Giraffe in South Africa
getty images
Experience Elegance in Southern Africa
Even on a continent known as the home of thousands of distinct cultures, ecosystems and species, its southern region, including the country of South Africa, spans hundreds of thousands of square miles and includes everything from snowcapped mountains and savannas to deserts and beaches. Southern Africa, home to the “big five” of African safaris (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalo), gorgeous vineyards and magical Victoria Falls, is sure to offer something for everyone to enjoy.
As a AAA Member, you can find some of the top African vacation packages in this region, many of them focused on South Africa specifically, but with forays into adjacent nations as well. Take a look at a few of the most exciting options, and get an idea of what you can expect when you book your next trip to southern Africa through AAA.
Top South African Vacations with AAA
Dramatic waterfall and clouds at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Zambia
adobe stock
Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana
Offered by AAA Member Choice Vacations — 15 days
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and eager to see as much of southern Africa—not solely South Africa—as you can, go for AAA Member Choice Vacations’ Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana. Kicking off with one night in Johannesburg, the tour’s next stop is thundering Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The itinerary then turns to safaris at Botswana’s Chobe National Park to spot the “big five” and at Pilanesberg National Park, where the hilly Lowveld meets the fringe of the mighty Kalahari Desert. Take time to seek out elephants, zebras, lions, cheetahs, white and black rhinoceroses, springboks, crocodiles, and other animals. The trip ends at beautiful Cape Town, nestled between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Other highlights of the vacation include wine tastings at local vineyards and chances to view some of South Africa’s rich, varied cultural and architectural heritage.
Tourists observe elephants at the edge of Chobe National Park, Botswana, Africa.
Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water
See South Africa from another angle when you explore the web of rivers, lakes and falls that connect the region to neighboring countries and beyond. This AAA Member Choice Vacations’ itinerary takes intrepid vacationers through some of southern Africa’s most visually stunning and storied settings, including along the Chobe River, Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba.
The package starts with a brief stay in Johannesburg before traveling to Botswana’s Chobe National Park for riverine exploration and observing some of the region’s most sought-after wildlife. Next, enjoy game drives in search of the “big five” at Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Cruise Lake Kariba, the world’s largest reservoir, in a private safari boat, your home for three nights, for an up-close look at local wildlife. The next destination is Victoria Falls, before a stop at a local market, lunch with a local family and a visit to an elephant sanctuary.
Colony of penguins, Boulders Beach near Cape Town, South Africa
Incomparable Cape Town and Safari
Offered by African Travel — 10 nights accommodation
No trip to South Africa would be complete without a journey to Kruger National Park, Cape Town or Victoria Falls, so why not book a trip that gives you plenty of time to explore all three? This African Travel package hits those highlights, starting with a stay at the five-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, one of the largest cities in the country. After spending more than three days in town, dining on delicious meals, admiring breathtaking views, and visiting some of the region’s engaging museums and cultural destinations, take off for Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves on the continent.
Covering more than 7,500 square miles along the border with Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Kruger National Park offers sizable populations of the “big five” as well as giraffes, hippopotamuses, zebras and unusual animals, like African wild dogs. Another exciting stop, the Sabie River, is one of Africa’s most diverse waterways, home to crocodiles, storks, leopards and flamingos. Travelers can then visit Johannesburg for one night, followed by a flight to Victoria Falls and a cruise along the Zambezi River, a fitting conclusion to this delightful tour.
Table Mountain cable cars, Cape Town
Southern African Highlights
Those new to South Africa can book this African Travel vacation to acquaint themselves with the best the country has to offer. Taking place over 11 exciting days, this locally hosted tour spans a variety of territory, from South Africa’s bustling cities to vibrant, thriving wildlife to pristine scenery.
After four nights in Cape Town, including a guided tour of stunning seascapes, views of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, take off for Kapama Private Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s privately owned parks. Spend several days on safari looking for the “big five” as well as populations of giraffe, impala, blue wildebeest and kudu. Accommodations are provided at Kapama Southern Camp. After the safari, head back south to Johannesburg before flying to Zimbabwe to catch breathtaking views of Victoria Falls.
Rhinos at Kruger National Park
Spectacular South Africa
Offered by AAA Member Choice Vacations — 14 days
If you’re as interested in regional culture and history as wildlife and nature, book this 14-day AAA Member Choice Vacations’ guided tour. It begins in Sandton, a former mining hub and now a cosmopolitan destination in the northern part of Johannesburg. Destinations in the area include Constitution Hill, the former fort and prison—now museum—that held Nelson Mandela and others involved in the struggle to end apartheid, as well as the historic township of Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. You can then pull out your binoculars to play “I spy” for the “big five” in Kruger National Park on two open-air safaris. The trip continues to the picturesque coastal town of Knysna and features a lagoon cruise and a visit to a local forest. From there, the tour moves to Stellenbosch, renowned as a center of learning and wine production, before landing in Cape Town for several days of soaking up the culture of the “Mother City.”
Ready to plan and book your African adventure? Contact a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent to take advantage of exclusive AAA Vacations amenities, enjoy worry-free planning and a memorable vacation experience.