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Kruger, Delta, Chobe & Falls

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14 days

SMALL GROUP ACCOMMODATED SAFARI: Discover Southern Africa on this 14-day small-group safari, take in the breath-taking landscapes of Mpumalanga and encounter the iconic 'Big 5' in Kruger National Park. Navigate the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, encountering hippos and crocodiles, embark on thrilling game walks in Matobo National Park, witness majestic elephants in Botswana, feel the refreshing spray of the Zambezi at Victoria Falls, glide through the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro, and enjoy open-vehicle game drives in Chobe National Park and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

14 days

Starts

Pretoria

Ends

Pretoria

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

Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe

Arrival Transfer

No - can be booked on request

Departure Transfer

No - can be booked on request

Meals included

Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 5, Dinner: 12
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Per Person From
$7,735.00
NZD$6,961.50
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$12,923.00

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
Chobe National Park - Cruise the Chobe River in search of hippos, elephants and crocodiles and game drive in search of lions and leopards
Okavango Delta - Paddle traditional mokoro canoes through this biodiverse wetland and spend a night camping in the wilderness
Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Enjoy a game drive through this conservation region, which is a prime habitat for white rhino, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe

Included

13 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 12 dinners
12 nights twin share accommodation, 1 night twin share pre erected tent in the Okavango Delta
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
Chobe National Park - Open Vehicle Game Drive with Resident Guide and Fish Eagle (Sunset) Boat Cruise
Okavango Delta Excursion, Mokoro/Walking Safari
Gweta Village Walk
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
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: $890.00pp 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 - 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.

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. 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.

Overnight: Victoria Falls
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Chobe National Park

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.

Overnight: Chobe National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Chobe to Gweta

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.

Overnight: Gweta
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Maun

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.

Overnight: Maun
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 - Into the Okavango Delta

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.

Overnight: Okavango Delta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - Okavango Nature Walk

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.

Overnight: Maun
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 - Khama Rhino Sanctuary

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.

Overnight: Tuli Block
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 - Pretoria

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.

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

$125per passenger

Twin

$125per passenger

Single

$185per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation Pretoria, Court Classique, en suite room

Double

$125per passenger

Twin

$125per passenger

Single

$185per 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)

$165

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
Delta Rain's Sitatunga Camp (chalets)
Maun

A series of chalets located in shaded gardens away from the hustle and bustle of Maun. Delta Rain's Sitatunga Camp offers travellers an a la carte restaurant, shared lounge, bar and sun terrace. There is free Wi-Fi in communal areas. Chalets come with ensuite bathrooms, ceiling fans and some have air-conditioning. There is also a communal swimming pool for guests to enjoy.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Basic Lodge
Elephant Camp (permanent tents)
Okavango Delta

Located on the boundary of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Elephant Bush Camp is a rustic base for exploring the wildlife-rich Delta. There is an onsite dining area and pool, but the real charm here is the location, with elephants and other wildlife known to get very close to camp. 12 permanent tents form the accommodation, with ensuite bush bathroom including bucket showers. Optional activities including game walks and mokoro canoe trips can be booked onsite.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Basic Lodge
Stevensford Game Reserve
Tuli Block

The Stevensford Game Reserve is an extraordinary sanctuary on the border of Botswana and South Africa. Positioned along the Limpopo River, the reserve offers a privileged location for unparalleled wildlife encounters. Accommodations blend seamlessly with nature, providing spacious and comfortable rooms with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The lodge caters to both adventure and relaxation, offering guided safaris, boat excursions, and tranquil lounging areas. With a commitment to sustainability, Stevensford Game Reserve combines modern comfort with the untouched beauty of Botswana's landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Lodge

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin' prices 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. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers who are happy to share a room with another traveller of the same sex.

2024
Twin
Single
Shared
14 Dec - 27 Dec
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$7,735$6,962
$8,515$7,664
$7,735$6,962
28 Dec - 10 Jan
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2025
Twin
Single
Shared
11 Jan - 24 Jan
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$8,515$7,664
$7,735$6,962
25 Jan - 7 Feb
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$7,735$6,962
8 Feb - 21 Feb
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$7,735$6,962
22 Feb - 7 Mar
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$7,735$6,962
8 Mar - 21 Mar
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22 Mar - 4 Apr
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5 Apr - 18 Apr
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19 Apr - 2 May
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