Cape, Safari and Falls – South Africa | Botswana | Zimbabwe Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers

Cape, Safari and Falls Tours for Young Adults

The one that combines glimpses of Victoria Falls, Cape Town, and safaris at Kruger National Park on an iconic South African tour

Don’t want to compromise? Think of this trip as the best of the best. From seeing the beautiful coast of Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain, to having a chance of spotting the Big 5 in two of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, and experiencing the adrenaline fuelled activities of one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, this trip lets you tick off all the highlights that Southern Africa has to offer.

“70 percent join our trips solo”

“70% of our travellers join our trips solo, so you’ll travel with like-minded young people who want to make friends, experience new things and create lifelong memories. This is the best way to turn solo travel into the most social travel imaginable.” (Cited from the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults. For the latest info and eventual changes see here)

“Most popular youth travel company in the world”

Info by the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults (“Most popular youth travel company in the world”, Wikipedia): “Our trips are exclusively for 18-35s, and whether you join us solo or in a group, our trips are designed so you can share incredible experiences with young travellers just like you.”

Reviews by tour participants:

4.9 out of 5 stars (196 Reviews)* (all reviews and the latest rating available on the details page

Target age group:

18 to 35 (35 to 45 at “Reunion Trips“)

Trip duration and price:

11 days, 3 countries from about $ 2270* (final prices – also in other currencies like British £ or € – available on the booking page)

Destinations:

Africa > South Africa | Botswana | Zimbabwe

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Planned Itinerary:

Day 1: Cape Town

Day 2: Cape Town

Day 3: Cape Town

Day 4: Cape Town

Johannesburg

Kruger National Park

Day 5: Kruger National Park

Day 6: Kruger National Park

Johannesburg

Day 7: Johannesburg

Victoria Falls

Day 8: Victoria Falls

Day 9: Victoria Falls

Chobe National Park

Day 10: Chobe National Park

Day 11: Chobe National Park

Day 1: Start Cape Town

Cape Town

The adventure begins. Drop off your bags at the hotel and meet your Trip Manager and new Contiki fam in the lobby. We’ll all share a meal tonight along with some drinks to get to know each other.

Waterfront Breakwater Lodge (or similar)Day 2: Cape TownMake Travel Matter®

Cape Town

Our time in Cape Town is dedicated to sightseeing and today is no exception! We’ll start at the very top with a cable car ride up Table Mountain, followed by a city tour of Cape Town’s key sights and historical attractions. After that, the rest of the day is yours. We recommend the V&A Waterfront (SA’s most visited attraction). You’ll also have the option to join our Township Tour & Amy Foundation Lunch, which gives you a locally guided insight into life during Apartheid. Tonight, you’ll get to know your new pals in the best way possible – with food, drinks and music in our MasterChef-style cooking class.

Waterfront Breakwater Lodge (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceVisit the V&A WaterfrontStroll around the scenic harbour and enjoy some Insta-worthy views, at South Africa’s most-visited attraction. Included ExperienceTake a Cable Car up Table MountainCable the Table! Take a scenic ride to the top of one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature’ for 360° views of Cape Town.
Included ExperienceCape Town City TourBo-Kaap. The City Centre. V&A Waterfront. This tour takes in all the historical sites & attractions of the Mother City.
Make Travel Matter®Take a Township Tour (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)Walk the streets. Meet the locals. See their homes. Get an inside scoop of the effects of Apartheid in this locally-guided Township tour. Enjoy a traditional lunch served up by a chef educated by the Amy Foundation – who will receive some of the proceeds from our excursion. You nourish, they flourish!
Additional costs apply

Cape Town Cooking Class & DinnerAlways fancied yourself as a culinary champion? Now’s your time to show off your skills with a MasterChef-inspired African cooking class. With tunes flowing (and cocktails too), we’ll break into groups to assemble an array of African specialities, getting back together again in the evening to gobble up our work.
Additional costs apply

Day 3: Cape TownMake Travel Matter®

Cape Town

This is your day to take advantage of Cape Town’s myriad local excursions – after breakfast of course. Our fav is a scenic drive along the cliffs of Chapman’s Peak and down to Cape Point – the South-Western tip of Africa. In the afternoon, we’ll stop off at Boulders Beach to admire a colony of adorable African penguins – with a chance to go kayaking with them too! What next? Well, you can’t go wrong with wine tasting (and a view) to round off an incredible day touring the “fairest Cape in all the world.”

Waterfront Breakwater Lodge (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Make Travel Matter®Peninsula and Penguins MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® ExperienceOpt for a full day excursion along the Cape’s beautiful coastline with a drive along Chapman’s Peak down to Cape Point National Park – the most South Western tip of Africa with some wildlife to spot along the way. Then we head to Boulders Beach where we’ll kayak with everyone’s favourite seabird! Even better, proceeds go towards conserving marine life. Don’t feel like kayaking on the day? No worries. You can instead walk the boardwalks of Boulders Beach to view penguins on land.
Additional costs apply

Vineyards and ViewsThe Cape is famous for its wine, so we finish off our last day here at Cape Point Vineyards with spectacular views of the ocean. All to be enjoyed with a selection of the estate’s finest wines.
Additional costs apply

Day 4: Cape Town to Kruger National ParkMake Travel Matter®

Cape Town
Rise and shine. Today, we have a (very early) flight to Johannesburg, the city of Gold, where our first port of call will be the Kruger National Park.

JohannesburgThe Savannah is calling. We’ve got no time to waste! We’ll hop straight into our overland safari truck (with large windows for the perfect safari views) and begin our journey through South Africa’s country side to Kruger.Kruger National ParkYup, it’s safari time! We’ll enter this wildlife Eden (the size of a small country) in the afternoon for a sunset game drive, and then make our way to the exclusive Contiki Safari Camp on the banks of the Sabie River. This Special Stay includes canvas tents, mattresses and linens – all set up in time for our arrival! We’ll spend tonight gathered round the open campfire, gazing up at the stars and listening to lions in the distance. 5 star accommodation? More like 5000 star accommodation.

Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Make Travel Matter®Take a Sunset Game Drive in Kruger We’ll head into Kruger National Park, one of the most famous wildlife parks in the whole of Africa, to witness wildlife in their natural habitat.

Day 5: Kruger National ParkMake Travel Matter®

Kruger National Park

Today we’re up bright and early for our first taste of the fresh morning air. We’ll start with a sunrise safari – just in time to catch Africa’s elusive predators finishing off their nocturnal hunt. At midday, you’ll have the chance to relax back at the camp: you can visit the local shop, take a dip in the pool or visit the nearby restaurant where you can look out over the Sabie River and watch as the animals come to quench their thirst (yup, it’s preddy special.) This afternoon, it’s back to the safari vehicles for a sunset game drive and another chance to see the Big Five and more. Tonight back at camp, we’ll tuck into a traditional South African braai or BBQ, complete with local sides and desserts.

Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Make Travel Matter®Join an Anti-Poaching Experience (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) Meet some of the locals who work tirelessly to keep wildlife safe from poachers. We’ll listen to their stories, find out how they work and much more.

Sunrise and Sunset Game Drives in KrugerWe’ll head out bright and early this morning in 9-seater game viewer vehicles, with locals guides, to catch even more wildlife. Later, as the sun lowers and the weather cools, we’ll head out once again to do what we do best – search for Africa’s iconic wildlife. This is gonna be a special day in Kruger!
Additional costs apply

Enjoy a Traditional African Feast Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a South African braai or BBQ, complete with traditional sides and local desserts – enjoyed by the campfire under the stars with your Contiki crew.
Additional costs apply

Day 6: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

Kruger National ParkThe game of hide and seek continues as we head back into the park, keeping our eyes open for any wildlife that evaded us yesterday including giraffes, hyenas, antelope… and even cheetahs! Next, we’ll stop off at a traditional village to learn more about life outside the big cities in Africa. With a local guide, we’ll discover the customs and traditions of the village, and partake in some of their popular activities.JohannesburgWe’ll head off to Johannesburg this afternoon. Order of business? Crash at the hotel before we fly to Victoria Falls in the morning!

Sunrock Guesthouse (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceTake a Sunrise Game Drive at KrugerKeep your eyes peeled for more magnificent wildlife, including giraffes, hyenas and even cheetahs!

Discover a Traditional South African VillageWander through the village. Interact with the locals. Watch them prepare inviting dishes. Learn about their ancient crafts and daily village life. And to top if all off, you’ll gorge on a delicious buffet lunch of locally sourced fruits and veggies – prepared in a traditional way.
Additional costs apply

Day 7: Johannesburg to Victoria Falls

Johannesburg
This morning we’ll drive to the airport to catch our flight up to Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls

We start off with the number one attraction around – the Falls themselves! Hike along the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders and the largest waterfall in the world. You might want to pack your raincoat, as during certain times of the year you can get drenched from the rising spray, giving the falls its local name: ‘The smoke that thunders’. This afternoon, you’ll have the chance to jump, zipline or swing off the famous bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia over the Zambezi River.

Please note: From January to June this trip puts you in the Victoria Falls Waterfront Hotel, Zambia, with a riverside deck and bar that overlooks the spray of the thunderous falls. Travelling from July to December? Don’t worry, you’re not missing out: we’ll put you up in the Shearwater Explorers Village, Zimbabwe, just 400m from the falls – with bohemian cafes, curio markets and swimming pools to explore. It’s a win win, basically.

Shearwater Explorer’s Village (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceMarvel at Victoria FallsSee the epic waterfall of your Insta dreams. Take a stroll along the edge and see this ‘the smoke that thunders’ in all its glory.

Bungee JumpLocated on the Victoria Falls Bridge, you will get to experience 111 meters of sheer adrenalin as you plummet towards the mighty Zambezi. This is without a doubt one of the most spectacular jumps in the world, with 4 seconds of freefall – definitely for the true Adrenalin seeker.
Additional costs apply

Gorge SlideFor the less adrenaline seeking junkies that still want the thrill. Take a seated ride in the zip line as you slide across the gorge from Zambia to Zimbabwe. The more scenic option that provides incredible views of the gorge, the river below & the falls on the other side of the bridge to be enjoyed as you glide along.
Additional costs apply

Take the Gorge Slide with a PartnerPrefer not to zip alone? You can do it with a mate if you’d prefer. Someone to admire those beaut views with, after all.
Additional costs apply

Bridge SwingSwing off the Victoria Falls Bridge, high above the mighty Zambezi River.
Additional costs apply

Bridge Swing Tandem Want to jump off the 115 year old Victoria Falls bridge feet-first? Then the 80 meter freefall bridge swing is for you, ideally placed between two countries in the middle of no-mans land – it’s a one of a kind thrill seeking activity.
Please note: Tandem has a max combined weight of 160kg
Additional costs apply

Adrenaline Combo (Bungee, Swing & Zipline)Take the plunge! Zip, swing and bungee over the Zambezi River’s flowing rapids for the ultimate thrill seeking afternoon in Victoria Falls.
Additional costs apply

Watch an African Drum Show with DinnerWe hope you’re hungry – it’s time to sample a smorgasbord of delicious African delights, all cooked over an open flame! You’ll dine on a buffet of smoked crocodile tail, warthog steak, kudu meatballs and even sautéed mopane worms (with sausages, salads and veggies available too). And for our evening’s entertainment, there’ll be a traditional drum show. What more could you want?

Please note: this activity is only available on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls between July and December. The costs may also change depending on the season.
Additional costs apply

Day 8: Victoria FallsMake Travel Matter®

Victoria FallsToday you’ll have the chance to jump, zipline or swing off the famous bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia over the Zambezi River. There’s also a locally guided village tour, where you’ll get to know the locals and experience their way of life. The evening will end off with a magnificent sunset cruise on the Zambezi including drinks and dinner.

Shearwater Explorer’s Village (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Zambezi River RaftingRated as the Greatest One-Day White Water Rafting experience in the world! Get ready for a wet & adrenaline-filled day on the mighty Zambezi river. View the spectacular scenery of the gorge & learn about the vegetation & wildlife as you raft your way down the world’s wildest river rapids, powered by millions of litres of water thundering down the Victoria Falls.
Additional costs apply

Make Travel Matter®Visit a Local Village (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) With the help of a local guide, we’ll take a tour of a nearby village – meeting the people and getting to know their culture, language and customs.
Additional costs apply

Sunset CruiseSip on a Gin & Tonic (yip, its an open bar) while watching the sunset over the Zambezi River. But don’t forget to look out for Croc’s, Hippo’s and Ele’s along the way!
Additional costs apply

Day 9: Victoria Falls to ChobeMake Travel Matter®

Victoria Falls
We start today on foot, to literally ‘walk on the wild side’ with a guided walking safari along the Zambezi’s National Park. This is a unique way to track wildlife on foot while learning about some of the smaller animals – plus plants and just generally anything we come across. Afterwards, we go from foot mode to flight mode with a helicopter ride above the thunderous waters below – the best way to see the falls in all their glory. Then it’s across the border to Botswana for more of what we love. I.e., safaris! This time, it’s the world-famous Chobe National Park, known for its huge elephant population.
Chobe National ParkTonight, you’ll truly experience the wilderness with a night out in the middle of the African bush. We have a private Contiki site just for us, with our own guides, cooks and a bonfire – all set under the stars. After dinner, you’ll get the chance to fall asleep to the sounds of Africa: a jackal calling in the distance, the loud whoop of a hyena, perhaps the roar of lions as they wake from a daytime slumber. Catch you later, city life!

Please note: due to the rainy season, overnight camping in Chobe is not available from October to March. Instead, you’ll spend two nights in Chobe at a lodge with afternoon and morning game drives still included, plus a buffet dinner.

Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Make Travel Matter®Take an Afternoon Game Drive in Chobe (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)Coast along the banks of the Chobe River in search of thirsty wildlife coming down to drink. Falls Helicopter Flight (12min)Experience the unrivalled view of the majestic Victoria Falls with this flight over the falls. You can’t quite appreciate the magnitude of the falls until you see it from the sky.
Additional costs apply

Falls Helicopter Flight (25min)Experience the unrivalled view of the majestic Victoria Falls and the Mighty Zambezi with this flight over the falls. You can’t quite appreciate the magnitude of the falls until you see it from the sky. If you have never done a helicopter flight, you might as well do one of the best as this one also takes you over the gorge or surrounding nature reserves.
Additional costs apply

Make Travel Matter®Walking Safari (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)Stroll through the wild side with a walking safari – guided by an expert! It’s not just walking in a wildlife reserve. You’ll learn about tracking, medicinal plants and smaller creatures (and really, anything else we stumble upon).
Additional costs apply

Day 10: ChobeMake Travel Matter®

Chobe National ParkThis morning we’ll wake up to watch the sunrise over the African bush with a light breakfast, before departing on a morning game drive to hopefully see some of the wildlife we may have heard the night before. We will arrive late morning to check into our new lodge and spend the rest of the day relaxing around the pool and swapping stories from the night before. On our last evening together you can opt for a wildlife cruise on the Chobe river. Surrounded by pods of hippos, crocs basking on the banks and all forms of African animals coming down to drink, this is truly one African sunset you’ll never forget followed by a buffet dinner tonight.

Kwalape Safari Lodge (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Make Travel Matter®Take a Morning Game Drive in Chobe (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)Be on the lookout for any wildlife we may have heard the night before! Wildlife Cruise & DinnerCruise along the Chobe River on the look out for wildlife coming down to quench their thirst. Enjoy the sunset with hippo’s, croc’s (and sometimes elephants) in the river, plus a sundowner drink in hand. And finally, end the night with a buffet dinner back at the lodge.
Additional costs apply

Day 11: End Chobe

Chobe National ParkIt’s time for our last breakfast together this morning where you have the option of ending the tour in Kasane, Botswana or make the journey back to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with an included transfer. Time to say goodbye to your group and swap numbers so you can stay in touch until the next amazing adventure.

Included Meals:

Breakfast

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details & booking page

Some of the Highlights:

Included Experience
Cape Town City Tour

Bo-Kaap. The City Centre. V&A Waterfront. This tour takes in all the historical sites & attractions of the Mother City.

INCLUDED

Included Experience
Marvel at Victoria Falls

See the epic waterfall of your Insta dreams. Take a stroll along the edge and see this ‘the smoke that thunders’ in all its glory.

INCLUDED

Vineyards and Views

The Cape is famous for its wine, so we finish off our last day here at Cape Point Vineyards with spectacular views of the ocean. All to be enjoyed with a selection of the estate’s finest wines.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Wildlife Cruise & Dinner

Cruise along the Chobe River on the look out for wildlife coming down to quench their thirst. Enjoy the sunset with hippo’s, croc’s (and sometimes elephants) in the river, plus a sundowner drink in hand. And finally, end the night with a buffet dinner back at the lodge.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Trip Highlights

The must do experiences that you can cross off your bucket list

You’ll find all highlights and eventual changes on the details page

FAQs:

Why is this trip so popular?

The Cape, Safari & Falls trip ticks off all the major attractions in Southern Africa. This includes everything you’d want to see in a multi-country trip around Africa. We’ll visit the top attractions in Cape Town like Table Mountain, Cape Point, and even the penguins of Boulders Beach. Then we’ll go on plenty of game drives in top wildlife destinations such as Kruger and Chobe. And to satisfy our adventure-hungry souls, this trip includes a variety of activities. Does it get better than this? We sure don’t think so.

You’ll find all FAQs and the latest info on the details page

Included Meals:

10 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Team:

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Group Size:

Maximum 24 people

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Transfers:

Coach, Safari Truck and Safari Vehicles

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

More Details:

You’ll find all details and the latest updates on the details & booking page

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(Partially) travel with a nice group or entirely travel solo?

By booking an organized South Africa | Botswana | Zimbabwe tour for young adults or other Africa trips for young people you can not only reduce planning hassle, but often also save money, as tour operators can buy accommodations, transportation, etc. in larger contingents in advance and thus get special conditions. You will also benefit from the experience of the tour operator, professional tour guides (whose stories you can enjoy…) and have the easy opportunity to meet nice fellow travelers when traveling in a group. Anyone who has traveled before will know that travel companions or other traveling acquaintances are one of the most essential factors for unforgettable experiences. In addition, you usually have enough individual freedom even with organized tours and you can, if the arrival and departure is not included, additionally extend your stay individually before or after the group tour with young adults. If you still prefer to organize your trip completely on your own and travel independently, then you’ll find all the practical tools you need to plan and book quickly & cheaply on our individual travel page.