Kruger, Delta, Chobe & Falls

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure or enjoy some of the many exciting optional activities on offer at Victoria Falls. From white river rafting and canoeing, to scenic flights and bungee jumping. Alternatively you could relax and enjoy afternoon tea at the beautiful Victoria Falls Hotel.

Victoria Falls - Chobe National Park (Botswana). From Victoria Falls, we cover a short distance to the Botswana border, crossing into the small town of Kasane and travelling on to our lodge. In the afternoon, we embark on a game drive and boat cruise in Chobe National Park, renowned for its large elephant population. The park is also home to lion, leopard, hyena, giraffe, and various antelope and bird species.

One highlight of Chobe is the combination of wildlife, birdlife and reptiles seen along the banks of the Chobe River. We enjoy an afternoon cruise for a unique perspective of river-side wildlife. This evening we relax at our lodge.

Chobe National Park - Gweta. After breakfast we set out for Gweta. As we drive south, we may have the opportunity to spot elephants or buffalos, often strays from the migratory herds that freely roam the area in search of pasture and water. We make a stop in the small settlement of Nata for short break before continuing our journey to Gweta. This afternoon there's an optional Baobab Forest tour to see these great natural giants.

Gweta - Maun. Following an early breakfast, we embark on a guided walk through a local Tswana village, gaining insights into the community's life, from schools and doctors to trading and traditions. After our tour, we head west to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Maun has experienced rapid growth in recent years and is a bustling provincial centre. The afternoon is free for leisure, allowing us to relax with a refreshing beverage and pack for the Delta excursion the following day.

Maun - Okavango Delta. Setting out early after breakfast, we begin our journey into the Okavango Delta. The initial part of the trip involves a 4x4 ride over rough sandy paths to the 'mokoro' station, where the river level is reached. Here, we meet the local Tswana 'polers,' our guides for the excursion, and transfer our luggage and equipment to the mokoros (dug-out canoes). Navigating through giant lily pads, tall grasses, and labyrinthine channels in these shallow canoes, we reach our camp on the edge of the Okavango.

The afternoon is dedicated to a guided walk, offering a chance to spot prolific birdlife and larger mammals in the reserve. The Okavango Delta, spanning over 1,600,000ha, is a natural wetland in northern Botswana, providing an ideal habitat for freely roaming wildlife. We savour the evening wilderness experience, with many finding the overnight camp stay to be an unforgettable adventure.

Okavango Delta - Maun. This morning we embark on a nature walk through the wilderness. It's a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world. After our venture into the bush, we indulge in a hearty breakfast and then pack up onto our mokoros, leaving behind nothing but footprints. Bidding farewell to our polers, we return to Maun in our 4x4.

This afternoon there's the option to join our guide for a shopping trip in town. Another popular activity is the optional scenic flight over the 'Delta,' offering a bird’s eye view of the vastness we explored by mokoro and on foot.

Maun - Khama Rhino Sanctuary. It's another early rise as we embark on a long journey skirting the greater Kalahari, catching glimpses in the distance of the vast salt pans of central Botswana. Our destination is the Khama Rhino Sanctuary which serves as a prime habitat for white rhino, zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe. Here we embark on a game drive to catch sight of some rhinos, with guides sharing interesting facts about the local fauna and flora.

Our final night on safari is spent on a private nature conservancy situated on the Limpopo River in Botswana’s Tuli Block, home to a variety of wildlife, including antelope, crocodile, hippo, zebra, giraffe, and numerous bird species.

Tuli Block - Pretoria (South Africa). On our last morning, we join the main route along Martin’s Drift border post. Crossing the mighty Limpopo River into South Africa, we absorb the scenic views and observe changes in vegetation, infrastructure, and populated areas. Our journey ends in Pretoria.