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Essential African Safari
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: YBYV
Overview
Destination:
South Africa,
Zimbabwe,
Start:Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Finish:Johannesburg, South Africa
Finish:Johannesburg, South Africa
Duration:9 days
Type:Group tour (max 22)
Travel Period
March 2025 - December 2026
Get to know southern Africa’s big three most exciting destinations – Hwange and Kruger national parks and the jaw-dropping Victoria Falls. From South Africa's sprawling modern capital to the best wilderness areas in the world, you'll experience a dizzying diversity of communities, cultures and landscapes in just over a week. Oh, and did we mention the animals you’ll see? You can expect 4x4 safaris in the day, and by night, you'll head out in search of the Big Five - keep your eyes (and ears) peeled.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip finishes upon arrival in Johannesburg on Day 9. Please do not book any flights until after 10pm this evening.
3. On occasion, especially during the peak months of May to September and December we are not able to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp at a backpackers outside the park.
5. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.
2. This trip finishes upon arrival in Johannesburg on Day 9. Please do not book any flights until after 10pm this evening.
3. On occasion, especially during the peak months of May to September and December we are not able to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp at a backpackers outside the park.
5. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.
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Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners.
- Transport: Overland vehicle, 4WD safari vehicle.
- Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (8 nights).
- Victoria Falls - Brewery Tour and Tasting.
- Hwange National Park - 4x4 Game drive.
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit.
- Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive.
- Kruger National Park - Full Day 4WD Safari.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Victoria Falls
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls? The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Scenic helicopter flights are incredible and take you over the thundering cascades.
Day 2: Victoria Falls
Guess what? You’re at the edge of the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. After a leader-led orientation walk of the town, enjoy a day of free time to take up one of many activities on offer in the area including a gorge swing or white-water rafting! There are many ways to take in the thundering sight and sound of the falls. These staggering cascades are about a mile wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray rises high and the falls become a torrent; in the dry season, the lack of spray gives way to a nice view of the islets in the river below. Meet up in the afternoon for a local brewery tour and tasting in town and get to know your new travel pals. Then perhaps kick on with an optional sunset cruise down the Zambezi River .
Day 3: Hwange National Park
Leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Hwange National Park. En route, stop via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the Intrepid Foundation’s projects - where you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and their role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. After, explore the stunning arena of Hwange in an open 4x4 vehicle. This national park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange boasts a massive selection of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. But it's the elephants this place is famous for – here you'll find one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.
Day 4: Matobo National Park
Make tracks for Matobos with a short detour through Bulawayo, checking out its colonial architecture, before heading to your camp for the next two nights. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot, Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobos area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place. For those interested in the culinary side of southern African food, tonight your cook can provide a cooking class while you help prepare this evening’s delicious meal.
Day 5: Matobo National Park
Good morning from mighty Matobos. You’re free to do as you please, but what is highly recommended is heading to Matobo Hills and spending the day tracking rhinos and other game animals with the help of your guide on an optional tour. The park is home to so much wildlife, including klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. Along the way, learn about the flora in the area and find old bushman paintings, see rock formations and learn the history of the area. Then it's off to nearby African villages to meet some of the local community. It’s definitely a day you won’t want to miss.
Day 6: Tshipise
This morning, you will depart Zimbabwe and cross the bustling border post, the only direct crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa. You’re expected to arrive at your campsite on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve by late afternoon. Once there, unwind and take advantage of the extensive facilities, including both indoor and outdoor pools, a putt-putt course, a nature trail, and optional game drives.
Day 7: Kruger National Park
After breakfast, set off for renowned Kruger National Park. This world-famous park is known for Africa's iconic wildlife – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. On top of that, it's home to some 336 kinds of trees, 49 fish species and over 500 species of bird. See how many of these you can spot on your way to your campsite for the night.
Day 8: Kruger National Park
Today, you will set off on an exhilarating full-day 4WD safari through Kruger National Park. This remarkable reserve, comparable in size to Belgium or Wales, offers an incredible opportunity to witness Africa's iconic animals in their natural habitat, surrounded by breathtaking savannas, lush forests, and expansive landscapes. Kruger is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo, along with the endangered African wild dog. You’ll venture into prime areas for wildlife observation, keeping an eye out for various species ranging from antelopes and springbok to cheetahs and rhinos.
Day 9: Johannesburg
Venture out this morning for one last safari in your overland truck and soak up all Kruger has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled, ‘cause you never know what will pop out from behind the shrubs! Continue back to Johannesburg, where your trip finishes on arrival at a designated hotel drop-off point.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
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8 nights
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