From Johannesburg, this Kruger Park to Vic Falls Family Overland Safari heads to Kruger National Park, for world-class game viewing in this top African game park.
Travelling north we enter Zimbabwe and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, evidence of an ancient culture. From there we travel to Bulawayo, a relic of its colonial past, and Matobo National Park for wildlife and San rock art viewing. We can't visit Zimbabwe without visiting Hwange National Park home to one of the largest populations of elephants in Africa and many other species of mammals and birds.
This Southern African Family Tour ends at the unforgettable natural spectacle of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Welcome to sunny South Africa! This budget safari starts in Johannesburg where you are collected from the O.R. Tambo International Airport and transferred to our first overnight hotel. Meet your guide and fellow travellers at the pre-departure meeting held at the hotel at 17h00 today.
Leaving Johannesburg this Kruger Park to Vic Falls Family Camping Safari heads into the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, driving along the beautiful Panorama Route. Our first stop is the world-famous Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five of Africa, where we take an evening wildlife viewing drive.
Tonight we camp at an eco-friendly tented lodge inside Kruger National Park. This evening we sit back under star-studded skies, surrounded by the untamed bush.
On day three we embark on game drives in Kruger National Park, going in search of the abundance of wildlife and birds inhabiting the diverse wilderness area. Covering about 21 497 km² Kruger Park hosts diverse flora and rich fauna, with over 146 mammal species, 500 bird species, 114 reptile species, 33 amphibian and 49 fish species. We stop at viewpoints in the national park and experience nature at its best.
Tonight you can embark on a night drive in Kruger, a thrilling experience that gives you a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife and birds. You also have the option of upgrading to an open 4x4 safari vehicle for the game drives today, at an extra cost.
Today we leave Kruger National Park and drive up to Polokwane. This drive takes us via one of the most stunning parts of South Africa - the Panorama Route. You have the option of visiting the viewpoints of Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window along the way. A small entry fee is charged at each attraction to help support local communities.
We camp just outside of the safari hub of Polokwane, located near Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. After setting up camp on the lawns, we relax and dip in the pool.
We replenish our supplies and head north towards Zimbabwe. We have a long drive ahead of us but the ever-changing scenery is a lovely diversion. Our journey takes us to Musina, known for being one of the hottest towns in South Africa. Here we camp at Tshipise, a resort with hot water springs. After we have set up camp take a dip in the rejuvenating springs and explore the walking trails and other activities on offer here.
Today we cross the border into Zimbabwe, a country rich in tradition and culture. We head for the world-famous Great Zimbabwe ruins, a fascinating reminder of an ancient, highly-skilled civilisation that constructed this medieval city. Wander around the remains of these ancient 'great stone houses' which is a translation of the Shona word for Zimbabwe. One of the most interesting finds at these remains were eight soapstone carvings of birds. Tonight we camp at the foot of the hills.
On day seven we travel to Zimbabwe's second-largest city, Bulawayo. Steeped in colonial history, many of the town's buildings are heritage sites, maintained by Bulawayo City Council. Places of interest include the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs over 70 people. The streets are exceptionally wide, designed to accommodate a span of oxen in times past.
Today we spend the day exploring the unique geological, ecological and historic area of the Matobo National Park. One of the few game reserves where the black and white rhino is prolific, it also home to a high concentration of the elusive leopard and the magnificent black eagle. The rock paintings found here are a legacy of the San people, evidence that they inhabited this area. Cecil John Rhodes is buried in these sacred hills, as he requested, although there is some controversy as to whether he will remain here.
We continue north-west to Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest reserve– the Hwange National Park. Hwange is well known for its abundance and variety of wildlife species including thousands of elephants, and rare antelope species such as the Sable and Roan Antelope. We enjoy a game drive to explore the wilderness in search of these, and the other resident wildlife species.
Today we spend the day wildlife viewing in Hwange National Park. Once the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king, Mzilikazi, it became a national park in 1929. Hwange boasts a large variety of wildlife, including the highest population of elephant in Africa and over 100 species of mammals as well as 400 bird species.
On day 11 we head to Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. When we arrive your guide will brief you on the activities available and you can unwind by the pool. In the afternoon we visit Victoria Falls - the largest sheet of falling water in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the natural wonders of the world, surrounded by Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwe side. The local name Mosi-oa-Tunya means the 'smoke that thunders' and upon visiting you will see and hear why it is so named.
Our overnight camp is in the middle of Victoria Falls town, an ideal base for walking to local restaurants, sights, shops and booking agents, as well as Vic Falls.
The Kruger Park to Vic Falls Overland Family Safari ends in Victoria Falls town after breakfast. Here we part ways, having shared an utterly memorable journey through Southern Africa.
The Kruger Park to Victoria Falls Family Safari starts in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north through Zimbabwe before ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The Budget Family Camping Safari departs from Johannesburg early on day two and ends at Victoria Falls after breakfast on the final day. Should you wish to explore Johannesburg or Victoria Falls accommodation for before or after your safari can be booked (extra cost) 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 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.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
Children of 6 years and older, travelling with accompanying parents or guardian, are accepted on this family-friendly tour.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
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