Custom East Africa Safari Holidays | Santaviva Luxury Tours

13 Days Rwanda-Zambia-South Africa Tour

Embark on a thrilling 13-day journey across Rwanda, Zambia, and South Africa with our Luxury Tour! Dive into the heart of Africa's wild beauty, from the misty mountains of Rwanda to the thundering Victoria Falls in Zambia and the vibrant landscapes of South Africa. Every day promises new adventures, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and luxurious accommodations that turn each moment into a story worth telling. Get ready to awaken your spirit of exploration and discover the magic of Africa like never before!

What do I need to bring?

Clothing

Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirts and t-shirts (neutral colors for safaris)
Lightweight trekking pants and shorts
Waterproof jacket or windbreaker
Warm fleece or sweater for early morning safaris
Comfortable walking/hiking shoes and sturdy trekking boots
Sandals or casual shoes for lodge/city use
Hat or cap with a brim for sun protection
Swimwear (if lodges have pools)
Sleepwear
Underwear and socks (moisture-wicking recommended)
Light scarf or buff (dust protection on safari)

Accessories

Sunglasses with UV protection
Binoculars for wildlife spotting
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
Small daypack for trekking
Reusable water bottle
Headlamp or flashlight
Travel adapter and chargers for electronics
Lightweight dry bags for wet/dirty clothes

Health & Hygiene

High-SPF sunscreen
Insect repellent (DEET recommended)
Personal medications and first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, anti-diarrheal, pain relief)
Lip balm with SPF
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)

Optional / Luxury Items

Lightweight binocular harness or camera strap
Travel pillow for flights
Notebook / Journal
Small binocular tripod or monopod
Power bank

Documents & Essentials

Passport and copies
Visas (if required)
Travel insurance information
Vaccination certificates (yellow fever for Uganda/Rwanda)
Credit cards and some cash in local currency
Guidebooks or maps (optional)

Cancellation policy

Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.

More Info

Experience type

Multi day tour

Difficulty

Easy

Booking in advance

Cut off: 4 weeks

Live tour guide

English

Duration

13 days

Categories

Adventure, Day trips and excursions, Arts / culture, Cultural and theme tours, Hiking, Tailor made, Family friendly, Safari / wildlife , Adult Only

Know before you go

Minimum age of participants is: 18

Accommodation & Meals

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

Day

Accommodation

Meals

Kigali Serena

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included

Luxury Hotel in Kigali City

One & Only Gorilla's Nest

All Meals Included

Ultra Luxury Lodge outside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

One & Only Gorilla's Nest

All Meals Included

Ultra Luxury Lodge outside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Kigali Serena

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included

Luxury Hotel in Kigali City

Wilderness Toka Leya

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge in Livingstone National Park

Wilderness Toka Leya

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge in Livingstone National Park

Wilderness Toka Leya

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge in Livingstone National Park

Wilderness Toka Leya

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge in Livingstone National Park

One & Only Cape Town

All Meals Included

Luxury Hotel in Cape Town

One & Only Cape Town

All Meals Included

Luxury Hotel in Cape Town

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

End of Tour

Breakfast & Lunch included

No accommodation

What's included?

National park entrance fee
All accommodation in lodges, safari camps, and hotels as per itinerary.
Airport transfers and inter-country flights (e.g., Kigali → Kruger → Cape Town).
All game drives in Kruger National Park with professional guides.
Gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkey tracking experiences.
Wine tasting and Table Mountain tour in Cape Town.
Daily breakfast, selected lunches, and dinners as per itinerary.
Professional English-speaking guides throughout the trip.
Park entrance fees, conservation fees, and taxes.
Bottled water during safaris.
Emergency medical and travel assistance coverage.

Exclusions

Tip or gratuity
International flights to and from Africa.
Personal travel insurance (highly recommended).
Visas for Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa (if applicable).
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
Drinks, snacks, and meals not specified in itinerary.
Souvenirs, shopping, and personal expenses.

Day 1 : Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional guide for a personalized meet and greet at the airport. After a brief introduction and tour briefing, you will be transferred to Kigali Serena Hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.

Take the evening to relax and unwind, enjoying the comfort of your hotel as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 : Fly to Musanze and Ellen DeGeneres Campus Tour

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Musanze. Upon arrival, check in at One&Only Gorilla Lodge. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, then return to the lodge to relax and unwind.

Day 3 : Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Spend time observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat under the guidance of experienced rangers.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax, reflect on the experience, and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 4 : Fly to Kigali & Kigali Genocide Memorial Tour

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kigali. Upon arrival, check in at Kigali Serena Hotel and enjoy lunch.In the afternoon, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history and resilience. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5 : Fly from Kigali to Livingstone. Private transfer to Wilderness Toka Leya for a serene riverside retreat.

Fly from Kigali to Livingstone, where your Zambian adventure begins. On arrival, you’ll be met and privately transferred to Wilderness Toka Leya, an intimate luxury lodge set along the banks of the Zambezi River.

Settle into your elegant riverside suite and take in the tranquil surroundings, where wildlife often wanders freely and the river flows just steps away. Spend the afternoon at leisure—relax on your private deck, enjoy the lodge’s refined hospitality, or unwind as the African sunset casts golden light over the Zambezi.

This is a moment to slow down, reset, and immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most serene and exclusive wilderness settings.

Day 6 : Victoria Falls Experience

Begin your day with a guided exploration of Victoria Falls—one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders,” the falls deliver a powerful spectacle as millions of litres of water plunge into the gorge below.

Walk along scenic viewpoints with your expert guide, feeling the mist on your skin and hearing the thunderous roar as you take in panoramic views from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides (season dependent).

Day 7 : Zambezi River Experience

Spend your day immersed in the timeless beauty of the Zambezi River, the lifeblood of the region and home to an incredible diversity of wildlife.

Begin with a relaxed morning along the riverbanks, where hippos, crocodiles, and elephants are often seen gathering at the water’s edge. Enjoy a guided exploration or optional canoeing experience, moving quietly through calm channels as birdlife surrounds you in a vibrant natural symphony.

In the afternoon, set out on a signature sunset cruise, drifting along the Zambezi as the sky transforms into deep gold and crimson. Sip on refreshments as wildlife comes to the river to drink, offering unforgettable photographic moments.

As the sun dips below the horizon, return to your lodge, carrying with you the stillness and magic of one of Africa’s most iconic river systems.

Day 8 : Journey from Zambia to Cape Town

Depart Zambia after a relaxed morning and transfer for your flight to Cape Town, marking a transition from river wilderness to coastal elegance. On arrival, you are met and privately transferred to your luxury hotel, where the atmosphere shifts dramatically—from raw safari landscapes to refined urban coastal living.

Settle in and take time to unwind, soaking in your first impressions of the city framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to rest or begin exploring at your own pace as Cape Town introduces itself in its own slow, cinematic way.

Day 9 : Cape Town & Table Mountain Tour

After breakfast, set out to explore the vibrant city of Cape Town. Enjoy a guided city tour, taking in key highlights, cultural landmarks, and scenic coastal views.

Continue to the iconic Table Mountain, where you will ascend (weather permitting) for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding landscapes.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon for leisure and an overnight stay.

Day 10 : Cape Winelands Experience

After breakfast, depart Cape Town for a full-day journey into the scenic Cape Winelands. Travel through rolling vineyards and charming towns as you explore renowned wine regions such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Enjoy curated wine tastings at select estates, paired with breathtaking views and rich local heritage. Indulge in a leisurely lunch at one of the vineyards before continuing your exploration.

Return to your hotel in the evening for relaxation and an overnight stay.

Day 11 : Fly to Kruger & Afternoon Game Drive

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your lodge for check-in at Simbavati Hill Top Kruger Park. Enjoy lunch and some time to relax before heading out for an exciting afternoon game drive.

Explore the park in search of the Big Five and other wildlife, returning to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 12 : Full-Day Safari Adventure in Kruger National Park

Enjoy a full-day game drive in Kruger National Park, spotting the Big Five and other wildlife across diverse habitats. Pause midday for a scenic lunch at a rest area, then continue exploring the park before returning to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Day 13 : Early Morning drive and Fly in to Cape Town-End of Tour

Kick off the day with an exhilarating early morning game drive, catching wildlife at their most active, before heading to the airport for your flight to Cape Town, bringing your thrilling African adventure to a spectacular close.

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