Wildlife & Waterfalls Safari

We depart Victoria Falls and head south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s flagship safari reserve, watching rural scenes give way to big–game country. This afternoon we venture out on our first open–vehicle game drive, scanning plains and woodlands for elephants, antelope, lions and abundant birdlife as the sun sinks towards the horizon.

At first light we set off on a morning game drive, when wildlife is most active, exploring Hwange’s mix of open grassland and forest in search of large mammals and rare birds. In the middle of the day you can unwind at the lodge – take a swim, watch animals near camp or simply rest before our afternoon outing. Later, we visit the Painted Dog Conservation Centre to learn how conservationists and local communities are working to protect Africa’s endangered wild dogs.

Leaving Hwange, we head south through rural Zimbabwe towards the Matobo Hills, where open plains give way to a striking landscape of rocky hills and granite outcrops. We explore sculpted domes and extraordinary balancing boulders, and visit caves and shelters that preserve ancient San rock art – a vivid link to some of southern Africa’s earliest inhabitants. With expert trackers, we head out on foot to look for white and black rhino – subject to local conditions – reading tracks and signs while keeping a respectful distance.

We depart the Matobo Hills and journey east towards the Great Zimbabwe area, passing small towns and farmland en route to one of Africa’s most important archaeological sites. On arrival, we explore the Great Zimbabwe ruins – the former capital of a powerful medieval kingdom – wandering among the remarkable dry–stone walls of the Great Enclosure and the Hill Complex while learning about the site’s trading past and enduring legends.

We continue south from the Great Zimbabwe region towards the Limpopo borderlands and Mapesu Private Game Reserve, watching lush highveld give way to the warmer, more arid Lowveld bush. We arrive at our lodge near the reserve and settle into the quiet of the bush – you can unwind to birdsong and take in views of mopane woodland and sandstone hills around camp.

We visit Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter to admire ancient San paintings on sandstone walls – vivid depictions of animals and hunters that reveal the spiritual beliefs and daily life of early communities. We then join a guided tracking experience in Mapesu Private Game Reserve focused on endangered species, following footprints, broken branches and alarm calls as our guide interprets the movements of elusive wildlife.

We leave the Mapungubwe border region and drive south through Limpopo towards Phalaborwa, approaching the northern entrance to Kruger National Park. On entering Kruger, we enjoy a leisurely game drive through varied habitats, watching for first sightings of elephants, giraffe, antelope and other wildlife as we traverse the park. Later, from Sefapane Lodge, we head out on a sunset safari in a nearby private reserve – experiencing the bush as day fades into night and searching for nocturnal species as they stir.

We depart Phalaborwa and continue south into the Timbavati region of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, arriving at our lodge in unfenced big–game country where wildlife moves freely between reserves. We set out on a guided bush walk near Kruger to experience the environment at ground level – learning to read tracks, scents and sounds that reveal animals all around. As afternoon light softens, we venture out in open safari vehicles for a sunset game drive in Timbavati or the surrounding Greater Kruger area, watching for lions, elephants, rhino and other wildlife in the golden glow.

We leave the Lowveld bush and climb onto the escarpment to join the Panorama Route, the scenery shifting as we wind through forested hills and small towns. We stop at viewpoints such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon, taking in sweeping vistas over cliffs, ravines and the Lowveld below. We also pause at either Lisbon Falls or Berlin Falls to watch water plunge into a rocky gorge – you can feel the cool spray and capture the moment with your camera. We then descend towards Hazyview and arrive at our lodge amid subtropical greenery near Kruger’s southern gates. After dinner, you can take a quiet moment to reflect on the day’s dramatic landscapes.

We leave Hazyview early and make our way to one of Kruger National Park’s nearby gates for a full day of game viewing. We spend the day on safari in an open 4x4, exploring varied habitats in search of the Big Five along with a wealth of other mammals, birds and reptiles. In the late afternoon we exit Kruger and drive back to your lodge in Hazyview. You then have time to unwind – enjoy dinner and a calm evening reflecting on the landscapes and wildlife we’ve experienced.

We make our way from Hazyview back to Johannesburg, passing towns, plantations and open countryside as the journey draws to a close. You can use the drive to reflect on the varied experiences of recent days. We conclude the Wildlife & Waterfalls Tour in Johannesburg – say goodbye to the group and prepare for your onward journey with lasting memories of southern Africa’s wildlife and landscapes.