Day 1: Johannesburg to Nkambeni Camp
Leaving Johannesburg, we head towards the Lowveld and our camp situated within the border of the famous Kruger National Park. On our way we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breath-taking vistas. Our camp for the next two nights is a short drive from the Kruger Park Gate and has some interesting local residents that include hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala.
Tonight you will enjoy a night game drive in Kruger National Park.
Included activity: Kruger National Park night game drive
Day 2: Nkambeni Camp
Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park. Covering 19 485 km2 – 60 km wide and over 350 km long, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian and 49 fish species. 23 000 different types of plants have been recorded.
We spend the Day driving around the park keeping an eye out for these. There is the option of doing a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants or upgrading to an open-sided vehicle for the game drive at an additional cost.
Included activity: Game drives in Kruger National Park in overland vehicle
Day 3: Nkambeni Camp to Polokwane
Today we leave the Lowveld and head on the long, scenic drive to Polokwane. Along the way we stop off at some of the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. The many viewpoints of the Canyon afford us excellent photo opportunities.
Polokwane, capital of Limpopo, is the largest metropolitan complex in the north and a major economic centre. Its proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as its convenient distance from the Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof, makes it a perfect gateway and good destination in itself.
We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our campsite located outside of the city before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.
Included activity: Blyde River Canyon
Day 4: Polokwane to Musina
After a quick replenishing of our stocks we begin our journey north toward Zimbabwe. We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. Tonight we’ll camp near to one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina, at the hot water spring resort – Tshipise. Situated between the rolling hills, the resort is well known for its natural hot water springs.
Once we’ve set up camp, you’re free to enjoy the pools, walking trails or various other activities on offer here.
Optional activity: Walking trails
Day 5: Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe)
Today we enter Zimbabwe – a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition. We make our way to the town of Masvingo – on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
This was the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, built by an ancient highly skilled civilization. The name Zimbabwe is derived from this ancient city and means “great stone houses” in Shona. The most notable artefacts found at the ruins were the 8 Statues of stone birds carved out of soapstone.
Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp at the foot of the hills.
Included activity: Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Day 6: Masvingo to Bulawayo
Leaving Msavingo, we head to Bulawayo – Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Bulawayo is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to accommodate a full span ox wagon. The city also still retains much of its British Colonial character, evident by the many buildings maintained as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council.
Interesting places to visit are the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs over 70 people.
Day 7: Bulawayo
Today we visit Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both the black and the white rhino. This park is also well known for its high concentration of the elusive leopard and majestic black eagle. Rock paintings are to be found too, providing evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area. Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) asked to be buried at the top of one of the sacred hills, (although there is some controversy over whether he will stay!) We spend the Day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area.
Included activity: Visit to Matobo National Park
Day 8: Bulawayo to Hwange National Park
We continue north-west to Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest reserve – Hwange National Park. Hwange is well known for its abundance and variety of wildlife species including thousands of elephants, and rare antelope species such as the Sable and Roan Antelope. We enjoy a game drive (either late afternoon or early morning) to explore the wilderness in search of these, and the other resident wildlife species.
Day 9: Hwange National Park
Today we have a full day in the Hwange area, and here we take a game drive through Hwange National Park, in the hope that we spot as many wild animals as possible.
Included activity: Game drive in Hwange National Park
Day 10: Hwange to Victoria Falls
Leaving Hwange, we head to Victoria Falls. Named after the famous World Heritage Site and waterfall, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. A 20-minute walk down the main road takes you to the entry point to view the falls, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Victoria Falls, or “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, the Smoke that Thunders, was named by David Livingstone on his explorations, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world’s largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! After our adventure activities briefing, the afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!
Included activity: Entrance to Victoria Falls
Day 11: Victoria Falls
After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! We suggest booking additional days after your trip to take advantage of the optional excursions available at Victoria Falls.
Meals
10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
Please note: unless otherwise specified, meals will be prepared by the guides and group
Included highlights
– Kruger National Park
– Blyde River Canyon
– Great Zimbabwe Ruins
– Matobo national Park
– Hwange National Park
– Entrance to Victoria Falls
Optional activities
Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge – neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra-light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the “floats,” where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Not included
– International flights
– Airport departure taxes
– Departure transfer
– Visas
– Meals unless otherwise stated
– Travel insurance: mandatory
– Sleeping bag
– Pillow
– Tips
