South Africa & Zimbabwe by Design - 7 - 21 October 2026

South Africa & Zimbabwe by Design - 7 - 21 October 2026

from $10,600.00 CAD per per person based on double occupancy 15 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:  All transportation from/to airports and in between hotels and lodges
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

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:  

General: 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 (if you require visa), vaccination or medical certification costs, border, departure, or port taxes not expressly included.

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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 12

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. 

Your guide Dawid will bring the landscape to life as he leads you on this walk.

You can enjoy the rest of your day at the lodge or perhaps sign up for one of the walks from the lodge.  Or you can lounge around by one of the pools or enjoy your deck overlooking the mountains.  There are a number of complimentary activities available the front desk will be able to assist with. And, if you enjoy spa treatments there are optional, for fee services available. 

Day 8
Oct 14

Winelands & Franschhoek Heritage

Travel south toward the Cape Winelands, stopping at the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre, an inspiring cultural experience celebrating the stories, knowledge, and resilience of the San people. Continue to Franschhoek, the “French Corner,” where the Huguenot Memorial Museum commemorates early settlers who brought their winemaking traditions to the Cape. Enjoy free time to explore galleries, boutiques, and cafés.

Day 9
Oct 15

Conservation & Culinary Pleasures

Begin at Ashia Cheetah Sanctuary, a Fair-Trade-certified project dedicated to cheetah rehabilitation. Visit the Afrikaans Language Museum in Paarl, then enjoy a barrel tasting with harvest platter at Holden Manz Wine Estate, framed by the Franschhoek Mountains.

Day 10
Oct 16

Gardens, Passes & Perfect Pairings

Explore the magnificent Babylonstoren Gardens, a living tapestry of fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs arranged in geometric beauty. You can sneak in a wine tasting, visit their wine museum, shop for beautiful products from the farm, check out the spice room or just enjoy a leisurely stroll through the incredible gardens.  Lunch at Guardian Peak Winery (own expense), followed by a final tasting at Ken Forrester Wines as you traverse the scenic Helshoogte Pass.

Day 11
Oct 17

To Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park

Early transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. Continue by road into Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve. Check in to The Hide Safari Camp, where luxury tents overlook a busy waterhole. Enjoy your first evening game drive before dinner under the stars.

Day 12
Oct 17

Safari Adventures in Hwange

The first of two days of immersive safari experiences. Head out on morning and afternoon game drives and guided bush walks, or spend quiet hours in The Hide’s underground hide, where elephants, lions, and wild dogs may pass within metres. Evenings bring lantern-lit dinners and storytelling around the fire. For the adventurous, an optional night in the Dove’s Nest Treehouse offers a private view of the African sky.

Day 13
Oct 18

More Safari Adventures in Hwange

After your game drives the group will settle into a final dinner at the lodge where you can reminisce about your experience.  There are always stories to tell while on safari!

Day 14
Oct 20

Victoria Falls – The Smoke That Thunders

Travel to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. A guided walking tour reveals the roaring grandeur of Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders.” The afternoon is free for optional excursions such as a sunset Zambezi River cruise or helicopter flight above the Falls.

Day 15
Oct 21

Time to Say Goodbye

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast surrounded by tropical gardens at the hotel before transferring to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward flight.

Not ready to go home?  There are many add-ons that can be customized to meet your schedule and preferences.  Perhaps you'd like to fly off to Zanzibar to enjoy a beach stay, continue on to Johannesburg to continue exploring the life of Nelson Mandela, continue with another safari in another country in a different environment, visit the Cradle of Humankind just a short drive from Johannesburg.  The options are endless.  Just ask and we can meet to discuss additional touring you would like to do.

Please refer to the detailed Terms & Conditions at the following link:  https://www.departurestravel.com/terms-and-conditions

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.