Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Family Safari

This Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Family Safari travels from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park, where we go in search of the 'Big Five' of Africa and many other wildlife species. You will get to visit the Blyde River Canyon along the way with its spectacular viewpoints.

Crossing into Zimbabwe we explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins once a powerful ancient 'city' in the heart of Southern Africa.

Next we visit game-rich Antelope Park to walk with lions and the historic Matobo Hills National Park home to a large population of rhino and rich in ancient San rock paintings.

We end our African Camping Safari adventure at the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. At Vic Falls you and your family can view the spectacular natural wonder and participate in a host of optional activities, including white water rafting and walking with lions.

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park – South Africa (L / D)

This budget family safari departs from Johannesburg travelling into the Lowveld of South Africa towards the renowned Kruger National Park.

Our journey takes us through the southern part of the scenic Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking views.

The first overnight camp is located on the border of Kruger National Park, close to the Numbi Gate of Kruger.

Tonight we relax around the campfire at camp, getting a good night's rest before our early morning game drive in Kruger. Our African wildlife experience begins at the safari camp, which is home to hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala, among others.

DAY 2: Kruger National Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Today we explore the world-famous Kruger National Park on game viewing drives. This top African game park covers an area of 21 497 km² (60 km wide and over 350 km long).

The vast Kruger Park conservation area is home to over 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species. Around 23 000 different types of plants have also been recorded in this wilderness area. 

We spend the day driving through Kruger Park in South Africa in search of the abundance of wildlife inhabiting the game reserve, stopping off at view points as we explore. You have the option of upgrading to an open safari vehicle at extra cost.

Tonight you can embark on a night game drive in Kruger National Park, exploring the game-rich bush after dark in search of the nocturnal wildlife roaming this African game park.

DAY 3: Kruger National Park to Polokwane – South Africa (B / L / D)

We say goodbye to Kruger Park and leave the Lowveld of South Africa behind, heading to Polokwane.

Our drive takes us along one of South Africa's most scenic areas, the Panorama Route, via the impressive Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window.

We stop to admire the panoramic vistas at some of the viewpoints along the Blyde River Canyon, taking advantage of the superb photo opportunities.

Our next stop is Polokwane, capital of the Limpopo Province, and the largest metropolitan hub in the northern part of the country.

The economic centre of Polokwane serves as a gateway stop over on safaris through Southern Africa. The city is located close to Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, and is also not far from Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof.

The overnight camp is situated just outside Polokwane, and on arrival we set up our tents on the green lawns, before enjoying a swim in the refreshing swimming pool.

DAY 4: Polokwane to Musina – South Africa (B / L / D)

Travelling north today we make our way towards Zimbabwe, stopping briefly to top up on supplies. We have a long, relaxing drive through changing landscapes ahead of us today.

At the end of the day we camp at a hot water spring resort set among the rolling hills near Musina, one of the hottest towns in South Africa. We set up camp at the resort, known for its natural hot water springs, before enjoying the pools, walking trails and various activities at the resort.

Established when the copper mining industry flourished Musina became a ghost town after the mines shut down. With the resurgence of mining activities the small town made a come back and is today an interesting place with a rich history.

DAY 5: Musina to Masvingo – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

We cross into Zimbabwe today, entering this beautiful land to explore its rich culture, spirit and tradition.

The town of Masvingo is our first stop in Zimbabwe, located on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Built by an ancient civilization this historic site was once the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa. The country is named after  this ancient city with Zimbabwe meaning "great stone houses" in Shona. 

The origins of the Zimbabwe Ruins is a much debated subject, but the city was undeniably built by a highly skilled civilisation. The most notable artefacts found at the ruins are the eight soapstone statues of stone birds.

We get to wander around these intriguing ruins, before setting up our overnight camp in the foot hills near Masvingo.

DAY 6: Masvingo to Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

The Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Family Safari departs from Masvingo, travelling further north to Gweru, in the Zimbabwe Midlands. 

Our next safari destination in Zimbabwe is the unique Antelope Park. Rumour has it that you have not truly been to Zimbabwe until you have visited Victoria Falls… and Antelope Park.

Antelope Park offers a wide variety of game viewing activities in this wilderness area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and of course numerous antelope (as the name suggests)! Take advantage of the special chance to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, and go game viewing on horseback or from the back of a safari vehicle.

DAY 7: Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

Enjoy close encounters with Africa’s wildlife today and feel the thrill of walking with lions, or riding on elephant back at Antelope Park.

In the evening you can venture into the bushes on a night game drive in Antelope Park! A remarkable wildlife destination - Antelope Park offers an unforgettable African safari experience!

DAYS 8: Gweru to Bulawayo – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

From Gweru, we set off for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Bulawayo is known for its extra wide streets, originally designed for full span ox wagons.

The British Colonial influence can still be seen in Bulawayo, with many of the character buildings being preserved as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council. Places of interest worth visiting include, the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs more than 70 people.

DAY 9: Bulawayo & Matobo Hills National Park – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

We head towards the Matobo Hills to view game, Bushman rock paintings, rock formations and the dramatic scenery in this Zimbabwean National Park. The Matobo Hills area is historically and culturally significant, as well as being an important wildlife reserve.

Matobo National Park is one of the last strongholds of black and white rhino, home to a highly successful Black and White Rhino breeding program. In addition to large numbers of rhinos, Matobo Park is home to various antelope species, an abundance of birds, a high diversity of plant species, baboon and lizards. The Matobo Hills Park is also renowned for its high concentration of leopard and black eagle.

This dramatic landscape is dotted with imposing granite hills, where hundreds of san rock paintings provide evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area.

An important sacred site of the Ndebele tribe, a rain shrine to the god of their ancestors, is also found tucked away in the Matobo Hills.

Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) is buried at the top of one of the sacred hills of Matobos, at his request - although there is some controversy over whether he will stay! We spend the day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area. In the afternoon we visit the grave of Cecil Rhodes, a politically contentious place, as imperialist Rhodes is buried on sacred Nebele grounds.

DAY 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B / L)

Today we travel to the Adventure Capital of Africa - Victoria Falls.

A short adventure activities brief is followed by an afternoon of leisure for you to view the mighty Victoria Falls, participate in adventure activities or explore the sights of Vic Falls town!

Named after the famous World Heritage Site and Waterfall, the town of Victoria Falls is located along the Zambezi River, surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our safari campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of Victoria Falls town, within walking distance of the local restaurants, shops and booking agents for adventure activities.

A 20 minute walk takes you to the entry point for viewing the spectacular Vic Falls, falling between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by the explorer David Livingstone and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and about 100 m high. An awesome and memorable sight on any African Safari!

Optional Excursions include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort.  Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted!

All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi River is world class. In addition to the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the towering cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

You are free to relax at the camp's swimming pool and explore this famous area, as well as taking advantage of some of the fantastic Optional Adventure Activities at Victoria Falls.

DAYS 11: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B)

This enthralling Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Family Safari ends after breakfast in Victoria Falls town. We part ways having just experienced the African Safari of a lifetime!

Please Note:

This Family Camping Safari starts in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north through Zimbabwe before ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The Budget Family Safari departs from Johannesburg on Sunday mornings. Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. 

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the safari trip.

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