Best of South Africa w/Victoria Falls

August 25 – September 3, 2025

Starting at $8399 (per person, double occupancy)

Monday, Aug 25, 2025 | City Lodge OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg

On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport after clearing customs and immigration you will proceed to the City Lodge for an overnight.

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s largest and most vibrant cities. It is an economic powerhouse in Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. This bustling city offers a wide range of activities, attractions and plenty to do in and around the city including nearby Pretoria. Downtown is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. Soweto, a township steeped in history and a significant part of the Greater Johannesburg metropolitan area, is a popular tourist destination.

Accommodation: City Lodge OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, 1 night

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa, Chobe River Front

Following breakfast you will make your way to the terminal for your regional scheduled flight to Kasane Airport. On arrival after clearing customs and immigration you will be met and transferred to the Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa where you will stay for two nights. Arrive in time for an afternoon activity.

Situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River, luxury exists in harmony with nature at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa. This is a unique location from which to explore the magical wonders of untamed Africa. Plentiful wildlife, including herds of elephant, antelope, giraffe, zebras, lions, leopard and more, roam freely in the nearby Chobe Game Park. Sunrises and sunsets, with the river and Namibian flood plains as a backdrop, are the stuff of dreams.

In these tranquil surroundings, experience true comfort, superb accommodation, gourmet cuisine, Africa-inspired menus, and only the very best of personalised African hospitality.

The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park which is renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. This section of the park is best known for its dense concentration of wildlife, including elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them – a visit to the Chobe River Front guarantees close encounters with an array of African wildlife. Visitors can look forward to a range of exciting activities such as 4WD along the banks; motorboat cruises; and rare birdlife spotting. For a unique, luxury safari experience, hire a houseboat.

Accommodation: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa, 2 nights

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa, Chobe River Front

Enjoy twice daily game viewing activities | Game Drive in Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park: Famed for its massive elephant populations, big herds of buffalo (matched only by some large lion prides) and incredible birdlife, Chobe National Park will leave an everlasting memory. Where else can you find such an amazing riverfront, with bustling wildlife, undisturbed predators, heavenly landscapes and tranquil lodges? The most accessible area of the park is the Chobe Riverfront, this is also where you will find the largest concentration of wildlife. For a more predator-rich area: head off to Linyanti Marshes. Or nourish your soul in the remote Savuti area. Wherever you go in this park, wildlife encounters are plentiful and all of Chobe feels like true wilderness. It is a place that can be enjoyed by everyone: couples, families and seasoned Africa travelers.

Included: All meals; Game Drive in Chobe National Park; Chobe River Cruise.

Tonight: Chobe River Cruise

Thursday, August 28, 2025 | Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

This morning after breakfast enjoy an early activity before being met and transferred across the Kazungula land border where you will clear customs for Zimbabwe and onward to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge where you will stay for two nights.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the flagship of the Africa Albida Tourism hospitality group, was acclaimed, in the Conde Nast Traveler 2012 Gold List, as one of Africa’s finest safari lodges. Few lodges can surpass its sublime location, 2 nights

Included: Breakfast

Friday, August 29, 2025 | Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

This morning after breakfast, you will be met for your transfer to Livingstone Island for your Morning Breezer, enjoy a swim in the Devil’s Pool (water level dependent). After exploring Livingstone Island you will be transferred by boat to Elephant Cafe for lunch and enjoy an experience with the Elephants before returning to the lodge.

An elegant fine-dining restaurant built in the vicinity of an elephant sanctuary, the Elephant Cafe is exactly what its name suggests. This award winning freshly built establishment offers guests a chance to interact with the gentle African elephant, and then enjoy unique and wild flavours sourced locally in a gourmet meal. The elephants at Zambezi Elephant Trails are hand-reared, the older ones rescued from severe droughts and culling exercises done years ago, while the younger ones came from the wild or have been born into the herd. The tented open cafe is set on a wooden deck, elevated on stilts over the Zambezi River itself, and comfortably seats up to 24 people.

Included: Breakfast, Morning Breezer, Livingstone Island/Devil’s Pool and Lunch at Elephant Cafe

Saturday, August 30, 2025 | Thornybush Game Lodge, Thornybush Game Reserve

Following breakfast you will be met and transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for your scheduled regional flight to Mpumalanga International Airport, after clearing customs and immigration you will be met and transferred to Thornybush Game Lodge (approx. 3.5hrs) where you will stay for four nights.

Elegant and exclusive, Thornybush Game Lodge offers the complete package for individual guests, family holidays, corporate getaways, small groups or wedding extravaganzas. Exhilarating dawn and dusk safaris, an exclusive on-site spa, gourmet cuisine, the world’s finest wines and sublimely luxurious accommodation await the discerning traveller at Thornybush Game Lodge. A fully-equipped conference centre for sixty delegates completes the picture.

Thornybush Game Reserve lies just five hours’ drive from Johannesburg, near the border with Mozambique, in the beautiful Limpopo Province. Boasting over 12 000 hectares of pristine wilderness, this stunning protected area is characterised by open savannah, woodlands, and shrublands. The park is home to an array of African wildlife, including all of the mighty Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) – as well as giraffe, mongoose, zebra, and the rare and endangered Pangolin. Thornybush is also inhabited by over 500 bird species and offers several bird-focused walks and drives. Visitors can enjoy guided safaris (day or night), luxurious spa treatments, and delicious local cuisine in a breathtaking setting.

Accommodation: Thornybush Game Lodge, 4 nights

Included: All meals and snacks, all local drinks (soft drinks, house wine, selection of local beers, local spirits), Mini bar local drinks, morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, accompanied by experienced guides and trackers and laundry.

Sunday – Wednesday, August 31 – September 3, 2025 | Thornybush Game Lodge, Thornybush Game Reserve

Enjoy three full days of twice daily game viewing activities/early morning and late afternoon game drives

The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After an early morning wake-up call, coffee, tea and rusks are served on the main deck. Shortly after, depart in an open Land Cruiser with experienced Guides and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which varies depending on the season but typically starts early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.

The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.

Guided Bush Walks: After a sumptuous Breakfast is served either back at the camp or in the riverbed or bush, guests are offered walks to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker. Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region, and to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.

Early Morning and Late Afternoon Game Drives: The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After an early morning wake-up call, coffee, tea and rusks are served on the main deck. Shortly after, depart in an open Land Cruiser with experienced Guides and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which varies depending on the season but typically starts early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.

The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | End of Itinerary

Following breakfast you will be met and transferred to Hoedspruit Airport for your scheduled flight to Johannesburg. On arrival connect with your international flight home.

Included: Breakfast

END OF SERVICES

Watch Casey Carr’s Award-Winning Safari video “A Day on Safari”

$8399 – per person double occupancy

$10,899 – per person single occupancy

INCLUDES:

All accommodation as specified
Domestic and Regional flights as specified
All services as specified
Meals as stated
Game drives as specified in itinerary
Morning Breezer at Livingstone Island
Lunch at Elephant Cafe
Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles including qualified drivers
Representative Meet and Greet upon arrival
Porterage for 2 reasonably sized bags per person
Intrepid Expeditions final documentation

EXCLUDES:

Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc
International Airfare
All other services not mentioned above
Drinks unless otherwise specified
Touring in Johannesburg, Kasane and Victoria Falls
Johannesburg, Kasane and Victoria Falls lunches, dinners, drinks and associated transfers for meals
Gratuities/Tips for game rangers, tour guides, and drivers etc.
Cost of obtaining Passports, Visa or any entry requirement
Trip cancellation insurance
Covid-19 Tests
Optional excursions
Departure taxes where applicable
Changes in touring due to weather or unforeseen circumstances
Any increases in or new levies, taxes, local industry fees beyond IE’s control

Get a Quote for Travel Insurance!

City Lodge OR Tambo Airport

Based at Africas busiest airport, City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo Airport will provide business and leisure travellers with home away from home accommodation that is ideal for those commuting to and from Johannesburg and perfect for those who require immediate access to the airport.

OR Tambo Airport offers a number of services from banking to a wide range of retailers, so whether its a good book or a scrumptious meal, the airports facilities have everything you need. The hotel boasts boardroom and conference facilities, a fitness room as well as a deck with a pool and a large commercial area with a coffee shop.

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa

Located on the banks of the mighty Chobe River. In the tranquil surroundings, guests can experience authentic African comfort, spacious accommodations and delectable cuisine. Take full advantage of a wealth of wildlife and embark upon an exhilarating game drive in the Chobe National Park. The national park is famed for it’s large elephant herds, and has some of the largest concentrations of game on the African continent.
For a more laid back holiday, tackle 9 holes on the popular golf course, or simply interact with the spectacular, natural surrounds on a slow walk along the river. Guests can also enjoy bird watching from the Mokoro, or a leisurely canoe trail on the waters of the Chobe. The onsite spa offers an opportunity for relaxation and recuperation with a range of treatments. The resort also features air conditioned guest accommodations, decorated in an Afro-centric style that adds to the natural ambiance.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Built on a plateau overlooking the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is just 4km from the majestic Victoria Falls and offers a unique wildlife experience.
We’re proud to have been voted Best Safari Lodge/ Resort Hotel in Zimbabwe for 23 consecutive years and look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful destination. Our staff are warm and personable, and will ensure your holiday is hassle-free.

Built of thatch and timber, the lodge rises several levels, giving the impression of a vast open-plan tree house. Our rooms all have private balconies, most of which overlook a central waterhole, offering the opportunity to observe herds of buffalo, elephant and kudu, as the sun goes down, and hyenas later in the evening.

Dining options include the a la carte MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, the more casual Buffalo Bar and The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show. The Boma Café, set in a tranquil garden setting and located close to the Lokuthula Lodges, offers breakfast and light meals until 4.30pm.

Guest Inspirations

Spectacular views of pristine bushveld and a central waterhole attracting buffalo, elephant, hyena and other wildlife and various bird species
All rooms overlook the National Park or centrally located waterhole
Just 4km (2.5miles) from the majestic Victoria Falls
Voted Zimbabwe’s Best Safari Lodge for 21 years in succession by the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents
Acclaimed as a notable incentive experience
MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant offers á la carte dining. The Buffalo Bar terrace and pool area overlook the waterhole, offering a spectacular location for viewing the sunset whilst enjoying a sundowner
Complimentary shuttle service to the Victoria Falls, town centre and curio markets on an hourly basis throughout the day
Facilities include an activities desk, Safari Spa and souvenir shop
The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show is located on the same property, and offers a festive African-style feast and entertainment
Inspirational venues for stylish weddings and conferences
Victoria Falls is the acclaimed Adventure Capital of Africa.

Thornybush Game Lodge

Nestled in the heart of big five country adjacent to the Kruger National Park, with a huge diversity of mammal and bird species, lies over 14,000 hectares of pristine African Bushveld, that is the Thornybush Nature Reserve. It is here that a superlative safari destination, the elegant and exclusive 5-star Thornybush Game Lodge awaits discovery by the discerning traveller. Thornybush Game Lodge is the personification of perfection. Nothing is spared in the attention to detail.

Enjoy exciting dawn and dusk safaris in open game vehicles and on foot, take a moment to browse in the intimate library or simply relax at the pool with your favourite cocktail as you bask in Africa’s glorious sunshine or while away the moments in our Thornybush Spa.

Unrivalled big game viewing is complemented by exquisite accommodation and sublime cuisine. The 16 luxury suites each with private indoor/outdoor showers and viewing decks, overlook the seasonal Monwana River and offer an unsurpassed, 5-star luxury, wild encounter with seclusion and elegance, a seamless experience.

Sweeping vistas can be enjoyed over the African Bushveld and ever-active water hole. Superb attention to detail and highly personalized service make for a memorable stay.

This will be a post-safari extension. Full details coming soon!

International Flights are not included. Internal flights within South Africa are included and TBA

DEPOSIT: A deposit of $2100 per person is due with booking, and final payment is due no later than February 15, 2025. The advertised price represents a 5% discount for payments made by check or Zelle. The price is 5% higher for a credit card payment and requires an authorized signature. We accept MC, VISA, and AX.

All payments including deposit are non refundable. Credit card fees are non refundable for any reason.

AIRFARE: International Flights are not included. All air tickets and prices are not guaranteed until purchased. Air tickets are non refundable once issued.

RESPONSIBILITY: Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House offers retail travel services to customers, which are provided by separate and independent vendors of travel services.. Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House does not operate, control, or otherwise provide the services of the independent travel vendors. Hence, customer agrees that Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House acts only as agent for the client in acquiring transportation, hotel accommodations, sightseeing, and other privileges, or services for the clients’ benefit, and on the express condition that Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House shall not be responsible for any loss, accident, injury, delay, defect, pandemic, omission or irregularity which may occur or be occasioned, whether by reason of any act, negligence or default of any company or person engaged in or responsible for carrying out any of the arrangements, or otherwise in connection there with. The suppliers reserve the right to make minor adjustments to the itinerary. Sharon Carr Travel /Journey House will not be held responsible should any of these suppliers fail to provide the travel services purchased, whether through default or any other cause. Sharon Carr Travel /Journey House is not responsible for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air schedules or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be the responsibility of the member of the tour. Sharon Carr Travel /Journey House is not responsible for any loss or damage to luggage during the tour. Also, Sharon Carr Travel /Journey House is not liable for any illnesses contracted during or after travel, is not liable for medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered during or after travel. Acceptance of the Tour Contract will serve as a Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement. This agreement is binding on your heirs, legal representatives and assigns. If, for some reason, a trip must be rescheduled due to any of the above reasons, participants are bound by the new dates of travel, and can only obtain a refund if insurance has been purchased and insurer is contractually bound. SHARON CARR TRAVEL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WEATHER RELATED OR MECHANICAL DELAYS.

NOTE TO TRAVELER: The traveler assumes and understands that there is a risk involved with travel and travel activities and/or excursions. The traveler is responsible for reading and abiding by all Health and Safety protocols of the vendor & the destination prior to travel, has reviewed the travel itinerary for accuracy, has been advised of all applicable fees imposed by Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House Travel and the suppliers, and has been offered the option of purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance. The traveler also understands that discounted fares and vacation packages typically involve restrictions and that changing any aspect of any travel arrangements may result in the payment of additional money.

Sharon Carr Travel will charge a fee commensurate with the trip cost if client cancels his/her trip and commission is not paid by the vendor.

TYPICAL TIPPING / GRATUITIES – Exchange rate is approx. 17 ZAR to $1 (As of September 25, 2024)
The following is only a guideline and tipping is always at your discretion.

Camp and Game Lodge Guides / Rangers
ZAR 300.00 per guest per day for visitors to South Africa.

Camp and Game Lodge Trackers

ZAR 150.00 to ZAR 200.00 per guest per day for visitors to South Africa.

General Safari Camp / Lodge Staff

ZAR 85.00 per guest per day for safari camps in South Africa.

In some camps this may be placed in a communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff at a later stage.

Hotel Staff

Between ZAR 17.00 and ZAR 50.00 per guest per day for hotel staff i.e. housekeeping etc.

Porterage

US$ 17.00 or ZAR 34.00 per bag.

Transfer and Touring Driver / guides
Transfer ZAR 85.00 per person

Half day tour ZAR 255.00 per person

Full day tour ZAR 340.00 per person