Heading to South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park, your journey starts with a full-day safari in the game-packed Kruger National Park. From there you travel to Zimbabwe via the dramatically scenic Panorama Route. Your first stop in Zimbabwe is the Great Ruins, impressive stone structures built by an ancient and highly skilled civilization. Experience the extraordinary scenery of Matobo National Park before reaching Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. This tour includes participation camping. This means that guests will have to assist with camp chores, such as setting up your tent. See the day-by-day section for a more detailed description of the camp chores.
Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
Leaving Johannesburg head towards your accommodation, situated within the border of the famous Kruger National Park. On your way pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking vistas. The safari tented 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. Accommodation: Nkambeni Safari Camp
Heading to South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park, your journey starts with a full-day safari in the game-packed Kruger National Park. From there you travel to Zimbabwe via the dramatically scenic Panorama Route. Your first stop in Zimbabwe is the Great Ruins, impressive stone structures built by an ancient and highly skilled civilization. Experience the extraordinary scenery of Matobo National Park before reaching Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. This tour includes participation camping. This means that guests will have to assist with camp chores, such as setting up your tent. See the day-by-day section for a more detailed description of the camp chores.
Day 2: Kruger Safari Activities
Today explore the amazing Kruger National Park. Covering 19 485km2 – 60 km wide and over 350 km long, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species. 23 000 different types of plants have been recorded. 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 a small vehicle for the game drive at an additional cost. Accommodation: Nkambeni Safari Camp
Day 3: Panarama Route Exploration
Depart Kruger National Park and head on the long, scenic drive to Polokwane. Along the way includes a 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, affords you 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. Set up tents on the lush green grass of the campsite located outside of the city before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.
As this is a semi participation trip guests will be expected to participate in the day to day running of the trip. One day you may be on cleaning duty, the next day you may be on cooking duty and so forth.
Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 4: Journey North
After a quick replenishing, you will continue northwards on your journey toward Zimbabwe. Enjoy the relaxing lengthy drive where you get to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery. Camp will be set up 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 camp is set up, you’re free to enjoy the pools, walking trails or various other optional activities on offer here.
Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 5: Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Today you will arrive at Zimbabwe – a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition. Continue toward your destination 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 artifacts 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. Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 6: Journey 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. Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 7: Visit to Matobo National Park
Visit & explore 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). Spend the rest of your day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area. Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 8: Zimbabwe’s oldest National Park – Hwange National Park
Continue north-west to Zimbabwe’ s oldest and largest reserve – the Hwange National Park. Hwange is well known for its abundance and variety of wildlife species including thousands of elephant, and rare antelope species such as the Sable and Roan Antelope. Enjoy a game drive (either late afternoon or early morning) to explore the wilderness in search of these, and the other resident wildlife species. Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 9: Game Drive in Hwange National Park
Enjoy a full day in the Hwange area and here you will partake in a game drive through Hwange National Park, in the hope that we spot as many wild animals as possible.
100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded to be present in the park. Hwange National Parkelephants are world famous and the Park’s elephant population is one of the largest in the world. Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 10: Hwange to Victoria Falls
Leaving Bulawayo, head to Victoria Falls. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. The 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. 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. After your optional adventure activities briefing (request price guide from your travel consultant for options), 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! Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 11: Victoria Falls
After breakfast, exchange addresses with the friends you have made on your journey 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 (please arrange with your travel consultant).
Solo (1 room) | 2 people (1 room) | 3+ people | |
$1,492 | $1,060 | Request rate |
Included
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)
- Camping equipment (sleeping bag excluded)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
- International flights (from/to home)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towels
- Tips (No tip expected)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day)
- Drinks.