Joburg to Victoria Falls
SMALL GROUP LODGE SAFARI: From Johannesburg and South Africa's world famous Kruger National Park, travel north through Botswana and into Zimbabwe to the town of Victoria Falls, famed for its spectacular waterfall. En route spot an abundance of wildlife on game drives in Kruger, Mapungubwe and Chobe National Parks. Marvel at the Blyde River Canyon, view ancient Kaoxa Bushman paintings and watch the sunset over the beautiful Makgadikgadi Pans.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Johannesburg
Day 1 Johannesburg
Upon arrival at Johannesburg Airport, you'll be met and transferred to our hotel. There is a pre departure meeting in the hotel foyer at 6pm. The rest of today is free for you relax before our adventure begins!
Day 2 Blyde River Canyon
Day 2 Blyde River Canyon
Johannesburg - Hazyview. From Johannesburg we travel south to the famous Kruger National Park, along the spectacular Panorama Route of Blyde River Canyon. This spectacular canyon is 26km long, averages 800m deep and forms the northern edge of the Drakensberg Mountain Range. En route we visit the Bourkes Luck Pothole, which is the result of water erosion over a millions of years ago, and take in the breath-taking views across the canyon and surrounding area from Gods Window. We arrive at our lodge in Hazyview late afternoon.
Days 3-4 Kruger National Park game drives
Days 3-4 Kruger National Park game drives
Over the next two days we explore the world famous Kruger National Park, which is home to Africa's Big Five, as well as numerous other species of fauna and flora. On day 3 we enjoy an exciting full day of game drive inside the park in open 4x4 vehicles.The following day is free for you to relax before our search for wildlife in Kruger National Park continues on a late afternoon game drive.
Day 5 Mapungubwe National Park
Day 5 Mapungubwe National Park
Hazyview - Mapesu Private Game Reserve. This morning we leave Kruger area and head north towards the Botswana border through the Limpopo Province. We spend the next two nights at a lodge in Mapesu Private Game Reserve on the border of Mapungubwe National Park. Mapungubwe National Park and Mapungubwe Hill is at the centre of the World Heritage Landscape where the first southern African kingdom was established in the 13th Century, it's also famous for its San rock art sites.
Day 6 Mapungubwe National Park
Day 6 Mapungubwe National Park
We take a scenic morning walk to view the remarkably well-preserved Kaoxa Bushman paintings today and in the afternoon enjoy a sunset game drive in Mapungubwe National Park. Look out for wildlife in the park and take in spectacular views over the Baobab laden landscape. Carbon dating indicates that these enormous trees can live to be 3,000 years old and they can be found throughout the drier regions of Africa.
Day 7 Makgadikgadi Pans
Day 7 Makgadikgadi Pans
Mapesu Private Game Reserve - Nata (Botswana). After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and reach the Nata Region. This afternoon we visit the incredible Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world. Here we stop to take in a truly unforgettable sunset over the remains of an ancient 6500km2 Lake.
Days 8-9 Chobe National Park
Days 8-9 Chobe National Park
Nata - Kasane. We travel north to Kasane and a beautiful lodge on the banks of Chobe River, which will be our home for the next two days. Spend the rest of day 8 at leisure. Relax by the pool and enjoy the wonderful river views.
Chobe is famous for its picturesque scenery, wonderful sunsets and abundance of wildlife. On day 9 we enjoy an early morning game drive in Chobe National Park and a sunset game viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River, spotting animals on the banks of the river.
Days 10-11 Victoria Falls
Days 10-11 Victoria Falls
Kasane - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). We cross the border in Zimbabwe on day 10 and arrive in the charming town of Victoria Falls. The next two days are free to spend at leisure. Be sure to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls - one of the world’s greatest natural wonders (park entrance not included). Explore the town, shop at the local markets and enjoy a variety of exciting optional activities, from scenic helicopter flights over the falls to bungee jumps and sunset cruises.
Day 12 Victoria Falls
Day 12 Victoria Falls
Today we bid farewell to our fellow travellers as our adventure comes to an end. A departure transfer to Victoria Falls Airport is included.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
African-themed Safari Club is a luxurious yet homely accommodation close to Johannesburg airport. With just 17 rooms all uniquely styled to represent a specific area on the continent it is easy to make yourself at home here. The hotel boasts a beautiful garden and serves fantastic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The friendly bar is the perfect place to relax in the evening whilst sipping on a tasty beverage or two. The hotel is situated just a 4 minute drive from the airport - so it is the ideal place to start, or finish, your African adventure.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate is a family-friendly hotel located on the banks of the Sabi River on the edge of the Kruger ecosystem. Accommodation is in thatched chalets and traditional standard rooms. Set amongst well-maintained gardens (often with visitors in the form of elephants and other wildlife), there are two outdoor swimming pools and an onsite restaurant with views of a popular hippo gathering spot. Outdoor patio areas and ensuite bathrooms come as standard and the constant sound of the flowing river adds a tranquil element to this charming hotel. There's free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Mopane Bush Lodge is located on the Mapesu Private Game Reserve and surrounded by unique sandstone formations, mopane bushveld and a myriad of wildlife. The 7200-hectare reserve is adjacent to Mapungubwe National Park. The Wilderness Tented Camp offers luxuriously appointed tents, each fitted with an ensuite bathroom with a large bath tub, outdoor shower, comfortable furnishings and a private deck. The tented camp is tucked away on a hillside, providing wonderful panoramic views of the reserve. At the lodge you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool and watch a spectacular sunset with a drink in hand from the bar. The lodge has a fine dining restaurant and free WiFi is available.
Nata Lodge is an peaceful oasis, set on the edge of Botswana's famous Makgadikgadi salt pans, next to the diverse Nata Bird Sanctuary. The lodge offers 22 Luxury Wooden Chalets, set on stilts below swaying palms. These spacious en suite units feature a ball-and-claw bath, outdoor shower and air-conditioning. Set in lush gardens, guests can dine out under the star-filled African sky at the lodge restaurant and relax in the daytime at the palm-studded poolside, spotting many species of birds which flock to the lodge. Facilities at the lodge include wifi, a swimming pool, gift shop, bar and lounge area.
Situated on the banks of the Chobe River in Kasane, Chobe Safari Lodge is is ideally located for exploring Chobe National Park. Rooms are spacious, with excellent facilities and private balconies. The restaurant serves a tasty selection of African and international cuisine, while the bar is a perfect place to relax with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets. The hotel also has an attractive sundeck and swimming pool overlooking the river. Keep a look out for warthogs scurrying around the grounds!
Located just 1.4km from Victoria Falls, you're able to see the spray from the hotel when the falls are in full flood. Rooms are comfortable, boasting queen-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms, a safe and climate control. Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the hotel, including outside on the sun terrace. There's a buffet breakfast at the onsite restaurant, and you can also enjoy meals outside by the pool, and enjoy a drink at either of the two bars.
Tour Reviews
Joburg to Victoria Falls - 12 DaysSMALL GROUP LODGE SAFARI: From Johannesburg and South Africa's world famous Kruger National Park, travel north through Botswana and into Zimbabwe to the town of Victoria Falls, famed for its spectacular waterfall. En route spot an abundance of wildlife on game drives in Kruger, Mapungubwe and Chobe National Parks. Marvel at the Blyde River Canyon, view ancient Kaoxa Bushman paintings and watch the sunset over the beautiful Makgadikgadi Pans. Handpicked125067Our expectations on this tour were fully met. The trip notes were very detailed and accurate. There were no surprises. Kruger National Park and Chobe National Park were both exceptional. The Mapesu private game reserve was a little disappointing but we understood that it is a relatively new park (not a lot of game). However, the Mopane Bush Lodge was outstanding and made the stay well worthwhile. The accommodations for the entire tour far exceeded our expectations. The Driver on the tour was very informative and personable. He was an enjoyable addition, adding to our tour group's dynamics. The only recommendation would be an additional game drive, possibly in the Victoria Falls area. We would fully recommend this tour, for content and value!
Joburg to Victoria Falls - 12 DaysSMALL GROUP LODGE SAFARI: From Johannesburg and South Africa's world famous Kruger National Park, travel north through Botswana and into Zimbabwe to the town of Victoria Falls, famed for its spectacular waterfall. En route spot an abundance of wildlife on game drives in Kruger, Mapungubwe and Chobe National Parks. Marvel at the Blyde River Canyon, view ancient Kaoxa Bushman paintings and watch the sunset over the beautiful Makgadikgadi Pans. Handpicked125067A wonderful experience which exceeded expectations for us new visitors to Africa.
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