Victoria Falls to Kruger Park Family Safari

Beginning at the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, this 11-day family camping safari kicks off with the opportunity to enjoy a host of adventure activities, including bungi jumping and white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River and more.

The Victoria Falls to Johannesburg Family Safari then heads into Botswana where we explore the Chobe National Park, which is home to Africa's Big 5 and spectacular bird life.

You have the option to camp out beneath the stars for a couple of nights in Botswana's wildlife gem, the Okavango Delta, falling asleep to the sounds of the untamed African bush. Botswana's Delta is one of Africa's most tranquil wilderness regions and is made up of a maze of waterways attracting a variety of interesting wildlife.

Finally we visit South Africa's premier National Park, Kruger Park,  home to the 'Big Five' of Africa and many other species of animal and birdlife. Here you are guaranteed to a wide assortment of game sightings during a drive.

The memorable wildlife adventure of this family-friendly Budget African Safari ends in the vibrant city of Johannesburg.

DAY 1: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is the setting for the first day of this family-friendly Victoria Falls to Johannesburg Safari and is spent either relaxing or making the most of all the adventure activities available at Victoria Falls.

You can take a flight over the Vic Falls in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters, or you can view the Falls from the Victoria Falls National Park, which has plenty of viewing points.

Named after the famous World Heritage Site and Waterfall, the town of Victoria Falls is located along the Zambezi River. 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 day trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks; elephant back safaris and horseback safaris. Other optional outings include a visit to the crocodile ranch; boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort nearby.  Serious adventure seekers can bungee jump over the roaring waters from the Victoria Falls Bridge running between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Adrenalin seekers can also brave an abseil down the Batoka Gorge. Scenic flights in micro light and ultra light or fixed wing aircraft or helicopters provide an eagle view of this World Heritage Site year-round. The Zambezi offers world-class white water rafting with a mix of Grade 5 rapids and the quiet stretches. The calm waters known as "floats" give you time to gaze at the surrounding cliffs and spot some wildlife on the banks of the Zambezi River.

DAY 2: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

After breakfast we depart from Vic Falls crossing into Botswana and making our way to Kasane, where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. 

Listen out for the resident hippos enjoying the waters of Chobe River, the major water source in Chobe National Park. The Chobe River forms a natural border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia. Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large herds of elephant. 

We take a relaxing boat cruise along the Chobe River in the afternoon. From the river we look out for the abundant wildlife and birds of Chobe National Park and enjoy a spectacular African sunset over the bush.

DAY 3: Chobe National Park to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

Today we head in south-westerly direction to the the Botswana town on Maun, gateway to the southern part of the Okavango Delta.

Tonight we prepare for our two night optional excursion into the untamed Delta of Botswana. We suggest that you bring a smaller daypack on your trip to use on this short excursion.

Your safari leader will brief you on what is needed, and what to expect on your trip into the Delta. In the morning we will set off from Maun on our journey into the Okavango Delta.

DAY 4: Maun to the Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

The Okavango Delta is famous for its incredibly rich variety of bird species and wild animals.

This huge expanse of water is unique to Southern Africa being home to a plethora of bird life and animals and with its source in the Angolan highlands. The Delta runs down from the highlands spreading out over the plains and emptying its waters into the Kalahari of Botswana.           

Day four on the Victoria Falls to Johannesburg Family Safari presents the chance to take a 3-Day and 2 Night drive and Mokoro trip into the Okavango Delta.

This optional excursion entails a drive from Maun up north for a couple of hours reaching the Mokoro polers' station. The dug out Mokoros are traditional canoes that local guides "pole" through the reeds and winding waterways. The guides locate a suitable site for camping and in the afternoon we set off on a game walk to get up close to the wilderness that is the Okavango Delta.

The alternative to the optional excursion exploring the Delta is to take it easy at the campsite, lazing by the swimming pool or playing a fun game of volleyball. The nearby crocodile farm also admits visitors from the campsite to witness the spectacle of feeding times. The driver and cook stay in Maun during the Delta excursion.

DAY 5: The Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

On day five of this Budget African Safari we will be based at the remote Delta camp. This day of rest is for relaxing and exploring the Okavango Delta, before we continue on our exciting safari adventures.

You can take a game walk, go swimming (water levels allowing), enjoy a Mokoro cruise and even try your hand at poling a mokoro on the waters. Or just sit back and soak up the sounds of nature and take a nap at camp.

DAY 6: Okavango Delta to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

Last chance to take a game walk in the unspoilt Delta bush before we head back to Maun. We leave the Okavango Delta by Mekoro and then transfer to a safari vehicle for the rest of the journey back to Maun.

Arriving in the early afternoon we have time for a fantastic optional scenic flight over the Delta at sunset.

DAY 7:  Maun to Palapye (B / L / D)

We set off early this morning on our long drive south through Botswana, making our way to Palapye. This small Botswana town is located around midway between Francistown and Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. 

Palapye is a popular stopover for travellers driving between Botswana's northern game parks and South Africa on safari. 

DAY 8:  Palapye to Blydepoort – South Africa (B / L / D)

Travelling into South Africa we drive to our next overnight safari camp, overlooking the scenic Blyde River Canyon on the Panorama Route.

The Blyde River Canyon, named after the river that flows through it, is classed as a "green canyon" due to the unusually thick vegetation growing in this typically barren type of natural feature. 

The canyon is 26km in length and averages 800m in depth forming the northern edge of the towering Drakensberg Mountain Range, the highest mountains in South Africa.

DAY 9:  Blydepoort to Hazyview – South Africa (B / L / D)

Continuing along the scenic Panorama Route in South Africa, we pause at some of the main lookout points, including the Three Rondavels, shaped like the traditional local huts they are named after. We also stop to admire the panoramic views over the surrounding hills and canyon from God's Window.

Along the way to Kruger National Park we drive through the small town of Graskop. Tonight's campsite is situated on the border of Kruger Park, only 10km's from Phabeni Gate.

We spend the evening relaxing at the safari camp near Kruger, keeping an eye out for local wildlife, including giraffe, zebra and hippo among others.

DAY 10: Kruger National Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Today we embark on game viewing drives in the world-famous Kruger National Park, teeming with wildlife. 

This leading African game park covers an area of about 21 497 km2 and 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.

If you prefer you can arrange an upgrade to an open safari vehicle for the Kruger game drive, with your safari guide, at an additional cost.

DAY 11:  Hazyview to Johannesburg – South Africa (B)

After breakfast on day 11, we travel to our final safari destination, Johannesburg. Known as Egoli, the place of gold, Johannesburg, is the capital of the Gauteng Province of South Africa.

On arrival in Johannesburg this Victoria Falls to Johannesburg Family Safari comes to an end. We part ways having just experienced the African Safari Trip of a lifetime!

Please Note:

This Victoria Falls to Johannesburg Safari starts in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and travels south through Botswana before ending in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Budget Camping Safari departs from Victoria Falls on Sunday mornings. Should you wish to explore Victoria Falls, 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.