14 days - Southern Explore

South Africa, Botswana, Zambia

Trip Cost - £540 or €852

( Local Payment - US $500) 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 travellers. (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)

Today 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 via ferry into Zambia. Arriving in Livingstone, we visit the Victoria Falls (Zambian side) and do a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, enjoying some sundowners and the possibility of game viewing along the banks of the river. (B,D)

Day 7 Livingstone - Victoria Falls (Zambia)

Today is a free day to do the many activities on offer including white water rafting, bungy jumping, microlighting and possibly a "Flight of Angels" over the falls. If all the adrenaline activities is not what you're after, then there is also the opportunity to do a Rhino Walk and get really close to these amazing animals. Livingstone has activities to suit everybody's needs. (B,D)

Day 8 - Chobe (Botswana)

After a free morning in Livingstone, we make the short journey on the ferry back into Botswana, to Kasane where we camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon there is an optional river cruise for game viewing where it is not uncommon to see herds of elephants swimming across the Chobe river and the hundreds of hippos inhabiting the Chobe. (B,D)

Day 9 - Maun (Botswana)

Early morning we head off on a game drive inside Chobe for more game viewing, and if we're lucky we might even see some of Africa's big cats. After a late breakfast we depart for Maun, the gateway to the Delta. In Maun we prepare for our Delta excursion tomorrow. You may also visit the nearby Crocodile Farm. (B,D)

Days 10,11,12 - Okavango Delta (Botswana)

This morning we venture into the wild bush of Africa, far from any form of civilisation. Our journey begins by 4x4 and once we reach the tributaries, we join local villagers/ guides on mokoros (2 man dug out canoes). We begin our search for abundance of wildlife that inhabits the Delta. Drifting silently through the channels. We set up camp on islands in the Delta. This is your chance to get back to nature. After a breathtaking sunset, relax around the campfire listening to the magical sounds of the night. The days are filled with game walks, tracking different species, exploring the waterways of the world renowned Okavango Swamps and will also have the opportunity to visit a village. On the last afternoon we return to Maun where you can take a well deserved dip in the pool. (B.L,D)

Day 13 - Khama Rhino Sanctuary (Botswana)

After an optional game flight over the Delta for a fantastic overview of the area, we make our way to Khama rhino sanctuary, where we spend our final evening together. The Rhino Sanctuary is a project designed to reintroduce Rhino to Botswana and we get to see how it is working up close while on a game drive. (B,D)

Day 14 - Johannesburg (South Africa)

Leaving early we cross back into South Africa and make our way back to Johannebsurg, arriving in the late afternoon. (B)

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