14 days (land only, JNB - JNB) - guided self drive adventure
SHORT AND SWEET
This amazing tour starts off with the mighty Kruger National Park. From there we go to the ancient Zimbabwean Ruins over the Matopos and Hwange National Park, two unique parks which don’t want to be missed, to the Apex Victoria falls. Not to stop with exciting destinations we will visit the Chobe National Park for a boat cruise on the Zambezi and the Saltpans in Nata before we head back to Joahnnesburg. Time to take a breath now! Make a booking
ITINERARY
Day 1 Graskop, South Africa, Lodge [---]
This morning we start with highlands meander and continue onto the panorama route with few regions of the world that can match the extreme beauty of the escarpment and the lowveld. Mpumalanga is where mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterize the landscape.
We visit Gods Window, Bourke’s luck potholes and The Three Rondovals in the Blyde River Canyon (3rd largest canyon in the world) before staying in a lodge on the edge of the escarpment in Graskop. For the more adventurous there is an opportunity to do a gorge swing over the edge of the escarpment – not for the faint hearted!!!
Day 2 Kruger National Park, South Africa, camping [--D]
We will depart from Johannesburg to the world - famous Kruger National Park. After our first game drive through “Big Fife land” we will set up our rooftop tents and get ready for a optional Sunset drive in an open vehicle.
Day 3 Kruger National Park, South Africa, camping [BLD]
We are getting out of bed with coffee and rusks before sunrise to increase the chance to meet these unique creatures. On our game drive north we will stop to keep an eye out for Rhino, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo and all the other not mentioned. In the evening we will have a braai (traditional barbecue) around the campfire.
Day 4 the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Zimbabwe, camping [BLD]
Today we are heading to Zimbabwe and Masovingo. That means we will need some patience to cross the border control before we can relax in our camp close to the Ruins.
Day 5 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Lodge [B--]
After a guided walk through the ruins in the morning we will find our way to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city. In the afternoon we will spend some time in the Chipengali Wildlife Orphanage. We will have dinner in our lodge (own expense).
Day 6 Matopos National Park, Zimbabwe, camping [BLD]
Matopos NP is situated between domes, spires and rock formations which gives the Matopos Hills their outstanding look. Early in the morning we will explore the park which is home to a large population of white and black rhino. This park inherited a wide range of different animal species and birdlife. Look out for the powerful black eagle.
Day 7 & 8 Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, camping [BLD]
Hwange National Park is our destination for the next 2 nights. After been a hunting ground for the Ndebele King it was declared as National Park in 1929. These days it is renowned for the Elephnats and its hugh poputaion of mammals and bird species.
Day 9 & 10 Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, camping [B--]
This morning we will have another little game drive before we head out to Mosi oya Tunya or named after the Queen the “Victoria Falls”. After lunch we will visit the Falls and have a little stroll around. In the late afternoon we will have sundowners on a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. If we are lucky we will see swimming Elephants, Hippos or Crocodiles. The second day is reserved just for activities (optional) and relaxing. You can chose between Walk with the Elephants, Helicopter Flight, White River Rafting, Speed Boat and many more. The dinner will be in one of the local restaurants (own expense).
Day 11 Chobe National Park, Botswana, camping [B-D]
We are travelling today to Botswana and the Chobe National Park which is well known for its large herds of Elephants. In the afternoon we will enjoy some great game viewing on the Chobe River cruise.
Day 12 Nata, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana [B--]
You have the option of a morning game drive through the Chobe National Park before our journey will take us to the Makgadikgadi pans close to Nata. We will set up our camp on the edge of the Salt pans, at Nata Lodge. For a beautiful Sunset and Sundowner we will drive into the Nature Reserve. The dinner will be at the Lodge (own Expense).
Day 13 Johannesburg, South Africa [B--]
We enjoy rusks and coffee in an early morning before we travel back to Johannesburg. This will be a longer day as we have to cross borders again.
Day 14 Flight Home, South Africa [B--]
After a good night rest in a bed we will take the day as it comes .You can either just relax in the lodge or go with us on a little city or Soweto tour before we will drop you at the airport.
Tour Information
The price includes:
- 3 nights in lodges/chalets/B&B and 10 nights modern camping
- Transport in a self drive 4WD for 14 days
- ‘Tag along’ off road excursions
- Professional guide (driver)
- Park entrances
- Cook (camp assistant)
- All meals as per itinerary
Accommodation
- Chalets/lodges/bungalows: 3 nights, most rooms are twin and en-suite but sometimes rooms share bathroom facilities.
- Camping: 10 nights with mostly hot showers and clean toilets. The 4x4 vehicles with unlimited mileage come fully equipped with camping gear and the roof top tents with beds 2,1 x 1,2, 2,1 x 1,2 meters (double roof tent) and putting them up or down takes only 3 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. Mattresses which are thick, pillows and sheets are supplied. The camp chairs are comfortable and have a backrest. Each vehicle is also equipped with A/C, C/D player, a 12V fridge, long range fuel tanks, air compressor and spare wheel. Ground tents are also available upon request.
Food
- We have three balanced meals per day, the main meal is dinner - braai (charcoal/wood barbeque), potjie (stew) or stir fry. Lunch – sandwiches with salad. Breakfast – cereals, toast, tea/coffee/fruit juices and occasionally an English (fried) breakfast.
- When buying ingredients, the tour leader insists on obtaining fresh produce from the local shops.
- The use of melamine camping plates, cups and cutlery will be provided.
- Meals are included except where stated in the itinerary (B- Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). When the meals are not included we will eat at restaurant (own expense).
- If requested, the tour leader can arrange for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, allergies, etc.
- Beverages which are not included in the meals as stated will be at your own expense. We don’t supply bottled drinking water although it is available at most shops.
Things you should know
- Anyone who is in good health should enjoy this trip.
- You will need a valid passport for entry into South Africa and surrounding countries.
- Visas for relative countries are obtainable at the borders.
- For this trip you will need malaria prophylactics, please consult your medical practitioner before departing.
- Please pack a limit of 15kgs of luggage in a soft sports tog bag.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, small pair of binoculars and comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
- To avoid disappointment bring a good camera with enough film or memory. We often have electricity (220/230 V) for recharging and also stop for the basics along the way, i.e. batteries.
