Kruger, Vic Falls & Chobe Camping Safari

This Kruger, Vic Falls & Chobe Camping Safari departs from Johannesburg and heads for a private safari camp near Kruger Park.

Our first stop on this budget camping safari is at the Hoedspruit Cheetah Centre near Kruger. 

We will spend a few days in search of the abundance of wildlife found in Kruger National Park including Africa's "Big 5". Leaving the vast Kruger Park behind us me make our way along the scenic Panorama Route to the impressive Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondawels viewpoint. 

Travel north through Botswana to mighty Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe. At Vic Falls you will get the oppurtunity to partake in a host of adventure activities, including Elephant Back Safaris, White Water Rafting and Canoe Safaris to name a few.

Then we head back into Botswana to explore Chobe National Park on an open vehicle game drive in search of the numerous wild animals found here. Lastly we visit Botswana's Khama Rhino Sanctuary, offering a variety of game viewing activities.

This affordable Southern African wildlife tour ends back in Johannesburg.

• Kruger National Park - South Africa
• Blyde River Canyon - South Africa
• Hartbeespoort to Nata - Botswana
• Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe
• Chobe National Park - Botswana
• Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Botswana

Day 1: Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre - South Africa

This Kruger, Vic Falls & Chobe Camping Safari tour departs from Johannesburg and Pretoria in South Africa leaving from requested backpackers, guesthouse or hotels early in the morning. 

We stop for breakfast along the way to Nelspruit where we collect any additional passengers joining the tour. Otherwise we continue straight to Kapama Cheetah Centre via Dullstroom and Lydenburg, arriving in time for lunch at the centre.

After lunch we enjoy a guided tour of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, formerly the Kapama Cheetah Centre. 

Hoedspruit is a breeding and conservation centre for the endangered cheetah and other rare and endangered African wildlife species. The wildlife centre takes care of vulnerable, orphaned and injured cheetahs and other wild animals, rehabilitating them for reintroduction into the wild. In addition to breeding and treating rare wild animals, the Hoedspruit Centre serves as an education facility informing people about conservation and Africa’s wildlife.

After our informative tour at the Cheetah Centre we head to our 3 Star safari camp 30 minutes from Kruger National Park's Orpen Gate. A wide diversity of wild animals including zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, bushbuck and nyala are often sighted at the safari camp.

Take a refreshing dip in the large swimming pool, or relax at the poolside bar at camp. In the evening the lodge's chef prepares a three course dinner, which is served in the restaurant beside the pool.

We spend the night listening to the sounds of nearby wildlife, while relaxing around the campfire at this is beautiful safari lodge.

Included meals: Dinner

Day 2: Kruger National Park - South Africa

In the morning a short drive brings us to the main entrance of Kruger National Park, known as Orpen gate.

Early departure ensures our arrival at Orpen as the gates are opening. Kruger Park is South Africa's premier game reserve, home to the famous Big 5 African animals. The game reserve boasts some 147 mammal, 114 reptile and 502 bird species. When we arrive at Kruger we will be transferring to an open sided safari vehicle, a customized 4x4, in which we will do our game viewing drives.

The Kruger National Park is a vast expanse of wilderness of roughly 20,000 km2. The Park is about the size of Israel, the Netherlands or Wales. Due to its sprawling size the reserve spans several different vegetation types, each forming the habitat of different wild animals adapted to the various areas of the park.

Most of our time on safari in Kruger Park is spent on game drives giving us the best opportunity to see the different animal and bird species that live in the various zones of the reserve. We focus on the central region of the park, as this is where chances of seeing the big cats and a large variety of other animals on our game drives are best. 

You will get to stop throughout your game drives at the various view points and hides of the Kruger Park. Both breakfast and lunch will be prepared by the safari guide on your trip, so you can sit back and enjoy your meals in the African surrounds of Kruger at one of the picnic stops.

During the day we stop at the shops where you can buy snacks, drinks and souvenirs. We stop at a shop before leaving Kruger Park to buy drinks for the evening at camp.

Camping accommodation: Camping in permanent canvas tents at a 3 Star Safari Lodge near Kruger Park. 
Bedded accommodation: Chalets with en suite bathrooms at the 3 Star Safari Lodge near Kruger.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Kruger National Park - South Africa

We get up early on day three for a morning cup of coffee, before heading into the Kruger National Park in our open-sided game viewing vehicle.

Arriving at Kruger Park as the gates open, we will spend most of the day in search of the Kruger's wildlife, keeping an eye out for any wildlife we may have missed on our previous game drives.

We enjoy breakfast and lunch at the various picnic sites inside Kruger National Park. We stop to buy drinks and snacks at the shops in Kruger during the day and again before exiting the national park.

Camping accommodation: Camping in permanent canvas tents at a 3 Star Safari Lodge near Kruger Park. 
Bedded accommodation: Chalets with en suite bathrooms at the 3 Star Safari Lodge near Kruger.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Night Game Drives:

You have the option of taking night game drives in a private game reserve, known for its excellent game viewing on game and night drives.

These night drives are conducted in open 4x4 game viewing vehicles. Night game drives depart after dinner, when the game viewing is at its best. Taking a night drives is an optional activity, costing around R 200 to R 250 per person, payable in cash to the night drive guide.

Day 4: Kruger to Blyde River Canyon & Hartbeespoort - South Africa

We leave our safari camp near Kruger Park early in the morning, pausing for breakfast along the way. We then travel through one of the most scenic parts of South Africa, the Panaroma Route.

Reaching the impressive Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world, we stop at the Three Rondawels viewpoint to admire the spectacular views. We also stop for lunch (own cost) en route to our next safari stop.

From the Panoramic Route we head northwest to Hartbeespoort, where we overnight at a backpacker lodge located on a game farm in a valley flanked by the Magaliesberg Mountains.

Rare and exotic wildlife, including golden wildebeest, black impala, sable antelopes, nyala and many more, can be sighted from the lodge.

The backpacker lodge has a full kitchen where you can prepare your own dinner if you choose. Your safari guide stops in Hartbeespoort along the way, so that you can buy dinner ingredients or take aways (own cost).

Accommodation: Bedded Accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, at a Backpacker Lodge on a game farm near Hartbeespoort.

Included meals: Breakfast packs

Day 5: Nata - Botswana

Early in the morning we set off northwards in the direction of the Botswana-South Africa border.

We will stop for breakfast (at your own cost) en-route to Botswana. We also stop for last minute shopping and banking inside South Africa, before crossing the border. Once in Botswana, your guide will help you with currency exchange. 

We continue heading north for a night of camping at a lovely lodge near Nata. At the safari camp you can relax at the swimming pool or watch the wild animals at the waterhole, including large herds of elephants and even lions.

Accommodation: Camping near Nata (optional upgrade to bedded accommodation)
Meals included: Dinner

Day 6: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

An early morning start sees us enjoying a light breakfast before continuing in a northerly direction, through the Kasane Forest of Botswana.

It is here in the Kasane Forest that we will almost certainly get to see herds of roaming elephants. Visitors frequently see various antelopes and even lion, wild dog and hyena.

A short drive takes us to the border, where we cross into Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is an hours drive further, which is where we spend the following three nights on safari.

We will be staying within 10 minutes walk from everything, at a campsite in the heart of the town. The tour guide will help you if you want to make bookings for the extra activities and also to assist with changing money. 

In the afternoon you have the option of visiting the mighty Victoria Falls waterfall, the largest sheet of falling water in the world. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Vic Falls is 1700 meters wide and 108 meters high. 

We view the famous Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, said to be the best side to see the thundering waterfall from, as it flows strongly year-round. Witness the awe-inspiring 'Smoke that Thunders' or 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' as this World Heritage Site is locally known!

The late afternoon is an ideal time to embark on an optional sunset boat cruise along the beautiful Zambezi River, Africa's fourth largest river. Forming the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Zambezi River is flanked by national parks on both sides.

The relaxing Zambezi sunset cruise offers excellent game viewing opportunities, as the wild animals are drawn to the riverbanks to quench their thirst. Look out for elephants, zebra, blue wildebeest, rhino, buffalo and various antelope species, as well as a variety of birds along the river. The Zambezi river is also home to an abundance of hippos and crocodiles, which you are sure to sight from the boat. 

All soft drinks, wine and beer are included on the sunset cruise. On most days you will enjoy a spectacular African sunset - making for superb photo opportunities on the boat cruise (depending on the weather). 

Accommodation: Camping in Victoria Falls Town (optional upgrade to bedded accommodation)

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 & 8: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

There are numerous attractions and an array of optional activities on offer in and around Victoria Falls to keep you entertained during our stay here.

There will be ample time at Vic Falls to explore the town at your leisure, meet the local people or lounge by the swimming pool at camp. You can also visit the African markets to shop for authentic arts and crafts made out of beads, wood and stone at affordable prices.

The Victoria Falls area is considered the adventure capital of Africa and rightly so. At Victoria Falls there are a large variety of exciting activities to choose from including bungi jumping and elephant back safaris. 

On the Zambezi River you can take a white water rafting excursion, considered by some to be the best one-day rafting trip in the world. There is the 111-meter high bungi jump off the bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia to tempt the adventurous. If the elephant back safari is not what you're looking for, you can go on one of the horse riding safaris.

The optional day trips take you into one of the national parks, fishing, or on game walks. There are also scenic flights over Victoria Falls waterfall, or for water sports enthusiasts there are canoe safaris. Enjoy eating out at a local restaurant for dinner on day 8 (own account), a fun outing.

Accommodation: Camping in Victoria Falls Town (optional upgrade to bedded accommodation)

Meals included: Day 7 Breakfast & Dinner
Meals included: Day 8 Breakfast

Day 9: Chobe National Park - Botswana

On day 9 of this Budget African Safari we start the day with a light breakfast, before driving back into Botswana, one of Africa's top safari destinations.

En route we drive through the Matetsi Game Reserve in Zimbabwe, looking out for herds of elephants, sable antelope, buffalo and many more wild animals.

We arrive at our overnight camp near Kasane in the late morning. Our safari campsite is set on the banks of the Chobe River, close to the gate of Chobe National Park.

At camp we have some free time to relax at the swimming pool and explore the riverbanks or exchange money and rest.

In the afternoon we set off on an exciting game drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle inside Chobe National Park, renowned for its high concentration of African wildlife. 

Chobe game drives offer a rewarding safari experience and you can expect to sight large numbers of wildlife, especially elephants. Returning to the safari camp after our successful game drive in Chobe Park, dinner will be served.

Accommodation: Camping near Chobe Park (optional upgrade to bedded accommodation)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Botswana

Today we leave our camp near Kasane after a light breakfast, travelling south through Botswana to Palapye where we stop for lunch (own cost).

Driving on a little further we arrive at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where we will spend the last night of our Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari.

Established in 1992, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community based wildlife project, working to help save the endangered rhino and restore this Botswana wilderness area.

At this Botswana Rhino Sanctuary you can participate in one of the many optional game viewing activities on offer, including game drives, night drives, nature walks, rhino tracking or giraffe tracking.

Or you can relax at camp and visit the local bird hide to watch the numerous birds at the watering hole.

Accommodation: Camping at Khama Rhino Sanctuary (optional upgrade to bedded accommodation)
Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11: Johannesburg & Pretoria - South Africa

An early morning departure puts us on the road heading south and back over the border into South Africa, making en-route stops for breakfast and lunch (your own account).

In Johannesburg and Pretoria your safari guide will take you to your choice of backpackers hostel, hotel or guesthouse, bringing this memorable Kruger, Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari to a close. 

Meals Included: No meals included

Safari Accommodation Description:

Camping accommodation is included on this Budget African Safari and all camping equipment, except sleeping bags (available for hire) is provided.

At several of the safari camps on this tour you have the option of upgrading to fixed accommodation - usually in ungalows / chalets or similar accommodation.

If you choose to upgrade your accommodation, the camping portion of your upgraded accommodation will be covered and the balance will be at your own cost. You will need to budget around R150 per person per night sharing, for the upgraded accommodation option.

You can also upgrade to single occupancy at about R250 per night. Your safari guide will assist you with any upgrades you choose to make, on the day of arrival. Please note that upgrades cannot be pre-booked and are subject to availability.

Kruger National Park Accommodation Options:

For the Kruger Park stretch of our safari we camp in permanent tents with the option of upgrading to bedded camping accommodation at the same safari camp near Kruger.

The tranquil safari lodge features a large pool, lounge areas, bar, restaurant and open-air dining boma. This beautiful safari camp is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including zebra, nyala, impala, giraffe, wildebeest, warthog, bushbabies and many more.

The lodge's chef prepares dinners, served in the poolside restaurant and on some nights local children perform traditional African dancing.

We depart for the gates of Kruger National Park early in the mornings to ensure that we arrive at the park gates as they open. After a full day of exploring the Kruger Park we return the private safari camp to relax around the campfire. 

Standard Camping Accommodation: 

Camping accommodation is in 3x3 meter canvas dome tents, fitted with built-in floors and zip-up mosquito netting covering the doors and windows.

Each premanent safari tent features two single bed mattresses with fitted sheets. Towels and sleeping bags are not included, but camping clients can hire a sleeping bag for the once off fee of R60 if required.

Bedded Camping Accommodation:  

Stay in bungalow accommodation with en-suite bathrooms at a 3-Star Game Lodge just outside Kruger Park.

These clean and comfortable rondavels (African-style huts) are set on leafy grounds among indigenous trees, providing excellent bird watching opportunities in a truly African bush setting.

Each colourfully painted Ndebele chalet includes an en suite shower, washbasin and toilet. These peaceful chalets are fitted with mosquito nets, and bedding and towels are provided. 


Hartbeespoort Backpackers Lodge Accommodation:

Accommodation is in comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, at a Hartbeespoort Backpackers Lodge. The lodge accommodation is set on an 8-hectare property at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains in a scenic valley.

The backpackers lodge has cooking facilities where guests can prepare their own dinner, with your guide stopping at a supermarket to allow for shopping. Alternatively the driver can transfer you to a local restaurant for dinner.

Resident wildlife includes exotic and rare species, such as golden wildebeest, black impala, sable antelope, hartswater springbuck and nyala, as well as jackal and various antelopes. 

Chobe National Park Accommodation:

Camping accommodation is included on the Chobe Park leg of this tour.

We stay at a popular safari lodge on the banks of the Chobe River in Kasane, near Chobe National Park. This area attracts large herds of elephants, buffalo, antelopes and other wildlife including lion, leopard and wild dog, as well as numerous bird species.

There is the option of upgrading your accommodation (extra cost) at this safari lodge, offering various bedded accommodation options with en-suite bathrooms.

Victoria Falls Accommodation:

We camp at a Victoria Falls rest camp in the heart of Victoria Falls Town, within easy walking distance from most local attractions.

There is the option of upgrading to bedded accommodation at the campsite, offering a variety of chalets and other bedded accommodation options (at extra cost).

This conveniently located campsite, a short walk from the Victoria Falls waterfall, features a restaurant, bar and swimming pool.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary Accommodation:

Camping accommodation is included at Khama Rhino Sanctuay, with the option of upgrading to bedded accommodation with en-suite bathrooms at the lodge (extra cost).

Khama Rhino Sanctuary is home to black and white rhino, and the safari lodge offers a variety of optional game walks, rhino tracking and game drives.  

Nata Accommodation, Botswana:

Camping accommodation and dinner are included at the safari lodge near Nata, Botswana.

You have the option of upgrading your accommodation (extra cost) at the lodge, offering various bedded accommodation options with en-suite bathrooms.

This beautiful safari lodge is located on the edge of Botswana's Khalahari Desert, in a semi-desert region attracting a wide variety of wild animals. The lodge features a waterhole frequented by large herds of elephants, as well as lion, buffalo, hyena, jackal and various antelopes. 

Please Note:

• This tour also runs in reverse for the Monday departure starting with Chobe, then Victoria Falls and lastly Kruger Park.

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