ACCOMMODATED OVERLAND SAFARI :This 12 day Accommodated Overland tour starts in Johannesburg travelling on to the world famous Kruger National Park, exploring the highlights of Botswana before ending in the adventure capital of Africa, Victoria Falls.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Johannesburg
Welcome to South Africa! You will be met upon arrival at Johannesburg Airport by our representative and transferred to your accommodation for your first night. At around 5pm there will be a pre-departure meeting where you'll meet your tour leader and your other travel companions.
Overnight: Johannesburg
Kruger National Park
Johannesburg - Kruger. Departing Johannesburg head along the picturesque Panorama Route, a route steeped in history with breathtaking vistas. Our accommodation for the next two nights is perfectly situated with a variety of wildlife in close proximity. Hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala are regularly sighted nearby.
On day 3 we head out in to Kruger National park in search of the diverse and fascinating animals that inhabit this area. Covering an area of 19,485 square kilometres, Kruger National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world. And for good reason - with over 146 mammal, 500 bird, 114 reptile and 33 amphibian species you're sure to see some incredible nature today. We'll also enjoy an evening game drive. During this you'll get the opportunity to witness the more nocturnal animals that might not be active during the day.
Overnight: Kruger National Park | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Blyde River Canyon
Kruger - Polokwane - Blydepoort. Today we have a long but scenic drive from Kruger to the stunning Blyde River Canyon via the city of Polokwane. Polokwane is a major economic centre in the north-east of South Africa due to its close proximity to neighbouring countries as well as Kruger National Park. Later we continue to Blyde River Canyon, along the way we stop off at some of the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever-striking God's Window. (Please note at each viewpoint you will be asked to pay a small fee to support the local community).
Overnight: Blyde River Canyon | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross into Botswana
Blyde River Canyon - Palapye. Heading north this morning we reach the Botswana border. After the immigration formalities we continue to Palapye, a popular 'stopover' town which is located between the cities of Francistown and the capital Gabarone.
Botswana is one of the most economically stable countries in Africa and is one of the world's largest producers of diamonds. Roughly similar in size to France but with a population of only 2 million, Botswana is a sparsely populated country with some stunning and untouched wilderness.
Overnight: Palapye | Breakfast, Lunch
Okavango Delta
Maun - Okavango Delta. Today we rise early and head north to the Mokoro poler's station. Along the drive we'll see a number of local villages where families have lived in a traditional way for many years. Mokoros are dugout canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. After a leisurely glide through the delta we reach our accommodation for the night. The afternoon and evening will offer the chance to relax with a cold drink or take a dip in the delta.
The Okavango Delta, travelling from the Angolan highlands, is the largest inland delta in the world and is studded with lushly vegetated islands and unique bird life, with over 400 avian species.
Overnight: Okavango Delta | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Maun
Okovango - Maun. This morning we have the opportunity to take a game walk through the delta before we take a mokoro ride back to our vehicle in time for lunch. From here there will be an optional scenic flight over the vast expanse of water (dependent on weather conditions & availability). This afternoon we continue back to Maun.
Overnight: Maun | Breakfast
Nata Region
Maun - Nata Region. Departing Maun we head east around the edge of the scarcely populated area of the Makgadikgadi Pan. One of the largest salt flats in the world it is the vast remains of an early super lake. This afternoon there will be the option of partaking in a salt pan drive. One of the world's few untouched wildernesses, the salt pans are vast and impressive.
Overnight: Nata | Breakfast, Lunch
Chobe River Cruise
Nata Region - Kasane. We continue north this morning travelling to the town of Kasane and to our accommodation on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River is a natural border which divides Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. Later we'll take a cruise up this mighty waterway - be on the look out for the local hippos hiding just below the surface.
As the main water source of the region, the river attracts an abundance of wildlife to its shores. Returning to our accommodation it's the perfect chance to spot any game who've made their way to the water whilst you enjoy a glorious African sunset this evening.
Overnight: Kasane | Breakfast
Victoria Falls
Kasane - Victoria Falls. This morning we make our way to the border into Zimbabwe. After completing border formalities we make our way to our accommodation at our final stop - Victoria Falls. The entrance to the falls is just a 20 minute walk away from our accommodation. At 1700m wide and around 100m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African safari!
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Victoria Falls or simply relax by the pool.
Overnight: Victoria Falls | Breakfast
Victoria Falls
After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
Breakfast
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Airport Lodge , Johannesburg
Set just a short distance from the city’s shopping centres and restaurants, this lodge provides a peaceful and relaxing stay in Johannesburg. Its guestrooms are simple, yet comfortable, offering an ensuite bathroom, TV and free WiFi so you can stay connected to friends and family back home. You’ll also find a large green garden, which is a pleasant spot to unwind, and a tasty breakfast is served every morning to kick-start your day.
Nkambeni Tented Camp, Kruger National Park
This tented camp can be considered a ‘hidden gem’ within Kruger National Park. Originally a small community project, the camp now provides permanent safari-style accommodation with ensuite bedrooms featuring air-conditioning and private decks. The other camp amenities truly make the most of their surrounds, with a large swimming pool overlooking a dam where hippos and other wildlife often visit, and a lounge area being the perfect spot to enjoy a sundowner with your travel companions. There’s also a bar and restaurant, where you'll discover tasty local food and warm South African hospitality.
Log Cabin Village, Graskop
Situated on the Panorama Route, the Log Cabin Village is within walking distance of restaurants, shops and other places of interest in the village of Graskop. Its accommodation is arranged into self-contained chalets, each of which is well-equipped with an open plan kitchen, bathroom, lounge and patio with a private braai. There's also a guest pool and entertainment area, alongside the on-site Silver Spoon Restaurant. Open for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant offers a wide-ranging menu and a heavenly Black Forest cake which you are sure to be tempted by.
Camp Itumela , Palapye
With Itumela meaning ‘happy place’, this camp provides a green oasis from the dry surroundings. It’s chalet style accommodation is simple yet comfortable, offering two single beds and an ensuite bathroom. Delicious home-cooked meals can be enjoyed in the restaurant or, alternatively, guests can prepare their own food in one of the self-catering kitchens. The camp also offers WiFi access and a refreshing swimming pool. In addition, a well-stocked bar features a big screen TV, darts and a pool table to keep you entertained in the evenings.
Delta Rain Bushcamp, Okavango Delta
This unique campsite is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, as part of the Delta Rain safari experience. Accommodation consists of dome tents with twin beds, and "bush en-suite" bathrooms with a long-drop toilet and bucket shower. After settling in, guests can relax in the mess tent, partake in game viewing trips, or go on guided walks, while admiring the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Elephant Sands, Nata Region
Set on an unfenced 16,000-hectare private conservancy, this bush lodge brings you face to face with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. View elephants as they come to drink from the natural waterhole just meters away in front of the lodge. The guestrooms are arranged in spacious chalets and equipped with ensuite bathrooms. A restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a bar offering a range of local and international wines, beers and exotic cocktails. You will also enjoy the outdoor pool, where you can cool off and enjoy the peace and serenity of the African bush.
Thebe River Lodge, Kasane
Overlooking the Chobe River, this lodge complements the surrounding bush with its rustic design. Its guestrooms are nestled around a courtyard and offer free WiFi, air conditioning and an ensuite. Guests will also enjoy the swimming pool and hearty meals at the Thebe Restaurant. With both covered and al fresco dining areas, this restaurant boasts a wood-fire pizza oven and one of the best breakfasts in town. The bar’s buzzing atmosphere draws both visitors and locals, serving cold beverages alongside a satellite TV for you to catch up on the latest international news and sports.
Shearwater Explorers Village, Victoria Falls
Situated in the bohemian town of Victoria Falls, and 400m from the Falls themselves, the affordable accommodation at the Shearwater Explorers Village consists of 5 campsites with modern bathroom facilities, and 16 chalets with en-suite showers and A/C. Shearwater operates a range of activities at the Falls, from bungee jumping to river rafting - and when the day is over, guests can wind down with Wi-Fi in the lounge areas, a drink by the pool, or even a back rub in the massage tent.
