Day 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview
Departing from the City of Gold, Johannesburg, we make our way to the Lowveld and Umvubu camp located on the border of the renowned Kruger National Park. En route we pass through the southern portion of the scenic Panorama Route – well-known for its incredible views. Our camp for the following two evenings is a brief distance from the Kruger’s Numbi Gate and has some fascinating local inhabitants including hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala. We spend a peaceful evening around the sparkling campfire before making our way into the Park for our game drive the next day.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Hazyview
We spend today exploring the magnificent Kruger National Park. Extending over 21,496 square kilometres, this conservation region is home to over 146 mammals, 500 birds, 114 reptiles, 33 amphibians and 49 fish species. 23,000 various kinds of plants have been documented, so the park is a variable feast for the eyes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Hazyview to Polokwane
Today we depart from the Lowveld and travel a lengthy, picturesque journey to Polokwane. En route we make a stop-off at some of the finest vistas in South Africa, including the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. The numerous viewpoints provide fantastic photographic opportunities. The capital of Limpopo, Polokwane, is the biggest metropolitan complex in the north and a primary economic hub. It’s close distance to the adjacent countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as its convenient proximity from the Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof, makes Polokwane the ideal getaway and a fantastic destination in itself. We set up camp on the dense green grasses of our campsite situated outside of the city before indulging in a relaxing swim in the pool.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Polokwane to Musina
Following a swift restock of our supplies, we start our adventure northward to Zimbabwe. We embark on a lengthy, peaceful drive where we are able to relax and marvel at the transforming landscapes. This evening we will camp close by to Musine, at the hot water spring resort, Tshipise. Located between undulating hills, the resort is renowned for its natural hot water springs. When we have set up our camp, you are given free time to spend by the pool, on hiking paths or a range of other activities that are available here.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe)
We make our way into Zimbabwe today, a gorgeous country drenched in soul, culture and tradition. We travel to the town of Masvingo, situated on the Great Zimbabwe Ruins’ outskirts. This was the finest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, constructed by an ancient expert civilization. The name ‘Zimbabwe’ comes from this old city, meaning ‘great stone houses’ in Shona. The most distinguishable artefacts discovered at the ruins were the eight statues of granite birds sculpted out of soapstone. Roam through these incredible ruins before setting up camp at the base of the hills.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-7: Masvingo to Gweru
Departing from Masvingo we carry onward, north to Gweru, located in the midlands of Zimbabwe. Here, we make a stop-off at the Antelope Park. This area is home to countless antelope as well as the gorgeous zebra and giraffe. Here, you will have the chance to try out an assortment of Optional Activities that include horse riding, game drives, game walks, elephant back riding and river cruises. You can also participate in the ‘Walking with Lions’ trek where you join the pride and wander into the bush with a few 6-18 month old lion cubs. You can follow them around and observe as they frolic around their surrounds playfully and discover new things. This is an authentic African experience not to be missed.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Gweru to Bulawayo
Departing from Gweru, we make our way to Zimbabwe’s second biggest city, Bulawayo. Bulawayo is known for its remarkably broad streets which were initially created to accommodate ox wagons. The city still boasts much of its British Colonial character, evident by the plenty of structures maintained as heritage sites by the council of the city of Bulawayo. Fascinating areas to pay visits to are the National History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Bulawayo
Today we pay a visit to Matobo National Park, one of the remaining strongholds of both the black and white rhino. This Park is also renowned for its large population of the elusive leopard and regal black eagle. Rock artworks can be located here too, proving that the San did once inhabit this region. Cecil John Rhodes requested to be buried at the summit of one of these sacred hills. We spend our day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Departing from Bulawayo we make our way to Victoria Falls. The town of Victoria Falls, named after the renowned World Heritage site, as well as the water falls, is located on the Zambezi River and is enclosed by the Victoria Falls National Park. Conveniently located in the centre of town, our campsite is within walking distance to the adventure activity booking agents as well as numerous restaurants and shops. A twenty minute stroll along the main road will bring you to the access point to view the mighty falls which are located between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Known as Mosi o Tunya or ‘the smoke that thunders’, Victoria Falls was named by David Livingstone who discovered them during his adventurous explorations. It was once one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World at 1700 metres wide and approximately 100 metres high, making it the world’s biggest sheet of falling water as well as a truly unforgettable African sight.
Following our activities briefing, we spend our afternoon unwinding at the campsite’s pool, viewing the majestic Victoria Falls or simply exploring the variety of gorgeous sights and delights of the town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 11 – 12: Victoria Falls
The following two days are at our leisure to spend unwinding, taking part in a variety of Optional Excursions. Several people in our group will be leaving us on this Victoria Falls section of the tour, only to be replaced by some new adventurers who will be joining us for the remainder of our trip.
Optional Excursions include: riding on elephants and horses, walking with tame lion cubs, a tour of the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and even a game or two of golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies have the opportunity to bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge that connects Zimbabwe and Zambia, or to abseil down the Batoka Gorge. Throughout the year, adventurers are welcome to flights in fixed wings, microlights and ultra-light aircrafts or helicopters that give us an opportunity to experience an aerial view over the majestic falls. First class white water rafting on the Zambezi is also available as well as ‘floats’ where we will have a chance to marvel at the incredible cliffs and spot animals roaming on the riverbanks.
Meals: Breakfast on both days
