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Kruger & Matobo Rhino Encounter

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7 days

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 days

Starts

Pretoria

Ends

Victoria Falls

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour leader

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 12

Minimum age

8 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Year round

Hotel Rating

Simple Accommodation

Countries

South Africa, Zimbabwe

Arrival Transfer

No - can be booked on request

Departure Transfer

No - can be booked on request

Meals included

Breakfast: 6, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 6
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Per Person From
€2,165.00
€1,948.50
Deposit From
Final payment
€900.00
€2,997.00

Tour Highlights

Blyde River Canyon - Journey along the famous Panorama Route and stop to enjoy the view over this picturesque canyon, which stretches for 26km
Kruger National Park - Game drive in search of the Big Five in South Africa's premier wildlife reserve
Polokwane - Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Bakone tribe at the Bakone Open-Air Museum
Matobo National Park - Experience an exhilarating walking safari and game drive with a specialist guide in search of rhinos and elusive leopards
Victoria Falls - Marvel at the spectacular Victoria Falls and enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River

Included

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 6 dinners
6 nights twin share accommodation.
Transportation in a minibus and custom-built vehicle
Kruger National Park - Full Day Open Vehicle Game Drive with Resident Guide
Bakone Open Air Cultural Museum
Matobo National Park, Half Day Open Vehicle Game Drive and Wilderness Walk with Resident Guide
Victoria Falls visit and Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise
Park entrance fees
Escorted by an English-speaking driver / tour leader

Not Included

International flights and visas
Airport transfers - can be booked on request
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)
Local Payment: $390.00pp paid in USD

Itinerary

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.

Overnight: Hoedspruit
Meals: Dinner

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.

Overnight: Hoedspruit
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Polokwane
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Bulawayo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Bulawayo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Victoria Falls
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals: Breakfast

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

€75per passenger

Twin

€75per passenger

Single

€105per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation Victoria Falls - Shearwater Explorers Village, en suite room B&B

Double

€105per passenger

Twin

€105per passenger

Single

€155per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Johannesburg Airport private transfer (per vehicle)

€95

per passenger

Add on: Victoria Falls Airport Shuttle Transfer

€35

per passenger

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.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Sunset Game Lodge
Hoedspruit

The Sunset Game Lodge is a tranquil haven in prime bushveld, offering contemporary comfort and an authentic safari experience. En-suite guest rooms are air-conditioned and face onto the central courtyard, where there's a swimming pool to cool down in after a busy day on safari. The restaurant serves hearty, unpretentious food, mostly cooked outside or in the wood fired pizza oven. There's a gym for those who wish to keep fit and a lounge to retire to after dinner. Enjoy a sundowner in the bar overlooking the bushveld or relax on the spacious deck with a spectacular view of the Drakensberg Mountains, keeping an eye out for a variety of game at the waterhole below. The lodge is situated in Guernsey Private Nature Reserve, which is conveniently located just 38km from Kruger National Park's Orpen Gate.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Lodge
Destiny Inn Lodge
Polokwane

Destiny Inn Lodge in Polokwane is a haven of comfort and convenience, strategically positioned on the outskirts of this vibrant city. The cozy and comfortable rooms provide a welcoming retreat with modern furnishings and thoughtful amenities. Guests can unwind in spacious accommodations equipped with Wi-Fi, an en-suite, and stylish decor. The lodge boasts an outdoor pool, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a tranquil garden setting which is perfect to relax in after a long day exploring the city or the surrounding wilderness. Destiny Inn Lodge combines urban accessibility with a relaxing atmosphere, ensuring a memorable stay in Polokwane.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Lodge
Travellers Guest House
Bulawayo

Travellers Guest House in Bulawayo is a charming retreat set in Bulawayo, offering an authentic blend of comfort and hospitality. Conveniently located near the city, guests enjoy easy access to local attractions and vibrant markets. The guest house features cozy rooms decorated with local artwork and providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. They include modern amenities such as an en-suite, TV, and WiFi, ensuring a comfortable stay. The lush garden offers a serene escape, the pool offers a place to cool down and relax while the lounge and dining areas provide a communal area for all guests. With friendly staff and a genuine Zimbabwean ambiance, Travellers Guest House is a delightful haven for those exploring the regions rich culture and wildlife.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Lodge
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.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Mid Range Tented Camp

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.

2024
Twin
Shared
14 Dec - 20 Dec
Sold Out
Sold Out
28 Dec - 3 Jan
€2,165
€2,165
2025
Twin
Shared
11 Jan - 17 Jan
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€2,165€1,949
€2,165€1,949
25 Jan - 31 Jan
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€2,165€1,949
€2,165€1,949
8 Feb - 14 Feb
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€2,165€1,949
€2,165€1,949
22 Feb - 28 Feb
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€2,165€1,949
€2,165€1,949
8 Mar - 14 Mar
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€2,165€1,949
€2,165€1,949
22 Mar - 28 Mar
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€2,165€1,949
€2,165€1,949
5 Apr - 11 Apr
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€2,165€1,949
€2,165€1,949
19 Apr - 25 Apr
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€2,165€1,949
€2,165€1,949

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