back in time to the age of romantic steam train travel. The rejuvenated train jaunts onto the famous Victoria Falls Bridge which was built by Cecil Rhodes in 1905. He wanted a crossing “at the point where the spray from the falls would fall on the train carriages crossing the bridge.” With five-star service, the setting sun and a view of the falls from this iconic bridge you will enjoy the best that Victoria falls has to offer.

Days 7–11

Incredible Okavango Delta

Experience the beauty of the Okavango Delta and the magnificent wildlife that lives here. This is a unique opportunity for both water-based safaris by mokoro and boat, and land-based big game drives taking place in the mornings and evenings. Your expert guide will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the environment and wildlife as you are privately driven across the Delta. Depending on which lodge you choose to stay at there will be a number of different activities that you can choose from, to immerse yourself in this incredibly diverse, and bountiful natural environment.

Where you could stay

Positive Impact

Okavango Delta

Wilderness Jao Camp

Very intimately placed in the private Jao Concession area bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Wilderness Jao Camp offers a luxurious way to experience this beautiful part of the world. You will be well looked after in the nine tented rooms here, with incredible service and excellent guiding. Each of the tented rooms is situated a short distance from the main area and accessed via charming raised walkways. All of the tents have their own deck area with great views over the expanse of floodplains. Inside, you’ll find peace and comfort in the luxurious canvas setting. Wilderness Jao Camp also has a great wine cellar where you can enjoy a private dinner and a great spa where you can enjoy some superb treatments. Within the camp itself, you have access to two plunge pools, ideal in the afternoon heat if you aren’t relaxing inside with a book from the library. Activities here are entirely dependent on the flood levels at the time of year you visit, however as a rule of thumb you can expect a split of about 30% game drives and 70% water activities, which gives you a brilliant perspective of the animals that call this place their home. Mokoro trips are highly recommended. As the camp is within its own concession area, it also can also provide night drives (weather permitting) to spot the elusive nocturnal creatures found here.