Johannesburg Kruger & Victoria Falls Family Safari
We begin our family adventure in one of Africa's most
famed national parks, the Kruger which will see us
exploring the culture and wildlife and we finish in
Zimbabwe at the mighty Victoria Falls.
Overall operator rating 9.3/10 from 53 trip reviews
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We travelled to South Africa and Africa with our 13 year old daughter and had an absolutely fantastic time.
This was our first time to Africa and the experience was amazing. The tour operator was a very professional company and we were very happy with the service, price and whole package deal. It all it was a good deal and enjoyable.
Our tour left Johannesburg and travelled through to Vic Falls. We had wonderful tour guides who were Gift, Tabby and Florence.
Our time in Africa was truly an amazing experience, we saw and learn't so much and the tour staff just added to that experience.
We have had a great taste to Africa and certainly want to return to see more.
We will recommend the operator to our family and friends and will use them again when we decide on our next African adventure.
We found the 11 day tour on the internet and compared to other tours we had priced the tour was by the far the best value for money.
Our email was answered by Liezl from reservations who could not have been more patient or helpful from start to finish, might I also add we were in Harare for a month prior and last minute from Harare I organised accommodation and transfers with Liezl also.
Moving on to the tour, our guide was Gift, our driver was tabis and our cook was Florence. The food was amazing and I will definately miss sitting around the fire talking stories with Tabis, Gift and Florence, three truly amazing individuals who are assets to the company
I will definately be recommending the operator and just want to thank everyone and keep up the good work and prices.
I took the Gorilla and Game parks tour from 3/13/11 to 3/26/11.
The tour itself. I won't go over everyday, but I highly recommend this company. I was very pleased with them and will be using them on my future trips to Africa.
The guide- Our guide, Mwangi, was hilarious! He was very friendly, gave LOTS of information about the animals we saw and the countries that we visited. He was highly approachable to ask questions or to just have a friendly chat by the fireside.
Our driver- Unfortunatly I didn't talk to our driver, Nicky, very much, but he was great. I know that if I had been trying to drive down some of those roads... well, we wouldn't have made it, Ill just put it that way lol. He always got into areas where we got the best shots of wildlife.
Our cook- Mwai (I think is how you spell it) was great. He was also funny and nice to talk to. I have NO complaints about the food. I eat a lot, and I never went hungry. Breakfast was usually the same (toast, eggs (cooked to order I might add, a luxury I'm not used to while camping) ceral, stuff like that) as was lunch (sandwiches that you made yourself). For dinner there was usually a soup followed by the main course. If you wanted to get seconds, no problem. We also stopped by many stores through out the trip and you could purchase snacks if you wanted to.
Camp life- I'm not gonna lie, driving for 7-8 hours most days was kinda rough. I\'m in pretty good shape, but at the end of two weeks I wanted nothing more than to have a nice shower and sleep on a really fluffy bed. Sleeping in tents was ok (I mean, how great do you expect that to be?), but again, after driving all day, setting up your tent, dinner, then sleep, wake up the next morning at 5am, pack your tent, breakfast, and it all starts over again (after we saw the gorillas our drive time dropped a lot which really helped). Everyone was expected to clean their own dishes and help around camp, which I think is a great idea, those 3 guys can't go everything by themselves.
Final thoughts- absolutely book a tour through this company... They are informative, friendly, and will make sure that your trip to Africa is nothing but amazing. I'm sure you can do more luxury safaris, but I have no regreats about 'roughing it'. You just have to keep an open mind, and be ready for the adventure of a lifetime :)
Absolutely AMAZING is a good way to describe the vacation.
The trip from Vic Falls down to Cape Town was incredible. The guide, chef, and driver were all very friendly and fun.
The service from the operator started far earlier than my holiday. All my questions prior to the trip (even from my original enquiry) were answered in great detail and so quickly.
The places we visited and people I met along the way all made this holiday one I will never forget. This was my first overland trip and I will certainly do another one.
Thanks again for an amazing holiday in Africa (my first and definitely not my last)!!
Thanks Bronwyn for all the great information and quick replies.
The tour was really fantastic saw the big five and heaps of other animals .Gift, our tour guide ,Enos our cook and Thaibi the best driver in Africa, were really great ,could not ask for any better people to make our camping tour a real happy tour.
Highly recommended and will be back for another tour. Thanks again for a very exciting ,memerable tour.
I am very happy to say I had an absolutely wonderful time on the trip.
Our guides, Givt, Tabhi & Inus deserve great praise for doing a spectacular job throughout the trip. By the end of our 11 day trips I considered them to be good friends. They were very knowledgable of all areas we visited, were happy to share historic and current stories and insight into the different areas.
We had an amazing time in Gweru at the Antelpoe park. We had 1.5 days and got to do all of our activites. It would have been easy to spend 2.5 days there, but then again it would have been easy to spend all week there as well. Great Zimababwe and Mutopos were the highlight of our trip.
This was the best trip of my life thanks to our excellent guides and the wonderful people of Zimbabwe. We have fallen in love with Africa and cannot wait to return with them to continue exploring and sicovering a most beautiful continent, culture and people!
I am very happy with my trip! I am surprised how well everything was organised.
The tents was really good and if you closed it properly you didn't need to worry about mosquitos or other insects coming into the tent. The food was also very good but especially good was that our chef were very careful about hygien. This prevented us and the crew from getting sick during the trip.
The truck was also very comfy with lots of space for streching our legs, a nice thing to have when spending many hours on the road.
I went on the 56 day overland trip from Nairobi to Cape Town and loved every minute of it. It was the best experience. There was so much to see and do and all of it amazing in its own way.
If you're thinking of doing this trip be aware that there is a lot of camping, but I even found that fun, hard at times but definitely fun as well.
The optional trips such as; The Okavango Delta 3 day/2 night canoe trip, The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, The Chobe National Park Overnight Trip.Sossussvlei was so informative, Zanzibar was beautiful and who can't love a place with a name like Zanzibar. Lake Bunyoni and the Gorilla treking was a once in a lifetime experience, although a waterproof is advisable, it is a rainforest.
The crew I had were fantastic, the cook Malinga, prepared wonderful meals on a charcoal fire, the driver, Simon drove us days at a time down some terrible roads and made it seem effortless. The tour leader, Hesbon, was so knowledgeable about the places, the animals, birds, the people and always was there to answer any questions, queries and fix any problems we had.
I'm so glad I did the Nairobi to Cape Towm, I would much rather have ended up in Cape Town than Nairobi, but that's a personal preference.
Do not forget your own sleeping bag and mat and take it all as it is, an adventure."
First of all many thanks to Bronwyn for booking. I've sent her more than 30 emails for booking & she answered all my questions & helped me a lot with patience.
I had a fantastic & memorable trip with this company.
Crews were amazing for fist 2 weeks: John the cook, Steve as Driver & Wycliffe the Leader.
We changed Truck & Crew when we arrived Nairobi & continue for next 2 weeks. Also the new crews were brilliant: Saucy the Driver, Muai the cook & the BEST tour leader in the world: "Mat Dry". He's Brilliant in his job, He knows everything about nature, plants, animals & he's so so informative.
First Truck & Tents were in best Conditions but the second Truck was not in good conditions & stalled a lot & also had problems to go uphill (I won the bet on guess how many stalls do we have in one day). About tents, they were a lil lower in height & older than former tents & also had some leakages when raining.
But we had a lot of surprises & activities to forget about tents & truck. Every moment in this trip was an experience for me.
I'll go back Africa & Do overland again with Them Cause they're the Best in Overlanding.
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Itinerary
Camping safari starting in Johannesburg and travelling north through South Africa, finishing in Zimbabwe.
The minimum age is 6 years old for selected departure dates
This trip departs from Johannesburg early on Wednesday morning. Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation can be booked through us.
Day 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview (L / D) Leaving Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and Umvubu camp situated on the border of the famous Kruger National Park. On our way we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking vistas. Our camp for the next two nights is a short drive from the Kruger’s Numbi Gate and has some interesting local residents that include hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala .We spend a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow.
Day 2: Hazyview (B / L / D) Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park. Covering 21 497 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. There is the option of doing 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.
Day 3: Hazyview to Polokwane (B / L / D) Today we leave the Lowveld and head on the long, scenic drive to Polokwane. Along the way we stop off at some of the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. The many viewpoints of the Canyon, afford us excellent photo opportunities. Polokwane, capital of Limpopo, is the largest metropolitan complex in the north and a major economic centre. Its proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as its convenient distance from the Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof, makes it a perfect gateway and good destination in itself. We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our campsite located outside of the city before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.
Day 4: Polokwane to Musina (B / L / D) After a quick replenishing of our stocks we begin our journey north toward Zimbabwe. We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery. Tonight we’ll camp near to one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina, at the hot water spring resort – Tshipise. Situated between the rolling hills, the resort is well known for its natural hot water springs. Once we’ve set up camp, you’re free to enjoy the pools, walking trails or various other activities on offer here.
Day 5: Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe) (B / L / D) Today we enter Zimbabwe - a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition. We make our way to the town of Masvingo - on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This was the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, built by an ancient highly skilled civilization. The name Zimbabwe is derived from this ancient city and means “great stone houses” in Shona. The most notable artefacts found at the ruins were the 8 Statues of stone birds carved out of soapstone. Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp at the foot of the hills.
Day 6 & 7: Masvingo to Gweru B / L / D) Leaving Masvingo, we continue our journey north to Gweru, in Zimbabwe’s Midlands. Here we stop over at The Antelope Park. It is said “you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls… and the Antelope Park.” A wide variety of game viewing opportunities are available in this area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and obviously numerous antelope! We have the unique option to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, view game from horse back or from the back of a vehicle. We guarantee Antelope Park is a place you’ll never forget!
Days 8: Gweru to Bulawayo(B / L / D) Leaving Gweru, we head to Bulawayo - Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Bulawayo is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to accommodate a full span ox wagon. The city also still retains much of its British Colonial character, evident by the many buildings maintained as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council. Interesting places to visit are the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs over 70 people.
Day 9: Bulawayo(B / L / D) Today we visit Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both the black and the white rhino. This park is also well known for its high concentration of the elusive leopard and majestic black eagle. Rock paintings are to be found too, providing evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area. Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) asked to be buried at the top of one of the sacred hills, (although there is some controversy over whether he will stay!) We spend the day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area.
Day 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe (B / L) Leaving Bulawayo, we head to Victoria Falls. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. A 20 minute walk down the main road takes you to the entry point to view the falls, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. 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. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! After our adventure activities briefing (see price guide at the end of this document for options), the afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!
Day 11: Victoria Falls (B) After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! We suggest booking additional days after your trip to take advantage of the optional excursions available at Victoria Falls.
Optional Excursions include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Price: GB£ 295 Plus Local Payment: US$ 350
Optional Excursions: Night Game Drive in Kruger National Park US$160 Walking with Lions US$80 - 130 Victoria Falls National Park US$30 (Prices subject to change)
Please Note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.
Your arrival transfer and pre-trip accommodation in a dorm bed is included in your trip price. Should you choose not to make use of these, or in the event that we are not updated with your arrival details, no refund will be paid for services not used.
