Kruger, Matobo & Falls

Pretoria - Hazyview. Departing South Africa's administrative capital of Pretoria aboard our overland truck, we head through the scenic Mpumalanga region to reach Kruger National Park. Fences in the area were removed several years ago to create the Greater Kruger ecosystem, one of Africa's best wild places. We'll enjoy Shangaan tribal dancing around the campfire tonight before we head into the park tomorrow.

Please note: Please arrive in Pretoria at least one night before your tour. There will be a pre-departure meeting at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure and the tour departs at 7am on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions for more information. We can book an airport transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport and Pretoria pre-tour accommodation upon request.

Today we'll head into Kruger National Park on safari, making use of specialized 4X4 vehicles and a resident local guide. Kruger is home to all of the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo) and is an African stronghold for the white rhino and the critically endangered black rhino. Our game drive lasts all day, with a break for lunch.

Returning to our campsite, you will have the option to head back out into the park at night, when creatures such as leopards become more active.

Kruger National Park - Tshipise. Leaving the Greater Kruger area aboard our overland truck, we head north through the South African countryside to Tshipise, in the Limpopo province.

Tonight's campsite is in a picturesque resort next to a nature reserve, surrounded by thick woodland. There is free time to relax by the pool or in a nearby hot spring, and you may want to go and have a look at one of the biggest baobab trees in South Africa.

Tshipise - Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). We say farewell to South Africa today, crossing the border into Zimbabwe. Our destination is Bulawayo, a pleasant city with tree-lined avenues and lots of open spaces. We'll stop for supplies before arriving at our campsite, and the rest of today is free to relax or head into the city and explore.

Located just outside Bulawayo is Matobo National Park, one of Zimbabwe's premier wildlife reserves. We'll be joined by a resident guide for our game drive and will also enjoy a walking safari into the park, which is home to the largest concentration of rhinos in Africa. Matobo also has a huge leopard population, and we'll keep our eyes peeled in the treetops for one of these elusive cats. Our tour ends at lunchtime and the rest of today is at leisure.

Alternatively, you can book an optional extension to today's tour. Head into the Matobo Hills to see some of the ancient Bushmen paintings in the area, and visit the grave of Cecil Rhodes, an important but controversial historical figure who ruled as Prime Minister of the colonial Cape Colony from 1890 - 1896. Rhodes grew up as a diamond magnate before entering politics. As Prime Minister of Britain's colony, he was a believer in Empire, and cruelly expropriated land from black Africans, as well as barring many non-white citizens from voting. His grave remains a controversial place in modern Zimbabwe today.

Bulawayo - Victoria Falls - Livingstone (Zambia). Leaving Bulawayo, we drive via the town of Victoria Falls before crossing the border into Zambia and arriving in Livingstone.

Named after the explorer David Livingstone, this is our base for visiting the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, the world's largest sheet of falling water and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known locally as 'Mosi Oa Tunya', the 'Smoke that Thunders', we will enjoy an included visit to see the falls.

You will also have time to enjoy optional activities such as rafting, canoeing, abseiling or scenic flights over the cascade. See the Trip Notes for more details.

Our tour ends after breakfast today. However, there are so many activities available in Livingstone that we recommend booking a day or two post-tour accommodation in order to further explore. We can arrange this for you on request.