South Africa - Zimbabwe
Wildlife Tour
If you are looking to explore South Africa and Zimbabwe on a trip that fuses natural beauty, culture, and history of the particular region, then this tour is the perfect introduction for you.
Over the course of 13 days, you will venture from one region to another to explore areas, unlike the one you have just left. From the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Johannesburg to the historic Soweto townships you can expect some interesting glimpses into local life between the destinations.
Explore the Panorama Route encompassing the Blyde River Canyon and Gods Window before ending the first leg trip with a 3-day visit to Kruger National Park where you will be able to totally disconnect from life’s daily routine. Whether you bathe in the serenity of the bush or get your fulfillment from the cultural activities on offer, Be sure, this trip has it all!
Your journey continues as you discover one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”. Often referred to as ‘The Smoke that Thunders”, you will spend the next two days exploring the beauty of Victoria Falls. Activities to enjoy during your stay include game drives in the Zambezi National Park to view the varied wildlife, sunset river cruises, walking safaris, and guided excursions to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls are offered, as well as cultural tours of Monde Village and the Chinotimba Township. Other adventure activities such as bungee jumping and white water rafting can also be arranged.
Next, into the great wildlife sanctuary of Hwange to experience thrilling big game encounters with a host of plains game and their predators while luxuriating at Hwange Safari Lodge.You end at Matobo Hill Lodge in Matobos National Park: a surreal, hauntingly beautiful rocky landscape that is home to an extraordinary collection of ancient rock art sites as well as a thriving leopard population.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Johannesburg – The City of Gold
Upon arrival at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, look out for the friendly, welcoming face of your Tour Leader and private driver who will assist with your luggage before driving you into the city. Arrived, you can relax and get used to the comfort of your hotel.
After, you will meet your guide for a walking tour of Johannesburg’s city center. Your experienced guide has a true passion for Joburg and its people, and with her, you will experience a unique side of this city.
On the tour, you will learn about Johannesburg’s history through architecture and landmarks, view some modern city art in the form of graffiti and engage with local shopkeepers.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Balalaika
Meal Plan: Dinner x 1
Evening: You are free to retire early tonight to rest after your journey. Or, you may choose to chat with your fellow travelers about the adventure that awaits us.
Day 2: Soweto and Apartheid Museum
Enjoy this full day Pretoria Tour and Apartheid Museum Tour with Soweto Tour that will get you to know the history of South Africa. We will start things off in Pretoria city where we will do Pretoria tour and visit various places including Voortrekker Monument and get to learn about the history of the great trek. We will then pass by the Kruger House Museum and get to know about these great Man. Our next stop will be Church square where will learn more about the significance of these place which also has the palace of Justice. Our final stop will be Union buildings for some photo opportunities and also get to know more about these building. We will then head to to Soweto Township for some Soweto tour where we will visit Mandela house museum and Hector Pieterson Museum with the apartheid history now in full swing.
We will also have an opportunity to taste some local delicacy at Sakhumzi restaurant in Vilakazi street. We will then drive off through the street of Soweto and pass by Regina Mundi Church and learn about the significance of these church during apartheid. We will also pass through Orlando towers before heading to Apartheid Museum for our final Apartheid Museum Tour.
Finish off things in Johannesburg Town passing through the famous Mandela Bridge and get a taste of downtown Johannesburg City.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Balalaika
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 1
Evening: You are free to relax at the hotel before tomorrow’s travel day, or soak up some more of the local scene here in “Jozi.” Perhaps you will tap into the city’s vibrant beer scene for a local watering hole.
Day 3: Cradle of Human Kind and Lesedi Cultural Village Toursay 4 to 6: Welcome To Lovely Kruger National Park
Cradle of Human Kind Tour with Lesedi Cultural Village Tour will take us back in time for Origin of humankind and also the cultural village with its tribal king assets. At the Lesedi Cultural Village, we will get a taste of various traditional village settings and how black people still practice these deep cultures and why these are done. Get a taste of tradition. We will also get a taste of various traditional dances with the climax being the Zulu dance. We will get to learn more about the various tribes and why they still uphold these cultural values.
Cradle of Humankind takes us back into our origin of humankind and what it means to be human.
We will explore the Sterkfontein Caves where we will get a guided tour into the fossils evidence while getting inside some shallow caves to understand these fossils even better. From the Caves, we will embark on a short 20 minutes trip to the Maropeng museum where we will come face to face with a lot of humankind fossils. We will also get to learn about the recent discovery of homo Naledi and why it is hailed as the greatest discovery of the 21st century. We will explore this museum for some time and make sure we leave satisfied and with knowledge of these places.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Balalaika
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 1
Evening: All evenings at our Hotel are free for you to relax in your room, linger in the main dining area for a night cap, or sit by the fire with your fellow travelers.
Day 4: Immerse Yourself in the African Bush at Hazyview
This morning, your Tour Leader and private driver will assist you with your luggage before taking you north via the magnificent Panorama Route. From many well-positioned vantage points along the way, you can view the 33 km long gorge, which starts at Bourkes Luck Potholes and ends at the Three Rondavels. Be awed by the beautiful view of the surrounding landscapes during the transfer.
Upon arrival at your hotel in Hazyview, check-in and freshen up before a delicious dinner. Settle into the comfort of the lodge and relax. Enjoy the amenities and bathe in the silence of the environment.
Accommodation: Nkambeni Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 1, Dinner X 1
Evening: All evenings at our Lodge are free for you to relax in your room, linger in the main dining area for a night cap, or sit by the fire with your fellow travellers.
Day 5: Nature and Wildlife of Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is synonymous with safari and is globally renowned for the spectacular game viewing on offer. Be excited by the prospect of not knowing what you will encounter during today’s full-day safari. Each day will bring new sightings and this is the most exciting part.
Marvel at the vast scrublands and see who is hiding in between. An experienced ranger and tracker will accompany you on all game drives. Their extensive knowledge will enhance your game viewing experience. Another plus? They usually tell lots of funny stories around the campfire in the evening!
And, don't forget to take a look up at the stars. The region is famous for crystal clear skies which makes it possible to see constellation upon constellation. Enjoy disconnecting from the world and reconnecting to yourself and nature.
Accommodation: Nkambeni Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 1
Evening: On your own. You are free to join your fellow travelers and compare favorite photographs from the day’s events, or quietly contemplate the view of the African night sky up above.
Day 6: Keep an Eye Out for the Big 5
Rise with the birds before sunrise for an early morning game drive. Kruger National Park is one of few accessible regions where you can possibly spot the Big 5 - leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Beyond the Big 5 though, there are plenty of other animals to keep you entertained. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars and camera to capture the rare experience.
The hot afternoons are perfect for relaxing within the grounds of your accommodation with a book or taking a nap. Fall asleep to the sounds of lions in the distance and know that you're safe in the comfort of the lodge.
Accommodation: Nkambeni Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 1
Evening: On your own. You’re free to join your fellow travelers and compare favorite photographs from the day’s events, or quietly contemplate the view of the African night sky up above.
Day 7: Catch a Plane to Victoria Falls
Today is your last day in Kruger so make sure to make the most of it. Time permitting, embark on your final early morning game-drive before returning to camp for breakfast followed by check-out formalities.
At a predetermined time, you will be collected for your transfer to Nespruit to board your flight to Victoria Falls, the activity capital of the world.
After the flight, you will arrive in Victoria Falls.You will be met and transferred to your lovely hotel, where you will be staying for 3 nights. The Zambezi River Lodge is the only hotel with a river frontage and jetty site in Victoria Falls. Imagine no more.
The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy all this hotel has to offer! All good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that this region of the South Africa has to offer.
Accommodation: Shearwater Explorer Village
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 1
Evening: On your own. You may want to soak up some final experiences in Cape Town, or prefer to swap stories and impressions of winelands with fellow travelers at the hotel.
Day 8: Victoria Falls – Go On A Sunset Cruise On The Zambezi River
Dr. David Livingstone was the pioneering European to first set eyes on the famed, feared and revered Victoria Falls. Seeing these majestic falls for the first time made Livingstone feel as if he had seen a queen so he named the falls after Queen Elizabeth of England, the other indigenous name of the falls is ‘Mosi-Oa-Tunya’ which loosely translates to ‘smoke that thunders’. Today this area is one of the most sought-after tourist destination in both Zimbabwe and Zambia respectfully. Coupled with visits in some of the best national parks in the area and you have a winning African adventure.
There are many activities to fill your day in Victoria Falls, the least of which is a visit to the famous Victoria Falls waterfall. We can custom-design any activity package around what you want to experience. Whether it's bungee-jumping, river rafting or helicopter flights (to mention a few), please let your Discover Africa consultant know so that we can put something together for you. The more you book, the better the rates we can obtain for your peace of mind and budgeting.
Tour Of Victoria Falls
Head out and discover the Smoke that Thunders! This tour will take you to all the highlights surrounding Victoria Falls. Stand at the ideal vantage point overlooking the heart of the mighty waters as they gush and roar. Watch true adventurers bungee jump off the Victoria Falls bridge and go white water rafting in this natural wonder’s rapids. Pack your waterproofs because the closer you get, the more likely you are to experience the spray!
Accommodation: Rainbow Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1
Evening: We will return to our hotel around 8pm. The rest of the evening is yours to reflect on the incredible discoveries we made on our entire days in Victoria Falls.
Day 9 to 10: Hwange National Park – Discovering the Big Five & Hippo Yawning
Soon it is time to wave farewell to the friendly staff at Shearwater Explorer Village and head off by road to Zimbabwe’s flagship reserve: Hwange National Park. Expect more than 400 species of bird, plains game and, if you are very lucky, a pack of lively and intelligent wild dogs.
And you are not just walking with zebra and antelope, you are following the spoor of rhinos.Creep closer, staying downwind of the giants. They rarely stir in the mid-afternoon heat, and you will be close enough to see the rise and fall of humongous bellies. Even in a prostrate position, there is no denying their size as their sharpened horn rises above a gargantuan jawline. These are white rhinos, the easiest to spot, but in the park, you will also find black rhinos, witnessed from a greater distance yet just as impressive. After the walk, you will be picked up in a game vehicle and drive back to the lodge while taking in the eclectic cast of other wildlife in the park.
Accommodation: Hwange Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Evening: After dinner, you will have the freedom to relax at our lodge, perhaps conversing with your fellow travellers about the day’s many discoveries.
Day 11 to 12: Matobos National Park - City of Kings & Balancing Rocks
Your dedicated and knowledgeable guide will drive to your place of stay in Matabo National Park – think of it as your first game drive!
Although considered one of Zimbabwe’s lesser-known national parks, Matabo is replete with history. The Ndebele people named it Matobo, which means ‘bald heads’, after the massive boulders and granite outcrops that punctuate the landscape. The rocks are the perfect surface for ancient artworks from the nomadic Khoi and there is evidence of Stone Age settlements. Look out for flocks of black vultures and plenty of other game, especially a healthy leopard population that prowls this World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Matobo Hill Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Evening: Tonight, you will once again have the freedom to catch up with fellow colleagues, sip a drink on deck, or simply gaze out at the stunning star-filled sky over Matobo.
Day 13: Say Farewell to Zimbabwe!
All good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that this region of South Africa and Zimbabwe has to offer. The standard and comfort of its lodgings and the majesty of its natural beauty as well as the people and their hospitality that make the country that it is.
At an arranged time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg before your international flight home. We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!
Meal Plan: Breakafast
Price & Inclusions
Option 1 From $ 2,060 /person
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
Accommodation in one double room for 13 days / 12 nights. Meals as indicated
Economy flights for all sectors:
Nelspruit – Victoria Falls
All activities as listed:
Kruger National Park: Nkambeni Safari Lodge: Game drives, bush walks
Johannesburg: Protea Hotel Balalaika: Mandela’s Legacy, Soweto Township Tour, Candle of Humankind
Victoria Falls Zimbabwe: Rainbow Hotel: Tour of Victoria Falls, Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Matobo National Park:Game drives, rhino walks
Hwange National Park: Hwange Safari Lodge: Game drives
South Africa: Game drives in high quality and well maintained safari vehicle with professional English-speaking driver guide. Game drives may be shared with other guests of the lodge/camp, with maximum of 9 guests in the vehicle.
Zimbabwe: Game drives in high quality and well maintained safari vehicle with professional English-speaking driver guide. Game drives may be shared with other guests of the lodge/camp, with maximum of 9 guests in the vehicle.
