This trip begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north through South Africa and Zimbabwe ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Visiting one of Africa’s most famed National Parks, Kruger, your wildlife experiences continue as you get up close and personal with the lions of the Antelope Park. The little known Matobo National Park offers excellent wildlife opportunities as well as a scenery of stunning beauty. History will come alive both in Matobo National Park and as you explore the architectural wonder of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. And there is still the beauty of the Blyde River Canyon area and finally the Victoria Falls - one of the seven natural wonders of the world! This trip certainly offers it all
This trip departs from Johannesburg early on Wednesday mornings. Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation can be booked through us.
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
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.
Price GBP295 plus Local Payment US$350.
International flights are not included in the price
Optional Excursions elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Optional Excursions Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip. - these prices are approximate and are subject to change - where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.
South Africa, Kruger National Park - Night Drive US$ 175 Zimbabwe, Gweru - Walk with Lions US$ 80 Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - White Water Rafting on the Zambezi US$ 135
**Please note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).
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.
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This trip: 11 day Johannesburg to Victoria Falls overland
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
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.
Thank you.
2
Client:
John Mussman - from United States
Trip:
This trip: 11 day Johannesburg to Victoria Falls overland
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
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!
3
Client:
Roseline Ng - from Singapore
Trip:
This trip: 11 day Johannesburg to Victoria Falls overland
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
We had a fantastic and very memorable overland holiday - the 11 days Johannesburg to Victoria Falls trip in Sep 09.
It was very professionally run - the tour leader (Manda), cook (Gift) and driver (Muno) were excellent - thank you!
The office staff were very helpful and replied to all our queries promptly before we depart for Africa too.
I will definitely travel with the operator again and stongly recommend them to all who are looking for an overland trip in Africa.
4
Client:
Rebecca Di-Donato - from Australia
Trip:
This trip: 11 day Johannesburg to Victoria Falls overland
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
What an amazing adventure, filled with beautiful landscapes and thrilling experiences.
The itinerary was incredible and it’s so hard to narrow down my favourite days, but it would have to be the Kruger National Park in South Africa, a tie between Antelope Park and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
This trip offered so much to see and do for everyone: day and night game drives, horse rides, walking with lions, elephant rides, tracking rhino (on foot!), white-water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter flights, sunset cruises, game-spotting bush walks, mokoro rides and I even managed to fit in a massage!
And the crew were wonderful – professional, helpful and friendly. Our leader was knowledgeable, our driver kept us on track and Neil Perry could learn a thing or two from our cook – the food was scrumptious. I felt safe at all times and was so impressed.
I’m already planning my next adventure with them.
5
Client:
Amanda Byrne - from Ireland
Trip:
This trip: 11 day Johannesburg to Victoria Falls overland
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
I had a fantastic holiday.
I would have no hesitation in recommending the operator to anyone wanting to do an overland holiday in Africa.
I did the jo'burg to Vic Falls trip , it was extremely well organised, the crew were brilliant and std of service was very high.
