We are planning a three week trip to South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. There are 4 of us going and we range in age from 59-76, all in relatively good health, We have been working with two companies to plan the trip, Kondo for the Zambia and Zimbabwe portion of the trip and Travel Cafe for South Africa. We have been happy with both companies and have settled on a basic plan. I would love you to review the plan, see if the pace of moving about is right, whether it's varied enough. Any changes or suggestions are welcome. Our first two nights after arrival will be in Cape Town. Our plan is on the first full day to do the Boulder Beach, , Cape Point /Chapman Peak tour. We figure we'd crash in the evening trying to adjust to the time differences. The next day we want to go to the District 6 Museum and neighborhood walk, Table Mountain and Kristenbosch Botanical Gardens. I'm wondering if this is too much for a day or if there is a better way to organize Cape Town activities? In the evening of the second day we plan to go to Mzansi Restaurant in Gugulethu. We will have a car to take us there and pick us up. This was recommended by a friend and I hope this is safe. After Cape Town we will fly to HDS airport and transfer to Shindzela Tented Safari Camp in Timbavati Preserve. We will be there three night. Has anyone been at this camp and if so what was the Safari experience and accomodations like there? After these safari days, we have a travel day and go to Oliver's drive via Blyde River Canyon and do a guided Panorama tour ( stopping at Gods' Window, Burke's Luck Potholes and Three Rondavets). This was suggested to us by the tour company. Is this a good choice for the day? From there we fly to Vic Falls for two nights. Other than seeing the Falls and going on a boat ride on the Zambezi River, what other actives should we do in Vic Falls? From Vic Falls we will head to Hwange NP we will be taking in the Somalisa Expedition Luxury Family Camp for three nights. Has anyone been there and can comment on that experience? After this we have another travel day and wind up in the Lower Zambezi NP at the Sihkuru Private Safari House. Again has anyone been there? We will spend 4 night in the Lower Zambezi and one in Kondo village. In addition to the usual safari and boat rides, we will go to a local village and school, market and possible a clinic. Our last stop will be to South Luangwa NP for three nights. We will be staying at Flat Dogs Crocodile Nest House. Anyone been there? So this is an ambitious trip, with four different safari experiences. Do these seem like they will be varied experiences, with different wild animals and birds? Any suggestions or recommendations on the overall plan or particular things not to miss are welcome.

Two nights in Cape Town seems very short, especially if you are arriving into Cape Town from abroad. If you could squeeze in one more night, although two would be better. You could combine Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch in one day. Another day could be District Six and anything else that is of interest to you, such as Company Gardens or Robben Island.

As for Victoria Falls, there are panoramic trails on both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides. We spent a day on each side and both were pretty full days.

Don't know if you're seeking out good food and wine. If so, a few days in Franschhoek is highly recommended. It is a couple of hours from Cape Town.

I agree that your time in CT is too short. If at all possible, I recommend adding as many days there as you can manage.
For Table Mountain, the weather will have an impact. If it is too windy, the cable car does not run. So you should be flexible about that activity, and try to get there early to avoid long lines.

CapeTown is such a fantastic eating city that I (and this is my opinion only) would not waste a dinner at that restaurant. You already know it's going to be filled with tourists. And from my experience, the food (I've not eaten there but I have been to others of that ilk) will be more interesting than delicious.

On another trip, our most recent visit to Southern Africa, we stayed only at camps in Zimbabwe and Somalisa was one of these. It's excellent and, as you know, offers amazing up-close-and-personal with the elephants. Food is pretty good, not great, but you are not there for fine dining.

I don't know Timbavati but expect the viewing is similar to that of Sabi Sands, which is absolutely mind blowing. A life changing experience.

I'm happy to offer any tips if I am able to do so!!

Somalisa, Hwange, Zimbabwe..pork chop lunch

Somalisa

Somalisa

Somalisa

Thanks for your reply. Yes I agree that two fulls days is too short for Cape Town. I’m not sure that we can change it since we have reservations at Timbavati right after that. I can see if that could be moved up a day. That would mean we’d miss Blyde River Canyon. Is that a good trade off if we can make the change? If we can’t change it, what would be your recommendation for the best way to see the District 6 museum, Kristenbosh gardens, Boulder beach, Cape Point and Table Mountain in two days? Which is best to combine in a each day?

Thanks for your reply. I’m not sure if we can change the number of days in CT. If we can’t do you have recommendations for how we can organize the activities within that time frame ? The photos are wonderful. Thanks for sharing. I’m glad you liked Somalia. Although food is not why we are going, the menu looks great.

I’d welcome any suggestions for good places to eat in Cape Town. We are going with someone who needs strict glutton free accommodations.

With two days in Cape Town, perhaps cut Cape Point. While worthwhile, you won't likely have time to take a full day out of your two days.

I looked again at the plan. First off, how are you planning to reach the out-of-city attractions? Private tour or group tour or rental car? Because if you go on a group tour, the times will be set.

I think you could do all these activities as you planned but it will be really rushed. We spent most of the afternoon at Kirstenbosch Gardens. But all this depends on your own interests....
The District Six Museum is very small..., so maximum two hours unless you get into a conversation with a former resident. Prioritize according to your interests...

Who planned all this--ws its the SA travel agent? If you planned, what does your agent think about the itinerary?

I've not been to Blyde's River Canyon but even so, I'd give it up for more time in CT. If you are at all flexible I would extend the trip by a few days....


I know nothing about gluten-free food, and I don't know what kind of food you all like and how much you want to spend on a meal...if you have two days does that mean..two dinners and a quick lunch near one of your "sights??"? I could give you a few names if you clear up those issues...type of food and price...

What's your hotel in CT? Do you mind taking taxi for dinners?

Where will you be arriving from? If the US, that's a long slog so do not forget the jet lag issue...

OP, your post is really, really difficult to read. Using paragraphs makes things much easier to read. Nobody wants to read a huge block of text. It would help if you cogently wrote out the itinerary in a list form, e.g.,

Days 1-3: City X - activities A, B and C, staying at N hotel

etc.

It's literally impossible to help you given the state of this OP. Help people help you.

Cape Town really deserves at least 3–4 nights to enjoy highlights like Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch, and the city’s history without rushing. Franschhoek is an excellent add-on for food and wine lovers.

Both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sidesof Vistoria Falls offer different perspectives, and allocating time for each makes the experience far more rewarding. Thoughtful pacing always makes a big difference in long-haul itineraries.

I hope you find this useful.

thanks for your feedback. I will write a new post that is more easily read.