22 Day Southern Escape

Our trip starts in the rainbow nation, South Africa. We experience the Kruger National Park before entering the once great stronghold of Zimbabwe to the diamond rich country of Botswana. Our travels take us through such diverse scenery and wildlife that will enthral even the most seasoned of traveller. Find yourself staring in awe at the mighty Victoria Falls to trying your hand at poling in the channels of the Okavango Delta. If it’s a true African experience you are looking for then this trip is for you. Taste and experience the delicacies of Africa.

This trip begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north through South Africa and Zimbabwe then south through Botswana before ending in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This trip departs from Johannesburg early on Wednesday morning. Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked.

Pre Departure Meeting:           Held at the Departure Point at 17h00 the day before your departure.

Departure Point:                      Backpacker’s Ritz - 1A North Road, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg

Check-In Time:                        07h45

Departure Time:                      08h00

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 with prior notice.

Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip

DAY 1:  Johannesburg to Hazyview (L / D)

Leaving Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and 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 just 8 km from the Kruger’s Numbi Gate.  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 looking for a few of these.  There is the option of doing a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants.

DAY 3:  Hazyview to Graskop (B / L / D)

After a quick replenishing of our stocks we leave the Lowveld and head up to the beautiful small town of Graskop.  It is from this gateway in Mpumulanga that we explore 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.  We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our camp before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.  Graskop’s night life is something to be enjoyed and those that want will have the opportunity to experience it.

DAY 4:  Graskop to Musina (B / L / D)

Today we begin our journey to Zimbabwe.  We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery.  Tonight we’ll camp in one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina.  Born in the copper mining era, it withered into a ghost town after the closing of these mines.  However, the resurgence of the mining industry has seen it flourish once more and today it is an interesting town steeped in history.

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.  Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp.

DAY 6:  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.

DAY 7:  Gweru (B / L / D)

Today is spent enjoying personal encounters with Africa’s wildlife.

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.  Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite.  Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why.  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!  The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia.  Each offer fantastic photo opportunities.  The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAYS 11 & 12:  Victoria Falls (B on both days)

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions.  Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the next leg of our trek.

OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, 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.

DAY 13:  Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (B / L / D)

After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.  The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia.  Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned its large elephant herds. The late afternoon sees us take a boat cruise along the Chobe River.  Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat while we watch another glorious African sunset.

DAY 14:  Chobe National Park to Maun (B / L / D)

Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun.  It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta.

DAY 15:  Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world.  Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals unique to Southern Africa.

Here we have the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive In/Mokoro Excursion into The Delta.  From Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station.  Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds.  After our guides find us a place to camp, we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness.

For those who’d prefer not to explore The Delta, you can stay at the lovely campsite relaxing by the swimming pool or challenging each other to a game of volleyball.

DAY 16:  Okavango Delta (B / L / D)

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await.  Today we have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming, game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro!

DAY 17:  Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)

This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun.  We arrive back in the early afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over The Delta.

DAY 18:  Maun to Francistown (B / L / D)

An early start sees us head for a late afternoon arrival in Francistown.  Francistown grew out of the gold mining boom in the late 1800s.  Today it is a shopping mecca, and it is here we stock up on our supplies for the next few days.

DAY 19:  Francistown to Polokwane (South Africa) (B / L / D)

This morning we cross into South Africa.  We cross the Limpopo Province to reach its capital, Polokwane.  This town, situated in the middle of a rich agricultural area, is an ideal stop on our way to the Kruger National Park.

DAY 20:  Polokwane to Hazyview (L / D)

Leaving Polokwane we head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park.  We return to our camp, just 8 km the Kruger’s Numbi Gate.  Another afternoon is spent lazing around the inviting swimming pool, before enjoying a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow.

DAY 21:  Hazyview (B / L / D)

Today we re-visit the amazing Kruger National Park in search of some of the 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species that eluded us on our first visit.

DAY 22:  Hazyview to Johannesburg (B)

After a delicious breakfast, we begin our journey to our final destination, Egoli, the place of gold.  On arrival in Johannesburg we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip. 

Please Note    

- these prices are approximate and are subject to change

- where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.

**Please note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).

The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.

“Safari Njema”

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.