Cape, Safari & Falls

Great all the way around. And for the price this can not be beat.

This was an amazing trip with a great group and trip manager.

This trip was phenomenal. It is such a buildup from the amazing views on top of Table Mountain in Cape Town through to seeing the Big 5 in the wild in Kruger and Chobe National Parks. The team are outstanding and again, huge props to local guides Jesse and Kyle and my Trip Manager, Alfie! Having been to Cape Town before independently, I was curious to see what Contiki had to offer, and I was not disappointed at all. The trip is very well designed and planned out and really helps capture the essence of each area you visit. Local Food, Real Experiences, and no sugar coating the history of South Africa. This really is the best way to introduce yourself to Africa. Having a Max group size of 26 is so good as we actually got to know each other on the trip and it really felt like a family. If you want to see the best of Southern Africa, this is the trip for you. Don't pass up the Free Time Add-Ons like the Heli-flight over Victoria Falls or the Trip down the Cape Peninsula to see the Penguins. THey are worth every cent!

Exceded my expectations! Alfie made the trip amazing and seemless!

Dieser Trip ist das Geld absolut wert und gibt einen super Einblick in die Kultur vom südlichen Afrika. Super Leute und super Erfahrungen!

This African trip was my favourite so far. I have done 8 contikis now and I was so impressed with this trip. Even though it is in its infancy being a new trip, it still had so much included and we ticked off so many bucket list items. The tour manager, Alfie, was beyond excellent. He had so much passion for the countries we visited and the game driving and I felt humbled to be shown around by him. I didn't feel unsafe at all. So many friends and family where saying to be careful etc, but being in a group and always having Alfie around for support, I never felt uneasy. We saw so much on this tour and I'm so happy we signed up for this tour for our last contiki. It was a perfect end to our contiki experience.

Cape, Safari & Falls is the most amazing trip! The most common question is ‘what was the highlight’ and my answer is THE WHOLE ENTIRE TRIP! My trip manager Alfie was sensational. He has such passion for Africa and wanted to share his knowledge, experience and love for Africa with our group. Jesse was absolutely brilliant on safari in Kruger. With every fact you can possibly want about every animal, he made the safari even more enjoyable than it already was. Everything that I wanted to see and do in Africa was included in this trip and I would do this trip again and again if I could. I have fallen in love with Africa and I can’t wait to go back already!

Absolutely incredible, once-in-a-lifetime, magical and unforgettable trip. Jesse was the most amazing trip manager and easily the best of any Contiki trip managers I've ever had. So full of passion and knowledge, it was infectious. Could not have imagined the trip without him. Such a varied trip - city, safari, rural, camping and the stunning Victoria Falls - definitely recommend the helicopter flight. Africa was very eye-opening and I learned so much. Was so nice to be able to relax and have everything organised for you. The main criticism is that Contiki absolutely MUST explain to people whether they will be staying in Zambia or Zimbabwe at the time of booking. It is unforgivable that this isn't clear and there was so much confusion. At certain times of the year, the Falls are better viewed from Zambia and others from Zimbabwe so the trip stays in different countries depending on the month. But all the trip info and website says is Zimbabwe. I went in June and we actually stayed in Zambia but weren't told this until we were in Cape Town so most people booked flights out of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe only to find out this meant they would have to pay $50-75 for a visa just to go to the airport. If they had been properly informed at the time of booking or in the pre-trip info pack, they may have booked from Kasane in Botswana, where the trip ends or left enough room in their budget for the visa. This was a sour note of the trip. In addition, I think more of the free-time add ons, although great, could have been included for the price as all the extras really added up. And it would be great to do even an hour's drive and quick city tour through Joburg before the 7 hour drive from Joburg airport to Kruger. Hippo River Lodge in Zambia also desperately needs mosquito nets considering it is has so many mosquitoes because it is so close to the water and in a malaria zone. Other than that, it is a trip that will stay with me for the rest of my life. #NOREGRETS #LEKKER

This was my third Contiki, and it did not disappoint! Despite being a new trip, there were excellent plans (and backup plans when Africa didn't cooperate) so the trip ran seamlessly. Africa is so beautiful, and the trip will surely exceed your expectations. I personally loved the Cape of Good Hope, Chobe safari lion sightings, and rope swing at Victoria Falls. The group size is small (~25 vs ~50), which I prefer because it's simpler and more personal. Accomodations were excellent overall, including glamping and camping in the preserve itself. Speaking as someone who routinely camps, the "camping" night was plush with a 3 course meal, cots/blankets/pillows, camping bathrooms, and a bonfire. Anyone on the fence about camping, don't be--camping was super safe in a fence, and even the most high maintenance folks on the trip felt comfortable. A couple of cautions: one night, several people got some money stolen at a hotel, and Contiki took extensive corrective actions so this hopefully will never happen again. Just lock your luggage whenever it's not with you, and keep valuables on you at all times. Be aware of income disparities. Also, Contiki should clarify which countries you visit (SA, Zambia, Botswana, maybe Zimbabwe) and where to fly out of (Kasane but VFA was comfortably accommodated or you can get private transport if needed). Rafting down the Zambezi was amazing, but we we're fortunate it was safe to go because it's normally closed around May-June. That being said, May-June was perfect weather (cool 50s in morning, 80s in afternoon), but be prepared for early 6am game drives and a lot of time outside in the morning (layers, people!). Everyone got visas at the time of border crossings, but in Africa, rules can change frequently. I can't say enough about our trip manager Alfie--that man has so much passion for Africa and animals, it's so contagious. Everything was undersold, OVER-delivered. Go on this trip and meet a bunch of passionate, wonderful people from across the globe who love the same things you do. Prepare to challenge yourself and your beliefs, and prepare to be uncomfortable in the best way possible. From the penguins in Cape Town, the safaris, and the powerful Victoria Falls, you will not regret signing up right now.

Fantastic trip. Amazingly planned.

Cape Safari Falls exceeded all of my expectations! It was a very full on trip with early starts but so worth it for the beautiful sights we got to see along the way!

The trip was perfect. The best night was camping in the national park under the stars and falling asleep to the lions roaring. Our trip manager alfie was by far the best manager he was so knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about everything

This is an amazing once in a life time itinerary. For the price you get to see ALL of South Africa , some great stays, and some good food. I thought it was well paced and every day it kept getting better and better. Have no regrets and do all the optionals (if you dare!)

This was the best trip I have ever taken. I left a different person in the most amazing way. I met great people and saw the most beautiful places.

Each element is extraordinary. The trip will be packed with them. Even with high expectations, you'll leave without regret or complaint.

This is an amazing trip with a very busy schedule. The things you do in the time is really great and I probably wouldn’t have been able to organise myself. You spend time in 3 countries and although it is a short trip it’s still definitely worth the cost. Our tour manager Alfie was great, really knowledgable learnt loads from him. There is a lot of driving around and sitting down which is the only negative. You do hear horror stories about Africa but you could experience that in any country, I felt safe with contiki and would highly recommend this trip.

Amazing once in a lifetime trip!

An absolutely amazing experience, made even better by an incredible tour guide, Alfie. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone. This was my first Contiki trip, and I was blown away by the knowledge of our trip manager, the stunning wildlife and scenery, and the intense cultural experience that these countries offered us.

Cape Safari Falls is an amazing 11 day trip. The itinerary is well thought out and executed. I did all of the free time add ons apart from Bungy and the swing at Victoria Falls. But all the add ons are great. Bites, Beers and Bikes is a great way to see the city, you don’t have to be fit to join in on the Fun and you can’t miss out on boulders beach, where you see heaps of adorable penguins. The vineyard and views add on was really good we tasted 5 delicious African wines. The bridge slide at Victoria Falls is extremely scary but once you get on it the view is beautiful and it’s not scary at all once you’re on there. The falls and game viewing helicopter ride was great. We went over the falls and down into the gorge. The pilot showed us where the falls have formed over the last 1000 years. The zambezi river rafting was the best experience. Although the climb down and up is quite strenuous it’s totally worth it. Once your in the river it’s amazing, one of the best experiences and definitely attended the dinners. There a great opportunity to bond with everyone on your tour. Our trip manager Alfie, was one of the best tour managers I’ve had on contiki. He strived to make our experience amazing and when things didn’t go to plan he told us it’s chill guys TIA (This is Africa) and pointed us to something to keep us occupied for a short while until things we’re back on track. The tour I went on was only the second tour in Africa. I can only imagine how great it’ll be after a few trips and the kinks all get worked out. This trip should definitely be on your bucket list. I highly recommend it. It is one of the best experiences you can have. You see animals and sights that you can’t see anywhere else. Seeing them in a zoo is nothing compared to the real thing!