Southern Escape

Departing Johannesburg, your adventure starts with a trip towards the Lowveld, passing through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route and heading toward the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Arrive at Umbuvu Camp, your home for the next two nights which is situated a mere 8km from Kruger Park's Numbi Gate.

Spend the following day exploring the magnificent Kruger National Park. With over 146 animal species and 500 bird species, this is South Africa's flagship wildlife-viewing destination and a sure place to spot the Big 5. Enjoy the wildlife experience even further in the evening as you go on an optional night drive to search for some of its nocturnal animals.

Today you have the chance to sit back and enjoy a long scenic drive to Polokwane, the capital of South Africa's Limpopo Province. Stop along the way at the Blyde River Canyon and God's Window - two of the country's most beautiful sites - and make the most of the magnificent photo opportunities.

Today you will enjoy more relaxing scenery as you head closer to the town of Musina - the hottest town in South Africa. Reach Tshipise, a hot water spring resort, in the afternoon and relax in the pools or take a walk along one of the nature trails.

Cover the final stretch before reaching the border of Zimbabwe - a country rich with history and tradition. Make your way to the town of Masvingo, on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Known as the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, these ruins are a definite site to behold. Wander around and take photos before settling in at your camp situated against the foot of the nearby hills.

Continue your journey north and make a stop at the Antelope Park where you have the rare chance to walk with lions, swim with elephants or view game from horse-back. Carry on to Gweru in the afternoon, a town situated in Zimbabwe's beautiful midlands.

The following day, you will head to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city, famous for its wide streets and colonial history. Stroll around town and note its distinct British Colonial character. Visit some of the local historical sites like the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre - a community project.

Spend the next day enjoying the local surroundings with a visit to the Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both the black and white rhino. See ancient San rock paintings as you admire this geologically and historically distinct region.

Continue your journey to the famous Victoria Falls where you'll enjoy three nights camping in the centre of Victoria Falls town. The campsite is situated within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops.

Spend the next few days enjoying the many activities on offer, like taking a plane ride over the Falls, the Batoka Gorge and the islands at the top of the falls. Extreme sports-enthusiasts will have the chance to bungee jump from the Zambezi Bridge while the less thrill-seeking can enjoy magnificent views of the falls from the Victoria Falls National Park. Experience the Zambezi close-up as you go white-water rafting down its rapids or take a relaxed boat ride down the river.

Enjoy breakfast before crossing the border into Botswana and heading toward Kasane where you will set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River - the border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. Take an afternoon boat cruise down the river and spot elephant, hippo and a range of different bird species while you enjoy yet another beautiful African sunset.

Cross the western end of the Chobe National Park and arrive at Maun, the base from which you have the option to explore the great Okavango Delta.

Start the following morning early by driving north from Maun into the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta. Explore the exotic islands and rich landscapes by mokoro, a traditional mode of transport, as you're guided through the waterways in a dug-out canoe. Spend the evening camping in the open wilderness on a peaceful spot picked out by your guide.

Spend the next day exploring the Delta at leisure on game walks and mokoro cruises. The next morning you have one final opportunity to go on a game walk before packing up and heading back to Maun.

Sit back and enjoy a long drive to the small town of Palapye, a popular stopover on the way back to South Africa. Cross the South African border the next day and head back to the Blyde River Canyon where you'll spend the night. Uncommonly lined with vegetation, this impressive 800m gorge provides ample photo opportunities as do the nearby sites of the Three Rondavels and God's Window.

Enjoy the scenes of the Panorama Route once more as you stop at various viewpoints on your way to the small town of Graskop. Continue your journey to the Kruger National Park and settle in at your camp, situated 10km from the park's Phabeni Gate. Enjoy a quiet evening, with the possibility of seeing giraffe, zebra and hippo that are known to wander through the camp.

A second day of driving around the Kruger National Park will give you the opportunity to search for the animals you haven't yet spotted.

After one last breakfast in the wild, you will travel to Johannesburg, a thriving metropolis that is always alive with activity. After unloading the vehicle and saying your goodbyes, your adventure will come to an end.