The Extravelgance Team Is Visiting Amazing Africa

Join Us On The Adventure!

Dates:

November 11-17, 2024

Cost:

$4,800* per person based on double occupancy. Single supplements are $300. Price is subject to change until final reservation including deposits are received.

*Incredible Iceland travelers & their friends receive a discount of $300 if you register and pay a $500 deposit by 12/22/23!

Join us on this unique exploration of three countries in Africa to experience majestic wildlife, beautiful scenery, delightful cultural heritage, and a host of other “wow” moments. We will visit Cape Town in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Chobe National Park in Botswana. 

This small-group tour will include many special activities. Marvel at the views as you ascend Table Mountain in a cable car. Take in the breathtaking spectacle of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Enjoy both land and river safaris in Chobe National Park. And learn about various African cultures through a Boma Dinner and Drum Show and a visit to Mpisi Cultural Village. 

This tour is coordinated by Amanda Drum & Deidra Stephens and is intended to be for friends, family and readers of our blog. All money collected will be spent on trip expenses.

What's Included:
  • 6 nights 4 star hotel lodging: 2 nights Portswood Hotel (or similar); 2 nights Ilala Lodge (or similar), & 2 nights Cresta Mowana Safari Resort (or similar)
  • Breakfast at hotel each morning, 2 lunches, & 3 dinners
  • All tour transportation flights from Cape Town to Victoria Falls and from Chobe National Park to Johannesburg
  • Guide for tours & transfers & driver-guide for tours in Victoria Falls & Chobe National Park
  • All sightseeing tours, activities, & entrance fees indiciated in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for tour guide
What's Not Included:
  • Flights to Cape Town and from Johannesburg
  • Special transfers outside of tour parameters
  • Meals & beverages outside of tour parameters
  • Travel insurance; we strongly advise you purchase travel insurance
  • Passport & visa fees
  • Required & recommended vaccines

Itinerary:

Monday, November 11 - Arrive in Cape Town

Arrive in Cape Town and make your way to our hotel. With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world. An eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates of the past and the more functional demands of the 20th century. Cobblestone streets, mosques and the flat roofed pastel homes of the Malay Quarter enhance a cosmopolitan ambience. In a recent development, the restoration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront evokes images of the seafaring activities of the 19th century. At the end of the day, gourmets and lovers of sophisticated entertainment have a treat in store as the choice for your evening’s repast is vast.

Spend the evening at the comfort of your 4 star hotel (Portswood Hotel or similar).

Meals Included: Breakfast

Optional: If you would like to spend a few days in Cape Town prior to the group trip start date, we can assist you with hotel and tour arrangements. We highly recommend adding at least one day to take a day tour to the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point & Boulder’s Beach. 

Tuesday, November 12 - Cape Town City Tour & Table Mountain

After breakfast, you will enjoy a half-day orientation tour of Cape Town. You will see iconic buildings, glimpses of history, and experience the uniqueness of this city.

Drive past the country’s oldest building, the Castle and the Company Gardens, both historically fascinating and well conserved. Our drive continues past the Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the Slave Lodge. You will sense the depth of history via their distinctive architecture. Colonial then changes to colorful as you move up the cobblestoned hills to the Malay Quarter and marvel at the ice-cream colors of the quaint Bo-Kaap homes.

If time permits, we will also tour a diamond workshop and learn about how diamond mining has shaped South Africa’s history. 

Then we take the cable car up to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain (weather dependent) for a view of the city and the surrounding layout of the southernmost tip of Africa. Table Mountain is part of a World Heritage Site, an important part of the Cape Floristic Region and the single richest floristic area in the world. There is a lot of fynbos vegetation on the mountain, with over 1,460 different species of plants. There are also plenty of daisies, lizards, insects and birdlife to be seen. You can take one of the audio tours, join a guided walk, grab a coffee or beverage at the cafe, or do some shopping at the gift shop. You can opt to try one of three hiking trails that start at the Upper Cable Station and explore the summit further. Whatever you decide, you will enjoy the view. This is a great spot to sit and soak up the commanding 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Bay, and the nearby peaks of the surrounding mountains and the rest of the Table Mountain National Park.

We then return to the hotel in the afternoon for the rest of the day at leisure. If desired, we can help you book optional excursions such as a tour to Robben Island, a World Heritage Site and museum. From the 17th to the 20th centuries, Robben Island served as a place of banishment, isolation and imprisonment. It’s a poignant reminder to the newly democratic South Africa of the price paid for freedom. Another option is a tour to Stellenbosch Wineland to visit a wine estate. Here you will take a cellar tour, participate in a wine tasting, and tour the town of Stellenbosch.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wednesday, November 13 - Transfer to Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls

After early breakfast this morning, we will check out of our Cape Town hotel and head to airport for a flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the 4 star Ilalal Lodge (or similar).

Later in the evening, we enjoy a sunset cruise on Zambezi Explorer. A visit to Victoria Falls isn’t complete without this popular unique sunset cruise. You will be enchanted with the magnificence of the Zambezi, Africa’s grandest lifeline, teeming with hippos and crocodiles, herds of elephants on the riverbanks, and a plethora of birdlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thursday, November 14 - Victoria Falls

This morning after breakfast we proceed on a Victoria Falls tour. Victoria Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World! You will understand why instantly as we tour the Zimbabwean side. There are numerous spectacular vantage points along the width of the falls. The sight of this astounding gift of nature simply takes your breath away. Walk through the permanent misty rainforest which flanks the falls, stopping to marvel at the principal sites as it cascades to the depths below: the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island and Livingstone Island.

Later we go on a Bamba Tram ride. We ride through Zambezi National Park aboard the Bamba Tram for a unique experience in Zimbabwe. This tram takes you through the park where you can spot African game such as elephants and water buffalo through to the mighty Victoria Falls. Feel the mist from the falls spray your face and soak up the beautiful scenery on this fun tour.

Complete the evening with a Boma Dinner & Drum Show, a ‘must do’ Victoria Falls dining and entertainment experience. This event specializes in traditional African food, drumming and dancing. The food is cooked and served in the style and quantity of a lavish feast, including irresistible desserts. On arrival, you are dressed in a chitenge (traditional sarong) and welcomed into a vibrant atmosphere in which the tantalizing aromas of local dishes and game meat on the braai (barbecue) fill the restaurant, which is partially open to the star-filled African sky.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Friday, November 15 - Mpisi Cultural Village & Chobe National Park

After early breakfast, we check out hotel and proceed on a tour to Mpisi Cultural Village before heading to Chobe National Park, Botswana. Mpisi Cultural Village is an authentic rural village approximately 12 miles from Victoria Falls. Here you have the opportunity to see and interact with local villagers going about their daily tasks. You will have a first-hand glimpse into real South African rural life, visiting homes, watching fields being tended, and more.

Then we proceed to Chobe. The Chobe region is home to the largest population of wild elephant in the world. This is estimated to be approximately 120,000 elephants. Their daily passage takes them from Zimbabwe through the Chobe and on into Namibia before returning.

We will check into our hotel situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River, the 4.5 star Cresta Mowana Safari Resort (or similar). Upon arrival, you can choose to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the resort or, if time permits,  you can opt to go on a game drive or river cruise offered by the resort.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Saturday, November 16 - Chobe National Park

This morning enjoy a morning game drive in the park. Chobe is the 3rd largest park in Botswana and is home to 450 species of birds and the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Chobe is known for its one of a kind “land and water-based” game viewing.

Your first game sighting is from the Chobe River, teaming with animals. Your view is just off the riverbank from the relaxing vantage point of a boat. You are on the mighty Chobe River, which flows through the renowned Chobe National Park providing a haven for herds of grazing animals and bird life. Just sit back, relax, and keep those binoculars handy. Watch this glorious scene unfolding itself – large herds of elephant, often with the tiniest frolicking calves, kicking up dust as they wait their turn at the water’s edge to drink. Frighteningly large crocodiles sun themselves on the banks of the river, mouths agape, teeth terrifying. Glorious birdlife, wonderful game, and the gentle rocking of the riverboat. Can life get any better? Apparently. When you disembark, you will enjoy a gorgeous lunch at the resort overlooking the Chobe River.

In the afternoon we set out once again on an afternoon game drive on an open safari vehicle for a drive through the Chobe Game Reserve with the chance of seeing more wildlife and birdlife before returning to your resort for dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Sunday, November 17 - Final Game Drive & Transfer to Johannesburg

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed on a morning game drive before heading to Kasane Airport in time for your departure flight to Johannesburg 

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport Johannesburg, you will transfer to the terminal / gate for your home bound flight. If desired, we can help you continue your vacation by assisting you with booking a hotel and activities in Johannesburg. 

Note: Please take the latest flight possible out of Johannesburg. Do not depart until 8 p.m. at the earliest.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Register:

To register for the trip, please complete this registration form and follow the instructions on how to submit your deposit to reserve your spot on the trip.  We only have room for up to 14 participants, so reserve your space ASAP!

Payment & Refund Schedule:

You can pay off your trip balance at any time. We also offer the following payment plan:

  • Upon Registration: $500 (Iceland Travelers)/$800 (Others)
  • March 1, 2024: $1,500
  • May 1, 2024: $1,500
  • July 1, 2024: $1,000
The deposit and all payments received on their due dates are non-refundable. If you make payments ahead of the payment deadlines, those payments are refundable until that installment date passes. We highly encourage you to purchase travel insurance as soon as you make your deposit so that you can get your money back from your insurer if you are unable to go on the trip.
 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is planning this trip?

This trip is being planned by Amanda Drum and Deidra Stephens. We are coordinating this so we can travel with our friends, family and blog readers. We are working in conjunction with a tour provider called Goway and it is being booked through Amanda’s travel agency, Journeys by Amanda. 

Can I take my children on this trip? 

This trip itinerary is designed for adults, so only ages 18 and up are allowed.  

What is the group size?

The group size will be between 12-16 travelers. We need a minimum of 10 people to sign up to go, and we are capping the trip at 14 (in addition to Amanda and Deidra). If we do not have 10 people sign up by March 1, 2024, we will cancel the trip and return your deposit. 

I’ve signed up for the trip, but now I can’t go. Now what?
If it is before March 1, you will forfeit your deposit, but you will not be responsible for the remaining payments. Subsequent payments are non-refundable after their due dates. We will make every effort to refund anything that we can get back after this date, but we cannot guarantee anything. 

Do I need a visa?

American citizens do not need a  visa to enter South Africa or Botswana. They do need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. This visa is obtained upon entry to the country and costs $30 USD. 

You suggest purchasing trip insurance. What type do you recommend?

We are definitely not insurance experts, but if there is anything we’ve learned over the past few years, travel insurance is super important! At minimum, purchase travel insurance that will cover the following:

  • Medical expenses and emergency evacuation – most U.S. based health insurance does not provide coverage abroad and Medicare is not accepted.  You should make sure your policy includes both medical expenses coverage as well as emergency evacuation coverage.
  • Trip delay – with the travel industry being in such a turmoil lately, it’s smart to insure against travel delays. This insurance typically reimburses for food, lodging, rebooking flights, and other expenses as a result of weather, airline maintenance issues, civil unrest, and illness. Look for a policy that covers COVID-19.
  • Trip interruption – sometimes you are delayed in departing for a planned trip, or you have to cut a trip short due to illness, injury, or a family emergency. Make sure your policy includes coverage for trip interruption in the amount you spent on the trip.
  • Baggage loss – unfortunately, losing your luggage is a real problem these days. Make sure you have some sort of coverage in case you have to replace all of your clothes and toiletries if the airline loses your luggage. Yes, the airline will usually give you some money for this, but it’s a hassle to collect! And this coverage is in most insurance you will buy anyway.
  • Trip cancellation – you want to make sure that you have a policy that will pay the costs of your trip if you cancel for a covered reason such as illness, injury, death of traveler or a close family member or traveling companion, military deployment, civil unrest, family emergencies, and jury duty. Read the fine print to make sure you understand what the policy covers and what it does not.
  • Optional: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) – this coverage will increase the price of your insurance substantially and will only reimburse you 50-75% of trip costs (depending on the policy). But if you want the luxury of being able to back out of the trip at any time for any reason (not just covered reasons as stated above), this coverage is ideal.
With this in mind, we have investigated a few options and found a group travel insurance plan through Allianz that offers affordable coverage. Group policy prices will vary depending upon the number of travelers wishing to participate and the group plan will only be available if at least 8 travelers opt in. Otherwise, we will send you a quote for an individual policy. There is a place to let us know your interest in the Registration Form. For more information on insurance, contact Amanda at Amanda@JourneysByAmanda.com.
 
 Is the itinerary final?

 The itinerary is subject to change at any time before and during travel. We will not cut any included activities unless weather conditions prohibit them, but the order in which we visit things may change due to hotel availability, traffic conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Continue checking back for more FAQ’s – we will add answers to any questions we receive over the coming months!