7-Day Africa Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Africa itineraries

Compiled by

NadineAfrica travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in East Africa, incl. Serengeti and Ngorongoro

  Luxury safari adventure connects 4 countries: Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. The route encompasses 5 major destinations including Serengeti National Park and Ngorongogo Crater, with elegant stays at Kubu Kubu Lodge and Lake Masek Camp accompanied by expert wildlife guides.

  

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  • Day 1

    Nairobi Arrival

    Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and stay at the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel. Its location helps you skip Nairobi's heavy traffic. Book dinner at the hotel if you're landing late since nearby restaurants close early.

    
  • Day 2

    Nairobi to Serengeti

    Fly from Nairobi to Arusha (1.5 hours), then take a connecting flight to Seronera airstrip in the Serengeti (45 minutes). Small planes have strict 15kg luggage limits so pack light in soft bags. Stay at Kubu Kubu Lodge, which offers great wildlife viewing access. One guest shared: "The location near Central Serengeti meant we could spot wildlife right from our terrace - we saw giraffes at sunrise without leaving the lodge."

    
  • Day 3

    Full Day Serengeti Safari

    Get an early start since most predators are active before 9am. Your 4x4 Land Cruiser comes with a pop-up roof for clear views. Bring sun protection. If you're visiting during migration season (July-October), visit the Mara River to see wildebeest crossings. Consider a hot air balloon safari. It costs about $550 but gives you incredible sunrise views over the plains.

    
  • Day 4

    Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

    The 4-hour drive to Ngorongoro is bumpy so bring motion sickness medication if needed. Check in at Lake Masek Camp on the crater rim. At 2,200 meters altitude, nights can be cold even in summer so pack warm clothes.

    
  • Day 5

    Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

    Start at 6am when the crater road opens. Morning mist creates perfect photo opportunities. The crater gets crowded by mid-morning but your driver knows quiet spots for finding black rhinos. Stay at Maramboi Camp where you can take walking safaris for a break from vehicle rides.

    
  • Day 6

    Ngorongoro to Nairobi

    Drive back to Arusha (3 hours) for your Nairobi flight. Watch for tree-climbing lions near Lake Manyara. Book an afternoon flight since morning fog can delay departures. Stay at Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel.

    
  • Day 7

    Nairobi to Cape Town Departure

    Take the 8am direct flight to Cape Town (4.5 hours). You'll have the afternoon to explore Cape Town if you're staying longer. Keep your yellow fever certificate ready for entering South Africa.

    

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• 7 Days in Southern Africa, incl. Kruger and Victoria Falls

  Three iconic destinations fill 7 enriching days: 3 nights of Kruger safaris, 2 nights at Victoria Falls with sunset cruises, and a full-day Chobe excursion with river and land adventures.

  

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  • Day 1

    Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

    Book an early morning flight from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to make the most of your first day. The drive to your lodge takes about an hour. Bring light layers for your first evening game drive at 4:30 PM - the bush gets chilly after sunset.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Kruger National Park Safari

    Game drives start at 5:30 AM when animals are most active. Spend the hot midday hours relaxing at the lodge pool. Take a guided bush walk to spot tracks and smaller wildlife you might miss from the vehicle. A tip for photographers: sit on the right side during morning drives to avoid shooting into the sun.

    
  • Day 4

    Kruger to Victoria Falls

    Allow 1.5 hours for the morning transfer to Nelspruit airport before your Victoria Falls flight. Once in Zimbabwe, start with an evening cruise on the Zambezi River. You'll see hippos and elephants along the riverbank while enjoying drinks and snacks. Bring insect repellent - the mosquitoes come out at dusk.

    
  • Day 5

    Victoria Falls

    Visit both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides of the falls for different perspectives. If you're visiting between July and March, bring protection for your camera from the heavy spray. A recent visitor shared: "The best views are in the morning before the mist builds up. And definitely rent a poncho - you'll get soaked on the Knife Edge Bridge!"

    
  • Day 6

    Chobe National Park Day Trip

    Take the one-hour transfer to Botswana's Chobe National Park. Start with a morning boat cruise to watch elephants at the water's edge. Look for lions during your afternoon game drive, especially in Sedudu Valley. Remember your passport for the border crossing.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Victoria Falls

    Schedule afternoon flights so you have time for last-minute activities or shopping. The airport is just 20 minutes from most hotels. Since Zimbabwe uses USD, keep small bills for tipping your lodge staff and guides.

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• 7 Day Southern Africa Itinerary, incl. Kruger and Victoria Falls

  South African wildlife and natural wonders await across 8 destinations in 7 days, spanning South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The route leads from Pretoria through Kruger National Park, Matobo National Park, and reaches its peak at Victoria Falls. The package includes 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners, and comfortable camping accommodations.

  

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  • Day 1

    Pretoria to Hazyview

    Leave Pretoria by 7 AM to avoid traffic on your 4-5 hour drive east to Mpumalanga Province. You'll see the landscape transform from city views to beautiful highlands. If you get carsick easily bring motion sickness medication for the winding roads in the final hour. A recent visitor shared: "The journey from Pretoria is long but the scenery changes completely once you hit Mpumalanga's forest regions."

    
  • Day 2

    Kruger National Park

    Get up at 5:30 AM for prime wildlife viewing at sunrise. You'll explore in safari vehicles with elevated viewing areas. Pack neutral-colored clothing and dress in layers since mornings are cold but afternoons get hot. The southern area is best for spotting big cats. Keep your camera ready but remember to silence your phone to avoid startling the animals.

    
  • Day 3

    Hazyview to Tshipise

    Plan for 6-7 hours of driving north through the mountains. Your destination is Tshipise's natural hot springs. The springs are 65°C (149°F) at the source but cooled to comfortable temperatures in swimming areas. Bring flip-flops since the ground gets very hot. It's a perfect spot to relax after days of travel.

    
  • Day 4

    Tshipise to Matobo

    Start early for Zimbabwe border crossing at Beitbridge which usually takes 2-3 hours. Stop in Bulawayo to get supplies and local currency before heading to Matobo National Park. While the campsite is basic the location is incredible with its ancient granite formations. A previous visitor noted: "Nothing prepares you for the otherworldly rock formations of Matobo – it feels like being on another planet."

    
  • Day 5

    Matobo National Park

    Join expert guides for a unique rhino tracking experience on foot. The granite rocks can be slippery so wear shoes with good grip. The morning walk takes about 3 hours. In the afternoon visit Cecil Rhodes' grave and see ancient San rock art. Stay quiet during tracking since these are wild rhinos in their natural habitat.

    
  • Day 6

    Matobo to Livingstone

    Get ready for a long 8+ hour drive through Zimbabwe to Livingstone Zambia. You'll get your first look at Victoria Falls' spray when crossing the border at Victoria Falls Bridge. Bring your Yellow Fever certificate if needed. After arriving in Livingstone book your activities for tomorrow. If you're visiting during low water season (September-December) try to schedule the morning "Devil's Pool."

    
  • Day 7

    Victoria Falls

    Start your falls visit by 8 AM before it gets hot and crowded. The viewing paths get soaked from spray so protect your belongings and consider renting a poncho at the site. Water levels are highest from December to March making for spectacular views but heavy spray can limit visibility. September to November offers clearer views but less dramatic falls. Check out the local craft market near the entrance for souvenirs but be ready to negotiate prices.

    

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