Kruger to Vic Falls
8 days
From $ 1730
Duration8 days
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Travel from South Africa's capital to Botswana and Zimbabwe. This compact but eventful trip crosses three countries and takes in two of southern Africa's most famous sites - Kruger National Park and breathtaking Victoria Falls. Encounter lions, leopards, zebras and giraffes while travelling on safari through landscapes blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. From bustling Johannesburg in South Africa through beautiful, vast Botswana to colourful Zimbabwe, this African adventure is big on excitement and will be sure to thrill.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 8 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Light
  • Ends in: Princess Victoria Island
    Ages: 15+
Kruger to Vic Falls - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Johannesburg
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you arrive early, get out and explore this city characterised by remarkable contrasts. Perhaps visit the culturally rich areas of Newtown, Braamfontein or Maboneng. The eye-opening Apartheid Museum is well worth your time.
Day 2: Kruger National Park
Travel between 11 and 12 hours to Kruger National Park. As you leave Johannesburg, you will be journeying through the Mpumalanga Province along the famous Panorama Route, including God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Your wildlife-spotting begins as soon as you enter Kruger – head straight into prime game viewing areas for a chance to spot some of the parks 500 bird species, 100 reptile species and 150 mammal species, including the African Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo) and the endangered African wild dog. Arrive at your campground, which has shared facilities, hot and cold water, and optional upgrades (subject to availability).
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Kruger National Park
Rise early for a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before embarking on a morning game drive in the truck. Most of the day will be spent game viewing, birdwatching and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints. Later on we take a night drive with the park guide for a chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or an impala out in search of a late-night feed.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Masebe Nature Reserve
Head out on one last game drive at Kruger National Park for a chance to spot any animals you may have missed yesterday, then settle into your overland vehicle for the seven-hour drive to Masebe Nature Reserve. Characterised by spectacular rock formations that weave between vegetation and rivers, Masebe's uniquely beautiful scenery separates it from other nature reserves and national parks in South Africa. The 4,500-hectare provincial park is also known for its excellent birding and wildlife viewing. Sables, nyala, giraffes, zebras and leopards are just some of the wildlife you may encounter here. Your camp tonight is located within the reserve, providing an extraordinarily tranquil experience.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Moremi Gorge
Begin the day by touring well-preserved, pre-historic rock art found at three sites across Masebe Nature Reserve. Hidden within caves in sandstone cliffs, these ancient paintings were created by the San people (Bushmen) thousands of years ago. While much about these paintings are shrowded in mystery, images of people and animals provide a unique glimpse into how the San lived. Then its back on the road as you travel towards Moremi Gorge. Located near Palapye, the drive should take about six hours. Your camp tonight is basic, with limited hot water in the winter.
Meals: B, D
Day 6: Nata
Journey from Palapye to Nata (approximately 6 hours). Your campsite is situated on the edge of the amazing Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world (covering some 12,000 square kilometres). On arrival take a three-hour excursion in an open vehicle to explore these seemingly endless plains. Surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, the pans are naturally dry and salty for a large part of the year. During this time the arid landscape has an eerie feel to it as heat mirages disorientate the senses. Then, after the rains hit, it become a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals. Facilities at your camp include a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop, ATM and bar/lounge area. Upgrades are also possible.
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Victoria Falls
Travel on to Victoria Falls (approximately 4 hours), crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi. Continue to your camp, which as flush toilets, Wi-Fi and upgrades available. After settling in, you may want to set out on a highly recommended optional trip to Victoria Falls. Spanning about a mile wide and falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below, the spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from kilometres away. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below. Otherwise, a range of other activities are available through the local activity centre. Please keep in mind that we have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.
Victoria Falls entrance fee is not included in the price of the trip as it is mandatory for tour groups with pre-purchased tickets to have a local guide escort. We feel that seeing these waterfalls for the first time should be an uninterrupted sensory experience.
Meals: B
Day 8: Victoria Falls
There are no activities planned for today as your trip comes to an end after breakfast. For those who plan on spending a few extra days in Vic Falls, there are plenty of activities and excursions to keep you occupied. A helicopter flight over the falls is a popular choice and offers a fantastic view of this natural wonder. Note that Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe is the only operator that meets Intrepid's safety requirements and that we endorse.

End place: Princess Victoria Island

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Panorama Route - Bourkes Luck Potholes
  • Panorama Route - God's Window Viewpoint
  • Kruger National Park - Night 4x4 Game Drive (from price)
  • Masebe Nature Reserve – Rock Art Walk
  • Nata - Pan Excursion

  • Transport

    Overland vehicle

  • Accommodation

    Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Camping (with facilities) (4 nights), Farmstay (1 night), Hotel (1 night)

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