Cardinal DMC - South & Southern African Explorer

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South Africa

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.

Johannesburg

Days 1 - 3

Located on South Africa’s Highveld plateau, Johannesburg is a fast-paced, creative city shaped by gold-rush history, cultural diversity and constant reinvention. Its atmosphere is energetic and urban, with contemporary galleries, rooftop bars and leafy suburbs existing alongside powerful reminders of the country’s past. Visitors can explore the Apartheid Museum, tour Soweto’s historic streets or browse vibrant markets and design spaces in neighbourhoods such as Maboneng. The city’s soundtrack shifts from lively jazz and amapiano beats to the hum of busy streets, while the scent of grilled street food drifts through open-air cafés and market stalls. Johannesburg rewards travellers who engage with its complexity and culture, though its size, traffic and contrasts mean it is best experienced with some planning and local insight.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in southern Africa. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Mozambique to the northeast, South Africa to the south, and Botswana to the west and southwest. The capital and largest city of Zimbabwe is Harare.

Victoria Falls, one of the most famous natural attractions in Africa, is located on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means "The Smoke that Thunders." This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and is considered one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

Key facts about Victoria Falls and its connection to Zimbabwe include:

  1. Location: Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zimbabwe to the south and Zambia to the north.

  2. Size: The falls have a width of about 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) and a height of around 108 meters (354 feet), making them the largest curtain of falling water in the world.

  3. Activities: Visitors to Victoria Falls can engage in various activities, including guided tours, wildlife viewing, and adventurous activities such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, and the national parks on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides offer opportunities for safaris and wildlife encounters.

  4. Victoria Falls Town: The town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is a popular base for tourists exploring the falls. The town offers accommodation, restaurants, and various services catering to visitors.

  5. Access: Victoria Falls can be accessed by air through the Victoria Falls International Airport in Zimbabwe. The falls are also accessible by road from various neighboring countries.

  6. Tourism: The falls attract tourists from around the world, and the surrounding region is a hub for ecotourism and adventure tourism. The Victoria Falls Bridge, connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia, is a notable landmark and offers stunning views of the falls.

Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls, in particular, contribute significantly to the tourism industry in the region, providing economic benefits and showcasing the natural beauty of southern Africa.

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Days 3 - 7

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders”—Victoria Falls is one of the world’s great natural landmarks. Straddling the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it forms a vast curtain of water that fills the air with mist and sound. The Zimbabwean side grants the most dramatic views, where mist rises like ghostly curtains and rainbows arc through the spray. Measuring about 1,708 metres across, it is regarded as the largest single continuous sheet of falling water on Earth. The adjacent town of Victoria Falls provides a convenient base for exploring the region, with a wide range of activities from scenic flights and microlight trips to white-water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and safaris into Chobe National Park.

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South Africa

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.

Lowveld

Days 7 - 8

Situated between Mozambique and the Mpumalanga escarpment of the Drakensberg, the Lowveld is renowned for its subtropical climate, rich biodiversity and fascinating history. This lush region forms part of South Africa’s premier safari landscape and includes some of the country’s most iconic protected areas, most notably the world-famous Kruger National Park. Rolling farmlands, river valleys and wilderness areas stretch across the landscape, making it an ideal base for exploring the Kruger and surrounding reserves. Visitors can also travel the scenic Panorama Route, discover the historic gold rush town of Barberton, or enjoy the urban amenities of Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit). A wide range of comfortable lodges, guesthouses and safari camps provide excellent accommodation, offering travellers both convenience and immersion in one of Southern Africa’s most diverse and wildlife-rich regions.

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Mluwati Concession

Days 8 - 12

The Mluwati Concession is a 10 000 hectare private reserve hidden in the wilderness of Mpumalanga’s renowned Kruger National Park. Characterised by a sweeping landscape of bushwillows, acacias, open grassland, the N’waswitsontso River, and the eponymous Mluwati River, the concession is a nature lover’s and photographer’s paradise and provides an important protected habitat for a large lion population. Visitors can enjoy game drives and view an array of wildlife including leopard, wild dog, zebra, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, impala, giraffe, and wildebeest. The area also teems with hundreds of bird species including the southern yellow-billed hornbill, the crested barbet, and Burchell’s glossy starling. Ask a guide to tell you about the intriguing lost treasure of ‘Qugunyan's Fortune’ - an abandoned fortune of gold, diamonds, and coins with a fascinating story attached to it.

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