Wagon Trails - Small group adventure holidays and safaris in Africa

7 days - Kruger to Victoria Falls

South Africa, Botswana, Zambia

Trip Cost - £340 or €533

(Local Payment - US $240) What's This?

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cultural Village (South Africa)

Departing Johannesburg early we make our way along the panoramic route. Our first stop is at God's Window, one of the most famous of the viewpoints with the sheer drop giving views onto the Lowveld. Bourke's Luck Potholes, our next stop on route, lends us an insight into the workings of the geographical world, where strange, smoothly scooped formations are carved into the rocks at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde rivers by water-driven pebbles. To appreciate the true beauty of this vast and magical land we pause at the 3 Rondavels. Three cylinders in the shape of ships with the meandering Blyde River twisting is way hundreds of meters below make a view hard to capture. Our final stop is at the 750m Blyde River Canyon. Here the edge of the escarpment drops away into the Lowveld , and is weathered out strata of red rock and colossal formations. Surrounded by the Blyde River Canyon Nature reserve the views from the Canyon are wonderful. From here we journey on the to the Shangaan Tribal Village where we spend the night in tribal huts. This tribal initiative gives you a rare insight into the age old traditions and the modern day problems that make up cultural life in 21st century South Africa. A guided tour explains the traditions and history of the Shangaan people. We eat a traditional meal and watch tribal dancing. (D)

Day 2 - Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Departing from the Cultural Village we head straight for the Kruger National Park, entering the gates around lunch time and beginning our search for the many species of birds, mammals and reptiles that make the Park their home. The scenery in the Park and the wildlife will leave you in awe. Some 400 km from the city of Johannesburg this great South African Park is home to 150 species of mammal including cheetah, leopard, lion, spotted hyena, wild dog, black rhino and elephant just to name a few. The staggering 507 bird species plus the wide variety of insects reptiles and amphibians make this the ultimate wildlife experience. Tonight we camp at the rest camp and do a night drive, so we can see the nocturnal habits of the animals. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Rising with the sun, we continue our search. Our game drives take us through Big Five territory where anything can be expected! Sunrise at a water hole sometimes offers the viewer scenes that belong in National Geographic and we should have the best chance of seeing a "kill". Stopping for lunch, we spend the afternoon on game drives, until arriving at our rest camp late afternoon. Spend the evening around the campfire where you will be able to relive the experiences of your day with your fellow travellors. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Polokwane (South Africa)

This morning we do a final game drive, trying to spot whatever game we are yet to see. We then exit the Park and travel through to Polokwane, which is at the centre of a series of towns established by the Voortrekkers. We camp here for the night en route to Botswana. (B,D)

Day 5 - Nata (Botswana)

Leaving South Africa we cross into Botswana. This vast, thinly populated country is one of Africa's few economic success stories, in large part due to the immense mineral wealth that lies beneath its sandy soils. Diamonds being the source of much of its wealth. We continue northwards to Nata where we camp on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. (B,D)

Day 6 - Livingstone - Victoria Falls (Zambia)

We head northwards through the Chobe District, where it is common to see animals along the roadside, including some of the 1000's of migratory elephants Botswana is famous for. Leaving Botswana behind we cross into Zambia via the Kazungula ferry. Arriving in Livingstone, the Zambian side of the famous Victoria Falls, we do a sunset cruise on the Zambezi (Zambian side), enjoying some sundowners and the possibility of game viewing along the banks of the river. (B,D)

Day 7 - Livingstone - Victoria Falls (Zambia)

Sadly all good things must come to an end and the tour ends today which is free to enjoy the many activities available here in the adrenalin capital of Africa. You can choose from many activities including one of the highest bungy jumps in the world over the gorge,white water rafting, canoeing, microlighting, gorge swinging, jet boating, elephant riding and more! For the less adventurous amongst us, you can do a rhino walk in the National Park, or why not hire a bicycle and explore the town or cross the bridge and visit Zimbabwe and the town of Victoria Falls for another view of the Falls. The markets you will find on this side are filled with crafts and carvings that make great souvenirs. (B)