Excellent
Kruger & Matobo Rhino Encounter
SMALL GROUP ACCOMMODATED SAFARI: Discover the beautiful landscapes, rich culture and diverse wildlife of South Africa and Zimbabwe on this 7-day small group safari. Go in search of the Big Five in Kruger National Park and encounter rhinos on a wilderness walk in Matobo National Park. Cruise the Zambezi River on the lookout for hippos and crocodiles, and marvel at the thundering Victoria Falls.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
7 daysStarts
PretoriaEnds
Victoria FallsRange
HandpickedTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour leaderGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 12Minimum age
8 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Year roundHotel Rating
Simple AccommodationCountries
South Africa, ZimbabweArrival Transfer
No - can be booked on requestDeparture Transfer
No - can be booked on requestMeals included
Breakfast: 6, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 6Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Pretoria to Hoedspruit
Day 1 - Pretoria to Hoedspruit
Pretoria - Hoedspruit. Early this morning we depart from Pretoria, South Africa's administrative city and drive across the picturesque Mpumalanga province, relishing in the breath-taking mountain vistas. A stop at the Blyde River Canyon offers us the chance to admire the peculiar Three Rondavels rock formations perched at the canyon's edge and enjoy the picturesque views. After lunch we continue the journey to our lodge, situated 38km from Kruger National Park.
Please Note: You will need to arrive in Pretoria at least one night before your tour. There will be a pre-departure meeting at 18:00 hrs on the evening prior to departure and the tour departs at 07:00 hrs on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions in our Trip Notes for more information. We can book an airport transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport and Pretoria pre-tour accommodation upon request.
Day 2 - Kruger National Park
Day 2 - Kruger National Park
Early this morning we board 4x4 game viewing vehicles and head into Kruger National Park with a professional 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. We game drive in the morning and afternoon with a break during the middle of the day at a rest camp, when it is hottest and wildlife is usually less active. After an exhilarating day of wildlife spotting we leave the park and return to our accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 - Hoedspruit to Polokwane
Day 3 - Hoedspruit to Polokwane
Hoedspruit - Polokwane. After breakfast we leave the Kruger area and travel across undulating countryside to the northern town of Polokwane. This scenic journey takes us over some beautiful mountain passes and through verdant citrus plantations nestled along the valleys of the Limpopo Province.
Arriving into Polokwane we meet our guide and other members of the group at the lodge before heading off to visit an open-air museum and learn about the local Bakone culture. The museum offers insights into the traditional practices of the Bakone tribe, unveiling their historical methods of fire-making, mielie meal preparation, and the distinctive decorations that grace their dwellings.
Please note: This tour departs Pretoria at 10am and we strongly recommend that you plan to arrive the day before departure to overcome any jetlag and acclimatise to Africa. We can book Johannesburg (JNB) airport transfers and pre tour accommodation in Pretoria upon request.
Day 4 - Bulawayo
Day 4 - Bulawayo
Polokwane - Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). After breakfast we traverse the South African-Zimbabwean border at Beitbridge and travel on to Bulawayo, a city characterized by broad tree-lined avenues and expansive open spaces. The surrounding area boasts historical, geological, and natural attractions, including the renowned Matobo National Park. Our accommodation is set in a peaceful garden setting on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
Day 5 - Matobo National Park
Day 5 - Matobo National Park
This morning we venture into Matobo National Park for a half-day Nature Drive and Wilderness Walk. This reserve boasts the highest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa. Our knowledgeable guide will lead us on foot to some of the more concealed places in search of these magnificent animals. This remarkable park also has the densest population of leopard and black eagle in the world, and we keep our eyes peeled high and low for these creatures. After the tour we travel back to our Bulawayo guesthouse for leisurely afternoon.
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.
Day 6 - Victoria Falls Sunset Cruise
Day 6 - Victoria Falls Sunset Cruise
Bulawayo - Victoria Falls. Leaving Bulawayo behind, we journey north to Victoria Falls. By early afternoon we reach this small town which is situated along the southern banks of the Zambezi River and serves as Zimbabwe’s primary tourist centre. The Victoria Falls are just a short walk away, surrounded by markets, shops, and cafes. To cap off the day, we join a serene sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River, on the look out for elephants, buffalo, buck, hippo, and birdlife along the riverbanks. We then return to our accommodation for the night or you can head out to enjoy the local nightlife.
Day 7 - The Victoria Falls
Day 7 - The Victoria Falls
After breakfast, we visit Victoria Falls National Park to witness one of Africa’s most spectacular sights. Stroll along the pathways to view the mighty Victoria Falls from different view points. Your tour ends after the falls visit. We do, however, recommend that spend a few extra days to explore the Victoria Falls area. The Zambezi boasts one of the world’s highest rated rivers for pure white river rafting through its many challenging and novice rapids. From game walks, Micro-light flight or white-water rafting to name a few, Victoria Falls will capture and fulfil your imagination, validating the myths of the African spirit.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre Tour Accommodation Pretoria, Court Classique, en suite room
Double
Twin
Single
Post Tour Accommodation Victoria Falls - Shearwater Explorers Village, en suite room B&B
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Johannesburg Airport private transfer (per vehicle)
$135
per passengerAdd on: Victoria Falls Airport Shuttle Transfer
$55
per passengerHotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of a single room. Single rooms are subject to availability. ROOM SHARE OPTION: If you are a solo traveller and happy to share of room then you can pay the ‘Shared’ price and we will pair you up with another solo traveller of the same gender.
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Our customers say
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4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews