7-Day Kruger & Victoria Falls Lodge Safari

Day 1: Pretoria to Greater Kruger - South Africa

Your 7-Day Kruger & Victoria Falls Lodge Safari begins in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital. Leaving the city behind, we travel through the scenic landscapes of Mpumalanga Province towards Kruger National Park.

Along the way, we explore highlights of the famous Panorama Route, including Blyde River Canyon and the iconic Three Rondavels viewpoint. After a lunch stop, we continue to our lodge near Kruger National Park. Enjoy dinner and settle in for your first night on safari.

• Accommodation: Lodge, twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms
• Travel: About 380 km, 7-8 hours excluding stops
• Meal: Dinner

Day 2: Kruger National Park - South Africa

Rise early and board an open 4x4 safari vehicle for a full day of game viewing in Kruger National Park. Entering the park as the gates open, you'll have the best chance of spotting wildlife during the cooler morning hours when animals are most active.

Spend the day exploring one of Africa's premier safari destinations in search of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo - as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, cheetah, hyena and numerous antelope species. Lunch is enjoyed at a rest camp in the park (own expense) before continuing your game drive through Kruger's diverse landscapes.

After a rewarding day in the bush, return to your lodge near Kruger National Park for dinner and an evening at leisure.

• Accommodation: Lodge, twin share rooms with en-suite facilities
• Travel: Full day of game drives
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Kruger Area to Polokwane - South Africa

After breakfast, travel through Limpopo Province to Polokwane, a region known for its cultural heritage and diverse landscapes.

Visit the Bakone Living Museum, an open-air cultural village showcasing the traditions and daily life of the Northern Sotho people. Learn about traditional customs, food preparation, architecture and community life before continuing to your nearby lodge.

Relax at the lodge and enjoy dinner this evening. Some travellers may join the tour in Polokwane today.

• Accommodation: Lodge, twin share rooms with en-suite facilities
• Travel: About 305 km, 5-6 hours excluding stops
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Polokwane to Bulawayo - Zimbabwe

Depart Polokwane and travel north into Zimbabwe, crossing the border at Beitbridge before continuing to Bulawayo.

After a full day on the road, arrive in Zimbabwe's second-largest city and settle into your guest house accommodation. The evening is free to relax and prepare for tomorrow's visit to Matobo National Park.

• Accommodation: Guest House or similar, twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms
• Travel: About 550 km, 9-10 hours (excluding stops)
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Bulawayo & Matobo National Park - Zimbabwe

Today we explore Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic granite landscapes, ancient San rock art and important rhino conservation programmes.

Join local guides for a game drive through Matobo's boulder-strewn hills and wooded valleys, searching for rhinos, antelope, giraffe and other wildlife. If conditions allow, you may also have the opportunity to track rhinos on foot with your guide.

Matobo is not only a wildlife destination but also an important cultural and historical area. Ancient rock art sites are scattered throughout the park, while the Matopos Hills remain culturally significant to the Ndebele people. An optional full-day upgrade is available for travellers wishing to explore the area's historical and cultural attractions in greater depth.

• Accommodation: Guest House, twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms
• Travel: Half-day of game drives & a bush walk in Matobo
• Optional Activities: Full-day tour including historical and village tour (extra cost)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Today we travel north to Victoria Falls, one of Africa's most iconic destinations on the Zambezi River.

After arriving and settling into your accommodation, your tour leader will provide an orientation on the many optional activities available in Victoria Falls, helping you plan your stay.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional township dinner at Dusty Road in Chinotimba, Victoria Falls' oldest township. Afterwards, attend Simunye – The Spirit of Africa, a vibrant cultural theatre performance celebrating the people, traditions and landscapes of southern Africa.

• Accommodation: Lodge, twin share rooms with en-suite facilities
• Travel: About 450 km, 8-9 hours excluding stops
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke That Thunders"). Spanning the Zambezi River, it is one of the world's largest and most impressive waterfalls.

Your safari ends after visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Travellers wishing to spend more time here can choose from a range of optional activities, including helicopter flights, white-water rafting, bungee jumping and scenic flights over the falls.

• Meals: Breakfast

Important Information

Accommodation is not included on the final day of this safari. We recommend spending an extra night or two in Victoria Falls to enjoy the many optional activities and attractions available.

Safari Pass

This tour requires a mandatory Safari Pass (Local Payment), which covers many of the included highlights, activities and selected accommodation costs. The Safari Pass can be prepaid when booking or paid directly to your tour guide at the start of the safari. Please refer to the Full Pricing section for current rates and inclusions.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in twin-share lodge rooms, chalets or bungalows with en-suite bathroom facilities. Most properties offer amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants and bars.

Transport

Travel is in a custom-built 12-seater safari vehicle or minibus, with open 4x4 safari vehicles used for selected game viewing activities.