In just 11 days you will get a taste of Africa that we can guarantee will be a trip of a lifetime. This safari takes you on a mini adventure of southern Africa's most popular attractions, starting off with some wildlife viewing in the Kruger Park, and rounding off your trip with adrenalin pumping activities such as bungee jumping at Victoria Falls.
- Day 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview - Kruger Park Backpackers
- Itinerary
Departing Johannesburg you head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park. Your camp for the next 2 nights is 8km from Kruger Park's Numbi Gate. Spoilt with a swimming pool and good hot showers, you spend the evening around the campfire, anticipating your game drive the following day.
- Day 2: Kruger Park Backpackers, Hazyview
- Itinerary
You explore the wonders of Kruger National Park. This is one of the most renowned wildlife parks in the world. Covering an area of 21 497 sq km - 60km wide and over 350km long, this conservation area has been recorded to have more than 500 bird species, 114 reptile, 49 fish, 33 amphibians, 146 mammals and over 23 000 plant species. Today is spent in the Park on a full-day game drive to see how many of the species can be found. In the evening there is the option of a night drive in the park.
- Day 3: Hazyview to Graskop
- Itinerary
After a quick stock replenishment you leave the Lowveld, climbing up, in altitude, to the beautiful town of Graskop. It is from this gateway that you get to explore the beauties of Mpumalanga, known for some of the best landscape in South Africa. Your stops for the day include the ever-striking Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. There are chances to view the Canyon from the many viewpoints, which offer fantastic photographic opportunities. You then set up camp on lush green grass, and unwind in the luxury of a swimming pool with an amazing view. For those in a party mood the small town of Graskop's nightlife is an ever-popular option.
- Day 4: Graskop to Messina
- Itinerary
A long yet lovely day's drive as we head North toward Zimbabwe. This is your chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. Tonight is your last night in beautiful South Africa in a town called Messina - said to be one of the hottest areas in South Africa. Years back this was a flourishing copper mining area, but with the mines closing down in the early 1990s, it tumbled into the near desolation of a ghost town. With the discovery of diamonds it has once again flourished, and is filled with history.
- Day 5: Messina to Masivingo
- Itinerary
Leaving South Africa you enter Zimbabwe, a country of tradition, culture, soul and scenic beauty. You make your way to the town of Masivingo, which lies on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Great Zimbabwe was the greatest medieval city in sub-Sahara, and provides evidence that an ancient African civilization reached a high level of civilisation. The name Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona word meaning 'great stone houses'. The grand setting and history-soaked walls certainly qualify as one of the highlights of your trip. You will have the time to wander around this ancient wonderland before setting up camp for your 1st night in Zimbabwe.
- Day 6: Masivingo to Gweru
- Itinerary
Once you have finished exploring this historic area, you continue your journey to Gweru, situated in the Zimbabwe Midlands. Here you stop over at the Antelope Park. It is said that you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls ... and the Antelope Park. Here you have the opportunity to partake in an incredible experience unique to the Antelope Park - 'Walking with the Lions'. In addition to the lions, there is an abundance of other wildlife species in the park, such as elephants, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and over 150 bird species.
- Day 7: Gweru - Antelope Park
- Day 8: Gweru to Bulawayo
- Itinerary
Bulawayo is the 2nd largest city in Zimbabwe and has a laid back atmosphere. It is noted for the exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to allow space for a full span ox wagon. The city is still characterized by the many British colonial buildings, maintained by the Bulawayo City Council as heritage sites. There are a number of interesting places to visit in Bulawayo, such as the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts & Crafts Centre that provide work for over 70 people.
- Day 9: Bulawayo
- Itinerary
Today you take in Matobo National Park. The park is one of the last strongholds of both black & white rhino, and the region is renowned for its high concentration of leopards and black eagle. There are numerous caves and rock paintings which, once again, are evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area. Cecil Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) is buried here at his own request, but there is some controversy over whether he will stay! You spend time game driving through the park, giving you an insight into the unique geological, ecological and historical environment.
- Day 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls
- Day 11: Victoria Falls
- Itinerary
Your final day on safari allows you the opportunity to partake in the adrenalin rush that Victoria Falls is renowned for ... or just relax and take in what is one of the true natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls.
There are many activities available all year round, such as flights, which give you a panoramic view of the falls, Batoka Gorge and the islands above the falls. Back on the ground, the falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls Park with its many viewing points, or from the Zambian side. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are "floats" where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Bungee jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. The leap into the Batoka Gorge is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Other optional activities around Victoria Falls include day trips into the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris, a visit to the Crocodile Ranch, Snake Park, golf at Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, the Falls Craft Village and the Sunset Cruise. We suggest you allow yourself a few days after your safari if you wish to partake in some of the many activities.
Included in tour:
Kruger National Park
Blyde River Canyon
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Victoria Falls
Excluded:
Night Drive in Kruger US$40
White water rafting
Bungee jumping
Zambezi National Park
Horse riding
Crocodile Ranch
Snake Park
Parachuting
Sunset cruises
Entrance fees to Victoria Falls National Park
Tour rates. †
| Starting at |
Johannesburg |
end in |
Victoria Falls |
| |
| From |
To |
PPS |
SS |
| 26 Mar 2008 |
15 Jul 2009 |
|
- |
| |
| Local Payment |
USD 290 †† |
† All prices are accurate but you may find that the final rates in your quotation vary slightly due to room type, seasonality and currency conversion.
†† Please note that the local payment is over and above the tour cost and is to be paid in cash in the currency stated on your departure. Please ask your safari expert for further details.
Extra tour notes.
Receive a free 3-day Hwange Safari when you book this trip.
This trip departs early on a Wednesday morning. Should you wish to spend extra time in either Johannesburg or Victoria Falls, an earlier arrival or later departure should be planned, and additional accommodation booked.
This itinerary should be used as a guide only, and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations and group decisions.
Pre-Departure Meeting is to be held at departure point at 5.00pm the day before your departure. Johannesburg, Backpacker's Ritz, (1A North Road, Dunkeld West).