Countries: South Africa , Zimbabwe , Botswana
Destinations: Kruger Park & Surrounding Area , Great Zimbabwe , Matobo National Park , Hwange National Park , Victoria Falls , Chobe National Park , Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park , Okavango Delta , Maun , Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Group Size: 12
Duration (days): 16
Number of Adults: 12
Number of Children: 0
Get set for safari. Combine Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa's best game park for a totally wild trip. After exploring Kruger, head into Zimbabwe, where you'll game drive in Matobo and Hwange National Park. After a spectacular stop at Victoria Falls, cross into Botswana for the magnificent Okavango Delta.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Kruger Park & Surrounding Area
Departing Johannesburg at 06:30am we head into the world famous Kruger National Park. We visit the northern part of the park and stay in the Letaba area of the reserve. We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in our safari vehicle and hope to spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in this icon of wildlife conservation.
For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.
Kruger Park & Surrounding Area
About a 6 hour drive, or a 1 hour flight, from Johannesburg, Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest and most famous national park. With nearly 2 million hectares, and an enormous variety of species (336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals), you can ensconce yourself in Africa's wilderness with ease. Bordering the park to the west is a number of private game reserves, with luxury lodges and exceptional game viewing. Inside the main park, visitors can drive themselves, and have access to remarkably low priced accommodation options.
The idyllic Letaba Rest Camp is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River, midway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park. The name means “river of sand”, and the sandy riverbed is an excellent location for game viewing, particularly elephant, which thrive in the area. Letaba is a green oasis in the surrounding mopane veld, and remains a firm favourite with visitors. At night the stars overlook a symphony of sounds. Owls, nightjars, frogs, fruit bats, crickets and cicadas all vie to be heard, until the lion roars, then all are silent.
Day 2 : Kruger Park & Surrounding Area
This morning we wake early and game drive north through the park to the Pafuri region. The northern Kruger is dominated by mopane veld and is the domain of large elephant bulls, wild dogs and lions. As we reach the Limpopo Valley the vegetation changes to forest and birdlife is prolific. We exit the park, late in the afternoon, and overnight at a lodge just outside the Kruger.
Awelani means "place of rest" and this is exactly what this beautiful property offers visitors doing a road trip through the northern section of Limpopo province. Situated 12kms from Kruger's Pafuri gate, it's ideally situated for those wanting to explore the famous Luvuvhu River Drive in the park. Accommodation is in comfortable self-catering units and an onsite restaurant provides an alternative option for those not wanting to cook.
Day 3 : Great Zimbabwe
Entering Zimbabwe at the Beit Bridge border post, we travel north to our overnight stop. The following morning we visit the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. These well preserved ruins are some of the oldest and largest stone structures in Southern Africa and were built during the 11th to 14th centuries. We explore these ancient stone structures on an informative walk with a local guide.
Zimbabwe - a treasure trove of breathtaking wilderness, vibrant wildlife, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. From the iconic Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into dramatic gorges, to the serene waters of Lake Kariba and the untamed beauty of Hwange and Mana Pools, Zimbabwe is a safari destination like no other.
This remarkable country offers an unparalleled diversity of experiences. Explore the vast savannahs of Hwange National Park, home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, or paddle along the tranquil channels of the Lower Zambezi, where hippos and crocodiles linger at every turn. Thrill-seekers will delight in world-class canoeing and white-water rafting, while nature enthusiasts will revel in walking safaris led by some of Africa's most experienced guides.
What truly sets Zimbabwe apart is its people. Warm, resilient, and welcoming, Zimbabweans add a unique vibrancy to every journey. Their deep connection to the land and dedication to conservation make every visit more meaningful.
Whether you're drawn by the roar of Victoria Falls, the call of the wild, or the chance to experience one of Africa's most storied landscapes, Zimbabwe promises an adventure filled with wonder and unforgettable moments.
Great Zimbabwe is a medieval city in the south-eastern hills of the modern country of Zimbabwe, near Lake Mutirikwe and the town of Masvingo. It is thought to have been the capital of a kingdom during the Late Iron Age. Construction on the city began in the 11th century and continued until it was abandoned in the 15th century. The edifices were erected by ancestors of the Shona people, currently located in Zimbabwe and nearby countries. The stone city spans an area of 7.22 square kilometres (2.79 sq mi) and could have housed up to 18,000 people at its peak, giving it a population density of approximately 2,500 inhabitants per square kilometre (6,500/sq mi). It is recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Straddling its own grounds and the World Heritage Site is the Great Zimbabwe Hotel. Only a short walk away from the Monument itself, the hotel has its own tradition – The Great Zimbabwe Hotel is made up of 47 neat rooms all with wall to wall carpeting.
All rooms are decorated with quaint conservative furniture that gives them a modest and homely feel. The standard and single rooms overlook a lush garden courtyard. These rooms are conveniently laid out in a half moon shape encasing the courtyard, giving the hotel the feel of an intimate family unit similar to the layout of the nearby Great Zimbabwe Monuments. The deluxe, family and standard suites are located in separate nearby satellite buildings giving them an added sense of privacy. Each room is complimented with the following facilities: DSTV, telephone, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer (provided on request) and bathroom (shaving socket, toilet and bathtub).
The swimming pool, tennis court and beach volleyball pitch are only a 2 minute walk from the majority of the rooms. The Sunset Bar is a favourite with locals and guests. The hotel has a range of activities and facilities to cater for the whole family. From the modest restaurant to the comfortable bar this hotel carries the affectionate atmosphere of the countryside. The hotel is located only 800 meters from the Great Zimbabwe Monuments where guests can take part in informative guided tours.
Day 4 - 5 : Matobo National Park
Travelling via the city of Bulawayo we move on to the Matobo National Park and our chalets on the outskirts of the park. This afternoon we enjoy sundowners from the granite ridge overlooking the park. The following morning we visit World’s View and the historical site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. Unusual rock formations are home to an array of ancient bushman paintings which we visit while on our game drive and walk. This area is also home to Zimbabwe’s rhino which we hope to see on our excursion in the national park.
About 30 kilometres south of Bulawayo, Matobo National Park is visited for its other-worldly rocky landscapes, historical and cultural significance, wildlife sightings, bushman paintings and walking excursions.
Combining well with Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls in the north, and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins to the east, Matobo National Park offers something a bit different from the usual safari and wildlife areas.
Historically, Matobo plays a big part in Zimbabwe, with the name Matobo meaning 'bald heads' being chosen for the area by the great Ndebele King, Mzilikazi. He is buried in the Matobo Hills just a short distance from the park.
Cecil John Rhodes having chosen his grave site to be on Malindidzimu Hill, or World's View, and which is now a draw card for numerous visitors each year.
Situated within the Matopos World Heritage site, Hermits Peak Guest Lodge was the first private lodge in the Matopos established in the 1950s. The area is home to the black and white rhino, black eagles and leopard.
Nestled in the magnificent granite landscape the lodge has ten comfortable en-suite thatched rooms.
The main area creates a welcoming and cosy place for guests to relax. A dining area and bar is set under an open thatched roof veranda, where guests enjoy meals and drinks. Nearby is the natural rock pool surrounded by small tables shaded by umbrellas.
Activities can be booked at an additional cost which includes a full day and half day game drive/ trips.
Day 6 - 7 : Hwange National Park
Named after a local Nhanzwa chief, Hwange National Park is the largest Park in Zimbabwe occupying roughly 14 650 square kilometers. Hwange is famed for its large elephant population. Our chalets are in the game management area that borders the park, and we explore the park with our local guide, on a full day game drive in an open 4WD game viewing vehicle.
Situated only 3 hours' drive south of Victoria Falls, and bordering Botswana to the west, Hwange National Park has become famous for its wildlife density and enormous elephant population.
Due to the arid region, the park is an incredible dry season safari destination, with animals converging on the many man-made water holes, and game viewing being especially rewarding.
With over 100 species of mammals, and 400 species of birds, Hwange National Park is sure to provide you with some excellent photo's and is a great inclusion on a Zimbabwe safari itinerary.
Recently added scheduled flights from Victoria Falls have made Hwange even more accessible.
Miombo is a quirky and intimate lodge situated on the edge of Hwange National Park.
The main central area looks out onto the pool and garden areas, beyond which is the main waterhole and views into the Miombo woodland.
The standard rooms are quaint units, each under thatch, offering simple but comfortable accommodation. The standard rooms each have stargazer outside showers and semi en-suite basin and flush toilet. There are thatched tree houses and elevated tented suites as well as ten Msasa tented suites. Tea and coffee facilities, mosquito nets and fans are in each room to make your stay more comfortable.
Guests have the option of driving into the Park in their own vehicle or can join one of the game drives offered by Miombo Safari Camp in comfortable open sided, 4x4 vehicles, equipped with radio and accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable local guide. The early morning game drive and afternoon drives take you into the famous Hwange National Park. The afternoons especially are prime time to sit around the main waterholes in the Park and enjoy seeing the many herds of elephant as they come to drink. The Ingonyama Dance Troupe provides scintillating evening entertainment on request and we can arrange tours of the Painted Dog Conservation project and Dete Village for longer stays.
Day 8 - 9 : Victoria Falls
We enjoy a spectacular guided walk through tropical vegetation to the very edge of the “Mosi oa Tunya” or “the smoke that thunders” - Victoria Falls. There are opportunities to white water raft on the mighty Zambezi River, bungee jump or take a “flight of angels” (own expense).
"Mosi Oa Tunya", or "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind.
As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall. The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.
While the Falls are the major drawcard, there is a thriving tourist industry developed around them, with adventure activities of all forms being available.
Tourism has been evident here ever since David Livingstone was the first European guided by the local tribes to this remarkable natural wonder.
Situated in the quiet residential area, PheZulu Guest Lodge is approximately 3.5km from the Victoria Falls.
All 21 rooms are tastefully decorated with local artwork with bathrooms en-suite.
The lodge oozes vibes of playful sophistication, which combined with the great staff make it hard to leave disappointed.
Our rates are inclusive of a Continental and full English breakfast as well as complimentary WiFi. Lunches and dinners can be provided on request.
A short taxi drive to the main town gives guests access to a variety of activities for all ages and personalities.
There is no shortage of things to do in Victoria Falls and if you need help deciding, our Front Office staff are always happy to help.
Day 10 : Chobe National Park
Entering Botswana, we head to the town of Kasane and our accommodation on the banks of the Chobe River The river flows lazily along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park attracting some of the largest herds of elephant in Africa. A highlight of any trip to the Chobe is the afternoon game viewing cruise where we hope to see large herds of elephants and other wildlife as they quench their thirst at the end of the day.
Well known as one of the great safari destinations in Africa, Botswana offers some of the most beautiful, luxurious, and active safari experiences in Africa.
A Botswanan safari can never be long enough, and never experienced often enough. Although one of the flattest countries you will ever visit, Botswana is blessed with an incredible variety of landscapes and eco-systems.
It is the very flatness of Botswana which has created some of the world's most special wilderness areas, and exploring the Kalahari, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans rewards you with memories for a lifetime.
Easily accessible from Johannesburg, and simply combined with Victoria Falls, Botswana needs to be on your safari list if you are planning a visit to Southern Africa.
As soon as you land in Maun or Kasane, you will know that you have arrived in a country which operates like nothing you have experienced before.
With the warthogs running through the streets of Kasane, and the hippos grunting in the Chobe River, your welcome to Botswana is one which tells you straight away you are in Africa's wilds.
Accessed easily via a 1.5 hour flight from Johannesburg, or a 1 hour drive from Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park is the most visited park on a Boswana safari itinerary.
With an enormous elephant population, as well as magnificent birdlife and a huge array of herbivores and aquatic animals, it is often hard to believe that Chobe National Park is for real.
The game viewing starts from the moment you land at Kasane Airport, or drive across the border from Zambia or Zimbabwe, with warthogs foraging in the streets, buffalo being habitual visitors to the town, and hippos lazing around in the river.
Thebe River Safaris is ideally situated for visitors to Chobe National Park and the Chobe River area in Northern Botswana. Our lodge and camp overlook the placid Chobe River and echo the surrounding bush with a rustic design. We are 12km from the Kazungula border and 5km from the entrance to Chobe National Park. Our restaurant and bar provide welcoming food and drinks and visitors can enjoy our sparkling swimming pool. Free WiFi is also available throughout our public areas and lodge.
Thebe River Safaris was started in 1994 by Jan Van Wyk with a single Land Cruiser. The business has expanded over the subsequent years into a bustling lodge and camp, and most recently a new luxury tented camp Jackalberry Chobe, all located in the heart of Kasane, Botswana. Jan’s original idea of sharing the wonders of Chobe National Park with visitors has continued with game drives, boat cruises and mobile safaris, taking guests into the true African wilderness. The operation now includes Jan’s sons Jannie and Louis and daughter Franci.
Day 11 : Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park
This morning we venture into the Chobe National Park in an open 4WD in search of big cats and elephants. Thereafter we head south through the Kasane Forest Reserve to the Nata area for our overnight stop.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in the centre of Botswana are the remnants of the largest lake in Africa, which dried up thousands of years ago. The shimmering white, deadly landscape adds to Botswana's adventurous reputation, with only the bravest of early explorers having the courage to try and cross the seemingly endless wasteland.
We are fortunate nowadays to explore these pans from the comfort of a 4x4, and the luxury of lodges with swimming pools and shaded tents. However, even with these amenities, the Makgadikgadi Pans evoke a sense of adventure in travellers. Including the salt pans in a Botswana safari adds to the remarkable variety of your holiday, and to the beauty of your photo album.
North of the main pans is Nxai Pan National Park, which is a stunning destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts. The park is famous for its vast grass plains, seasonal salt pans, and diverse wildlife, including elephants, zebras, bat-eared foxes, leopards and lions. During the wet season, the landscape transforms, attracting migratory animals and a wide variety of birdlife, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
A highlight of the park is the ancient Baines' Baobabs, a cluster of majestic baobab trees that offer a striking backdrop for visitors. The dry season reveals a different beauty, with golden plains and wildlife gathering around scarce water sources, creating serene and memorable moments.
Nxai Pan is a hidden gem in Botswana, offering an authentic African safari experience where untamed nature and breathtaking scenery provide the perfect escape for adventurers and travelers alike.
Nata Lodge is an oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. It is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas.
The lodge offers 22 luxury air conditioned thatched chalets built on stilts and set in rustic African style, with en suite bathrooms including indoor baths and outdoor showers.
10 luxury safari tents are built on raised wooden platforms which are nestled under the lodges many marula trees. These tents feature en suite bathrooms and include all the amenities offered in any of the lodge’s chalets.
The camping site provides full ablution facilities with hot and cold showers as well as central electrical power banks.
Guest areas include a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop and a bar/lounge area.
The shady tree canopy surrounding the lodge is a hive of activity, with a bird feeding area and active water feature providing the bird watcher with the opportunity of viewing a variety of species from the comfort of the pool deck, open bar or restaurant.
The Nata River delta feeds the Sua Pan in the Nata sanctuary and forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands, transforming the shore line into a pink haze blending into the western sky.
For keen bird watchers and naturalists, Nata Lodge offers open vehicle excursions into the Nata Sanctuary. Mammal species in the sanctuary include antelope such as springbok, as well as springhares, jackals and foxes.
However the main attraction is the abundance of bird life. Around 165 bird species, including king-fishers, eagles, ostriches, pelicans, spoonbills and both greater and lesser flamingos, have been recorded.
Day 12 - 13 : Okavango Delta
We transfer into the delta by open 4WD game viewing vehicle. Our local guides will take us deep into the heart of the Okavango Delta on Mokoro (dugout canoes) to our pre-erected tented camp. The delta forms as rainwater from the Angolan highlands flows out over the flat Kalahari Desert sands, forming a delicate, green oasis for birds and wildlife. Our camp is on a remote island in this amazingly dynamic environment and we enjoy bush walks, bird watching and swimming in the clear waters. Camping with our local guides we learn more about their lifestyle and culture.
The very word "Okavango" evokes a sense of adventure and exploration, and this is exactly what the Okavango Delta is about. Often called the Okavango Swamps, this intricate maze of waterways and sandy islands is an explorer's dream, and the destination should be on the wishlist of anyone looking for a unique travel experience.
The geology of the Delta is fascinating, with its creation being attributed to tectonic plate action from thousands of years ago causing the Kavango River to flow from Angola into the Kalahari Desert as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean.
So while the vegetation is lush, and the wildlife plentiful, the waterways are actually cutting through Kalahari Desert sand, and the entire delta is an enormous oasis.
Termites are credited with the creation of the many islands around which the water slowly flows, as their mounds, common features of the landscape, are responsible for the formation of sand and foliage around them.
There is a continuous scurry of life in the Delta, from the smallest of creatures to the largest of elephants, and every twist and turn of the channels brings some new form of life into view. The Okavango Delta is truly one of nature's greatest creations.
Each tent has twin camp beds with linen and an en suite chemical toilet. Shared bucket shower tent with hot water off the fire. Tents have built-in insect nets. We need to take our own water and all equipment. Wild tented camping can be very enjoyable but please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. The wilderness tented camp supplies all linen blankets and pillows. The camp chairs have a backrest. You will need to bring your own towel. WiFi not available.
Day 14 : Maun
This afternoon we return to Maun. There is time for an optional scenic flight over the Okavango (own expense).
Botswana’s tourism capital lies on the southern fringes of the Okavango Delta, and still, despite recent modernisations, carries the feeling of a dusty, frontier town. For many tourists, Maun is the point of entry into the Delta, and often into Botswana, with direct flights from both Johannesburg and Gaborone.
Maun is the administrative centre of Ngamiland District, which is home to a fascinating variety of ethnic groups: the Hambukushu, Basubiya and Bayei – all of central African origins, who know the Okavango intimately, having expertly exploited and utilised its abundant resources for centuries. There are also the Banoka – the River Bushmen, who are the Okavango’s original inhabitants, the Bakgalagadi, and the Baherero, who originate from Namibia, and whose women can be seen wearing brightly coloured victorian style dresses as they stroll along the town roads, or sit outside their traditional rondavels.
Frequently, the ‘people’ side of the Okavango is overlooked, with tourists merely using Maun as a transit point to embark for the Delta. However, exploring the traditional villages along the western fringes of the Delta, in the panhandle area, is worth the time and effort, and for many tourists, becomes a real highlight of their travels in Botswana.
The dramatic surge in the numbers of tourists coming to Botswana in the 1980s brought equally dramatic changes to Maun. Safari companies abound, and their signposts dot the sandy parking lots. Modern malls, shops, hotels and guesthouses have sprung up everywhere; and now virtually any food item – from champagne, French cheeses, and chocolates down to commonplace necessities – can be purchased.
Today you can enjoy wilderness and wildlife by day and watch high tech DvDs by night, or walk into old government offices straight out of the colonial era.
Meanwhile, the timeless Thamalakane River meanders lazily through the town, setting the scene and mood for what lies ahead.
Located on the banks of the Thamalakane River, Island Safari Lodge is a cool and welcoming oasis in the heart of Maun. Shaded under a huge canopy of large trees, the lodge overlooks the river and floodplain beyond.
Island Safari Lodge is set on a 300 acre private island reserve, just 10 km from Maun Airport. The protected reserve has several walking trails running through the bush, perfect for a nature walk.
Relax by one of the two swimming pools or head to the restaurant and bar for the river view.
With a long history dating back to 1973, Island Safari Lodge has a rich and famous heritage and is a household name in Maun.
Day 15 : Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Heading south from Maun, we cross the wide open spaces of the Kalahari Desert on our way to Khama Rhino Sanctuary. This is a community-based wildlife project established in 1992 to assist in protecting rhino and restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its natural state. The reserve provides economic benefits to the local Batswana community through sustainable use of natural resources. We hope to spot rhino on an afternoon game drive.
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary (KRS) is a community based wildlife project, established in 1992 to assist in saving the vanishing rhinoceros, restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its previous natural state and provide economic benefits to the local Botswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Covering approximately, 8585 hectares of Kalahari Sandveld, the sanctuary provides prime habitat for white and black rhino as well as over 30 other animal species and more than 230 species of birds.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary has a variety of accommodation facilities. We have facilities that are ideal for a family, individuals and for a group. We also have campsites that are ideal for anybody that wants to experience solitude and the sounds of the wild.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary has a variety of accommodation facilities. We have facilities that are ideal for a family, individuals and for a group. We also have campsites that are ideal for anybody that wants to experience solitude and the sounds of the wild.
There are eight chalets to choose from located in different areas. Bedding &towels, braai facilities, bar fridge and electric kettle will be provided for all the chalets. Electric kettle and bar fridge is not available in the A-frame chalet since it does not have power. Basic cooking utensils are no longer provided. Clients can bring their own or use The Restaurant to buy meals. The chalets are A, B, C, D, E, F, G and A-frame.
- A & B accommodates two people each. They each sleep one couple, holding one double bed.
- C & D are located at Makongwa Camp, accommodates four people each and have two rooms and two beds in each room.
- F & G chalets are next to the restaurant area. Each chalet has two rooms and two beds in each room.
- A-Frame Chalet is situated on the edge of Serwe pan. This is a two storey chalet which sleeps up to six people. A- Frame has a separate bush toilet and a hot shower. This chalet was designed to give an African way bush life. This chalet does not have electricity, but lantern lamps are provided for lighting.
