Discover Southern Africa on a Budget

This Southern Africa Budget Safari travels in a circuit, starting in South Africa's Johannesburg city and exploring Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana, before heading back to Johannesburg in South Africa.

Safari Highlights on this African Camping Trip include:

• Camping in South Africa's Kruger National Park
• Mozambique beaches - Inhambane to Vilanculous
• Zimbabwe's Antelope and Hwange National Park
• World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
• Chobe Park & the Okavango Delta in Botswana 
• Panorama Route & Kruger Park Game Viewing

Relax on tropical beaches, witness Africa's natural wonders and discover its magnificent wildlife on this camping trip - the best way to Discover Southern Africa on a Budget!

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

This budget camping 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.

We enter Kruger Park in the late afternoon and enjoy our first game drive on the way to our campsite inside Kruger Park.

Tonight we relax around the campfire at camp, getting a good night's rest before our early morning game drive in Kruger.

DAY 2: Kruger National Park (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. Tonight we spend the evening at one of the southern camps in Kruger National Park, surrounded by the game-rich bush.

DAY 3: Kruger National Park to Inhambane – Mozambique (B / L / D)

We hit the road early today, driving across the border we leave South Africa and travel to the warm Indian Ocean waters of the Mozambique coastline.

Our first stop in Mozambique is Inhambane, once the trade centre of Portuguese East Africa in colonial years. Today Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and the centre of its trade industry. 

DAY 4: Inhambane – Mozambique (B / L / D)

The beaches in the Inhambane area are well known for their good scuba diving sites, by both locals and holidaymakers, due to the variety of reefs nearby.

You are free to spend the day at leisure soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Go diving to discover the abundant marine life along the coast, browse the bustling “Mecado Central” (central market), or explore the beaches on horseback. 

Inhambane offers some of the best scuba diving in the world with reefs close to all of the beaches, including the famous Manta Reef and Gallaria. Marine sightings include Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Turtles and a host of other marine life.

There are various professional scuba diving operators along this stretch of Mozambique coast and dives can be booked with them on arrival at the safari camp. For those wishing to see the spectacular marine life that are not able to dive, snorkelling is also excellent.

DAY 5:  Inhambane to Morrungulu – Mozambique (B / L / D)

On day five of this African Budget Safari we take a leisurely drive up the coast of Mozambique to the picturesque Morrungulu Resort. The resort camp is set among coconut palm plantations, offering a truly tropical island feel – beware of falling coconuts!

Try out deep-sea fishing, or stroll along the lovely beach at Morrungulu.

DAYS 6 & 7: Morrungulu to Vilanculous – Mozambique (B / L / D)

The coastal town of Villanculous is the stepping stone to the three main islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago off Mozambique.

We spend the next two nights of our epic African journey in Vilanculous, to enable those who wish to take a boat charter to the smaller island of Magaruque to do so on day seven. Other activities include traditional Dhow sailing trips, sunset cruises, horse riding, big game fishing, whale watching (seasonal) and more.

DAY 8: Vilanculous to Bandula – Mozambique (B / L / D)

Continuing our drive northwards we say farewell to the tropical coastline of Mozambique heading inland to Bandula.

Our drive on day eight takes us through more rural parts of Mozambique giving us the chance to see local Mozambican villages and farmsteads.

Arriving at our next overnight stop in the late afternoon, we set up camp on the banks of the Chicamba Dam.

DAY 9: Bandula to Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

Today we cross from Mozambique into Zimbabwe. A beautiful southern African country, rich in culture, history and tradition. We drive into the Zimbabwe Midlands, to the town of Gweru.

Here we stop over at 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)!  Seize the unique opportunity of walking with lions, riding or swimming with elephants, viewing game from horseback or from the back of a safari vehicle.

DAY 10:  Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

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

In the evening you can venture into the bushes on a night game drive in Antelope Park!

DAY 11: 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 12: Bulawayo to Hwange National Park (B / L / D)

Today we drive north-west to the oldest and largest game park in Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park. Hwange Park is well known for its abundant and varied wildlife species, including thousands of elephants, and rare antelope species such as the Sable and Roan Antelope.

We embark on a rewarding game drive, in the late afternoon or early morning, to explore the wildlife haven of Hwange Park in search of resident wildlife species.

DAY 13: Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls (B / L)

We leave Hwange Park and drive on to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe today.

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!

A short adventure activities brief is followed by an afternoon of leisure for you to unwind at the campsite’s swimming pool, view the mighty Victoria Falls, or explore the sights and delights of Vic Falls town!

DAY 14 & 15: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B)

For the next two days you are free to relax and explore the area as well as taking advantage of some of the fantastic Optional Adventure Activities at Victoria Falls.

Some of our fellow travellers may end their tour in Vic Falls and new passengers often join us for the next stretch of our affordable 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.

DAY 16: 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 keeping an eye out for the abundance of birds and wild animals found in Chobe National Park.

DAY 17: Chobe National Park to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

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

Tonight we prepare for our 2 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 18: Maun to the Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

The Okavango Delta boasting remote islands, is famous for its incredibly rich variety of bird species and 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.           

Day 18 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" navigate through the reeds and waterways. The guides locate a suitable camp spot and in the afternoon we set off on a game walk to get a close-up experience of the wilderness that is the Delta.

The alternative to the optional excursion exploring the Delta is to laze by the swimming pool at the campsite or play a fun game of volleyball. The nearby crocodile farm also admits visitors from the campsite to witness the spectacle of feeding times.

DAY 19: The Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

On day 19 of this Budget African Safari we will be taking it easy. This day of rest is for relaxing and exploring the Okavango Delta, before we continue on our exciting safari adventures.

Take a game viewing bush walk, go swimming when water levels are high enough, enjoy a Mokoro cruise in traditional dugout canoes and even try your hand at poling a mokoro on the delta waters. Or just sit back and soak up the sounds of nature and take a nap at the bush camp.

DAY 20: Okavango Delta to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

In the morning you have a last chance to take a game walk in the unspoilt Okavango Delta bush, before we head back to Maun. We reach Maun in the early afternoon in time for a fantastic optional scenic flight over the Delta at sunset.

DAY 21: Maun to Palapye – Botswana (B / L / D)

We hit the road early today as we have a fairly long drive ahead of us. The next stop on this Discover Southern Africa Safari is a small Botswana town called Palapye. The town is situated halfway between Francistown and Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.

Palapye is popular as a stop off town for overland travellers moving between South Africa and Botswana.

DAY 22:  Palapye to Blydepoort – South Africa (B / L / D)

On the morning of day 22 we travel into South Africa, making our way to a safari camp overlooking the spectacular Blyde River Canyon on the Panorama Route.

Blyde River Canyon forms the northerly edge of the towering Drakensberg Mountain Range and is classed as a ‘green canyon’, because of its uncommonly thick vegetation for a canyon. The canyon, named after the Blyde River that flows through it, is 26km long and 800m deep on average.

Major lookout points along Blyde River Canyon include the Three Rondavels and God's Window, offering breathtaking view across the canyon and surrounding countryside.

DAY 23:  Blydepoort to Hazyview – South Africa (B / L / D)

We continue our drive through one of the most scenic parts of South Africa, the Panorama Route. Travelling towards Kruger Park we stop to admire the breathtaking views along the way, including God’s Window. 

Today we travel through the small town of Graskop, as we head towards Kruger National Park. Our overnight campsite is located on the border of Kruger Park,10km's from Kruger’s Phabeni Gate. The safari camp is home to giraffe, zebra and hippo among other wild animals.

DAY 24:  Kruger National Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Today we explore Kruger National Park on game drives in search of some of the dazzling array of wild species that make this leading South African game park their home.

We follow some of the main game viewing routes in the vast Kruger Park, stopping at rest camps along the way. The game drives are conducted in our safari truck, with the option of upgrading to an open game viewing vehicle, by arrangement with your safari leader (at an additional cost). 

DAY 25:  Hazyview to Johannesburg – South Africa (B)

The final day on this Discover Southern Africa Safari starts with breakfast, before we return to Johannesburg where our journey began.

Johannesburg is also called 'Egoli', meaning the place of gold, and is the economic powerhouse of South Africa. On arrival in Johannesburg, the capital of the Gauteng province, this Budget Camping Safari comes to an end. We exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a African Safari Trip of a lifetime! 

We recommend that you extend your stay by a few days to participate in some of the exciting activities available in dynamic Johannesburg. Post safari accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. 

Please Note:

This Budget African Safari starts and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north through South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe before heading south through Botswana and back to South Africa

The Budget Camping Safari departs from Johannesburg in South Africa early on Sunday morning. 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.