African Budget Safaris | Cheap, Quality Southern & East Africa Tours

JOHANNESBURG TO JOHANNESBURG - This trip starts in Johannesburg and travels north through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana finishing back in South Africa.

Please note that this trip departs Johannesburg on a Wednesday, early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation booked through the African Budget Safaris office.

Pre Departure Meeting: Held at departure point at 5:00pm the day before your departure.
Departure Point: Ritz backpackers 1A North Road, Dunkled West.
Check In Time: 8:45am
Departure Time: 9:30am

TOUR COST: R7250 + Local Payment: US$585

Itinerary:
DAY 01: Johannesburg to Hazyview
Departing Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and the very famous Kruger National Park, our camp for the next two nights is 8km from Kruger Parks Numbi Gate. Spoilt with a swimming pool and good hot showers we spend the evening around the campfire anticipating our game drive tomorrow. (L,D)

DAY 02: Hazyview
Today we explore the wonders of Kruger National Park. This is one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. Covering an area of 21, 497 sq km – 60km wide and over 350km long, this conservation area has more than 500 bird species, 114 reptile, 49 fish, 33 amphibians, 146 mammals and over 23000 plant species have been recorded. Today is spent in the Park on a full day game drive to see how many of the species can be found. Tonight there is an option of a night drive in the park (B, L, D)

DAY 03: Hazyview to Graskop
After a quick replenishing of our stocks we leave the Lowveld, climbing up in altitude to the beautiful town of Graskop, it is from this gateway that we get to explore the beauties of Mpumulanga, known for some of the best landscape in South Africa. Our stops for the day include the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and Gods Window. There is a chance to view the Canyon from the many viewpoints, which offers fantastic photographic opportunities. We then set up camp on lush green grass and enjoy the luxuries of a swimming pool with the most amazing view. For those in a party mood the small town of Graskops nightlife is something to be indulged in. (B, L, D)

DAY 04: Graskop to Messina
A long yet lovely days drive as we head up north toward Zimbabwe, this is your chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the ever changing scenery, tonight is our last night in beautiful South Africa in a town called Messina – said to be one of the hottest areas in South Africa. Years back this was a flourishing copper mining area, but with the mines closing down in the early 1990’s it tumbled into the darkness of a small quiet ghost town. With the discovery of diamonds it has again once flourished into its former self, and now a sphere filled with history. (B, L, D)

DAY 05 Messina to Masivingo
Leaving South Africa we enter Zimbabwe a country of tradition, culture, soul and a lot of scenic beauty. We make our way to the town of Masivingo, which lies in the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Great Zimbabwe was the greatest medieval city in sub-Sahara and provides evidence that an ancient African civilization reached a very high level of civilization. The name Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona word meaning great stone houses. The grand setting and history soaked walls certainly qualify as one of the highlights of our trip. You will have the time to wander around this ancient wonderland before setting up camp for our first night in Zimbabwe. (B, L, D)

DAY 06: Masivingo to Gweru
Once we have finished exploring this historic area we continue our journey to Gweru, situated in the Zimbabwe Midlands. Here we stop over at The Antelope Park. People say you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls … AND The Antelope Park. Here you have the opportunity to partake in an incredible experience unique to The Antelope Park - ‘Walking with the lions”. In addition to the lions there is an abundance of other wildlife species in the park such as elephants, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and over 150 bird species. (B, L, D)

DAY 07: Gweru – Antelope Park
Today is spent as leisure with a variety of activities to enthral you. From walking with Lions, elephant riding, swimming on the majestic elephant, to trying your hand at fishing the list is endless. (B, L, D)

DAYS 08: Gweru to Bulawayo
Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe with a laid back atmosphere. It is noted for the exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to allow space for a full span ox wagon. The city is still characterised by the many old British colonial buildings, maintained by the Bulawayo City Council as heritage sites. There are a number of interesting places to visit in Bulawayo such as The natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, providing work for over 70 people. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Bulawayo
Today we take in Matobo National Park. The park is one of the last strongholds of both black and white rhino, and the region is renowned for it’s high concentration of leopards and black eagle. There are numerous caves and rock painting which once again is evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area. Cecil Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) is buried here at his own request, but there is some controversy over whether he will stay! We spend time game driving through the park giving you an insight into the unique geological, ecological and historical environment. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls
Heading north we make our way to the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Victoria Falls is one of the memorable sights on your African safari. (B,L)

DAYS 11 & 12: Victoria Falls
There are many activities available all year round in Victoria Falls such as, flights can be taken which gives you a panoramic view of the Falls, Batoka Gorge and the islands above the falls. Back on the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls Park (entrance US$20) with its many viewing points, or from the Zambian side. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.

White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are "floats” where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Bungee jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. The leap into the Batoka Gorge is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Other optional activities around Victoria Falls include day trips into the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris, a visit to the Crocodile Ranch, Snake Park, golf at Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, the Falls Craft Village and the Sunset Cruise. We suggest you allow yourself a few days after your safari if you wish to partake in some of the many activities. We have an office situated in the heart of Victoria Falls town and our friendly staff will be more than willing to help you arrange any activities you wish to do. (B)

DAY 13: Victoria Falls to Kasane
This morning we depart Victoria Falls after breakfast and cross the border of into Botswana where we set up camps for the night near the Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River. Late afternoon we take a boat cruise along the Chobe River in search of elephant, hippo and many bird species which can be viewed from the boat while we watch the renowned Chobe sunset. (B,L,D)

DAY 14: Kasane to Maun
An early morning start sees us travelling in southwesterly direction to Maun, our base camp before we start our Optional Excursion into the Okavango Delta. Today is a long days drive with lunch on the roadside. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Okavango Delta
The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland Delta in the World.
Studded with exotic islands, the Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life as well as many other animals unique to Southern Africa.

Here you have the opportunity to partake in the optional 3 day / 2 night excursions into the Delta. In this excursion we travel approximately 1-2 hours north to the Mokoro poler’s station. From there we board Mokoro’s, the local dug out canoes, which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways. Your guides will select a place to set up camp. An afternoon game walk will allow you to experience the Delta wilderness. (B,L,D)

DAY 16: Okavango Delta
A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today you will have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including game walks, mokoro cruises, swimming and even a chance to try your hand at poling your own mokoro! (B,L,D)

DAY 17: Okavango Delta to Maun
There is a final opportunity for a morning game walk before packing up camp and setting off back to Maun. After arriving back in the early afternoon you have the opportunity to complete your picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over the Delta region. (B,L,D)

DAY 18: Maun to Francistown
Today is a long days drive to Francistown. Francistown was originally a gold-mining centre, but now days the town has expanded into a retail and wholesale shopping mecca. We stock up with supplies for the next few days. (B, L, D)

DAYS 19: Francistown to Polokwane
An early start sees us crossing the border into South Africa. We drive through the North Province of the country crossing highveld and lowveld. We will overnight at a campsite for the night before nearing the Kruger National Park tomorrow. (B, L, D)

DAY 20: Polokwane to Hazyview
We head towards the very famous Kruger National Park. Our camp for the next two nights is 8km from Kruger Parks Numbi Gate. Spoilt with a swimming pool and good hot showers we spend the evening around the campfire anticipating our game drive tomorrow. (B,L,D)

DAY 21: Hazyview
Even though you have visited this park before it is always an experience to view that abundance of game which is located in Kruger National Park. The day is spent game driving through the park. (B,L,D)

DAY 22: Hazyview to Johannesburg
After a delicious campfire breakfast we start our journey to Johannesburg, we drive once again through beautiful ever changing scenery before entering the bustling city where our trip will finish. (B)

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

Optional Excursions:
Night Game Drive in Kruger National Park US$45
Walking with Lions US$45
Victoria Falls National Park US$20
Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta US$70
Okavango Delta with Mokoro’s (3 days) US$150
(Prices subject to change)

Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.

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