Southern Africa Highlights Safari

This all-inclusive 22-day Southern Africa Highlights Safari takes you to the some of the top highlights in southern Africa on a budget.

Our first port of call is South Africa's flagship Reserve, the Kruger National Park, home to Africa's "Big Five".

We then head to Zimbabwe to visit the Musina, Masvingo, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Antelope Park, Motobo National Park, and onwards to the mightly Victoria Falls where you will have the oppurtunity to partake in the many adventure activities on offer including white water rafting and Elephant Back Safaris!

From Victoria Falls its a short cross over the Botswana border to Chobe National Park - home to some of the largest Elephant herds in Africa. We then head to the Okavango Delta where you will explore the watery channels and islands of the Delta on a dug out canoe called a "Mokoro".

Our African Camping Safari ends back in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, the economic powerhouse of South Africa.

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

This Southern Africa Highlights 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 Southern Africa Highlights 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 a free afternoon for you to view the mighty Victoria Falls, lounge at the camp pool or participate in adventure activities and 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 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.

DAY 11 & 12: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B x 2)

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.

Adrenalin seekers can also brave an abseil down the Batoka Gorge. Scenic flights over the Falls 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 15 on the Victoria Falls to Johannesburg Safari presents the chance to take a 3-Day and 2 Night drive and Mokoro trip into the Okavango Delta.

This optional Delta 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 Okavango Delta Trip.

DAY 16: The Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

On day 16 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 17: 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 18:  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 19:  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 20:  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 21: 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 22:  Hazyview to Johannesburg – South Africa (B)

After breakfast on day 22 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 back in Johannesburg this Southern Africa Highlights Safari comes to an end. We part ways having just experienced the African Safari Trip of a lifetime!

Please Note:

This Southern Africa Highlights 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.