Experiencing time in Africa is a bucket list trip for many. Seeing elephants in person, going on safari, and enjoying the amazing landscapes of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana will bring so many moments of joy and learning. Spending 3 weeks in South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Chobe in Botswana was a dream trip come true for us and we would recommend it to anyone wanting an unforgettable adventure!
Three weeks in South Africa, Victoria Falls and Chobe
Johannesburg Itinerary – 3 Days
We stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg, and would recommend it.
2 days in Johannesburg
Begin your time in Johannesburg with a visit to the Apartheid Museum, a poignant exploration of South Africa’s past that offers insights into the country’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
Afterward, delve into the heart of the city with a stroll through Maboneng Precinct, an urban neighborhood known for its street art, trendy cafes, and eclectic boutiques. Home to Johannesburg’s contemporary arts scene, it is a bustling cultural hub.
Your second day can be spent exploring Soweto, and landmarks such as Hector Pieterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela once lived. We recommend taking a tour of Soweto, with a guide who can expand on the cultural and historical significance of the area.
Day 3: The Elephant Sanctuary + Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary, Hartbeespoort Dam
The Elephant and Monkey Sanctuary are located just over an hour northwest of Johannesburg. Both sanctuaries are located side by side. They can be done separate or together as one activity. We chose to do them both in one day which is a half day activity. There is a shared central area with restrooms, concessions and souvenirs. Both sanctuaries provide fully guided tours.
Elephant Sanctuary
We started with the elephant sanctuary. After a short walk we made our way to the fenced in area where each of us were allowed time to feed the elephants. You are encouraged to take as many photos as you want. There is also a guide with the group that takes photos to compile a video for guests at the end for $15 USD. After feeding the elephants we learned more about them and their history. Next was our up-close walk with the elephants through their natural habitat. This was my favorite part. We were at the back of the line closest to the elephants. Our photos and videos were awesome.
The walk led us to another fenced area where each family/group was given time to interact with the elephants and their handlers. We were able to touch them, learn more about them, spend more time with them and capture more photos. You really don’t grasp the magnitude of these creatures until you stand side by side with them and hold their trunks and look them in the eye. It was amazing.
Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary
After a quick restroom break and refreshments we began the monkey tour. The entire tour was hysterical! Make sure you opt to feed the monkeys. As long as you are holding food the monkeys will be all over you. On your head, crawling on you, on your back, anything to get the food. But beware, they are natural born pick pockets. They will steal anything not tied down – glasses, keys, anything. One of our friends was feeding one monkey while another monkey unzipped her backpack and stole her deodorant and cookies. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. They are up a tree instantly.
The views are beautiful along the walk. There are swinging bridges as well for those not afraid of heights. The monkeys are not the only wildlife in the area but they are definitely the most entertaining. I am not sure how you would chose between the monkeys and the elephants. I would recommend doing both while in the area.
3 Days in the Mpumalanga Highlands
Day 4: Dullstroom – ‘Scotland’s Only Outpost in Africa’ + Settle into Dunkeld Country Estate
The drive from Johannesburg to Dullstroom is approximately 3 hours. However, you must plan a stop at the Alzu Petroport on the way. This place is way more than a convenient store. There are restaurants, coffee shops, gifts shops and animals – including some of the big 5.
I will also let you in on a secret, some of the best views of the animals are from the ladies restroom!
Dullstroom
The biggest surprise to me arriving in Dullstroom was the elevation and temperature. It was at least 20 degrees cooler than it was when we left Johannesburg. Everything smelled so fresh and clean and natural. The fall foliage in early April was fabulous.
We chose Dunkeld Country Estate for the rainbow trout fishing, the horseback riding and the spa. Within an hour of arrival the 3 of us went our separate ways to try out all of the services provided. The estate was like stepping back in time to a slower pace. The peaceful nature was a breath of fresh air.
Day 5: Pilgrim’s Rest + Relaxation
Located on the Panorama Route, Pilgrim’s Rest is a small museum town, in addition to a provincial heritage site. It was first inhabited by people searching for alluvial gold in 1873. The original architecture still remains after all these years, as to preserve the authentic history of this heritage-packed site.
We enjoyed the morning here before returning to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon.
Day 6: Panorama Route, Lisbon Falls + Blyde River Canyon
The Panorama Route is a scenic drive in Mpumalanga, including several cultural locations. During this tour, we learned a lot of the history belonging to this route.
One of these natural landmarks was the Blyde River Canton, the third largest canyon in the world at 16 miles (26 kilometers) long! It is also the most green canyon on Earth, filled with bright emerald foliage.
Home to the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, which looks like a landscape from another planet. Created by erosion, these unique formations shape into almost perfect circles, colored tan, brown, and scarlet. There are also trickling waterfalls and creeks filling the otherworldly holes.
Not far away is the Lisbon Falls, Mpumalanga’s tallest waterfall at 308 feet (94 meters). Flowing over craggy gray rock and surrounded by the dreamy landscape of hills, it is a sight to behold!
4 Days in Kruger (National Park + Private Reserves)
Kruger National Park is located in the upper north east portion of South Africa near the border of Mozambique. The drive is over 6 hours from Johannesburg or almost 4 hours from Dullstroom. There is however an airport at the park with flights connecting from Johannesburg. Most of the lodges in Kruger and the private reserves surrounding it provide transfers upon arrival.
Day 7: Travel Day + Settle in to Tshukudu Game Lodge
We left Dunkeld in Dullstroom around 10am to make our way to Tshukudu Game Lodge. Even with stops along the way for some beautiful photos we arrived by 2pm.
After lunch and check in we were given time to relax and settle in. The rooms at Tshukudu were very unique and set in wilderness. There was a fence just outside our room but we were so excited at the chance of seeing wildlife from our room. Since we arrived on Payton’s birthday the staff had decorated her room to celebrate.
At 4pm we set out on our first sunset game drive. Before sunset we saw a crash of rhinos, 2 lions and a bloat of hippos swimming. It was more than I had hoped for and we were only 2 hours in. We enjoyed the sunset with a glass of wine before heading back to the lodge for dinner.
Day 8: Tshukudu Private Game Reserve
Tshukudu Private Game Reserve is a great place to stay when going on a safari in South Africa. The lodge is located about 40 minutes from the Orpen Gate at Kruger and less than 10 minutes from the town of Hoedspruit.
There is a restaurant, spa and pool on site. We enjoyed sunrise and sunset safaris each day with time to unwind in between. We relaxed in the spa and lounged by the pool while the warthogs played nearby. The food was wonderful and each night we dined under the stars by candlelight.
Out of all of our safaris in Africa, these were our favorite. During these safaris our guides were able to go off road and really get up close to the animals. Since the reserve is fenced in and included all of the big 5, I felt our chances were better to see them all than at the massive Kruger National Park.
Day 9: Kruger National Park
Roughly the size of Israel, Kruger National Park is home to leopards, lions, giraffes, hippos, and so many more! Since the park is so huge, it’s not as easy to get up close to the animals without leaving the jeep. But there still are excellent views of the diverse wildlife. Monkeys played on the dirt paths, and brightly colored birds swarmed about.
While there are a few stores and restaurants located throughout the park, there aren’t many restroom stops, since you cannot leave the safari vehicle. But we were provided with packed breakfasts when the journey began.
Overall, we enjoyed the smaller safaris in Tshukudu more, but it all depends on personal preference.
Day 10: Tshukudu Game Lodge Relax + Sunset Safari
This wonderful game lodge includes a quaint pool area that, like the rest of the property, has great views of the animals! The whole lodge is mostly outdoors, and very laid back.
Nature was all around use, even a little seed restaurant for the birds! The sunrise and sunset safaris were incredible. Every time, we saw lots of animals. Zebras and wildebeest, the more common ones, were everywhere. But we even encountered the rare ones, such as elephants and lions! The animals were very friendly, completely calm at the presence of humans. Even the Cape Buffalo were chill!
5 Days on the Western Cape
Day 11: Flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town + Settle in to Steenberg Hotel & Spa
A short flight brought us from Hoedspruit to Cape Town, one of South Africa’s capitals. Our hotel, Steenberg Hotel & Spa, overlooked the colorful coastal city.
Day 12: Hout Bay Cruise + Duiker Island Seal Colony
Hout Bay is a harbour town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is situated in a valley on the Atlantic seaboard of the Cape Peninsula, twelve miles from Cape Town. The bay is beautiful and there are many activities available in the area. The most popular one is the Hout Bay cruise to Duiker Island Seal Colony. We were all very excited for this excursion and we were also very excited when it ended. We have never been so excited to get our feet back on the ground.
Before the cruise we enjoyed the most fabulous lunch at Delish which is 5 minutes or less from the port. Stuffed and satisfied we boarded the boat. It was so rough. The boat literally rocked and swayed all the way to Duiker Island. I am happy to say we were not nearly as sick as many people on the boat.
Just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse, we arrived at the seal colony. One whiff and if you weren’t nauseated before you were then. The smell was one I can’t describe. I will say that it was a magnificent sight to see so many seals at once. But taking the photos was a challenge. If you have motion sickness or smell sensitivities, this excursion is not for you. If you want to see a fabulous display of seals in their natural habitat and you can handle it, it’s amazing.
Day 13: Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point + Cape Point Funicular Railway
We visited the Cape of Good Hope, Africa’s southernmost point, with amazing views of the bright blue ocean. Waves crashed on the rocks beneath the near-cloudless sky. An ostrich even came to visit!
A funicular brought us to a hill topped with a lighthouse. There are lots of winding stairs here, but the view is well worth it.
Day 14: Cape Town Diamond Museum + Table Mountain + National Park
The Cape Town Diamond Museum was quite a fascinating experience. The store itself has a history section, where we view photographs and facts about South Africa’s diamond history. We learned about the different cuts and shapes of diamond, and how they are manufactured precisely. Then we were brought into the store, with so many sparkling gems. Silver, white, and gold glittered before our eyes. You can also combine the Diamond Museum with a trip to Robben Island.
Next was Table Mountain, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It includes rich biodiversity, with species that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. There is even a constellation of stars named after it. On this mountain, you can either hike it or take the cableway. We chose the second option, ascending to an outstanding view of the city and its surrounding ocean. The air was chilly, but definitely worth it!
Also, we got to chat with the adorable African penguins at the Boulders Visitor Centre at Table Mountain National Park. Gray as babies, these fascinating birds turn black and white at full size, which still isn’t very big. They waddle and swim, or lie down on their eggs. They even bray like donkeys!
Day 15: Western Cape Wine Tastings
This wine tasting isn’t just for adults, thanks to the variety of delectable cheeses on offer for those who don’t drink. Seven cheeses were paired with seven different wines by a friendly sommelier who even sang us a song at the end.
The same building includes a store with so many meats and cheeses to choose from. After that, we ate lunch at a nearby restaurant, which was just as delicious.
3 Days in Victoria Falls
Day 16: Fly from Cape Town to Victoria Falls + Settle in to Ilala Lodge Hotel, Zimbabwe
We flew from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, settling in at the Ilala Lodge Hotel. It is so close to the falls, you can hear the thundering waters from there!
Day 17: Victoria Falls Walking Tour + Sundowner Cruise
During our first morning, we walked a trail that brought us very close to the majestic falls. Ponchos are provided, but the mist feels like rain. Go into this experience knowing that you will get slightly wet. But the views are wonderful, the gushing falls create a smoky veil. Also known as “the smoke that thunders”, a walking tour of Victoria Falls is definitely worth it.
Later that evening was the sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River. We were provided drinks and refreshments during the picturesque journey. We saw lots of animals, along with a stunning sunset. While boarding and disembarking, elephants may be nearby. When the cruise ended at almost nighttime, there were a few elephants awaiting us! The mama elephants had babies with them. For safety reasons we remained on the boat until they passed and then we quietly snuck away to the vans waiting for us close by.
Day 18: Relax at Ilalla Lodge
After a busy few weeks, it was time for a down day, enjoying the gorgeous surroundings of the Ilalla Lodge.
If you want to see Victoria Falls from the air, you could also do the Flight of the Angels Helicopter Tour on this day.
2 Days in Botswana (day trips from Victoria Falls)
Day 19 & 20: Travel from Victoria falls to Botswana each day
Visiting Chobe National Park is well worth it, but crossing the border is rather difficult. You have to do so on foot, and have your shoes cleaned off in the inspection area. Travel only takes 1 hour from Ilalla Lodge, but the border crossing can slow you down a little.
Your documents are looked over. We had some surprises during this part. Even though we all three had our passports and Payton was traveling with both biological parents, they almost did not allow her in because we did not have her birth certificate with us as well. It was definitely one of the more difficult border crossings we have encountered, but it was worth it to see Chobe.
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park in Botswana is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, renowned for its dense elephant population and diverse ecosystems. We had some thrilling safaris along the Chobe River, where we saw elephants swimming, and hippos were everywhere.
We saw over sixty elephants in this park alone, it was beyond incredible. Out of all the parks, this was the most impressive for these big animals.
And then there were all the hippos we saw. Hippos rarely rise out of water during daytime, since sunlight hurts their skin, so seeing several in full view was quite a treat! Don’t miss taking a safari in Chobe National Park.
Day 21: Fly from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg
We reached the end of our 3 weeks in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Chobe National Park in Botswana. We were exhausted, but so satisfied by our packed itinerary – we really did make the most of it. We flew back to Johannesburg to get our flight home, and we were sad to leave the idyllic Ilalla Lodge and our regular sundowner cruises to see hippos.
There are a few things we would have done differently, but that’s why we travel and experience before we sell – we make the mistakes so the trip is perfect when we book it for you!
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