This Kruger & Zimbabwe Exclusive Budget Safari adds cultural highlights, historical gems and natural wonders to the winning wildlife duo of Kruger in South Africa and Hwange in Zimbabwe! Get ready for:
During this trip you are likely to come across activities that encourage tourists to participate in lion, elephant or other wildlife interaction. This includes walking with lions, riding elephants and any other tourist operation putting travellers in close contact with animals that would normally live wild and separate from human contact.
We absolutely do not encourage or endorse this type of wildlife interaction operation. For more information on why this is not good for Africa's wild animals, please see our detailed blog post on the subject.
Our Kruger & Zimbabwe Exclusive Budget Safari sets off from Johannesburg this morning at 06h30. Leaving the main economic hub of South Africa we drive into the safari region, home to numerous top-notch game parks.
First destination - Kruger National Park, the premier game viewing destination in South Africa. We head into the remote northern part of Kruger Park, game viewing in the more secluded Letaba and Pafuri River area.
We explore this top African game park on 4x4 game drives going in search of wildlife at the best times for game viewing - early mornings and late afternoons. The Kruger Park hosts an abundance of diverse animals, birds, insects and plants across an array of biomes covering a massive wilderness area the size of a small country.
We might come across all of the Big Five of Africa - elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo, whilst driving around in the untamed bush.
From Kruger Park we drive across into neighbouring Zimbabwe, a less-westernized African country known for its cultural, historical and wildlife highlights.
Nearing Masvingo town, we stop to visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical significance. Built between the 11th and 14th century this ancient city was the most important trade centre and home to the Shona royalty. We explore the impressive ruins of what was once a mighty city serving as the capital in the Bantu civilization's Kingdom of Zimbabwe.
On day four we drive towards Bulawayo, and our next stop, which is also a World Heritage Site - Matobo National Park. One of the cultural highlights of Zimbabwe, Matobo Park is an important sacred site for the Venda as well as for the Shona and Ndebele people. Matobo National Park is also noted for its rhino population and black eagles. Arriving at our campsite near Matobo National Park in the late afternoon, we set up camp, relax with a sundowner and enjoy an evening around the campfire.
On the morning of day five we set off into the hills and valleys of the scenic Matobos Hills with a local guide. We embark on an open vehicle game drive in Matobo Park, stopping off at World's View and the grave of British imperialist Cecil John Rhodes. The burial site is a politically contentious place as the colonialist is buried on sacred grounds as per his request. We also explore the pretty Matobo Hills on foot, visiting San rock art and admiring the massive granite boulders strewn across the dramatic landscape. We may encounter animals and birds in the bush, including rhinos and antelopes.
Next up on our Kruger & Zimbabwe Budget Safari - Hwange National Park.
This massive game reserve is home to the Big Five and good numbers of other game, ranging from giraffes to antelopes and zebras. The top game viewing destination in Zimbabwe, the 14 650 km² Hwange is famous for its big elephant herds and African wild dogs. Here, a local safari guide takes us on 4x4 game drives in an open vehicle.
We spend two nights camping in a private game farm adjacent to Hwange National Park.
Our final destination is the spectacular Victoria Falls, the biggest waterfall in the world in terms of size and volume. Victoria Falls is an awe-inspiring site, not to be missed! You will see why it is called 'The Smoke That Thunders' when you stand before the mighty falls.
Vic Falls is famous for its activities too, with a smorgasbord on offer in both Zambia and Zimbabwe. You will be spoilt for choice, with options such as river boarding and white water rafting on the Zambezi River, abseiling into the gorge, and bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge. You can also fly over Victoria Falls in a plane, helicopter or micro-light. Spend time relaxing by the pool and walking around Victoria Falls town in between exciting activities.
After breakfast this morning our Kruger & Zimbabwe Exclusive Budget Safari comes to an end in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
You can request a transfer to Vic Falls or Livingstone Airport when booking your safari.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
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