Jo'burg to Falls - 12 day tour

Tuesday. Welcome to South Africa! You will be met upon arrival at Johannesburg Airport by our representative and transferred to the backpackers for the first night. At 5pm there will be a pre-departure meeting where you will meet your tour leader and the rest of your group.
Overnight: Johannesburg

Jo'burg – Kruger. Leaving Johannesburg, we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route, taking in the breath-taking vistas. Our camp for the next two nights is a short drive from the Kruger Park Gate and has some interesting local residents that include hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala. On arrival to the camp we enjoy an evening game drive.

On day 3 we continue to explore the amazing Kruger National Park in our overland truck. Covering 19 485 km2 - 60 km wide and over 350 km long, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species. 23 000 different types of plants have been recorded. We spend the day driving around the park keeping an eye out for these incredible species. There is the option of enjoying a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants or upgrading to a small vehicle for the game drive at an additional cost.
Overnight: Kruger National Park  |  Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Maun - Polokwane. Heading out early, we have a fairly long drive today to Polokwane, stopping see at the impressive Blyde River Canyon. Named for the Blyde River that runs through it, the canyon is 26km long, and averages 800m deep and forms the northern edge of the impressive Drakensberg Mountain Range. It is classified as a ‘green canyon’ due to the uncommon occurrence of vegetation that lines it (uncommon as most canyons are in desert areas and are fairly barren). The main viewpoints along the canyon are the 3 Rondavels, named for the shape of the traditional huts or houses the indigenous people of the area used to live in; and Gods Window that affords a breathtaking view across the canyon and surrounding area.
Overnight: Polokwane  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Polokwane - Tshipise. Today we continue our journey north toward the border with Zimbabwe. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery on this long drive to the beautiful town of Tshipise. Located between rolling hills and well known for it’s natural hot water springs, Tshipise has various walking trails to enjoy or you can relax in the pools this evening.
Overnight: Tshipise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tshipise – Masvingo. We cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning, a truly beautiful country with incredible history and tradition. Arriving to the town of Masvingo, our stop for the night, we then head out to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. According to legend these ruins were the capital of the Queen of Sheba and were inhabited by the Bantu civilization of the Shona between the 11th and 15th century. You’ll have an opportunity to explore these incredible ruins, including the 8 statues of stone birds carefully carved from soapstone, before setting up camp at the foot of the hills.
Overnight: Maun  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Masvingo – Bulawayo. Departing Masavingo we head north to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Boasting exceptionally wide streets originally designed to accommodate ox wagons and several buildings retaining their British Colonial feel, there is lots to see and do in Bulawayo. Perhaps visit the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery or the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre.
Overnight: Bulawayo  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving our camp, we head for Matobo National Park, one of the few remaining areas in the world inhabited with both Black and White Rhino. We’ll enjoy the morning exploring this fascinating and often unique geological, ecological and historic area which boasts a high concentration of the elusive leopard and impressive black eagle. The ancient San inhabitants of this area are also evidenced by some incredible rock paintings located within the national park. Later we return to our campsite near Bulawayo where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Bulawayo  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bulawayo - Hwange National Park. We head northwest today to Zimbabwe’s largest and longest running reserve, Hwange National Park, on day 9. Well known for it’s abundance and variety of wildlife including thousands of elephants and rare antelope species such as Sable and Roan Antelope. Hopefully you’ll spot some of these stunning creatures on our game drive today.

On day 10 we’ll explore Hwange National Park. Covering an area of over 5,600 square miles, Hwange was founded in 1928 as a game reserve and became a National Park in 1961, it is home to 400 species of bird and 107 types of animal. On our game drive today we’ll hope to spot some of these animals, including lions, cheetahs, giraffe and hyenas.
Overnight: Hwange National Park  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). This morning we continue to our destination - Victoria Falls.

A 20 minute walk from our campsite takes you to the entry point of the falls. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by David Livingstone on his explorations, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Later we relax at the campsite’s swimming pool, view the Victoria Falls, or explore the many sights and delights of this town!
Overnight: Victoria Falls  |  Breakfast, Lunch