Contiki has a ton of different group tours you can partake in, with one being the “Cape, Safari and Falls” tour to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. If you’re interested in taking this tour even a little, I would definitely urge you to book it!! Continue reading to find out why 🙂
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What is Contiki?
Contiki is a leading travel company specializing in guided group tours for young adults aged 18 to 35. Their tours offer diverse itineraries across various continents and focuses on cultural exploration and outdoor activities. They’re also known for creating hassle-free, jampacked, social travel experiences. Contiki is fit for adventurous individuals looking to explore the world, make lasting friendships, and who love creating memorable journeys.
I’ve always enjoyed going on Contiki tours and have been on five tours myself. My most recent Contiki tour being on the “Cape, Safari & Falls” tour to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana in 2023.
If you’re interested in browsing their extensive Trip Catalog, check them out at contiki.com!
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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Intro: A Journey Beyond Expectations
Contiki’s Cape, Safari & Falls Tour really isn’t just a vacation, it’s an expedition of a lifetime! From the iconic Table Mountain to the majestic Victoria Falls. From a thrilling Zambezi River experience to the untamed wilderness of Kruger, Zambezi, and Chobe National Parks. Every part of this journey exceeded my expectations and created everlasting memories that were beyond my imagination. Continue reading to find out why!
Why Contiki’s Cape, Safari & Falls Tour?
Cost
When looking at Contiki’s Africa trips catalog, the Cape, Safari, & Falls tour stuck out to me mostly for the amount of game drives at the offered price point. Contiki constantly has deals throughout the year, so I snagged one that already had a 10% off limited deal. Then, as a returning Contiki traveler, I receive a 5% discount plus I utilize my Costco membership for an additional 10% discount. This meant the tour that normally costs ~$3000 came out to be about ~$2200 for me! (Price excludes roundtrip flights from home destination and back).
I understand that this is still on the pricier side, but when I’ve researched other Safari Tours, they are double or even triple the price Contiki was offering so the decision was easy to make for me. If you aren’t a Contiki frequent traveler nor have a Costco membership, you can still snag an awesome deal from Contiki. They have several limited time travel sales throughout the year where you can find 5-15% discount deals on certain tours. Definitely take a look at contiki.com!
Duration
The tour is 11 days long, with approximately 2 days of travel time on both the front and back end of the tour. This meant that the trip would be about two weeks long, meaning only 10 days of PTO is needed to go on the tour. For me, this duration worked perfectly since I have a limited PTO bank from work. Although now, I cannot wait to go back and spend more time in the region.
Interests
I have had visiting Southern Africa very high on my travel list! I love animals and wildlife conservation so the numerous game drives and opportunities of learning about and spotting wildlife in their natural habitat aligned with my interests perfectly. If you appreciate and enjoy animals and wildlife at all, then any Safari tour will not disappoint! I also love natural wonders so seeing Table Mountain and Victoria Falls (a listed natural wonder of the world) can be checked off the bucket list with this tour.
Additionally, I like to learn about different cultures and eat new foods and this tour offered various opportunities to do so. You can learn about the history and culture of South Africa by going on a tour through a Township in Cape Town, as well as through a traditional Eco-Village in Kruger. The Contiki tour also provided the opportunity to taste traditional African dishes and also take a really fun cooking class! Lastly, the thrilling activities offered at Victoria Falls meant an adventure of a lifetime I simply couldn’t miss.
Cape Town: Vibrant Cityscapes and Cultural Riches
Our tour began in the captivating city of Cape Town where we learned about South Africa’s history and culture at every stop we made. We explored vibrant neighborhoods, cooked and indulged in delectable local cuisine, and marveled at breathtaking views along the Cape Peninsula. The lively V&A Waterfront, the Cape of Good Hope and winery visit, and the adorable penguins of Boulders Beach were definitely the highlights of our time in Cape Town. We unfortunately could not go up Table Mountain due to strong wind and rain conditions, but being able to see it from a distance was still postcard-worthy.
RELATED: Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Cape Town, South Africa
Victoria Falls: Majestic Beauty Unveiled
The crown jewel of the tour was the majestic Victoria Falls where the sheer power and beauty of the falls left us in awe. Optional add-on activities, including a thrilling zipline/bungie/bridge swing experience, a helicopter ride over the falls, and heart-pounding white-water rafting, all add an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling adventure. Additionally, if you want to do the zipline/bungie/bridge swing experience, you are able to do just one or combo multiple activities.
RELATED: Unleash Your Adventure: Top 7 Thrilling Activities in Victoria Falls
National Park Safaris: Beyond Imagination
Kruger National Park Safari: A humbling Experience
Contiki’s expert guides drove and led us on exhilarating game drives through the legendary Kruger National Park. Witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat was super humbling, where you’re able to see them graze and enjoy life. Also I got to say, that spotting wildlife is an incredible skill that our guides excelled in and the rest of us struggled with.
The safari truck we were in was large and tall which gave us a slightly higher view above the lands, but it was still difficult to spot animals. Its windows open downward to maximize your viewing of the lands, but some windows were difficult to open and close where a stronger or another person might need to help open/close it.
This being the first safari of the Contiki tour will teach you the skills to be able to spot animals near and far for all subsequent game drives thereafter.
RELATED: Ultimate Safari Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Safari Adventure
Zambezi National Park Walking Safari: A Wild Stroll on the Wild Side
The walking safari in Zambezi National Park was a highlight that offered a unique perspective on Africa’s diverse ecosystems. Guided by knowledgeable experts, we ventured on foot into the heart of the park and looked out for wildlife in their natural habitat.
The guides point out animal bones, animal dung, footprints, flora and fauna found along the path. This close encounter with nature added such a thrilling dimension to our overall safari experience. I unfortunately wasn’t able to see any wildlife on foot, but once we got back on the safari trucks, we saw so many it made up for not seeing any during the walk.
Zambezi National Park Walking Safari findings
Chobe National Park: Camping, Game Drives, and River Cruises
Chobe National Park was hands-down my most favorite safari experience of the whole Contiki tour. The game drives through Chobe’s vast landscapes were like a scene out of the Lion King with wildlife everywhere you turn! It was unbelievable. We saw lions, elephants, and giraffes up close where every sighting really was a photographer’s dream.
For the first night, you get to camp beneath the African sky within the park itself. So it’s possible wildlife can come by and join you at the campfire if they choose to. The Chobe River Cruise was a serene yet exhilarating experience where we saw elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along the riverbanks. Not to mention, the sunsets I got to see in Chobe were one of the most beautiful and unreal sunsets I’ve seen.
The Incredible Wildlife of Kruger, Zambezi, and Chobe National Parks
Cape, Safari & Falls Tour Accommodations
The six selected accommodations were in great locations, offered a luxury experience, or were unique once-in-a-lifetime stays. Note that the accommodations listed on the tour website may change, may differ from where my tour group stayed, and that not all rooms will be identical.
South Africa: Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Johannesburg
Cape Town Hotel: Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge
The hotel we stayed at in Cape Town, South Africa was in a great location! It’s a short 5-minute walk next to the lively Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, with a plethora of shops, restaurants, and bars. My hotel room also had two closed-off bedrooms for added privacy from my roommate when needed.
Kruger National Park Safari Camp: The Wild Olive Tree Camp
The Kruger National Park safari camp was such a unique stay! It’s fenced off to prevent wildlife from entering although you’ll still feel like you’re staying in the African savanna. The safari tents had mesh windows that immersed us in the sights and sounds of the wild. Note that there is no A/C in the tents, so the windows are usually kept open to allow airflow. However, they are able to be closed from the outside to prevent unwanted onlookers into the tent (especially if you want privacy in the en-suite bathroom). There’s also an onsite pool where you can cool off after a long day spotting wildlife. Then after dinners, the campfire is lit and drinks are served at the small bar.
Kruger National Park: The Wild Olive Tree Camp
Johannesburg accommodation: Sunrock Guesthouse
In Johannesburg, the accommodation was a mini oasis! There’s a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees that perfectly transports you to a different atmosphere contrasting with the Johannesburg city. You can also request for a massage if you’re looking for some relaxation.
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls lodge: Shearwater’s Explorer Village
The Victoria Falls accommodation was one of luxury and escape. It features a two-tier swimming pool, restaurant, two bars and a lounging area. During dinner, amazing performers may stop by and sing and dance in traditional African clothing. A short walk away were several shops, restaurants, and a theatre where you can watch an add-on show at. Additionally, if you’re looking for some pampering and relaxation then you can request a massage at this accommodation as well.
Botswana: Chobe National Park & Kasane
Chobe Camp site: Chobezi Camping
Camping in the African bush was the most unique stay and a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience! The campsite is unfenced and located within the Chobe National Park so it’s literally in the animals’ natural habitat. So it’s possible that wild animals could enter and walk the campsite at their leisure.
The camping tents fit two cots, have mesh windows, a lantern, and an empty bucket for any late-night “emergencies”. Regarding the bathroom situation, there are two “flushable” bins (without plumbing), covered by tent walls with an open roof. After dinner, you can enjoy the campfire along with beer and wine served from the cooler the guides brought. If you enjoy camping and being out in the wilderness, then you’ll absolutely love this experience. If not, then luckily you are only camping for one night.
RELATED: Chobezi Review
Kasane Lodge: Kwalape Safari Lodge
The Kasane safari lodge has a swimming pool with a nearby bar to order drinks and relax. A perfect way to end our trip. The room my roommate and I were given was likely on the higher-end since the room itself was large and the bathroom was very modern. This was probably my most luxurious room of the trip, but I doubt all travelers received the same room so I must’ve gotten lucky. The dinner buffet here was also very delicious and was an awesome last meal with the tour group.
Dedicated and Expert Guides: An Unrivaled Service
What elevated our Contiki tour experience was hands-down our Trip Manager, Dan. He was extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to taking care of us, and he quickly became a friend. I would definitely hire Dan to go with me on future African wildlife tours as his knowledge of wildlife and spotting skills (especially birds) were incredible!
Contiki’s Excellence: Attention to Detail and Camaraderie
Contiki’s meticulous attention to detail was evident throughout the tour. Everything was smooth and seamless, which made it an even more enjoyable experience. The tour manager and local guides were also so passionate about the destinations. Their enthusiasm and knowledge really enhanced our understanding and appreciation of all the places we visited. Additionally, all the travelers on the tour were like-minded, fun and friendly individuals who we quickly became friends with. They all helped create a sense of community that amplified the entire experience and my southern African safari experience.
Final Words
Contiki’s Cape, Safari & Falls Tour is a masterpiece of travel experiences. It seamlessly blends adventure, culture, and wildlife encounters, that creates everlasting memories. For those seeking an immersive, culturally rich, and an unforgettable exploration of Southern Africa, this tour is an absolute must. Contiki continues to prove itself as a leader in crafting extraordinary travel experiences for the young at heart. Be sure to check them out at contiki.com. Bon Voyage!
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